CAD files for loco fittings and other stuff

[Colonel]

 Are there sources for things like springs, brakes, valves etc? As previously posted, I'm finding it increasingly difficult to source such stuff as whitemetal castings and am very dubious about learning to draw such complex shapes. If files were available, it seems it could be worth me investing in a 3D printer.

[Flying Snail]

Short answer: yes.

There are quite a few 3D model repositories online. Sites such as Thingiverse, Printables and Cults3D are worth exploring. Have a browse through these first and you'll get a feel for what's available.

 

Longer answer: yes, but...

My impression (as someone also thinking about making the jump and buying a 3D printer) is that there's often more emphasis on complete models (locomotives, wagons, etc.) than on individual components and fittings. I think part of the reason is that traditionally, many railway modellers were quite comfortable assembling models from a variety of components, modifying castings and doing a fair amount of fettling. With 3D printing, much of that modelling work has moved into the CAD software, with the printer producing the finished part. However, I think there's going to be a growing market for individual parts, both as replacements for RTR models and as alternatives to the increasingly scarce white-metal and resin castings.

Take Enda at CK Prints as an example. He's producing replacement parts for 071s, 201s, etc., as well as things like W-irons. There are also a few respositories out there. The GNR Society has downloadable files for things like axleboxes, springs, buffers, etc., and there are others too.

So there are certainly files available for the sort of things traditionally supplied as white-metal castings, although finding exactly what you need may take a bit of searching.

Edit: Important clarification - as far as I know Enda provides printed 3D items to you, not the CAD .. but it shows that there is a market for these items

Edited 19 hours ago by Flying Snail

[Past-Avenue]

Hi Colonel , I do my own drawings of everything that I'm printing as it's almost impossible to get exactly what you want with the level of detail I get on my models as it's a niche market. It takes alot of dedication and time but rewarding when I see the end product.

As Flying Snail said there are some websites that offer CAD drawings that you can download which will take alot of time out of the job. 

Also be aware that there might be a copyright for reproduction to selling them. 

Hope this is helpful to you. 

Enda 

Ckprints.ie 

 

[Moogie-69]

My best bit of advice about getting a 3d printer would be to learn how to draw in cad. You can get Fusion for free under a hobby licence, I taught myself by drawing simple battery boxs and watching YouTube videos. If you just rely on what stl files you can find online your going to be very limited to what trains/wagons you can build. Learn to draw and anything is possible. 

For the size if parts we need a resin printer would be better suited as filament won't get you the details you need.

If you are really stuck for an unusual part, supply me with detailed sizes and I'm sure I could draw up something that would do.

Noel.

[Mayner]

Personally I would recommend trialing some prints with a 3D print bureau or public library to get a better understanding of the limitations of the process and the materials before investing in a home/hobby printer and print materials.

A number of public libraries in the UK appear to have capability to carry out 3D printing, the 3D Printing Forge highly recommended on the RM Web Good 3D printing company thread https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/201071-good-3d-printing-companies/. Further a field I use Facfox https://facfox.com  for their keen pricing and consistent high quality printing in their ABS-like SLA resin.

I still struggle to achieve acceptable print quality with an Anycubic Proton printer bought in 2021, though quality has improved in recent years (combination of machine finally bedding in/wear, choice of resin and greater experience in setting up files for printings (slicing), a steep and expensive learning curve.

I agree with Moogie-69 on the importance of learning CAD.

Tinker CAD and the personal version of Fusion 360 (both Autodesk/Auto CAD products) are both free and relatively easy to use.

These days is use Fusion to produce replacement parts (handbrake wheels, caboose steps and smokestacks) for my 1:20.3 large scale stock, printing on the home printer in tensile and impact (resistant) resins  from an Australian supplier (so far without breakages). Also printed 4mm detail parts (mainly axleguards) in tensile resin and had lost-brass casting for GSWR 52 Class loco produced from my 3D CAD drawing.