3D printing parts for a turnout

[Graffen]

Time for a little experiment.

I have some tight radius G scale Aristocraft turnouts that my steamers cant go thru.

So, instead of buying or handlaying new turnouts, I will try to rebuild them into #5's instead.

I used Fusion 360 to CAD design a new frog and the surrounding ties.

It will be 3D printed in ABS+ on my trusty old Wanhao Duplicator 4DS.

Then I can use the points and just alter the radius on the rails.

 

[Paradise]

Good idea!
LGB R1s are like old shoes. Everyone has a pair or two but often not the best for running.
What about the electricery contacts?

EDIT: It is for AristoCraft points, not LGB. Silly me!

 

[simon@mgr]

Spotted your post on Facebook, I thought it was a brilliant idea.

 

[dunnyrail]

View attachment 255530
Time for a little experiment.

I have some tight radius G scale Aristocraft turnouts that my steamers cant go thru.

So, instead of buying or handlaying new turnouts, I will try to rebuild them into #5's instead.

I used Fusion 360 to CAD design a new frog and the surrounding ties.

It will be 3D printed in ABS+ on my trusty old Wanhao Duplicator 4DS.

Then I can use the points and just alter the radius on the rails.

You may need to lengthen the Crossing and Stock Rails a little if you are using a smaller point to make a bigger one Radius Wise.

 

[Greg Elmassian]

and re-curve the diverging rails, I think even more tricky. I assume you are trying to make a switch that is curved all the way through the diverging route, i.e. including the rails coming from the frog, as per Jon's illustration? That also will need significant re-curving.

Greg

 

[Paul M]

I'll be watching this with interest. I've got some old track which I would like to make some points with a some stage

 

[Greg Elmassian]

If you just want to make turnouts from rail, FastTracks is a good way to go: Fast Tracks - Helping the World Build Better Railroads

Greg

 

[curtis]

Very creative! Also, those are some excellent CAD skills!

A question - is this for indoor or outdoor use? How would the printing resin hold up outside?

 

[dunnyrail]

Very creative! Also, those are some excellent CAD skills!

A question - is this for indoor or outdoor use? How would the printing resin hold up outside?

Yes I was wondering about that but forgot to ask.

 

[Paradise]

If you just want to make turnouts from rail, FastTracks is a good way to go: Fast Tracks - Helping the World Build Better Railroads
Greg

They only do the small scales from what I can see. Where are my glasses?

 

[Graffen]

Very creative! Also, those are some excellent CAD skills!

A question - is this for indoor or outdoor use? How would the printing resin hold up outside?

Thanks, they are meant to be outside. That's why I printed them in white, as white absorbes less heat. I will paint them though.

 

[Graffen]

This is how far I've got.
This is a test, so there's bound to be some changes made.

 

[Paradise]

It is ABS so probably much the same as a LEGO block. Most of the thermal plastics used in 3D printing are of an engineering quality. They are, although not noticeably slightly porous so a a good host for mold etc. but a decent layer of paint will help with that and also help further protect from UV.
I'm not so sure that being white will stop absorbing heat once painted a dark colour.

 

[Greg Elmassian]

Yep, once painted, the color of the plastic underneath is really of no consequence. I'm interested to see the point rails.

Also, FastTracks does not have a G scale jig listed, but I heard they would make one. I have used them in Z scale. Very helpful in cutting the rails and angles, which will have to be done in this case after re-curving the existing rails, but you could make a rail cutting jig yourself, even print one!

Greg