Adventures in prototypical True-Scale coupler pockets.

[glakedylan]

So an update on the ore car adapter.
I got out of my own way and decided to do a one-size-fits-all solution.
I just ordered these and if they work, that should complete all the testing I need to do before opening them up for sale.  The only issue is that the drawbars are in a test material (HP fusion) because FXD would be too brittle.  I assume the HP material will be live at some point soon.
Jason

Jason, are these your work? And, are they available on shapeways or elsewhere.
I just found this post today. I did not know that anyone had made these available.
Thanks
Gary

[wcfn100]

Jason, are these your work? And, are they available on shapeways or elsewhere.
I just found this post today. I did not know that anyone had made these available.
Thanks
Gary

Yeah, they're up on my Shapeways site.

This should get you there.

https://www.shapeways.com/shops/greatwesterncarshops

Jason

[wcfn100]

I just got pockets for Atlas ore cars, they look pretty good to me. I'm waiting for couplers to arrive. I thought I had some...

Randy

Long shank, yes?  Are you going to use stock couplers or cut and weld?


Jason

[sd45elect2000]

Yes, I have long shank coming. I'll probably cut and weld them.

[6axlepwr]

So I read through this thread. The effort looks fantastic, unfortunately the parts are no longer available on Shapeways. That would have saved me from designing my own. So I will be designing my own. I did learn a lot from the discussion though. Especially to use the long shank coupler.

I was thinking though that the box could be just a hair wide to allow for a little more swing. The rear of the draft gear box is unseen on most cars if not all, so that area could be the same as the MT box. Just the part that you see needs to be scale or near scale. That is what I am going to try. I have designed a ton of draft gear boxes for my HO cars. I think I can come up with something I can easily use for my N-Scale cars.

I have been experimenting with the short shank coupler and it is a little stiff. They do not freely open right away to couple. Even the coupler height gauge got pushed a little before the couplers engaged. Anyway, I really do like the look of a prototypish draft gear box and will get down to designing my own once the long shank coupler pack arrives. I currently have a design for a locomotive draft gear box that I only need the coupler so I can design the mount. Since my first locomotive is based on the Atlas/ Kato GP35 the draft gear box is being designed for that model.

I have my first N-Scale boxcar painted and ready for decals, but I just do not like the look of the MT draft gear box so that project will be on hold until I can deign a box for the cars I am finishing.

BTW, I wanted to get some opinions on something here. How many of you have actually broken a coupler? I mean the new ones. These TSC versions? I ask this because instead of screwing them to the whole assembly to the model, why not just glue the whole thing together and then glue it to the car? Believe me, I do understand the need for maintenance. Just curious here. I am of the sort that thinks, screw it. I am just going to glue it all together. I do not abuse my equipment in any way and I do not let others fondle it nor do I run with clubs.

Brian

[wcfn100]

So I read through this thread. The effort looks fantastic, unfortunately the parts are no longer available on Shapeways. That would have saved me from designing my own. So I will be designing my own. I did learn a lot from the discussion though. Especially to use the long shank coupler.

If you'd like to try my coupler pocket from Shapeways, I can put them up for sale again or just make the files available.  I took them down because I didn't have time to answer questions or modify the .stl file to keep up with the changing price structures.

I was going to give the ore car files to Mike anyway since he was the biggest customer.


Jason

[6axlepwr]

Jason, I do appreciate the offer to put your design up again for sale. It is very kind of you.

I am going to give it a go with my design. I am not going to offer it up for sale since it is purely to fit my applications. I also want to keep the original function of the coupler without having to modify it. I am not looking for exact scale, but rather just a better looking box than what MT offers.

Again, thanks.

Brian

[Sokramiketes]

Jason, I do appreciate the offer to put your design up again for sale. It is very kind of you.

I am going to give it a go with my design. I am not going to offer it up for sale since it is purely to fit my applications. I also want to keep the original function of the coupler without having to modify it. I am not looking for exact scale, but rather just a better looking box than what MT offers.

Again, thanks.

Brian

Part of the issue that Jason was solving was the inability to couple without a tremendous amount of force.  So the modified long shanks are an operational improvement not an appearance thing.  The box was an appearance thing, yes.  But it's also functional in that it doesn't get in the way of the trucks like the 1015 style box from MTL always seems to do.

Something the size of the 905 Z scale box always seems to fit well. 

[C855B]

I was going to give the ore car files to Mike anyway since he was the biggest customer.

Which would be appreciated, no doubt. 

(Thanks, Jason!)

[wcfn100]

Jason, I do appreciate the offer to put your design up again for sale. It is very kind of you.

I am going to give it a go with my design. I am not going to offer it up for sale since it is purely to fit my applications. I also want to keep the original function of the coupler without having to modify it. I am not looking for exact scale, but rather just a better looking box than what MT offers.

No problem. I'm excited to see what you come up with.  Like Mike said, much of the modification was because of the operation of the coupler.  The other consideration was to try for a narrower coupler box for extended draft gear applications.

Which would be appreciated, no doubt. 

Just as soon as I get my computer set up, I can get the original files.  If you ever just want the Shapeways' files, I can download those and get them to you.

Jason

[ednadolski]

@wcfn100 might I impose on you for the .stl file(s) of the basic pocket?   I'm interested in trying out a few things and that would save me some work.  (I still have some of the Shapeways prints, but the material is tricky to trim.)

Thanks,
Ed

[robert3985]

If you'd like to try my coupler pocket from Shapeways, I can put them up for sale again or just make the files available.  I took them down because I didn't have time to answer questions or modify the .stl file to keep up with the changing price structures.

I was going to give the ore car files to Mike anyway since he was the biggest customer.


Jason

If you're willing to provide the .stl files that'd be great!  I've just about run out of the pockets I ordered from you a few years ago, and have a new 8K printer on the way.  I'd like to try some resins that I think would be better than the FUD material Shapeways uses.

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[Sokramiketes]

Signing up for .stl (and or .step) file distribution!

[wcfn100]

If people just want to try and print these, I think the Shapeways file should be okay even if not ideal.  As soon as I get my computer back up, I can get the original file for people to do as they wish. 


Jason

[garethashenden]

That would be great if you're willing to share the files. I've tried reverse engineering it and it hasn't come out as well as the originals. Then I get distracted by other projects...