They can of course be used with any other scale that you think fit so 1:29 to 1:35 might not be that far out.
The basic model EMD SW-1500 locomotive design comes from the generosity of Daniel Noree. I have adapted the design to provide improved strength, in particular the main frame can be printed in one piece, as can the motor housing. I can supply the basic kit of body/chassis parts (and the MTH 50- DCS Protosound diesel digital decoder set if required). I can suggest sources for for motors/wheels and lights but leave you to obtain and fit them as there are many options regarding power souce and control. Should you merely want a static model then simple printed bogies with wheels can be supplied. If you want to order one of these kits then please get in touch to discuss options for filament colo(u)rs and what the current queue is on my larger printer. For those that might be querying the gaps the photo above is of a dry-fit proof of concept for the first recipient prior to posting it off. A resin version is also available, very little choice regarding colour but with a finer surface finish and, so far, exhibiting better resistance to hot climates.
French "Arbel" hopper car
A resin print with optional ballraces and/or sprung buffers.
For the trackside signals I am indebted to Olivier Trocherie.
70 Ton Gondola
A relatively simple design one piece body for a gondola, approaching the limit of what I can produce lengthwise with my original fdm printer. The first image shows it warm off the bed prior to ladders being attached. It will be sold without trucks or couplers allowing you to use your preferred items. Two versions are available, a "full print" version where the trucks and couplers would attach to the underside of the printed body and a "slotted" version that is ready to received a metal "spine". This is not so much that the gondola body could not withstand likely drawbar loads but to give the assembly more weight. The body weighs around 480g (prior bogies and couplers) not a featherweight item but you might prefer to have a bit more "heft" to give your locomotive some work to do. The suggested 540 x 14 x 5 mm steel bar would add around 300g or 100g if light alloy to the mass.
Stock car side panel
This is a simple printed side wall with door allowing a 40' MTH box car to be converted in to a stock car. The box car will have to be cut to inlet these pieces, a task which might be made more easy should you have access to a vertical mill or 3d router.
Archbar bogie frame
This is a simple archbar style bogie frame (wheelsets not included) with ballraces, suitable for MTH wheelsets. Although the frames can exhibit a very small amount of flex to deal with minor variations in railhead levels I am not claiming that they are in anyway equalised or sprung. That said the wheelbase is so short that I suspect that they will cope with anything your other rolling stock and locomotives can traverse.
2025 update, wheelset kits with stainless rims and axles can now be provided, these fit the archbar and Bettendorf frames and may provide a substitute to any other situation requiring a 26mm tread diameter. Flange depth is 2mm but, as the rims can easily be turned on a stub arbor, you may reduce that as you see fit, 2mm fits in with MTH and other brands. Being a "split" design the back-to-back distance can be adjusted and it would not take much to adapt for electrical pick-up if needed. The standard axle diameter is 3mm, 1/8" or other could be accommodated to special order, as could spoked or perforated disk wheel faces. Alternative diameters would be possible given a sufficient order quantity.
Bettendorf style roller bogie frame
Once again dimensioned for the MTH pattern freight wheelsets (not included), this is a frame where ballraces have been substituted for the full size roller bearings. The roller caps will rotate. Suspension by small coil springs (not fitted on the prototype shown above).
Knuckle couplers for MDC~Roundhouse, Great Trains, USA Trains
If you are happy with the LGB style hook and loop style couplers then you have no need for these. If however you would prefer something that looks rather more realistic but without the costs of Kadee then I offer these for your consideration. Please understand that these have a fixed knuckle, they will not be effected by uncoupling ramps or magnets so are not the choice for shunting sessions (although if paired with an opening knuckle you ought to be able to uncouple). On the other hand the potential problem of trains splitting from a working coupler being struck or jolted has been removed. The style of knuckle mimics that of MTH and is available in two general sizes and two shank styles. The larger size is over scale for 1:32 but will match up with the MTH gauge 1 rolling stock and also couple to Aristocraft. The smaller size is more in keeping with 1:32 scale and is intended to be used with the likes of Samhongsa, Fine Art, Aster, Accucraft, Bockholt and others that manufacture to that scale. In either case, whether using Great Trains, MDC (and I presume that Piko still use their moulds) or USA Trains, the top edge of the actual knuckle is intended to be 28mm above the rail. The version for Great Trains coaches has a very small variation in the mounting shank. The design for the shank length was selected to replicate the coupling length of the replaced part. If required batches can be produced with small variations in knuckle height and/or shank length (up to a 6mm reduction in length for a bit more realism or an extension should you want that)..
Currently 6 euros a pair, please state whether you want the MTH or 1:32 sized coupler, for Great Trains coaches or freight stock, and whether you prefer black, silver, or "graphite grey".
The monsieurvapeur website offers a range of products but if you have friends or colleagues who are interested in diorama building, model railways and/or wargaming then I can produce a range of buildings to suit anything from Z through N, Ho/OO, the common fantasy wargaming size of 28mm, right on up through 1:43 (european O), 1:48 (american O) to 1:32 for 54mm figures (gauge 1 true scale) or even larger if desired (so as to perhaps suit Playmobil/Geobra, polly pocket or other toy series, you tell me how large a doorway needs to be and I'll see if I can print at that size).
For Tri-ang and Tri-ang~Hornby collectors I have made some specific accessories, particularly for their NATO and Battle-Space ranges.
For those interested in Meccano, the licenced Erector sets and other copycat systems such as Maerklin, Mehanotehnika et al I produce some parts to both enhance the Meccano caterpillar track but also provide a double width equivalent which is perhaps more suited to to the size of vehicles that enthusiasts might want to build.