Community-Designed Model Challenge

[T haf]

Of the models suggested, I believe two had the most conversation around them. The V-22 Osprey and the Shay locomotive. I don't know how to do a poll so, please, vote for your preferred model!!!

[ReynoldsSlumber]

Re-thinking the V-22, those long blades would put a lot of stress on tiny hinges, and the whole thing would likely end up pretty floppy as well as fragile. A steam loco would be a more workable subject for a papercraft model with moving parts. Also, a standard drive locomotive could be a lot more readily implemented than a Shay with its gears. Even some metal model railroad Shay locos have problems with those.

[modelperry]

I, of course, put my vote in for the shay, but I would find any project you end up doing of interest.

Greg

[T haf]

You make some good points about the V22... it would be challenging. A stream locomotive would be inherently more stable. Does anyone who knows trains have a recommendation?

[ReynoldsSlumber]

That SP 4-8-8-2 cab forward mentioned before would be very cool, but it would also be nearly double the work of a regular loco! Which is already no joke.
Perhaps a Shay could be more readily done in papercraft if it had internal gears between the wheel shafts, such that the side driveshaft could still spin but not carry forces between the wheel shafts.
Personally I'm partial to the style of burly American locos with 8 or 6 drive wheels, like a Baldwin-made 4-8-4 Northern with AT&SF or UP.
I do also like the Art Deco styling of that Pennsylvania RR T1 4-4-4-4 that Murph posted.

[ReynoldsSlumber]

In particular, if you'd like some streamlining and color, the Lima-made Southern Pacific #4449 "Daylight"

[Siwi]

I would go for the Shay (of whatever type) or else one of the other interesting locomotives suggested. If you want to get into a real compound curve challenge there are some gorgeous streamliners such as the LMS Coronation Scot, Hudson, Penn T1, or Belgian type 12.

[murphyaa]

If you want unique, and lots of wheels without having to double up on components, there's also the Union Pacific 9000 class 4-12-2.