Laser-Cut Open Wagon

[metalmuncher]

Hello there, newbie to the forum here.

I've been working on some rolling stock to run on a slowly progressing garden railway. I just wanted to give it a little show here.

First, I made a CAD model of the wagon in Sketchup, then used an SVG exporter to get SVG layouts for the panels to be cut. Anybody who's seen IP's "Ezee" range might think that this looks familiar. :p

Click to see full size image

I then modified the layouts and optimised them, and sent the layouts to be cut from razorlab.co.uk in 3mm Laser Ply - it was quite expensive so next time I might try and borrow my schools laser cutter! Although, they did a good job with the packaging and it was shipped to me much sooner than I expected.

A few days ago I received the package and just today I got the open wagon built. I think it came out pretty well!

Click to see full size image

Now I need some axle boxes and wheels, I was thinking about some IP "Quarry" axle boxes, and 20mm wheel sets, have any of you had experience with these or can recommend some others? Any other feedback or tips would be appreciated too.

[Spule 4]

I have the IP 20mm wheels and quarry boxes here (three sets) and I am working out some basic wagon designs for them.  Mine are the older ones without bushings.

THe only "problem" is the depth, they are mounted on the outside of the frame, and if you use any wood with any thickness, it requires carving to clear the wheels.

http://www.ipengineering.co.uk/page82.html

But, if your model is made with 3mm ply, considering your frame member width, they may work well.

The boxes I wonder about are the GVT-esque "Trolley" ones, as they mount on the inside of the frame, not outside, so thickness will not be as much of an issue.

http://www.ipengineering.co.uk/page41.html

Well done on your wagon, I really like the design.

[metalmuncher]

Thanks for the reply, I decided to get two quarry axle box sets and a set of 20mm wheels from IP. We have a lathe so turning our own wheels might be a possibility.

EDIT: Got the wheels and axleboxes today.



You were sorta right about the depth problem, even with 3mm ply there was a little bit of filing I had to do to make clearance for the wheels. My solebars also weren't high enough so I had to file a little away from the top of the axleboxes, but I got there in the end and got a decent first piece of rolling stock I think.