Steam Shovel

thingiverse

A miniature steam shovel that's already functional in its current state. The basic components required to build a 1:48th scale model of a steam shovel, log loader, clamshell bucket or dragline are all accounted for. Further development is still underway, but it's more than sufficient for immediate use. Future improvements include an earlier style chassis, curved shovel arm, longer crane arm, and gas-powered version. Several chassis models are also in progress. The model features a plasticard roof instead of printed-on design due to thickness concerns with the latter component. The building instructions will evolve as additional components are added, but for now, here's a basic guide: 1. Main Body: Print body 2 or 3, and drill out holes for winch mounts, top A-frame hole, and arm mount. Use a 2mm drill bit, depending on axle preference. Print two winch drums and two drive units; the geared ones look better with higher resolution. Insert three short axles through holes: bottom two hold winch drums in place, while the top one is cut flush but leaves the bottom ones protruding to center drive units. There are several drive options for a particular prototype. Mount the boiler at the body's back (unless opting for gas-powered or other variations). 2. Shovel Arm: Print and drill out four holes; slide axles through two end holes to form pulleys using small plastic rod, washers, and patience. Attach the shovel arm to the body with an axle. 3. Shovel Mounting: Print the shovel and attach it to the shovel arm using an axle. This is a fixed design, but later versions will have sliding functionality (yet to be implemented). Mount the shovel winch (pulley) onto the shovel's end; glue all pose pieces before handling cables. 4. Chassis: The chassis is printed as one piece. Printing track pieces separately and linking them with pins can be more manageable than printing a single long strip. For a smoother motion, use a thick plastic axle to pivot between cab and chassis. 5. Cables: This step requires patience and attention to detail. The first cable starts under the shovel arm's end, drops down around the pulley, and returns up over the shovel. If possible, get it around the pulley and back again for realism. Take the remaining cable and wrap it around the lower drum, avoiding loops over the main crane arm; this controls bucket angle. The second cable goes between the top of the shovel arm and the body's axle, lifting and lowering the arm. As many loops as possible make it more realistic. Drop this down and wrap it around the upper drum. Use old printer serial cables for a thicker thread. 6. Final Assembly: Put the roof on and inspect for any missed steps. The clamshell and log loaders have similar cable arrangements but check prototypes for subtle details. I'll create diagrams when time permits, but feel free to ask if you get stuck!