QbanFam

Hi Chris. I agree with you. I will also be using a primer that helps fill in the small gap. I have never used it, so hopefully it will help get rid of left over, unwanted blemishes after sanding. I’m sure once done, weathered and embedded on the pavement, or concrete slabs, it will look more realistic. Right now I’m in the testing phase, making sure I get as close as possible to realism with realistic details.

Thank you Gary. I spent lots of hours learning, figuring things out and putting it into practice. It’s really not complicated to learn, at least for me. It’s just time consuming, but worth it.

Hi David. Thank you for your kind words. In my opinion the 3D printer was affordable. It’s actually on of the best affordable 3D printers in the market. I just found a site with some profiles (settings) for the slicer (the software that makes the 3D model printable). I’m gonna try those profiles, which supposedly gives better results. Some things I’m working on designing now is some molds for Jersey barriers, wall barriers and abutments. I’m trying to get some road accessories going before I jump into my dioramas. Also, I’m researching vehicle parts to detail my diecast models (this is more advanced, so that’s for the future).

I just wanted to show some pieces I designed using DesignSpark Mecanical (a free CAD-liked software for 3D design). Then exported to CraftWare (a free 3D slicer software). Then printed on my Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D printer, which I recently purchased. It’s my first time using a 3D printer and any of these softwares. I actually created a profile on Thingiverse (a site with lots of free downloadable 3D objects) and have been uploading my designs (my profile name is QbanFam). They are free to download. I really put a lot of effort into this, since I’m a novice. All designs I researched and drafted to scale. Please, give some feedback. Keep in mind I haven’t really played much with the settings for optimal quality. It’s a filament printer, so th details might not be as sharp as a resin 3D printer. Note: These pieces have not been primed and painted yet. The red is the color of the filament, except the last dual drain.

Sweet!! Makes me want to climb up the ladder to the roof.

Thank you for the tip, David. I’ll keep that in mind.

That’s awesome !!! You have great eyes and hands for details. The 3D printing is going well. I’m still learning but I printed my first object. There is some twicking I need to do for better quality prints. Here is a picture of a manhole cover and frame I printed. It needs to be sanded a little, primed and painted/weathered.

Very nice work. The patrol vehicle is my favorite (I’m a deputy sheriff, lol). Keep it up.

Hi David. Every time I check in I get a huge surprise. Your diorama is really stunning.

Super, super outstanding job!!!!

I don’t know if this would be out of your budget, but if you really plan on sticking with hobby long term, then invest in a budget printer. I just bought one and I think it’s was a great purchase. You didn’t have to be an expert. It’s easy to learn and you can download, for free, lots of models made by others, and print them yourself. Today I downloaded a bunch of mold files for to make bricks, cinder blocks etc. Your diorama looks great. You already have the talent, so I can only imagine what you can you printing your own accessories.

I’m super excited. After spending hours (not continuous hours) educating myself on 3D printing basics I made my first 3D print. A manhole cover and frame. I actually downloaded the file and resized it to 1/24 scale. It needs some sanding (since it’s a filament type 3D printer) and painting. I actually found out there are filaments infused with metal particles which gives a metallic look (there are a bunch, from bronze to copper to iron, etc.). It’s more expensive, but since I will be using them for small objects, and only selected ones, I will be using it. Here are a few pictures of my first print. I think I might place it there.

Hi David. I have no experience with 3D printing at all. I just figured some things out. I actually found a site with great models you can download and printed this manhole cover and frame. It’s really not complicated at all and the quality is actually good. The resin type gives you better results, finish and details, but too messy and I dont want the fumes in my house. The filament type, like the one I got, requires post-processing (sanding) for better finish. Sometimes the sanding is not really needed it you want the texture. I also downloaded a bunch of molds to make bricks, jersey barriers, Cinder blocks, etc. I think it’s a great tool for modelers.

It’s going to be a learning curve, but it looks like it’s not too difficult to learn. I thought about getting the resin type 3D printer, which gives better details, but it’s messy and releases toxic gasses. I don’t want that inside my house. This filament type of printer is more than enough for what I want it. As a matter of fact, I found out I can get a wood type and metallic type of filament to print with. That was exciting news for me.

I have taken a few days off but for good reasons. I have given up trying to find pieces to fit my dioramas, so I have decided to get a 3D printer. Here it is. It’s a budget printer but a great one. I have been taking some online tutorials on the matter. I’m super excited.