Thanks to an amazing deal I scored for a number of SierraWest O-Scale kits, I've been toying around in the dark side recently. Don't worry, I'm staying firmly planted in HO (waaaay too much invested), but I'm enjoying dipping my toe in the larger scale now and then.
One of the many things that whisked me away with these particular kits are the details originally from CHB Models. Then a thought took over.
What if we could produce high-end, complex details like those from CHB on 3D printers? All you'd need to do is separate the parts with enough experience to know they would not only print well but also construct well. Not forgetting, of course, access to a talented 3D artist (not me!). Well, I had both, so I commissioned a friend to prototype, in 3D, the original Brown & Sharpe Universal Miller machine that CHB produced.
After a few short days of back and forth, sculpting and cutting, we landed here:
(https://keepitrusty.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_6021.jpg)
Detailed as this 3D model is, some parts are easier to source than print. Like feed belts and coolant pipes (paper and brass rod). We broke down the machine into almost 25 separate pieces and then I scaled the machine for O-Scale and printed it using my custom high-res print settings on my brand new Elegoo Saturn. Everything printed extremely well.
(https://keepitrusty.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_6049.jpg)
(https://keepitrusty.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/img_6050.jpg)
In the construction, tiny details like the handles were the difficult to deal with but not impossible. In O-Scale a single handle measures around 2mm. Whilst the resin was stable, working with these small details takes time and a magnifier — but it's all about the details and things like this make the machine POP with life so they are worth the effort.
In painting, I used a machine-green base, dark silver highlights, silver leaf "Rub N' Buff" on top of that, and then weathered with AK Interactive enamels and oils including Engine Grime, Engine Oil and Axle Grease.
Apart from the the hydraulic hose (wire cable), the coolant pipe (.015 brass rod), the over-arm (.072 brass rod) and the feed belt (brown construction paper) everything you see here was 3D printed. Essentially, the entire machine.
I know the paint job isn't the best, but the quality of the machine speaks for itself. Even those tiny handles came out looking perfect.
I'm already producing more machinery (not CHB) and may make some of them available for a limited run, should there be any interest. Let me know below!
Craig
Wow - Looks great! When will we see the HO scale version?
Thanks, John!
HO is down the road, as it will require more fine-tuning to produce, but I do plan on attempting it at least!
Craig,
Outstanding. Looks amazing.
Frank
The detail is wonderful Craig, keep the photos coming .....great job. 8)
Thanks, all! Glad you like it. Excited to move on to other prototype machinery now that this has proven the processes worth!
I'd be interested in an early (belt driven) HO turret lathe. My machine shop could use one of those... I think Model Masterpieces did one, but those are next-to-impossible to find.
dave
A lathe is in the pipeline, for sure.
I've been searching a neat prototype to use, so if you've seen a design you like feel free to share!
Looks really great Craig! I love what you're doing with the 3d printing. I'm going to pick up a resin printer soon so I can experiment on my own a bit.
That finishing work is just nuts! Really really great work!
Quote from: Keep it Rusty on May 06, 2021, 07:42:37 PM
A lathe is in the pipeline, for sure.
I've been searching a neat prototype to use, so if you've seen a design you like feel free to share!
This site will keep you busy for the next decade! http://vintagemachinery.org/home.aspx (http://vintagemachinery.org/home.aspx)
dave
Steve — thanks so much. You'll love 3D printing once you get the knack. Take a beat, but it's worth the effort! I recommend Elegoo as a brand now!
John — appreciate those words! I'll be putting a lot more effort in the next machine which I'll be posting next week sometime.
Dave — love that site. It's been my got to for all the machines I have in the pipeline. Thanks for sharing, anyway!
Hey Craig:
Beautiful job on both of those. Love the coloring.
Karl
Thanks, Karl! More very soon.
Dam, but those are good. Actually, they are great.
Thanks, Bob!
Can't wait to show off the new machine next week!
Life and work absorbed me for most of last week, but I got my new machine done!
This is based off a Rockford Open-Sided Planer from the 1940's. I have also produced a hydraulic pump unit that sits alongside the machine, and I'll get that finished and upload more photos of the whole setup very soon.
(https://keepitrusty.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/7.jpg)
Print time is 3.5 hours for the entire machine, pump unit included. The entire model is 23 separate pieces, with the bed and arms fully moveable, if so desired.
Wow. I mean WOW! That's amazing. :o ;D
Quote from: ReadingBob on May 17, 2021, 11:52:52 AM
Wow. I mean WOW! That's amazing. :o ;D
Cant say it any better
Man, so much to look at - the shiny metal surfaces, the faded industrial green paint, the wear on the smooth painted surfaces, the worn paint exposing the metal underneath, and of course, all the intricate details. Such a joy to look at. I can only imagine this, in a shop, part of a building, part of a diorama, sitting on a layout. How could one possibly drink all that in?
Bob, John, Vince... thanks so much! So glad you guys like it. Appreciate your keen eye, Vince! It's that detail that keeps me coming back time and again to these machines. More machines soon, too!
As this is my own, I'm thinking on producing this machine as a limited-run kit. And I'll be experimenting with it in HO.
Craig,
This is another amazing model.
Frank
Thanks for your continued support, Frank!
Wonderful work on the machines. Such detail and realistic finishes.
Jeff
Craig,
Having worked in a machine shop for over 30 years I have to say you captured what a machine looks like after years of use in a greasy, oily, dusty environment. Nice job.
Bernd
Nailed it!!!!!!!!!!
Jeff, Bernd, Bob — thanks! There's something about the oil and grease and heavy use that just keeps me coming back to these little suckers!
Already at work on the next.
The latest looks great Craig.....if only we could get wood and metal working machines with this detail in HO. 8)
Quote from: GPdemayo on May 18, 2021, 11:01:13 AM
The latest looks great Craig.....if only we could get wood and metal working machines with this detail in HO. 8)
Thanks, Greg. And standby, I'm gonna run a test with the Planer in HO soon.
Quote from: Keep it Rusty on May 18, 2021, 11:23:13 AM
Quote from: GPdemayo on May 18, 2021, 11:01:13 AM
The latest looks great Craig.....if only we could get wood and metal working machines with this detail in HO. 8)
Thanks, Greg. And standby, I'm gonna run a test with the Planer in HO soon.
Sounds like a plan....put me on the list. :)
Amazing modeling and finishing Craig !
Tommy
Thanks, Tom! Really appreciate it.
And Greg, I'll be sure to keep you posted here :)
Craig
Fantastic work, as I said before. I'm really interested in seeing this in HO - please keep us posted on your rest results.