1995 stock in N scale

Back last year I had a go at building a 1938 stock train in N scale, mainly just to see if it was possible. After a lot of work I came to the conclusion that in theory it was, but in practice there were too many problems with the method of construction. However, I still hoped to build an N scale tube train, especially as I had already bought a Kato Portram to power it.

Having been following the development of 3D printing over the past few years, I've been wanting to have a go at using this new technique, and discovering that Sketchup can now be used to create models for Shapeways plus the release of the Frosted Ultra Detail material has spurred me into action.

Instead of 1938 stock I'm trying a Northern line 1995 stock train this time, as the simpler shape is easier to create a computer model of.

Designing the model to use the Frosted Ultra Detail material allows walls down to 0.3mm thick and details as fine as 0.1mm. There are a few corners which should be rounded but I have modelled sharp, due to the limitations of Sketchup/my skills with it. I'll sort these out on the real thing with a bit of wet and dry paper.
The model consists of a separate body and chassis which should fit neatly together.

It will be powered using the tiny Kato Portram motor bogies, which means the mechanism will not protrude above the height of the tops of the seats, and I may even be able to reduce it from that once I've seen how it all goes together on the real thing.







So far I've ordered a single driving car from Shapeways which will hopefully arrive within the next few days. Once I've seen how it looks and checked it all goes together I'll think about ordering the rest of the train. The modular nature of the 1995 stock design means adapting it into an intermediate car should be an easy task.

Paul