Pennsy H30 Covered Hopper Teaser

[TrainCat2]

Ok, the H30 is built. I will have to make some very minor tweeks to the artwork. Here are pics of the hopper.

[Chris333]

Should the stirrups be rounded off as much toward the body. I though they looked more angular in the drawings. Still looking great though.

[bambuko]

Should the stirrups be rounded off as much toward the body...

[tom mann]

Wow Bob, that looks great.  So, how in the heck did you make the 3d parts? 

[TrainCat2]

Tom, They are a combination of etched layers that are folded over each other. That is the same principle I am using for the PRR K7 Stockcar. This car was actually easier to build than I ever imagined.

Chris, they should be more angular. This was a deviation to make the stirrups more rigid and survivable. The sharp angle (in Bambuko's photo) would have made a stress point where the stirrup could have bent inward from inadvertent pressure. The curve relieves the stress and makes the .010 stirrup amazingly strong. In fact, I was pressing down on the body which rested on the stirrups (not thinking late at night). When I realized what I was doing, I expected them to be crushed. Instead, they did NOT bend or deform.

[bigbinkc]

Now all you have to do is make the 5 Bay version

[Robbman]

You should add the brackets for the emerg/aux reservior so it doesn't look like it's floating... and make the grabs out of wire... not the flat staple looking things they are.

[TrainCat2]

Robb,

Thanks for the constructive criticism.

As far as the grabs go, the kit comes with enough .009 wire where the user can use the etched ones, or make his own. Here is a comparison.

[Robbman]

Sweet!  Much better.  I'd add a little more wire so the end user can model the hard lines (i.e reservior to ABD, ABD to cylinder)... open end cars are a pain.  Etching a bellcrank, the brackets and the lever for the brake cylinder would be cool as well... does anybody make really fine chain... like around 2"x4" links?

[Hyperion]

Best out there, to my knowledge, that's not etched but actual chain, is 52lpi.  And TrainCat carries it.  That's a scale 3" link.  I don't own any, so I don't know if the links are round or oval.  Go with etched, and therefore 'flat' chain, and you can go as low as 72lpi, which is about a 2.25" link.

[GaryHinshaw]

Thumbs up on those wire grabs.

I need some of that 72lpi chain to finish off my spine detailing project (along with some bridges & stuff).  Any updates on your new distribution channels Bob?

-gfh

[Chris333]

Distribution channel:
http://cgi.ebay.com/72-LPI-Etched-Brass-Chain_W0QQitemZ360132042714QQcmdZViewItemQQptZModel_RR_Trains?hash=item360132042714&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262

Looks like he sells all his products on e-bay now.

[TrainCat2]

Thumbs up on those wire grabs.

I need some of that 72lpi chain to finish off my spine detailing project (along with some bridges & stuff).  Any updates on your new distribution channels Bob?

-gfh

Shane @ MBK just placed an order for everything in N that I make. They should have it very soon.

Robb, different wire, but it is included in all of my car kits. For brake pipe, I include .008 brass wire. Easier to work with then the .009 Phosphor Bronze.

[FrankCampagna]

Shane @ MBK just placed an order for everything in N that I make. They should have it very soon.

Great!!!! And you will have a new customer. A couple of things I want off the top. Keep up the good work. Thanks for all your efforts.

Frank