A Modular Mill

This is a set of STL files that users can print out, and put together as a mill, warehouse, etc. in any number of configurations. It has been designed to make assembly as easy as possible.

It will appear on Cults3d...


All the parts are sized for N gauge, but can be readily scaled up to TT, HO or OO.  For this example I will be making a small, low relief warehouse in OO. 

Ground floor pieces are taller; the STL files all start "bottom".

All other storeys are the same size, and you can have as many as you want, or none at all. I am just having one. The STL files all start "middle".

The top is just a wall, and you need one for each column. The STL files start "top".

I printed the parts upright, except for joins, which I did on their side. Here then are the bits I printed out, laid out where they will end up (as first planned anyway).


To put them together, assemble in columns, face up, from top to bottom. Use a straight piece of wood to ensure they align straight.


Top and middle pieces have a joiner that the piece below can rest on. This is the view from the back, showing how they overlap. Note the lump sticking out of the wall (far right of image) - this is so the top section lies flat when on its back (you may want to remove it once the column is assembled). Each section has a ridge at the bottom to ensure it is the same height when lying on its back. This does mean even the back needs to be cleaned up. 


This gave me a set of columns.


Columns are joined with... joiners. There are top, middle and bottom joiners. There are also corner joiners. At the point I have glued in the straight joiners, but not the corners.


And then I added the corners to assemble the whole building. I also added a roof, made of card. Some of my prints had not formed quite right, in particular the longer joiners warped a bit, so I had a bit of filling into do.


Then it was sprayed and painted.







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