NOTE: Though not all of my models have download pages, almost all files are for sale. Get in touch if you’re interested!
GCRTA Breda LRV
After completing my Airporter II cars the obvious next project was to make the other ancient vehicle still on the Cleveland RTA’s roster, Breda LRVs. Built in 1980, these cars were built by Breda in Italy to replace the aging PCCs on the former Shaker Heights Rapid Transit line.
I modeled this specific pair of cars, 820 and 836, as they appeared when I rode them on the waterfront line in late 2024. I didn’t get too many photos then, but I was able to get some photos of other cars later.
photos by me
My models use the Bowser trolley mechanism with an extra dummy truck, and like most of my other models, feature SLA printed shells and FDM printed chassis. I also added provisions for some unique lighting effects found on the prototype; the destination light is lit by a bi-color LED (it’s actually RGB but I only wired up green and blue) which the cars use to indicate whether they’re running on the Van Aken (blue) Line or the Green Road Line (guess what color that one is). There’s also a working strobe light lit by a short length of fiber optic rod. The model is 1.8/2mm size LEDs, which I found to be a great compromise between standard 3mm LEDs, which were just too big, and surface mount LEDs, which I tend to avoid since they are so fiddly. All LEDs are attached to the chassis so there are no wires connecting the shell (though you would need to add some for interior lighting or overhead pickup). I chose to use tinted glazing because, while I was able to add an interior with some suggestion of seats, it’s pretty crowded with the motor on one side and the Nix Trains DecoderBuddy on the other. I eventually want to get recordings of the cars for a custom LokSound file, but for now they’re silent.
| Purchase Options: |
| STL file download: $20 |
Tokyu Car Corp Airporter II
(Cleveland RTA Red Line Cars)
2024 photo by my boyfriend
These “subway” cars were built for the Cleveland GCRTA in the mid 1980s for use on the system’s Red Line running from Windermere Station in East Cleveland to the Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport. With two stations on my college campus, I see these cars roll by daily. I first started on this model a few years ago, but was inspired to refine and print out a set for myself after I gained temporary access to an SLS powder nylon printer. Nylon is much more durable than SLA resin, though the printing process left a slightly grainy finish.
My HO model uses the Bowser 6′ 6″ trolley mechanism, and comes with mounting points in the chassis for directional lighting and a separate interior. Holes are provided for the installation of wire grab irons, and while many designers choose to model in grabs these days, I much prefer the durability soldered brass (the models had to survive a half mile bike ride to the photo studio!). The shell and the chassis can be printed just fine on a resin printer while the interior and couplers (I modeled both cosmetic and functional versions) are designed for FDM printing.
I installed LokPilot 21pin decoders on Decoder Buddy boards in my models, with the intention of adding LokSound with a custom sound file to one or more of my cars in the future. The models are finished with Tamiya paints, pantographs from Sommerfeldt, and custom decals printed by Fusion Scale Graphics. I also individually laser cut windows and glued them in for a flush appearance, though there is also a recession for acetate to be mounted inside the shell. My models represent the cars as seen in 2023 after 38 years in service. I chose to build a set of 3 cars since trains typically run with one or two cars, with 3 car trains being reserved for game days downtown.
| Purchase Options: |
| STL file download: $20 |
Berkshire Hills Trolley
This luxury trolley shell was modelled in O scale but can easily be altered for other scales. Correct side frames are also available.
Washington and Old Dominion Interurbans
