Have you ever looked at a missing detail like a station bench 🛤️, custom bridge girder, or a period-specific sign—and thought, “I could make that”? With 3D printing, you can!
This thread is for modelers who are creating their own printable accessories or modifying existing files. What design software do you use TinkerCAD, Fusion 360, Blender? How do you scale, test fit, and finish your prints?
Share screenshots, STL files, tips, or questions. Whether you’re a CAD rookie or a design veteran.
Let’s help each other push the creative boundaries of what we can build!
I’ve definitely had those moments where I spot something missing from my layout like a specific platform sign, a unique water tower, or a signal box and realize, “I could design that!”
Diving into 3D modeling was a bit of a learning curve, but I started with TinkerCAD for simple shapes, and now I’m experimenting with Fusion 360 for more complex structures. One trick I learned: always double-check your measurements before printing, especially when scaling to HO or N scale.
My workflow usually goes like this:
1. Sketch or find reference photos.
2. Build the model in CAD.
3. Test print in low-res to check fit.
4. Final print in higher detail.
5. Sand, prime, paint, and install!
Would love to see how others approach designing parts. What software do you swear by? How do you test and finish your pieces?
Share your designs, print tips, or even STL files. let’s grow this thread into a creative toolkit for modelers!
