Need help designing and 3D printing a FeeCo Train diorama

[Rubino7]

*Wall of text alert*

I have been lurking these forums for quite a few years. It's not like I read every thread, but every time I need info, files or anything remotely belonging to Oddworld I somehow end up here. So a couple of weeks ago I came across a factory sealed big box of Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus for a cheap price and unsurprisingly this really sparked my interest in Oddworld again.

So a guy named Kevin made an amazing model of the FeeCo Train which depicts the scene where Abe and his friends travel through the desert and get caught by surprise by a passing FeeCo Train.


http://kelvinartwork.deviantart.com/...rain-374682869

My only gripe with the model is that it is a bit too big for my taste. I like big models but it has to at least fit on a shelf. Secondly I am a 'perfectionst' when it comes to things like these so when large or small elements don't look like the original it keeps grabbing my attention (little bits on the rear look like a Stielhandgranate for example). I would absolutely love to have a diorama like this one where the eyes and little windows light up (little LEDs inside the model behind transparent plastic?). Unfortunately I have no 3D modeling experience so I need your help.

To be able to 3D print these without having to spend €200, the big models need to be hollow. These are the 3D models I need (STL file):

1. A high-detail 3D FeeCo Train (on rails) that resembles the original and is supported either by a simple tube (for the wiring) or supported by one of those towers the train track is supported by,
2. A FeeCo train cart on rails that fit together and on the train itself so I can print as many of them as I would like,
3. A FeeCo train cart on rails that fit with the other carts, but one that is also supported to the base plate by one of those 'towers', because elsewise it probably will just fall apart.
4. Optional: Small models of Abe and his friends for the base plate. Perhaps with textures because I am not sure if I have to skills to paint miniatures. It all depends on the resolution of the 3D printer, though.

If you have any experience with 3D printing or plastic models in general, please give me advice. For instance: should the big parts be printed in one piece or in smaller bits? Can the small detailed bits be printed at all? What material do these parts need to be made out of? Do you know any reliable 3D printing companies? Should I paint these or print them in colour? How big should this whole thing be for the best result? etc.

Also, if I am not mistaken, the famous LauricGK has already made a (almost perfect) 3D FeeCo Train and posted it on this forum years ago. At least Google Images led me there when I searched for "FeeCo Train 3D". Unfortunately I am not sure if he made it or someone else because the images are unavailable.



http://www.oddworldforums.net/showthread.php?t=20557

I humbly ask you guys to help me or give me suggestions. May this be a guide for others who would like to 3D print their own model.

Too long; didn't read: I would like to 3D print a FeeCo Train diorama. Need help. Please.

[Varrok]

I don't think LauricGK is gonna come back. His last post was from 2 years ago, and he also deleted his FB page and the web domain.

He didn't post the actual model files online. You can try looking for him on the web and contact him. If you managed to find him, maybe he'd share his knowledge

If that fails, the only thing you can do is learn 3D modelling+texturing, and make one of your own, based on the OWI concept and 3D print it. It's a lot of work, but if you really want it, it seems like the only reliable way.

Good luck!

[Xavier]

If that fails, the only thing you can do is learn 3D modelling+texturing, and make one of your own, based on the OWI concept and 3D print it. It's a lot of work, but if you really want it, it seems like the only reliable way.

Or you can try asking OWI for the model via twitter. They are usually very responsive.

[Varrok]

I doubt OWI's gonna just give away the model files.

[Rubino7]

That would be perfect, but just as Varrok said, I doubt they will give me the file. I could wait until JAW finishes Soulstorm and hope that there is a 3D version I can rip from there. In the meantime I have PM'ed Lauric on this forum. Unfortunately, I don't have the rights to send him an email and both his website (http://www.avecotone.com/) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/avecotone) are unaccessable to me.

[Vlam]

I doubt OWI's gonna just give away the model files.

"The files have been lost".

[Xavier]

I could wait until JAW finishes Soulstorm

That will take a while since they are not developing the game, Frima is.

[FrustratedAssassin]

That will take a while since they are not developing the game, Frima is.

I thought Frima was only working on the cutscenes? Since they're an animation studio? Didn't Lorne said the game is being developed in-house at OWI this time?

[Rubino7]

I am running out of ways to contact him. I have even tried Deviantart of all places.

[Varrok]

Maybe he quit internet.

[Rubino7]

All right. No answer. If someone would be amazing enough to make them then that would be nice. Otherwise I will either wait for Soulstorm to be released and try to rip the models from there or I will teach myself how to model the train.

[LauricGK]

Hey guys :-)

How lucky I am to see your msg ! I visited Deviantart and I've been connected automatically - which led me to your PM. And here. Very sorry for the late answer...
I do not visit this forum anymore (really sorry about that, so much good memories I have here...) and indeed my FB page and website are down at the moment. It's been a while yeah but that's because I'm working on new versions :-) I can't publish my work now because since my very last message on this forum I joined the VFX industry and I'm currently working on movies, which is something I'm really proud of. It's been a long and hard journey to get there !
Seeing again this thread here is a real pleasure :-)

So about your thread now, thank you for your interest and congratulations for this really nice project :-) It's been 8 months since you posted this so I would be curious to see the result if you ever managed to get one, but I'm sure you did.

About the 3D model ; please note that the big picture your posted is not from me. I don't know where you found this one but it's not mine, sorry :-)
Some other people already asked me the 3D model but I'll repeat : I can't publish my file as the model is not 3D-printing friendly. You'll end up with a huge mess and bugs if you use it. Really sorry about that mate !

I hope you all are okay :-)

See you !

EDIT: I updated my email address in my user panel so from now I'll be notified when I receive a PM

[Skibur]

Hi,
The Fee Co. Train is in the screenshot is mine, but unfortunately it's about 7 years old now, and not really optimised for 3D printing.
Thanks for saying it was 'almost perfect', though

[Varrok]

Hey, I remember this thread!

I don't think Rubino7 is here with us anymore (and I don't mean that he died), but if you private message him, he might get an email that somebody message him and get online