450 Class from CMAC 3d printed components.

33lima · 2026-09-29T18:28:38Z

Here's my recently-completed OO gauge model, constructed using the CMAC 3d printed bodyshells, floor/underframe and trailer bogies.

She's powered with Lima HO Class 33 motor and pickup bogies in the power car, the frames being a good visual and wheelbase match (the OO Lima 33's are longer) for the CMAC-supplied parts. Decals are from Railtec, the sheet provides numbers for four sets; I'm awaiting custom embossed nameplates from the same supplier.

Cars are coupled with Porterhouse Models 3d printed 23mm pivoted magnetic couplings, fitted into NEM pockets glued under the car ends. This is my first time with any kind of magnetic coupling and I'm quite impressed with the results and the reasonably close coupling I've got with them, which is fine on the 2nd and 2rd radius curves I normally encounter.

Day 1 running issues were sorted by replacing a missing traction tyre on the motor bogie; adding some (adhesive tyre-balancing) weights to inside floors; and fitting Peco top-hat brass bearings to the trailer bogies (I replaced Hornby 12.6mm wheels with HO versions with slightly smaller wheels and shorter axles, the better to fit into the brass bearings without stretching and possibly breaking the 3d printed bogie frames - replacing these with RTR B3 bogies would have been an alternative).

Main body colours are Humbrol matt light grey 147 and Vallejo Model Color dark blue 70.930, roof Humbrol 67 matt tank grey, cab fronts Humbrol 24 trainer yellow (all acryllic, all brush-painted) with an overspray of Maston One clear lacquer satin from The Range, applied before and after the decals. Windows are strips of dark-tinted acetate from eBay, fixed inside with Humbrol Clearfix and some strips of Sellotape. Small self adhesive jewels from Hobbycraft were fitted into the front white light housings - which came drilled out to accommodate lighting, for the electrically-minded.