Nn3 Passenger Train 4 cars by Ryd Trains

Roy Stevens runs the Ryd Trains Shapeways shop. Most of his model trains are N scale, but he’s dabbled in Nn3 and Z scales, and even created a pair of earrings based on Dressel lamps. (“Perfect for the wife of a railroader,” he says.)

Roy was an industrial electrician before he got certified in Solidworks. He does most of his design work at home, while relaxing in front of the TV. “I’m one of those people that need to be slightly distracted to be creative, which drives my employers nuts,” says Roy. Here he talks about how got into model trains and digital design, and the joy of creating low-quantity niche models. 

How long have you been working with model trains?
Pretty much all my life. My father belonged to a large club and would take me with him. I would crawl around under the train tables.

Nn3 4 car Passenger Train w/RPO by Ryd Trains

Nn3 4 car Passenger Train w/RPO by Ryd Trains

How did you learn to make 3D models?
I had a midlife career crisis and went back to school for mechanical engineering, where I was introduced to Solidworks. I then got a job doing mechanical design, and am a Certified Solidworks Expert.

How did you buy or make trains before you discovered Shapeways?
I handmade trains out of styrene, etched brass, and lost wax castings. I had attempted some 3D modeling and printing for model trains before Shapeways introduced FUD, but that material really opened the doors for near-injection mold quality.

N Krauss Maffei

N Krauss Maffei ML 4000CC by Ryd Trains

What has 3D printing added to your appreciation of model trains?
3D printing has opened the door to low-quantity, or niche models, like the Krauss-Maffei, only six of which were ever made for the U.S. market.

How long does it take you to design one of the 3D printed models?
Because of my many hours of practice in Solidworks, it only takes me an hour or two to create a simple model like the railcars. More complex ones can take upwards of eight hours of modeling.

Nn3 Gon CS 4pk by Ryd Trains

How long to paint one?
It only takes an hour or so to prep and paint an FUD model. The difficulty is often sourcing the correct lettering.

Tell us about a project you’re particularly proud of.
I really enjoy the design process. The things I’m most proud of are currently in the hands of the U.S. military, although the trickle of revenue from Shapeways is nice too.