Blender - A Better Pipe Builder

[scottb613]

Hi Folks,

Just a pretty cool tool to build better pipe runs - including nicely done flanges and bolts for attachment points.

Regards,
Scott

[TrainSimJack]

Thanks Scott!

[CSXT Q-317]

That is pretty neat. I can see this being very useful on projects.

[scottb613]

Thanks Scott!

That is pretty neat. I can see this being very useful on projects.

Hi Folks,

Yeah - it works pretty well - and - would seem handy for anyone building rolling stock.

The guy who made the video - “Artisans of Vaul” - is a good sub for Blender as well.

Regards,
Scott

[pwillard]

Been using ND for a while... a nice addon

[superheatedsteam]

As a matter of interest, does anybody have any dimensional details for the pipe work commonly used on US rolling stock? If I can find out the external diameter I can make the fittings to scale.

[pwillard]

For starters, ladder rungs are generally between 1.5 and 2 inches in diameter if wood and 5/8" if steel, with an average width of 15" and having 19" vertical spacing between the treads. The ladder should be spaced 2" from the mounting surface.

Underbody piping looks best when it is between 1.5 and 3 inches in diameter. I use about 2" diameter on mine for best appearance

Hope this helps.

[superheatedsteam]

Thanks Pete, helps a lot.

I am particularly interested in finding out the outside diameter of the pipes coming out the front and rear of the main air tank on the SD40-2.

https://pilbararailways.com.au/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=14201

I have tried 2”and 3”respectively but they look a bit thick on my model compared to the photo references I have so I have eye balled them smaller. My preference is to get it right. The only known measurement I do have is that the 824 air filter has a 1.56" ID inlet hole. I can go to the local museum that has a M636 with the 824 fitted and get the vernier calipers on the pipe work and hope it translates to the EMD.

Once again, thanks.

[rdayt]

I think they are one inch ID so 1 1/4" OD.

Randy

[pwillard]

You kind of need to adopt a "modelers" mindset with this stuff though... 100% Accurate some times needs a little fudging to look right. Kind of like how HO models do a little fudging so details don't get lost.

[superheatedsteam]

Thanks guys. I hear you Pete, but my obsessive mindset is more dominant than my modellers mindset. My models have more fudge than in confectionery store but if I can find the correct dimension I'll use it, as it helps me sleep better at night. :-)

[pwillard]

Oh I get it. My problem is that I get so caught up the details that there are a lot of things left unfinished as a result.

On a side note, I'm not even sure how many people know the hard way for making pipes, invoking edges and using the "curve-mode" with bevel geometry to create shaped pipes.