Ffestiniog Bug Boxes and Flying Benches - first run around the garden

[3 minutes of fame]

This week's project has been getting this little rake of 3D printed and laser cut Ffestiniog coaches ready to run. They are based on the Thingiverse design, but with more laser cut elements, including sides and ends. Couplings are magnetic choppers, based upon the supplied couplers, but with a smaller buffer and embedded 6mm magnet. They work very well, holding the train together, but being easy to split when required.

You will notice the headless train in the videos. This is my dynamic control van for MSS and other uncontrolled steam locos, but it has enough power by itself to drag some stock around. Perhaps it's a runaway train...

[philipy]

Interesting, thanks for sharing.
Those couplings look very neat.

BTW, there is a better way of posting Youtube video's to the forum. Take a look at the "How to" section and specifically, viewtopic.php?f=62&t=9208

[3 minutes of fame]

Thanks for the heads up on the video.

I had not used the Share link. Corrected now.

[philipy]

[drewzero1]

Wow, some really sharp models! I've been doing a lot of 3d printing lately but I'm starting to think I really could use a laser cutter. I usually end up batching up the flat stuff and running out to the bandsaw to cut it out.

[3 minutes of fame]

It's certainly quicker using the laser cutter, but you do need suitable space to run it. They produce a lot of smoke and burnt particles, so good ventilation is a must. They need to be watched while cutting, in case they set fire to the work piece and finding the right materials at the right price is a never ending challenge.

All that being said, I would estimate 30% of my model making is now done on the laser cutter, with the resin and fdm printers seeing about an equal share. I've just started to play with cutting out chassis from aluminium using a mini CNC cutter, and the first attempts are promising.

[Phil.P]

What mini CNC are you using?

Phil.P

[ge_rik]

Wow, some really sharp models! I've been doing a lot of 3d printing lately but I'm starting to think I really could use a laser cutter. I usually end up batching up the flat stuff and running out to the bandsaw to cut it out.

https://all3dp.com/2/convert-3d-printer ... raver-mod/

Rik