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3D printing train models
3D printed railway models, part II: Trains and buildings
In the previous article, we showed how to create a basic landscape suitable for model railways. However, what about trains, buildings, people and other details that bring the landscape to life? Let us show you how to enhance your model railway with some great techniques and 3D prints.
3D printed trainsTrains are the most important part of every model railway. It doesn’t matter if you’re already completing the tiniest landscape details or just starting to build the basics, the trains are always number one. Almost everyone (including us) is usually eager to place their train models on the tracks even without finishing the landscape. It’s also useful in determining whether the tracks are positioned correctly – that should be done before we glue them to the landscape.
To test our tracks, we printed several models of locomotives and passenger cars. Some of them are printed with our Original Prusa SL1 printer and others using the Original Prusa i3 MK3S. Let us introduce you to these models with brief instructions on how to print them.
Locomotive 742 from the Mashinky game
The first and the most detailed model, frequently used in the Czech Republic, is a locomotive 742 also called “Kocour” (“tomcat” in English). The model itself comes from the Mashinky game by Jan Zeleny. It is an intricate and very entertaining computer strategy game, in which players build their own railway empire. This model is impossible to print at an H0 scale using FFF/FDM printers because it contains a lot of tiny details. It is necessary to use the qualities of MSLA printers. We achieved the best results using the Original Prusa SL1 printer with Prusa Orange Resin at 0,05mm layer height. The locomotive can be printed as a static model, however, you can easily modify it and place the electronics inside.
The locomotive 742 is small enough to be placed in the printing area without the need to cut the model. It is better to print these models as a whole: cutting the model and gluing it later requires extra effort (e.g. to hide the seam) and doesn’t bring any real benefit.
When you print train models, we don’t recommend using the automatic supports generation. Instead, place the support points manually. This way you can be sure that all the overhanging parts are supported and there are no unnecessary supports created in places where we don’t want them. It is important to support all of the edges to avoid warping or peeling. Use 0,3mm support heads for tiny and thin parts of the model. Removing supports with 0,4mm diameter might lead to damage to some delicate details. If you are not sure, look at our model (see the photo below). The wheels need to be printed perpendicular to the print platform to make them as round as possible.
When the print job is done, wash the model with isopropyl alcohol, but do not cure it with UV light! First, remove all the support structures using a very sharp knife or scalpel.
Once all of the support material is removed, cure the model with UV light. Next, smooth out the supported spots with a rasper or sandpaper and confirm that everything fits properly. If so, the model can be assembled and painted now. The locomotive 742 can be seen in various colors, we chose the most common red base color with a beige stripe.
“Kocour” is finally complete and ready to go. You can see for yourselves that the locomotive looks quite authentic – our thanks go to Tomas Krakora, Jan Zeleny and his game Mashinky for such an amazing model.
You can download the model from PrusaPrinters.org.
EAS freight carThe locomotive itself is really nice, but it should have some cars, too! Let’s print some type EAS freight carriages, also used commonly throughout the Czech Republic for transportation of wood or coal. This miniature is much easier to print thanks to fewer details. This model is also possible to fit inside the printing volume of our Original Prusa SL1 in one piece.
It is better to rotate the cargo space part upside down. The chassis and wheels should be printed separately and oriented perpendicularly to the print platform to achieve a perfectly round shape that prevents the car from falling off of the tracks. You can buy the wheels and fit them into the chassis if you don’t wish to print them. The assembly is very easy and intuitive – you need only a few drops of super glue and proper couplers. The EAS cars are usually colored red but nowadays they are mostly corroded and dirty.
The EAS car can be printed not only using the Original Prusa SL1 printer but also the Original Prusa i3 MK3s. However, you should keep in mind that you have to use a 0,25mm nozzle and expect that some details will be lost.
You can download the model from PrusaPrinters.org.
Motorized carriage 810The freight train is ready to go but how do we transport the passengers? Let’s use the legendary “motorák”, also frequently used on the Czech tracks.
We designed two versions for you: A simple motorless carriage (you need only 2 couplers and 2 axles if you don’t want to print them) and a motorized unit with a hole for the Bramos carriage. Keep in mind that the carriage can be bought in the Czech Republic and it might be challenging to find them abroad, though.
This model contains more tiny parts and details than the previous one. We recommend to print it with the Original Prusa SL1 printer. The print and support generation process is the same as for the locomotive 742. Choose the support head diameter according to the detail, manually place the support points and print the model using 0,05mm layers. Windows should be printed with transparent resin and with the flat side facing the printer platform (don’t use supports and pad).
Wash the parts with isopropyl alcohol but do not cure them with UV light! Carefully remove the support material using a scalpel or sharp knife and cure the parts only after this is done. Sand the rest of the support material and confirm that everything fits.
Sand the windows with wet and very fine sandpaper (roughness 1500 and higher) and spray them with glossy acrylic clear coat. This way, the windows will be transparent enough so you can see the interior of the carriage. Don’t forget to color the parts before you insert the windows and glue everything together. The motorized carriage 810 is usually colored red with a beige stripe, but reconstructed units can be seen in blue with a white stripe.
You can download the model from PrusaPrinters.org.
Carriages and locomotives for FFF 3D printingWe understand that not everyone has an SLA 3D printer, so perhaps you would like to use your Original Prusa i3 to print some railway models. Fortunately, there are models designed for FFF 3D printing, which are also compatible with MSLA printers. Printing these models is quite easy – in fact, all the pictured models can be printed using a 0,4mm nozzle and 0,15mm layer height.
Models shown above can be downloaded here:
Steam Locomotive T3 scale “0”:
https://www.
thingiverse.com/thing:1069482
T334 – diesel train engine – H0 (1:87) scale model:
https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/5500
Cement train car – H0 scale (1:87):
https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/5503
H0 scale old time baggage train car:
https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/5501
Old railway passenger wagon in scale H0:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1112510
Old tank car 1:87 (H0):
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3199283
Russian Passenger Car – Scale H0:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2742465
SZHD/RZHD boxcar 1:87 (H0):
https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/5512
The trains are printed and ready, so now it’s time to print the static models. This means human figures, buildings, cars, furniture and an endless number of other models that will give the landscape an authentic appearance.
Large static models (buildings) have one great advantage: they can be easily printed using classic FFF/FDM printers. We’ve selected a couple of buildings (see below) and printed them using Prusament PLA Galaxy silver with 0,4mm nozzle and 0,15mm layer height. However, it doesn’t matter what color does your filament have, everything will be printed. On the other hand, various filament colors can be used in a variety of smart ways – e.g. unpainted Prusament PLA Silver can represent cement between bricks.
All models are available at Thingiverse or PrusaPrinters:
Girder Bridge:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3463147
Cattle shed:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3270540
H0/HO Coal Bunkers / Kohlebansen / Lagerplatz:
https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/5489
H0 model train platform:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2656062
H0 Train station model:
https://www.
prusaprinters.org/print/5470/
Tiny models are a bit more complicated. Small, highly-detailed objects such as human figures, furniture, lamps and objects necessary to complete an authentic landscape appearance need to be printed with SLA printers.
Here’s a selection of several models to get you started:
Customizable woman with coat 1/87 scale (H0):
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2863048
Customizable woman with long coat 1/87 scale (H0) – selfie:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3063503
Bike H0 / HO scale (work in progress!):
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3131722
(The bike size should be increased by 20% to the sides for printing all the detailed parts. The support head diameter should not be higher than 0,2mm.)
Canoe H0 scale remix:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2993121
Sawhorse H0 scale:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2993130
Outdoor furniture set H0 scale:
https://www.
thingiverse.com/thing:2994789
Park bench set H0 scale:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2998944
Playground H0/HO scale:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3067351
HO scale container 20ft (piko-compatible):
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3372971
Tree:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1196196
Model railways and 3D printers are an amazing combination. There are many models available on the internet – and often for free! All you need to do is to take your time choosing the right ones. And if you don’t find any suitable model, you can always make your own and share it with the community. Another great thing is that even with the costs for the printer and materials included, you can still save a good amount of money when you decide to 3D print the assets instead of buying them. Plus, you’re getting that amazing sense of accomplishment when you create something cool entirely from scratch!
🚂 Best train 3D models・Cults
🚂 Best train 3D models
Train modeling for 3D printer
On this page you will find a large number of paid or free STL files for model train enthusiasts.
Rails, locomotives, wagons, traffic signs, etc. are 3D objects that you can make with your 3D printer. Download these 3D files then paint when the object has been 3D printed.
HO Scale Lasalle House
Free
Stone Walls and Tunnel | D1
Free
HO Scale 68' Yard Light Tower
Free
Telephonic HO Motorized PDF
Free
HO Scale Bungalow
Free
Thomas the Tank Engine - Thomas & Friends
Free
OpenRailway EMD SW1500 1:32 Locomotive
Free
HO Scale Small Barn and Accessories
Free
HO Scale Water Tower
Free
Passerelle pieton HO
Free
Mat for SNCF signalling
Free
Garden shed 1/87 HO
Free
HO Scale126 ft Steel Arched Truss Bridge
Free
HO Scale Yard Operations
Free
Grue à tour HO
Free
HO Scale 145 ft Steel Arched Truss Bridge
Free
SZHD/RZHD boxcar 1:87 (H0)
Free
HO Scale Curved Bridge
Free
HO Scale Straight Bridge
Free
HO Scale Hand Pump Car
Free
Model Railway Buffer Stop (1:32, OpenRailway)
Free
Ripper's London - The Shops Part 1 - Smiths and Co
Free
Motorhome (N & HO Scale)
Free
Poste d'aiguillage HO
Free
Swing and Slide
Free
Fire hydrant HO
Free
HO Scale Broadcast Tower and Office
Free
HO Scale Quonset Hut
Free
DB wagon with sliding roof 1:87 (H0)
Free
T334 - diesel train engine - H0 (1:87) scale model
Free
EMD GP38/39-inspired freight locomotive for OS-Railway
Free
3-in-1 HO scale 1:87 railroad wagon
Free
3-in-1 HO scale 1:87 railroad wagon
Free
3-in-1 HO scale 1:87 railroad wagon
Free
HO Scale Small Town Station
Free
Dock base
Free
Narrow Gauge Powered Bogie Set
Free
Vintage Railcar - 36mm gauge
Free
HO Scale Big Red Barn
Free
1:87 HO scale train depot with turntable
Free
Container bin for subdivision UPDATED
Free
HO Scale Trackside Warehouse
Free
HO (1:87) Scale Box Wagon with sliding doors
Free
Swedish house, model (1:87, OpenRailway)
Free
Toy Train Tracks
Free
Wooden train track intersection : 4 ways (Brio, Ikea .
..)Free
Railroad Track Section - Thomas & Friends
Free
Tank car for caprolactam 1:200
Free
3D printing is slowly creeping into a wide variety of sectors. Train enthusiasts can thus find an alternative to their passion by having certain 3D printed parts made that might for example not be available on the market. The 3D printers make it possible to create toys for the kids but also more precise pieces and more faithful to reality for collectors.
In this collection you can download several 3D models of trains' accessories such as rails, traffic signs, stations, buildings, etc. But also several varieties of 3D printable wagons, locomotives or trains. Some files are printable at once, others will require assembly with adhesive. In any case, do not hesitate to spend time on finitions thanks to sanding and painting.
We hope you enjoyed our selection of the best 3D printer files related to train modeling.
All these STL files are 3D printable, so just download them, slice them and charge them on your 3D printer. This collection was created by selecting the best 3D models from the 3D object library Cults.
🚂 Best 3D Train Models・Cults
🚂 Best 3D Train Models
Train Modeling for 3D Printer
On this page you will find a large number of paid and free STL files for train simulation lovers. Rails, locomotives, wagons, road signs, etc. are 3D objects that you can make with a 3D printer. Download these 3D files and then color when the object is 3D printed.
HO Scale Lasalle House
Free
Stone Walls and Tunnel | D1
Free
HO Scale 68' Yard Light Tower
Free
Telephonic HO Motorized PDF
Free
HO Scale Bungalow
Free
Thomas the Tank Engine - Thomas & Friends
Free
OpenRailway EMD SW1500 1:32 Locomotive
Free
HO Scale Small Barn and Accessories
Free
HO Scale Water Tower
Free
Passerelle pieton HO
Free
Mat for SNCF signaling
Free
Garden shed 1/87 HO
Free
HO Scale126 ft Steel Arched Truss Bridge
Free
HO Scale Yard Operations
Free
Grue à tour HO
Free
HO Scale 145 ft Steel Arched Truss Bridge
Free
SZHD/RZHD boxcar 1:87 (H0)
Free
HO Scale Curved Bridge
Free
HO Scale Straight Bridge
Free
Hand pump machine in HO scale
Free
Model Railway Buffer Stop (1:32, OpenRailway)
Free
Ripper's London - The Shops Part 1 - Smiths and Co
Free
Motorhome (N & HO Scale)
Free
Poste d'aiguillage HO
Free
Swing and Slide
Free
Fire hydrant HO
Free
HO Scale Broadcast Tower and Office
Free
HO Scale Quonset Hut
Free
DB wagon with sliding roof 1:87 (H0)
Free
T334 - diesel train engine - H0 (1:87) scale model
free
EMD GP38/39-inspired freight locomotive for OS-Railway
Free
3-in-1 HO scale 1:87 railroad wagon
free
3-in-1 HO scale 1:87 railroad wagon
Free
3-in-1 HO scale 1:87 railroad wagon
free
HO Scale Small Town Station
Free
Dock base
Free
Narrow Gauge Powered Bogie Set
Free
Vintage Railcar - 36mm gauge
Free
HO Scale Big Red Barn
Free
1:87 HO scale train depot with turntable
free
Container bin for subdivision UPDATED
Free
HO Scale Trackside Warehouse
Free
HO (1:87) Scale Box Wagon with sliding doors
Free
Swedish house, model (1:87, OpenRailway)
Free
Toy Train Tracks
Free
Wooden train track intersection : 4 ways (Brio, Ikea .
..) Free
Railroad Track Section - Thomas & Friends
Free
Tank car for caprolactam 1:200
Free
3D printing is slowly making its way into a wide variety of industries. Thus, train enthusiasts can find an alternative to their hobby by making certain 3D printed parts that, for example, may not be available on the market. 3D printers make it possible to create toys for children, as well as more precise parts and a closer match to reality for collectors.
In this collection you can download several 3D models of train accessories such as rails, road signs, stations, buildings, etc. As well as several varieties of 3D printed cars, locomotives or trains. Some files can be printed right away, others will require assembly with glue. In any case, do not be too lazy to spend time on refinement thanks to grinding and painting.
We hope you enjoyed our selection of the best train simulation 3D printer files.
All of these STL files are 3D printable, so just download them, cut them up and charge them on your 3D printer. This collection has been created by selecting the best 3D models from the Cults 3D object library.
Stratasys 3D printed rail parts for British Angel trains
3D printed
Angel Trains CTO Mark Hicks commented on the launch of 3D printed train parts: “We are proud to be bringing this innovation to life with ESG Rail and Stratasys. We hope that this decision will help to free the industry from technological limitations and enable our trains to meet the needs of passengers today and in the future.”
Rail stock operator
Angel Trains owns and maintains rail cars and engines and leases them for training to operating companies such as Great Western Railway (GWR) East Midland Trains and Arriva Rail London.
Founded in 1994, Angel Trains is one of the three ROSCO companies created as a result of the privatization of British Rail.
The other two are Eversholt Rail Group and Porterbrook.
3D printed components for Angel trains
GWR (Great Western Railway) train
Partial obsolescence how the system will be deployed in the real world for the first time.
A partnership between Angel Trains, ESG and Stratasys could solve a similar problem in the rail sector.
Martin Stevens, ESG Rail's mechanical engineering consultant, commented: "We believe the new manufacturing method will reduce costs, lead times and obsolescence issues."
Using 3D printing, not only the defense industry, but also other industries such as maritime and agricultural, have been able to avoid such problems.
3D Printed Train Parts
Angel train parts are made using Stratasys FDM technology. Consumables used for the project include Antero 800NA, a wear-resistant PEKK plastic compatible with the Fortus 450mc. After testing Antero 800NA, the material was found to comply with railway standard EN 45545-2, the fire classification of materials used in trains.
What parts are printed for the trains?
Currently 3D printed parts include the armrest, grab bar and fold out table on the back of the seat. All of these components have been tested by ESG Rail for compliance with railway standards. Further tests will take place this year on passenger trains in service and will last until the end of summer 2019.
Stratasys Strategic Accounting Group Manager Jan Rageul said, “With the industry's highest levels of accuracy and reproducibility in the 3D printing industry, and our industry-leading railroad certified materials, we believe our FDM additive manufacturing solutions molten plastic filament) have great potential to replace a wide variety of traditionally manufactured parts in the railway industry.”
Foldable seatback table
In addition, on-demand printing of parts is expected to save on storage costs associated with mass production, which in turn will result in lower costs for customers.
Mark Hicks added, "This is an exciting industry first collaboration that has the potential to transform the way the rail industry operates."
Comment by Dmitry Guzeev, Head of Project Sales at NISSA Digispace:
“The topic of 3D printing of spare parts for various equipment has long been developing in the world. Recently, it has been actively discussed by Russian companies as well. An additional impetus for the widespread adoption of such technologies is provided by two main factors. The first of these is that many international production concerns have their branches or industrial sites in Russia, to which they transfer the experience accumulated in the main industries in other countries. The second factor is the presence of a large number of industries, which, from a logistical point of view, are very difficult to provide with spare parts on time. It is much easier to provide such sites with industrial 3D printers such as Fortus 450/900 from Stratasys, which allow, according to a three-dimensional model, to obtain a finished product from industrial thermoplastics with a given accuracy and repeatability in the shortest possible time.According to our forecasts, major players in this segment should appear in the Russian Federation in the next few years, and most likely they will be international manufacturers.”
Learn more about the models, features and prices of Stratasys industrial 3D printers by clicking on the link.
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