make your own models

[ljudice]

Mike, I should have elaborated - as my interest is in some MOW machines - which
are exactly as you describe - box shaped in most cases...

One thought for example was to do the rail grinder - which has a couple of unique cars
that would be a challenge to model otherwise.

Lou

[Sokramiketes]

Mike, I should have elaborated - as my interest is in some MOW machines - which
are exactly as you describe - box shaped in most cases...

One thought for example was to do the rail grinder - which has a couple of unique cars
that would be a challenge to model otherwise.

Lou

Ah, yes.  But even then, the TrainSim models don't generally have windows and doors and louvers called out, they are just "painted" on the box with graphics and don't have real 3D detail to them.

[ljudice]

good point!

[engineshop]

...

This was done with rapid-prototyping... this was run just for test fitment, not detail... I added the grills to use it as a promo shot/teaser.

Robman
When I got your SD38 shell, I was wondering how the model was done.
Is this a trade secret or could you show us, what is envolved in putting out such a shell? I am not asking for insider secrets, just the concept like they show on Discovery Channel "How it is done".

[Robbman]

Message deleted

[FrankCampagna]

I think we should look at this as a first step. The first home computers were nothing to write home about. (How about 16k total memory, with no hard drive?) Somebody might just take this as a stepping stone and produce something worthwhile. Give it more time. This thing is at about the price of the first home computers. They will probably come down in price and increase in quality. Who knows? Frank

[GonzoCRFan]

Ah, I am now remembering why I bought that extra pair of Kato SD40s when they came out...  ;D

[Craig Martyn]

The other interesting point about this is that you also NEED the software and know how to even create a 3D object on your computer, let alone go through the process of correctly building it with the machine (RP or otherwise) of your choice.  Although I believe this type of thing might become more common place in the future, I just can't imagine all modelers (or even a majority) running out and figuring out every step involved (kind of like the Micro-Mark metal etching kit...).

[Iain]

Craig's a point, here.  The good software is rather expensive and has a fairly steep learning curve.  Autocad is something you really don't want to try to teach yourself because you may develop bad habits that could actually cause problems.

As of this moment, my current choice is Autocad and Solidworks, simply because I get to use both for free.

[Sokramiketes]

Craig's a point, here.  The good software is rather expensive and has a fairly steep learning curve.  Autocad is something you really don't want to try to teach yourself because you may develop bad habits that could actually cause problems.

As of this moment, my current choice is Autocad and Solidworks, simply because I get to use both for free.

Uh... Chris taught himself CAD recently and his drawings haven't displayed any bad habits.

I've used AutoCAD for years, but only recently picked up Solid Works.  It's a dream to use, very easy.  Even the 60+ year old Grampa types in the class were doing just fine with it, and they didn't grow up with computers, let alone CAD software.

There's no black magic involved at all, just need to have the time to play with it.  Heck, one of our club members is a middle school teacher and his students are learning Inventor and Solidworks in their shop class.  There's plenty of users even younger than you, Iain.

[Robbman]

Message deleted

[Iain]

I mean things like drawing a new line rather than extending an existing line are not the best of habits in Autocad.

Solidworks IS easy to use.

Now Robbman, a question:  what is the best thickness for hood doors for an N scale model?  If they were done perfectly to scale, would they not show up?  Same thing for rivets and the like.

[wm3798]

I use a fairly advanced drafting program in my business, which is residential architecture.  I think one of the things that confuses people is that no matter how sophisticated the program is, the computer is a tool, nothing more, nothing less.

I'm successful because I spent 12 years in the field as a materials salesman, project manager, and project designer in the construction field.  It's not enough to simply know "how" to draw, but "what" to draw.  I've been drafting blue prints for at least as long, and only converted to the computer in the last two years.

Designing a 3-D model for production requires more than an understanding of CAD or its derivatives.  It helps to have an understanding of the entire model building process, so you know WHAT you are drawing.  I don't pretend to have that understanding, so I can't speak to it here.  But I do know that there are lots of hack draftsman out there who don't know what the hell they're doing, only they reveal that fact much more quickly because they use a computer!

Anyone can buy a piano, but not everyone is Beethoven.

Lee

[Sokramiketes]

I mean things like drawing a new line rather than extending an existing line are not the best of habits in Autocad.

Solidworks IS easy to use.

Now Robbman, a question:  what is the best thickness for hood doors for an N scale model?  If they were done perfectly to scale, would they not show up?  Same thing for rivets and the like.

If you are not able to measure an Atlas/Kato shell yourself then you have no business attempting to create solid models for production.

[Sokramiketes]

You'll have to ask Mark4Design for the exact details.  I'm not at liberty to discuss the actual RP process used.

It's not much of a secret anymore since Mark has it listed on his site.  The machine is called Perfactory.  Info can be found here:
http://www.mark4design.com/html/prototyping___masters.html, and the company here: http://www.envisiontec.de/02hperfa.htm