Centerbeam Flatcar in S

DoubleHeaderOGR Forum Member

I have been wanting a centerbeam flatcar to run on my layout. So, I set out to design one and print it on my 3d printer. I had a couple of S Helper Service flatcars without a load and added the printout to them. The design copies current prototype cars, but is not a scale model. It is more of an approximation to fit the existing flatcars.

The load also fits on the current MTH reissue of the SHS flatcars.

And I also printed it in brown.

They look pretty good and are, at least for me, a reasonable approximation of the prototype. I am running them empty but may add a load later.

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8/9/1911:36 AM

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Rusty TraqueOGR Forum Member

A great adaptation for a "stand-in" model. thumb

Rusty

8/9/1911:48 AM

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RoccoOGR Forum Member

Doubleheader,

Would you be willing to share the file as I would love to print it out and give it a try as it looks great.

--Rocco--

8/9/1911:56 AM

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DoubleHeaderOGR Forum Member

Rocco - Yes, I think so. I am still working on some final adjustments. So, I need a little more time.

I print out two halves of each centerbeam and glue them together. That way no support material is needed while printing.

One half has the brakewheel and the other does not. Some prototype cars are flat where the lumber sits and others have ribs. So, I have a set of 2 halves for the flat style and a set for the ribbed style. Plus a separate file for the ladder. I am using the plastic brakewheel from PortLines that is normally used on the caboose railing.

Thanks.

DoubleHeader -- Marvin

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8/13/1910:04 AM

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Rusty TraqueOGR Forum Member

As I said earlier, this is a great adaptation to creat a stand in model.

However, one little nit I just noticed: The ladder and brakewheel are on the wrong side of the car end. They should be on the left side as you look at the end.

The drawing is for a different car but the placement remains the same.

Rusty

8/13/1911:41 AM

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DoubleHeaderOGR Forum Member

Gosh. Yes. You're right. Thanks! I'll add that to my list of adjustments.

DoubleHeader -- Marvin

8/13/197:14 PM

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RoccoOGR Forum Member

Doubleheader,

Keep up the good work.

--Rocco--

9/10/1911:16 AM

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AGHRMattOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERMEMORIAL SUPPORTER

Nice work. You going to try for an opera window version?

9/10/194:31 PM

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DoubleHeaderOGR Forum Member

To those with a 3D printer - here are the files. I have moved the ladders and brakewheel as noted and made other small adjustments. I print them in halves so that no support material is needed during the print. I use a glue that dries clear.

Key to files:

Centerbeam2 - non-ribbed floor and no brakewheel support

Centerbeam3 - non-ribbed floor with brakewheel support

Centerbeam4 - ribbed floor with brakewheel support

Centerbeam5 - ribbed floor and no brakewheel support

Glue 2 and 3 together to get the non-ribbed type.

Glue 4 and 5 together to get the ribbed floor type.

Print 2 ladders for each car. My printer prints the holes for the ladders a little small, so I ream them out a little with a 1 mm drill.

The brakewheel comes from the "American Flyer Parts - Caboose" page on PortLines.

(BRAKEWHEEL, 1-pc plastic, for end-railings)

They will fit snugly on SHS and MTH flatcars. You will need to gently work the pins into tie-downs along the sides of the cars.

Good luck. Happy printing.