Locomotive Drivers

Can anyone point me at a free source of STL files suitable for printing a generic engine driver? Nothing suitable on thingiverse and other results all seem to be ready printed or whitemetal ones.

Thanks

Neil

Hi Neil, excuse me for asking, but, 'driver' as in a person or a driving wheel?

Ed.

Person!

I think that's one reason I can't find aught useful, 3D printer drivers gets lots of hits...

Not sure I have understood this!

A generic locomotive driver knows the sectional appendix inside out and all the weekly updates. He signs for both. He studies the 'board' for local notices and emergency notices. He is passed to drive certain classes on lines he has been passed for and learnt the road. He has an intimate knowledge of the timetable. He has the correct kit and doesnt sign on unfit due to drink or drugs. He has passed his medical.

Cheers,

Julian

Not a plastic one !!

Here you are Neil, a Lego one.

Even has a scale sized grease top.

I don't know what you lot are on, but can I have some?

N.

Have you tried searching for "Engineer" instead of "Driver" ?

Yup, got this.

The problem is that words like engineer, driver are too generic in the world of 3D printing

'crew figures' works slightly better, but at best it would have a driver like a fat version of the construction worker in Village People...

Neil

You'd need the services of a proper skilled sculptor if you want a decent looking figurine. Trouble is getting hold of such people, telling them what you want and then paying them to do it.

They need to start with an idea, then onto rough sketches, start building up a wireframe manakin and only then onto fleshing it out with putty, normally working in short bursts due to the limited working time of the putty. The casting of them was traditionally done in white metal but some have now moved onto resin and some designers sub contract the casting to them.

I've tried it myself and it really is a hard skill to master. Some of the best ones are really brilliant at capturing delicate nuances on facial expressions, slight poses and generally putting in alot of extra detail. Takes alot of dedication to actually make anything that seems like a human being!

Michael W

have you tried terms like "Mannequin 3d solid human"

Mark

Just tried, doesn't seem to help

I don't want Barbie or Barrack Obama driving my loco!

Neil

These the type of thing you are after? maybe they will let you have a copy of teh file. If not you could always dress up and get a 3D body scan done

Thanks Jason, at least there's someone making 'real people'!

I've sent them an email.

Neil

.

... maybe ... But isn't that their livelihood ?

MichaelG.

They are keen, naturally they'll get an acknowledgement in any article that comes out of this. I've asked if they would consider printing at larger scales.

16mm to 3/4" to the foot is only about 5/4 so it should look fine.

Neil

They look astounding, i love the fact it's all regular people, kind of brings the loco to more "of it's time".

The flaws only begin to show on the larger scale ones where the feet are slightly blocky and the eye/nose/mouth detail is a little indistinct. But all that for just a scan is marvellous. I'm sure this is a problem that could be solved or rectified on a more expensive finer resolution print. 

Michael W

Edited By Michael Walters on 02/11/2016 12:42:32

Hi Neil

try looking at the 16mm people some of these do 7/8 scale as well, people do vary a lot in height any way. Rob bennet will sculpt to order a caricature of your self from a photo for a small fee! He all so does 1/8 scale (7 1/4 inch gauge) figures. I once took a white metal 16mm guard and sliced him up and soldered pieces of lead in the cuts to make him the correct height but he looked anorexic!

Good find Jason

Paul

Hi Neil - What is the finished scale you are looked for.