Gondola Train Car, Articulated Frontloader/Backhoe

Magnetic Gondola Train Car with Articulated Front Loader and Backhoe

This design is compatible with all of the most common wooden train tracks (Brio, Hape, IKEA, etc.) as well as my other magnetic train cars.

 

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Gondola Train Car Assembly:

This design uses the same frame and wheels as my other printed train cars and can also carry the lumber found in that design. The top snaps on and off is interchangeable with the other designs. It can take a bit of force to snap the wheels and the cars onto the frame, but I haven't had any pieces break yet. The model uses 8mm x 2mm magnets (8mm x 3mm should work too) that can be pushed into the connectors with a little force and do not typically require glue. Magnets from Maker's Supply, Amazon, or your preferred source should all work. I recommend inserting the top of the magnet first and then pressing the bottom in. You can scale up slightly if you would like a little more room and prefer to use glue. Make sure both magnets are inserted facing the same direction (i.e., North is pointed in the same direction on both magnets, so that on the front of the car North is facing outward and on the back of the car South is facing outward). 

 

Front Loader and Backhoe:

These both print-in-place except for the wheels. When pressing the wheels onto the vehicles, the chamfered side should face the vehicle. (Another way to say this is that the side that was on the surface of the plate should face out.) There is a spot for an 8mm x 2mm magnet if you would like to use a magnetic crane to load/unload the vehicles, and the magnet should snap in without glue. However, you do not need to add magnets if you do not want to.

 

Printing:

These were designed for .2 mm layer height and a .4 mm nozzle. They print great without supports in PLA; I have not tried any other materials, but they should work with PETG as well. Use Arachne walls, and use 3 walls on the front loader, backhoe, and train bed. Failure to use 3 walls on the front loader and backhoe can result in some drooping on the bridging of the roof.

 

In the main print profile, I have set it to print by object so that a different color can be used for the frame/wheels and the car with just one filament change.

 

Be sure to check out my other train designs:

Magnetic Train Cars (Freight, Passenger, Caboose) with Lumber

Geared Train Track Switch

 

Be sure to share a pic of your print!