Weekend Update 5/25/25

[Jim Starbuck]

Why 36" wheels?  Is that what the prototype rode upon?  Seems over kill -- probably should be on 33" (?).

It had more to do with axle length than wheel diameter. My go-to ESM wheelsets .540 axle x 33” wheels were a bit tight in the printed trucks. The Tangent 36” wheelsets I have on hand have .537” axle length and the few thousandths just let it roll more freely. Yes, I can ream out the printed trucks but I’m not sure I’m even leaving them on at this point as they are kind of chunky.
I suspect the prototype ran on 33s but I really don’t know for sure.

[wazzou]

I suspect the prototype ran on 33s but I really don’t know for sure.

According to Robert Del Grosso's BN Caboose Book, it did indeed have 33" wheels

[Jim Starbuck]

According to Robert Del Grosso's BN Caboose Book, it did indeed have 33" wheels.

Thank you. I appreciate the information and will make appropriate changes.

EDIT:
I changed the wheelsets to ESM 33” and filed the front bolster down another .010”.
The rear bolster was thicker and required more material removal and @peteski was indeed correct that the rear was riding higher.
All corrected now. Thank you for the constructive criticism gentlemen.

[Pizzaparty]

I’m late to the party this week but I finished this printed 50’ Hutch caboose to run with the NW5.
It’s offered by a ScaleTraxx. It comes with printed trucks and clear printed window inserts.
I used 36” Tangent wheelsets and MT Z scale couplers.
The GN heralds are Microscale and the rest of the decals were printed.

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

How are the quality of his prints Jim? I’ve been eyeballing his coal porters to make a fantasy V&O train and being undecorated and half the cost of kato they seem like they would fit the bill

[Jim Starbuck]

How are the quality of his prints Jim? I’ve been eyeballing his coal porters to make a fantasy V&O train and being undecorated and half the cost of kato they seem like they would fit the bill

I was happy with the print quality. It arrived in the most robust packaging I’ve ever seen (a thick walled tube with printed end caps) the end ladders and upper railings are all printed and while not brass wire, very acceptable.
There were fine print lines on the roof that sanded out without adding filler and I cut down the bolsters to lower the ride height which is all I had to do with the model.
The shell arrived with all the supports already removed and didn’t require extra cleaning and took paint very well.
It took a day under a month to arrive which is consistent with a friend that also ordered from them but it’s not like we’re ordering ambulance parts here.
Overall I’m pleased with the print and wouldn’t hesitate to order from them again as they offer some unique models not found elsewhere.