Using the PC as a railway modelling tool with Justin Newitt
Computer technology has increasingly become a part of the railway modeller’s toolbox. With the availability of quality, affordable home 3D printers and laser cutters, as well as easy access to photo etching companies, it has never been easier to produce your own 3D printed, laser cut or etched designs.
At Missenden Railway Modellers’ we run two courses, one for 2D CAD and the other for 3D, which are aimed at giving participants confidence in how to design and export CAD files for Laser Cutting and Photo Etching in 2D and for 3D Printing. Participants will also be given an overview of design considerations for different materials and what services are available for production of your designs.
The two courses run concurrently over the same weekend and while it is possible to do both it is recommended that participants choose to do only one and put their newfound skills to good use by starting on projects of their own.
The 2D CAD course is designed around NanoCAD and covers the fundamentals of drawing vector graphics for laser cutting and photo etching. As well as a foundation in the basic shape-creation tools, you’ll learn how to use time-saving techniques for repetitive tasks, importing reference images and how to organise your artwork, including the use of layers. Tips and tricks for how to arrange your artwork will save time and expense when getting your designs etched or laser cut.
The 3D CAD course is designed around Fusion 360 and covers the basics of navigating 3D space, creating simple objects and a workflow for converting your 2D drawings to 3D. You will learn how different materials and printing technologies may affect your design, whether printing on your home 3D printer or an online bureau.
The courses are designed to provide you with the basics CAD skills and confidence to produce your own designs. With that in mind, there will be time over the weekend for working on your own projects with assistance, guidance and advice on hand.
The courses do not include the physical production of 3D printed objects, laser-cut materials or etches. You will need to bring your own PC or Laptop capable of running the required software and a mouse with scroll wheel.
More information about the Software used is available here:
