Finding non Toylike 3d Print Files

[basementcalling]

I was searching both for the possibility someone had already created files for a Liebherr mobile harbor crane model that I could use as a centerpiece for a new port based layout. I must be doing something wrong, because my results on Tinkercad and Thingverse were the most toylike, unrealistic looking pieces of junk I think I've ever seen. They were like finding Brio blocks when you expect LEGOs. I'd prefer to find a file that is usable at my local library 3d print lab or makerverse location, as I have no plans to jump into home 3d printing yet.

I did find this on CG Trader, but have no idea if that is a trustworthy site or not. https://www.cgtrader.com/3d-models/vehicle/industrial-vehicle/liebherr-lhm-500-mobile-harbour-crane-low-poly-3d-model

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I'm a complete neophyte when it comes to 3d printing, so this is more of an attempt to measure if creating a model of this type of crane is feasibly within the realm of possibility. I'd like to find a happy medium between commissioning someone to print or make a model for me vs wasting lots of time and resin learning to make my own.

Throwing this idea out to the collective for suggestions on how to get better results for my efforts.

[Scottl]

I'm pretty new at this as well.

I would say you can print probably almost anything, but like building from scratch materials, complex designs need to be designed and printed as components that build up to a larger design.  I would see the crane you posted as a series of prints.  Identify the main components, design them and print them.  Resin is cheap

Some people post complex, high quality designs online for free download.  I have printed many spaceship models for my son this way- it seems to be cultural for gamers to do this.  I learned a lot about printing and supports doing this, so it was well worth my effort.

[John]

The file you showed doesn't seem to lend itself for printing ..

Sometimes you just need to roll your own - tinkercad is a good place to start, others have done real nice stuff in fusion360 ..  the crane you show is just a set of geometric shapes ..

I need a material stacker for a location on my layout .. none exist .. so .. to the drawing board ..

[samusi01]

Just like @John said - I'd be very cautious before purchasing that beautiful crane model. Most of the cgtrader models are oriented towards rendering, games, etc., and as such aren't designed for or intended to be printed.

Whilst it appears fairly simple, I'd probably not recommend a project like this as an intro to 3d design, but you do you...

[Chris333]

None of those files are STL files for printing. There is no way to view each 3D part/piece to see what you're getting. Low Poly sort of means low resolution.

[mu26aeh]

Most files I've found useful for N scale are from cults3D.  Most of the files I find are drawn in HO scale, some have scaled down to N well, others not so much.  I usually try to message the designer to see if anyone else has bought files and tried printing in N scale or not.

[Scottl]

I downloaded a bunch of free n scale vehicle models from Thangs and they printed (mostly) well.  Some had terrific details. 

[GGNInNScale]

Cults3D and Thingiverse are pretty good for detailed stuff.  Many files are free, some you might pay a few bob to the author and the site (split).  There are several REALLY good designers on these sites.