Carey, I was shocked to see this article and engine design. For 7 years I have been working on an S Gauge upgrade project that enhances features thru 3D Printing and Internet Maker Products. I have a new Fan Driven Smoke Assembly, Flickering FireBox, DC Field Conversion, All Wheel Pick Up Trucks, LED & Fiber Optic Lighting, Digital Reverse, Wireless Sounds, and now 3D Printed Chassis that match Flyer Factory and some that are open spec so makers can take a complete Chassis and create their engine body designs. I have tender Chassis and have just completed a Vandy Style Tender Body. Without Details. I wanted to keep it all cost effective so Hobbyist could get what they need using Basic Flyer components with my kits to build a new engine of their custom design.
I had no idea this company existed. I knew I wanted a Engine Chassis with ball bearing axles, linkage hangers, strong motor options and smooth quiet operation. We just completed out first modification to the older Flyer Smoke in Boiler Pacific Chassis. It needs a lot of work but it proved we can do it. I had somehow ended up with 8 or 9 K5 engine bodies. So my goal was to create Chassis for this engine with a Vandy Tender. This has evolved into all the other stuff I had to do the get to this point. It is not done or ready to release but I am funding my work by selling the upgrade parts I have now that fit on the Flyer Steam engine models.
If you would like to see my work i show my in process amateur Videos on You Tube under Frankentrain Laboratories. We are close to complete key new development. Just 2 days ago I completed a 3D model of the Northern Chassis Frame. Now I can add to that a new design Tender Body with all wheel pickup 3 axle trucks, Motor Control, Power Distribution, Accessory Power and Digital Sound with Fan driven smoke, Synchronized Puff & Chuff, Flickering FireBox, DC Fields Conversion to the Flyer AC Motor, and some other stuff.
I have added Smoke and DC Fields to a Flyer O gauge Steam engine in less than an hour. Video on You Tube.
We want to build a Snow Piercer Engine to show how to build custom engines and theme trains. We think this may be a way to expand the hobby.
Thank You for Sharing the MidGage info Great design model.
Dennis
