G Scale Skeleton Log Car

I designed this skeleton log car to look good behind my Bachmann Shay, which is approximately 1:20. This design is not a specific "scale", but can be printed at different scales to achieve the desired looks (except the bogies/trucks. Those need to remain the size they are).

I intentionally made this a very simple design/build. It should be possible to print one of these cars in about 24 hours. The only part I don't have included is the coupler and the wheels/axles. There are plenty of coupler options here on thingiverse that will connect to the truck frame.

Regarding the truck frame; this is a design I modified from chrpie here on Thingiverse. Here is a link to his original file:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4361553

I use Cura as my slicer and strongly recommend checking out the "Print One-At-A-Time" option if you don't already know about it. It allows you to print sets of parts all at once and really takes out the tedium from creating repeated sets of car parts.

The parts should all fit together with a tight fit. I used gorilla glue to secure most parts in-place. I also provided a hole inside the main beam. This is so you can install a 5/16" support spar. I recommend getting a wood dowel at Home Depot (I got a 3' long dowel for less than $1), cut it to 4" length and it should fit perfectly. You will need two screws and washers to secure the bogies to the pivot point.

I recommend printing the cross-beam with supports. All other files can be printed without supports and should be fine.

I recommend printing the truck frames at a high infill to prevent breaking over time.

Edit: The tolerances I originally had worked great, but then I switched to a different PLA brand and now the tolerances between parts is too tight and the parts are really hard to fit together. If you find this happening, and you use CURA, I recommend enabling HORIZONTAL EXPANSION and setting it to -0.1 or -0.2 and see if that helps.

If you like my designs and found this helpful, a tip is always appreciated. Tips can be sent to: http://paypal.me/sukotto88