Make-and-Take clinics are now available on the registration page and the event agenda. Early registrants will be contacted and have the ability to add Make-and-Take clinics to their registrations if they desire. Make sure to follow us on FaceBook and Subscribe to our Mailing List to keep up on all the latest event updates.
3D Computer-Aided Design for Model Railroading
The clinician hosting this make-and-take clinic has been designing and constructing prototypical buildings for his layout using Autodesk Fusion360 since 2016. He has repeatedly been asked to present a class that would teach model railroaders how to draw and use the 3D CAD package that he uses. This clinic is a cursory introduction to Autodesk Fusion360. It will take about four one-hours sessions, with plenty of break time between sessions, to learn the basics of the software tool.
Important: You will need to provide your own computer for this session. To determine if your computer is comparable with the hobbyist free version of Autodesk Fusion360, please visit the hardware requirements page.
Topics covered in the first session:
- Introduction to Autodesk Fusion360 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
- Internet Connectivity
- Software Download and installation
- Login and Account Creation for Software
Topics covered in the second session:
- User Interface Overview
- Drawing a simple 20mm cube
- Adding inscribed text (X, Y, Z)
Topics covered in the third session:
- Introduction to HO rolling stock modeling in 3D (1/4 of a car)
- Adding End Sills, Side Sills and Intermediate Sills
- Adding Bolsters
- Adding Decking
- Modifying 1/4 to accommodate Kadee #5 Coupler
Topics covered in the fourth session:
- NBW’s and Stake pockets
- Mirroring
- Brake line (drawing and cutting from model
- Gondola Side
- Gondola End
- Exporting for 3D printing
