Always wanted a train coupler on my trailer hitch and decided to try 3D printing one out of ABS. Was going to fill, sand and paint it, but after doing a check fit on the truck, I just didn't want to pull it off. We'll see if it holds up to the weather.
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Uh, you might want to install it right side up.
Very neat. Have you thought about making a business out of this and selling these out of your garage? I'd be interested in one.
RAY
That's so cool! I'd interested too if the price was right.
Yep...it is upside down in the pics. Turn it over.
I've seen these on trailer hitches at meets and tourist railroads for years. They're already being made. Google or Amazon to find them.
Looks good! I've had one for awhile now. It gets some strange looks. Mine was a gift from an annual Christmas catalog. I think it was around 60 bucks. Made from aluminum or an alloy, pretty heavy. Just got it primed a couple of weeks ago, figured i would let it weather on its own. It came in hitch or doorstop option..
Jeff
Those being made already are small. I like the one you have made much better.
When installing couplers always think shaking hands with it.
I would agree, the 3D version looks beefier like its ready to pull. Mine just sticks out like its ready to shake hands...8-(
Jeff
FORMER OGR CEO - RETIRED posted:Yep...it is upside down in the pics. Turn it over.
Doh! I didn't even think of it. The bottom side is much more rough and doesn't look as good without finishing. Well, I guess I'll have to fix that.
Ray of sunshine posted:Very neat. Have you thought about making a business out of this and selling these out of your garage? I'd be interested in one.
RAY
Thanks. I wasn't looking to be in it for the business, but I might be able to print some and just get compensated for the cost. It did take 35 hours to print. But first, it needs some fixes to make it less work to get it to fit on the hitch end - I butchered it to get it in as it was supposed to be a prototype. If I'm able to do that, I'll let you know.
Postwarman posted:Looks good! I've had one for awhile now. It gets some strange looks. Mine was a gift from an annual Christmas catalog. I think it was around 60 bucks. Made from aluminum or an alloy, pretty heavy. Just got it primed a couple of weeks ago, figured i would let it weather on its own. It came in hitch or doorstop option..
Jeff
Yep, that's the one I put on my Christmas list for years, but my wife never got it for me! LOL. I do like the look and durability of the aluminum one. If you step on mine, it is definitely going to break.
Tom Tee posted:Those being made already are small. I like the one you have made much better.
When installing couplers always think shaking hands with it.
That's a great way to remember, thanks! My kids and I used to have a thing where we would do the handshake train coupler move. And since we were right handed, maybe I should have known LOL.
I have also seen some version on vehicles, and cataloged, but did not notice size, and decided l was too lazy to pull it off when l wanted to tow.
Finally printed a better version of the coupler. This one is from Thingiverse:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3296678
I like the way it opens and the brown color. If you are interested in printing your own, you can send the files from the website to a 3D printing company. It took a lot of hours on the printer. And I think I got the right side up this time. 
Very Nice! Especially with it opening! Thanks for sharing.
Jeff
Shoot...count me in for buying one, if you should proceed to make them. I could see one on the back of my lawntractor.....in the middle of the night, put one on Mrs Red Jimmys' car...lol
Awesome!!
@sord posted:Always wanted a train coupler on my trailer hitch and decided to try 3D printing one out of ABS. Was going to fill, sand and paint it, but after doing a check fit on the truck, I just didn't want to pull it off. We'll see if it holds up to the weather.
The company that sells Train Simulators also has one available for $25.00. If you do a search, you would find oit pretty quick. Not yto sway you, but let you know there is potential competition. Looks great by the way.
Really Neat! But are not couplers right handed?
Ron
Funny, for some reason I'm being reminded of Rock'em Sock'em robots.
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