bricknerd
FM H-15-44 for OcTRAINber 2018, WiP 2
First thing I usually build for a new model is the frame - you obviously need something to mount the hoods and cabin on, and to attach the trucks to. So let's take a closer look at the frame for the new FM.
Building frames for a 7-wide model is a bit trickier compared to 6 or 8-wide - there are simply no 7-by-something plates available, and to achieve the odd width while maintaining the necessary sturdiness can be sort of a challenge.
The design above at the top is my standard ladder frame. It consists of sandwiched offset 2x16 a/o 2x14 plates for the beams, and 2x3 struts. This frame provides a fair amount of sturdiness, but long engines will require an additional "spine", as shown here.
The frame shown at the bottom is a completely different approach, designed to overcome this need for additional support structures - the "spine", made of a Technic beam, is built into the frame. Mounting Technic holes on system studs results in a very strong connection, and those beams are VERY hard to bend. I used this design for my GN NW-3 and it proved very stiff, but its frame is a bit shorter, so I'm not sure if it'd work as well for my FM. I think I'll stick with the ladder frame for now.
FM H-15-44 for OcTRAINber 2018, WiP 2
First thing I usually build for a new model is the frame - you obviously need something to mount the hoods and cabin on, and to attach the trucks to. So let's take a closer look at the frame for the new FM.
Building frames for a 7-wide model is a bit trickier compared to 6 or 8-wide - there are simply no 7-by-something plates available, and to achieve the odd width while maintaining the necessary sturdiness can be sort of a challenge.
The design above at the top is my standard ladder frame. It consists of sandwiched offset 2x16 a/o 2x14 plates for the beams, and 2x3 struts. This frame provides a fair amount of sturdiness, but long engines will require an additional "spine", as shown here.
The frame shown at the bottom is a completely different approach, designed to overcome this need for additional support structures - the "spine", made of a Technic beam, is built into the frame. Mounting Technic holes on system studs results in a very strong connection, and those beams are VERY hard to bend. I used this design for my GN NW-3 and it proved very stiff, but its frame is a bit shorter, so I'm not sure if it'd work as well for my FM. I think I'll stick with the ladder frame for now.