There are several factors to consider when deciding on good sites to use for 3D models, factoring in important points like budget and the user’s level of experience with 3D printing.

• Cost: Are files free or for a fee?
• File types: What 3D file types are supported?
• Target users: Is it geared towards new or more advanced users?
• Selection: How wide is the available selection of files and images?

Now that we know what we’re looking for, let’s see the best of what’s out there! Note that we put the list in alphabetical order; the placement on the list isn’t meant to indicate a ranking.

CGTrader provides an online market primarily for computer graphics professionals, as well as for buyers and sellers of 3D print models. Something special about CGTrader is that it allows for direct communication with the model’s designer after you’ve paid for a model. This can be helpful if you have a lot of specific questions about your model or are experimenting with some new procedures.

They have a wide selection of train-related files, including some unique items like a highly detailed New York City subway station model.

• Cost: Although there are free files, the majority of available files are paid
• File types: FBX, BLEND, OBJ, STL, MTL, and more
• Target users: While newbies can absolutely use CGTrader, it’s geared more to the seasoned user or professional who is willing to pay
• Selection: Moderate-high, over 200 models

Cults provides a convenient platform where you can vastly expand your model train printing, as both a social forum and marketplace (including a wide array of free printables). For fans around the world, it’s worth noting that they accept a wide variety of currencies for their paid files.

You’ll find items such as accessories for your train stations and landscapes, children’s toy train models, track parts, and many more. You can also connect with fellow model train enthusiasts on the Cults forums.

• Cost: Many models are free, but some premium items require a small fee
• File types: STL (users can also include their original models from the many 3D modeling programs)
• Target users: All levels
• Selection: Very high, over 2,000 models

GrabCAD is a community designed for the collaborative sharing of CAD files. Initially aimed at designers and their teams, as it allows for files to be worked on by multiple people simultaneously. Still, anyone interested in finding models can find the site useful.

For those interested in renders of trains, railways, and their components, GrabCAD offers a wealth of open-source files from programs such as Maya, SolidWorks, and Vectorworks to explore.

• Cost: Free
• File types: JPG, AVI, PNG, STEP, STL, and more
• Target users: Aimed at professionals but is available to the public
• Selection: High, over 250 models

What makes MyMiniFactory particularly special for your model railway needs is that its files are (at least in word) guaranteed to be printable for any standard 3D desktop printer. The community is also fairly active, with lots of likes and feedback for many models.

The files available for train enthusiasts frequently come with detailed instructions and ideas from their creators, giving users an excellent leg up in printing anything from a children’s wooden train track connector to a miniature house for railway scenery.

• Cost: Most are free, with some files requiring a small fee to download
• File types: STL (users can also include their original models from the many 3D modeling programs)
• Target user: All levels
• Selection: High, over 300 models

Pinshape is known as a community website, for both designers and users of files for 3D printing. Designers can set prices for their work or offer them free of charge. User forums and a blog allow Pinshape visitors to learn more about 3D printing and share ideas.

For model railway printing, Pinshape is a rich resource, with many items available either for download or via a direct browser-to-printer function for immediate printing. Not only will you find some fun inspiration for trains and their parts, but also accessories such as figurines and landscape pieces. While Pinshape doesn’t have as large of a database as some other sites for model railways, the available pieces indicate usage and feedback.

• Cost: Some files are free, others range in price depending on size and complexity ($1-$50)
• File type: STL
• Target users: Easy to use and navigate for all users
• Selection: Moderate, about 200 models

Run by Prusa Research, the manufacturer of the popular i3 MK3S printer, the PrusaPrinters site offers makers and creators an active forum for finding new projects to print. For those looking to print model railway components, it’s an excellent resource.

In particular, there’s a wide range of files for those who are aficionados of wooden railways like Brio trains as well as Lego trains.

• Cost: Free
• File types: GCODE, STL (users can also include their original models from the many 3D modeling programs)
• Target users: All levels
• Selection: High, over 300 models

A paradise for many 3D makers, Thingiverse provides a centralized platform for sharing designs. The site also actively encourages Remixes, so users can improve or customize existing projects. Of all the sites on this list, it easily has the most active makers, with common postings of “Makes” (prints of another maker’s model).

On Thingiverse, you’ll find a veritable cornucopia of train paraphernalia, and the majority of popular files contain practical tips from their creators as well as active feedback from current users.

• Cost: Free
• File types: STL (users can also include their original models from the many 3D modeling programs)
• Target users: Good choice for all levels of makers
• Selection: Moderate-high, over 200 models

A very popular open-source software for 3D modeling, Tinkercad offers some inspiration for 3D printing downloads, as well as Minecraft downloads for model railway fans. For example, a Thomas the Tank Engine prototype or a Victorian-era railway station.

While there is a very limited range of model railway possibilities to be found on Tinkercad, it can be an intimidating place to start. Designed to help pave the way for users to explore the world of 3D modeling, it’s a user-friendly website and option for finding and modifying models.

• Cost: Free
• File types: STL, OBJ, STV
• Target user: Great for beginners, not as relevant for more advanced users
• Selection: Low, ~10 train or railway specific models, but a wide variety of other models for additional scenery

Specializing in the sale of stock 3D models for graphics, TurboSquid is primarily targeted towards professionals using the site for model sale brokerage. But don’t let that stop you from using it as a resource for your own 3D modeling projects.

With an impressive spread of international train renderings and models, you’ll be spoiled for choice with some of the most up-to-date trains as well as renderings of antique locomotives and other railway elements.

• Cost: A fairly wide range from free to high cost, but the majority are paid
• File types: OBJ, FBX, 3DS
• Target user: Professionals
• Selection: Very high, over 2,500 models

YouMagine is a vast forum for 3D printing, with files available to easily download and share, as well as plenty of remixes.

For model train fans, there’s a nice variety of parts, elements, scenery props, and train pieces to explore. Although the selection is not quite as vast as some other sites, nearly every item has numerous downloads.

• Cost: Free
• File types: STL, GCODE, SKP
• Target users: User-friendly for all levels
• Selection: Low, about 100 models