Thor’s 3D printed pilots on MTH GP35

So there was one little modification, the tabs at the top had to be trimmed at the corner slightly to get them to fit in the body, but that took seconds. 

I think he said to use super glue? I used Gorilla brand because it seems to have a bit more rubber like quality. The main thing is the pilots don't see the load luckily. I feel they are slightly fragile. I broke one of mine and had to re-glue it together.

 I cast some myself years ago and they were much stronger. I tried to replicate that again and they came out spongy? None had this level quality detailing though.

 Anyways, the coupler mounts is what sees the loads so I drilled, tapped, and mounted mine to the steel chassis plate. You can glue those on as recommended, even just to help locate them for drilling if so desired.

I use gap filling CA glue for both the coupler mount and the pilot. It's plenty strong, and gives you a little time to get things positioned if you need it. I prep the chassis where the mount will be bonded with some fine sand paper and then clean with acetone.

I'm glad that worked out on the GP35, that is going to look sharp. Can't wait to see the finished product!

DaveJfr0 posted:

These look really nice.  I imagine they accept kadee couplers easily. 

Have you or anyone else tested pulling 40+ car trains with these pilots and testing the strength of the plastic and/or the glue? Curious how the shapeways plastic holds up.

I wondered the same thing a while back:

https://ogrforum.com/...48#63373121253443548

I knew you had done some testing on them, and I plan on drilling through the coupler mount to put the Kadee box on the frame.

One more thing, did you prime and sand the face of yours before painting them?

I’m a little worried of the printing lines showing through.

thanks,

-Mario

Oh... and I found this test that I rather like. 

https://youtu.be/H4xX7VecgzA

I think I’m going to try the JB Weld. I know a few people that swear by it, especially some of the only 2-rail converters I respect. 

Thanks!

-Mario

here's a set that's painted without sanding.

Awesome, Joe!  Thanks!

Thor,

I’ve  been asked to work on a pilot spacer for the MTH SW1500, do you know if this 3D printed pilot will fit that loco too?

The pilots that come with it look out of sorts, like from an earlier design and just stuck on.

It’s obvious that they use the same end designs, since even the little detail of your pilot match the body of the GP35, like behind the steps. 

Thanks,

-Mario

Uh oh. If they do fit, I will need those too. I already need many. I have to catch up on bills before I can keep buying trains. Urrggg!

it looks like the cab pilot is the one that is really different? Both ends should be tapered though?

It looks like a custom set needs to be made for this one.

CentralFan1976 posted:

I knew you had done some testing on them, and I plan on drilling through the coupler mount to put the Kadee box on the frame.

One more thing, did you prime and sand the face of yours before painting them?

I’m a little worried of the printing lines showing through.

thanks,

-Mario

No, apart from the acetone bath, I didn't do any other surface prep. I just primed and painted. The end result looked fine to me. I suppose it couldn't hurt though, if you can do it without sanding off the rivets and so on. 

CentralFan1976 posted:

Thor,

I’ve  been asked to work on a pilot spacer for the MTH SW1500, do you know if this 3D printed pilot will fit that loco too?

The pilots that come with it look out of sorts, like from an earlier design and just stuck on.

It’s obvious that they use the same end designs, since even the little detail of your pilot match the body of the GP35, like behind the steps. 

Thanks,

-Mario

Good question, but I can't really say without looking at it in person. I imagine they do reuse common configurations on the models, where possible, so I wouldn't be surprised to find it fits others as well. That would be handy, heh.

It looks to me like the SW1500 and GP35 pilots are different- the SW's pilot has a sloped end to it where it connects to the frame; the GP35 has a straight mount. I'd make a spacer out of Plastruct or something and mount the original to the bottom of the frame. Just my opinion here....

Jeff78rr posted:

It looks to me like the SW1500 and GP35 pilots are different- the SW's pilot has a sloped end to it where it connects to the frame; the GP35 has a straight mount. I'd make a spacer out of Plastruct or something and mount the original to the bottom of the frame. Just my opinion here....

I don’t think the prototype SW1500s has that sloped support behind the steps back up to the side sill. I may be wrong...

I should have checked that -- you are correct- give the pilot a shot on this one-- looks like it may fit-  

thor73 posted:

CentralFan1976 posted:

Thor,

I’ve  been asked to work on a pilot spacer for the MTH SW1500, do you know if this 3D printed pilot will fit that loco too?

The pilots that come with it look out of sorts, like from an earlier design and just stuck on.

It’s obvious that they use the same end designs, since even the little detail of your pilot match the body of the GP35, like behind the steps. 

Thanks,

-Mario

Good question, but I can't really say without looking at it in person. I imagine they do reuse common configurations on the models, where possible, so I wouldn't be surprised to find it fits others as well. That would be handy, heh.

In this case, a PD Chief in PA has asked me to look into it... he's willing to send me the unit.  Might I send him your way if he's interested in a whole new pilot?  I know most 2R guys would like the more realistic pilot.

Thanks!

- Mario

CentralFan1976 posted:

thor73 posted:

CentralFan1976 posted:

Thor,

I’ve  been asked to work on a pilot spacer for the MTH SW1500, do you know if this 3D printed pilot will fit that loco too?

The pilots that come with it look out of sorts, like from an earlier design and just stuck on.

It’s obvious that they use the same end designs, since even the little detail of your pilot match the body of the GP35, like behind the steps. 

Thanks,

-Mario

Good question, but I can't really say without looking at it in person. I imagine they do reuse common configurations on the models, where possible, so I wouldn't be surprised to find it fits others as well. That would be handy, heh.

In this case, a PD Chief in PA has asked me to look into it... he's willing to send me the unit.  Might I send him your way if he's interested in a whole new pilot?  I know most 2R guys would like the more realistic pilot.

Thanks!

- Mario

Hey Mario, I'd love to help, but honestly these are so time consuming to develop that it's just not practical to do them for anything other than my own engines.

Eh, actually, it's not really practical for those engines, either... 

Tell me about it...

CentralFan1976 posted:

Thor,

I’ve  been asked to work on a pilot spacer for the MTH SW1500, do you know if this 3D printed pilot will fit that loco too?

The pilots that come with it look out of sorts, like from an earlier design and just stuck on.

 

It’s obvious that they use the same end designs, since even the little detail of your pilot match the body of the GP35, like behind the steps. 

Thanks,

-Mario

Mario, 

I just finished an SW1500 and couldn't figure a way to make a spacer work. It looks like MTH used the pilot from the SW1 model. I ended up scratch building a pilot, with additional details by Precision Scale, scratch built items from styrene, wire and putty, and of course, your coupler pockets (I put those things on everything).

Joe Shipbaugh