My upper level city design is progressing. Now I know why I am not a city planner.
The City Model is in CorelDraw. The drawing is done in actual size of the 1/4 scale city. Once compete I will use it to make Laser Cuts of the streets and sidewalks then reassemble in to the whole city.
The Woodland and Menards buildings, cars and sewer grates provide guides and orientation to making and cutting the streets and sidewalks.
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My upper level city roadways and sidewalks looks like this in laser cut grid. What is shown above is the laser cut squares. Each square will be laser cut and fits together like a puzzle on the supporting surface. I did modify the building locations from what is shown on the earlier thread above.
So the way this is done on CorelDraw (or any other graphics program) is to create a movable window the size that the laser cutter can cut. Then remove all details outside the window, leaving the parts within the window to send to the laser cutter.
The above is grid square D3
The above square D3 is converted to a .svg file that my GlowForge laser cutter will cut.
the black lines shown are scored for sidewalk joints and the red lines are the curb cuts and storm sewer grates openings.
This looks more complicated than it really is. The process is fairly straight forward.
Also I have the AUTOMOTIONFX paths for my Automotionfx cars designed.
I will laser-ENGRAVE these paths on the reverse side of the roadways to fit the magnetic/iron rods that will be placed into the engraved paths underneath. So to do this I will take my laser square designs and MIRROR them to detail the underside engravings.
I believe that AutomotionFX uses a GlowForge to create their roadways, since their roadways are made from GF 1/8" draft board.
Alan, It looks like you've thought of everything. This should be really cool when done. Are the AutomotionFX vehicles more quiet than super streets?
Yes I believe quieter because the electric motor is smaller. No track sounds either.
However I've not checked this out on a decibel meter.
The better aspect is that the track is invisible being under the roadway.
@AlanRail posted:Yes I believe quieter because the electric motor is smaller. No track sounds either.
However I've not checked this out on a decibel meter.
The better aspect is that the track is invisible being under the roadway.
Good point, also not hollow plastic.
This Grid-Window Method can be used to laser cut much larger objects than the laser cutter bed size supports.
Super streets is limited to the street track pieces. AutomotiveFX unlike the HO version of it used in Europe is also limited to their track pieces.
However, when I laser cut and engrave my own track pieces there is no limitation, except as to the turning radius and size dimensions of the specific AutomotiveFX car or bus or truck so equipped.
I purchased several switch-tracks from AutomotiveFX to incorporate into the paths; like going into and out-of the gas stations.
All layers on this view; the image is separated into several layers to facilitate cutting; a street layer and a curb and sidewalk layer.
The street will be laser cut from 1/8" draft board like MDF, the curbs and sidewalks from 1/4" draft board; the curbs will be then routed for a curved edge to the street.
The street and curbs will have cut-outs to fit the 3D printed sewer grates and sewer covers. The street markings and walkway marks will be cut out and replaced with colored acrylic shapes in white and yellow.
City all layers shown. To laser cut I separated the elements into layers. the streets layer is 1/8" thick draft board shown below.
as stated above the layers are separated into rectangular Panels to be laser cut. The black lines shown below are scored the red lines are cuts.
All of the street markings are cut. these cuts are filled with yellow and white acrylic to represent the street marking colors. Sizes of markings are scaled per New York Highway Department Street mark standards.
the other sewers and street manholes are filled with 3D laser printed sewer covers and storm grates shown in other threads.
the exact size of the cuts comes from a .DXF image of the top view of the 3D model in Rhino 7 superimposed into as a 2D image into Corel Draw.
the streets and sidewalks painted concrete gray.
Sidewalk layer is cut from 1/4" thick draft board
Automotion FX paths, these paths are for the magnetic wires. the paths are laser engravings engraved in the UNDERSIDE of each panel.
to engrave, the image below is mirrored, and the reverse side of the panel is engraved with the wiring engrave path. Each panel will have its associated wire(s) installed so that when all the street panels are all in place the Automotion FX wire paths will connect.
I have several Automotion FX switches that will be used to re-direct the cars in different paths as well as into (and out of) each gas station shown below.
Sweet!
It's going to be cool. Looking forward to future updates on progress.
Mike
3D printed Street sign designs
These street signs will either be on or connect to hollow brass tubes or attached around traffic signals.
The top and bottom designs shown hide tiny LEDs that will shine down and up onto the letters.
The letters shown are 3D printed with the sign frame, however they may be CLEAR acrylic engraved to better reflect the LEDs.
the next step is to layout sidewalk streetlights, traffic signals, tree grates hydrants, street name signs (above) etc for the insertion holes to be laser cut.
Looks fabulous, Alan!!!
George
@AlanRail posted:3D printed Street sign designs
These street signs will either be on or connect to hollow brass tubes or attached around traffic signals.
The top and bottom designs shown hide tiny LEDs that will shine down and up onto the letters.
The letters shown are 3D printed with the sign frame, however they may be CLEAR acrylic engraved to better reflect the LEDs.
the next step is to layout sidewalk streetlights, traffic signals, tree grates hydrants, street name signs (above) etc for the insertion holes to be laser cut.
Alan, Those are great looking. Your continued innovation is really impressive.
It's all in the details!
Dave
hydrants
i should have just purchased a 3D model from TurboSquid. Instead, I designed my own to 3D print.
MAILBOXES- Designed mailbox for City.
@AlanRail posted:MAILBOXES- Designed mailbox for City.
Alan, The mail box looks great. It's nice to see it green like my childhood.
revised mailbox so bolts are actually holding the box the concrete base.
Very nice Alan...everything from mailboxes to manhole covers!
Tom
Added the hydrant cover chains.
Printer's slicer program says this will print..... not sure I agree.
Revised Mailbox design, too.
If I remember correctly the green mailboxes contained mail being delivered by the letter carrier, no slot just a locked door on on side, and the boxes for depositing mail were blue.
@coach joe posted:If I remember correctly the green mailboxes contained mail being delivered by the letter carrier, no slot just a locked door on on side, and the boxes for depositing mail were blue.
Red white and blue where I lived
I rember red, white and blue when I was really young but that gave way to just blue. Cost cutting measure I guess.
I remember in the 50s that all mailboxes were a forest green with two different types of freestanding boxes. The ones without the deposit flap were for the delivery man to refill his bag/cart. There were also small boxes which where hung from utility poles.
Jan
The small ones on the poles are the ones I remember being red, white and blue.
Hydrants with chains printed as a group.
I use the supports to hold the hydrants in place for painting.
there is a stem below to insert into sidewalks.
Close up. Actual height is 0.73" or 32" (1/48) scale.
chains attached to the three covers are discernable as links; note bolting.
@AlanRail posted:Hydrants with chains printed as a group.
I use the supports to hold the hydrants in place for painting.
there is a stem below to insert into sidewalks.
Close up. Actual height is 0.73" or 32" (1/48) scale.
chains attached to the three covers are discernable as links; note bolting.
Alan, Your hydrants and postal boxes look better than any I've seen printed.
@coach joe posted:If I remember correctly the green mailboxes contained mail being delivered by the letter carrier, no slot just a locked door on on side, and the boxes for depositing mail were blue.
Green boxes are relay boxes for the carrier. The blue boxes were for letter drop off to be mailed.
Alan the level of detail on your fire hydrants is magnificent.
I printed 18 for Dave, they are too fragile to ship.
So since Dave is sort of close by, when he can, we'll meet for a hydrant and mailbox hand-off.
talk about time! My last post on my upper city was in December. So I have progressed!
I chopped up the city into rectangular pieces to laser cut on my Glowforge. It looked like this.
Each rectangular square is about 11"x18" the max cutting size of the Glowforge.
My first thought was to cut the sidewalk and curbing in 1/4" draft board (MDF like) and then recut the streets in 1/8" draft board, using a table router to make the rounded part of the curbs.
Instead, I cut all of it using 1/4"; and then will raise up the sidewalk and curbs about a 1/8" to match the top of the 1/4" streets. This allows me to run wiring under the raised part for the streetlights and traffic signals without further grooving.
The upper city assembly is like a complex large puzzle.
The upper city is sitting on Masonite that is attached to a framework of 1x3s, To hide the exterior 1/3s, I created, and laser cut a series of stone arch ways and several large bridges.
The 1x3s are hidden with a combination of brickwork on the arches, The arch bases are 3d printed.
The arches will appear solid after the end pieces are attached.
Below are the large bridges that span the inner river harbor (not shown) and track. These bridges are doubled outward to create thicker bridge effect (not shown). As shown, the arch brick work continues around to the bridges.
In this photo you can see the unassembled sidewalk, curb and street pieces waiting for assembly.
This is going to look awesome. Like watching a real life construcion project.
@AlanRail posted:
MAILBOXES- Designed mailbox for City.
Alan, any of these mailboxes available to buy?
Alan, again I'm blown away by what you do with 3D printing and laser cutting in order to build your layout.
if you want to buy any of my 3D models, OGR Rules prohibits us from selling from a thread.
As This is not the Buy-Sell forum; You need to send me a Private message. Thanks.
@AlanRail posted:if you want to buy any of my 3D models, OGR Rules prohibits us from selling from a thread.
As This is not the Buy-Sell forum; You need to send me a Private message. Thanks.
Message sent to your email.
joe not seeing an email
private message would be easier to find
@coach joe posted:If I remember correctly the green mailboxes contained mail being delivered by the letter carrier, no slot just a locked door on on side, and the boxes for depositing mail were blue.
I have been a Postal worker for almost 30 years. Coach Joe is correct here with the exception that the locked door on the green box was on the front not on the side. Sometimes the green boxes were right next to a blue box and sometimes they were placed by themselves. A truck driver or a different Letter Carrier will fill up the green box in the morning with mail that is in walk sequence and then later on another Letter Carrier would work out of the green box by delivering the mail that was in the green box. This usually took 3 or 4 several loops where at the end of each loop the carrier was back at the green box. This has been my experience in NJ. Sorry I just saw prrhorseshecurve's response. He is correct they were called relay boxes.
@AlanRail posted:talk about time! My last post on my upper city was in December. So I have progressed!
I chopped up the city into rectangular pieces to laser cut on my Glowforge. It looked like this.
Each rectangular square is about 11"x18" the max cutting size of the Glowforge.
My first thought was to cut the sidewalk and curbing in 1/4" draft board (MDF like) and then recut the streets in 1/8" draft board, using a table router to make the rounded part of the curbs.
Instead, I cut all of it using 1/4"; and then will raise up the sidewalk and curbs about a 1/8" to match the top of the 1/4" streets. This allows me to run wiring under the raised part for the streetlights and traffic signals without further grooving.
The upper city assembly is like a complex large puzzle.
The upper city is sitting on Masonite that is attached to a framework of 1x3s, To hide the exterior 1/3s, I created, and laser cut a series of stone arch ways and several large bridges.
The 1x3s are hidden with a combination of brickwork on the arches, The arch bases are 3d printed.
The arches will appear solid after the end pieces are attached.
Below are the large bridges that span the inner river harbor (not shown) and track. These bridges are doubled outward to create thicker bridge effect (not shown). As shown, the arch brick work continues around to the bridges.
In this photo you can see the unassembled sidewalk, curb and street pieces waiting for assembly.
Magnificent!
Peter
Getting back on track. Alan you do amazing work with the 3D printing.
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