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Post by jspech on Oct 20, 2021 17:21:06 GMT -5
Good Day All,
I have been in N scale for a while and as much as I do love it for how much you can fit in a small space, Z scale has always been in the back of my mind. I love making scenery, but as far as buildings, vehicles and lighting goes it seems to be hard to come by a lot of different options. Would it be better to invest in a 3D printer or try my luck on eBay and hope something comes along?
John
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Post by zscalehobo on Oct 20, 2021 17:46:25 GMT -5
What era and region are you modeling - there are several kit manufacturers.
European: Archistories, Kibri, Vollmer, Faller, luetke modellbahn, Märklin, Noch
US: Archistories, Animek, Basher (eBay) (add: some euro industry kits work in American Z) + a few other smaller manufacturers
Vehicles: Märklin (autos), Kibri (trucks) & Trafofuchs (with and without lighting)
Lighting: Miller Z billboards, Ztrains / Raildig LEDs, Viessmann, Märklin
Figures: Noch, Preiser, Merten, Trafofuchs and Faller
3D printing is great if you're already versed in CAD. I would use it for spots that the regular makers cannot fill. You might also check the resident z expert 3D shops for their lines of Z buildings (Stony & Walt)...
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Post by robertlcollins on Oct 21, 2021 6:45:11 GMT -5
3D printers aren't that expensive, if you decide to go that route. Mine is a Monoprice Mini Delta V2 and it cost $180. I designed my buildings in Tinkercad, which is fairly easy to use. My designs are simple, but it's fun for me to have simple buildings I designed and printed sitting on my layout.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2021 9:37:34 GMT -5
But SLA/SLS printers have a better quality in printing for VERY small details ... and a much higher price ! I "subcontracted" all my works at Shapeways (and sometimes Sculpteo). And as Frank wrote, there are readymade items. Look for example at my signals (designed by "Tabear" on Shapeways, converted by him from N scale) ; the retaining wall was designed by me with Sketchup 8. And, for some accessories, look at Outland Models, too ! |
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Post by jspech on Oct 24, 2021 19:08:55 GMT -5
Thank you all for your assistance. I’m still looking into a few more things but your information has confirmed what I though. 3D printing things I am unable to find is not an issue and just adds to the fun of the hobby. And building and street lighting don’t seem to be an issue so that’s also a plus. Thanks again.
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rray
Fireman
Retired and model railroading till the last train out!
Posts: 87 
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Post by rray on Oct 25, 2021 9:49:33 GMT -5
What I am surprised people are not yet doing with their 3D prints, is printing their parts on sprues like injection plastic kits are. They always seem to print them as fully assembled structures that require difficult painting methods. I like the idea of separate walls, window mullions, roofs, and details that can be painted while still on their sprue, then assembled like a kit, for clean fine paint lines and better overall appearance.
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Post by BAZman on Oct 28, 2021 14:03:57 GMT -5
Second that. I’ve had window frame detail, roof attachments, exterior piping and many other small details it would be much easier painted and then placed in position.
Even using a 40/0 paint ‘brush’ doesn’t make it easy.
It’s like taking the silver paint sharpie and trying to trace the windshield wipers on a locomotive cab. Always bad.
When AZL produced the freight containers, the locking mechanisms on the end had lettering between the pipes let alone the pipes themselves which had high 3-D profiles, were extremely evenly painted. You just can’t do that by hand on a complete one piece 3-D print and especially 3-D printing in Z scale where you are trying to print a 1”= .0045” (paint a hex-head bolt, round contour pipe, ribs on a boxcar/gondola, etc. takes 10x better ~ .0005” (12um [micron] ). The main reason automobile, locos and passenger cars just have it.
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Post by CNE1899 on Oct 29, 2021 22:05:30 GMT -5
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