Over the past few months we have opened up both practical 3d printing and sourcing OEM parts like motors and gearing.
So what about something different for a challenge. Create an engine from the ground up. Something never before seen. The goal is to use as many primary parts as possible: motors from eBay, wheels and gears from Kato and Tomix. 3d printed shell. Cast, milled, 3d printed chassis in plastic or metal.
The project would be collaborative, not competitive. Everyone would help in his or her own way. I think this would foster cooperation between members.
The project would also show that we can model totally outside the box - we wouldn't need a donor chassis for example. We wouldn't need to rely on a model manufacturer. This isn't to slight them, but to pay tribute to those who created the hobby using sand-cast boilers on vacuum machine motors. The Al Kambachs of the world. Jeff Briggs and
@mmagliaro are also direct inspirations.
What do you guys think of the idea? Would it be feasible? What sort of project would you like to try?
I'm open to anything really. Even if it is out of my era. For me, it's more about being part of a community project then making a model I personally want.