High-tech modeling for garden railroaders

[StarDust39]

Hi Rene,

Thanks very much for your help to get us oldtimers into 21st century modeling. I have successfully launched some very simple signs on Shapeways but have totally failed in several attempts to do anything more complex, even the attached window. Do you have a suggestion on how I might get a Shapeways compatible file made of this window?

Thanks,
David Palmeter

[HC Wogger]

Great intro, looking forward to future articles.

[Steven]

[quote user="Rene Schweitzer"]

We are excited to announce a new, online-only feature for our registered users: High-tech modeling for garden railroaders! Contributor Steve Berneberg will guide you through using 3D printing, whether you own a 3D printer or not. 

Please post your comments and questions here. We welcome your feedback.

Part 1: Introduction and overview

 

Welcome all to the High Tech modeling.  I have been 3D printing for years, own my own printer, and have used a wide variety of others.  The price is coming down quickly on some quality printers.  It is still not as easy as hooking up your typical printer.  If you have questions, I will be happy to answer; if I can.  If not, I know plenty of people in the industry that probably can answer the most difficult question.  Probably the hardest part is making the model.  Hopefully in the next few articles I can show you modeling programs (free for downloading) and how to use them.

I also used many other tools like laser cutters, 3D scanners, cnc mills, cnc lathes and other fancy tools.  I am also build robots for fun and industrial applications.  Perhaps later I will show you how I applied what I know about Robots to my G and 1/5 scale layouts.

If anyone has anything to add, I am always interested in others solve problems that face the rail yard.

[Rene Schweitzer]

We are excited to announce a new, online-only feature for our registered users: High-tech modeling for garden railroaders! Contributor Steve Berneberg will guide you through using 3D printing, whether you own a 3D printer or not. 

Please post your comments and questions here. We welcome your feedback.

Part 1: Introduction and overview

Part 2: Using SolidWorks software and designing a window

Part 3: An overview of 3D printers

Part 4: Tips and tricks and a tie plate STL file

Part 5: A walk-through of SCAD software

Part 6: How to use SketchUp software to make a four-pane door

Part 7: Make a building sign

Part 8: Using a professional printing service, tips on getting the best results from your printer

Part 9: Design and build a railroad signal (part 1 of 2)

Part 10: Design and build a railroad signal (part 2 of 2)

Part 11: Build a scale retaining wall

Part 12:  Make fire hydrants and learn more about the limitations of your printer

Part 13: Start building a modern-style water tower

Part 14: Build the middle section of a modern-style water tower