Where to buy 3D Print models/files for diorama accessories?
 

Hello everyone, I'm not sure if this question should go in here, so please forgive me if there's another place I should place it.

So I just got a 3D Printer (FDM) about 2 months ago, and I have been pretty successful at printing simple objects and toys for my kid. Now that I've been more comfortable with it, I also hope to make my own diorama accessories for my hobby. Mainly just simple stuff, like maybe some barrels, fuel drums, crates, etc. Right now, I'm trying to create a munitions warehouse for my GI JOE Classified figures.

I'm aware that there are plenty of sellers on ebay and etsy that sells these kind of 3d printed stuff, but the problem of course is the cost. It sure adds up quick and some even charge close to $20 just for a 3d printed fuel drum prop! =) I would rather just buy a spool of filament for $20, put my machine to work, and have it print out 30 to 40 fuel drums for me (which is about how many I will need).

Anyways, for those of you who 3D Prints your own accessories and props, where do you buy your 3d models from? or do you make them yourself, or have someone make it for you?

I've also heard of sites like CGTrader (can't remember the other ones), but I can't seem to find 3d models of accessories in there that are in the correct scale? If I buy the models there, it seems like I have to get involved with 3d modeling (not really interested in doing that) to scale it to the right size?

Any tips or advice would be much appreciated. Thanks all and Happy Thanksgiving.

I like Thingiverse and Cults3D.

https://www.thingiverse.com/

https://cults3d.com/

And best of all, most things there are FREE. Cults does give you an option to buy. There are a LOT of stuff for GIJoe Classified made already, I 3D printed a Chameleon for Zartan and some guns.

https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/attac...jpeg.30103840/

As for scaling, that's just math. Most models the description would tell you what scale it is. Just search "G.I.Joe" you'll find a LOT of stuff. However, say if you found something was done for the 3 3/4" Joes, you simply print that thing at 150% and that'll get your 1/18 item to 1/12. Just mindful that not everyone does their stuff exactly to scale, so sometimes you do have to fidget it a bit.

Have fun!!

Awesome looking minigun there! =) Did you print that with an FDM Printer, or resin (DLP/SLA)?

Thanks for the tip. I'll definitely check out Cults. I have looked into Thingiverse before but I don't recall seeing anything there either. Probably because I saw that most were for the 1/18.

So if I understand you correctly regarding scaling, you're saying that I should scale the model to something like 150% "AFTER" I load the model into my slicer program (I use Cura), but "BEFORE" I actually slice it?

Then after I print it, I can see if I need to go smaller/bigger.

Thanks again and I appreciate it very much.

FDM. I got a new job back in March. The company has a Stratasys 3D printer that they hardly ever use because no one really know how to use it. I volunteered to learn it and back in August they sent me to a class, afterward my manager said "why don't you print some tests and samples? Just to get yourself familiar with the printer?" So I said "Don't mind if I do!" So I've downloaded several things from Thingiverse and Cults3D for "tests". Heh.

Correct. We use GrabCad. After you import the model, there should be options for you to scale. If an item was made for 3 3/4" (1/18) Joes, then scale it to 150% before you print and that would get you pretty close to Classified (1/12) size. But know that 1/18 items probably are not done with as much details as 1/12 items.

Same thing in reverse, if you find anything that was made for the 12" (1/6) Joes, print at 50% and you'd get it to 1/12.

Gotcha. Thanks for the tip. I'll try that out.