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Post by slowfreight on Sept 9, 2015 23:52:07 GMT -5
Should get him to make the sand boxes also for the cars!! Already done. I only needed 2 of those! Underbody piping is done on the trailers. Here's some updated photos: My accuracy is questionable, but the most visible pipe is the one that comes out of the air tank. Otherwise, I made sure there were at 3 lines running to the triple valve, although I believe this car probably would have 5.
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Post by slowfreight on Oct 8, 2015 23:10:15 GMT -5
In some ways NJ is a quick trip from here, but in others it's anything but. I made the trip over to the Hoboken terminal in Jersey today (2 NYCTA subways plus 1 PATH train), pausing to look at the new PATH WTC station.
I was able to measure the step wells on a prototype Comet II to help me identify why the IMW and Walthers cars don't line up. Now I understand that the Comet II cars have been rebuilt with pocket doors to close up the traps while moving. Not sure why this was considered worth the expense. I haven't tallied up the measurements and compared to my models, but that comes tomorrow and I will learn whether the Walthers or IMW car is more wrong.
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Post by stevef45 on Oct 8, 2015 23:19:02 GMT -5
In some ways NJ is a quick trip from here, but in others it's anything but. I made the trip over to the Hoboken terminal in Jersey today (2 NYCTA subways plus 1 PATH train), pausing to look at the new PATH WTC station. I was able to measure the step wells on a prototype Comet II to help me identify why the IMW and Walthers cars don't line up. Now I understand that the Comet II cars have been rebuilt with pocket doors to close up the traps while moving. Not sure why this was considered worth the expense. I haven't tallied up the measurements and compared to my models, but that comes tomorrow and I will learn whether the Walthers or IMW car is more wrong. Its NJ Transit, nothing they do makes sense.
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Post by slowfreight on Oct 11, 2015 15:16:37 GMT -5
In conclusion, the IMW shell is 6" too short vertically, and it's all missing out of the bottom of the car.
I will still replace the 4-step boxes with 3 steps on the Walthers cars per NJT, but I'm now pondering my options to addd the 6" and correct some of the other deficiencies in the IMW shell. Dangit.
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Post by acelaphillies on Oct 16, 2015 16:50:11 GMT -5
Wow, you are really dedicated to this project! Going out and taking personal measurements ! Thanks for the report, I hope you can get the IMW car adjusted.
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Post by jonnyray on Apr 25, 2016 17:25:54 GMT -5
What nwsl wheels work on the horizon cars? I lost 3 of the original wheels. Also, do the wheels have to be insulated?
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Post by slowfreight on May 12, 2016 22:08:31 GMT -5
I can send you some of my extra wheels if you'd rather. IIRC, the axles are a different diameter.
The part number was 7127-4, HO 33in/110 flush 3/32in x 0.797in axle NP
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Post by slowfreight on Feb 10, 2017 1:33:04 GMT -5
I've finally made some progress designing the new steps as a 3D-printed part. Since I can't model from the hotel room right now, it's as good a time as any to teach myself CAD. A few more tweaks, and I'll order the first test printing from Shapeways.
Once the bugs are worked out, these steps should be correct for NJT and Metro North. AMT's doors are more like Comet I's, and I'm not sure about SEPTA or ConnDoT. Also, Mike at IHP now has the trucks available again as 3D printings with wheels included on his ebay store if anyone else is contemplating upgrades to these cars.
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Post by backshophoss on Feb 10, 2017 2:06:22 GMT -5
Believe ConnDOT followed NJT's specs on the first order from BBD,MN order followed ConnDOT's. This was about the time ConnDOT's 4 FL-9's were at Chrome Crankshaft being rebuild(the "Danbury" 4 units)
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Post by slowfreight on Mar 8, 2017 0:02:03 GMT -5
After rechecking my dimensions and making a few adjustments, I ordered the steps from Shapeways tonight. They will probably need a bit of dressing to fit the cars. I made the parts squared, but the opening on the car once I trim the steps out will be a little tapered.
This will be my first experience with any 3D-printed part, so it could be a total bust that makes me have to redraw the part. Photos to come.
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Post by Amtrak207 on Mar 8, 2017 0:33:49 GMT -5
Good luck!! Many of us look forward to your results!!
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Post by slowfreight on Mar 13, 2017 21:24:46 GMT -5
Yay! My first 3D-printed parts arrived today!
I will try to pack some tools and work on them in the evenings this week. At first glance, the parts should work fine.
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Post by slowfreight on Mar 14, 2017 23:17:39 GMT -5
Like a glove. Phone camera isn't great for pictures, but the part test fit beautifully with almost no adjustment. I will make these available through Shapeways for those interested in doing the same conversion. Each part will do 2 full cars. Even if Walthers does a new version, there will still be plenty of these cars running around FWIW, if you keep the original coupler mounting, cut out only the bottom 3 steps or you will ruin the screw hole for the coupler lid. I used the razor saw blade that fits the X-acto small handle, plus a #11 blade to cut out the bottom 3 steps. The sides needed a little dressing with a file, but I think you could convert an entire car in about half an hour if you moved slowly. I didn't install them pending cleaning the castings. So, after an 18-month delay the project is moving forward again. I got some stainless diamond plate from Plano that I will glue to the deck in the vestibules, since removing the end doors makes it visible. This will hide the gap between top step and the floor, since the new stairwell is not as deep as on the Amtrak version.
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Post by backshophoss on Mar 14, 2017 23:27:52 GMT -5
Could you post some pics of the underframe bottom/coupler mount mods?
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Post by slowfreight on Mar 14, 2017 23:39:49 GMT -5
Could you post some pics of the underframe bottom/coupler mount mods? I would have to pull out the calipers to tell you what sizes of plastic I used. Mostly, though, I followed the Frank Cicero article from years ago, adapted for some more modern details.
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