Source for 3D printer files?

[abenn]

I've searched the web for 3D printer files for railway buildings, and have not had much luck -- just a couple of container offices. Can anyone point me in the direction of a good free or paid-for site? My layout is N-scale, but any scale will do because they can be scaled in the printing process.

[Buelligan]

The 2 main websites I use are Thingiverse, and Printables. But I've not found any specific model railway sites.

There are also Cults3D, Makerworld, Yeggi (which I think is a search engine, which searches all the previously mentioned websites). There are others but I can't remember them at the moment.

Do you have a photo of what you're after? I may have a file already.

[abenn]

Thanks Buelligan. I'd already tried Thingiverse, and Printables doesn't seem to be any better.

[Buelligan]

I find it can be a pain finding things, and often get best results just searching for the general item. So I'd just search cottage or house rather than a certain scale or type. It can take a long time to get through all the results but it's the only way I've found that works. I've got cottages, tin sheds, locks, signals, wagons, coaches, motorbikes, fencing, bridges etc. All free files, happy to share some if you let me know what you're after specifically.

[abenn]

A good tip Buelligan. You're right, Google comes up with several results if one can create a suitable search term. I've just done a search on "free 3d printed model buildings' and got plenty of hits -- many of which are not free.

I want a few buildings for a disorganised goods yard which will have small businesses in it, like car repair. I'll know what I want when I see it!

Thank you.

[mattmay05]

Honestly, you won't find any... if you purchased a printer hoping there was free files there won't be or if there is... well they won't be much good.. hence why they are free.

As many and I include myself spend a lot of time in creating/researching we aren't too keen on giving files away, some sites will sell on ones behalf but problem is we have no control on where or what happens to them.
So my advice... learn CAD.

[abenn]

Thanks Mattmay. I bought my 3D printer for model RC aircraft, of which there are plenty of files available online at about $35 per model. I am slowly learning CAD (Autocad Fusion 360) and have successfully used it to make several simple components such as mounting brackets for GPS units on helis and multirotors. But my CAD skills (and artistic skills) are not good enough to create any detail.

[Buelligan]

Not necessarily for the buildings you want at the moment, but these are 3 of the best free designers I've found for railway wagons and railway related scenery:

https://www.thingiverse.com/bblr/designs

https://www.thingiverse.com/calvinstreeting/designs

https://www.thingiverse.com/bluetobits/designs

[abenn]

Thanks again Buelligan. Some amazing models there, and a couple of small buildings I might try out for my yard. Obviously my Google search skills are even less advanced than my CAD design skills!

[amandalee]

Also on Thingiverse is Iron Mink.....
https://www.thingiverse.com/ironmink/designs
Buildings and rolling stock...
I have adapted a few designs myself.
Amanda Bygone-wagons.com

[abenn]

Those designs look amazing! A couple of building there that I'll probably use. Thank you.