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WSRbloke

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Hi everyone, I've just joined this group and this is my first post. I have a Geeetech i3 printer with which I have printed Daniel Norees switcher locomotive and boxcar thanks to members of Open Railway Project who supply free .stl files for various train models. Anyone interested take a look at the site.
This forum looks quite interesting so I hope I enjoy my time here.
Ron
 

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Welcome Ron you should enjoy the forum plenty of chat advice & banter here!
Did you print the engine & wagon on a 3D printer? If so tell us more!
 
Welcome - does WSR mean the West Somerset?

PS - we don't always read things correctly (I include myself there;))!)
 
Welcome aboard WSRbloke.
 
If you look at the Open Railway Project site Paul, you will see some posts I made with photos of my builds.
Ron
 
If you look at the Open Railway Project site Paul, you will see some posts I made with photos of my builds.
Ron
Just had a quick peek. There's some great projects happening, I'll have a closer look later, but can I assume that the parts are designed by the modeller and then printed or are there any ready made designs? I know it's probably covered in the website but I think folk on this forum would be interested.
 
Paul, the members design and print their projects and then if o.k usually put the .stl files for printing on "Thingiverse" where you can download their files and print them at home if you own a printer! As you will see there are some brilliant models on there, all for free!
Ron
 
Paul, the members design and print their projects and then if o.k usually put the .stl files for printing on "Thingiverse" where you can download their files and print them at home if you own a printer! As you will see there are some brilliant models on there, all for free!
Ron
Cheers I'll have a closer look
 
Welcome Blurkey....
 
Ron,
I am interested in getting a printer and having a go. Is there a particular filament you use for printing your models and have you had any problems with the printer you use?
I am also modelling in Gauge 1 and stock like you have is just what I am looking for.
Regards
John
 
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Hi John, my printer is a Prusa clone from China ( £179 ) and I've had it since March without any problems yet! I must say though that it's a kit of parts and has to be assembled!
I usually use PLA filament off e-bay from a seller called onemillion and haven't had any problems yet. I like to use grey as it seems to print best. ABS, as in plastic kits, can cause problems with it not sticking to the print bed unless you set the temperatures just right and it doesn't like cold air so I've put a clear plastic bag over my printer as an expriment which appears to work as I'm printing with ABS just now.
All the stock in the photo was designed by me from drawings and photos using the free Tinkercad software. It has its limitations but is quite adequate for what I needed. I can't seem to get my head around doing steam locos yet though.
Hope this helps John.
Ron
 
Ron,
Thanks for those details. I will have a look at that printing machine and filament. Is the software fairly easy to learn? I am currently in the process of getting a Silhouette Portrait cutter for cutting out thin plasticard for my 0 Gauge stuff and will be using their drawing and scan software for cutting out. I am told this will be fairly easy to get to grips with. I will need something equally easy to draw in 3d for the Gauge 1 models I'd like to make.
Regards
John
 
John,
Tinkercad is fairly easy to get used to as it uses shapes to build objects. It took me a while but there are loads of instructional videos on Youtube. It's also web based so you don't have to install it on your computer.
When you have designed your object you have to run it through other software to check it is printable and then through a slicing program. I use Repetier Host and Slic3r slicing program. If alls well you export the .stl file, either onto a sd card that goes into a slot on the printer or you can connect the printer to the computer directly. I use the sd card option as once or twice I've done something else on the computer that stopped the printer and spoiled a print!
My wife has a Silhouette cutter which I have used to make decals. If you get some printable vinyl you can make some brilliant things for you trains.
Ron
 
Ron,
the option to use an SD Card in the Printer sounds like a great option. It does mean that it may be worthwhile for people to get a Machine and Swop Files between each other rather than all having to design the same or nearly same thing. Perhaps it is time for me to think about making space for one on my overcrowded workbench. Though I think the Lathe would have to go to fit one in. That would be a terrible wrench as I do know how to use it and do not yet know how to do 3D Cad, though I can cope quite well with the 2D Software that I have on my Mac quite satisfactorily. Hm decisions decisions.
JonD
 
Can I suggest you get and try the software before the printer.
 
Ron,
the option to use an SD Card in the Printer sounds like a great option. It does mean that it may be worthwhile for people to get a Machine and Swop Files between each other rather than all having to design the same or nearly same thing. Perhaps it is time for me to think about making space for one on my overcrowded workbench. Though I think the Lathe would have to go to fit one in. That would be a terrible wrench as I do know how to use it and do not yet know how to do 3D Cad, though I can cope quite well with the 2D Software that I have on my Mac quite satisfactorily. Hm decisions decisions.
JonD
Build a bigger work bench?
 
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