1.6 scale flatcar
Moderator: Harold_V
1.6 scale flatcar
I'm working on a 1.6 scale 6' tom bee flatcar. It has couplers but no trucks and I'm wondering if it would look more prototypical with stake pockets or without stake pockets.
Re: 1.6 scale flatcar
Those are nice, solidly built car frames. I added rivets and pockets to one that I used for the Chloe's train. (I used drive rivets with threads that just hammer in, no bucking needed)
The table-top model in this link shows a fairly typical SP steel flat car, pockets and all, and note the cut of the wood around the pockets.
http://www.oscalewest.com/images/2009_s_meet_car.jpg
The table-top model in this link shows a fairly typical SP steel flat car, pockets and all, and note the cut of the wood around the pockets.
http://www.oscalewest.com/images/2009_s_meet_car.jpg
Live Steam Photography and more - gallery.mikemassee.com
Product Development and E-Commerce, Allen Models of Nevada
Product Development and E-Commerce, Allen Models of Nevada
Re: 1.6 scale flatcar
Would steel channel make good stake pockets?
Re: 1.6 scale flatcar
I just got the deck done. Eventually I'll put more detail on it. What size of boards should I use to finish the deck? 1x2 seems a little big and it would look better with individual boards than a piece of ply wood.
Re: 1.6 scale flatcar
Rather than channel, I would suggest using square steel tubing for stake pockets. Lowes or HD has this in 3/4" square with 1/16" wall thickness.JDPRR wrote:Would steel channel make good stake pockets?
Dan Watson
Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga, TN
Re: 1.6 scale flatcar
Here's a better idea. Fabricate your stake pockets from some steel strip about 0.75" wide by 3.0" long and 0.062" thick. Clamp the strip in a vise against some 3/4" square stock. Then, use a hammer to bend the ends down against the square stock. See drawing #1.
Next, clamp the fabrication in the vise against two more pieces of square stock, and use a hammer to bend the ends the other way. See drawing #2.
Then, remove the formed stake pocket and drill holes in the flange to mount to the flat car. See drawing #3.
Sorry about the crummy drawings.Dan Watson
Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga, TN
Re: 1.6 scale flatcar
Last year I got a set of stake pockets from Precision Steel Car after seeing their ad on Discover Live Steam. Beautiful lost wax castings that needed no clean up and inexpensive - great service too. Ray.
Re: 1.6 scale flatcar
i recently went through this same exercise. picked up two MCC flat cars which have a beautiful cast aluminum frame, but are shipped with a plywood deck similar to what you have. i picked up some red oak scraps from a local hardwood supplier (~7" x 48" x 1/4" sheets) and cut ~0.91" x 15" strips (coming close to 2x8 lumber) and fortunately without any fiddling, 64 boards neatly covered the entire deck. glued and then nailed (64 boards x 8 nails/ board = 1024 brads!!) more for the cosmetics, they turned out great.JDPRR wrote:I just got the deck done. Eventually I'll put more detail on it. What size of boards should I use to finish the deck? 1x2 seems a little big and it would look better with individual boards than a piece of ply wood.
in my case, the boards trimmed even with the frame was prototypical for the L&N flat i am trying to model. i will second the opinion on getting the PSC cast stake pockets if it's in your budget.
cheers...gary
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Last edited by aopagary on Sat Jun 28, 2014 1:32 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Re: 1.6 scale flatcar
With the Utmost respect for those that posted a reply.
I don`t think it makes a difference With or Without stake pockets. It might depend on personal preference as to what you want to use the car for and or prototype. Channel, 1 x 1/2 x1/8 inch would have a tighter fit for such as 1/2 x 1/8--3/16th flat bar for "legs" of seats, body sections, or other removable accessories.
Steel Channel or square Tube mostly likely would need to be welded or make "Other brackets to fasten them to the car frame--wood OR steel.
Bending flat stock in the vise is OK but you only need one piece of tube after the first two bends (legs)that give you the "U" shape. the other two bends at each end can be done right on the vise itself.
Looking at the drawings, you might also use plain Angle iron to make the bends placing the metal strips between Two angles clamped in a vise. Don`t have a vise, parts clamped to the edge of a workbench could be used.
Parts from a supplier would be great if you can afford them. I make my own stake pockets from the Channel as mentioned above and am able to weld them to the car.
Added note. There are times when a Tight / Close bend is needed. You might have to bend Part way, and use a Claw hammer, piece of flat bar OR anything else that would help finish a bend. Rude and Crude but done.
Thank you.
I don`t think it makes a difference With or Without stake pockets. It might depend on personal preference as to what you want to use the car for and or prototype. Channel, 1 x 1/2 x1/8 inch would have a tighter fit for such as 1/2 x 1/8--3/16th flat bar for "legs" of seats, body sections, or other removable accessories.
Steel Channel or square Tube mostly likely would need to be welded or make "Other brackets to fasten them to the car frame--wood OR steel.
Bending flat stock in the vise is OK but you only need one piece of tube after the first two bends (legs)that give you the "U" shape. the other two bends at each end can be done right on the vise itself.
Looking at the drawings, you might also use plain Angle iron to make the bends placing the metal strips between Two angles clamped in a vise. Don`t have a vise, parts clamped to the edge of a workbench could be used.
Parts from a supplier would be great if you can afford them. I make my own stake pockets from the Channel as mentioned above and am able to weld them to the car.
Added note. There are times when a Tight / Close bend is needed. You might have to bend Part way, and use a Claw hammer, piece of flat bar OR anything else that would help finish a bend. Rude and Crude but done.
Thank you.
Re: 1.6 scale flatcar
I like this idea. Could this be done without a vise?Fender wrote:Here's a better idea. Fabricate your stake pockets from some steel strip about 0.75" wide by 3.0" long and 0.062" thick. Clamp the strip in a vise against some 3/4" square stock. Then, use a hammer to bend the ends down against the square stock. See drawing #1.Next, clamp the fabrication in the vise against two more pieces of square stock, and use a hammer to bend the ends the other way. See drawing #2. Then, remove the formed stake pocket and drill holes in the flange to mount to the flat car. See drawing #3. Sorry about the crummy drawings.
Thanks for the help
John H
Re: 1.6 scale flatcar
You could possibly clamp the square stock and the strip in a C-clamp instead of a vise, but you'll need some type of anvil or heavy plate to do the hammering against.
However, even if you don't have a mill, lathe or drill press, a sturdy workbench with a decent vise and hand files is a pretty basic (and essential) need for the hobbyist.
However, even if you don't have a mill, lathe or drill press, a sturdy workbench with a decent vise and hand files is a pretty basic (and essential) need for the hobbyist.
Dan Watson
Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga, TN