N scale 55 ton coal car

thingiverse

I was inspired by a 55-ton coal car on Thingiverse, but I wanted to design something that could fully utilize the best printing orientation for detail. So, I fired up Fusion 360 and got to work! This model requires assembly, but as the pictures show, the outcome is well worth it. The model was designed around Micro Trains trucks and has a base with extra clearance provided so they don't have any issues on the track. I weighed mine down with LED shot to 10 grams each, then filled them with black ballast for a coal load. With that weight, it can go full speed around a 9 3/4" radius without toppling over. Instructions are to glue each side piece to the base with super glue - thin is best if you can control the flow, but if not, use medium because thin will fill the gaps in between the steps. Follow these instructions as straight as possible, then attach the ends and finally the inner baffle.