UNI Temp SFAT Gasoline Tank Car N Scale HO Scale & Kids HO Scale

UNI Temp SFAT Tank Car

I'm an N Scale modeler but also like HO and made an entire HO scale Kids 3D printed train set free on Cults: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/game/ho-scale-printed-trains-tracks-turnouts The SFAT Uni-Temp Tank Cars come in both N Scale and HO Scale and include a magnetic coupler to use on the Kids HO track.

I've started to make my designs into proper HO and the Kids HO versions as well as the N Scale that originate. Also retrofitting older cars with the couplers pushed deeper under the cars. N scale is the default with HOscale noted as such. The Kids HO is the exact same as the proper HO except you use the printed magnetic couplers instead of Kadee couplers for HO scale. I made a hole for body mount couplers at 0.28125" as per Kadee instructions for body mount couplers or you can use truck mounted couplers instead.

There are so many types of freight wagons, but I always enjoy a short tank car! I found this two view drawing of a smaller fuel oil tank car called a Uni-Temp Insulated Tank Car. Did a search for that name looking for images of the car and found a very close match in a SFAT tank car on an old Amazon listing in HO scale. This is combination of the two.

I added twelve different running numbers on both sides with the SFAT logo. Here is a short video on how to add colors in the Bambu Studio slicer and the assembly of the car: https://youtu.be/p7bMeqKfhAk

This car uses Micro-Trains Medium Shank Couplers pressed into the base, the same as all my cars. Usually installed with the small pin. The car prints in two pieces, the main body and two small base pieces that snap into the bottom.

I used four colors to print this, but you can do it anywhere between one and four colors. The design of the car body has the main car body, the logo and text, the bottom of the body and the ladders and top parts as separate areas. This makes coloring them in your slicer easier. I use Bambu Studio which is free and works with most printers.

For the HO versions press a M2 or 2-56 nut into the Base piece and then the base into the body. It should snap into place. I use a piece of foam and my body weight to push down on the table corner. Go go belly weight! Then screw either the printed and assembled magnetic couplers or Kadee HO couplers onto the base. Make sure they aren't too tight and still move freely. On the Kids Magnetic Couplers - Make Sure You Break The Coupler Joint Free! It has a print in place hinge and needs to be broken free first. If not it will derail on curves. There is a tool included to help break them loose and not break the coupler. The 6mm Hinge Breaker is for the 6mm magnet couplers.

The Show Wheel Stands lets the N scale version work as a static model or as a kids train toy. Break the hinge free after printing as well.

You can print this car in one color but it is designed for four colors. I set my flush amounts to 400 for yellow and white, 150 for black and 300 for everything else. I do use support since the Bambu supports come off quite cleanly.