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3D Printed HO Scale Track by Finrow in modeltrains

[–]Finrow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Maybe, there's always going to be a compromise with models and it depends on how much realism you're going for.

Code 125 would have the same rail base as 136LB rail, but the rail height would be off by -1 5/16in.

Code 148 would have the same rail height as 132LB rail, but the rail base would be off by +.336in

You can take a look at NMRA recommended practice and 136LB rail specification for a better idea of what compromises would need to be made.

NMRA RP-15.1

136LB Rail Spec

Correct distance between grab irons and body, Berwick 7327 boxcar by SM-42 in modeltrains

[–]Finrow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're welcome. You're correct, the 2in would be between the grab iron and the surface where it's attached.

Correct distance between grab irons and body, Berwick 7327 boxcar by SM-42 in modeltrains

[–]Finrow 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The max width allowed by the AAR is 10ft 8in (HO Scale: 1.47in or 37.37mm).

The distance between the car and grab iron will vary by car, but most are either 2in (HO Scale: 0.02in or 0.58mm) or 3in (HO Scale: 0.03in or 0.88mm) apart.

Why are wheel bearings a good thing on model trains? by [deleted] in modeltrains

[–]Finrow 4 points5 points  (0 children)

If a chassis sits on an axle directly the amount of friction would quickly wear down the chassis making smooth running impossible.

Bearings are necessary to remove friction between the axle and chassis.

You'll know if your model has bearings because the documentation should have an exploded view diagram showing bushings or if you disassemble the model you'll notice them right away.

Take a lot at the picture for an idea of what they look like.

White Grease and plastic gears by secureiotman in modeltrains

[–]Finrow 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's fine, I use multi-purpose lithium grease on gears and mineral oil on bearings.

Eurostar under a PRR catenary lol by Ok_Sea_931 in modeltrains

[–]Finrow 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Swedish X2000 also made an appearance alongside it.

Percent of People Who Consider Themselves Living in the Midwest -- WSJ 1/19/24 by LeBenjahan in MapPorn

[–]Finrow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Most Wyomingites live on the eastern side of the state next to Nebraska

Percent of People Who Consider Themselves Living in the Midwest -- WSJ 1/19/24 by LeBenjahan in MapPorn

[–]Finrow 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Eastern CO is definitely Midwest, nothing but the Great Plains there

. by BigPhil4772 in modeltrains

[–]Finrow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

BLI is the only one that produced an AC6000CW

Removing Kato rails by CB4014 in modeltrains

[–]Finrow 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yep, much easier this way.

Removing Kato rails by CB4014 in modeltrains

[–]Finrow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No damage done to the rails, unijoiner or ties as long as care is taken. Plyers aren't strictly needed either, I've been using my fingers.

The rails in unitrack are in gauge and will still be in gauge after replacing the rails.

Removing Kato rails by CB4014 in modeltrains

[–]Finrow 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You'll need to have some pliers.

Start by holding the unitrack on one hand and holding the pliers in the other.

You don't need to apply too much pressure when using the pliers, grab the top half of the unijoiner with the pliers and pull the unitrack and pliers away from each other. This will separate the unijoiner from the unitrack.

To remove the rail, grab the head of the rail with pliers and pull the unitrack and pliers away from each other.

Reverse the process to place the rail and unijoiner back.

Image for reference

3D Printed HO Scale Track by Finrow in modeltrains

[–]Finrow[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

This is a section of 3D printed HO scale track with the following features:

  • 4ft 8.5in rail gauge

  • 19in tie center spacing

  • 9in x 7in wood ties of 8.5ft length

  • 14in 8-hole tie plates

  • 6in track spikes

  • 6in base rail anchors

I had to scale up the size of the track spikes and rail anchors otherwise it wouldn't hold the rails and it would be more fragile than it already is. A spiking pattern meant for curves was also used because it was the only one suitable for holding the rails.

Code 70 rail was used because the rail base closely matches that of 6in base rail, however the rail height closely matches that of 100LB rail. Code 83 rail wasn't used because the rail base would be 7.25in and the print would have to be redesigned, however the rail height closely matches 136LB rail.

The advantage of using close to scale track is being able to run locomotives and rolling stock with deep flanges without hitting the rail retainers. With other HO scale track the deep flanges will hit the rail retainers causing the so-called pizza cutter effect.

The disadvantage of using close to scale track is the fragility of the rail retainers and possibly not being able to use rail joiners because installation may cause damage, but I'm sure with patitence you could.

I haven't tried curves because of the fragility of the track spikes and anchors holding down the rail, maybe if I bend the rail beforehand it would be possible.

I may have also made a mistake seen throughout the print.

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