Good call Jimmy, I love my 3D printer and a surprise use was buying used plastic models at a near by model RR shop and making parts that may be missing.
I've been 3d printing garden railway kits all winter and have learned a lot about modeling both digitally and physically. Even with different filament colors I prefer to paint my models, since the layer lines tend to shine in an unnatural way when viewed from different angles. This morning I designed some supports to turn a soda can into a tank wagon on my garden railway. Currently running a test print. I'm uncertain whether my loco can handle the weight, but it'll be a pretty cool party trick if it can!
Jimmy what a fantastic presentation. I am so impressed with the fact that this is an FDM printer. The results are worth the price. Now I will wait until tech moves on and the prices come down.
Agreed, Jimmy! I've had my Flashforge Adventurer 3 Lite for a year and a half now. I've gotten a lot of use out of it printing material for Z scale. I've just started using it to print for N scale. Not only is the print quality improving for high-end models, but more low-end models are producing good-quality prints. It'll be interesting to see where 3d printing takes model railroading over the next several years.
I have both a resin and FDM printer. I bought them for my railroad and have made a couple cool things with it. Not so much in scenery pieces yet, so far only one piece, but in ballast hoppers to help spread ballast and a wall mount for the new UP7 as the railroad I’m working on has an area too shallow for the UP7 but the owner doesn’t want a hole in the facia. I have also used it to build parts for my sailboat that were obsolete and or just nothing available for my need’s commercially. And of course I have printed the obligatory lucky kitty.
I'd be looking for a DCC++EX cover or case, I use old pc. Power supplies that have died, I want the pc shell for the fan to cool the DCC++EX cards. But an actual case would be great.
Awesome. At around $1500 that is really not that high priced for something that advanced. I have darn near spent that much already on my N scale stuff and dont even have everything i need to build my layout! That would save a lot of money and time on my end. Thanks for sharing!
I have the X1C and I’m very happy with its beginner friendly nature as well as the quality of purchased file prints. Trying to learn a suitable cad/cam software now and also waiting for 30 watt lasers to be affordable.
There was something else I wanted to add and that is with DCC-EX are having new motor hats made for DCC-EX that will be 5 amps and from what I have read will be stackable.
I offer my models on shapeways and got resin kits in the works. We can do the printing for the rest of you modelers not wanting to bother with doing it. Plenty of us around doing JUST printing.
Take a look at what model kits cost, and then the cost of 3D printers and supplies. Just how many structure or car shell kits would you need to buy to realize the cost of buying a 3D printer? For a decent size model RR layout, you'll quickly come out ahead buying a decent 3D printer over buying all those kits! Not to mention the ability to digitally kitbash designs, and create models of prototypes that are not available in any kit. Of course you will need to learn new skills, including some basic (and not so basic) CAD skills. However, once you've mastered the CAD software, there are no limits as to what you can create.
Just getting started in the hobby and building an n scale layout and find your channel very helpful as I work my way through your videos. Although this printer makes a cool product I think I will be a plastic kit man for the foreseeable future. Do you have any tips for adding DIY internal structure or scenery to n scale buildings? Thanks Stu
Coming to this video due to a link from Steve’s trains. For someone like me modeling in larger scales (O scale, 1/24) this next step in printer evolution could be a very big deal…
I noticed that the models you print are garden railway scale rather than HO or OO. Is that because smaller scale multi colour models would look “pixelated”?
Jimmy I have a question for you... I'm in the process of building a large N-Scale layout... I see you're talking about 3d printers... Are they able to make stadiums?... not look for a massive 4' one but something in the 3' range... my layout is U-shaped
Jimmy, I am very intrigued and interested in getting a 3D printer to add models etc to my n scale layout. Perhaps with the P1P on my budget. But where would you suggest I start to educate myself, as a total novice, to all that is required to effectively use one of these? For example, you and others have mentioned Thingverse for print programs/code (are they called that?) that I can download. What steps are necessary in order to do this? Are there intermediate steps? What type of environment does the printer require (my garage workbench for example)? Where does one learn all the lingo/terms? My fear is that my printer will arrive and I will be totally overwhelmed. I hope you can perhaps answer or do a follow-up with steps a novice needs to take in order to use this amazing technology. Thanks. Ron
This is a awesome printer i have already seen it from another channel and this printer is awesome 👍 and like you said its fast but i can't afford it right now I do have two printers now and both are Creality i learned to print with a ender 3 pro for the last 3 years and now i up the game a little and got a ender 3 E1 plus but even what i paid for both still wouldn't pay for that one
Thanks for this video I have been looking at 3d printers(I have a ender3 pro) and was wondering how hard is it to setup and run? Do you need to be a "Rocket scientist" to run it?LOL
Just curious, but while watching the video I was wondering what kind of floor footprint does a 3D printer take up? Would most 3D printers do well in a garage that gets hot in the summer (80's) and cold in the winter (40's)? Thanks for the video!
I have an Ender 3 v2 and it replaced one of the computers on my desk, for size reference (about an 18 inch cube). The room it's set up in gets down to 50 in the winter and the printer takes somewhat longer to heat up before printing. I'd consider a cabinet or enclosure of some kind which could allow the printer to heat the air around it and keep a relatively stable temperature, at least for the winter. Unfortunately I can't speak to the hot end of the range. Another potential issue to consider in a garage is humidity. Filament can absorb moisture from the air and cause print issues, so if there's a lot of humidity you may need to enclose the spool(s) in a sealed case. I use a dehumidifier in my workspace.
I don’t know how a person in this hobby could ever scoff at spending $200 on a printer when everything else in this hobby is ridiculously expensive for what amounts to “toy” trains.
Right, you can't get much railroad for $200 unless you're really patient and only buy used. I'm certainly not spending $1500 on either trains or printers any time soon though!
Honestly man, I constantly see decent printers go for cheaper than many new models do. The only reason I haven't snagged one yet is because I don't have anywhere to actually put the thing
@@GelatoTaco Full disclosure, I have a $200 printer and it does the job just fine. I'd have a hard time justifying much more than that though on what is essentially a hobby item.
A multi-color filament printer is lightyears beyond the nearly DIY thing my ex built in his bedroom back in 2011, and at about the same price point. So, I cannot complain about the $1500 +/- cost. I do, however, have questions about the usefullness of the multi-color functionality for the hobby. Sorry, Jimmy, but unpainted plastics look toy-like, regardless of whether it came out of a Tyco kit or an expensive 3D printer. Priming and painting the 3D print negates the benefits of multi-color printing. Is there a use for multi-color 3D in our hobby? Yes. It's great for making toys for the kids. It can be used to prototype something that you will be painting the finished version of, and it could be used to 3D print an architectural model of a proposed layout design. Lastly, two safety points to consider: 1) the plastic filament might not be UV resistant and could decompose in your garden - don't 3D print anything that could result in a hazardous structural failure - like support brackets. And 2) don't give 3D printed toys to young children without proper supervision. The filament might leech toxic chemicals if chewed on, or the 3D item might present a choking hazard if it breaks - or even if it doesn't. Don't forget the toilet paper tube / paper towel tube test: if it's small enough to fit down the tube, it's small enough to fit down a child's throat and choke them. ...... yes, those of us of a certain age definitely played with choking hazard toys in the 1970s and earlier. We were the guinea pigs of the safety movement. 😮
Well said! I've certainly found that unpainted 3d prints have a distinctive sheen on the layer lines, no matter how fine they are. Besides that, commonly available filaments tend to be solid, bold, slightly translucent colors that look unnatural for real-world objects. A toylike appearance is fine if it's what you're going for, but it's worth noting for sure!
Yeah not even remotely worth it. An ender 3 is 100 dollars and it's faster / better to modularize your models and paint them anyway because you're gonna have to decal and weather them anyway.
Good call Jimmy, I love my 3D printer and a surprise use was buying used plastic models at a near by model RR shop and making parts that may be missing.
I've been 3d printing garden railway kits all winter and have learned a lot about modeling both digitally and physically. Even with different filament colors I prefer to paint my models, since the layer lines tend to shine in an unnatural way when viewed from different angles.
This morning I designed some supports to turn a soda can into a tank wagon on my garden railway. Currently running a test print. I'm uncertain whether my loco can handle the weight, but it'll be a pretty cool party trick if it can!
Jimmy what a fantastic presentation. I am so impressed with the fact that this is an FDM printer. The results are worth the price. Now I will wait until tech moves on and the prices come down.
Agreed, Jimmy! I've had my Flashforge Adventurer 3 Lite for a year and a half now. I've gotten a lot of use out of it printing material for Z scale. I've just started using it to print for N scale. Not only is the print quality improving for high-end models, but more low-end models are producing good-quality prints. It'll be interesting to see where 3d printing takes model railroading over the next several years.
I have both a resin and FDM printer. I bought them for my railroad and have made a couple cool things with it. Not so much in scenery pieces yet, so far only one piece, but in ballast hoppers to help spread ballast and a wall mount for the new UP7 as the railroad I’m working on has an area too shallow for the UP7 but the owner doesn’t want a hole in the facia. I have also used it to build parts for my sailboat that were obsolete and or just nothing available for my need’s commercially. And of course I have printed the obligatory lucky kitty.
I'd be looking for a DCC++EX cover or case, I use old pc. Power supplies that have died, I want the pc shell for the fan to cool the DCC++EX cards. But an actual case would be great.
That is really neat Jimmy.
That road system is really nice and is a very affordable alternative of store-bought systems
Awesome. At around $1500 that is really not that high priced for something that advanced. I have darn near spent that much already on my N scale stuff and dont even have everything i need to build my layout! That would save a lot of money and time on my end. Thanks for sharing!
We are thinking about getting started in 3d printing just from the shear number of new buildings we are going to need for the new layout.
I have the X1C and I’m very happy with its beginner friendly nature as well as the quality of purchased file prints. Trying to learn a suitable cad/cam software now and also waiting for 30 watt lasers to be affordable.
There was something else I wanted to add and that is with DCC-EX are having new motor hats made for DCC-EX that will be 5 amps and from what I have read will be stackable.
I may or may not have one on order.
Have filament printers improved to the point of printing good n scale detail? Just don’t want to mess with resin, especially with small kids around.
I offer my models on shapeways and got resin kits in the works. We can do the printing for the rest of you modelers not wanting to bother with doing it. Plenty of us around doing JUST printing.
That road system looks great.
I'd love to see more of your DCC++EX case. I have been looking for one, but have not found anything that is well contained.
Take a look at what model kits cost, and then the cost of 3D printers and supplies. Just how many structure or car shell kits would you need to buy to realize the cost of buying a 3D printer? For a decent size model RR layout, you'll quickly come out ahead buying a decent 3D printer over buying all those kits! Not to mention the ability to digitally kitbash designs, and create models of prototypes that are not available in any kit. Of course you will need to learn new skills, including some basic (and not so basic) CAD skills. However, once you've mastered the CAD software, there are no limits as to what you can create.
I would totally buy a housing for the DCC+ EX command station
Just getting started in the hobby and building an n scale layout and find your channel very helpful as I work my way through your videos. Although this printer makes a cool product I think I will be a plastic kit man for the foreseeable future. Do you have any tips for adding DIY internal structure or scenery to n scale buildings? Thanks Stu
Coming to this video due to a link from Steve’s trains. For someone like me modeling in larger scales (O scale, 1/24) this next step in printer evolution could be a very big deal…
3d print some o gauge id buy it
I noticed that the models you print are garden railway scale rather than HO or OO. Is that because smaller scale multi colour models would look “pixelated”?
I need a dcc ex case!
Jimmy I have a question for you... I'm in the process of building a large N-Scale layout... I see you're talking about 3d printers... Are they able to make stadiums?... not look for a massive 4' one but something in the 3' range... my layout is U-shaped
Jimmy, I am very intrigued and interested in getting a 3D printer to add models etc to my n scale layout. Perhaps with the P1P on my budget. But where would you suggest I start to educate myself, as a total novice, to all that is required to effectively use one of these? For example, you and others have mentioned Thingverse for print programs/code (are they called that?) that I can download. What steps are necessary in order to do this? Are there intermediate steps? What type of environment does the printer require (my garage workbench for example)? Where does one learn all the lingo/terms? My fear is that my printer will arrive and I will be totally overwhelmed. I hope you can perhaps answer or do a follow-up with steps a novice needs to take in order to use this amazing technology. Thanks.
Ron
I hope they can maybe sacrifice the printing speed for lowering the price.
This is a awesome printer i have already seen it from another channel and this printer is awesome 👍 and like you said its fast but i can't afford it right now I do have two printers now and both are Creality i learned to print with a ender 3 pro for the last 3 years and now i up the game a little and got a ender 3 E1 plus but even what i paid for both still wouldn't pay for that one
Where can I get the files for the dcc EX cover?
What software do you use to create the 3D models
Actually, $1500 is really not bad for that setup.. I was thinking you were going to go a lot higher!
Thanks for this video I have been looking at 3d printers(I have a ender3 pro) and was wondering how hard is it to setup and run? Do you need to be a "Rocket scientist" to run it?LOL
Just curious, but while watching the video I was wondering what kind of floor footprint does a 3D printer take up? Would most 3D printers do well in a garage that gets hot in the summer (80's) and cold in the winter (40's)? Thanks for the video!
I have an Ender 3 v2 and it replaced one of the computers on my desk, for size reference (about an 18 inch cube). The room it's set up in gets down to 50 in the winter and the printer takes somewhat longer to heat up before printing. I'd consider a cabinet or enclosure of some kind which could allow the printer to heat the air around it and keep a relatively stable temperature, at least for the winter. Unfortunately I can't speak to the hot end of the range.
Another potential issue to consider in a garage is humidity. Filament can absorb moisture from the air and cause print issues, so if there's a lot of humidity you may need to enclose the spool(s) in a sealed case. I use a dehumidifier in my workspace.
@@drewzero1 thank you. That information was very helpful. Have a great rest of your day!
I have an Ender 3 pro but it only prints spagetti
Cross AI, a Roomba,a 3d printer& and a 4x8. 5 hrs later. Whole layout🤪
Nice to see the review What software do you need to run with the printer?
Great Question! Bambulab makes software for it.
$200 is only slightly more than a DCC equipt N gague Loco
I don’t know how a person in this hobby could ever scoff at spending $200 on a printer when everything else in this hobby is ridiculously expensive for what amounts to “toy” trains.
Right, you can't get much railroad for $200 unless you're really patient and only buy used. I'm certainly not spending $1500 on either trains or printers any time soon though!
Honestly man, I constantly see decent printers go for cheaper than many new models do.
The only reason I haven't snagged one yet is because I don't have anywhere to actually put the thing
@@GelatoTaco Full disclosure, I have a $200 printer and it does the job just fine. I'd have a hard time justifying much more than that though on what is essentially a hobby item.
We need much more plastic in the world
i got a prusa
A multi-color filament printer is lightyears beyond the nearly DIY thing my ex built in his bedroom back in 2011, and at about the same price point. So, I cannot complain about the $1500 +/- cost.
I do, however, have questions about the usefullness of the multi-color functionality for the hobby. Sorry, Jimmy, but unpainted plastics look toy-like, regardless of whether it came out of a Tyco kit or an expensive 3D printer. Priming and painting the 3D print negates the benefits of multi-color printing.
Is there a use for multi-color 3D in our hobby? Yes. It's great for making toys for the kids. It can be used to prototype something that you will be painting the finished version of, and it could be used to 3D print an architectural model of a proposed layout design.
Lastly, two safety points to consider: 1) the plastic filament might not be UV resistant and could decompose in your garden - don't 3D print anything that could result in a hazardous structural failure - like support brackets.
And 2) don't give 3D printed toys to young children without proper supervision. The filament might leech toxic chemicals if chewed on, or the 3D item might present a choking hazard if it breaks - or even if it doesn't. Don't forget the toilet paper tube / paper towel tube test: if it's small enough to fit down the tube, it's small enough to fit down a child's throat and choke them. ...... yes, those of us of a certain age definitely played with choking hazard toys in the 1970s and earlier. We were the guinea pigs of the safety movement. 😮
Well said! I've certainly found that unpainted 3d prints have a distinctive sheen on the layer lines, no matter how fine they are. Besides that, commonly available filaments tend to be solid, bold, slightly translucent colors that look unnatural for real-world objects. A toylike appearance is fine if it's what you're going for, but it's worth noting for sure!
If I were to buy a 3D printer my hobby would no longer be model railroading - it would be 3D printing.
Yeah not even remotely worth it. An ender 3 is 100 dollars and it's faster / better to modularize your models and paint them anyway because you're gonna have to decal and weather them anyway.
Looking for S scale or 1/64th products.