July 2022 update

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.

Until the next update, happy modelling.

December 2021 wrap

The final blog update for 2021 may not be all that big however I have been busy with a few things.

Following on from the success of the J70 (Toby) tram project I began looking around for the next G project. This lead me down the path to narrow gauge industrial railways and discovering sixteen mm to the foot scale (1:19). As the club track is 45mm the choice between SM32 or SM45 was already made - SM45 (sixteen mm on 45mm gauge). 

Using the links provided by the Association of 16mm Narrow Gauge Modellers (https://www.16mm.org.uk/) I researched what was on offer in kit form. I also joined to get access to a variety of publications. All kits seem to be reasonably priced however I thought what was on offer in 3D land. Thingiverse provided a number of options for the loco and wagons. So I fired up the 3D printer and started printing these 'kits' out. It took probably a week of sporadic printing in between going to work and being at home to keep an eye on the printer but once done the assembling began. First the loco. Superglue slow set gel was my preferred adhesive. Painting either via airbrush or hand was then used to bring the model to life followed by some light weathering. I printed a driver and painted him up. My thoughts at this scale there is no excuse for not having a driver (just a pet peeve that in the smaller scales no drivers are put in the cabs by most manufacturers - how hard would it be at very little additional cost)!

Then onto the wagons. I found a tipper in G scale that I altered to suit 16mm. I could also use the wagon chassis as the base for other wagons like a passenger seat wagon and tools flatbed.

Following a bit of post printing prep work on the tipper body using Tamiya white filler, acetone to thin it down, and an art rubber spatula, I was able to smooth out the print lines into a solid looking one cast tipper bucket. An undercoat spray was used (Tamiya red) followed by Tamiya Dark Iron XF-84 airbrushed on made these tippers look really good (in my opinion any way).

Whilst all this modelling was going on I also revisited the control app I used for Toby. I was concerned that as it was written in a code I didn't understand or could export easily, if anything happened to the publisher of the app writer (MIT App Inventor) I would be in a bit of a problem. So I started looking into the options. Coincidentally in my 16mm research I stumbled on LocoRemote (http://locoremote.co.uk/) in the UK who does what I was thinking of doing myself. So taking inspiration from his browser control I started the research. After many weeks/months of going down various rabbit holes I came back to the KISS principle and settled on basic HTML, Javascript and CSS style sheets. The intent was to use the NodeMCU controller as a webserver to cast a web page with the various controls to the old smartphone (or anything with a browser) and then action any commands sent from the browser via the NodeMCU to control the loco. This took a bit of time to get an understanding of Javascript coding and how the three basic components interact to create a dynamic and useable web page. I finally got there and it has been successfully tested on Toby running at the club.

Back to the diesel shunter and working out how to control it. The battery fits in the control desk. The motor is under the hood but there is space for other electronics. I couldn't fit a NodeMCU in as it is too long. Once again looking at LocoRemote's controllers I could see that a Wemos D1 Mini is used along with some other boards which I think are custom made. The owner is an electronics engineer! So I sent away for some Wemos D1 minis (basically the same as a NodeMCU but they cleverly fit the esp8266 processor and antenna on the reverse side of the PCB whereas NodeMCU is all on one side. I also needed a very small motor controller. I found a Pololu driver which is very small from Core Electronics and sent away for one of these and a DFPlayer sound card as I wanted sound in the loco similar to Toby. 

Now this is where things turned interesting. Using the same basic code as Toby and when connected via USB to the PC, the Wemos advertises the page fine however I can't get any functions working (WTF!). When I connect a battery to the Wemos 5V in via a voltage divider (9V to 5.1V) OR via a voltage regulator to 5V, nothing happens AND the voltage across the board is about 1V or less. I've tried a diode in the source voltage to no effect. I have since discovered these Wemos D1s are clones which look slightly different to the OEM version, but as these are open source, there could be slight variations in manufacture. The only thing I haven't tried is a buck converter. This would similarly have to be very small to fit into the space allowed for. Very frustrating!

So what for 2022?

As of the time of writing this blog entry I am on the verge of buying a LocoRemote controller just to see if (a) it controls the diesel loco and (b) how the controller and accessories board/s are put together to see if I have missed something in the electronics.

I'm also looking into a live steamer kit. I've always wanted a live steamer however the cost of RTR is very expensive, even in the smaller gauges. A kit is cheaper and would allow me to understand how they work in order to service or repair it. I would be having to learn to solder brass which I have never done before but maybe with the help of Youtube and possibly club member/s it may not be a big issue.

The other option is 3D printing a Qld Railways 'Red Fred' railmotor scaled suitable for the 45mm track at the club.

I have a couple of QR passenger carriages kits in resin to make up and paint, along with RTR wagons to weather. Rainy day projects!

Let's see what time, money and whatever 2022 throws at us can do! 

May 2021 update

 The last six months have been busy with the J70 Project. Up until April I was pretty well sorting the loco electronics and developing the Android app to control the whole thing. I will not bore my readers with the development of the programming code for both the J70 electronics and the Android app (unless you really want me to!) but suffice to say the loco electronics were written in Arduino IDE and the app was with the MIT App Inventor online IDE using visual block coding as I have no idea how to do this via an actual Android coding language!

The Arduino code was developed initially using STEM teaching robot code that I found online and enhanced for using in the loco's electronics. The electronics consisted of a NodeMCU ESP8266 microcontroller which creates its own wifi network that a smartphone can connect to and control via an Android app. I also included a MP3player for making the various sounds (steam whistle, bell, and various speed sounds). I had to include a DIP switch to isolate the MP3 from the NodeMCU when I programmed either of them. I utilised the blower fan hole from the original design my placing a 57mm speaker in it and 3D printing a baffle box to go over it. I included a Seuthe smoke generator which was controlled via a relay as I had to power it from a separate power source. I used 9V rechargeable LiPo batteries for both the smoke generator and the rest of the electronics and motors. 

After much troubleshooting between the Arduino code and the Android code I successfully took the loco for a test drive on the Club G layout sometime before Easter. Once I was happy with this I went about and 3D printed rollingstock consisting of a flat wagon, an open wagon and a brake van. I placed a crew in the loco and a guard in the van. These were pewter castings I had ordered from England but painted myself.

Over a couple of club meeting days I further tested the whole train, finding little things to fix or add to enhance the working. I made my own drawhooks from 2mm brass rod, these had a spring each which I had sourced from our local RC model shop. I 3D printed a spring retainer and retainer box for each of them on each of the rollingstock. The models were very light so I followed some club members' suggestion of adding weight to them. This I sourced as post washes which fitted perfectly between the frames. 

Some of the wagons don't run through one of the points on the club layout very well, so not sure if my wheels, the point's frog or check rails, or a combination of both. A fellow G scaler has offered some spare metal wheels to try and I will do this when I next see him at the club.

I'm getting very interested in the G modelling so far. This weekend I took out membership to the UK based 16mm Association to gain a better understanding of the scales etc that I could use on the 45mm Club track as well as take up the narrow gauge aspect as I have always been interested in the quirkiness of the narrow gauge railways of both the UK and elsewhere in the world.

Some pictures below for your enjoyment.

Android app screen that I designed

Front view of loco. I can remove Toby's face as it is only held on with BluTack. I put it on to amuse the little kids that come to the Open Days.

Side view of J70. I found a bell from a USA loco suitable to print for this loco as the original design didn't have one. I must mention before it is commented on that the chimney is not prototypical as it should be along the centre line of the roof, not the side, but I was working with what I had printed. I had to design and print a reducing collar for the chimney as the base print hole was larger for a static chimney.

The beauty of this model is that it is basically a box on wheels which allowed for plenty of room in the inside of the model. This photo shows the various components I was able to place inside the cabin. Fun fact: the green wire on the right is connected to the main power supply (not the smoke generator supply) and allows the NodeMCU to measure the voltage and transmit it to the Android app to visually show the voltage and condition of the power supply/battery.

Flat bed wagon

The underneath of the flat bed (also applies to the two other wagons). Axles are 3mm brass rod cut to length. The drawhook provides coupling and the spring supplies semi-rigidness for the couplings. Originally loose fitting, I found connecting the drawhook with a brass link between wagons troublesome as it was always twisting. So I designed and printed a retainer box for the drawhook assembly. Not shown is a designed and printed spring retainer at the end of the brass rod that is kept in place by the retainer. The post washer provides a suitable weight for the very light wagons.

Open wagon

Brake van. I designed and printed a brake stand for both the van guard and the loco driver to use. The stand handle was 1mm brass rod bent and cut to shape.

J70 idling away and making smoke

I have to link off to my YouTube Channel for the next video as it is too large for Blogger. The video is of the full train running at RMCQ's May Buy & Sell Day.

J70 Train 

So what's next? I'll continue to tinker with the J70 and run it at the club, but will now look at other G scale based trains. These may or may not be 3D printed in entirety but 3D could be used to enhance other materials.

I am will still continue with my OO home layout as that is not yet finished. 

HO and HOn3.5 will also be on the roster.

3D design and printing of railways based models is now an integral part of my enjoyment of the hobby.

December 2020 update

 Since the last update in May modelling slowed down. I was able to put together and paint up a couple of coal stages for two locations on the layout. However my main activity was printing out on the 3D printer a UK water tower from files from the Net, as well as CAD designing and 3D printing a number of enhancements to the original to suit my layout. I still haven't found or perfected brick walls on the 3D printer so in this instance I used Wills/Ratio red brick styrene for he walls. The windows and door lintels and posts were also made from white styrene just because it was easier to do this than design and print out appropriate ones. For the water I came across a product that is a MS Polymer on a wargaming site. I was looking for a non-resin and non-silicone based product I wanted to make sure that the tank sides where not heat damaged by any resin that generated heat when curing as the 3D plastic is a thermoplastic and could melt or deform. I am not a great fan of silicone hence why I didn't use it. I then painted and weathered the model. 

The MS Polymer product I used. I designed and printed the two paddles to assist in smoothing the compound in the tank.

I was pretty chuffed about how the water tower turned out so I entered it in the Club Xmas Modelling Competition in December.

I won the Intermediate Category.

My mate Mr Mackie put a challenge on me to design and print a NSWGR Staff Machine. Challenge accepted and I came up with this little model which is actually four smaller components glued together. I subsequently made it into a kit for sale at the Club buy and sells, and through the grapevine. $5 for two machines. You have to paint it though ;-)

Mr Mackie was also on the hunt for a cement mixer. I can't claim the design on this however I had to rescale it to HO and it came out OK. It also was a kit of components that required assembly.

The Club's G scale outside layout was commissioned this year and I was interested in operating on it but couldn't afford the model locos at present so once again 3D printing came to the rescue. I didn't want anything big at this point in time, just something small enough to 'give it a go'. I came across a design for a 1:32 scale LNER J70 tram loco (similar to Toby from Thomas the Tank Engine) as it is basically a box on wheels. I intend to operate it via its own wifi control chip, along with some accessories like sound and a smoke generator (I have always wanted to give one of these a go). Printing is basically done now and assembly has started, I am waiting on some electronics to come in the mail. I am also designing my own Android app with the help of an online design tool MIT App Inventor 2. More updates to follow how this goes!

On a sadder note, I asked my son Matthew if he still wanted to persist with his layout but he advised me that he wasn't really interested in train modelling at the moment as he has other interests. I thought this was going to be the case as he always looked bored when we did work on his layout. He may come back to it later in life like most of us! So I have started reclaiming models and scenery from his layout for safe keeping and will dismantle the layout.

So this will free up some shed 'real estate' that I may be able to use on another layout possibly based on a fictional trans-shipment location between NSWGR and QR.

Wishing all my readers a better 2021 and stay safe from Covid-19.

Until next time, maybe keep an eye on the Facebook site https://www.facebook.com/GregsRailwayModellingMusings for updates.

May 2020 update

I was intending to do this at Easter but decided I was having to much fun on actually doing stuff on the layout rather than write about it.

I have copied some stuff from the Facebook site as it has been updated more regularly than the blog as it is easier.

January - I finally got around to making these name plates for my layout and after just under 8 hours of 3D printing these beauties were done.

Very noice!

Layout name is Illavearf, split into two areas. Rural village of Kensington Hill and industrial town of Bray.

February and March - mostly continued kit building and preparation for hopefully time at Easter to do airbrushing.

April/Easter - My Good Friday was spent in self isolation in the Shed. The circumstances and the weather we're good for spending a day under the tin without boiling. So out came the air brush booth, compressor and airbrush to finally get around to painting some models I had put together before Xmas last year. Still some hand painting of small details required but a very productive day. I progressively placed the airbrushed kits on the layout during April.

airbrushing box and table setup

water tank and loading gauge

Dapol trackside hut and coal office

Dapol water crane. I am very chuffed how this one turned out.

Ratio water tank, water crane and grounded carriage

Kensington Hill fettler corner

Grounded carriage. I particular like how I weather this. Looks like Dr Who is paying a visit as the TARDIS is hiding behind the green house.

Temporary placement of the hut and coal office. Still a WIP in this corner.

View of Kensington Hill. Still a few things to do.

The Ratio water tank and crane kit came up pretty well with my weathering (IMHO)

May - Labour Day Long Weekend - After years of gathering dust I finally took the opportunity of scrubbing the rails of my layout with a track rubber followed by a coating or two of Track Magic. I wasn't overly impressed so taking a recommendation from Mr Mackie I bought a bottle of Wahl Clipper Oil and applied it then ran a loco around for a bit. I am impressed. Improved the locos as well. Also out came the laptop (as I didn't have a spare Raspberry Pi) to run JMRI on the layout. Everything still worked fine from the touchpanel of the laptop via a JMRI panel. I now have found my layout mojo again.

Whilst working from home due to COVID-19 I also finally got around to printing a static grass applicator (grassinator) STL I found on the Prusa 3D printers site of all places. I was able to re-use the ion generator and metal grill from my earlier model I made years ago out of PVC piping. I think the new model is much better and a hell of a lot cheaper that a bought one. I had to modify the design by making some 'plugs' to accommodate a LED and a push button. The end product was field tested yesterday by applying some grass to a section of Bray.

The two grassinator models. The original that I made years ago is on the left. The new model is on the right. Works a charm.

I have also a started making a concerted effort on the Bray side of the layout focusing on the industrial areas.

Matthew's layout - also during this time Matt and I have been spending time getting Matt's layout up to spec. Last weekend I cleaned the rails and this weekend we had trains running. Woo hoo.

Mr Mackie's beehives have found a spot on the layout

Until next time, maybe keep an eye on the Facebook site https://www.facebook.com/GregsRailwayModellingMusings for updates.

December 2019

Well where did that year go? I thought I should finish the year with a blog update.

So over the year I have been busy with kids soccer, work and kids schooling. One week blurs into the next and before you know it Christmas is here again followed shortly by another New Year.

My modelling year has been spent getting stuck into numerous Metcalfe card kits for my British railway based layout. While I was in the mood I also knocked over a few plastic kits. I have yet to paint the plastic kits so I haven't included photos of them in this post. For my 50th birthday I bought myself a 3D printer which I really enjoy. I am still getting to know it and the various apps needed to produce a print. However I have printed a few railway based prints which will appear on the layout in due course.

My youngest son's layout has also taken precedence in the spare time slot. It is moving along nicely and I have taken some time on my current Xmas holidays to move it along further. I have to admit I am using his layout as a test bed for some techniques I have read about so as to practice before deciding whether to adopt them on my layout.

I finally took possession of a number of Qld Rail based locos which I have been waiting on for the last couple of years. The wait was well worth it as detail and sound on these locos is great. 

I 'll leave my followers with some photos of recent modelling activities mentioned above and to wish you all a great 2020 and hope it brings you peace and prosperity.

Terrace Houses with added 3D printed chimney pots

The Art Shop (for my wife's hobby)

Yard Office

Yard Office close up of 3D printed ridge capping and chimney pots

Engine Shed front on (sorry about the brightness, I didn't realise the flash had gone off!)

Engine Shed from the side

ABC Engineering from the back

ABC Engineering from the front

Some more different styles of chimney pots

Bray Engine Depot and recent corner scenery

Bray corner hill fills in a dead zone. I used foam as the base and then applied PK's no more gaps recipe. Once dry, I painted in the earth tones and then scattered some grass flock on. I will add static grass eventually.

Close up of the corner hill

Progress of Matt's layout with ballasting done (yes different shades as I couldn't easily source the darker shade) and grass flocking done. Matt added some bushes flocking and puff ball trees that I had made.

Close up of some shrubbery (not for the Knights Who Say "Ni!"). Static grass will be added eventually.

Recently I read an article in Hornby magazine where a modeller had used tiling grout and PVA for track in filling. The tile grout gives the concrete texture needed in some scenes such as a wharf area or engine shed. I thought I might give it a go. I had some pre-made up tiling grout in a tub in the shed when I re-grouted the kitchen a couple of years ago. I checked and it was still moist. So I dug out some, added the PVA (which is supposed to give it some resilience against cracking (we'll see)) and added a squirt of black acrylic paint. Mixed it up and it had the right shade for concrete. I then smeared it on using a plastic grouting spatula. Earlier I had super glued some old track of the same radius in between the main tracks as infill barriers / flange guides. Once the grout had dried about 24 hours later, it had sunk in some places like the sleepers. I should have bogged these up beforehand to provide a sturdy foundation. However it wasn't that noticeable and I didn't want to do a second coat just in case I buggered it up!

I asked Matt did he want concrete or bitumen over the crossings, and he said bitumen. So out with the black acrylic paint and the concrete was painted over. For some reason one the flange guide rails came away and you can see it on the grass. It was going to be too fiddly to put it back in, so I am thinking of using it as a scene with maintenance gangers removing it for repair.

I will definitely use this technique on my layout for a Bray side rail crossing

The small farm access crossing had another feature. On the town side the groat was used, but in between the rails and the farm side I used match sticks as the 'road'. Glued the lot done with PVA and let it dry before applying a marker with a brownish shade.

Concrete became bitumen again. The black around the farm side sleeps will be grassed over and/or muddied up.

The marker pen I used for the sleepers. It is a water based artist's marker I picked up at an Art Shop for another reason, but found it 'stained' the match sticks just right.