An update on my 3D points project.
I have printed a set of each of these;
1.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:976643
2.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4686102
3.
https://www.printables.com/model/226398 ... 1805018150
My findings;
Note; test bogie is an old Aristocraft bogie with an LGB plastic wheel set and a large metal Bachmann wheel set fitted, I push the bogie through the points to see how it runs as it free rolls.
I use it when I am making as a rough go/no go gauge when building points from brass.
No1.
Pros; -overall pretty good the test bogie ran through smoothly through the guard rails
Cons; -the sleeper height is too low for the track I am using and would require some packing under neath to raise their height (not a big deal but a draw back)
-the depth of the frog causes the test bogie to give a bit of a bump up and down as it passed through.
No2.
Pros; -as this is a remix of No1 the sleeper height is now compatible with my track as it raised the sleeper height.
Cons; -again the frog depth is shallow.
-In the remix the pins used for the swivel points on the moving rails were not lengthened to allow for the raised sleeper height so therefore do not protrude
through the sleeper to allow the lock clips (the little round circular parts) to engage.
No3.
Pros; -test bogie rolls through well, no issues detected with guard rail clearance.
Cons; - the throw bar was a fraction thick when compared to the slot left to fit it and had to be sanded down to allow it to move smoothly.
-the straight point rail did not fit flush into the cutout in the stock rail so some trimming was required (the foot of the rail jutted into the space)
-the hole for a screw to hold the throw bar down against the springiness of the moving rails and allow it to move is in the wrong place it is off centre and should
be moved centrally in relation to the slot in the throw bar.
Overall; the cons are minor and this is one huge set of points but is the same size as the ones I have built out of brass following the plans I have.
One thing I did find is because I printed in PLA one component (the straight point rail) warped terribly when it was left in a place where it was exposed to sunlight for a couple of hours/day every day for about 2 weeks (sitting on an inside couch cushion in front of a window) so I am very reticent to use them outdoors.
After saying that I have noticed that the black PLA I have is not deteriorating nearly as fast as the grey which I used, a coat of paint will slow down the UV damage but not the heat induced warping.
As the project is inside PLA should do the job hopefully, the next thing to do is place all sets in the shed where they are going to be used and expose them to the heat over the summer months.
Outside temps will reach into the 30-35C for the next few months, I suppose I should get a cheap thermometer to measure that the inside temps.
As the opening into the shed will put some points in direct sunlight in the afternoon I will probably make some brass ones to go where the sun shines.
Rails showing warping
- P1080276.JPG (89.66 KiB) Viewed 1838 times
Top is as printed, bottom shows warping
I will most probably hack which ever design I finally use to add the point lever.
Nolwyn Valley Tramway
