Jul03

Tea Van [ Part 4 ]

Categories // Darjeeling, Rolling Stock

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Tea Van in 7/8ths

Tea Van Part 4

Here is progress on my first 2 test builds. The biggest challenge was designing the door frames in a manner that allows me to consistantly mount the doors so that they have structural integrity and look prototypical at the same time. The photos below also show some of the interior detail. One of the aspects of using a muliple layer wall is it allows details to be incorporated into the structure. Each layer of the wall on its own is fairly weak, yet once laminated a 3 part wall makes for a strong light structure. The axle boxes I have cast in Brittania metal using a 3D printed part as the master. The same applies to the couplers and hook details. This adds two great features:

  1. Added weight down low to keep the TeaVan on the rails even under higher winds.
  2. Built in stainless sealed bearings that provide low rolling resistance for longer trains.

Will keep progress going as I build the test proto-types. Building the two units allows me to find better ways to solve difficult assemblies as well as finalize the drawings and cut the parts for the final kits. The TeaVan will be limited to 6 kits for sale and possibly 3 as RTR. (Ready to Roll) - I am trying to keep the kits in the 275$ range - this may seem high and it is a bargain for the amount of wood, castings, photo-etch used in the kit. more info to come.....


Related Articles