MOCs & 3D Printing

[patmat2350]

New-ish here and still learning my way around the forum. But I'm interested in 3D Printing, and have been using it for years in my non-Lego scale models, it's been a game changer. 

Now I know it's anathema to most Lego fans, but I don't mind modifying bricks when needed, or even making my own where a desired design doesn't exist. So I looked, but didn't find much here yet...is there a subforum where liked-minded creators hang out?

Example:
Here are some custom loco drivers, and a bucket load of nonexistent slopes, all from my resin printer. Took some developing, but I've managed to get some pretty good clutch right off the printer. 

 

[MAB]

9 hours ago, patmat2350 said:

New-ish here and still learning my way around the forum. But I'm interested in 3D Printing, and have been using it for years in my non-Lego scale models, it's been a game changer. 

Now I know it's anathema to most Lego fans, but I don't mind modifying bricks when needed, or even making my own where a desired design doesn't exist. So I looked, but didn't find much here yet...is there a subforum where liked-minded creators hang out?

Example:
Here are some custom loco drivers, and a bucket load of nonexistent slopes, all from my resin printer. Took some developing, but I've managed to get some pretty good clutch right off the printer. 

 

Custom made parts tend to be discussed in the forum relevant to the theme rather than there being a section for all custom parts. There is a lot in trains, as there are many improvements to be made there.

[JopieK]

Really nice! Looking forward to the parts integrated in a MOC.

[bogieman]

We think alike. I've never been afraid to cut a part or print a part to get the look I desire. This 3D printed windshield for the EMD E & F units is one of my creations: 

https://bricktraindepot.com/shop/accessories/resin-printed-f7-windshield/ 

I'm printing some arch bar truck sideframes as I write this.

Dave

[TeddytheSpoon]

Very nice. They look like wheels for a Q1, is that right?

[Sven J]

While generally rather open-minded towards 3D-printing, I honestly don't really get the point regarding your slopes.
Aren't they basically the same as these (oh, double width) and these?

[dr_spock]

On 8/20/2025 at 5:12 PM, patmat2350 said:

New-ish here and still learning my way around the forum. But I'm interested in 3D Printing, and have been using it for years in my non-Lego scale models, it's been a game changer. 

Now I know it's anathema to most Lego fans, but I don't mind modifying bricks when needed, or even making my own where a desired design doesn't exist. So I looked, but didn't find much here yet...is there a subforum where liked-minded creators hang out?

Example:
Here are some custom loco drivers, and a bucket load of nonexistent slopes, all from my resin printer. Took some developing, but I've managed to get some pretty good clutch right off the printer. 

 

Nice.  How are the resin parts holding up over time on running trains?

I am ok with printing and cutting too.  Some times, rather than redesigning and reprinting, it is faster to cut it off.

[Thomas Waagenaar]

Honestly, printing stuff is very satisfying for such specific needs!

 

I use it for all my wheels, so they're correctly sized by scale, and have the detail I want. As well as the whole rod system to have it look good, since with Lego you'd be forced to omit half the rods... 🥲

 

Only downside I find is that the surface texture sometimes can be kinda "rough" compared to Lego ones when FDM printing, and SLA printers the prototyping phase can be a pain, haha