Sunday 28 January 2018

NSWGR Cc1 and Cc1 with Lamp Room are now on the Shapeways Market Place

The Cc1 3D Printout Model From the Begining
Last year, I managed to develop my 3D Drawing skills. I decided to draw up a 3D Print of the NSWGR Cc1 with Lamp Room as there was one based at Tumbarumba. There was not one that was available on the market that I could find, hence the reason for me to produce a 3D print of one.


3D Drawing of the Cc1 with Lamp Room

After a couple of printouts attempts were delivered, I have shown a few of my model rail friends they were impressed with it. But at stage it was not my intention to for it to go on the market place.





The 3D Printout of the Cc1 with Lamp Room for my Tumbarumba Layout with the Roof section scratched built.

The original roof was scratch built from Styrene, Code 55 HO Scale Micro Engineering Rail and HO Scale Corrugated Metal sheeting.

I did end up showing this model to other railway modellers and posted it on a couple of NSW and Australian Model Rail Facebook Groups and was asked by many if I will market this model.

So I decided to move forward kick off the process of placing this model onto the market.

Getting the Models Ready to Market
I decided to do also the Cc1 version (Cc1 without the Lamp Room) as they were also common and I could just easily remove the Lamp Room from my original drawing.
I felt that both of the Cc1 models would also need the roof section provided as an option as well. Therefore, I drawn the various Roof Options. This took a fair bit of time to get it right. More so on the area underneath the Roof Second that adjoins onto the verticals on Cc1 3D Print out.


3D Drawing of the Cc1



Above two photos are what I took inside the Cc1 with Lamp Room that is still in existence today at Bombala. The 3D Printed Roofs have been detailed with the concrete chocks that provides the linkage of the Rail Support for the ceiling and the Vertical Support.

I could say that the following could be best described as the pre-poduction model run notes.

Over the last few months I did encounter a few minor set backs which were easily corrected with the 3D Printouts. This means that I had get Shapeway to printout the corrected models and wait for the shipment to of the models. This takes on average 2 weeks from order placement to the 3D Printout delivery to my postal address for each correction that was made. But managed to get it all right in the end.

This also enable me to see if there were any issues encountered with the models in the way of shipment and/or other risk of issues that may occur.

I had both the Cc1 and Cc1 with Lamp Room samples printed in both Ultra Frosted and Extreme Frosted detail. I have printed out six pre-poduction models that were dispatched in 3 different shipments from Shapeways. Only one of the Cc1's was delivered slightly buckled, but was easily straighten up with use of a Hair Dryer. That buckled Cc1 model was the one that I painted in Duck Egg Blue colour (as shown in the pictures later on in this post. Unfortunately, I did not take a picture of that particular model before fixing it up.

The roof sections all seems to be deliver a little bent, but was able to easily straighten them up with the use of a Hair Dryer. This has been the only common issue found but it has an easy fix for it.

I was satisfied that these 3D Cc1 Models are ready to be marketed.

I also have written up a step by step set of instructions from the ordering to the completion of these Models.

Here is the Link to my Shapeways Store:
https://www.shapeways.com/shops/branching-out-rail-models

Here is the link for the instructions:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Oav9UfX11O62cF_FFlKPzG_e9o1Dz_6V/view?usp=sharing

The Cc1 & Cc1 with Lamp Room Model Run Down
The models are in HO Scale and come in a 2 piece from Shapeways.

They will fit well with the Pc1 and Pc2 Rail Central Kits as they are the 15 inch concrete Panel. I believe that some of these Cc1 buildings may have resided also within major goods rail yards, happy to receive feedback on that point. The 10 inch concrete Panel Cc1 Buildings may be done at a later time pending on the success on what is on the market now.

As noted in the instructions, cleaning of the model is needed where sanding with 400 Grade Wet and Dry sand paper is needed. This may take a couple of hours for a careful cleanup of the the Cc1 models, but the results will be worth it in the end.

Masking up the model will take time, but if you would like the option to lift the lid and and show to people what a Cc1 looked like inside, then Masking up the model with care will be worth it.

However, cleaning up on the inside of the building will be difficult but may not be necessary as they inside will be hard to view especially if you decide to glue on the roof.

You will find that the roof section may not feel that there is a tight fit when the model is delivered, but once primed and painted, it should grab to the vertical supports on the Cc1 Building.

The fitting of the roof on the Cc1 with Lamp Room will be simple to work out, but for the Cc1 with no Lamp room, one of the roof linkages channel to the Cc1 is wider than the others. This is due to the fact that the vertical support that has the toilet enclosure wall connected it, is wider as there are 3 lots of concrete panels connected to the one Vertical.

The Cc1 and the Cc1 with Lamp Room both come with two Roofing options which is Roof with no fascia's and Roof with fascia's. Basically, some Cc1's may not have the Corrugated Roofing (or it got removed at some point) and no fascia's, where as others did. Basically you decide on the roofing option.

If you decide to purchase a Cc1 with the Roof with fascia's to place on corrugated iron, then HO corrugated sheeting will be needed. I would personally recommend Northeastern Scale Lumber Co. 5 / Bag HOCORRMRFB "HO" SCALE CORR METAL RF 1 1/2" X 8". A Hobby store should have these in stock. But if you are looking at doing multiple structures for you Model Rail Project, what is left of this corrugated roof will not go to waste.

The Door for the Cc1 with Lamp room will need Grandt Line 30" x 66" Planked Door (Reference Number 5293). The door may need to be filed slightly to fit into the Door Frame.


Cc1 with Lamp Room based at Bombala. Its construction is inverted compared to the standard Cc1's. Bombala version may be modelled later on pending if there is a resonable demand for it.

Pricing of the Cc1 3D Printed Models
Shapeways base their pricing in US dollars, which means the pricing will vary day to day for other international currencies. However, Shapeways do specials throughout the year which could be free postage deal, or a price mark down.
At the time of publishing this post, I only have the Cc1 models in my stall, but I would encourage you to look at other stalls within Shapeways to see if there are other Shapeway other products from so to better capitalise on the postage.

Shapeways deals may also come up as a popup on their Website, like for example full out a survey and receive a discount on your next order. The common time for Shapeways deals are on Black Friday Sales (In November).

Also you will noticed that there is a significant price difference between Frosted Ultra Detail and Frosted Extreme Detail 3D printed materials.

Both 3D Printed materials are decent, but the Frosted Extreme Detail is slightly easier to clean up compared to the Frosted Ultra Detail. I have made both options available in my Shapeways Store for both the Cc1 and Cc1 With Lamp Room structures.

However, I have only done the Roof sections in Frosted Ultra Detail based on the fact that the roof section is very easy to clean up and as well to try and keep the price down.

Other items to Market 
There may be a few more items that will make it's way to the Shapeways market place, but for now I would just like to see how successful the Cc1 models are before placing any other items onto the market place.

Some More Pictures of the Cc1 3D Printed Models
The following are the Cc1 with Lamp Room that contains the Roof with fascia's on the left and the Cc1 that contains the Roof with no Fascia's on the right. Note that the Corrugated sheeting, the door and rail on the Cc1 with Lamp room are detailing that needs to be sourced outside of the Shapeways store.

















Friday 19 January 2018

Tumbarumba Good Shed


1st Attempt
Mid Last year I decided to get started on the construction of the good shed that was based at Tumbarumba. I did start constructing the Bergs Hobbies G1a Kit, but I did botch up the model when I was mid way in its construction. Therefore, I decided to abandon the Bergs Hobbies Kit option. I perhaps will use it for a different project later on.

2nd Attempt - Scratch Build With An Added Objective
I then decided to do a scratch built of this good shed constructing it out of styrene.
I was also challenged by one of my model rail club friends to get it completed before the 2017 AMRA Sydney Model Railway Exhibition and enter it into the Open Modelling Competition for the Scratch Build Line Side Structure Category. This ended up being a challenge for me in many ways to the fact that I had a tight deadline to get this model of the Goods Shed completed before the Exhibition. Also to the fact that it was my first time to enter a Railway Modelling competition.

Not just the model that needed to be completed, but I needed to also gather up some historical back ground on the Good Shed that was at Tumbarumba. Historical documentation is one area that the Judges will score on. Thankfully, there was plenty of photographs that was taken of this Goods Shed onwards from the Mid 1960's which is the period that my Tumbarumba Layout will be based on.

Tumbarumba Good Shed Profile
Tumbarumba Goods Shed fits to the NSWGR G1a Good Shed design, but compared to other G1a Type Goods sheds, it seem to have its own variances.

The following is what makes Tumbarumba Goods Shed unique.
- Base of the Shed is on Brick stilts, not wooden stilts as the typical G1a and or G1b goods were placed on compared to other locations.
- Only one Stair case to the platform on the right side front facing the Goods Shed.
- Wooden stripping’s on front of the shed are not present either side of the Goods Shed doors (as it was in 1965).
- No vents were built into the shed.
- Awning Struts supports are lower than the Typical G1a Goods Sheds that were in existence.
- Side and rear Fascia’s extend out further compared to the Typical G1a Goods Shed that were in existence.
- There is no guttering profile cuts on the side fascia’s where the guttering meets.
- Water tank and its base was removed only leaving a portion of the rain water piping.

Construction of Tumbarumba Goods Shed
I acquired the Greg Edwards plans for NSWR Goods Sheds Standard Designs G1a and G1b plan G2.
Most of the construction of this model was referred to the G1a Plan with the alterations to make it unique to the one at Tumbarumba.

I constructed this Goods Shed mostly constructed from Styrene and Heljan Corrugated Plates Steel (in HO Scale).

The Brick Piers have been 3D Printouts that I have drawn up.

Both the Front and Rear Doors have been designed to be opened and closed.

I have also modelled some of the internal frame work so it can be seen when the doors are opened.

I think that pictures do at times describe things in 1000 words, so I have uploaded these pictures that I took during its construction.









































After many nights burning the mid night oil in finishing this model for the AMRA Sydney Exhibition, I just managed to get this model completed. It was entered with the paint still drying on it.

Being in it to Win it
However, as the old saying goes you have to be in it to win it. For my scenario, my model was the only entrant for the Scratch Build Line Side Structure Category. I guess one of the main reasons that I won that category. The Judges score this model 73 out 100. I found that scoring was higher than I expected it to be. The Judges provided very constructive Positive and Negative comments that were fair.

Hopefully later on in 2018, I will remove this Goods Shed from its temporary stand, do a little more cosmetic work on it and place it permanently on the Layout.

What Did become of the Actual Tumbarumba Goods Shed
I found out recently that the actual Tumbarumba Goods Shed now resides in a middle of a paddock not too far away from its original location. At least another structure that has survived but used for a different purpose.





Thursday 11 January 2018

What is the plan ahead for 2018?

First of all I would like to wish my followers and viewers a Happy New Year for 2018.

As you would have noticed that my Blog Page has been quiet for a couple of weeks as I, like most people usually take a break from most things and go into that Holiday mode during the Christmas period. But during the past couple of weeks, I did manage to take a drive out to Nimmitabel and Cooma to get some photos of the Rail Heritage that is still in place at those locations.

Nimmitabel Rail Yard
I have taken these photos from the road side as long grass and hot weather means that snake activity would be highly likely to be present.



Concrete and Timber Calverts 




Nimmitabel Railway Station Building. Note that the original NSWGR standard gates are still in existence.


 Goods shed in the background accompanied with the Fettlers Shed in the foreground. 


The Weigh Bridge Office has fallen apart exposing the Scales. 

I believe that there is a Mans Shed Organisation that has been formed up in recent years who are working to restored whats left in Nimmitabel. Hopefully in the next few years that it will look better than how it is today.

Cooma Rail Yard
The Rail Preservation Group based in Cooma have done a fantastic job in the upkeep of Cooma Rail yard and its structures. There is also a collection of Rolling stock ranging from S Trucks to a few variations of Rail Motors.

Certainly an unique and large rail yard especially for a NSW branch line. 





View from the Northern Portion of Cooma Rail Yard


S Track


Good Shed Facility seems to have recently received some restoration attention


Restored CPH Rail motor locked inside the Locomotive Shed 


Pay Bus


Looking South from Cooma Station


Looking North from Cooma Station


Timber Trestle Bridge that is still standing located just South of Cooma Rail Yard


The Plan Ahead for 2018
I started my Tumbarumba Project back in 2016 with the open mind that there is a potential that I could get either bored or frustrated and end up terminating this project. Thankfully, that has not happened and I'm still enthusiastic continue to work on completing this project.



A spoiler picture of the Tumbarumba rail yard portion of the layout.

My Workbench Space
When I had started this project, I started Tumbarumba with no real plan for a workplace setup. I basically was working in two locations in my house which was the Garage and a Spare Room. This meant that I had tools and materials scattered between these locations which has resulted in losing a decent part of the my Railway Modelling time in gathering up items that were needed at that time.

So the plan for the start off 2018 is to clean up my Garage area and set it up to properly in order to make effective use of the limited Railway Modelling time that I have to my disposal. Hopefully, by getting myself setup correctly will enable me to be a lot more productive.

Tumbarumba Layout 2018 Objectives
I intend to complete my Kit Bash task of Tumbarumba Station Building. The blogs that I have done so far has shown 50% of the task completed. I'm intending at getting this task completed within the next few months. I have noticed that the blogs that I have done for Tumbarumba Station Building has been viewed over many times according to Google Blogger stats. I will recommence these Kit bash blogs soon. I have also on my agenda for 2018 to do another Rail Central Kit Bash on Glenroy Pc1 Station with the view on providing a better detailed blog on how it is done.

My 3D Printed Model of the CC1 Water Closet with Lamp room is 95% completed (as seen in the last blog), all it is awaiting for is the painting the of Lamp room door to be completed. I will be leaving the painting of the door when the doors and door frames for Tumbarumba station building gets done in order to be more time efficient. When I received the printed out model and placed it on the a couple of Facebook Model Rail Groups last year, I was getting great feedback and had received several inquiries if it was going into the 3D Print market. Since then, I decided to get started on the process in getting this model to the 3D Printout market place. I have also recently drawn up the roof section to make it into a complete kit. The Roof from the CC1 example from my last blog was scratched built. I'm hoping it will be in the market place in a few weeks time. I just need to write up the instructions and be 100% confident that it is good to market. I will do a dedicated blog for that model in the near future. This model will be made available as both a CC1 and CC1 with Lamp Room options.

My plan is to also get the baseboards constructed and with the hope of getting some track laid down. Note sure if I will get all of the scenery and other line side items completed by the end of 2018, but will do my best to get the most done as I can.

My Model Rail Club Activities
I'm expecting that 2018 will be a big year as far as My Model Rail Club is concerned.

If my club gets invited to partake in a few Model Rail Exhibition, then I expect that we will either have to get one of our existing layouts ready to be exhibited, or complete the HO Exhibition Layout that we are currently working on.

For our new HO Exhibition Layout, I have been tasked to scratch build some of the buildings and do 3D printouts for the detailing. I will be also helping out on other tasks to make sure that we complete the layout before the Epping Model Rail Club Exhibition or the Liverpool AMRA Exhibition. This will take up some of my modelling time and may delay my Tumbarumba Project. However in saying that, I have not set any deadlines for myself on Tumbarumba yet.
On the positive, we do have some talented Club Members currently working on the HO Exhibition Layout Project. I feel we can achieve our exhibition deadlines as a good part of the layout has already been constructed. I will provide updates of this in my upcoming blogs.





N Scale Exhibition Layout of Tarana which appeared in the various 2017 exhibitions

BRACHING OUT NSWGR Blog Page
I still have to do some more posts from my 2017 activities, but I'm expecting that in the next couple of months I should be in synch with the present day activities. Once I'm up to the present day activities, my blog posts will be possibly two or three weeks apart from one another.