FAQ's
If you are considering purchasing one of my designs and are unsure of the process, this is a great place to start. Below are some questions and answers that will offer insight on how the files work, and how to go about completing a build of your own. As always, if you have any other additional questions, please feel free to reach out via email.
Are these kits? Do you sell kits?
No! These are not kits. When you purchase the plans, you will receive all the files necessary to complete your project. Included are all the .DWG files needed to have your steel laser cut locally to you, and all 3D print files needed to complete that portion of the build.
What skills do I need to complete my build?
At a minimum you will need some sort of knowledge of how to build things. Almost all of my designs require the builder to know how to weld and work with metal, and know how to operate a 3D printer if the design requires one.
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However, I do have designs that would be perfect for a beginner builder to learn how to weld and work with metal. The 60' Flatcar would be a great beginner project. Its relatively simple, and its square and rectangular tube construction offers a great platform for beginners to learn.
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In the description for all my designs there is a section that lays out the level of skill necessary to complete the build. Reference this section when purchasing the design.
What do I get with my purchased files?
With the purchase of a design you will get all the digital files needed to complete your build. This does not include the physical components such as trucks, couplers, steel, purchased detail parts, etc.... At this time no physical products are sold on this website. Only digital DIY plans.
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How do I get my files?
When you complete the purchase of the design you will receive an email with instructions to download your files. This download will come with all the necessary files sorted, and organized for your convenience.
How do my files come organized?
When your open the project files, you will see multiple folders organized by the file type and what they are used for. For example, most of my designs utilize optional 3D printed parts. There will be a folder that has all the 3D print files together. There will also be a folder that has all the files necessary for laser cutting the steel for your project.
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Do I have to have a 3D printer to complete the project?
This depends. Some designs require 3D printed parts to complete the build, while others not so much. Examples of projects a 3D printer would be absolutely necessary would be the 3D printed trucks, and the F7A and B unit since the design relies heavily on 3D printed parts for the complex geometry of the nose, roof and pilot.
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The GP40, GP38, Wide Vision Caboose and some others do not necessarily require 3D printed parts to be able to complete the project. I understand not everyone has a 3D printer, or wants to use 3D printed parts. This is why the GP38 and GP40 have options to purchase files without the 3D printed detail parts. This allows builders without a 3D printer to still complete a nice looking model. The builder will have to use alternative methods not included to achieve their desired level of detail.
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In the description of each of my designs, I have listed the skill level needed to complete the project, as well as how important the 3D printed parts are to the completion of the build. Make sure you review the requirements prior to purchasing the design.
What gauge steel do I need to use?
All my locomotives and rolling stock utilize 12 gauge steel for all structural components. The GP38/40 have a pilot that is 1/4" or double stacked 12 gauge steel. 18 gauge steel is used for doors, fuel tank sheets, and others denoted in the description of the file type.
Where do I get my steel cut?
I highly recommend pricing out options to get your steel cut. As we all know the price of steel fluctuates greatly, so shopping around is the best way to get a good deal. Online laser shops such as OshCut or SendCutSend can be cheaper than local shops even when you include shipping cost. It all depends on where you live and the availability and cost of laser shops near you.
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If online laser cutting is necessary, personally I would recommend OshCut. I personally use OshCut for my prototypes, and often they will give a $200 off coupon for first time purchases that can help offset the cost of shipping. SendCutSend is great as well, but they only ship parts up to 54" long and all of my designs at this point have parts larger than that, so having SendCutSend cut an entire project is not possible at this time. I would recommend SendCutSend for the acrylic window inserts if you decide to use them for your project.
Do I have to use a laser cutter, or can I save some money and have them plasma cut?
The Short Answer: No, these were designed to be laser cut.
The Long Answer: Yes. HOWEVER IT IS SRONGLY DISCOURAGED!
The tolerances on the tabs and slots are such that the parts will not fit together if the design was cut with a plasma cutter. Plasma cutters leave a small kerf behind as part of the cutting process. This kerf creates an interference fit with the parts. If you chose to save some money, or have the convenience of owning a plasma cutter, its certainly possible. However you will have to remove the the kerfs from all tabs and slots by hand, and do a lot of grinding and filing to make the parts fit correctly. Some of these builds are pretty serious, and deburring each and every tab and slot will add A LOT of time and labor.
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Its your project, and you are free to build it how you would like. I would STRONGLY discourage using a plasma table. Its not worth the extra effort, and may not work at all. If you choose to plasma cut your project, no refunds will be given due to part fitment whatsoever. Do so at your own risk.
Can I use detail parts from other vendors such as Precision Steel Car?
Yes! You are free to use whatever parts you choose.
My designs utilize parts from Precision Steel Car where applicable. All grab irons on my models can be ordered from Precision Steel Car. Precision Steel Car 36" exhaust fans can be used in leu of the 3D printed fans on the F7A and B unit. I include files that utilize Precision Steel Car door latches if you choose to use them on the GP40 and GP38. I try to give the builder the option to use off the shelf parts from this awesome company anytime I can.
Precision Steel Car doesn't have all the required detail parts to complete a project, but anywhere I could design the option to use them instead of 3D printed parts I have.
Where can I get trucks and couplers?
There are quite a few places to get these items. It all depends on the style and era you are modeling. I have been happy with the trucks and couplers I have bought from livesteamstation.com. Live Steamer Parts is also a great source of trucks and couplers.
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