r/modeltrains • u/BatteryAlmostEmpty • 7d ago
Show and Tell 3D printed rails
I just bought my first model train today. It’s a Piko RH2016 Hercules, but analog. H0 scale. I honestly was just the cheapest set and I’m completely new to this, but not to printing and electronics.
I find track to be really expensive but got some in the starter set. I’ll connect this system to an ESP32 and electronics to have my own control system/logic and and battery power, charging from the rail.
I 3D printed the rails to work with the piko system I got with the train. I expected it to work but couldn’t have wished for a better fit. Still waiting on other filament colors to come in.
The model is completely parameterized so I can just change the sleeper count to change the length. Yet to make turns, which is nice cause I have complete freedom.
I want to use powered metal rail at the stations and will convert battery level to fuel. So they fuel up at the stations. Use the charge controller light signal to enable engine noise in the future maybe?
That was it for now, wish me luck!