HOn30 Passenger Cars

Here is my take on Overton style passenger cars. These models were designed to be printed on an FDM printer with a standard 0.4 mm nozzle and 0.12 mm layer height and utilizes Micro Trains trucks, pins, and/or 1015 couplers. There are now 3 options for the frame! One that uses Micro Trains 1017 passenger trucks with truck mounted couplers (my favorite), one that uses the passenger trucks with 1015 couplers mounted to the frame, and the original frame that uses freight trucks and 1015 couplers.

Tips for printing:
To make 1 car print 1 frame, roof, body, and interior of your choice; print 2 sets of platform ends, and truss rods (optional); and finally print 4 sets of steps. I recommend printing the frame upside down; the body, interior, platform ends, and roof right-side up; the steps on their backs, and the truss rods on their sides. I've included a picture to show how I orient my parts for the "best" finish.

Assembly:
What you’ll need: Printed components, couplers, trucks and their pins, super glue, small file or sand paper (just in case of fitment issues), paint, and any additional detail parts you want to add. For this model I recommend painting all parts before assembly.

I like to start by inserting the pins into the frame, then pulling them back out to test the holes and prime them for the truck installation later. If you’re using Micro Trains trucks, use the 2 pins that are on a sprue by themselves, the pin with the adapter and washer is slightly smaller and doesn’t fit tightly. Also, if the pins have any flashing on their ends sand this off to ensure they seat fully. Next attach the interior to the frame, there are holes on the frame and in the interior to assist with lining this up perfectly, (You can use anything pointy to align the holes in the frame and interior while gluing it, or I found out that M2 screws work perfectly for this. You can see this in the interior pics.) Next add the body, this just slips down over the interior and glues to the frame. The platform ends glue to each end of the car and the handrails fold up into place. (Use a few drops of glue to secure the handrails in their upright position) [Note: there are two types of handrails, I recommend using the thinner one for aesthetics but if your printer struggles with these the wider ones work just the same.] Add the roof to the car, there are four studs on each corner of the bodies to assist with alignment but with the right print settings these are secure enough to hold the roof without glue. (The v cut in the bottom of the roof was an attempt to save on filament) Glue the steps to each corner, there are notches on the steps to assist with alignment, then add the truss rods if you desire, these are of course optional. Next add the trucks, (use the right ones for the frame you selected). Finally if using body mounted couplers add these into the pockets on the ends of the frame. I use M1 x 5mm self-tapping screws to attach my couplers.

There are also pockets on the underside of the frame for adding weight. Since these cars are so light I highly recommend adding weight and using metal wheels to help hold them on the rails better.

This set includes four unique cars each with their own corresponding interior. In the older photos the combine is shown in green, the baggage car in brown, and the two coach variations in blue and red. If you want to make your own interior the baggage car "interior" was left blank just for this. Windows can be easily made from clear packaging.

Final notes:
This model was suggested by fellow modeler Steveisgr8 and I appreciate the feedback and ideas!

The body mounted coupler frames are designed to use Micro Trains 1015 couplers, but any equivalent coupler could be used including Atlas Accumate and McHenry couplers. If there is an interest, I can model a hook and loop OO9 style coupler as well. Due to the longer wheel base and overhang of the platform ends these won't handle tight radius curves as well as the truck mounted coupler ones.

If you have any comments, questions, suggestions, or funny remarks feel free to reach out to me. As always, I hope to be sharing more of my models in the future and if you have any suggestions for models you’d like to see in HOn30 let me know.

Best Regards,
Dr. Fixet