3D Printed Model Airports

[OscarBravo992]

Hi All,

I run a small, commission-based 3D modelling/printing service over on Instagram, but I thought it might be fun to share some pictures on here too.

To start things off, I just finished one this evening:

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (KRDU/RDU)




And as a little self-promotion, here's my Instagram if you'd like to check it out here.

 

[OscarBravo992]

Just finished printing this morning

1:400 replica of Melbourne airport (YMML/MEL) T1 (Qantas).

 

[The_SingingAvgeek]

Mate, these look fantastic!

 

[OscarBravo992]

Mate, these look fantastic!

Thanks!

 

[LeoMuse747]

Great work indeed! I'd love to see the full diorama built, with some models in it.

 

[IndyJets]

Great work! One thing I might suggest from my own experiences with Indianapolis is supplying a list of recommended paints, as well as decals for doors, windows, and details.

 

[IndyJets]

By the way, there's no need to use expensive model paints on these. @Purpleplane and I used cheap "craft acrylics" on IND. They come in a wide range of colors and we matched each color on the building (including multiple shades of brick) from photos; there were off-the-shelf matches for every single color that we needed, no mixing required! You might need to apply several coats. Some of our colors took 5-6 coats, and you will want to test all of your pieces for fit and sand down any rough edges that interfere, and coat everything with flat white primer before starting. Generally, these paints have a flat finish (perfect for buildings), but watch out as some of these paints are gloss or semi-gloss. For large areas of glass (such as the IND administration building), you'll probably want to use spray paint. We used gloss black, and I think that part took 3 coats to get the depth of shine.

 

[OscarBravo992]

Great work indeed! I'd love to see the full diorama built, with some models in it.

That's the goal, but I just can't seem to find the time .

Great work! One thing I might suggest from my own experiences with Indianapolis is supplying a list of recommended paints, as well as decals for doors, windows, and details.

By the way, there's no need to use expensive model paints on these. @Purpleplane and I used cheap "craft acrylics" on IND. They come in a wide range of colors and we matched each color on the building (including multiple shades of brick) from photos; there were off-the-shelf matches for every single color that we needed, no mixing required! You might need to apply several coats. Some of our colors took 5-6 coats, and you will want to test all of your pieces for fit and sand down any rough edges that interfere, and coat everything with flat white primer before starting. Generally, these paints have a flat finish (perfect for buildings), but watch out as some of these paints are gloss or semi-gloss. For large areas of glass (such as the IND administration building), you'll probably want to use spray paint. We used gloss black, and I think that part took 3 coats to get the depth of shine.

Thanks for the tips. These buildings aren't for me though haha.

I do agree about not needing expensive paint... I've been fine with spray paint for most things I've printed. Obviously, there's a level of detail you can't get with spray paint, which is where acrylics come in handy. Or, of course, I could just print it in multicolour .

 

[IndyJets]

That's the goal, but I just can't seem to find the time .



Thanks for the tips. These buildings aren't for me though haha.

I do agree about not needing expensive paint... I've been fine with spray paint for most things I've printed. Obviously, there's a level of detail you can't get with spray paint, which is where acrylics come in handy. Or, of course, I could just print it in multicolour .

I know they aren't for you, but I do recommend including an instruction sheet for your customers for assembly, painting and detailing.

 

[OscarBravo992]

Here's another, a 1:400 replica or Queenstown Intl, printed for a very talented mate of mine.

(This time with models @LeoMuse747 )

 

[OscarBravo992]

I know they aren't for you, but I do recommend including an instruction sheet for your customers for assembly, painting and detailing.

At the moment I include assembly steps with the physical product.

All parts are numbered to help aid assembly, and connectors are printed in different colours to help them stand out.

If someone asks about sanding or painting, I give them tips and recommendations.

Regardless, thanks for the ideas, I'll look into it.

 

[LeoMuse747]

Here's another, a 1:400 replica or Queenstown Intl, printed for a very talented mate of mine.

(This time with models @LeoMuse747 )

So far so good! Looking nice!!!

 

[OscarBravo992]

Brisbane International Airport (Domestic Terminal) printed in 1:500 scale with custom jetbridges.

Super happy with how this turned out, and holy moly it is HUGE!

 

[NoAddedSalt]

Imagine how big it would be in 400 scale

 

[LeoMuse747]

Imagine how big it would be in 400 scale

wouldn't be much bigger... 1:400 isn't a huge difference when compared to 1:500

 

[OscarBravo992]

Imagine how big it would be in 400 scale

wouldn't be much bigger... 1:400 isn't a huge difference when compared to 1:500

It’s about 30cm wider. 1.6m instead of 1.3.

 

[OscarBravo992]

Here’s one in multicolour; Qantas’s LAX maintenance base, featuring the awesome AV400 Qantas A380.

 

[British Airways fan]

Would love to see a Heathrow T5 or T4, all those terminals are looking great

 

[OscarBravo992]

Would love to see a Heathrow T5 or T4, all those terminals are looking great

Thanks! At this point most are done by commission, but maybe one day. I'd love to do LHR T5 though, and I've had some interest for T2 as well.

 

[British Airways fan]

Thanks! At this point most are done by commission, but maybe one day. I'd love to do LHR T5 though, and I've had some interest for T2 as well.

How much do commissions cost?