UPS 28' Pup Trailer - Swing and a Miss

Ok, so I had a 28' pup trailer in primer, and was feeling good about my latest 3d print results.  Then I decided to compare my 28' pup with a Trainworx 28' drop frame pup.  I guess size does matter.  I had to go back to my design file and found that I did cheat myself by 6 inches on the trailer height.  Sigh.

Oh well, that is an easy fix, and I can have another one ordered soon.  Anyone need a 13' high UPS trailer?

Overall the quality is great, and the details turned out very well.  I think this design is a winner despite my incorrect dimensions.  The only downside to this trailer is that it is a pricey print.  I made the walls a little thicker to avoid warping, and it increases the cost of the print.  The top is one piece, while the frame is separate much like the Trainworx version.  Since I have to revise my design anyway, I will reduce the wall thickness to see if I can still get a solid model but less volume and cost.  Now that I know I can successfully print a van trailer, a 53' reefer is in the works.  Stay tuned.

I took some photos to illustrate my results:

Ready to Print - Pete 389 with Unibilt Sleeper

Here is my 389 Pete ready to print.  I chose to model a pre-DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) version, so you won't see the extra tank on this model.  Although a minor detail, this could offer yet another variation of this modern truck.

Kenworth K100 is Ready to Print

Here is the 3d rendering of my Kenworth K100.  I plan to use wire for the handrail/step details.  The air cleaner stack and exhaust will be add-on's.

This model is mid-80's which features rectangular headlights, which seems to be the most obvious difference from earlier models.

You Know You Are an Addict When....

I have thoroughly enjoyed my entry into the world of 3d printing, and the idea of creating N scale models that do not exist certainly is a motivating factor.  Of course with the huge void of N scale vehicles, and very little competition, it leaves the space wide open for possibilities.

While Shapeways seems to be the only shop in town for what I am doing with 3d printing, I certainly hope that other services will become available in the near future, or that technology will evolve to allow small designers like myself an opportunity to own a high-res printer.

That said, I have kept UPS busy shipping me boxes over the past months, and while most of these go to ebay, I have managed to finish a few myself.  Just to show you how insane I am, here is a recent collection of models, soaked in Bestine and ready for buyers.  Anyone need a Kenworth 900?  I have 20 now, and 10 more to soak.  Anyway, it's funny how addictions lead to more addictions.  Where will it end?

On a different note, I have several new models that are either printed and waiting for me to finish an initial version, or waiting to be printed and shipped to me.  I hope to illustrate these in the near future.  So far, I have only provided the 3d renderings of the models I have been working on.

Lastly, I have seen a few requests for a cabover tractor, so decided with a Kenworth K100 for the first (mid 80's version).  I am thinking about a Pete 352 next (70's version).  I guess that new layout project just keeps getting sidelined...

20' Container Slider Chassis

I don't recall ever seeing a container chassis in N scale that is suitable for hauling 20' containers.  Well, I decided to change that tonight.  Here is a 23.5' chassis with a sliding bogie.  I may design a fixed bogie just to have a couple different versions.  The wheels and slider are separate pieces, so it can be assembled in the extended or non-extended position.  I rendered one of each to illustrate what it would look like.

Did This One in My Sleep - 28' UPS Pup Trailer (Non-Drop Frame)

If you haven't noticed yet, Trainworx just released another round of their 28' drop frame pup trailers, and evidently they were able to get UPS to let them stamp their brand on the side.  That is exciting news.  I have a handful of their previous release, and was able to acquire some custom decals to make my own UPS branded collection.

I now have the Mack Vision tractor, so decided I would sketch-up (pun intended) a 28' pup trailer without the drop frame.  These are everywhere on our highway system, and provides yet another modern option for parcel service equipment.

I have several Mack tractors printed if you are interested.  Available through Ebay, or have your own printed and shipped direct from Shapeways.