The New 3D Printing Thread

Only just started. So far I have tried FreeCAD, TinkerCAD, and BricsCAD Shape. Making most progress with FreeCAD, but it's slow going at the moment. Here's a 'thing' I created this afternoon!

[Super]

Is that some type of train cargo Dr Chris?

Is that some type of train cargo Dr Chris?

No. It's just a 'thing' - the result of a tutorial exercise made much harder than it needed to be because

"Please note that the PartDesign Workbench workflow was considerably changed from FreeCAD 0.17 onward; some of the tutorials haven't been updated and may refer to the 0.16 version..

"Considerably" is an understatement!

That's the problem with freeware/open source programs, things get changed and support is often close to non-existent, still what can you expect for a freebie I guess

What's your ultimate aim Chris? Just curious

What's your ultimate aim Chris?  Just curious

If it turns out that I can design parts that look like they might be worth printing, then I shall buy a printer. I don't think I would be happy just printing out other people's designs.

I have lots of ideas including kit-parts for rolling stock, i.e separate sides, ends, & roofs for coaches. Wagon bodies. Pillar caps. Bridge sides.

Monorail slope rail is also high on my list, there's already a model out there for that as you know, but it needs to be modified before it'll fit on a normal print-bed, i.e. it needs to be cut half-way along its length into two sections with some kind of interlocking joint. Also, why not slice it length-wise into mirror-image pieces that'll glue together back-to-back to make it really easy to print flat face down without any need for supports?

Spent some time with TinkerCAD last night. Much easier for a beginner than FreeCAD.

Yes, TinkerCAD is way easier I would think as its based on the Autodesk 123D that I use and that is a doddle once you get your head round the way it works and how to make the various primitives interact to design what you want. Talking of which our erstwhile pal Super went and found a site with a download of 123D available (https://autodesk-123d-design.en.lo4d.com/windows) I downloaded and scanned the 64-bit version and its clean so it seems like a good source at the moment. It might be worth you checking it out. There is also a couple of other utilities they wrote (also free) including 'Meshmixer' which may be something you'd find useful as that allows you to fix damaged or faulty designs as well as slice up models easily - which may be the best tool to use to split that track piece you mentioned

Monorail slope rail is also high on my list, there's already a model out there for that as you know, but it needs to be modified before it'll fit on a normal print-bed, i.e. it needs to be cut half-way along its length into two sections with some kind of interlocking joint. Also, why not slice it length-wise into mirror-image pieces that'll glue together back-to-back to make it really easy to print flat face down without any need for supports?

Or even better, like this.  The top two fit together to make one side, the bottom two make the other side, then you glue the two sides together back-to-back. The middle joint on one side goes in the opposite direction to the middle joint on the other side, ensuring a really good interlock. That's the plan, anyway.

Each piece will fit on a 220mm square printbed such as on the Ender 3.

Anyone want the stl files?





Here's a reminder of what the original looks like:

Nice looking models Chris, it would be interesting to see how they print, the one downside with models posted on the net is that sometimes they are not 'good' and need to be fixed before they print properly

[Super]

Have you purchased a Printer yet Dr Chris? Curious to see these printed and how they come out. A question I have is how the two pieces will connect since the Monorail rails are held together at their joints with clips on the monorail piers.

Also there have been times that I have used these Monorail slopes as a regular rail laid flat as gentle offset curves on a Train Layout. I have seen this also on a handful of YouTube videos. Your split versions could work well in a train layout especially in the areas where tracks need a slight jog to avoid issues. With yours being split they could also be used individually.

No, I haven't bought a printer yet. Intuition and experience both tell me that buying a new toy before I've finished re-modelling the downstairs shower & utility rooms would not be advisable.

When the four pieces are glued together into one assembly, it should be indistinguishable, shape-wise, from the original MR-02 rail. Maybe I haven't explained it very well.

Good point about using the two opposing halves individually on the flat, they do indeed have many uses in this orientation. Maybe I could make a few spacers to fit along their length to raise them up 4.2mm to the correct level?