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Rigid-frame tender

stl files to print on your own 3d printer

stl files: 21 , parts to print: 35

3D-printed Rigid-frame tender

Model of a rigid-frame tender designed for our big steam locomotive.
Ready to print on nano 3D printers
(min. required printing area 80*80*75mm).
Easy to print - no need any supports, brims or raft.

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Rigid-frame tender files!

FREE download stl files!

About this model

In railway terms, a tender is a special type of wagon used to carry coal and water for a steam locomotive. It is worth noting the sloped floor of the coal bunker – this helped the coal slide forward by itself as it was used.

The model is based on a rigid-frame tender design, meaning it has a fixed frame with wheels and axles mounted inside it. The disadvantage of rigid-frame tenders was that locomotives using them had very limited speed when running in reverse.

This tender is designed for our big steam locomotive model. The toy is about 14.5 cm long, and together with the locomotive it forms a train with a total length of 36.5 cm. Since tenders were usually permanently coupled with steam locomotives, our model has a special front coupling designed exclusively for use with the locomotive.


Click to see assembly manual on Youtube.
Turn on subtitles (if available) to see part names. Do not use YouTube auto translate.
You can pause the movie and skip frames using "<" and ">" buttons from your keyboard.


Rigid-frame tender - Assembly manual

Needed parts or materials (suggested, you can use other matches parts)
  • 31 pieces M2.2x6.5 screw (DIN7981),
  • several short pieces of filament 1.75 mm,
  • cyanoacrylate glue (not essential but may be needed to glue the wheels to the axles).
Optional parts
  • the tender is prepared for assembly of a set of lights (2*white LED 5 mm), you can also use white LEDs as an imitation of reflectors (even if you do not intend to connect them to the battery).
3D printing
  • We recommend using PLA filament, nozzle 0.4 mm and layer height 0.2 mm, but you can test other settings.
  • All files are in print-ready positions, you don't have to rotate it on your slicer.
  • The elements are easy to print and do not require the use of supports, brims or rafts (the only exception is the wheel axles, they should be printed vertically. We recommend using a small brim).
  • The model is designed and optimized for printing with 100% infill. We recommend using 100% infill for all parts, as the savings from reducing the infill are negligible.
Assembling of parts
  • We have designed a special wheel and axle assembly tool, you can print it and use it to make your work easier.
  • The wheel and axle dimensions are designed to fit together. However, if your printer produces them with too much play, try securing the wheels with a little glue. You can also very slightly chamfer the ends of the axles using an ordinary pencil sharpener. If an axle is too thick, you can gently file the hole in the wheel or make a very slight adjustment to the horizontal scale in your slicer, leaving the vertical scale at 1:1.
Maintenance
  • Replaceable parts: The model consists of many separate parts. If a part is damaged, there is no need to print the entire model again. Check the instructions for the name of the damaged part, then print only that part and replace it in the model.
  • Maintenance tip: Printed Toys locomotives and wagons are designed for hands-on play. A small amount of PTFE (Teflon) grease on the axles can reduce friction and help keep the model running smoothly. Lubrication can be done immediately after printing and repeated after extended use if needed. Regular maintenance can also be treated as an additional part of the play, adding some of the activities involved in maintaining real vehicles.
Compatibility with older versions
  • On June 26, 2022, the way couplers are mounted was changed to make trains work better on tracks. If you downloaded models before this date, you can print and install the new version of TAQ01-coupler-auto.stl and TAQ01C-coupler-cotter.stl in older wagons (included in the free locomotive model). You can also flip all couplers upside down in older wagons, but this is not recommended — trains will not take curves well on the tracks.

Assembly manual movie

Click to see assembly manual on Youtube.
Turn on subtitles (if available) to see part names. Do not use YouTube auto translate.
You can pause the movie and skip frames using "<" and ">" buttons from your keyboard.

License

This model is free to use.

You can:
  • print an unlimited number of models,
  • modify and print modified files,
  • print models for a gift,
  • use printed models for free education.
You can not:
  • use models for earn money,
  • sell printed models,
  • sell any stl files (original or modified),
  • publish or distribute any stl files.