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I have been wanting a centerbeam flatcar to run on my layout.  So, I set out to design one and print it on my 3d printer.  I had a couple of S Helper Service flatcars without a load and added the printout to them.  The design copies current prototype cars, but is not a scale model.  It is more of an approximation to fit the existing flatcars.Centerbeam1Centerbeam2Centerbeam3

The load also fits on the current MTH reissue of the SHS flatcars.Centerbeam8

And I also printed it in brown.

Centerbeam7

They look pretty good and are, at least for me, a reasonable approximation of the prototype.  I am running them empty but may add a load later.

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  • Centerbeam1
  • Centerbeam2
  • Centerbeam3
  • Centerbeam8
  • Centerbeam7
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Rocco - Yes, I think so.  I am still working on some final adjustments.  So, I need a little more time.

I print out two halves of each centerbeam and glue them together. That way no support material is needed while printing.

Centerbeam6

One half has the brakewheel and the other does not.  Some prototype cars are flat where the lumber sits and others have ribs.  So, I have a set of 2 halves for the flat style and a set for the ribbed style.  Plus a separate file for the ladder.  I am using the plastic brakewheel from PortLines that is normally used on the caboose railing.

Thanks.

DoubleHeader -- Marvin

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  • Centerbeam6

To those with a 3D printer - here are the files.  I have moved the ladders and brakewheel as noted and made other small adjustments. I print them in halves so that no support material is needed during the print.  I use a glue that dries clear.

Key to files:
Centerbeam2 - non-ribbed floor and no brakewheel support
Centerbeam3 - non-ribbed floor with brakewheel support
 
Centerbeam4 - ribbed floor with brakewheel support
Centerbeam5 - ribbed floor and no brakewheel support
 
Glue 2 and 3 together to get the non-ribbed type.
Glue 4 and 5 together to get the ribbed floor type.
 
Print 2 ladders for each car.  My printer prints the holes for the ladders a little small, so I ream them out a little with a 1 mm drill.
 
The brakewheel comes from the "American Flyer Parts - Caboose" page on PortLines.
(BRAKEWHEEL, 1-pc plastic, for end-railings)
 
They will fit snugly on SHS and MTH flatcars.  You will need to gently work the pins into tie-downs along the sides of the cars.
 
Good luck.  Happy printing.

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OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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