Trying to learn TinkerCAD

[LNERW1]

Given my recent T gauge kick I've been looking at printing Irish bodyshells for T Gauge chassis, however the biggest roadblock to that is an unfortunate lack of .stl files. So, in a frantic craze to satisfy my latest hyperfixation, I decided to learn TinkerCAD. Luckily for me it turns out the software is incredibly beginner friendly and I've already produced this pile of shite:

Luckily the tabs I had open when i took the screenshot dont reveal too much about my psyche, but my taskbar may somewhat give a bit away! As for the name, TinkerCAD auto-names projects.

Here's the STL if anyone's interested, even for a look round:

TgaugeCoachTest1.stl (this won't fit on any chassis btw as the walls are a whole 1mm thick and on the inside of the space they should be using)

And here is the plain shell of tonight's attempt- crafted to the soothing soundtrack of @DonegalDad's stream!

Same deal with the auto-name. I might actually try see if this can feasibly be printed (when it's detailed up of course)

[Sean]

Ive been at the same lol.

this is about the only cad program i can wrap my head around so far.

ruston has needed a load of adjustments to fit my chassis but its good now

the turf tippler, fine tuned for symmetry LOL

[Westcorkrailway]

There is a free version of fusion 360 for personal use (even if they make it hard to find to try trick you into paying) and it’s done me wonders. 

 

 

 

 

I haven’t ventured into locos/Rolling stock yet. Only helping with the production of a Bandon Tank as of now. Always wanted to do a CBSCR short bogey coach in 3D. Some of I can keep honing in my skills I’ll be able to do it one day 

[Past-Avenue]

Hi guys,  I use tinkercad for all my 3d prints except JM DESIGN'S.  It was new to me when I started printing but I stuck with it.   There’s loads of tutorials on YouTube to help you out. I'm finding it great and user-friendly and would recommend it. 

Enda 

[LNERW1]

Wow, that was quick! So quick I've only gotten round to detailing the end of this car and adding thicker walls.

considering this is only my second time ever using the software I think I'm doing ok.

[Flying Snail]

I think you're doing more than okay given its just your second time.

Very interesting to note that @Past-Avenue uses it to create his models - they're really good, so it must have more than enough features! I'll have to check it out

[Sean]

Do any of ye know how to actually control the camera in this? 

its manageable but i find it a bit all over the place and sometimes if i go way off ill end up refreshing the page to get myself back to where i want to be.

[Mayner]

The free versions of Fusion 360 or Onshape https://www.ptc.com/en/products/onshape both relatively simple to use and excellent for designing 3D printed models. Free Version of 360 users are limited to 10 editabe documents,  designs produced on Onshape free plan are treated as open source freely available on line.

Most of the JM Design wagons were originally designed by a freelance 3D modeller using the Onshape (commerical license) about 4-5 years ago, I successfully revised/updated several of the models using Fusion 360 during the past 3 years.

Its feasible to design finely detailed models using 3D modelling software, the real challenge in the smaller scale is in selecting a printer/print technology capable of reproducing  fine detail and surface finish. 

It was necessary to outsource the printing of the JM Design wagons to commerical 3D print shops with full sized printing machines capable of printing in an engineering resin as available desktop printers & resins could not achieve acceptable results.

I successfully printed the axleguard.spring assembly in the rendering using a desktop printer and a Tensile Resin produced by Monocure an Australian supplier of 3D printing resins.

Ironically FDM may be a better option to resin for printing models in 7mm scale and larger; Woko a regular RM Web contributor appears to produce really fine models of 7mm locos and stock using FDM technology https://www.rmweb.co.uk/forums/topic/172854-wokos-bench/

 

[Rob R]

Tinkercad works for me.

I keep trying more "grown up" CAD programs but the learning curve needs more time than I can throw at them at the moment.

MGWR 3 plank open in S scale (1:64).

I find it easier to draw up individual components and then assembling the complete vehicle.

Any questions just shout up and I will do my best to help.

Also very helpful if you have not seen it before is the list of shortcuts:-

[Rob R]

One quick tip.

You can save a lot of time by drawing just a section (quarter or a half) of your subject then copy/paste/arrange/digitally glue together the sections.

[Flying Snail]

Sams Trains has documented his journey designing and 3D printing locos and rolling stock over on YouTube. It's not a set of tutorials per se, but he does go into the process in some detail. He also has an article on one of his designs, and 0-4-2 in the August 2023 Railway Modeller. Link to his Youtube playlist here: