Of Interest to PRR Fans

This PRR fan is interested. And I think this is an example of a very powerful modeling tool

Yup, now a days it's a very well known tool...

tried to order small order for pole caps and insulators. shapeways said cannot mfgr insulators as specified. you need to correct specifications. mikeg

Hello Mike:

 

Sorry about that, I got the notice too.   Here's the deal.  Shapeways puts my models through some of their software to determine if it can be printed.  I have found that their software produces inconsistent results.  I have printed the insulators in frosted detail plastic, as shown in the photos in my shop.  I would suggest trying to print them in frosted ultra detail.  In the meantime, I'll order some in frosted detail and work with Shapeways to resolve the problem.

 

Thanks

 

TT

Will these be available for different double track spacing?  Because of my large engines, my tracks are on 4.5" centers.

 

Ron

Yup, 4.5 track centers is in works. I'll try to move it up in the queue.

 

TT

Wow....this is unbelievable .....the technology that allows you to do this is amazing! I will be a loyal customer....Tom

I just received one of the "Riveted Catenary Poles." These have the stiffening angles riveted to the side of the poles.   After seeing this one, I have now ordered several more.  These are pretty impressive:

 

 

 

Note the detail, including the link and pin tie rods for the K-Bridge mid span supports

 

 

Close up of the rivet detail:

 

 

View of the end of the pole, showing how Terry got nice thin cross sections on the angles

   

 

When I get the first few installed and weathered, I'll post photos in a separate thread

When do you think you will be marketing them?

Macado

 

I don't know about Terry's marketing plans, but these are available now.  See the following:

 

http://www.shapeways.com/shops.../shops/scenicreality

 

 

Postings on the various forums, hopefully some mention in the podcasts and an occasional appearance at O scale shows which I would  have attended anyway; is my marketing plan. As I said above, there is very little markup in these models.  Insufficient profit for advertising; no margin for dealer markup.  Since I do not have to keep stock on most of these items and they are printed when you order them, I can, hopefully, do this on a shoestring and keep the prices low.  Otherwise these would cost $50-60 each if I had to make provision for the normal costs of doing business. 

 

TT

Have received initial order of rain caps. fit well to metal and plastic poles and ordered 100 more, partly paid with credit from order for insulators. under circumstances will recomend this item. mikeg

Thanks Mike.

 

FYI, I just sent e-mail to Shapeways urging them to check their software that pre-screens the models.  I think that I just found a feature in the catenary models that MIGHT be confusing their software.  

 

I am continuing to work with Shapeways since the models are great when you do get them.

 

CAPPilot:

 

The model for catenary poles for 4.5 inch centers and 3-rail is finished, with some improvements over the previous designs.  It has a generous 10" between poles, that should handle the biggest engines and tighter 3-rail curves.  The design should be up on Shapeways by Saturday.

 

Terry

 

I have ordered a set of the insulators. This time they say it will work.

 

One potentially big problem; in the fine print no contact with electricity. Since I am planning on electrifying my catenary eventually and the insulators will be used as insulators this is potentially a big problem.

 

Will have to wait and see when product arrives.

 

mikeg

 

 

I purchased one of these a few months back. I like the detail but I was wondering in my mind if these could be made by the injected mold process from plastic? Have you ever considered that?

It very well could be injection molded. A few slight modifications might have to be made to keep cost in line. The thing is the mold cost and getting it run would cost a LOT more than going the 3D print method. I'd like to think there is enough demand to warrant a Injection mold.....but I fear not.  You are looking at maybe $75,000 development cost if you do it in Asia.  Then for each variant would require another mold....or design it from the start to be modular. I'd think if anyone thought there was demand they would produce them. 3D design and printing is a good solution for an item like this at this time. Until we get a way to cut molds similar to 3D printing! 

 

Nice work BTW.....I've tried 3D design...not as easy as you think.

TT,

 

I'm very interested in box beams and component bridge girders with full rivet detail.  What exactly are you going to produce in this area?  I have some photos of things I would like to see built - could you contact me via e-mail?  gpandelios@verizon.net

 

Thanks,

 

George

George:

 

Didn't we exchange e-mails some time back?

 

I did lots of 3D modeling last year when I was temporarily out of work.  I've since found another job which requires 50 hour weeks and frequent travel. So, unfortunately, I have zero time for doing 3D design.

 

I did a box girder design and test printed it; I had not made it available on my Shapeways shop, but I just changed that and it is available for order.

 

However, it probably not exactly what you need.  So this is what I propose to do.  I can set up a Skype or Team View session where you can see my desktop and I can walk you through how to do girders using Google Sketch-Up and then take them through post-processing.  You'll need a microphone hooked up to your computer to be able to ask me questions.   Anyone else on the forum who wants to join in can too.  What do you guys think?  If there is interest we can come up with a mutually agreeable date and time.  Just let me know and I will start working out the details.

 

You might also want to read my article on 3D printing in the May/June O Scale Trains.

 

TT

TT,

I think we may have.  I am definitely interested but the session would have to be after 6:00 PM or on a Saturday or Sunday.

 

I will try to get hold of the May/June issue of O Scale Trains.

 

thanks,

 

George

As of 12/06 the 4.5" centers are not on the website......what is the status?

I ordered a 4" track center pole as a test piece as I am focused on the Pennsy from Philly to Harrisburg.

 

The piece is beautiful but I do have some questions/concerns. The white flexible piece I have is exhibiting some slight bowing. I'm not going to hang functional catenary on it so rigidity is not an issue but bowing will obviously detract from the appearance. The price of the steel poles prohibits their purchase. I was thinking I might have to re-enforce the "H" beams by placing some metal rectangular tubing in the pockets.

 

Any suggestions? Many thanks for filling the gap with credible cat poles.