This week we’d like to introduce Thomas Schwarzenbart, an automotive engineer who also happens to make amazing scale models, ranging from plums to tables!

Tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? Where are you located?
I am an engineer working in the automotive industry, located in Munich. As a hobby I design model trains in scale 1:45.

What’s the story behind your designs? What inspires you?
It all started with the little fruit baskets, which needed to get a plum-filing. Then I figured there are all kinds of containers and little things of daily life that could be modeled and rescaled in 1:45. Especially items for train enthusiasts and people building dioramas in that scale.

What brought you to 3D printing with Shapeways?
When my 3D printing source no longer existed one day, I had to look for an alternative – and found Shapeways. I immediately liked the way of uploading models and instantly getting a quote.

How did you learn how to design in 3D?
After designing  etched parts in 2D for a while, I decided to get into 3D modeling and taught myself.

How do you promote your work?
I write small articles and news-flashes for railway periodicals.

Who are your favorite designers or artists? Who in the Shapeways community has served as an inspiration to you?
The ones modeling technical models, that feature intricate detail.

If you weren’t limited by current technologies, what would you want to make using 3D printing?
Complete builds of things in different materials, but all printed in one run.

If you could meet any famous person (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
Jules Verne – because he could imagine so many things to come.

Check out the entire mini world in Thomas’s shop or his website. If you’d like to be a featured designer, email aimee@shapeways.com.