andrewb
Western Thunderer
Morning all!
Is anyone able to help me by creating a set of bespoke tyres for a 7mm project I have underway? I'm experimenting with 3D CAD while also exploring what modern 3D printing materials are commercially available to create exact miniature replicas of loco wheels with the resolution, rigidity and toughness needed in 7mm scale. But I do not have the skills nor the tools to turn my own metal tyres.
Those of you with very long memories will remember that I have a Parallel Boiler Royal Scot project trickling along (See An Anniversary Royal Scot, now on page 5 of this forum) so won't be surprised that the wheels in question are destined for this fine loco. I visited the archive at NRM just after Christmas and photographed the plans for its 6' 9" main wheels, recreated in CAD then modelled in 3D. I'm not quite there with it - there are significant challenges 'reverse-engineering' into computer-speak some curves and profiles that were lovingly hand-crafted by highly skilled artisans in the pattern shop - but I'm getting close enough to be thinking about getting some tyres made. As much as anything, the final details of the 3D printed bit in the middle will depend on the precise dimensions of the solid, turned metal bit on the outside!
Here's a screenshot outlining the requirement:
Is anyone able to help me by creating a set of bespoke tyres for a 7mm project I have underway? I'm experimenting with 3D CAD while also exploring what modern 3D printing materials are commercially available to create exact miniature replicas of loco wheels with the resolution, rigidity and toughness needed in 7mm scale. But I do not have the skills nor the tools to turn my own metal tyres.
Those of you with very long memories will remember that I have a Parallel Boiler Royal Scot project trickling along (See An Anniversary Royal Scot, now on page 5 of this forum) so won't be surprised that the wheels in question are destined for this fine loco. I visited the archive at NRM just after Christmas and photographed the plans for its 6' 9" main wheels, recreated in CAD then modelled in 3D. I'm not quite there with it - there are significant challenges 'reverse-engineering' into computer-speak some curves and profiles that were lovingly hand-crafted by highly skilled artisans in the pattern shop - but I'm getting close enough to be thinking about getting some tyres made. As much as anything, the final details of the 3D printed bit in the middle will depend on the precise dimensions of the solid, turned metal bit on the outside!
Here's a screenshot outlining the requirement: