After learning OpenSCAD basics in a previous project, I set out to build a toy Toronto TTC subway car for Brio-compatible wooden train tracks.
I stumbled on a simple drawing of the TTC H6, and started tracing the simple features in Inkscape, exporting the shapes to OpenSCAD, and adding depth to the design. For more information about the TTC H6, visit the Canadian Public Transportation Board’s page.
I haven’t worked in 3D at all before, and I was looking for a simple project.
As with the Brio/Duplo wagon, I was thinking about what was within my ability, and not commercially available. I decided I would try to build a custom tire valve stem cap with my daughters’ school logo (a polar bear).
I have been excited about the potential for 3D printing for quite some time.
Shortly after our local library acquired a couple 3D printers, I took the mandatory course, where we were taught the two primary rules of printing at the library:
Rule #1) Don’t touch the heating element Rule #2) Don’t print guns
Course completed, I started to think about applications. What can’t you just buy, what makes sense to print?
Shortly after breakfast on July 1st, Tegan picked up a recently discarded brown cardboard box sitting beside our recycle bin. She had a vision in mind: she wanted to build a rocket ship. She needed some assistance - the cardboard box was too thick to cut with her scissors. So she created a design.
After lunch, the girls and I hopped on the subway and headed to the Canada Day events hosted at Queen’s Park. We ended up having a great time - there were free bouncy castles, live music, hula hoops, and more.
But I thought the coolest activity was the build and test your own air rocket, hosted by Makerkids.
The children were given pipe insulation for the rocket’s body, and duck tape, scissors, cardboard, streamers, and everything else you would need to complete an air rocket.
I do. Even in an era of smartphones and data plans, every once in a while, I find myself searching for open WiFi hotspots.
Who else does? I set out to find out. I built a WiFi hotspot that served up an open-to-everyone community wall.
