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Post by fishbelly on Oct 21, 2023 16:31:37 GMT -8
While waiting to get my 3D printer, I am designing my parts. Lots to do still. Today I took a field trip downtown. One of the areas that the locomotives are parked are right next to a parking lot. A very small one that get very little traffic. Maybe a couple or three cars. I go there all the time because the local railroad typically has one of their GP38's parked there. I took the opportunity today to measure a spitter valve on the tail end of the air reservoirs. I only have one detail to draw on it. It is a street elbow. I will go get that information tomorrow. Here is what it looks like. I have seen some AMAZING things printed on todays 3D printers so I am really hoping I can dial in the one I get and print these items.  |
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Post by big train james on Oct 21, 2023 22:14:12 GMT -8
Brian, Are you talking about an elbow like this.......  Depending on what 3d modeling software you are using, you can probably download a .stp file from somewhere like McMaster-Carr. You can then import the .stp file into your drawing, and then manipulate it as necessary. The entity should import as a solid if you are using a solid modeler like Solidworks or Fusion. If your software doesn't have a toolbox that includes things like fasteners or pipe fittings, then you can often find them on the McMaster-Carr site and download existing 3d models in some form or another. It can save a lot of time and often fussy work. On the drain valve, I used MMC for the pipe fitting, the fillister head screws, and the 12 point nuts. When you move onto the Blombergs, you can get your 3d cad for castellated locking nuts from McMaster. Need to follow up with you on other aspects of your project, I've just got my hands full with other things at the moment. I hope to have time tomorrow evening or Monday to comment further. Jim |
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Post by fishbelly on Oct 22, 2023 4:22:01 GMT -8
Yes, that is the elbow. Seems they are found in different locations. The one on the valve I measured yesterday was on the side.
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Post by big train james on Oct 24, 2023 8:37:38 GMT -8
Yes, the elbows can be mounted in different locations, and rotated in different orientations. I have even seen instances where the outlet is just a straight pipe nipple pointing down. Some feature different fasteners, and some have added hardware/electronics beyond the standard drain valve. You either need to pick a specific unit to model, or concede that a generic application will be good enough. I tend to get caught up in the specifics.
The problem in O scale is some of this smaller detail is attainable, and I tend to want it, but it's a very slippery slope. If I bother with "X", then shouldn't I also bother with "Y". I'll do some dysfunctional things, but I kind of admitted defeat when I looked at the underframe air piping drawing for an sd40-2. Not the air reservoir piping, but the piping feeding all the air actuated appliances. I think that might be too much.
I need to fix the heads on the vertical bolts on mine. I'm not sure what I referenced when I drew mine, but most photos I see now have the recessed head. They are available at MMC, I can download and modify.
Jim
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Post by fishbelly on Oct 24, 2023 10:06:52 GMT -8
Jim,
I am not going to bother with most of the stuff you cannot see. But then again. If I can model it accurately and enjoy doing it. I will. Sort of like amour modeling. Interiors are completely invisible. Then again, it is fun to do all that work and know it is there. We are not modeling for others approval. We are modeling because we enjoy the challenge and the outcome. Yeah we beat out chests every now and then. That is all part of the community though.
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