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Post by rightfullrudder on Oct 26, 2023 12:58:27 GMT -5
I have been working on creating a detailed AAR 70 Ton 4 Bay Open Hopper for z scale since from my research I really haven't been able to find one commercially available and they were such a ubiquitous piece of rolling stock from the 20s up through the 80s in some cases. I have slowly been working through designs and have several prototypes that both look good and run well, but I'm having a hard time finding pictures of the interior structures of these hoppers to finish the designs, right now the prototypes have a somewhat basic interior based on other similar hopper designs. Does anyone here know of a resource that has these car plans available or even just interior pictures? Also, would anyone be interested in a "kit" form of these cars or even just the stl file since as of right now I don't think these cars are otherwise available. ![]()
AAR 70 Ton Hopper.pdf (273.11 KB)
(I know these shouldn't have roller bearing trucks, it was all I had)
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Post by dazed on Oct 27, 2023 8:28:47 GMT -5
What I've done in the past is find an HO-scale (or O-Scale/N-Scale) model of the prototype and buy one for reference. Then just eBay it after you have what you need.
That is of course assuming there is an HO/N/O version, but normally that is the case. And there's always a possibility that the model isn't perfect, but likely better than just pulling from thin air.
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Post by CNE1899 on Oct 27, 2023 12:26:09 GMT -5
rightfullrudder,
Might this help? It is from the 1919 Car Builder Dictionary (sorry, wasn't able to rotate it)
Scott  |
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Post by rightfullrudder on Oct 27, 2023 14:43:35 GMT -5
Scott, I appreciate that drawling, although it's a generation before the AAR hoppers I was actually going to design a hopper like this anyway, so you did some work for me. I'll probably end up scaling from an HO model or something like that. I'm working on the ever-time-consuming rivet detailing now, I'll post some updates as I go for those that are interested. Also does anyone know if AZL is going to run another batch of the Bettendorf trucks any time soon since that's really what these cars need, and the bowser ones are about twice the price last I checked.
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Post by davejones on Oct 27, 2023 17:59:18 GMT -5
Hi rightfullrudder.
Your 70 Ton Hoppers are looking good. I would definately be interested in an stl file when finished.
As for the trucks, could you not use the MTL Bettendorf trucks?
Cheers,
Dave
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Post by CNE1899 on Oct 27, 2023 18:57:42 GMT -5
rightfullrudder,
Oops, guess I needed to look at the picture first.
Nice 3D work on those hoppers!
I'm glad you can use the layout.
Scott
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Post by rightfullrudder on Oct 27, 2023 19:39:43 GMT -5
Dave,
I had considered using the MTL trucks but ran into a couple of issues. Firstly, they have plastic wheelsets that I'm not a huge fan of, and secondly, they cost around $5 a pair without attached couplers (the same as the azl trucks that have both metal wheels and couplers). I personally have no problem with mounting draft gear boxes for body mounted couplers, I actually prefer them, but once you factor in upgrading to better wheelsets, you might as well just buy the bowser trucks. Obviously I'm being pretty picky and when push comes to shove I'll probably just end up with the bowser trucks, but we'll see.
I'm also willing to design cars for people that aren't already available commercially, I'm a big proponent of adding more options to z scale. Just post your ideas here and I'll get around to them.
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Post by davejones on Nov 4, 2023 20:14:00 GMT -5
rightfullrudder.
I'll draw up a Bettendorf tuck in Z scale to suit Will's 33" metal wheel sets as I have some of those.
It will probably take me a few attempts before I get a decent, usable print(resin print) and then some testing to see how the trucks hold up to some use/abuse. If they work out ok I'll add coupler pockets and some kind of coupler.
You're quite welcome to the .stl file once finished.
Dave
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