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Post by Wayne Kinney on May 23, 2013 14:46:50 GMT
Hi Guys, Sorry for the wait of the BETA kits, I am working hard on getting the right method for the switch blades. I mentioned over on the N Gauge forum that I was attempting to cast the switch blades, as I have purchased a 3D wax printer for casting the frogs. I half abandoned the idea as I thought it was too fragile, but last night I looked back into it. I have played around with the design, specifically the sprue that feeds the molten metal to the part, and reprinted today a wax sprue with 2 wax B switches. I will have to send this off to be cast, if it casts well this means no filing blades, no jigs and only one very simple and easy solder joint. I will try and get a photo up tonight  |
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Post by ntrain on Jun 1, 2013 11:21:20 GMT
Did you gat a picture of the switch blade before sending off for casting.
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Post by Wayne Kinney on Jun 1, 2013 12:19:07 GMT
No I didn't, but they're tiny  |
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Post by Wayne Kinney on Jun 1, 2013 18:24:05 GMT
Here is a CAD image showing the cast switch blade (without sprue).  A rail is inserted into the end and soldered from a small hole underneath. It will be cast from the same material as the frog (nickel silver). The lug/pin at the sharp end of the blade will snap fit onto the tie bar. I am debating with myself weather or not to cut the 2 blades out from the sprue and solder to rail myself for the kits, or let the users do that |
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Post by pelhama on Jun 2, 2013 10:08:35 GMT
Hi Wayne,
What was the intention regarding where the switch blades meet the stock rails? Should there be a joggle, filed recess or will the cast blades provide the necessary profile for smooth alignment?
I'll make a start once I know if any work needs doing to the stock rails prior to assembly.
I'm also thinking of soldering the wire below the frog and out through the base before assembly, in case that helps any of the other builders?
Cheers,
Mark
edit - should have refreshed the board screen as I would have seen the new thread!
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Post by ntrain on Jun 2, 2013 10:20:55 GMT
I see the way that these are intending to work. I will be waiting for these bits before I make a proper start, as I see these as being key to the whole assembly.
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Post by Wayne Kinney on Jun 5, 2013 7:53:15 GMT
The caster will be casting the switch blades this week, so I should be able to forward them Early next week |
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Post by Wayne Kinney on Jun 11, 2013 14:23:15 GMT
The caster has posted the cast blades today, I will get them tomorrow, yay!
Will post pics as soon as I get them...
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Post by Wayne Kinney on Jun 12, 2013 10:38:53 GMT
OK Guys, bad news  The cast blades look like a no go. Just too small and intricate to cast properly. Sorry guys, but I will need to resort to the filing and assembly jigs method of producing blades. I will try my best to make it as easy a job as possible. The plus side is, that it will look cosmetically better than cast blades |
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