O-27 Ballast Spreader - Marx/Lionel Tubular Track Compatable

thingiverse

I decided to build my own ballast spreader for use on my O-27 Marx model railroad after being unable to find one that fit the bill. The finished product stands about 8.5cm tall x 7.2cm long x 8cm wide (3.25" x 2.75" x 3.13") and should deposit scale ballast at a width of 12 o scale feet. To accommodate my printer, I had to print it in two parts, so I've included the Sketchup file for anyone who wants to combine the pieces themselves. I recently updated the design to create a single piece version that fits within my printer's limitations, reducing its height to about 6cm. This new version can also be edited to increase its height if desired. I ran this revised model through Blender's mesh check and was able to resolve some issues it had with the original pieces. Printing out the new design proved trouble-free, and I'm confident that it will now print water-tight. For those who may still want the two-piece version, I've left the halfed version available. Another update has been added - a roadbed scribe that can be used in conjunction with the spreader. This tool holds two pencils or pens on either side and marks out a 12' wide roadbed with the track centered. It can be found at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1905815. **Print Settings** * Printer: M3D Micro * Rafts: No * Supports: Yes * Resolution: 200 microns * Infill: Low **Post-Printing** I printed out both the two-piece and single-piece spreaders to test their performance. I much prefer the single-piece version, which seems sturdier. The photos included show it being used, and I'm very happy with the results. It's a significant improvement over spooning ballast material onto the track and shaping it with a brush. Even when using fine dirt for testing, I was able to achieve a very nice shape.