Garden Railway Forum

For those of you who have used FDM printers to print 16mm scale goods wagons, especially open ones, do you print them as an open box or as a flat kit for later assembly ?

I've used both and I think I prefer the former although I've had better results I think with the flat kits on some of my earlier printers, I get decent results now on my Neptune 3 and 4 and it keeps the interior detail at the expense of a longer print time.

I ask as I have a large number of designs, most of originate in 009 designs I used to have on Shapeways, that i'm thinking of releasing as downloadable STL's and I'm wondering which format to use. Not sure ATM if they will be free or nominal charge. They are of course currently in the open box format so that's much easier, but probably 10% also have flat pack variants.

Vans and the like are going to require the flat pack treatment.

Incidentally what material do most of you use to print ? I tend to use HIPS for the flat pack as it means i can use solvent to stick them.

I also have 3ft gauge versions of some of these not to mention 3 and 2ft gauge coaches

Hi Tom
I hadn't realised you could get HIPS filament. I'll certainly give it a try.

I've always designed my 3D rolling stock as flat packs, largely because the first printer I bought was extremely cheap and couldn't really cope with anything taller. Since then, two filament printers later, I still go for flat packs. More out of habit than any other reason.

Rik

I usually go for an open box with added bits and pieces as needed ( including a oof of course, for a van), using PLA, although these days I rarely use the FDM printers, I tend to do most things in resin.

I've knew HIPS filament existed but have never used it. PLA solvent welds nicely using "Plasticweld" which I usually use for HIPS anyway. The only problem is trying to break a welded joint if I make a mistake!

Yes, I prefer resin these days, and currently it's as cheap or slightly cheaper than filament !

ok I think I'll release them as box format then - its better for resin printing too.