T Scale Car Float

thingiverse

This is a scaled and modified version of ajkochev excellent N Scale model - at 1/3rd the size.I assembled the float/barge pieces for 1 piece printing. I added depth to the railcar float so that it sits below the water line. This barge goes along with the T Scale Railcar Float Apron.Along the way, I had a flat deck cargo barge, so that is included as well.Finally I have included a specialized tool for cutting the T Scale flex track to go into the slots. Warning: Cutting and inserting the track into the slots is tricky and relates directly to your skill level. If you need a simpler approach, you could hollow out the space between the rails and place a piece of track into the slot with the ties between the rails.Rail Installation: With a sharp eXacto (or similar) Blade, cut the outer ends of the ties off, leaving only the plate/spike that connects the track. If you have cut out the slot, you are done. :-)Next, place the trimmed flex track into the technical tool face down with the rails in the slots. Carefully slide the track off the edge of the tool and into the turning cut-off wheel of a rotary tool (Dremel) cutting the inside portion of the tie off near to the plate/spike. If you try to do this step with a blade, you will fail (the tie bits will break off of the rail). Imagine that you are running a tiny sawmill. The Dremel wheel representing the saw blade.Repeat on the other rail.You should use pieces of track with more ties than you need, because you will lose some along the way.Next, remove as much of the melt debris as possible. IF you need to sand with 220 - 400 grit sandpaper, place the rail face down in the slot on the tool and carefully do so.When you have done this correctly, the remaining plate/spikes should slide along the rail with a bit of encouragement.Finally, test fit the rail, and if good, glue or epoxy the tie plates/spike into the slot. If you have discoloration on the edges of the ties plates, run some umber wash down the channel.One piece of flex track is sufficient for the float - but be prepared to use 2 (in case you need a do-over).Be careful if you try to scale the model - The railing at each of the 4 corners is very thin and delicate.