My next project was constructing four flat cars, with one modified as a short-sided gondola. The WTC is an industrial short line, with tight curves, so all the equipment is short as well, in this case 20' long decks. Narrow gauge freight cars are very basic. I used madrone hardwood for the frame, which was glued and pinned together with dowels. The frames are strengthened with four truss rods, and a single queen post beam in the middle of the car. This picture shows the bottom side of the frame before truss rods are added. The sides of the frame parts have been painted before stake pockets have been installed.
The link and pin coupler pockets a reenforced with brass plates top and bottom, through bolted to the timber frame.
Shapeways 3d printed stake pockets are secured to the frame with brass wire. This detail photo also shows anchor loops for tie down chains between the stake pockets.
This photo shows a frame mounted on trucks with truss rods installed. A loop has been soldered to the top plate of the coupler pocket for the coupler pin chain.
The needle beam in the middle of the frame supports 3D printed queen posts which support the truss rods.
Here is the finished car. Corner steps and side and end grab irons have been installed, and the entire frame has been painted before the deck was added. The deck boards are old growth redwood, with the grain enhanced using a fine wire brush on each board. The deck boards have been "aged" before being glued to the frame. Custom decals were applied, and the entire car weathered.
All four frames were built to accept low side frames, but only one was built as a gondola.
One of the industries on the WTC is servicing the patio. Here we see delivery of beer for the customers.
