3D Printed Semi Trucks in O Scale
Jun 24, 2022 9:42:41 GMT
Country Joe, dennym57, and 3 more like this
Post by trainguyken on Jun 24, 2022 9:42:41 GMT
My latest printed project has been some interesting features for the layout: some mid 1930s era tractor trailer trucks.
These are modeled after an early tractor trailer, the 1937 GMC CoE. This was the first year that a Cab Over Engine version was offered. Here's a link to a period advertisement for the real thing. Careful study of modern photographs, vintage ads and period toys allowed me to make virtual models in Fusion 360.
Each tractor-trailer pair takes about a day to print and uses around 200g of ABS plastic filament.
The wheel hubs are also 3D printed, but the tires are real rubber as was common with toys from the 1930s. I have a whole bunch of rubber tires left over from an old project and am playing around with black and "whitewall" styles. I've developed a technique of making model car axles from steel escutcheon pins and lengths of rubber tube that's strong enough for rolling around the table but easily removable for service.
If any of you collect toys from the Auburn Rubber Company, this car hauler is closely based on one of their models. Rubber dimestore toys were common back in 1930s-- tires weren't selling well in the Depression so several tiremakers began using the surplus rubber and tire-making machinery to make surprisingly detailed toys. I have a small collection of vintage rubber toys since they are mostly 1:43 to 1:50 scale and look good on the layout. Here I have it displayed with a couple of vintage Sun Rubber sedans.
I also designed an O scale Fruehauf box trailer for cargo needs. This is a representation of the 37-foot Fruehauf Warehouseman Van from the 1930s and 1940s. Most of the photos and ads I've seen for 1930s semi trucks (such as this wonderful illustration) depict these Streamline Moderne trailers behind the cab.
Anybody like to see some other 1930s vehicles? I'm working on designing more!