TT scale trains and models

An idea that I have been toying with for a while is to build some diesel passenger locos in TT scale. The first pick is the EMD F40PH, followed by the GE GENESIS.

I am considering using the shapeways EMD F40PH shell as a start point. Does anyone have any advice for such a project?

The Shapeways-model looks good. The side walls are strengthened at the lower end with an L-shape.

For the cleaning, I use 2% Sodium hydroxide (also known as lye and caustic soda, NaOH) at an ultrasonic cleaner. Multiple times of 20min with breaks between it. Because of the self-heating of the liquid at the ultrasonic-cleaner. After that, I clean it with water, soap and a toothbrush. Then rinse with clear water and drying at 40° Celsius. I use always Tamiya grey primer on all sides of the warm model, inner and out.

My suggestion for the drive chassis are 9' MTB-bogies at a brass-plate which fit inside. They have the right side frames. Two Stop points out of plastic over the whole inside width for the brass-plate can be glued probably inside the shell, above the L-shape. That the plate doesn't fall inside. The screws of the coupler boxes go thru the plate into the stop points and holds all in place

The only problem I have with the chassis recommendation is that I have no spare MTB bogies, so I will have to work out a different chassis for it.

But thanks for the hints!

Are the MTB 9 foot trucks still available at all? It would be a shame to lose those!
Rob D, do you have any idea?

Would a BR 218 chassis be a good starting point for the F40PH?

I have asked Rob D about the 9ft MTB bogies.

The BR 218 has a good axle space but the wheel discs are 8mm. I think the Tillig chassis is too wide.

MacG wrote:I have asked Rob D about the 9ft MTB bogies.

The BR 218 has a good axle space but the wheel discs are 8mm. I think the Tillig chassis is too wide.

Any word on the bogies?

Rob said they are sold out. But an answer from MTB is still pending.