LDD MOC: New Freight Car - Bathtub Gondola

[Dan-147]

It's been a while since I've felt inspired to design a new train car. Recently, I've just been doodling with a "recolored" Santa-Fe F-7 (in VIA-Rail blue and yellow) with the matching passenger cars (see kyphur's post LDraw MOC: My EMD F7 (New Gray) Project . However I didn't really feel all that inspired since the redesign was rather minor.

This week-end, I was browsing on rrpicturearchives and I came across a series of pictures for CN bathtub gondolas. These cars are used in unit trains to carry coal and other bulk materials. Traditionally, hoppers were used for these trains but someone figured out that by removing the unloading doors at the bottom of the car, it could be made lighter, it could carry more payload and it required less maintenance. The one downside is that it is no longer self-unloading. Rotary dumpers that turn the whole car upside down are needed to empty it. (Note to myself: a LEGO rotary dumper would make a great project!).

The aluminium and red color really caught my eye so I started up my trusty MLCad. Before I knew it, the basic layout was settled. All the little details fell into place so that now my design is complete:

The MLCad file is cleaned up and I should be able to start working on the insrtuctions soon. I haven't built it in the brick yet and unfortunately it will be a while before I can find the time. Real Life is getting in the way (home renovations).

When the instructions will be done, I'll probably have them posted on Railbricks' instructions page. I'll let you know. If anyone is interested in giving it a try before, let me know and I'll send you a preliminary copy of the instructions or of the MLCad file.

Dan-147

[roamingstop]

Note to myself: a LEGO rotary dumper would make a great project!).

I forget who, aussiejbo? Did one about 9-12 months ago here on eB - iPhone won't let me search

[AussieJimbo]

Nice gondola design, Dan.

I forget who, aussiejbo? Did one about 9-12 months ago here on eB - iPhone won't let me search

Yeah, that was me.

http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=61082&view=findpost&p=1093241&hl=&fromsearch=1

:classic:

[roamingstop]

Thanks AussieJimbo - damn I hate the autocorrect feature.

Dan-147 - I forgot to mention - great model. It looks to use the wheel designs from the Railbricks wagons - is that right? It certainly looks good; I might have most of the parts for an old grey version.

[Dan-147]

Dan-147 - I forgot to mention - great model. It looks to use the wheel designs from the Railbricks wagons - is that right? It certainly looks good; I might have most of the parts for an old grey version.

That's right! Although the bogie I use is a bit simplified (no airhose and a bit shorter). Cale's North American freight bogie was a godsend for me and my passion for local trains. LEGO's wheel-brick design is nice and all, especially for Europeen designs, but it just didn't work for me. Plus Cale's design allows my freight cars to sit lower.

Dan-147

[Dan-147]

I've got the instructions done and posted on Railbricks. So, if anyone is interested...

On a side note, I just realized that there is a mistake in the parts list (page 2). One line got dropped, somehow. There should be 4 x1x2 Technic bricks with holes (32000).

Dan-147

[lostdriveway]

Awesome design!

These are my favourite freight wagons especially the BN / BNSF colour schemes so I will definitely be building a few of these!!

Once again, awesome design and great work!