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24 November 2018
This is my first attempt at creating a proper scale model for 3D printing. In this case I am creating a weigh building in G-Scale. This has been a huge learning curve. I've since learned from some of the issues in the first model and so part 2 will improve on the techniques shown.
The model is based on a real building located at Winchcombe Station on the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway. The building is opposite the entrance to the station. See the photo below:
The 3D printed version is approximately in G-Scale (1:22.5 scale). This is also known as garden gauge railway, designed for narrow gauge trains running on 45mm track. It may also work well with 16mm model railways as the size is perhaps a little smaller than G-scale. The main difference between the real building and the scale model is that the model does not use the different coloured brick that is in a curved shape above the window and where the side walls meet the roof. The main reason for this is the time it would take for a feature that I expect few would actually notice if I hadn't pointed it out.
The model was designed in TinkerCAD. In this version I have created the model in several parts.
In general this works, but in a later version I will combine the first three into a single model. The reason for this is that there was some warping of the upper part of the building (perhaps due to the bed temperature). Although this is something that I will need to revisit again in future when creating larger buildings.
The internal fireplace is something that I added as an afterthought on this model, but will be included directly in the next version.
I have created a short video on getting started with TinkerCAD which explains about how to create a simple brick wall.
The printer that I have is a Wanhao i3 Plus Duplicator. This is the perfect size for creating this 3D model, which fits fairly comfortably on the build plate. It would not be possible to create a larger building in a single print using this printer. If a larger building is required (as I hope to do in future) then the model will need to be separated in parts and then fastened together.
One of the challenges was in finding an appropriate colour PLA to give a good brick effect. The problem with most suppliers is that the closest the provide is either red which tends to be a bright post box red colour, or brown which is too dark. I had tried experimenting with different colours with acrylic paint when creating a brick wall previously, but then I came across a brick effect PLA filament from Filo Alfa. I couldn't find a UK supplier for the FiloAlfa PLA so I ordered it direct from the manufacturer in Italy. Unfortunately whilst the cost of the PLA is quite reasonable, the additional cost of shipping meant it was in fact very expensive. I am however very happy with the quality of the PLA which works very well in my Wanhao 3D printer.
Brick Effect PLA 3D printer element from FiloAlpha
The rest of the building (roof and window frames) is made using my normal 3D printer filament for which I normally use either Prima Value PLA (1kg reels) or Prima Select PLA (750g reels) depending upon the colour availability.
The latest version is now available. Information on how this was created is available at:
Details of the changes to the latest version are available version 2 of GScale model railway building.
