The LNER Encyclopedia

Hi all,

I downloaded a free CAD package off the web a few months ago - having completed a free 30 day trial (during which time I didn't use it at all!), I decided to see what the basic version left on my computer could do.

I've never modelled in 3D before but have put this together since Wednesday - a rough indication of a set of parts I've designed once assembled. Please let me know what you think.

Hi Steve,

Very interesting. A GCR 11E Director by the looks of it. What 3D CAD package are you using? I take you have modelled this to 2mm scale?

Morgan

Hi Morgan,

Close... its a B2 and yes it is to N gauge.

CAD package is Alibre Design, which is available as a web download.

Very good, have you had any training for this type of program, will be worth looking at this program as well.

How meny parts is this made up with and did parts land up, up side down when you assembled it for the first time.

Hi Industrial,

No I've had no formal training for this program, simply the first of the 3D designing tutorials (I got bored by the second and just started playing). I've found it quite easy to get a feel for the program but some of the components require a little thought before making.

The assembly in my first post consists of five components, the running plate/upper chassis, the boiler/firebox, the cad, chimney and dome - and yes I had fun getting them into the same orientation and placement while trying to assemble them!

Hopefully, I can find someone willing to machine these parts for me without it breaking the bank....

Still lots of detailing work to be done (and I'm not happy with the chimney or dome yet), I'm going to use components from UM for the wheels, tender and drive (assuming I can convert the file into a usable format and find a helpfull workshop).

Very good I persume it is one of the parametric modelling programs if so it might be usable on a CAD CAM machine. I am learning one of this group of programs at my local tec.

Hi Industrial,

Yes, according to company I got it from it is a parametric modelling program which can be used on a CAD/CAM machine.

Good luck with your course and I look forward to seeing the results in the future!

By using this program this should help keep the cost of making the moulding tools down and only other tip I can give you is to split the boiler down the lengh as this will make the cost of the moulding tools less as otherwise the moulding tool will have to split into at least three against two to let the mould drop from the tool.

I presume it will be in plastic so when you have the tools made you will have to decide where you will have the moulds run to fit on there machine as the fittings will be different.

Will your program run on a lap top will it be on a proper computer

Good luck Steve.

Hi Industrial,

Thanks for the help and advice - this project is a one off for me and the parts will be machined directly rather than producing a mould. However, I might consider doing something more with this at a later date and will keep you comment about the boiler design in mind.

I've also PM'ed you about your other query...

Cheers

Got some more done on the B2 drawings today, mainly the smoke box door and buffers. I also found I'd made the front of the footplate to narrow and needed to make some corrections there - which took a frustrating two hours to figure out!

Anyway, a progress picture below, - I've coloured the various assemblies mainly for my own easy of reference.

if you go down the machining road, and making several would be more cost effective than one, seriously give us a shout cos I could really use one of those locos!!!

Will

Will, I'll let you know what I'll be able to do getting two made when/if I get to that stage

Right got some more done on the 'Sam Fay' last night, mainly detailing the boiler, smoke box door and cab. However, I've now noticed the cab and footplate don't fit properly which is going to create some head scratching how to fix this (at first I thought the boiler was over length, an easier fix, but alas no... ).

Anyway another picture showing the progress made but not the cab/footplate problems...

looking great! I bet the chaps at man a cottage industry manufacturer are looking on with envy!

If you need any ref pics, give us a shout- I should be able to help. some of the small things can be tricky to interpret from drawings!

Will

Thanks for comments Will.

I'm referencing the drawings against the pictures in part 2B of the LNER Green series so so far I've managed to figure out what everything should look like (then a lot of head scratching trying the model it in CAD!) but will PM you if I get stuck - thanks for the offer

Hi,

Can you do etched parts from the 3D drawing or do you have to lay out those sort of plans the old fashioned way?

Regards

Duncan