PRR H8-9-10 in shapeways

[Altoona]

For all the SPF out there, there a gentlemen that is doing PRR H8-9-10 boiler shell in Shapeways

http://www.shapeways.com/product/CZTGY49AZ/prr-h8-9-10-n-scale-shell?optionId=59956491

[Lemosteam]

Yes, Konrad has stretched things a bit to get it to fit on a bachmann connie chassis without the motor showing.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Has anyone gotten one?

I'm thinking about surprising my dad with one, but I want to make sure it works before I do.

[reinhardtjh]

It's new and still under development.

Here's the guy's (Konrad) blog: http://adventuresinzscale.blogspot.com/2016/05/prr-updates-coming-right-up.html

Here's a pic of his test shot:






Feels like it might be riding a bit high to me.  He's done it as a snap on shell for the Bachmann 2-8-0. The intent is a minimum of modification to the mechanism.  I'm not sure how that will work out.

He's got a real nice L1s for the Kato 2-8-0 also. http://shpws.me/LW3Z and http://shpws.me/KWSB

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Thanks John. I agree, it does look like it's riding a bit high.

Hopefully he'll find a way to correct that.

[reinhardtjh]

I'm wondering if you grind a bit off the top of the mechanism it will lower it.  I have to take a look at one of my 2-8-0's and see.  The Bachmann 2-8-0 has a 9" (roughly, according to my measurements) longer wheelbase than the H8/9/10 but I don't think there is another mechanism out there that comes even that close.  It looks like Konrad did a good job stretching the H10 without making it obvious anywhere.  So if the height can be fixed, It should be a good shell.

[Bob Bufkin]

A bit high!   That loco has on its high water trousers.

[wazzou]

I think you guys need to study the prototype photo a little more closely, because the model doesn't look that much higher to me.

[eric220]

I think you guys need to study the prototype photo a little more closely, because the model doesn't look that much higher to me.

Agreed. It looks like there might be some under-the-running-board equipment either missing or different than the comparison photo, but otherwise, the dimensions from the drivers to the cab and running boards doesn't look that far off.

[Lemosteam]

Uhh height looks perfect to me:

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[eric220]

And sold!

[chicken45]

Uhh height looks perfect to me:

(Attachment Link)

John, this is why TRW is glad to have you here.


I hope is is designed in a way where you can easily sand those lines off the FUD.

[Lemosteam]

John, this is why TRW is glad to have you here.


I hope is is designed in a way where you can easily sand those lines off the FUD.

I would take a different approach and would have designed all the parts separately (no pipes, stanchions or details on the boiler) so it can be cleaned and sanded without breaking anything, assembled and painted.

But that is just me.  At least ai was successful in convincing him to lengthen the shell to hide the motor after what @nscaleSPF2 went through with his remotor thread: https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=35967.0

[mmagliaro]

I'm afraid I see a few big issues here, besides just shaving off details if you want to add your own.

So, donning my "Mr Wet Rag" hat...

I agree, the top of the boiler looks like it is the correct height, but what makes the whole shell look like it is too high is all that space between its lower edge and the tops of the drivers.  Look at how low the lower sloping edge of the firebox should be in the prototype.  It is almost down to top of the rear driver.  But that shell casting has it way above the driver.  The lower edge of the cab is also too high.  All that air space between the lower edge and the tops of the drivers makes the shell look like it is riding a mile in the air.

The other thing to be wary of is that this shell is really an H8.  If you use it for an H9 or H10, there are some big spotting features
to correct because the walkways and locations and sizes of the air reservoirs, cooling lines, and the air compressor on the left side are very different between those 3 classes.   (Look at the walkway on the prototype photo in this thread, which is an H10, compared to
the one on the shell.)    You definitely could cut the walkways, air tanks, and cooling lines off, and make new ones to match a proper H9 or H10, and that would work because the rest of the boiler shell is very much the same.

(or just make it  an H8 and be done with it, which would be a whole lot easier)

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Shhhhhh Max! I already have one headed to my dad for Fathers Day... lol.

It's a better stand in than his current Bachmann engine, so I'll take it.