GCRTA Breda LRV – HO Scale

This download contains .STL files for all printed parts in my HO scale GCRTA Breda LRV model. Some parts are designed for an SLA/LCD/DLP/resin printer (I used a Formlabs Form2), while others are designed for an FDM printer (I used a Bambu X1-C and printed in ABS). It should be possible to print all parts with an SLA printer, however, though the thin interior parts might be a little tricky. The model uses the Bowser trolley mechanism and an extra dummy truck. There’s also a recession and screw holes for a Nix Trains DecoderBuddy.

Hardware used:

  • M2.5 or similar screws and nuts, and washers to attach the body to the shell (there are recessions for nuts), assemble the center pivot, and attach the interior to the chassis.
  • M2 or similar screws and washers for the couplers
  • M1.4 or similar screws for screwing down the DecoderBuddy (optional)
  • M3 or similar screw to attach the end dummy truck
  • 2-56 screws for attaching most Bowser trolley parts (you can use the ones that come in the mechanism kit)
  • 0.75 and 1mm fiber optic filament for lighting (your mileage may vary depending on your printer tolerances)
  • 3x3mm magnets for the couplers (2 per coupler)
  • 1.8/2mm round top type LEDs – I used these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZQT4B25?th=1
  • 3mm RGB LEDs for the destination signs – I used these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHX7J4DS?th=1

Assembly tips:

  • A nut slots into the center bendy bit so a long M2.5 screw can be threaded tightly into it. Screw the center truck tightly to the bendy bit (they should be rigid to each other). You may need to use a washer since the hole on the Bowser truck is a little large. The bendy bit acts as the pivot for the two halves.
  • FDM parts with holes that should be screwed into should be self tapping, but you may need to drill them.
  • You’ll have to cut down the vertical ears on the pickups on the center trucks.
  • The holes in the bendy bit are for passing wires through.
  • The destination sign light pipes should be printed in clear resin, or alternatively you could print them in anything and use them as a guide to cut out the part from clear plastic sheet.
  • The mirrors and mounting points on the shell have holes for 0.015″ wire. The holes in the mirrors go all the way through. I found the wire surprisingly easy to bend without a jig.
  • Reach out for info on decals; I can send you artwork or maybe get Fusion Scale Graphics to sell the decals.

Exploded view of LRV model components

Mirror detail. You’re on your own with the beacon, though there is a hole in the shell for it and a flat spot in the interior for mounting an LED

(note, this photo shows some printed weights (I filled them with buckshot) that I did not include in the download because they weren’t very effective; a few 1/4oz steel weights will do much better if you need them)