Shapeways Rio Grande ML4000 Krauss Maffei's

[UP4-8-8-4]

The diesel/hydraulic ML4000 Krauss Maffei's.
Road # 4001 & 4002

Both ride on Kato SD45 chassis.

[C855B]

Very well done, very impressive. IOW, awesome!

Now let's talk about the trucks. Since I'm in the middle of a similar Shapeways project (Alco C855 trio), I'm totally sympathetic to the limitations of making them working models by using a commercially-available chassis. In my case, the trucks are not the issue, but the pilots are, and I'm struggling with the CAD artwork trying to manage all the interacting critical dimensions. In your case, the K-M truck prototypes are totally unique, and IIRC have a different wheel spacing than anything we have off-the-shelf as modelers. Is anybody undertaking an effort similar to the Briggs Models' Dofasco design?

[carlso]

UP4-8-8-4

Very nice. Are these done in FUD or FED/ Did you design and set up on Shapeways and if so, how would a person order if they wanted some?

Carl Sowell

[C855B]

http://shpws.me/JZ0d

Apparently it comes with truck sideframes, too. However, the details are still up to the modeler, and @UP4-8-8-4 has done a great job.

[carlso]

Thank you Mike. I certainly agree with the detailing expertise shown by UP4-8-8-4.

C

[UP4-8-8-4]

Very well done, very impressive. IOW, awesome!

Now let's talk about the trucks. Since I'm in the middle of a similar Shapeways project (Alco C855 trio), I'm totally sympathetic to the limitations of making them working models by using a commercially-available chassis. In my case, the trucks are not the issue, but the pilots are, and I'm struggling with the CAD artwork trying to manage all the interacting critical dimensions. In your case, the K-M truck prototypes are totally unique, and IIRC have a different wheel spacing than anything we have off-the-shelf as modelers. Is anybody undertaking an effort similar to the Briggs Models' Dofasco design?

I also found that the trucks on a lot of Shapeways engines need to have the correct look.
Most of the time you get the side truck covers to put on. Just need to file down both sides as thin as possible before attaching.

On both these Krauss Maffai's I have the extra truck side pieces that I need to thin down before attaching.
One of my other Shapeway engines I'm working on is the New Haven EP-5 electric. Already have it painted but am waiting for the correct engine to get here that had the same wheel spacing.
The EP-5 comes with new driver side covers.
The best closest chassis to use was a Dapol Class 58.
Not only does it have correct wheel spacing but has a shorter complete chassis height for proper fit.
Only found on Ebay, and only from Great Britain.

This is the one I got, just still waiting.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dapol-class-58-Triple-grey-sector-58042-ND-103C-/131907791607?hash=item1eb6512af7:g:Ad0AAOSw3YNXXwky
 

[UP4-8-8-4]

UP4-8-8-4

Very nice. Are these done in FUD or FED/ Did you design and set up on Shapeways and if so, how would a person order if they wanted some?

Carl Sowell

There are several designers on Shapeways for the Krauss Maffei's.
This is the designer that I ended up getting mine from.
His doesn't come with full truck side frames, but comes with the main smaller details for the trucks.
They do come with the correct fuel tanks that fit and hook exact as Kato's SD45's.

https://www.shapeways.com/product/7H3MFPJJV/n-krauss-maffei

[UP4-8-8-4]

Thanks Mike & Carl.

But as far as my detailing expertise, I've been around here too many years and have seen way too many others detailing expertise !


Ernie

[Jim Costello]

UP4-8-8-4
You mention you are working on a NH  EP5 loco shell...who was your supplier for this unit please.
I have sent a message to Dapol asking when they intend to do a new production run of the Class 58 chassis.

Jim Costello

[BCR751]

Ernie, how did you do the flush-mounted window "glass"?  I've agonized over that for years.

Doug

[peteski]

Ernie, how did you do the flush-mounted window "glass"?  I've agonized over that for years.

Doug

If I had to guess, judging by the concave lens-like side windows I would say that Ernie used some sort of liquid window-making material like Microscale Krystal Klear.

[cjm413]

Ernie, how did you do the flush-mounted window "glass"?  I've agonized over that for years.

Doug

I haven't tried it yet, but I recall someone telling me that they cut out the windows to match the outer edge of the window gaskets, carefully hand paint the gaskets, and attach them to the exterior rather than the interior.

[UP4-8-8-4]

UP4-8-8-4
You mention you are working on a NH  EP5 loco shell...who was your supplier for this unit please.
I have sent a message to Dapol asking when they intend to do a new production run of the Class 58 chassis.

Jim Costello

This Shapeways EP-5 is a great 3D printing.
It does come with all the correct truck side covers,the extra roof top detail (ones already printed on) and plastic hand rails, which I will be doing in brass.
This is mine already painted, just waiting for my chassis which should be any day.




Also using Kato GG-1 photographs on this one as well.

This is the Shapeways one I got, as far as I know, its the only one on their site.
.https://www.shapeways.com/product/KBAA6ACGE/nep501-n-scale-ep-5-loco-as-built?optionId=4709497

The Dapol Class 58 from what I gathered from Ebay sellers, their all used, and one seller said only 50 were make ?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=dapol+class+58

They do seem to have a smooth running chassis.

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[UP4-8-8-4]

Ernie, how did you do the flush-mounted window "glass"?  I've agonized over that for years.

Doug

The window frames I painted with the tip of a round tooth pick using Testors model enamel.


And peteski is right, I use Microscale Krystal Klear on all my engines, even on all my old 60's, 70's etc. caboose, diesel and some steamer glass.
Easy to apply, just dip the tip of a round tooth pick in the bottle and insert inside the window frames and go around in a circle until the panes are full.
If you can't get it to completely flow around the opening,just add more until full.

They say you can't do a large area, but I have many times on larger glass by adding quite a bit on the tooth pick and moving it around the frames pretty quick.

[wazzou]

I use Microscale Krystal Klear on all my engines, even on all my old 60's, 70's etc. caboose, diesel and some steamer glass.

I would encourage you to try "Gallery Glass" made by Plaid.  I have found it at Michaels.
It is applied similarly but is much, much more clear and does not sink into the window (as much) giving the concave look that the MS product does.
In fact, I have found if you position the model as such after application, you can get the window to arc outward which is handy for vehicle windshields.