Got a railcar float but no transfer point? This apron will get it done like a boss!
Update version 2 changes:
-Tracks are now 1 1/4 inches or 32mm apart to go with my v2 float design.
-Railspikes are in strips and enlarged to allow easier insertion.
-Footprint is 7mm wider and 4mm longer.
-Deck planking has a more uniform look and smaller.
-Several other minor fixes and measurements to standards.
This is a apron for my railcar floats v2. The apron is made for my float design also on Thingiverse but any float with a deck height of 10mm and two tracks spaced 32mm apart center to center will work.
In addition to the prints, you will need:
-N Scale Rail (code 80 recommended)
-1mm styrene rod (For axels on hoist wheels)
-Fine chain or wire for the hoist cabling. (I used several strands of fine wire spun together in a electric drill)
Some of the prints are very fine and really push what a 0.4 nozzle PLA/FDM printer can do. The below tips will help.
-Make sure you know your printer and slicer settings well and have them dialed in for fine prints for your particular printer.
-Make sure build plate is level and you have good adhesion practices, so corners do not raise off the build plate.
-Use a quality made PLA brand.
-STLs print best at first layer height of 0.20 mm and each layer after at 0.10 mm.
-Print slowly to avoid vibrations. All my speed settings are no faster than 30 mm/second.
-Details are fine and some parts are thin, be careful during cleanup and handling not to break anything.
-Print the spikes in the end color you'll want them to be on your layout as paint will interfere with insertion. In my case I printed them in yellow.
Ladder-Supported.stl | 2.2MB | |
Ladder.stl | 1.1MB | |
N_Apron_Bridge-v2.stl | 23.1MB | |
N_Apron_Deck-v2.stl | 348.8KB | |
N_Apron_DeckRailSpikes-v2.stl | 407.1KB | |
N_Apron_Deck_Spikes.stl | 22.7KB | |
N_Apron_HoistBridge-v2.stl | 36.7MB | |
N_Apron_Hoist_Supports.stl | 1.6MB | |
N_Apron_PillingRailSpikes.stl | 72.7KB | |
N_Apron_Pillings-v2.stl | 438.0KB | |
N_Apron_Railing-Supported.stl | 524.3KB | |
N_Apron_Railing.stl | 97.7KB | |
N_Apron_Wheels-Supported.stl | 4.2MB | |
N_Apron_Wheels.stl | 2.0MB |