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The Imperial Engine is Tight!

Okay, I am starting my first build of the Imperial Engine. I have several observations to start out with. First, the prints are amazing! I am using a Creality Ender 3 V3 SE (actually 2 of them). The prints look fantastic. My only criticism thus far is that the connections are too tight. I think they align nicely together, but they are impossible to close without a little sanding or over-exertion. I'd recommend a little more tolerance in the joining pieces in the future. That being said. This guy must be a math genius. Everything aligns perfectly.... Its' just tighter then prom night in there guys.

I am 2/3rds through the print. I will post some pictures after everything is completed and offer a few tips on the assembly. For example, I recommend not putting both sides of the wheels together first on the axles. Feed them through the supports then put on the end caps. I was too worried the parts would snap with the axles having both wheels on then pushing it into the connector.

Finally, my greatest regret is not buying the top tier on kickstarter. I am a personal hobbiest with aspirations of selling models when I retire. This range is detailed, unique, and high quality. Let's just say if the artist does a second kickstarter and it comes with a retroactive commercial license... I am not hesitating!!! He has a fresh product for the miniature market and it is top notch!

Ken

14 comments

Comments (14)

Cassidy

Sep 07, 2024

Hey Kenneth!

First off, welcome to the forum! I just want to say a huge thank you for supporting Modular WarTrains. It’s been an enormous project, and hearing from people who are enjoying it really makes all the hard work worthwhile. Your kind words mean the world!

I really appreciate your suggestions, especially your approach to the wheel assembly—it makes a lot of sense and sounds like it’ll make putting together the bogies a lot easier! I’ll definitely look into updating the assembly guide with that method.

I'm sorry to hear you had to sand down some parts. We spent a lot of time testing everything, trying to get the fit just right—not too tight, not too loose—experimenting with different printers and settings, but as you probably know it’s a fine line. If you have a moment to let me know which parts gave you trouble, I’ll tweak the tolerances to give them a bit more room in future versions.

I’m really looking forward to seeing your completed Ironclad, and I can’t wait to hear what you think once it’s all done! Also, just a heads-up: we’re planning to offer commercial licenses again soon. If you’re ever interested in that down the line, there’ll definitely be options available!

Thanks again for all your support and feedback—I truly appreciate it!

-Cassidy

Kenneth Princen

Sep 09, 2024

Replying to

So, a lot of operator error along with some trial and error. The Imperial Ironclad is an excellent print and I maintain that pieces fit together tightly. I was a little too eager to get going and should have taken a more measured approach. I had to scrap my first print. So I learned a few valuable lessons.

First, the design was probably fit tested unpainted. If you paint pieces and then try to put them together they will be too tight. I put a picture up. This build I am covering the connections because I like to prime and paint as I assemble. The coverings will allow a better fit when I assemble. If you are the same, this will help out a lot!

Second, I maintain you should assemble the axles and wheels after the carriage is built. I tried pushing the axle through the gap and it feels too tight and I don't want to snap the PLA print. If you plan on them being the same primary color, you can assemble how ever you want I think. Especially if you feel comfortable pushing the axle into place. I personally want my wheels and axles black with the transom and supports my primary color for the model.

Third, I have to remark how well designed this model is. Precision does not do it justice. My failed attempt is solely on me for failing some instructions. You have to carefully test fit pieces depending on your printer and settings. Don't force a piece though because depending on the print layer they can snap off easily. I have learned to be gentle and if I have any reservations I sand a little bit so the fit is smooth.

Along with the precision of the design, I love the no supports. I think for such a large model it is pretty economical on my PLA. I printed at 25% infill for most parts and 50% for the ones calling for high density. Two spools of PLA and I will still get through the second print while printing a couple of tracks.

Full disclosure, I put the cabin on backwards! Be careful because it will seem to fit. It messes up the build. Read the instructions! As a bonus, I messed up the cow catcher. I tried to put it on last and it will not go in place. I decided to cut off the connectors and it slid snuggly up into place. If you want to be able to swap it out at a later time consider cutting off the supports and inserting it last. You can change it out later if you want.

Finally, While the design is great I realized it was not built with magnets in place. You could make simple modifications to transition to magnets if you want to shake things up. A little pre planning is all that is required.

Bonus, there are two weapon slots on top of the ironclad. I took my first stab at blender and built a riser for the turret. I wanted the back weapon to be elevated so it has 360 degree coverage. I plan to include it into my print. If it works out, I will share the piece so it can properly designed and used by anyone wanting it.

I will close saying this kit is amazing. The level of design is incredible. Learning to put it together has been fun. My only concern is that someone buying a printed kit should be pretty experienced and attentive when assembling or they can ruin it. Also, the engine is massive! I am just beginning to appreciate the scale after I saw my completed build failure. It will dominate a table. SO, when it comes to playability I leave that to you. I am a collector and want the train with flat cars to display my models. If I should ever play a game with it, the train will most likely be key terrain with objectives associated with it. But I love trains and a battle in a train yard sounds completely awesome!

Ken