In my career I had the pleasure of working with a host of Computer Aided Design software programs. I always enjoyed creating CAD drawings and when I retired I continued to make drawings just for the enjoyment.  About six years ago a friend purchased a 3D printer for me in the interest of a project that he had in mind.  Long story short, the project came up short but I then realized that not only could I draw things I could then make the things I was drawing. That is how I got started modelling with 3D printers.     

The earliest of my attempts to model from Julius de Waal plans is that of the Julian Steam Traction Engine. That model showed the early steep part of the learning curve but I think I have gotten quite a bit better over the years.

Here is a list of the models (not in order) that I have created from Julius de Waal plans: 

1. C.P. Huntington (qty 2)

2. Leeuwenhoek  (one of my largest and favorite models)

3. The Rocket (early)

4.  Stirling Traction Engine

5.  Buffalo Springfield Steam Roller (latest model)

6.  Julian steam traction engine (early)

7.  American Hudson 4-4-0 engines (qty 2 – modelled very loosely after two engines that met at Promontory Summit Utah to drive the golden spike and complete the transcontinental railroad)

8.  NS SIK Dutch shunter engine

9.  1908 Pumper Fire Engine.

In all of my steam engine models I attempted to make all of the drive shaft and steam valve (cams) components functional (sans pistons and valves).

The scale I was building to (generally 50% of Julius de Waal plans) made it difficult to achieve this. The further along in the assembly I would get the more the intolerances would compound and at least partially defeat my goal. That said, I think I definitely push the envelope in the 3D printing of these models.