[Last update May 2023]
On this page are two different 'O' (1/48) scale models of 1910's era interurban cars (trolleys) known as the 'Windsplitters'. The cars received their names from the parabolic shaped front end designed to reduce wind resistance. These were some of the first railroad vehicles to actually employ testing of various shapes in order to find one that produced the least drag. This testing was done in 1904 in conjunction with Purdue University. Several cars of this design were produced although they differed in other ways. These cars operated in the Midwest and also in New York state.
The files provided are scaled to print properly to produce an O scale (1:48) model of the Windsplitter as manufactured by the Jewett Car Company. They can be resized for other scales but be careful if reducing them as they may have to be modified to accommodate the thinner walls and such.
Please review the instructions before deciding to purchase this model to ensure it will work with your printer. This document contains information on printing and completing this model.
Here is an exploded view of the individual parts that shows construction. To finish the model, you will need to obtain under body detail parts, trolley pole, power trucks, seats and interior details, window glazing, roof detail parts, headlight, and any other details you wish to include. The baggage compartment door may have to be adjusted to clear your power trucks depending on the model used. A file is also provided to print the handrail stanchions if desired.
Other parts such as interior and underbody details, trolley poles, trucks, etc. can be ordered from Q-Car Company, Inc.. Anything not available from them you will have to either design and print or scratch build yourself. This document contains information on printing and completing this model described above.
The files for the Windsplitter Interurban are available at Cults3d for a nominal charge.
I hope you enjoy the model and please send photos if you decide to make it.
Here are some pics of the nearly completed model awaiting interior detailing and lettering.
These 3D models are covered under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. You may use or adapt these files as you wish but you may not use them to produce parts, kits or finished models for sale commercially.
The files for the Jewett Windsplitter Interurban are available at Cults3d for a nominal charge.
Here are some photos of the various prototype cars:
Files are also provided to print properly to produce an O scale (1:48) model of the Windsplitter as manufactured by the G.C. Kuhlman Car Company. They can be resized for other scales but be careful if reducing them as they may have to be modified to accommodate the thinner walls and such.
The files for the G.C. Kuhlman Windsplitter Interurban are available at Cults3d for a nominal charge.
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These 3D models are covered under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. You may use or adapt these files as you wish but you may not use them to produce parts, kits or finished models for sale commercially.