GG-1 Warped Power TRuck Frames

There currently is a thread dedicated to this problem and Harry Henning of Henning's Trains is already in the process of having new frames produced.  Here's the link.  https://ogrforum.com/...52#94347277639911652

Chief Bob (Retired)

To add to Bob's comment, Lionel has already stated they are having no part of this issue, and there are no CAD files available.

Then I check on the cost of scanning it in.  I just have to remember to model a good one that isn't warped.  

You can print metal?  For less than $100/part?  I will stay tuned - I do not need any of these, but am truly intrigued by this new technology.

I know they have been printing jet engine parts, but assumed the cost was astronomical.  If the metal is not welded on, strength would be minimal, right?

Harry is going to do these in one piece.  He could easily do a plastic or wax printed part in brass, and that would be perhaps cheaper?

My foundry friends did not have the capability of doing it in one piece.

I'm going to have to see how Harry does these, it sounds like an interesting process!

It is, and it is ancient.  Your dentist does it for caps on your teeth.

We 2-railers have depended on the process for over a half century.  Makes beautiful air pumps, smokebox fronts, etc.  mostly small stuff.

But Harry must have special equipment - the size of this casting would require a vacuum setup to get all the metal into the investment properly.

Good luck to you guys - sorry to hear your investments ($) are crumbling.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

To add to Bob's comment, Lionel has already stated they are having no part of this issue, and there are no CAD files available.

These are falling apart from using bad metal, not hard use right?

Woofchamp posted:

If someone can get the CAD files from Lionel, I can have the parts metal 3D replacement parts printed.  I'll put 'woofchamp replacement parts' on the bottom so Lionel doesn't get upset.

I have four GG-1's, one runs and the other three have five bad truck frames, the best I can do is get one more running.  Lionel knows this is a problem, yet they refuse to make replacement parts available.  In this day and age with all the available technology, the only reason these parts warp is the manufacturer cut some corners.  If Lionel won't share the CAD files, I can scan one in, but it will cost extra.  TrainZ offered one on Ebay a few years ago for $100.00 plus S&H and it sold within hours. 

I think I can sell at least 100 on the first run and can produce more as requested.     

Any suggestions or input?  You can contact me at (M) 248-310-6526 or woofchamp@yahoo.com

Looks like 100 would be on the low side!

BobbyD posted:

gunrunnerjohn posted:

To add to Bob's comment, Lionel has already stated they are having no part of this issue, and there are no CAD files available.

These are falling apart from using bad metal, not hard use right?

Correct, zinc pest is consuming the part.  I know of more than one that had never been out of the box until it was discovered.