I have not posted any update on my Spokane Southern efforts since the summer, but I've been actively using a 3D printer for modeling projects.
I purchased a Prusa Mini printer in June 2020, and have been learning the printing process, as well as CAD to be effective with this new tool. I'm having a blast with this, and it definitely has become another effective tool in allowing me to achieve my modeling objectives.
For my first project, I designed and printed a selectively compressed Kankakee River bridge for my friend Brian's 1976 era Illinois Central Gulf. He has completed the assembly and finishing, and is now working on the scenery to complete the scene.
Here is the majority of the components I designed and printed for him (three sets of inner spines sent earlier for test fit).
Brian's skilled assembly and finishing work created this:
I did several other small projects for myself and friends before my latest project. This project required a good foundation of Fusion 360 in order to create the 3D model, and has been a great learning exercise in itself. The model below is a "prototype", which allowed me to develop the manufacturing process of several components, and determine what assembly process I want to use on the six "production" models (two for me, and one each for four close modeling friends). Obviously needs painting, decaling, weathering and couplers, but this allows you to see what went into this car. The White colored pieces were 3D printed. All of the grey parts are Tichy Train Group parts either from the Tichy 4020 kit or separate parts. The brown turnbuckles are also Tichy parts. So, in essence, this was a 3D printed "kitbash".
Regards,
Jerry
