A layout entirely 3D printed

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Martin Wynne
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A layout entirely 3D printed

Postby Martin Wynne » Sat Nov 06, 2021 6:18 pm

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A quirky and intriguing video at the Gauge O Guild's online exhibition today was this one, showing a small layout entirely 3D-printed, and including the track:



It's light on detail of the machines and software used, and it's a shame the track includes such nonsenses as the Peco-style bent timbers, but it does show where the hobby is heading.

Martin.
40+ years developing Templot. Enjoy using Templot? Join Templot Club. Be a Templot supporter.

David Thorpe

Re: A layout entirely 3D printed

Postby David Thorpe » Sat Nov 06, 2021 11:10 pm

Where the hobby is heading...... How dispiriting.

DT

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LesGros
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Re: A layout entirely 3D printed

Postby LesGros » Sun Nov 07, 2021 8:29 am

David Thorpe wrote:Where the hobby is heading...... How dispiriting.

DT

Good Morning David,
I am not so sure we should be too dispirited, apart from the cost. There is little doubt that Traditional modellers will continue to do what they have always done; 3D printers are another tool for those who own them, and 3D printed elements have been a feature of Railway modelling for several years now.

The investment of time, energy, and money needed to master the new skill set, means that it will not be possible for most modellers to do much more than dabble a foot in the water.

"3D printing" is similar to engaging with Arduino, and Raspberry Pi for railway model solutions; in that there is currently a lot of interest in pushing the boundaries of what is a comparatively new technology. There is also the opportunity for sharing designs with others [ eg Here; Templot Club; MERG; Thingiverse; et al] The current TV series about Hornby is worth watching for some insight into the daunting process of design for production.

The cost of materials can be quite small for individual 4mm scale models, but there can be a significant amount of wasted material during the process of trial and error that typifies the design process for complex objects. The volume of plastic required for a large ALL-3D-printed layout will make it a very expensive proposition.

It is also worth noting that Paul Gohl applies the same finishing processes to his models as has been used since toy trains became model railways, and thus works of Art.

However, It will be interesting to see the later videos by Paul.

It is also worth noting that there are a number of talented folk in the MERG membership who have been active in 3D printing, and sharing designs, for several years.

Meanwhile, Happy Modelling :D
LesG

The man who never made a mistake
never made anything useful

Terry Bendall
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Re: A layout entirely 3D printed

Postby Terry Bendall » Sun Nov 07, 2021 9:33 am

I think this is a case of each person doing what they want. As Les says, 3D printing and other related techniques such as laser cutting and even silhouette cutters have been around for some time - about 20 years or more in the case of the last example, so they are there to be used by those who want to do so and can afford the hardware.

I shall continue to do things by traditional methods since I have the inclination and the skills to do so. Others will do it in the way that they prefer and hopefully we will all have fun doing so.

Terry Bendall

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Martin Wynne
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Re: A layout entirely 3D printed

Postby Martin Wynne » Sun Nov 07, 2021 6:08 pm

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More from Paul Gohl about his 3D-printed models. This is a recording of yesterday's Zoom session with the Gauge O Guild:



Martin.
40+ years developing Templot. Enjoy using Templot? Join Templot Club. Be a Templot supporter.


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