The Irish Railways 3d printing thread

[Rob R]

I am starting this thread to act as a repository for 3dp questions, answers, project updates etc. that are Irish Railway related.

Open to all, not just for me.

 

First off, with the 7 ton MGWR update elsewhere, a couple of photos of the latest FDM printed MGWR open wagon.

4mm and S scale.

A bit more work needed yet but we are not too far off.

Edited yesterday at 10:40 by Rob R

[Rob R]

Got bored playing with wagons

From a Recreation 21 file to be found on Cults 3d.

It's not the best but useful as a test to see what can, and cannot, be done.

[Rob R]

8 and a half hours later.

The eagle eyed amongst you wiĺl have noted that I broke the chimney and the cab steps while getting the supports off.

No great loss as they were going anyway along with the splashers - far too close together.

Ok for a first attempt, might have another go at 0.4 layer height but this was just a "quick" test because I really wanted one of the railmotor versions. Probably heading for 15 hours with the smaller layer height.

Not sure what is going on with the cab side and end either. More playing needed.

Good fun.

Edited yesterday at 16:36 by Rob R

[commerlad]

I'm still astounded by the fact that people try to print everything in 1. Yes I know it can but,

Don't bother with the cab roof, A cut up Coke can still works, It's thinner and no layering detail.

Think of a kit , The Cab Sides and Back and the Tank Side's would all be better if each part was printed Horizontally. (Other than Rivet detail its all 1 layer) So nothing to smooth.

Also if it's in bits it is easier to paint.

[Rob R]

I know, but that is how the file came and it is too big to stick into my usual cad program to chop it up.

Was only playing to test the limits of the machine anyway.

Would also really need to print things in PETG 'cos you can stick that with MEK.

Edited yesterday at 17:39 by Rob R

[Colonel]

Interesting, so great idea to start this thread. A few of us will need to learn some new terms like PETG, but that's all part of something new.

 The photos certainly show some issues, with what seems like a lot of bits to remove. All those rivets would be a pain to do in etched brass, though how you'd keep them while cleaning up the print lines is another matter - all part of the testing I guess.

 While there's very little I've seen so far (louvres excepted), that I can't do via traditional methods, that doesn't mean I'm not interested because it is how the hobby will develop, so keep it coming. Indeed, with some traditional fittings formerly done via whitemetal casting, such as axle boxes, chimneys, domes, valves and so on, this is certainly where printing can take over.

 Years ago, remember Dick Bolland, of Shedmaster Models, telling Laurie Griffin that such castings were where there was money to be made, rather than whole kits. Laurie eventually took on Dick's stuff when he started Laurie Griffin Miniatures, so there must still be some truth in the story today.

 

[Rob R]

I should be printing stuff for the SSMRS stand at Railex but I have been distracted again.

Broken window pillar was ham fisted me getting the supports of.

Never mind, it was only a quick trial print.

SLNCR Railcar B if you were wondering.....

The test print, from a Recreation 21 file, has done it's job.

Looks nothing like the real thing so I won't bother with the 18 hour print for the rest of it.

Edited 2 hours ago by Rob R