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I had problems with "Zinc Pest" in the side frames of one of my Williams diesel a couple of years ago.

Still had two (2) good ones on it - one left and one right - that hadn't collapsed, and used them as patterns to get a full set of new 3D printed ones made.

They worked a treat, and I ended up replacing all of the original side frames with the new 3D printed units.

Just had to spray paint them the right shade of blue - a Chessie System loco.

Maybe this could be an option if new replacement frames are not available.

Peter....Buco Australia

Would a company like below make a 3D printer generated Williams Trainmaster truck side frame?

https://www.shapeways.com/mark...ce/miniatures/trains

Only if they had the CAD files for the part.  They don't design all those parts, they're designed by people that sell them through Shapeways.

Last edited by gunrunnerjohn
@Junior posted:

@stubblebum.....

I was wondering where you were at re. replacing the Trainmaster truck sides.

Although, not perfect, shall we say this method was good enough... My damaged truck side was in three major parts. I was able to epoxy them together on the back side, using some thin wire (cut from resistors) as reinforcing. If the frame is not totally pulverized, this can work. Don't make the repair too thick for obvious reasons.

Contact Jeff Kane at The Traintender, Bloomfield,NY., phone 585-229-2050. Jeff sells Lionel Trainmaster truck side frames, reasonable prices, new items, quick delivery and they will fit the Williams Trainsmaster. Jeff has both the gear side and non-gear side frames. I recommend purchasing two gear side and two non-gear side, Jeff will ask you which side frame you need. Direct fitup on the truck bolster for the non-gear side, the gear side side frame requires a slight notch( file or dremel tool) to clear the gear. I have purchased from Jell in the past and would recommend him to anyone, very knowledgeable and easy to work with.    

@Junior posted:

@stubblebum.....

I was wondering where you were at re. replacing the Trainmaster truck sides.

I think I may have caused some confusion with the above posting (which I do apologize for. But I do appreciate all the responses! ). I am not in need of these truck side frames.

I was just wondering if/how the Lionel version of these truck sides worked for @stubblebum and others.

Last edited by Junior

I can help here. I have 2 pairs of Williams TM trucks (enough for 1 engine). I stripped them off a Williams piece years ago. The odd thing is that one pair is plastic and one pair is die cast. Before I part with them, I want them scanned by someone with a 3D printer so we have the files going forward.

Chris

LVHR

@lehighline posted:

I can help here. I have 2 pairs of Williams TM trucks (enough for 1 engine). I stripped them off a Williams piece years ago. The odd thing is that one pair is plastic and one pair is die cast. Before I part with them, I want them scanned by someone with a 3D printer so we have the files going forward.

Chris

LVHR

Not odd at all. I bought a Williams Train Master set at York in 1999 that consisted of a power unit with plastic sideframes and a dummy with diecast sideframes. Williams had both for a time. My guess is that it had to do with the diecast ones disintegrating. And, yes, mine have, too.

So....I was thinking about someone creating their own replacement parts (for example via 3D scanning/printing the part(s)).

If this were done, might that person run into Licensing and Copyright issues?

I'm guessing making your own parts for personal use would not be an issue (how would anyone know). But if someone decides to sell these parts there could be Licensing/Copyright issues?

Can anyone speak to that question?

Last edited by Junior

Afternoon GRJ (and others):

Finally heard back from my 3D printer guy (Didier), and it is just as I had suspected. It appears it is his "intellectual property", and I can purchase the file for $200 Australian dollars. His reply E-mail is reproduced below.

"Hi Peter,
Hope you are well. Apologies for the delay in getting back to you.
Peter, I usually dont give the "file" out as this enable the customer to print his own models or print and sell them and therefore I dont have repeat work. Unless the customer has specifically hired or paid for the design work from the start.  However, I am willing to sell the model/file to either you or the guy in America. There is over 2 working days of design work time on the side frames. Im willing to sell the models for $200
Are you able to send me pictures and an explanation of the next project
Kind regards   Didier"
Sorry guys but "no cigar" here.
Peter  (Buco Australia)

There is an alternative to 3D printing but I was hesitant to post it for the following reasons...

1. Would there be Licensing or Copyright issues with Bachmann if replacement parts are created and sold (versus giving them away),

2. The parts creation process I came up with requires more testing to refine the process.

Several days ago, I created a test silicon mold using the side frames from my William's (not WBB) Trainmaster...

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This mold was my first attempt ever at creating a 2-part (front and back) mold. I was surprised how good it came out!

I then did a test resin cast using the resin that I had on hand. The results were pretty good but not quite "ready for prime time". I just wanted to see if it could be done. Here's the results....

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As you can see, some sections of the resin copy are missing for several reasons....

1. The missing sections are deep inside the mold. As a result they need to be prefilled before the mold halves are brought together and the remainder of the mold is filled via the fill tubes.

2. The resin I had on hand has a 2 MINUTE work time that begins once the 2 parts are brought together. This is what happens if you move to slow...

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The resin harden in the cup as I was pouring it into the mold!

I think this process will work once I find a resin with a much longer work time. But that will present it's own challenges too. That means more testing.

But I'm willing to try if you all want me too.

Let me know what you think.....

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@RideTheRails...

That a great question. That might be a royal PIA to do. But I was thinking more about the whole Licensing and Copyright questions. I was wondering how businesses that sell replacement train parts deal with this. Or maybe they don't?

Anyway....if I hear from @Buco or anyone else that's in need of replacement Trainmaster truck sides (again, the mold is made from a Williams engine, not a WBB engine, the part configuration c/be different) to try a cast again with a different resin, I will. Otherwise I'll  just chalk it up to a learning experience and having fun.

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