Westlake Publishing Forums

Thanks Lawrence, Russ and Ray.

Lawrence, I have already thought about Arduino. However, I have the same problem with it as with RC technology: I don't know anything about it (yet). Some time ago I just checked whether I could fit the necessary hardware anywhere in the machine. But that shouldn't be a problem.
Sooner or later, I will probably have to take a closer look at the subject of control systems.

Bernhard

I'm pretty ignorant on Arduino at present too, other than knowing they are cheap and capable.  My first 3d printer had an Arduino driving it, my son has a robot based on one and there are quite a few laying around the house for one reason or another. The one on my desk is a servo test rig.  Hardware-wise it is pretty simple - most of it involves buying the bits and plug/play as far as I can see.  Software is more involved, though in many cases there are downloadable libraries that will do what is needed, or serve as a basis.  The DCC system can be downloaded complete (you may not need that, but it illustrates the point).  Servo and motor drivers are available. There's an online community for help.

Notwithstanding all that there will certainly be a learning curve.

Hello modeling friends

In the new year I will continue with the construction of the front tower. Before the outer side plates can be attached, I have to make two trusses that will be mounted between the inner and outer side plates. To do this, I have to cut a few parts to size and punch rivets.



These parts will then be used to make the two trusses.



As the trusses have to fit exactly between the side plates, I mill a soldering jig from Pertinax for the assembly.



So, I can solder the trusses together quickly and precisely using the resistance soldering device.

The finished trusses, ...



... installed between the side plates.

There are U-channels on the back of the tower that are riveted on two sides. I can punch the rivets in the base. However, I first have to make an appropriately adapted holder for the rivet punching machine.
You can see the holder for angle profiles at the front and the new holder for the U-channels at the back.




The side rivets I have to glue in as pin rivets.



The finished parts, each with two rows of rivets.

Supports for the carriageway of the larry car are added at the front.



Now the bent cover plates are still missing. I'll build a suitable bending device for this. The bending rollers are turned ...




... and mounted on a vice. The inner roller is designed with two grooves so that the rivet rows are not pressed flat during bending.

This makes it relatively easy to shape the sheets.




Making the middle sheet is a little more complicated because it has two curves and has to fit exactly.

Now it still needs a few small parts, such as a bell ...



... or a few hats, which can be clearly seen in various photos, but whose function is unclear to me.



This completes the front tower itself.



Now it will first be glass bead blasted. Then the platforms can be added.

Bernhard

Oh my goodness, Bernhard, that is an amazing amount of progress since your previous post. It is looking great.

Very impressive Bernard.

Berhard, you get me a little frightened 

"Machsch mer scho e chli Angscht!" in Swiss-German dialect.

Quote from: Bernhard on January 14, 2024, 02:20:59 AM... and mounted on a vice. The inner roller is designed with two grooves so that the rivet rows are not pressed flat during bending.

Another way to protect detail is to place a piece of soft card over it.  Rolling works just as well, but rivets etc push into the card and are protected.  I find it useful for cab roofs, where there are rivets and rainstrips to protect.  Saves having to make unique rollers and also copes with detail aligned with the roller axis.

Bernhard, that is truly impressive; not just the execution but your ability to visualize what to do before doing it. Satisfactory. -- Russ

This is endlessly impressive!

Following this project develop is pure joy.
Even if I will never reach this level of modelling each update is a great inspiration for getting into the workshop and bash some brass.
Please keep the updates coming!

By the way, regarding the dicsussion to use rivets or not, I think this an excellent argument for the use of rivets: