Another 3D Locomotive Print

Discussion in '3D Modeling Projects' started by Chris M, Nov 28, 2020.

  1. Chris M

    Chris M If 2 wrongs don't make it right ... try 3 Full Member

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    OK ... you asked for more. This is my print of a Union Pacific Big Boy locomotive. Not long after getting my 3D printer I decided to try a major print rather than the usual small character models and fancy mechanical constructions most 3D printer folk do. I found this model online in Thingiverse (3D printer library). This guy (Paul Fischer) did a major piece of work to create this model and then printed it at about 9 feet long!!! Took him about 800 to draft the model and then 1000 hours to print it.

    Big Boy 1.jpg

    There was no way I was going to tackle that so I scaled it down to 33% (which brings it to approx. O scale - 462mm or just over 18" in length). It took me over 3 months to print, construct and paint (don't know how many hours). There are approx 860 printed parts in this model. During the build I bought a second 3D printer (this is an addictive hobby) which helped speed up the process as I was able to double my printing. I did not print the handrails, the coal load, the track ballast or the supporting base stand. The handrails were going to be too flimsy at this scale so I used wire (twisted in a drill to stiffen it ... thanks Gormo). The coal is fish tank filter charcoal, the ballast is fish tank volcanic grit (no I am not into tropical fish) and the base support is timber.

    Big Boy 2.jpg

    I see 3D printing coming more and more into model railroading, both by purchasing prints and/or getting your own printer. I have passed on some of my other scenic models to Gormo and you can see them in his recent Great Chesterford November Update YouTube if you're interested.

    Big Boy 3.jpg Big Boy 6.jpg

    Finally ... I don't think I will try another model this complex ... but who knows!
     
  2. ianvolvo46

    ianvolvo46 Staff Member Moderator

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    :faint::faint::faint: nuff said

    Ian vt
     
  3. Kimbo

    Kimbo Staff Member Moderator

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    ABSOLUTELY STUNNING :faint:
     
  4. Andy_Sollis

    Andy_Sollis Staff Member Moderator

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    Stunning!
     
  5. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

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    I've always liked this loco, from drooling over the Rivarossi (I think) version in my local model shop (Peppers - now long gone), and then seeing some O gauge versions.
    A very impressive build

    Paul
     
  6. gormo

    gormo Staff Member Administrator

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    Fabulous Chris..:thumbs::thumbs::thumbs::thumbs::thumbs:
    It just goes to show that if you want something unique, it`s going to take quite a lot of time and effort to bring it all together.......but :scratchchin:....then you have something really unique. :worship: :worship: :worship:
    :tophat:Gormo
    PS....it`s a beautiful beast
     
  7. Gary

    Gary Wants more time for modelling.... Staff Member Administrator

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    Huge effort and a great looking model too. :thumbs::thumbs::thumbs:

    Cheers, Gary.
     
  8. D827 Kelly

    D827 Kelly Full Member

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    Wow, impressive! props to the original designer for the amount of time it must have taken to print and build at 9ft long too though!
     
    Andy_Sollis likes this.

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