@scott5011 posted:Hello, could you elaborate on the shapeways ends mentioned? Are they custom made parts?Thanks,Scott.
Hi Scott:
The ends mentioned are a set of Murphy ends printed with a 3-D printer by Shapeways. The link for the Murphy ends on Shapeways is: https://www.shapeways.com/prod...5&li=marketplace
Be aware that the ends can be used as is from Shapeways but a better result can be had by making a set of molds and casting the 3-D printed ends in a suitable resin material. See photo #1 below: Left is an old Chooch Metal end and the re-cast version below.... Center: The Murphy end and Right: a Proto: 48 7/8 End for a USRA Boxcar and the re-cast version below. Here is the link for the USRA end: https://www.shapeways.com/prod...2157039&li=shops
Be aware that the USRA end is sold one at a time....it was intended to be re-cast. You could buy two and use them if you wanted to. However, be aware that flat pieces like these have a tendency to warp after being printed. I dipped my originals in some near boiling water and laid them on a flat counter top to straighten them before I re-cast them. Once re-cast I sanded the back side smooth and laminated a sheet of .020 Evergreen styrene to the back. This facilitates using regular liquid styrene cement in the build up process.
Photo(s) #2 and #3 are the modified O Scale San Juan Car with the re-cast ends and Protocraft details added..... I added the polling pockets after I cast the ends.
To re-cast the ends I used the basic entry-level kit from Smooth-on.... I have cast quite a few ends and other details...this kit really works well. It contains all you need to cast parts.....you only have to build a suitable mold-box.
Photo #4 are some of the molds that I made for casting the ends.....
Let me Know if you have other questions.....
Regards
Bill (AZBill)
