Any 3d printers up for making a OO version of the Lionel scale NYC caboose

@artfull dodger posted:

Sadly when Lionel did their prewar OO line, they copied the Scale Craft PRR N8 caboose instead of making the mini version of their NYC O scale diecast caboose.  While I would love a diecast one, thats not really an option unless someone does a sandcast brass or white metal kit.  But, a good fill in would be a 3d printed version that maybe could use the frame/trucks from one of the Lionel OO boxcars.  AD

Michael....we have a HUGE 3D category....have had for some time now so this belongs in that category.  I have moved it.

Thank you, rarely scroll down that far to see we have that now.  Thank you!    AD

It certainly can be done... the cabooses range in size from 24' to 32' ...which one?

https://canadasouthern.com/cas...C-MODELS-CABOOSE.htm

A clone of the one that Lionel did to go with the 700e in O scale, 2957 was the version with the tinplate trucks on it, they did one with scale trucks it as well, but its the same body casting.  Not sure what the length scales out to, be nice if it matched the OO boxcar so its frame could be used.  But I think the caboose is longer than that.   

The scale 717 is a NYC 19000 caboose. Likely the most common over the years. If you subscribe to Model Railroader you can download drawings of the 19000 caboose that Harold Russell did maybe 25-30 years ago. I had the issue but can’t find it now (of course) but subscribers can search the MR database for Harold’s work.

Then you have find someone familiar with CAD to create the file to send to a printer.

Pete

There is a gentleman in the OO community that does some replacement parts, like truck bolsters for the Scale Craft cars that suffer shrinkage that renders the trucks unusable.  I am plugging the idea for him to do up one of these cabooses.  Someone else does a PRR N5C over on Shapeways in OO, but we need a NYC caboose as we already have a couple versions of the N8 from Lionel and Scale Craft.   

The devil is in the details.  You need a good model, that is the most work.  That is why many don't give models away for free.  Getting accurate drawings or dimensions is key.   Then, how many pieces do you break the model into for assembly? What level of detail are you happy with.  Are you going to add a lot of details or do you want them printed in?    How much postprocessing, after printing, finishing are you willing to do for smooth surfaces etc.    Extruded 3D or very fine, laser/liquid stereolithograpy.   It may take 2-3 prints to get it right.   

There is a gentleman on Shapeways that has a PRR N5c caboose that the body/roof is all one piece in the print, so it can be done, but I am sure it took him a few tries before it was successful. 

Having built a 19000 kit you really only need the shell and the frame. No need for a separate cupola or walkways. Then add the grabs.  The key is just getting the dimensions. They are out there, in fact quite a few of the prototypes still exist. You just need to take your tape measure and start taking measurements.

Pete

Shapeways has no 1/48 O-scale trains; likely because you need a 300mm x 300mm x 200mm printer.

good thing OGR has a 3D project cat.

Not discussing O gauge AlanHN, discussing American OO to match the Lionel stuff made pre WWII.