The awesome RC models you 3D print yourself (3DSets)

These remote control models from 3DSets can be printed, built and even driven. Here is what you need to know.

Usually when making a model car, plane, boat or whatever you would buy a kit, try to assemble the pieces without gluing your fingers together and then paint the finished result. Which, in my case, resembled a mangled explosion of plastic.

Now there is a new way of doing things – and it involves 3D printing. Instead of simply cutting out the pieces to put together, you can print them yourself using the likes of the Prusa MK3S+ 3D printer and cheaper alternatives.

Why bother? Because for one thing 3D printing is enjoyable and also because you can choose the material colour and other properties, thanks to the sheer selection of 3D printer plastics available.

For high strength usage you could print PC with carbon fibre strands. Or use PETG for temperature resistance. TPU, meanwhile, is as flexible (but not as grippy) as rubber. Or simply use a fancy PLA that glows in the dark or changes from one colour to another for bling.

Not only that, the nature of 3D printed files allow you to scale the model up or down in case you want a mini or giant version. If anything breaks, well you can simply print that particular piece or pieces again.

3DSets: Paying for precision

The 3DSets.com models are not free. But then they are some of the most detailed and complete on the internet. Well designed with decent instructions, the end result is sturdy, pleasing to look at and mechanically complicated.

There are four model types to choose between: The ‘Buggy‘ is a beach-loving VW Beetle, while the ‘Bamboo 4×4′ is a Toyota FJ40 4×4 off-roader. Both are available in various forms such as open-top or hardtop.

There is also a Jeep Wrangler. What I went for, however, having deliberated for hours, was the ‘Landy Hardtop‘ (pictured). Partly because of the Land Rover Defender’s iconic status, but also because I think it looks great.

Each set is at around 1:8 scale and includes all the 3D parts necessary for assembly – and the size and number of them ensures it is possible to keep your 3D printer busy for at least two weeks as it melts around 3kg of plastic.

The use of a Prusa MK3 is recommended, but any FDM type printer (not the resin type) can do the job if the build area is sufficiently large. Just expect more effort in setting a printer up that is not from Prusa.

What if you get bored?

Should you tire of your current 3DSets model, it is possible to print accessories or modify the model. Either bought from 3DSets.com, or using one of the many 3D model websites such as Cults 3D.

Simply find and download the .stl file you like and then load it into 3D print slicer software such as PrusaSlicer. Then hope the model is up to the job of being printed or learn how to make it that way. Trust me when I say this can be a painfully slow job.

One accessory example on the 3DSets website is to print skis for the Buggy, turning it into a snow-friendly bug. There is also a kit that swaps the off-road vibe for on-road racing. Fat tyres, lower suspension and all that good stuff.

Turning a 3D model into something printable is no easy feat, especially for complicated designs that feature the running gear for a remote control servo, motor and battery.

Factoring in the adjustments to allow for screw holes, disassembly of the model for a more involving build process and creating a remote control drivetrain and you can see why 3DSets.com says its models took around a year to create.

Of course, one of the big pluses of 3D printing is that stuff is usually free. But then the quality and effort of the 3DSets.com offerings make it justifiable. You get doors that open and close, an actual multi-speed gearbox and steering and there is nothing to stop you from building it again and again. It is purely limited by your effort and how much plastic you can afford.

You do, however, need to buy some separate parts such as the motor, tyres, suspension and bearings. This bumps up the cost noticeably (but also adds to the satisfaction).

But then there is no need to make it a remote control car. You could just 3D print and give it a permanent home on a shelf. Complete with the satisfaction that comes from the 3D printing process.

Future models?

When speaking to 3DSets, I was told to expect a new “entry model” with “reduced complexity” will arrive within the next two months. Likely to be priced cheaper, I would expect this model to use less plastic and provide an easier assembly rocess. Maybe it will even work with 3D printers that have a smaller build area such as the Prusa Mini.

The plan is to build my Landy Hardtop myself using some fancy 3D printing plastics. When that is done I shall show it off on A Tribe Called Cars. So feel free to pop back in the near future.