Though on the whole, the build has gone well, there was two things which I regretted on the model. One was being able to effectively finish the boiler, which I should have done
before final assembly, and the second more obvious one was the cab front.
The need to compromise the build orientation of the superstructure meant that the cab window frames were printed in a direction in which the layers crossed over a thin (therefore weak) area. on the two prototypes, both had window frame failures, and the finished one didn't only by virtue of additional clearance and thickness added, so not great really. Having the cab front as a homogeneous part of the main cab also meant glazing was nigh on impossible once the boiler was fitted.
So having pondered for a bit, I was at the stage where I was about to modify the last remaining prototypes, then it sold, so I've had a go a printing another.
IMG_20190625_084120[1] by
Paul Sterling, on Flickr
This time, I've removed the cab front from the main superstructure, so that it could be printed flat, thus giving smoother window profile, and more importantly, a singular layer all around the window, which gives strength too.
This would make the superstructure very weak for printing, as it is losing its key rigidity rib, so to restore the strength, the superstructure and the running plate were printed as one. This does make wash-out difficult, as the bunker is now enclosed, barring that small hole at the top where the lead ballast is added in (as seen on page 2
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=13150&start=15) so that will take a fair while to wash out the support material.
The other thing I am considering is leaving a rebate on the smokebox to allow for a strip of rivets,
https://www.wizardmodels.ltd/shop/wagons/mt163/
I'd have to buy these first to get an idea of how much rebate was required.
Lastly this is probably going to still be 69932 again, but in its LNER days. Big Four liveries are popular on the preserved railways these days, so I'm hoping to have the engine reflect that, as either No.5959 or No.9932, the latter of which she did briefly appear in LNER green with black and white lining, though did not see service in that condition.
Paul.