HO Scale LORAM RGS1 Rail Grinder Track Vacuum Maintenance of Way

cults3d

This is a WORKING track vacuum in HO scale that uses 4 AA batteries to maintain your track. It has been successfully run on track radii down to 18 inches, but runs best at 22 inches and up. It is modeled after the LORAM Rail Grinding System, a 2-unit rail grinder for short runs of track, crossings, and points/turnouts. Specifically, this model depicts the RGS1 unit (LMIX-404). The chassis has no motive power of its own and relies on a locomotive for traction. This model is designed to use 4 new or surplus Athearn 42" locomotive axles ("Blue Box") along with two standard 33" freight trucks (Athearn, Atlas, Kadee, etc.). The coupler boxes will work with Kadee Magematic, Athearn, Bachmann, or even legacy X2F couplers. This battery-powered model uses a hidden slide dual pole, dual throw switch (Slide DPDT) that is actuated by sliding the front engine cab rooftop air conditioner back and forth. When turned on, the track fan beneath the engine section of the model pulls dust and debris such as loose ballast into a removable compartment. This compartment is released by sliding back the rooftop exhaust stack and pivoting upwards. This is very similar to a handheld vacuum (i.e. "Dustbuster"). The air filter is made from 2 plies of used fabric softener dryer sheets sewn onto the removeable frame. While the filter media is removable, it should not be necessary to replace for a long time. Just dump out the dirt and debris. The grinder section of the model houses the battery compartment which holds four (4) AA batteries. AAs are easily found anywhere. The battery compartment lid is removable and uses both a slight interference fit and gravity to hold it in place. Markings on the inside of the compartment denote the orientation of the battery cells and two pull straps (optional) aid in battery removal. Brass strips are used at the ends to form terminals and to complete the circuit. Two small L-shaped terminals are used at the end towards the front/vacuum/engine section and one large V-shaped terminal is employed at the rear. The terminal sections are removable and facilitate soldering wires to the terminals prior to installation. Wiring snakes through the chassis in both units and employs an optional mini connector between the two. This model can be printed in either filament or resin. It has been successfully printed using silver PLA on a Prusament Mini+ using a 0.25 mm nozzle and a 0.07 mm layer height. The model is broken up into a large number of pieces to get the proper orientation for the highest possible resolution. Assembly is best accomplished using Plastruct Plastic Weld and/or non-fogging cyanoacrylate (CA) glue such as Bob Smith Super Gold +. Canopy glue works well for adding windows. The non-printed parts required for this model are readily available at little to no cost. They include: -Four AA batteries (Alkaline or NiMH rechargeable) -One Slide DPDT Switch (Radio Shack 2750403 or equivalent) -One 6 Volt pancake motor (RF-300C-11440) commonly found in DVD or CD players -Several 2-56 x 3/16" slotted machine screws or metric close equivalents -One spring from a ball point pen for the "Dustbuster" bin release latch -Two Kadee Magnematic or other NMRA-pattern couplers -Clear and or/tinted plastic sheet for cab windows (e.g. styrene, blow mold packaging, thin film sheets, etc.) -Two 1-72 x 1/8" slotted machine screws for couplers or metric close equivalents The attached ZIP folder contains 76 individual STL files. This is essentially a 3-D printed version of a model kit. ENJOY!