1890-something 2-8-0 "Sovereign" Steam Locomotive

The "1890-something" system is a solution to a problem I've had for quite some time. I want to display small-scale trains, but don't have the space or budget to run a conventional model train set. But, what if there was a system that prioritized ease of production and durability? So, this is what I came up with, and I've been working on this for the past few weeks.

First off, I am not prioritizing historical accuracy or fidelity by any means. I'll include engines from the 1910's or 1880's (despite what the name suggests) and mix rolling stock from different locations. However, I'm aiming for a broadly "wild west" theme. The models have no defined scale, though I accidentally made them kind of similar to HO scale. I designed some rudimentary tracks for displaying the models, though I'll admit they're a little finicky.

At their core, these models are meant to be static displays, cheap and easy to produce with no additional parts.

DETAILS

Here it is, the freight monster in all of its industrial glory. In the second image, the smaller 4-6-0 "Intrepid" has been placed alongside it for scale. The 2-8-0 might be one of my favorites, and I'm very happy with how this model looks. I modeled it using blueprints I found online, though I made some minor changes to the smokestack and the headlamp. This time around the lamp is a separate piece, since I wanted to print that in a different color. Despite being significantly larger than the 4-6-0s I've done, it follows similar design conventions, and thus assembly is very much the same.

EDIT: About an hour later, I realized the ring on the smokebox was a mistake, so I removed it from the geometry. Files have been updated.

INSTRUCTIONS

All parts have already been aligned for ease of printing, but an image of the CAD model should provide good reference for assembly. Below are the instructions. Super glue is recommended for most parts.

• Attach the piston rods to the sides of the boiler section (I recommend using modeling cement on this part to avoid fogging)

• Put the roof on the cab, and them mount the assembly to the back of the locomotive

• Add the headlamp light to the frame piece, then attach this to the smokebox

• Attach the smokebox to the pilot

• Attach the front assembly of the locomotive to the boiler, making sure to line up all the pegs

• Attach the couplers on either side, making sure they're oriented correctly (reference image for correct position)