Well those 7 months flew by!
So what has happened since the December wrap?
I did purchase a LocoRemote controller and installed it in the diesel shunter. Works very well and a very compact unit. The webpage displayed on the smartphone is similar to my own but it has some nice features that I will have to look into.
I did 3D print RM55 "Red Fred". I obtained the original STLs from madram.net, sliced it up in Meshmixer in order to print it at 1:19 scale to give it close to prototype Qld Railways 3'6" gauge (3" in scale but what is 6" at that scale - don't go there ;-) ). Some tinkering in Tinkercad then through Cura to get the print file (gcode). I had to design and print a number of custom parts as well as rescale a number of STLs from Thingiverse. It uses a Tamia gearbox kit powered by a 6V battery. I designed and soldered my own protoboard for the various bits of electronics to run it. Priming and painting, mostly by airbrush, has produced a very nice replica. I tried airbrush pinstriping and letter stencilling as well, which came out pretty good. Here are some photos and videos of "Fred" at the RMCQ G track.
I am still saving for the live steamer, whether that is a kit or RTR I'm now reconsidering my options. We'll have to see if Mr Tax Man gives me a nice refund this year!
What's next? A Qld Sugar Cane Loco, similar to "Daintree", a dual bogie loco. I've printed the cab, engine hood and chassis, along with some bits and bobs. I have to source a couple of power bogies and I think I will try to emulate the LocoRemote controller setup.
