As I said in my personal introduction, I am seeing how I get on on utilising a 3D printer in my modelling. My current project is modelling Colombian National Railways (FNC) to 4mm/ft scale running on 12mm track (prototype gauge 3ft). Here's a mockup of my first item. Colombian GE U10B printed as a set of kit parts. The model shown, in primer grey, awaits finishing prior to painting, addituion of handrails and steps on side of hood, buckeye couplers, a suitable mechanism and metal wheels, and some fine detailing. All in all, I am satisfied as it gives the right impression. I am not a rivet counter. Besides all I am working from is a collection of photographs and some basic outline drawings with some relevant dimensions. Meantime, I'll start work on some boxcars. Will post pics when ready. (Amazing how a close up photo emphasises blemishes etc.)
The blemishes don't look like anything that can't be easily corrected. I, for one, really like how the louvers and the door handle turned out. I'd suggest (just by eyeball) trying to thin the steps and footboards for a better appearance. In any event that should look very nice once in something other than primer.
Very impressive. How long does it take to write the printer code for one of the medium size parts? Is the code as complex as defining the tool path for a CNC machine?
Considering your starting material (photos and drawings), that's some very good work. I'm quite impressed.
Thanks for your feedback. Blemishes will be duly sorted out prior to final finish. With reference to footboards (I assume you're talking about depth of footplate), depth is correct according to photos I have. Wait until I do EMD G12 - Depth of footplate is even deeper! I agreee steps could do with some minor attention. I also found a small error regarding fuel/battery boxes nw photo became available after initial drawings. EDIT. Yes, I'm very pleased how louvres turned out
Hi. I create initial dimensional drawings using CorelDraw and then transfer dims to Fusion 360, creating a 3d model. I draw to original dimensions i.e. scale 1:1 in in. or mm., as appropriate. From Fusion I make a 3d printable model transferring to Cura (Cura is a 3D slicing programme which translates a model to G-code suitable for printing. CNC? I'm not sure but I believe Fusion will translate to code necessary for CNC.
Many thanks. Diesel locos and freight vehicles are somewhat ok, but passenger vehicles are going to be a bummer as all I have is a collection of photos and no suitable drawings. Steam locos are going to be a major challenge also.
I'm beginning to think there's a conspiracy to get me into 3D printing. It might just work someday...
I think the biggest setback with designing your own models is the lack of drawings. To make that even harder, you have a rather strange prototype, as well as gauge. Since you are using 4mm/foot, will you be able to use your local OO scale products in your Columbian layout?
I love the challenge! Luckily, Colombian diesel motive power is mainly GE with some EMD thrown in, and MLW DL535SEs sold by WPYR and bought back a few years later. (see attached pic - as returned from Colombia still in STF livery) I've got basic outline drawings with vital dimensions, thanks to http://www.thedieselshop.us. Steam motive power is gonna be a pain, even though most were built by Baldwins I can't find any dimensional drawings anywhere, so it's going to be photos with perspective correcetion and guess work. If it looks OK it'll do me. Freight stock is mainly American in appearance, except tank cars, which seem to be oval instead of round in section. No cabooses. Passenger stock again will be from photographs...I am awaiting for a friend in Bogotá to go and measure the length of one of the preserved coaches used on the Turistren with which I'll be able to work out most of the other dimensions. As far as using OO products. That's not a problem. All I'll really need are wheels (very easy to get) and axles from the 3mm Society. Trackwork is being being handbuilt.
Try a railroad historical society. I don't know if there are any for your railroad, but there may be some sort of organization that may have related drawings. If the Colombian Baldwins are re-gauged variations of American locomotives, there is probably something on the internet.
Don't know anything about CNC, but writing printer code is not a problem. I design model using Fusion360, based on sketches from CorelDraw. I draw everything to 1:1 scale. There is a command in Fusion360 that allows me to create a 3D printable model using Cura slicer software. That is when I scale original model down to final printable item. (In my case the scale factor is 0.013 - to produce items to 4mm/ft scale)
