RMweb Gold The Fatadder Posted March 15, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 15, 2012 I'm looking to make a start on designing a few 3d prints for the layout, At uni I was pretty proficient on Solidworks (would have been which ever version was current in 2006/07), but knowing how much that package costs, I was wondering if anyone knows of any cheaper programs that have a similar user interface. Any recommendations? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
(The) Youth Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 Blender seems to be the usual program and free I plan to have a go with Autodesk inventor/ Fusion once I find the time Simon Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will J Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 What sort of thing are you looking to model, its amazing what you can get away with using plain old Google Sketchup! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium spamcan61 Posted March 15, 2012 RMweb Premium Share Posted March 15, 2012 http://www.123dapp.com/123d Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pugsley Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 Alibre design is pretty similar to Solidworks, but it's still not exactly cheap. There is a 'Personal Edition' for £99, but I don't know what features that has, or doesn't have. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Fatadder Posted March 15, 2012 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted March 15, 2012 I have downloaded Blender, but to be honest the interface is just to far from what I am used to. At the moment I dont really have the time to be completely starting from scratch when 123d on the other hand looks promising from the quick video, along the lines of what Im used to. Currently downloading it so will have a better play tomorrow. As for what I am planning to do with it, There are a few bits and pieces for locos that I fancy a crack at, in particular I can see myself having a go at making boilers and fireboxes, but the key thing is the decorative fascia castings for Cheddar's buildings Alibre design is pretty similar to Solidworks, but it's still not exactly cheap. There is a 'Personal Edition' for £99, but I don't know what features that has, or doesn't have. I think if 123d doesnt do the job, saving for Alibre will be the only option. It does look very similar to the version of Solidworks I am used to... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Fatadder Posted March 16, 2012 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted March 16, 2012 Another quick question to those who are using 123d, I've downloaded it and installed (64bit version running on 64bit Windows 7) but I cant open the program. I've looked at the website and cant work out what I am doing wrong. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
billbedford Posted March 17, 2012 Share Posted March 17, 2012 I suggest you have a look at ViaCAD. It has a good set of solid modelling tools, unlike most of the apps that have been suggested most of which are surface modellers. These are OK what you need for organic shapes, but are of less use for railway equipment, which tends to be built of solid plates and cylinders. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.