Signalling bits and pieces

[Stephen Freeman]

Some of you may know that I am known to build the occasional signal. I have decided to move with the times and have made a start with 3D printing. I did buy n FDM printer some time ago but decided it probably wasn't going to produce the results I want. Anyway I bought an Alkaid 3D resin printer a while ago but it has taken me this long to start to get the hang of it.

I have done half a dozen designs in Freecad so far and am gradually starting to print them. some of the designs need a bit of guesswork, others such as GWR Finials have some published dimensions, which helps, otherwise it is down to prototype photos..

7mm scale GWR Signal Lamps



I notice there may be a problem in uploading photos at the moment but I will try and persevere

7mm scale Midland Railway lamps

7mm scale GWR finial, I am currently painting one up which may help the camra to focus on it.

I have more designs in the pipeline, printing and curing. I will add photos in due course.

 

[Stephen Freeman]

I have painted one GWR finial, I have a build plate full. I will printthe round post version tomorrow

 

[Stephen Freeman]

Just cured caledonian 7mm scale signal finial

 

[Stephen Freeman]

The GWR 7mm scale round ones are curing at the moment. I will be posting photos of these and others asap

 

[Stephen Freeman]

7mm scale round post signal finial

 

[Stephen Freeman]

And there is more including this short youtube which shows hopefully that the finial spikes can take a minor knock
Signal Finial being bent

 

[Stephen Freeman]

Good Morning,



I have been working on one version of a McKenzie & Holland signal lamp, I have still to do a version for the Ground Signals (the vents are different). Here is a photo of progress in the form of a screen grab from Chitubox. I will probably be printing some 7mm scale ones in the next day or so.

There are a couple of improvements that could be made first.

• The top vent pattern is strictly speaking not quite right but once printed and painted it probably won't be noticeable
• There should be a little more detail on the stem but not really noticeable in scales up to 7mm
• I have noticed that an improvement to the top vent pattern would be good and I think not too difficult to do.

The lamps will be hollow as usual with see through lenses.

 

[Stephen Freeman]

I have revised the top vents pattern slightly

 

[Stephen Freeman]

Now printed in 7mm scale, Next to design will be the one for Ground Signals, which had a very different design.

 

[Stephen Freeman]

I also build track, usually the traditional way but Templot along with affordable 3D printers is starting to open up possibilities, yes I know it is still a work in progress but it is amazing just what can be achieved already. I haven't tried plug track as yet as I am still trying to get my old FDM printer setup satisfactorily, not sure it is even possble. Resin printers however can already produce some of the special chairs that are not available off the shelf in 7mm scale.
As a result I am currrently building some turnouts in 0F with a mix of chairs from Exactoscale and 3D printed chairs. Using plywood timbers. The fishplates are my own and the wheels do not foul them I am pleased to say.