N Scale Surfliners

[up__1995]

I was motivated to design and print these cars after hearing about Athearn's release of the HO counterpart. I became interested in modeling these cars (in N) a couple years ago after a trip to California, but finally bit the bullet when Athearn released their detailed PDF (which made the 3D modeling process much easier).

Of course, I still did my R&D through RRPA, RCP, and the occasional youtube video to verify dimensions, details, etc (not relying on Athearn's sometimes lacking QC and detail-oriented modeling). My retroencabulator particle generator, the revered mono X, is currently running around the clock keeping up with the initial print tests and revisions.

For hardware, and seamless integration with the Kato superliners for prototypical consists, I am utilizing the Kato Superliner II trucks with built-in couplers (likely no body mount for now). Interior is a possibility, that is down the road however - 3D digital and physical workbenches are crammed with projects right now.

Feedback and criticism is greatly appreciated! I am always trying to improve the quality of my prints.

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(Please don't mind the print artifacts, support nubs, missing steps, and the high body height - these and several other issues have been corrected in a later version)

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[wazzou]

No interest, but it looks pretty impressive to me.  Nice design.

[GaryHinshaw]

Looking really good from what I can tell.   Do you have any issues with the sides warping?  They look fine in the photo.

[James Costello]

Wow

[cec209]

Very nice. I've ridden on them. Great job.
Charlie

[Wutter]

For hardware, and seamless integration with the Kato superliners for prototypical consists, I am utilizing the Kato Superliner II trucks with built-in couplers (likely no body mount for now). Interior is a possibility, that is down the road however - 3D digital and physical workbenches are crammed with projects right now.

If you want to do body mounted couplers you can easily cut off the spar that goes to the coupler on the Kato Superliner II trucks, I imagine this would make integrating the front pilot of your cab car and any other details in that area much easier?

[EspeeGoldenState]

My only caveat is the molded on diaphragms. The more and more 3D printed cars, the more they seam to stick out, even when painted black. While example print doesn't show the ends, it does make them seem like your example sticks out way far.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

This looks great. I only wish I could get the Kawasaki bi-levels printed up.

On the diaphragms, I wonder if a separate part that clips on to s swivel post would work better? I think this is the one big drawback of 3D printing; it tends to lead itself naturally to one-part-models. This isn't always ideal for painting or assembly.

If only American Limited made modern style diaphragms.

[railnerd]

Very cool.  How similar are these to the Amtrak "Capitol Corridor" cars?

-Dave

[jagged ben]

Very cool.  How similar are these to the Amtrak "Capitol Corridor" cars?

-Dave

They are the same.

I'm extremely interested in having models of these in Amtrak California.   The problem I see is decals, since no one makes them and they'd be ALPS printer territory for the white, not something I have time for.

[vermonter_railfan]

They are the same.

I'm extremely interested in having models of these in Amtrak California.   The problem I see is decals, since no one makes them and they'd be ALPS printer territory for the white, not something I have time for.

Someone commissioned Microscale to make decal sets. The individual is selling them on eBay currently for $9.99

https://www.ebay.com/itm/284441643984?hash=item423a0b0bd0:g:E3EAAOSwCOVhNrNf
"5x8" sheet custom printed by Microscale decals. Includes car names and numbers for most Surfliner equipment currently in service. Each sheet includes enough decals for three passenger cars and/or locomotive. Decal transparency is pre-cut and separated as denoted by the pink border."

[jagged ben]

I was talking about the Amtrak California scheme.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1c/Amtrak_California_Commuter_train.jpg

If anyone makes decals for those I would love to know.  Commissioning Microscale, now there's an idea.

[nickelplate759]

I was talking about the Amtrak California scheme.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1c/Amtrak_California_Commuter_train.jpg

If anyone makes decals for those I would love to know.  Commissioning Microscale, now there's an idea.

Switchline.
https://switchlinedecals.com/search.php

[jagged ben]

Switchline.
https://switchlinedecals.com/search.php

Thanks!

[up__1995]

Thanks for the comments everyone, I appreciate the feedback.

A quick note about the California Cars (Gen. 1) vs the Surfliner Cars (Gen. 2) - they are 2 different generations of cars, and thus have several exterior differences (aside from being painted in 2 different schemes).

See these wiki articles for the fundamentals:
California Cars (Gen. 1): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Car_(railcar)   - most (if not all) cars painted in the Amtrak California Dark "Navy" Blue scheme
Surfliner Cars (Gen. 2): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surfliner_(railcar)            - most (if not all) cars painted in the lighter Surfliner Blue ("Amtrak Deep Blue") scheme

There is (was) also a 3rd generation planned, but has since been canceled. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Next_Generation_Bi-Level_Passenger_Rail_Car 


I addressed the Gen. 2 (Surfliners) first as they are more popular in the modeling market, and are ones I have a personal connection to. Nevertheless, I will be modeling the California Cars sometime after I finish this project. A majority of my design and model work will transfer over between the two as most differences are minor. AFAIK, there are decals available for both schemes. More importantly, however, I am focused on ensuring that the models have sound coupler and truck mechanisms, and can run well by themselves and with the Kato Superliners.

Thanks again for the feedback, comments, and support.