3mm Society highlights new locomotives

3D-print manufacturer Lincoln Locos, in collaboration with Oak Tree Engineering, has introduced a Class 03 0-6-0 locomotive bodyshell and mechanism combination, which provides 3mm:1ft scale modellers with a working locomotive that requires glazing and painting.

Further locomotive bodyshells are available from Lincoln Locos, such as a Class 35 'Hymek' and Class 08, and these are expected to be subject to a future mechanism collaboration with Oak Tree Enginnering. In addition, a D2511 Hudswell shunter and steam-outline Hudswell Clark locomotives are to be produced by Hardy’s Hobbies in 3mm:1ft scale.

While all bodyshells are 3D-printed and available directly from Lincoln Locos or Hardy's Hobbies, the mechanisms on which these sit are batch-produced, and available only to 3mm Society members.

The cost of developing ready-to-run locomotives in 3mm:1ft scale is prohibitive for the small numbers who model in the scale, but with ingenuity, what the Society is calling ‘nearly RTR’ can be achieved.

Martin Olley, Publicity Officer for the 3mm Society commented, "A visit to the Lincoln Locos website will surprise even those who think they know what is available in 3mm scale. The Class 03 is just one of an extraordinary range of 3mm scale locomotive bodies that are available from Lincoln Locos. It is a very high-quality print with some amazingly-fine detail – even the handrails along the top of the bonnet are included!"

Hardy’s Hobbies is well-known among 4mm:1ft scale industrial railway modellers, but proprietor, Andrew Hardy is said to be keen to assist modellers by reducing a number of his designs to 3mm:1ft scale.

For further details on the above locomotive kits, visit the Lincoln Locos, Hardy's Hobbies and 3mm Society websites.

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