the equipment from the Maser Compa- ny’s SUV. It consisted of a Leica C10 Laser Scanner,
several heavy-duty
tripods and some metal discs that Kevin explained were targets for the scanner to read as reference points. These targets were set up in a perime- ter around the locomotive. While we watched, Kevin explained
to all of us the versatility of 3-D scan- ning and its applications. It seems the scanner gathers geometric information of every exposed surface within its field of view. It then stores this infor- mation in a “point cloud,” which is a gathering place for digital data about the shapes of physical surfaces. After performing multiple scans, they are combined to give a description of the object in multiple dimensions. These descriptions are based on the distance from the scanner to the object. The distances are created and calcu- lated by sending thousands of laser light beams out of the scanner and timing them to the object and back to the scan- ner. The time-of-flight for the pulses of light are measured in picoseconds. The amount of data gathered in a relatively short period of time is enormous. Once the object is thoroughly scanned, the computer can then collate the data us- ing the reference points from the targets to lock it all into registration and make it available for a variety of uses. Today the 3-D scans are used for en- gineering, construction and fabrication analysis. Kevin related how 3-D scans were being used for surveys of bridges, roads, tunnels and buildings, and are
RAILROAD MODEL CRAFTSMAN
becoming commonplace. He also told us that they have applications for forensic evidence in crime scenes and structural disasters. Archiving art ob- jects and famous historic buildings are also possible, as are special effects for the movie industry. We moved the scanner to four differ- ent locations that day. In each location, the scanner was leveled first, locked into the targeted reference points, and allowed to pivot to gather data. Next, a regular digital camera was used to give another layer of definition to the scans. While Kevin was busy operating the scanner, Bill Schaumburg shot a num- ber of photographs of the scanning set- up and process around the locomotive and John Earley video taped the pro- ceedings
for the Carstens website:
www.rrmodelcraftsman.com. Once the data was gathered, we packed up our gear for the drive back to Fredon. This was most likely the second 3-D scan of a locomotive so far, but the first in the United States and certainly a first for the RMC staff. Years ago, when laser-cutting parts for model kits was the newest thing, it made a big difference in the quality of structure models. I recall thinking how soon there would be many companies using laser-cut parts and indeed this has happened. The 3-D scanning we wit- nessed in Whippany has the possibility of pioneering more accurate applica- tions for tooling of locomotives, rolling stock and structure kits and models. RMC would like to thank the staff of Whippany Railway Museum
the 67
(
www.WhippanyRailwayMuseum.net) for their cooperation and hospitality and also to Kevin Hanna of Maser Consult- ing P.A. (
www.maserconsulting.com) for his expertise and patience in sharing this technology with us.
Laser scanning L
aser scanning technology is be- ing used worldwide as the pri- mary source of data for fabrica-
tion and reverse engineering of large and small parts. For the production of small, hard to find parts in the model train industry, it is perfect. Parts
can
now be digitally recorded with highly accurate laser scanners and digitally recorded for replication in scale. A process called direct digital manu-
Direct digital manufacturing eliminates molding, machining, cast- ing and forming. Instead of material re- moval or shaping, a part is produced by adding material one layer at a time. If you would like to find out more about laser scanning and DDM, please con- tact me at khanna@maserconsulting .com.—KEVIN HANNA Kevin Hanna is a professionally li- censed surveyor who specializes in high definition surveying and meas- urement technology
facturing (DDM) or 3-D printing is used in combination with laser scanning to produce replacement and prototype parts.
. He has extensive
experience with laser scanning and has been a speaker at many profes- sional and International events.
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