Non air Hopper

thingiverse

This is a G gauge model of a 10T non air coal hopper used on the Hunter Valley coal fields. This particular design was used by the Pelaw Main Colliery. The main hopper is printed upside down using supports touching build plate only. The frame itself slots together. I have included built in supports on the side frame but you will need to add supports on the inner end frame. The frame is glued together with medium superglue and sprayed with a kicker. Very important to use an accelerator as this creates heat which helps bond the PLA. The hopper can be glued to the frame but it was removable in real life. The axles are from 3mm rod and can be pressed into the wheels under a drill press using the jig supplied. The center jig ensures the correct back to back of the flanges. Alternatively LGB wheel sets can be used. There is just enough flex in the frame to install the wheel sets after the frame has been assembled and painted. I have included a coupler adapter to fit LGB style couplers. This is screwed in place under the inner end frame. Holes are included to take 10mm long 3mm screws. The main tow hook can be used with 3 link chain. 11.5mm long by 1.8mm diameter clock chain was used. The hook stood up to the weight of six wagons without weight be shunted back and forth without breaking. This was printed in PLA using .2 layer height. Still have to design brake gear which is installed on one side so I will add this soon. Update30/1/22 modified the coupler hook to lower it by a couple of mm's . Update 27/2/22 Added brake detail pieces and tow hook spring detail. The brake parts are pinned together with short pieces of filament. Assemble the side frame brake detail piece to the brake hinge bracket with a piece of filament. Don't glue these yet. Center the brake shoes between the wheels and glue the hinge bracket in place. Then glue the brake bar lever in place and finally the tow hook spring. Printing these parts are very delicate. I recommend printing these parts using blue tape and glue if using a filament printer.