I certainly didn't want to Hijack CarlB's terrific thread on his Station build.

But, I wanted to clarify my comment about his baggage carts 'inspiring me'. Seeing how much they add to the scene is what makes a great modeler stand out in the crowd. He certainly has earned that badge. So, we've had a little sidebar regarding 3D printing and how it can be a time saver, shipping cost saver, in some cases, the only way to get a hold of that piece made of inoptanium (out of business, no longer available, yada,yada) With the end of Highway Miniatures, those cars, trucks, wagons, etc. have been classified as inobtanium, unless you are willing to give up your first born, etc.

So being in need of some baggage carts myself, Carl's build drew a lot of attention to which was the preferred cart. The Jordan won, hands down. So as I looked at the two, I liked some features on both of the examples.

So I hopped on the computer and started making some basic moves. One of the models had scale 32" diameter wheels, the other 29" diameter wheels. In HO scale, we're not talking 1 mm of difference. I know how far I can make a part print, and the limitations. If 29" looked good, I'd shoot for 28". Here is what they looked like just as the printer finished.



Then after a light run across some 600# sandpaper

[


I had no need to make the carts have live axles, so was only interested in getting the ride height where I wanted it. So, back to the drawing board.

Here is the side frame member and the rear suspension in one fell swoop.




Now here is the bad part...this phone is more complicated than the drawing/printing process. I thought I had taken shots of every part right after the finished on the printer. Maybe Apple knows which cloud they're on, I sure as heck don't!

Here are a few more parts, the steering bar.



and the front end mounts



I started on this about 0930 this morning. I was done with the drawin, printing, and gluing by 1400. The inobtanium carts cost about $.08 to make. If you know how to draw what you want, use free software, and probably your public library's printer. You can do the same.


They ain't no Jordan's, but there not inobtanium either!




Jim

Like!

Nicely done, Jim!

Pete

in Michigan

You've solved the inobtanium problem, Jim. Your accelerated timetable reflects your knowledge and talent. Nice modeling.

George

Thanks Pete and George. Always something to learn in this hobby.

Jim

Great job Jim!!

Wonderful job. If I weren't so darn OLD I think I would try to get into the 3-D printing arena.

Bob

Aw shucks Jerry, thanks.

Bob, I started horsing around with this stuff 3 years ago when I was 72. It took me 2 months to get it to print my first part. It seemed awfully complicated. It's like soloing on a bicycle. There are a lot of online tutorials on it. This one is a good starting point...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5tp4QXciK4

Jim

Gee... I am flattered...[:I]

Thank you Jim for your extremely kind words..

Your 3D prints are looking great! I am envious....

Fortunately a former co-worker recently purchased a printer and is learning as we speak. He wants me to send him some ideas (details) to try!

Jim, I'm a bit more than 72 years old, I'm 85. I am ok computer-wise but I'm too old to learn a new

program and cannot see the expense since I do not know if I have that many years left.

Bob

Jim,

Looks like you took the Eagles’ advice to “Take it to the limit”.

Your baggage carts look very good and you make a compelling argument for getting a printer.

Mike

Jim,

Nice job with "additive machining". Very fast too.

Now you got me wondering if it can be done with "subtractive machining"?

Bernd

Not bad for PLA.

Philip

Carl, your work on models and techniques deserves the praise.

Bob, I ran into a 99 year old at the Lansing, Mi, trainshow last year with 2 shopping bags of stuff he had bought. He said "I'll stop the funeral procession before missing a trainshow". Now there is a great attitude.

Mike, read the above comment.

Bernd, if anyone will do it, it will be you.

Thanks all!

Thanks Philip,

I only print with ABS (this one) or carbon fiber.

Jim