Custom chassis fabrication?

[mike_lawyer]

Can anyone recommend a CAD and fabrication company to create custom locomotive chassis frames?  I have some ideas of possible designs utilizing Kato Mikado drivers and parts.  I would like to find a company that specializes in fabrication of model parts.  Any recommendations would be appreciated.  Thanks!

[muktown128]

Are you thinking of making some PRR I1sa's or some other PRR steamer?

[up__1995]

The Shapeways metal feature is a possibility for the scenario you describe. However, you would need to submit your design to them, so this is strictly a fabrication solution (not CAD).

Xometry and 3D Hubs are possibilities for machining (if you want to go down that route vs additive mfging).

[mike_lawyer]

Are you thinking of making some PRR I1sa's or some other PRR steamer?

I am thinking of trying to make a good 2-10-x chassis that would be fully compatible with Kato Mikado parts.  I just sent a demo frame to Tom the Metalworker of this board, he is going to see what he can do as far as frame fabrication for that frame.  I am also thinking of designing a good 0-6-0 or 0-8-0 chassis, and wanted to see what CAD design/fabricators are out there for this type of project. 

[PiperguyUMD]

Are you thinking of making some PRR I1sa's or some other PRR steamer?

Isn’t the I1sa on BLI’s short list? Like 2023? Regardless, I’m following the project as I need a pair of WM I2s.

[kiwi_al]

Isn’t the I1sa on BLI’s short list? Like 2023? Regardless, I’m following the project as I need a pair of WM I2s.

Yes indeed they are:
H10, I1 and a J1.

[peteski]

Can anyone recommend a CAD and fabrication company to create custom locomotive chassis frames?  I have some ideas of possible designs utilizing Kato Mikado drivers and parts.  I would like to find a company that specializes in fabrication of model parts.  Any recommendations would be appreciated.  Thanks!

Mike, are Kato Mikado locos (and/or spare parts) so readily available?  Or I should ask another question: is this strictly for you, or are you planning on selling the chassis' commercially? 

 I'm asking because it has been many years since the last release of these models, and who knows when (of ever) Kato will produce them again.  I also suspect that if Kato does decide to run them again, they will likely re-motor them with either the coreless motor, or their new "slotless" motor they are just releasing.

Even if you locate a company which designs and produces model parts (either die-cast or machined metal), they will likely require some minimum quantity order(read "large financial investment").

[mike_lawyer]

I am looking at doing a small batch for myself and others on the board who are interested.  The parts are for the most part out of stock from Kato, but I have a large stash of parts on hand.

[pjm20]

Kato Mikado's can be had at the cheap on the 'bay. I have bought 4 for around $60 each for projects that I will be using the chassis as a base for.

[mike_lawyer]

Kato Mikado's can be had at the cheap on the 'bay. I have bought 4 for around $60 each for projects that I will be using the chassis as a base for.

Very true, I have been collecting a number of locomotives and parts over the years.  You can find them on the bay for decent prices.

[bbussey]

There are a number of metal 3D contracting houses that are reasonably priced. But as with 3D printed bodyshells, you have to supply the digital file.

[mike_lawyer]

Yeah, from what I can tell the fabrication isn't necessarily costly, it is preparing the CAD file for fabrication.

[bbussey]

If it's any consolation, designing a frame is much easier than designing a bodyshell.

[mike_lawyer]

If it's any consolation, designing a frame is much easier than designing a bodyshell.

I figured the frame should be easier to design than a body shell, but I might need some help with designing it in a CAD program.

[pjm20]

I plan on redesigning the Kato frame to make it thinner to fit a Bachmann shell and coreless motor. I plan on first recreating the frames in CAD, then start to make changes to a duplicate file. 3D print in plastic to see if everything goes together and when good, get it 3D printed in metal. Take it slow and have some good calipers, if you can get the base frame made, you can start to modify it. To modify the x-8-x frame to a x-10-x frame, I'd personally design the first axle slot, and then use a linear repeat function to duplicate the number of axles that I want, that way it's faster, more accurate, and easier to change/fix.