My updated 3D print of the 85 ton steeple cab arrived this week. All my previous print flaws were corrected, and additions printed as well.

Generally you can't tell much for differences from this shot, but the big difference is the beefed up truck .

A close up up the truck shows and internal equalizer for both looks and strength. A centering ring for the axel which helps keep the electrical pickup contact snug. Also there is now the end frame for strength. The frame is meant to be held together by 2-72 screw now. Also visible is the horizontal printing lines on this version. You can compare that to the first print which was printed slightly diagonally. My understanding is Shapeways tries to maximize the printer by printing items for several different orders at the same time. Thus last time this locomotive got oriented at an angle. I also built some stairs which is in the previous photo.

I have the rivet details on now, and I have to clean the guide holes for grab irons before priming it grey to protect those decals. I am still waiting for more parts to arrive so the model has been slow going. Not to mention the weather has improved and in five more days fishing season opens again, so it may be a bit before I get these models done.

In the mean time I thought I would share two more steeple cabs I did based on HBM&S locomotives.

This #93 is a display model. It was the very first scratch build I did several years ago. It is based on a "one up" HBM&S steeple cab built by the company. The real version was built on the frame of the CW&LE ex Fort Dodge, Des Moines and Southern Railway Baldwin Westinghouse A-type after it was heavily damaged in a roll over accident in Flin Flon.

Now I have considered fixing some of the oversize hand rails and pantograph stands, but in the end I decided it is an example of my "early works" and it will stay as it is. If anything, one day I may do it all again, in a 3D print and make it work.

#91 is a cannonball kit, which I put a NWSL Stanton drive and dummy in it. It is DCC and runs, lights work too. It is a bit light and 8 wheel drive would be nice but those drives are not inexpensive. I might try some of the Bullfrog snot on a wheel to see if that helps keep it from stalling. #91 is based on the two Bush Terminal Railway Steeple cabs HBM&S acquired. I have two very poor photos of photos of this locomotive but it pretty much just looks like the Cannonball kit. So other than the elevated pantograph stand, I really didn't do anything to it.

Now if you are asking why I have these steeple cabs, well the answer is simple. It was just a way of connecting the early years of HBM&S into my HO model interests. This fall I plan on changing my layout a bit, and plan on putting a couple of tracks in for switching which will have some fake trolley lines. I have ideas of what the locomotives will switch, and no it won't be recreating Flin Flon (that can be done by Marc S. and Charlie B. and anyone else that wants to). I expect it will include some Western Side dumps and rock. We will talk about that in the fall.

Until Next Time.

Tim Schwartz