Non air Hopper

This is a G gauge model of a 10T non air coal hopper used on the Hunter Valley coal fields. This particular design was used by the Pelaw Main Colliery. The main hopper is printed upside down using supports touching build plate only. The frame itself slots together. I have included built in supports on the side frame but you will need to add supports on the inner end frame. The frame is glued together with medium superglue and sprayed with a kicker. Very important to use an accelerator as this creates heat which helps bond the PLA. The hopper can be glued to the frame but it was removable in real life.
The axles are from 3mm rod and can be pressed into the wheels under a drill press using the jig supplied. The center jig ensures the correct back to back of the flanges. Alternatively LGB wheel sets can be used. There is just enough flex in the frame to install the wheel sets after the frame has been assembled and painted. I have included a coupler adapter to fit LGB style couplers. Th