Lanes Trains SolidWorks Modeling

I completed learning the 3D Modeling program Solidworks as a possible career change from 25+ years of purchasing. I already have my AutoCAD certificate. When I first heard about Solidworks I knew there had to be some model railroading applications. I have previously made brass masters the old fashioned way by machining a brass pattern 4% oversized. It is a VERY time consuming process. The worst thing about it is, many times during the making of the mold; the master pattern can be damaged or totally destroyed. So when the mold expires, the part cannot be reproduced again without a new master. I have had that happen to me. This process will be replaced with Solidworks and a Rapid Prototype printer for producing master patterns.

The simplified key difference between AutoCAD and Solidworks is AutoCAD is just a 2D drawing. With Solidworks, you can send the file to a number of different end processes that will manufacture the part. It is a 3D MODELING program. Solidworks is also very flexible, in that an item can be modified and revised after the initial creation of the item. While I am learning it, I am of course practicing by drawing some parts I want for modeling projects. This will by far take my modeling to a whole new level.

I have had master patterns made from my drawings. It is really a truly amazing process. The quality was outstanding. I will have brass parts that were cast from those patterns soon. This could either be as a lost plastic process, where 1 plastic master gets you 1 brass casting, or have a mold made for traditional lost wax brass casting. I model almost exclusively in brass, so brass casting in the only way to go here. If you are modeling in plastic, then of course you just use the rapid prototype produced plastic part as is, or cast your own urethane parts from this master pattern.

The following are some of the first drawings I have made.

I will post photos of the completed brass parts when I get them.

This page will be frequently revised as I progress through this process.

I am not up to the level of drawing steam engine boiler fronts and drivers – yet.

I expect to try drawing my first set of trucks in the next month or so.

I will have 10 years of “dream parts”, the parts I never

thought I would ever get - in my hands in 2 weeks time total.

The item does not have to be rolling stock related.

Truly anything can be made.

The parts shown below are not available for production in S Scale.

P70r Roof Vents

The Penn Ventilator

Capped Vents

(I call them stumps!)

Steam Engine Handrail Stanchions

(From the I1)

RS11 Antenna Stanchion

Sound Cam Wiper Assembly

While none of this was made using Solidworks, it looks SO nice when drawn in 3D!

This is mounted down in the frame right behind the sound cam on a new cross member soldered to the frame. The approximate dimensions are 3/8’ wide x ¼” high x ¾” long. The bottom wheel plate is between the brass screw and the C bracket. You can adjust the pressure of the wiper finger on the sound cam from the bottom of the locomotive without ever taking it apart.

RS3 Numberboard

PA1 and E Unit Modern Numberboard, Brackets & Marker Light

2D-F1 Archbar Truck

I hope to have this truck completed and for sale at the NASG Convention in August.

The sideframe is just about done. I still have to do the bolster drawing.

Do you want an item designed?

If you want an item designed, this is what needs to take place first.

The item will be produced using a casting process. No sheet metal parts can be made.

I can and will handle the design work through getting the completed parts into your hands.

From the start of design to having parts in hand should be approximately 4- 6 weeks if there are no revisions needed.

I need good high resolution photos and a drawing or sketch complete with all of the necessary dimensions.

This is a rare combination of data. No work will begin until I get this data package.

I will not do research on your part. Your job is to supply a complete data package to me.

I will not try to draw a part from a small photo copied from another manufacturer’s website. Again see the above.

You should download and install the free Solidworks Viewer from E Drawings here

This will allow you to see the design file better then a TIF or JPG file.

I will guarantee that my drawing is correct to a reasonable level of detail and accuracy. Since the manufacturing of the master pattern and casting is not in my control, I cannot guarantee that you will be 100% satisfied with the parts 100% of the time. This is all a rather new technology that is improving all the time. But we are dealing with very small parts. Start with a simple item to see if you are happy with the quality, then progress from there.

The current resolution is .002”. HO parts will most likely have to be somewhat oversized to be produced. Wall thicknesses should be greater then .020 for consistent printing results. Most S and O Scale parts should not have a problem with the resolution issue. The part needs to fit in a footprint of about 1” square.

I reserve the right to produce your item in another scale. You must state that you want exclusive production rights to an item early on. That will become a negotiated item of the process.

As mentioned this process is mostly geared towards brass casting of the designed part. If you do NOT want a brass part, you should be versed in doing your own urethane casting to get the quantity of parts needed. It is not economical to have multiple masters printed to be used as final parts. My vendor claims that the master can be glued and painted. The master pattern has the consistency of a very firm gel. However it would not do well as a wear part such as a truck side frame. You should count on an absolute minimum of $100.00 before parts are made.

The installation of your new parts on your piece of rolling stock and painting are available as well.

Email me if you are interested in getting an item designed.

Updated 4-21-08