Playmobil 4109 - Steel Girder Car
- Thread starter Polarblair
- Start date
Nice.
Not sure what you have for bogies, I have used these and they seem pretty decent:
Bogies for LGB cars by jockelill
I did mod a set to have 4mm axle holes to take some 4mm OD brass tube - much better wear characteristics than printed PLA.
Not sure what you have for bogies, I have used these and they seem pretty decent:
Bogies for LGB cars by jockelill
I did mod a set to have 4mm axle holes to take some 4mm OD brass tube - much better wear characteristics than printed PLA.
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The bed of the flat truck is just modelled in for reference. I hadn't planned on printing the entire thing as I doubt I could be competitive compared to buying a second hand flat truck.
My plan was to make everything else available as a kit including the girders for people that already have flat trucks.
But just had a thought - I probably need to look at flat trucks from other manufacturers and get as close to a universal fit as possible.
Everything else could stay the same, just the turntable bases would need to have a few variations.
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I use the LGB bogies which have the rotating pieces and hold down chains. First ones I got were in the 30th anniversary set and then I found someone selling a bunch here in the USA. Same bogie used for the I beams.
Most parts have been test printed now - still some adjustment to make the turntable bearing a snug fit but practically there.
Making the first full size print of the girder right now. The original playmobil version is a cellular beam but this doesnt print well. Photos look better than it is in reality as the top of the arch is effectively being printed in mid air. Support structures would help but they would be substantial and dont completely fix the problem. Ideally I try to design parts that don't require supports to minimise post processing.
So castellated beam it is. This prints cleanly without supports and I quite like the look anyway. Turns out the process to enlarge a beam to create a cellular or castellated beam is practically identical.
I also looked at printing the logo as part of the design but this massively increases the cost and wastes loads of material in the purge tower,
The girder needs to be split in half for printing so the letter A will cover the join as well as adding strength when glued with Revell Contacta as this welds the plastic together. Two dowel pins in the ends of the girder halves will take care of alignment while glueing.
It probably doesn't hurt to have some more differences in design to further differentiate the product. Still need to source a chain for the cradle arms but now that I have some PETG I can do some experiments with a 3D printed option.
Maybe model something like a ratchet load binder.
Making the first full size print of the girder right now. The original playmobil version is a cellular beam but this doesnt print well. Photos look better than it is in reality as the top of the arch is effectively being printed in mid air. Support structures would help but they would be substantial and dont completely fix the problem. Ideally I try to design parts that don't require supports to minimise post processing.
So castellated beam it is. This prints cleanly without supports and I quite like the look anyway. Turns out the process to enlarge a beam to create a cellular or castellated beam is practically identical.
I also looked at printing the logo as part of the design but this massively increases the cost and wastes loads of material in the purge tower,
The girder needs to be split in half for printing so the letter A will cover the join as well as adding strength when glued with Revell Contacta as this welds the plastic together. Two dowel pins in the ends of the girder halves will take care of alignment while glueing.
It probably doesn't hurt to have some more differences in design to further differentiate the product. Still need to source a chain for the cradle arms but now that I have some PETG I can do some experiments with a 3D printed option.
Maybe model something like a ratchet load binder.
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Print came out well. Lots of fine tuning and making it easier to assemble. Still need to test on track but articulation is working well.
Cradle arms fold flat like the original. I used a bearing for the hub so the casters just keep it level while turning.
Printed chain needs a little work but it's surprisingly strong. Everything is printed in ASA except for the girder which is tough PLA.
Cradle arms fold flat like the original. I used a bearing for the hub so the casters just keep it level while turning.
Printed chain needs a little work but it's surprisingly strong. Everything is printed in ASA except for the girder which is tough PLA.
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No apologies needed for squeeky axles, love em. Just can it run a bit slower next time please, tricky to appreciate the work when moving so fast.View attachment 319521
Track test went well. Runs pretty sweet!
View attachment 319522
Definitely looks more appropriate on the R2 curves.
View attachment 319523
But no issues running on the standard plastic track.
Did a quick video of it. I know I need to grease some axles - apologies in advance for the noise!
Haven't forgotten about the video - just been crazy with work. Did manage to finalise the chain so it clips on neatly and comes off easily.
Here's the finished product:
First one goes to my wee lad. I think he was just as excited about getting another flatbed car as he was the girder
Here's the finished product:
First one goes to my wee lad. I think he was just as excited about getting another flatbed car as he was the girder
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I use them and used 4mm dress makers eyelets for axle bearings.
100 Sets of 4mm Internal Hole Diameter Eyelets & Washers for Scrapbooking, Leather, Belts, Bags, DIY Crafts, Self Backing (Color : Mixed Color) : Amazon.com.au: Home
100 Sets of 4mm Internal Hole Diameter Eyelets & Washers for Scrapbooking, Leather, Belts, Bags, DIY Crafts, Self Backing (Color : Mixed Color) : Amazon.com.au: Home
www.amazon.com.au
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I'm definitely sailing close to the wind. I doubt I will ever be big enough to come across their radar but all the graphics and even the vectors for the font are my own so I should be ok. I could see MAN having an opinion on this but I could always sell the letters individually for 1p. Maybe people want a NAM girder? Who am I to judge?
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Well I fortunately have two boxed originals however the idea of a long train of them is something to think about. Fantastic work you have done.
Paul
Paul
I have a whole newsletter full of pictures devoted to the bridge manufacture (trolleys as well) but I cannot get to post it as it is in pdf format, also word format but it is huge.That is awesome. This is what I love about this forum. I doubt I would have come across these picture otherwise.
I might have to resort to making a few threads and copying the text and pictures into them.
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