Any T Gauge out there?

[Ed Kapuscinski]

What is this?  A train for ANTS!?!

Do you want ants? Because that's how you get ANTS.

[nscaler711]

Do you want ants? Because that's how you get ANTS.

Can I plus one this multiple times?

[Lemosteam]

I finally got around to experimenting with brass etching!  I can't believe I haven't done this sooner!!





Now if only something could be done about those GIGANTIC couplers.

Did you self-etch those!

Awesome Job!!!  That loco shell looks incredible.

You might consider FXD trucks with fixed couplers, especially with a truck mount.  The couplers could be quite small as long as thyey don't need articulation.

[peteski]

That is friggin' amazing Mark!  I like working with miniature models, but what you created is just mind-boggling!

But doesn't this thread really belong in the T-gauge section of TRW?   

[Mark W]

The ACe and Boxcar shells arrived! 



I'm most impressed that the horn printed and held up during shipping!  I slipped the shell over my motorized mechanism but unfortunately the fit is too sung and hinders the gearing. 
The side walls are already below minimum, so I'm going to have to venture into etched brass.  Good news, I was already planning to head down that track in the first place, which is why there are no panels or vents on the 3D print. 

[Mark W]

Now we're getting somewhere!!   Going to try etching some handrails tomorrow then I think I'm calling this one finished!

[peteski]

That is awesome!

The penny gives a good indication of just how tiny those models are. Painting those tiny windows and yellow stripes must have been a chore!  A dissecting stereo-microscope can be very helpful. Where did you find the small BSNF decal?

[Jesse6669]

I did a bunch of stuff in T back about 5 years ago, even some custom work, and most of the shells are is still on Shapeways, including a dummy knuckle coupler that is far closer to scale and prototype appearance, although needs a little fettling to get it to work.  I had a blog that is mostly un-touched for the last couple years.

Probably my favorite was a 4-unit set of Swiss ABe 4/4 iii for a fellow in Germany... who was modeling the famous "loops" between St. Moritz and the Italian border.  Or possibly a model of the B&O tower in Etna PA (BG).  Here's a B&O RDC.
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]    Oh and a Pennsy E8 with a set of passenger cars including an observation after the "View" series.  [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

Decorating is a different animal than other scales;  I "painted" my models by making decals that generally covered large areas, or even the entire side of the model and then did touch up on other areas.  Normal style decals are far, far to small to work.  Here's an example of a CN FP9, and with a Harriman style coach that can be (should be) powered.
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A lot of my pics were deleted in a hard drive crash, and I kindof lost interest in T due to the expense of prototyping everything and just the overall better quality of N-scale, especially track.. also trucks/couplers.. but I still have a lot of models stashed away somewhere.  I also made a model of a NYC E8 in lightning stripe that supposedly was going to be displayed somewhere in New York alongside other E8's in other scales at a museum.  Never have seen that on the net and forgot who I sent it to.

Jesse

[Mark W]

Hey Jesse,

Great stuff!  Your blog was a great read and I definitely like the "Paint with decal" idea.

I got around to finishing up the SD70ACe this weekend.  I etched the handrails out of .005 inch brass and by the time the etch was complete, the result was thinner than, and about as delicate as, aluminium foil!
Unfortunately, the other side didn't turn out too well and caused me to break off the horn; but going very slow and careful, I was able to get this side just about perfect!


Oh...  I also discovered that a full size lady bug is about the size of a T Gauge VW Bug...  hmmm....

[peteski]

Mark, you are absolutely nuts, and I love it!    I've done some small stuff (like an N scale pool table with balls and cues), and etched some N scale weather-vanes and lighting rods,  but you take it to the next level.  Make that several levels!

What do you use for your home etching system?

[Mark W]

Thanks Pete!
 
 I'm just using the ol' laser toner on transparency, hot iron transfer, & PCB Etching solution from RadioShack, method.  It takes a bit of technique to get the toner to transfer cleanly, but aside from that I'm amazed how simple the whole thing is and can't believe I've never supplemented any of my 3D printing with etched brass before now! 

First one that comes to mind is the Anhydrous Ammonia trailers (http://shpws.me/CeWG).  Etched Brass frame and tow hitch will make that kit a thousand times easier to paint and assemble, as well as more durable for handling! 

[peteski]

Thanks Pete!
 
 I'm just using the ol' laser toner on transparency, hot iron transfer, & PCB Etching solution from RadioShack, method.  It takes a bit of technique to get the toner to transfer cleanly, but aside from that I'm amazed how simple the whole thing is and can't believe I've never supplemented any of my 3D printing with etched brass before now! 

First one that comes to mind is the Anhydrous Ammonia trailers (http://shpws.me/CeWG).  Etched Brass frame and tow hitch will make that kit a thousand times easier to paint and assemble, as well as more durable for handling!

Yup, that is probably the simplest way to photoetch.  Glad to hear that you are comfortable using that technique. It is rather simple.  for etching the frame it would be nice if you could relief-etch the bend lines.  But that gets a bit trickier.