Union Station Products introduce 3D printed Core Kits

[EspeeGoldenState]

USP is doing 3 different versions of N scale core kits, ACF, PS and Budd, each with a plain floor or generic floor. Cost is $14.99 a kit.

Pullman Standard
https://unionstationproducts.com/core-kits/union-station-products-s-amp-o-scale-core-kits/-ck03-n-scale-pullman-standard-core-kit

Budd
https://unionstationproducts.com/core-kits/union-station-products-s-amp-o-scale-core-kits/-ck04-n-scale-budd-fluted-roof-core-kit

ACF
https://unionstationproducts.com/core-kits/union-station-products-s-amp-o-scale-core-kits/-ck05-n-scale-acf-riveted-roof-core-kit

Each are printed in black resin.

Decent price for these since the ALM kits are getting tougher and tougher to find.

[thomasjmdavis]

Great news, thanks for passing it along.

[nickelplate759]

Huzzah!

Time to hurt my wallet a little.

[samusi01]

Good news. Wonder if they’d be interested in doing domes?

[nkalanaga]

Are the American Limited diaphragms still available from anyone?

[GhengisKong]

Good news. Wonder if they’d be interested in doing domes?

Funny how they are doing this after you expressed interest in doing them yourself just on Saturday at the show.

[wcfn100]

Isn't this somewhat backwards from what we need?  This doesn't have all the details parts from what I see.

The core kits are still available from San Juan aren't they?  They just don't have the detail sprue.  Someone should make a printed copy of the detail parts to go with the molded core kits.


Jason

[nickelplate759]

Union Station has 3d-printed underbody detail parts available here:  https://unionstationproducts.com/under-body-detail-kits/-dk01-3d-printed-underbody-detail-kit

It's a little pricey, but includes more parts than any one car would use.

They also list the San Juan basic core kits (for $8 or so I think).

[wcfn100]

Union Station has 3d-printed underbody detail parts available here:  https://unionstationproducts.com/under-body-detail-kits/-dk01-3d-printed-underbody-detail-kit

Cool, didn't know they had that.  Yeah, $15 is a little much.  I would think offering the 3D file for personal printing would be good for sales.

Jason

[thomasjmdavis]

Isn't this somewhat backwards from what we need?  This doesn't have all the details parts from what I see.

The core kits are still available from San Juan aren't they?  They just don't have the detail sprue.  Someone should make a printed copy of the detail parts to go with the molded core kits.


Jason

The new kits from USP include Budd, PS and ACF kits- as opposed to a generic streamline kit with smooth roof and generic ends.  This saves having to search for Kato Budd roofs, or futzing with the roof in order to get the right number of seams and appropriate rivet pattern for PS and ACF.  So, from my point of view, this is a huge improvement, not to mention being available.

The underbody parts (see Nickleplate759 post above this one) from USP include both common styles of water tanks, and a bunch of boxes.  Not sure if it has all the various generators and pumps (this was always the issue with the ALM parts sprues- always plenty of boxes for 2 or more cars, but only 1 set of brake equipment and 1 of each style of generator.  And did not seem to contain steam ejector AC parts.  I think the ALM was based on SP car designs, and I was trying to model ATSF cars- never had the box doors I needed or SEAC equipment.  I muddled through on the theory that only about 5 N scale modelers would know the difference, and none of them was likely to drop by my house.

As to whether the old ALM roof-end-floor sprues are still available....I don't know.  After 3 unanswered emails a few years ago, I gave up asking.

Well....the whole Leadville Shops - San Juan Car deal was very confusing.  The ALM trademark still exists.  Neither company is very good about answering inquiries, at least not mine via email.
This is what has been up on their website for the last several years:

Hi Everyone! I wanted to let everyone know what's been going on lately. As most know, Bob and Doug made the decisive move to acquire Grandt Line, San Juan Car, San Juna Decals, and American Limited Models. That said, they are *extraordinarily* busy managing the logistics of two huge moves from California to Colorado, not to mention learning some serious new ropes and skills. This will take some time. The Grandt family, John Engstrom and Bob Staat have been nothing short of awesome providing help and guidance through this time. 

We ask for patience and understanding while steam is being built up.

The Leadville Shops product line will also be under some restructuring as clearly the needs of Grandt and San Juan take over.  The Leadville Shops will continue to produce limited run in the future.  We plan on releasing lasrr cut kits, and brass casting from time to time.  For the short term we will be working on getting the business up and going.

Meanwhile, it does seem that they have rerun (or found in inventory) ALM N scale diaphragms- at least I see them for sale at retailers now and then.  But no other N scale product that I can find.  Which doesn't mean it isn't available, just that I don't know where to find it or how to ask them.

[samusi01]

Funny how they are doing this after you expressed interest in doing them yourself just on Saturday at the show.

Yep... saw this and if they produce a dome version those plans will be permanently shelved: there is no need to reinvent the wheel. As it is, I figure I'll grab appropriate kits for the non-dome sides I have.

Sam

[Sokramiketes]

Its a good start, and the different manufacturers are a nice touch compared to the smooth roofs of the ALM core kits.  There was a Budd core kit in development at DPH, and I assembled some test shots back in the day.  But it was never offered for sale.  In order to mold the roof corrugations correctly in an AB mold base, it had three pieces that were assembled into the roof.  Took some work to get clean, long seams.

More floor options, or just more thought in the truck mounting situation would be appreciated.  Being able to drop on Kato trucks by adding cutouts for the pick up wipers would be great.  And an option to use the new clip on style.  Then, some way to stiffen the floor itself.  Clip on interiors?  Lots of room for someone to get fancy...

[nkalanaga]

thomasjmdavis:  Thank you!  I'll have to keep my eyes open for them.  I don't need a lot, but a few more in the parts box would be nice.

Sokramiketes:  If the floors are 3D printed, why not print the cutouts for the pickup wipers into them?  Those who don't use the wipers wouldn't have any problem covering them up with an interior.

[Ike the BN Freak]

San Juan should still have the full core kit sets still.

[EspeeGoldenState]

San Juan should still have the full core kit sets still.

Quite possible, but they never respond to emails. I asked back in 2018 numerous times and never got a response. I got the few I have off ebay or other sources. And seeing the prices they still fetch on ebay seems to indicate they aren't still purchasable from San Juan.