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New Bettendorf trucks in the works...

Posted: Fri Mar 15, 2019 12:10 pm
by OddDuck
Just for a teaser, I have been working on patterns for T-frame Bettendorf trucks. I am nearly done tweaking the master pattern, and will be starting on the bolster this weekend. I'm pretty happy with it so far, the nice thing about this set of castings is that I think they will be able to be finished up with a file and some sandpaper. Maybe a drill.
This is a mock-up of an early casting attempt. Oh, 1/8th scale, by the by, and will be useable for both 7 1/4" and 7 1/2".

Re: New Bettendorf trucks in the works...

Posted: Fri Mar 15, 2019 3:13 pm
by jcbrock
Yay, every SP steam era modeler needs these.

Re: New Bettendorf trucks in the works...

Posted: Sat Mar 16, 2019 3:37 pm
by PRR5406
Man, they are clean and beautiful!

Re: New Bettendorf trucks in the works...

Posted: Sat Mar 16, 2019 7:46 pm
by OddDuck
Thanks, after a minor correction to the master, they are coming out completely clean, so onward and upward with the working pattern. The bolster master is almost complete as well.

Re: New Bettendorf trucks in the works...

Posted: Sun Apr 14, 2019 2:04 pm
by OddDuck
First test cast of the side frames, I'm pretty happy with how they came out. The bolster pattern is almost done, I expect to start production by the end of the week. Not quite as detailed as I wanted, but I just couldn't manage the smaller details, I tried two or three times but lacked the tools and more importantly, the fine motor skills to do the smaller ribs.

Re: New Bettendorf trucks in the works...

Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2019 10:10 pm
by OddDuck
Quick update, the bolster pattern is done, and casting will commence tomorrow. I will post in the sales section when I have multiple sets ready to sell.

Re: New Bettendorf trucks in the works...

Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2019 4:34 pm
by OddDuck
The T-frame Bettendorf truck is complete! I wanted to get one assembled before I started casting a bunch. Aside from my usual pattern making habit of overcompensating for shrinkage and having to remove a little more material than I wanted it came out as well as I had hoped it would.
Have to make some ingots tonight, and casting starts in earnest tomorrow. I will announce when I have a pile for sale!