3D Print Files?

[laxhistorian]

Hi everyone, I am just starting off with an interest in building a model airport (I am deciding between JFK and LAX). I have noticed that there are a few companies out there like Tarmac Designs that offer 3D printed terminal buildings. I'm wondering if anyone has purchased a digital file (such as this one) and then used that to 3D print structures by themselves. I realize 3D printing can be quite complicated, but I'm very interested in getting all the details associated with the airport, including the layers the file above includes:

"SCENE STRUCTURE - model is organized by layers, all objects split by type and named properly

Airport
Terminal Buildings
Gates
Apron
Taxiway
Runway
Marking
Roads"

It seems like it might be easier to approach things in a compehensive way like this instead of purchasing one terminal on one site, another terminal on another site, then cobbling together some runway diagrams from a different site, etc.

Any guidance would be appreciated as this newbie embarks on his first model airport!

 

[bakejobb_23]

In terms of what you are specifically asking thats a difficult one. This is a fairly "small" community when it comes to diorama building (at least compared to the model train community) so options are limited. Id highly suggest looking at train diorama makers as the same techniques generally translate to model airports (weathering, ground markings, grass, foliage, etc) and theres a ton of good content out there in many variously edited styles.

As for 3D printed terminals, I know of a couple in the community I could point you to. You seem to know of Tarmac Designs. I'd also suggest "Clipper Models" (Instagram/website) and "CustomAirports_au" (Instagram; also an active member here too). I cannot confirm but they might be able to create the rendered models and provide them for you to download yourself if you ask. They will also print/ship these things out for you too! You can help them design it and work through that creative process till its to your liking and so far all seem to be well respected and push out decent to great projects constantly.

I will say, it honestly is easier to build and go in chunks as you can, unless budget isn't a worry. It can be very expensive, very quick depending how big you go so focusing on your ground markings and then terminals separately can be helpful. collect your aircraft as you go along as those are the real pocket shotguns. If youre interested in JFK/LAX, those airports have been done by hundreds of other companies in many unique styles from just single gate layouts to backdrops to entire mats/terminals you can buy in the right scales. I'd google your way through and asses the best options there for your budget.

3D printing has come a hell of a long way the last couple years as it was basically not helpful for the "average person" till the last few years. Its starting to hit a sweet spot and will honestly continue to grow the more people experiment with the technology. I wish you the best! I hope that can answer some of your questions.

 

[laxhistorian]

Thanks so much for the thorough reply! That was super helpful.

I will check out Clipper Models and CustomAirports_au.

I know most people like to do things bit by bit, but I have some free time across the next few months and so I would like to take on big chunks of this project at once. Again, appreciate you taking the time to respond!