Railroad electrical cabinet

[supagav]

Hi,

I just wanted to share some pictures of another project I`ve been working on recently.

In our search for more realistic signalling for our line and to compliment a post I made under the DCC section for colour light signals, we decided that we needed some line side items such as electrical cabinets and battery wells. On the prototype out in the US, signal installations would normally have these items located close by and we felt these items would help improve the overall realism of our own modest signalling system.

Here are some photos of the first of these items I have completed. It`s an upright electrical cabinet on concrete footings. The measurements were taken from real US railroad plans, and the cabinet was drawn up in Sketchup. I used the final 3D render to have the item printed by Shapeways, and a little paint and weathering completed the job:















Overall I`m quite happy with the results as I feel that the fine detail like the louvers, hinges and padlock are much neater that what I could I achieve just by hand. Plus the added bonus is that we have the option to get hold of more of these items to install at various locations for a more integrated and uniform look to our line. As with all this new technology, the only downside is the cost. For larger items Shapeways is sadly not cheap, but then I can get exactly what I am looking so I guess it`s all a trade off at the end of the day...

PS: If anyone else would like to get their hands on these then please just let me know, I currently in the process of making them available to buy through the Shapeways website.

Thanks,
G

 

[beavercreek]

Very very nice...
How much di they work out each Gav?

 

[supagav]

Thanks Mike, I will double check and let you know. The main problem with Shapeways is the delivery, they insist on using a courier and have no other postal options, so that is where the extra cost comes in.

I will definitely let you know,
G

 

[supagav]

I finished off one of the battery boxes too so here a couple of photos of the two together as they would sit out on the line. I used my own small chain to add to the battery box as my skills in 3D modelling can`t stretch to making chain! I`m also working on a version of the more up to date rectangular battery box too which should be easier to produce as these boxes don`t normally have chain, but instead have a large metal bar to keep the lid secure.