3d printing water scoop

[Deleted]

Hi everyone, I am on with building my Stanier 4000 gallon tender for my Class 5XP "Jubilee", my question is, is it acceptable to 3d print the parts for the water scoop as at the end of the day it is something that is not really seen but nice to have there if somebody looks? I hope to print it so it works and it shouldn't be under any stresses at any point.

[coniston]

I don't see why not, it is not exposed to any real heat and as you say pretty well protected. I guess you are intending on using and FDM printer? maybe use PETG as a starter for material or even a carbon filled PETG?

It could also be resin printed if you have a big enough one or break it down into smaller parts, not used one of those so cannot really comment on that.

Have a go, you've little to lose by trying it and I'm sure we would all be interested to see how you get on.

Chris D

[92220]

Hi Orville.

I am sure you could 3D print the parts, in the right material. Mike Jack (44767) made superb, faithful to the B.R. works drawing, bronze castings for me.....even the very thin 'wings' that guide the water into the scoop....and it all works. He produced 3D parts to make the castings, so it must be possible. Bare in mind though, that even though protected by the other parts of the tender, it can still be damaged by the tender being derailed on the track.

Bob.

[kipford]

There will be no problem resin printing it, size wise it should fit straight into a photon or similar. I use an ABS style resin in mine which is very good for detail but is it a little bit brittle. As it is partially hidden I would probably use FDM on the finest setting. If it does get broken though you just print another one. My loco lamps have test printed in resin and Chris has already made FDM printed ones, so you are not alone.
Dave

[kipford]

Orville
Thanks, You made me check my data on the Aspinall and I forgot it should have a water scoop on the tender as well. Don Ignored this so quick email to a model railway club member has resulted in enough data to produce a water scoop so I will be joining you at some point in producing one.
Dave

[JonL]

In the nicest way, wouldn't it be a good idea if it wasn't too substantial anyway? Better that a brittle part snaps rather than causes a derailment if it hits something, especially as the part could be easily reprinted.

[92220]

Hi Nobby.

Orville wants to make it a 'working' scoop, so it will hinge up well out of the way of catching anything on the track. It probably lifts so far up that the front bogie, and brake operating gear, would hit anything before the water scoop did. I think the problem is more likely to come during handling on and off the track, but you are right that having it a bit fragile, might be a good idea as it will be easily remade, but is generally still well protected by the tender frames. Exactly the same problems were present in fullsize.

Bob.

[kipford]

Mine is not going to be operational, but will be a fairly scale representation. Hence it will be mounted as Bob says in the stowed position which gives more than adequate clearance to prevent it being knocked off.
Dave