Henry 991

Thanks! Indeed, I have been looking at this. Didn’t know that it was you had made it. Already sourced the fitting bearings (156zz). The pros of this one are clear: you can have low rolling resistance bearings while still using the Lego axle. However, to complement this, some applications require regular Lego brick/beam. There the steel axle and smaller size bearing and train wheel/Lego gear shaft adapter is handy. I will probably end up using both solutions where suitable.

Thanks for sharing your ideas! On the 3D printed option, I haven't yet found the printing service in Europe that should be used. in Shapeways, there are basically two options: "Fine Detail Plastic" that is their resin-based plastic. Supports wall-thickness of 0.2 mm "Multi Jet Fusion Plastic PA12", or nylon (slightly stronger than ABS of Legos). Wall-thickness down to 0.5 mm If you look at the geometry of Technic axle, the wall would be approximately 0,5 mm at smallest with the 2 mm shaft hole. So technically both would work. I probably still go to the resin, as it's higher accuracy. If anyone has tips, please let me know. I'll probably make the design available in Shapeways if this succeeds. Best, H

Hello all, I’d like to reduce the frictional losses of my locomotives by installing ball bearings on all axles. Has anyone thought about this before? I’m facing a challenge in connecting customer train wheels (E.g. Big Ben Wheels) to the 2 mm custom steel axle that are e.g. used in the Brickmodelrailroader’s wheelset (https://brickmodelrailroader.com/index.php/product/wheelset-w-bearings-full-assembled/). I have considered three options: 3D-print a Technic-axle-to-2 mm shaft adapter in hi-res nylon, ABS or resin. Then glue it onto the 2 mm steel shaft with epoxy resin make adapters by drilling a hole into a standard ABS Lego Technic axle by using a jig. Otherwise the same as above use a suitable hose (Lego 3 mm rigid hose?) to match Technic axle hole to 2 mm The commercially available shaft adapter from Pololu (https://www.pololu.com/product/1001) does not work as it’s too wide. The adapter should not be more than one stud wide (8 mm). Please let me know if you have ideas - much appreciated! Best, H

Glad to hear :) There aren’t many 1:48 MOCs avalaible for large steam engines. Many of them lack detail and accuracy, or are of smaller scale. I think that you are doing a big favor to this hobby by making instructions available. Beginners (like me) can really learn a lot by studying the design choices, parts combinations, drivetrain etc. by absorbing ideas from experts like you. I don’t mind spending more on the plans. The parts for these large engines will cost so much anyways (around 300 EUR for the SP engine).

I will purchase whatever you make in 1:48 scale. Especially the big steams, UP Challenger etc. would be nice.

I'm looking forward to building your design. It will be only my 3rd MOC. My previous build was Anthony Sava's GS-4, which I modified to run with 2x L motors and include lights and sounds with FX Brick. However, I decided to have a non-Lego battery as it has some packaging as well performance benefits. Attached from the construction. Still missing some parts thou so I haven't got a chance to test how it runs. - Henry

Looks really good, well-done! I just purchased the instructions for your 1:48 SP locomotive. With the parts list included, I was able to order all required parts from various sources. The only exception is that I plan to use FX Brick instead of S-Brick.

Hello, I purchased the UP instructions from Barduck. I will start building it when I have completed my current project. Where dick you get those flag stickers? They look real good. best, Henry

Very nice images. What app do you use for the renderings?

This is a very beautiful build. I cannot wait to be able to buy the instructions!

Thanks, interesting and seems like a very good piece of work! Would you mind sending a picture of the suspension?