So it seems once again it’s “been a while” since the last posting.
As it happens there has not been that much to document. We had a small article in Model Rail magazine in relation to the OO Leek and Manifold models but sadly the O guage bench I sent them was damaged beyond repair by their lack of care when posting back, despite the safe packing I sent it in. Hey ho, we learn.
work has continued on the remake of the PAA wagon since I now have access to the preserved example. It’s been through the test phase, but due to a change in pricing by shapeways, it’s looking like it’s no longer cost effective as a kit. I even test printed a version with the doors open, but that presented its own issues. It was only ever as a model for me that one anyway, but it ended up rolling off the desk to the floor below 😦
At the moment we’re working on a yard crane and even a test drawing of a 1943 bouncing bomb… codename “upkeep” in a bigger scale.
we’ve completed the Spitfire project in 1:18th and these are now for sale in the shapeways next shop.
i suddenly realise it’s been a year since my last blog. Work has been ongoing on many topics, we’ve had a plug in Model Rail magazine and diversified in to some 1/18th scale car parts, but were still focusing on the railways.
The originals Elton Crossing signal box has been totally redrawn from scratch due to some errors found in it measurement wise. This has replaced the original model. It is now available in three different scales of N,OO & O gauge.
as will be seen on the PAA link, we have been working on the sand hopper. One reason behind this is the fact that I was able to assist in the preservation of one of these wagons so now have the chance of accurate measures. More parts will be available for this model soon including the pneumatic pistons for the bottom doors that Hornby didn’t model.
Hopefully come the Autum (fall for anyone in the US who follows me) we will be back to some new design ideas and have some more photos to show of what’s in the pipeline. Our last bit under development in the NSR category are wicket gates and fencing to compliment the crossing gates we already produce, but this may only be in the larger O gauge at this time.
We have on the drawing board a new station model coming up – Consall, modelled on the station building on the Churnet Valley Railway. The real building is infact a replica.
Made mainly in White, Strong and flexible plastic, it features doors which you can pose open or closed, removable roof to access and detail the inside which has a tiled floor and panelled interior walls in the waiting room and booking office. The noticeboards and chimneypot are produced separately in “Frosted high detail” plastic to finish it off… We hope to have this model for sale in OO scale in early 2017. An O gauge version is already for sale made fully from White Strong and flexible plastic which also includes opening windows. To finish it off, we hope to soon have a 3 hanging fire bucket rack to go outside for sale.
We are also looking at this possibly being our first venture in to N Gauge with the who model being made in “Ultra frosted detail”.
UPDATE CO21 & CO22 NOW AVAILABLE IN N GAUGE (See header photo)
3D artwork of Consall complete
3D Artwork of Consall
3D artwork inside consall – tiled floor and looking towards the booking office
It’s ok starting with a signal box, but where does it go from there?
Well, why not complete a crossing? gates, gate wheel for the signal box lever frame (Which we also do) and then ad some variation… Style of posts varied.. lamps to go atop.. or even just a small single track crossing… We are trying to cover it all here.
Mockup of 12ft6 gates on Metal posts with the NSR signal box.
Lamps for the top of the gates?
I’ll spin you around. gate wheel for the lever frame in your bo
First of all, in 2015 I knew nothing about 3D designing or printing. in a little over 12 months I have self taught myself to a standard where I am happy that what I have drawn is good enough for others to also enjoy. After spending well over 100 hours designing the first signal box I learned many new tricks.
Ideas and plans came to mind, so with time to fill and keep me awake, other items were drawn and printed to the point where I was happy. Focusing initially in 4mm (OO Gauge) and 7mm (O Gauge) models were released via the Shapeways website. Items can be found for sale in our online shop there. http://www.shapeways.com./shops/nb3dm
As an aside, we are looking at possibly having a selection of the buildings made in 2mm (N Gauge) where possible. Normally we use the White Strong flexible plastic, but some items such as the signal box interoir is made in the frosted super detail material.
Northern Bridge 3D Models 