That 3D Copier for Down Sizing HO Models is one step closer...

[GimpLizard]

There is another potential method. Roland DGA makes a couple combination scanning/milling machines. The MDX 15 & MDX 20. (http://www.rolanddga.com/products/scanners/mdx15/) The problem is they both have rather small work areas. And they're a bit pricy.

But then again... you could lease one for a couple of months.

[ljudice]

How does this thing "see" behind things like the framework on the end of a hopper car?

It still seems to me that the bigger issue is availability of a printing process that consistently produces fine detail without
all the annoying artifacts....

[Lemosteam]

GimpLizard, that's a nice machine.

All, here is a CAD pic of a scanned shaft and housing assembly from a surface plate mounted industrial articulated arm lazer scanner.  You can see the triangulation of the surfaces as the software blends averaged contour together.  Sharp edges become "blurred", different parts blend into one another, scan gaps show up (great point, Lou), etc.  N ote the comparison to a similar 3D model.



I'm not trying to burst any bubbles, but the tech is just out of reach of our needs, even though the tech is very cool!  I'll be the first to jump in when the tolerances are there and the surface quality is there.  Until then, I'll just model the data.

[GimpLizard]

I'm with Lemonstream... sort of. CAD Modeling will definately produce far better results. And that is definately the way to go... when you have the dimensions of the features that need to be modeled. But in my case, coming up with those dimensions would likely take some serious time.

I have a collection of "obscure" 1/25 scale cars from the 60's & early 70's. Sedans and station wagons. Mostly Ramblers. But also a few Fords, Chevy's & Mopars. I started out once to measure up a 1965 Rambler Classic 4dr sedan. With the idea of modeling it in 3D CAD. Getting accuate dimensional data, without the luxury of a CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine), proved to be difficult and time consuming. At best.

Fortunately I do have access to a CMM. And one of these days I may come into work - on a Saturday - to see if I can measure up my beloved '64 Rambler wagon.

[ljudice]

Lemosteam, very interesting and pretty much what I suspected.

No doubt at some point this will get good enough to use for our purposes, just trying to be realistic about current capabilities....