3D Printed Quenching locomotive Part 1

I was asked by Carsten Lundsten, to review his HO scale 3D printed version of a quenching locomotive that he modeled after his N scale version that he also created and is offered through Shapeways. The quenching locomotive will be offered in 2 versions. I am reviewing the left-hand version due to where the quenching tower is located and, the end the quenching car will be coupled to on the locomotive.

This model is 3D printed in white nylon plastic with a matte finish and slight grainy feel. The locomotive is a static model and the locomotive measures in at 2 3/8 long, by 2 13/16 wide this includes the platform that is on the oven side of the locomotive, the height is 2 ¼ from the top of the rail to the top of the locomotive. The locomotive isn’t modeled after any particular locomotive, but there are a few quenching locomotives that similar body style. I was very impressed with the details of the locomotive and how sturdy it is. The printed posts, steps, and platforms, the parts that I would think would be flimsy are very sturdy. Below the platform on the coke, oven side are brackets for electric pickup. (((The platform on coke oven side of this sample is a little high compared to the coke guide beach on the coke oven. This has since been corrected and will be level with the coke oven.))) On the opposite side are doors for maintenance and an air conditioner. The truck details are also very well printed and the printed wheels are spaced the right width apart. The front of the locomotive does have a spot for a heat light and a platform to access the control cab. The rear of the locomotive has another set of maintenance doors. The locomotive does have a grainy feel and some of the edges do need to be cleaned up. The locomotive could have been printed in a different material to make a smoother surface but that would have increased the price from $40 to $80

Coupler pockets are also printed into the locomotive with a pilot hole for screws. I used Kadee #58 couplers with a Kadee #232 gearbox. I cut the ears off the gearboxes and it slides in the opening with no other modifications and the screw pilot hole lines up perfect with the Kadee gearboxes and the couple came in at the right height.

One could power the locomotive if they wanted too. By removing the printed wheels and inserting a powertrain of their choice. Overall I’m am really impressed with this model. Carsten has done a great job in modeling this quenching locomotive in 3D. With all the steel mill equipment out there this is the first quenching locomotive I know of that has been made available to the steel mill modeler.