N Gauge Forum

Hi all,

One of the things I am involved in is helping another modeller achieve what he wants on his railway.

Latest query is about Network Rail Brake Force Runners - Rebiult Mk1 GUV for GWR, now usde by Network Rail.

96602-96609 - Motorail Van (side-loading), converted 1998-1999

Does anyone know if a 3D Print of these coaches has been available - or is it a case of start from scratch?

Phil H

Phil

Hi there looks like

https://www.departmentals.com/departmental/96606

Start from scratch or plasticard etc. Googling Andrew's 3d print but sadly 00 gauge

Phil I think it maybe a case of asking Ross in America or Njee20 one the 3d lads see if they could help
Chris

I discussed these with ExmouthCraig of this parish years ago, but never got anywhere. Not something I've got capacity for at the moment.

A long shot I know, but does BeesHill do anything suitable? http://www.beeshillmodels.co.uk/

Quote from: ScottishModeller on March 21, 2025, 01:32:56 AM...
96602-96609 - Motorail Van (side-loading), converted 1998-1999

Does anyone know if a 3D Print of these coaches has been available - or is it a case of start from scratch?

Phil H

There was a print on Shapeways.  :(

Quote from: RailGooner on March 21, 2025, 01:40:06 PM

Quote from: ScottishModeller on March 21, 2025, 01:32:56 AM...
96602-96609 - Motorail Van (side-loading), converted 1998-1999

Does anyone know if a 3D Print of these coaches has been available - or is it a case of start from scratch?

Phil H

There was a print on Shapeways.  :(

Thanks, at least that means the guy I'm helping wasn't imagining it!

Now, just need to see if I can find out whho was doing it and where the drawings ended up.

Apparently there is a full set of drawings for it - another search to find out who holds them.

Phil H

Quote from: ScottishModeller on March 21, 2025, 02:30:00 PM...
Thanks, at least that means the guy I'm helping wasn't imagining it!
..

Phil, I managed to find my receipt for the pair I ordered in 2017. Unfortunately, there's no details of the designer.  :(

The Shapeways model no longer exists. Shop shut because of Shapeways horrific service messing the shop's owner around too often. A few designs sadly lost.

Jo

Quote from: steadfast on March 22, 2025, 11:02:03 AMThe Shapeways model no longer exists. Shop shut because of Shapeways horrific service messing the shop's owner around too often. A few designs sadly lost.

Jo

Indeed. Which is why I was hoping the receipt might provide a clue to the designer's identity. And considerably more than just a few designs lost.

I think he was using the name Rail 3D Prints at the time, but they're gone and won't be returning.

Jo

Quote from: steadfast on March 22, 2025, 11:32:06 AMI think he was using the name Rail 3D Prints at the time, but they're gone and won't be returning.

Jo

Hi Jo,

Thanks for the name....

OK - checking back - no date

Creator was listed as 'Rods_of_Revolution'

Now trying to put a name to him and then see if possible to make direct contaact.

Edit - Jo, I think you know this modeller? I have a saved part of a thread from a different subject which implies this!

Phil H

Yes I do know him, hence I know the models won't be coming back.

Jo

Quote from: steadfast on March 22, 2025, 06:16:56 PMYes I do know him, hence I know the models won't be coming back.

Jo

:-(

If the plans were available, I would be happy to have a go at knocking something up. If you had a GUV chassis already, and just wanted the body, it would be pretty straightforward

Quote from: F2Andy on March 25, 2025, 02:34:12 PMIf the plans were available, I would be happy to have a go at knocking something up. If you had a GUV chassis already, and just wanted the body, it would be pretty straightforward

You'd get my $upport.

Quote from: steadfast on March 22, 2025, 06:16:56 PMYes I do know him, hence I know the models won't be coming back.

Jo

Wow, that is a pretty terminal statement. Is he ok?

Even if the models won't come back, perhaps the drawings?

GE

Quote from: GlenEglise on March 25, 2025, 08:42:49 PM

Quote from: steadfast on March 22, 2025, 06:16:56 PMYes I do know him, hence I know the models won't be coming back.

Jo

Wow, that is a pretty terminal statement. Is he ok?

Even if the models won't come back, perhaps the drawings?

GE

All is well, he's no longer self employed so doesn't have the time to be chasing things like this.

The final nail with Shapeways was their appalling support for designers, failing products that had printed fine 100 times and saying it needed redesign, hence the shop closed a while before Shapeways went under. Various other models went with the motorail vans, including the UKF bogie fertiliser vans. Also Shapeways materials didn't keep up with the times, and FUD or whatever they keep changing the name to, wasn't on a par with resins.

I keep trying to persuade him to get some bits printed in resin and sold on ebay or whatever (I could even do the decals  ;) ) but no time or desire at the present time.

Jo

Quote from: steadfast on March 25, 2025, 08:51:32 PM..
All is well...

Glad to read it!

QuoteAll is well, he's no longer self employed so doesn't have the time to be chasing things like this.

The final nail with Shapeways was their appalling support for designers, failing products that had printed fine 100 times and saying it needed redesign, hence the shop closed a while before Shapeways went under. Various other models went with the motorail vans, including the UKF bogie fertiliser vans. Also Shapeways materials didn't keep up with the times, and FUD or whatever they keep changing the name to, wasn't on a par with resins.

I keep trying to persuade him to get some bits printed in resin and sold on ebay or whatever (I could even do the decals  ;) ) but no time or desire at the present time.

Jo

Thank goodness that he is ok.

Well, maybe in due time he will come back to the hobby. It would be a real shame if designs are lost to the greater community.

GE

I have had a go at making a model. The end not visible in the photos I first saw turned out to be considerably more complicated that the other end!

Feel free to comment on the images; does anything look not quite right? I realised only one door has a handle, so that is one issue...  As far as I can tell the tumble home is two straights rather than a curve; anyone know any better?

It is sized to fit a Lima GUV as I found one cheap recently with the intention of doing a similar project.


(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/150/6734-290325080350.png) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=150579)

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/150/6734-290325080422.png) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=150580)

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/150/6734-290325080441.png) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=150581)

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/150/6734-290325080458.png) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=150582)

Hi Andy,

Looking good - still interested in getting a couple, as, I think is Brian!

THeres a couple of guys doing them in TT120 and OO on RMweb...

Interesting to see your progress compared the those.

Phil H

Here is a first print.




(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/150/6734-310325085018.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=150608)

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/150/6734-310325085043.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=150609)

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/150/6734-310325085104.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=150610)

I have posed it on the Lima body next to a RTR BG for size comparison, and it looks to be a little high. I think that is just the internal walls, so simple to correct. I am also thinking the detailing needs to be exaggerated; I am worried it will disappear with painting.

Looks great Andy! In the spirit of constructive criticism: the overhang on the roof at the door end should be more prominent I'd say.

The end doors should be wider, and more closely follow the contour of the wagon; the hinges sit right at the outer edges.

Harder to say definitively but I feel it needs a sharper angle on the ends, particularly the non-door end. Yours looks a little flat.

The black rectangular 'bumper strips' go across pairs of the doors on the side, and I think are actually more prominent than the CAD, more visible in this photo:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/1739/41857973435_208727f40b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/26LR4ca)96606 (https://flic.kr/p/26LR4ca) by Gareth Rawlings (https://www.flickr.com/photos/laurasia280/), on Flickr

As you've identified the whole thing is riding too tall, I'd be minded to literally squash the entire drawing. The above shows it alongside a 37 and how closely the roof contours align.

I'm in general agreement with Nick's comments. Although, I'm sure I see a break between doors, in the bumper strip. Re height: the body looks to be riding high on the solebar by 1mm or so, to my imperfect eye.

Yes, you're quite right Mark, technically speaking there can't not be a break, otherwise you wouldn't be able to open the doors singly, from the N gauge perspective I would make it continuous though.

Quote from: ScottishModeller on March 29, 2025, 02:50:24 PMHi Andy,

Looking good - still interested in getting a couple, as, I think is Brian!

THeres a couple of guys doing them in TT120 and OO on RMweb...

Interesting to see your progress compared the those.

Phil H

Yes, indeed interested.

GE

A few versions later, and I feel happy with how this is looking now.


(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/151/6734-210425133952.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=151314)

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/151/6734-210425134017.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=151315)

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/151/6734-210425134042.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=151316)

Hi Andy,

Certainly looks the part!

So, what next?

If someone wanted to get a couple off you......

How could we do that?

Phil H

Does £12 for a pair seem reasonable?

As I said, it is designed to fit the Lima BG chassis - not included!

I am going to say plus £4 post and packaging. It is years since I last posted a parcel, so I am going by what I have seen charged recently. However, if you are in NW England, we might be able to meet at an exhibition or something.

I did some design work for IanT, and he paid me by PayPal, which seemed pretty straightforward. Anyone interested can PM me, and I will give you my email address. I would aim to get it to you within two weeks.

I would appreciate it if you sent me a photo of the finished article that I can post on my blog.

Hi all,

I now have a pair of bodies from Andy!

Looking as good in the flesh as they did in the photos.

They got a good wash last night and will get my usual treatment for 3d prints - a dip in Ultra thin superglue later today.

Them, once dry, primer coat applied and then left for 24hrs before several coats of Network Rail Yellow.

More as things progress.....

Phil H

Hi all,

OK - Progress report...

My pair are now yellow!

However, despite using the paint that should be correct (according to it's label) the yellow looks too pale.

I'll have a rethink at Glenrothes Exhibition this weekend and come up with a plan to try and get a better, more accurate colour match.

Currently waiting for some decals to complete the project.

Andy said Lima GUV, but there isn't a GUV in the Lima range - so I'm using the Grafar/Bachmann GUV/BG chassis. It will need a bit more weight though.

More as the weekend goes by........

Phil H

Hey Phil, I'll be using Farish BGs - I have a pair from my earlier failed, Shapeways prints.

No progress on mine as I've a major DIY project taking up any free time.

Hi all,

Nearly completed Network Rail Brake Force runner

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/151/thumb_2402-110525203943-1519481955.jpeg)

Now waiting to get reply from RailTec regarding decals in N as they are available in other scales from him.

Thanks
Phil H

Sorry, I now realise it is a Lima BG!

Quote from: F2Andy on May 12, 2025, 04:53:27 PMSorry, I now realise it is a Lima BG!

Hi Andy,

Whilst the Lima chassis will fit the body, you may have probelms running it on any of the finer rail profiles, that includes Code 55, British Finescale and Kato.

However, it will fit the Farish BG or GUV chassis.

I'll be posting a series of photos later that shows how this can be done.

It's quite easy though!

You should have a video from Brian showing one of mine running on our Kato test track?

Phil H