Modular Road Tiles #
Last year I released the initial version of my modular road tiles. I finally (a few months ago) got a test set printed and learned several things:
- I should probably consider getting my own printer at some point, even for limited usage like this.
- The initial tests fit together well and loo to be a ‘generous’ size for 12mm/1:144 layouts. A basic ’tile’ can easily hold a couple small buildings now!
- The initial tiles had limited vertical differentiation.
So I’ve revised these primarily looking at the last bullet point above. I added a small (.5mm) elevation to the ‘curbs’ and ‘sidewalk’ aspects. I’m hopeful this will help make them look a bit better.
I’ve also changed my version numbering to the YEARMONTHDATE format, so 20260314 is it for now.
License #
These 3d object files are distributed with no warranty or expressed use. They are not licensed for commercial use including AI training.
Tile Inventory #
The current tiles are listed below:
| Tile | Ver | Description | Size | Files |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tile | 20260314 | Basic tile acting as a base for buildings and similar. | 150mm x 150mm | Tiles20260314Tile,_Square_(150mx150m).stl (101k) |
| Road | 20260314 | Standard Road segment. | 110mm x 50mm | Tiles20260314Road_(110m_x_50m).stl (44k) |
| Corner | 20260314 | Simple corner. | 70mm x 70mm | Tiles20260314Corner_(70mx70m).stl (39k) |
| Four Way | 20260314 | Four Way Intersection. | 90mm x 90mm | Tiles20260314Four_Way_(90mx90m).stl (48k) |
| Tee | 20260314 | Three Way 'T' intersection. | 90mm x 70mm | Tiles20260314Tee_(90mx70m).stl (32k) |
Please note the 20260314 release has a two part extra wide tile that is not currently in this release. I pulled this as it is exporting oddly for some reason and I don’t currently have time to troubleshoot the issue.
Future Projects #
I have some ideas for additional expansions:
- “Short” road: Right now the ‘Double Wide Tile’ is somewhat dependent on the ‘T’ intersection which limits its usage. Adding a short road (90mm x 50mm) would help bridge this and allow long streets consisting of two normal roads and a short road.
- Traffic Circle: This would likely need to be another multi-part but essentially make a 2x2 arrangement of Tiles with Roads between them and a Four Way in the center… Then modify it to more closely resemble a traffic circle formation, cutting into the Tiles to give the road time to breath. Traffic circles can have interesting line-of-sight breaking ornaments in the center ranging from small hills and fountains to entire buildings (See historic Annapolis!) and beyond.
- Connection to Overpass: I was working on an overpass design to add terrain with the rare overhanging detail. I’d like to add in a piece that ramps up 2-3 inches to the height of an elevated roadway.
- Tiles with added details like water features, construction sites, etc.
- May move the files to a 3d model hosting service, although currently it’s a pretty minimal set of files.
- Get several sets printed and detailed. Add a gallery to this page.
My Blender Skills are… #
Slightly improved, but Blender is of a complexity where I feel like I forget a lot when I’m not actively able to use it regularly.
