JM Design June 2021 Update

[Mayner]

Irish Wagon Range:  We began June on a high note with the arrival of the test prints of a new model the GSR version of the IRCH 10T Standard Open wagon and an updated version of the GSR bulk grain wagon.

 

 

 

We ran multiple test prints to identifty potential weaknesses in the CAD work under repetitive manufacturing conditions as we ran into problems with the grain wagon discharge gear and had to make a number of amendments to the brake van despite a number of successful test prints.

The opens have turned out well but it looks like we missed out the bolt head detail of the diagonal strapping.

The painting was a rush job the prints arrived this afternoon, the grey is a self etch primer, the red oxide a primer coat. I have a 1950s black and white photo of what appears to be a red hopper with black underframe and running gear. 

 

 

Discharge side our designer had fun and games modelling the linkages that operate the discharge gear with three attempts before coming up with a workable solution.

Although the open and grain wagons share a 'common' standard IRCH/GSWR/GSR underframe the two types of wagons have buffers and suspension system (springs and hangers) which we have captured in the models.

20T Brake Van:  We ran into some problems during the manufacture of the first batch of vans which has had a knock on effect on completing and assembling the wagons. It was necessary to re-design & strengthen some of the finer parts to minimise breakage during assembly as SLA prints are relatively brittle compared to injection molded plastic.

We currently completing the assembly and painting of the first batch of vans and expect to have a small batch of vans with the flying snail logo available for marketing and review purposes by late June. The next step is to establish whether its feasible/viable to reproduce the 1960s/70s wasp striping to the sloping duckets using pad printing for a rtr model or use decals as a fall back option.

All our 3D printed wagons are supplied with Bachmann couplers with NEM mount and OO gauge Markits wheels on 28mm axles. The models are easy to re-gauge to 21mm gauge simply by pushing the wheels out 19mm (OO running clearances) or 19.3mm (EM running clearances). 

We have not established a price point or set up a website for our Irish wagons at this stage as the viability of producing the wagons as rtr models or kits hinges on the successful completion of the Brake Van as our first 3D printed model and the ability of our suppliers and contractors to deliver.

 

 

52 Class & Tin Van Kits.

We currently have the etched and cast metal parts for the 52 Class kit in stock. The castings for the tin van kits are in stock and the etched parts for the Post Office/Tool Van and final test etch for the revised Heating & Luggage and Luggage Vans are on order currently with a 4 week lead time. Some of the detail parts for these kits are out of stock with our suppliers in the UK mainly as a result of increased demand arising from the resurgence in modelling as a result of Covid restrictions in the UK and Europe.

Our planned release of the 52 Class in July-August and the Tin Vans in Aug-September is dependent on these suppliers.

 

Edited June 1, 2021 by Mayner

[Patrick Davey]

Looking impressive!!  I sent you a Facebook message a while back, am interested in the brake vans.

[murphaph]

Great update. Looking good. 

[Noel]

Yummie. I'll send a 141 light engine straight away to collect some of those. Gorgeous and great to see this golden era of Irish railways finally catered for in terms of RTR wagons. 

[fishplate7]

Very impressive! Unlike Noel, I'll send a fleet of locomotives - a single 141 won't be able to pull what I'm looking for!! Looking forward to seeing these go into production.