For this early project I went to a local train museum and scanned the step using a structured light scanner as well as took pictures and basic measurements. I did prototype models out of sheet metal and also a cast version that had draft like the original. After reviewing and revising my cast version with the client, we decided to have the part 3D printed from Shapeways (www.shapeways.com) in black Nylon. We only needed one pair of steps so it didn’t make sense to have the part investment cast. The part is too big cast from a low temperature metal in a rubber mold. The final part was painted black and is show mounted on the client’s 1/8 scale model train.