I thinks there is a slight misunderstanding. I have no intention of distributing these models or molds. Also, I have no problem spending 400-800 dollars to buy an ho model I want, produce a mold of it, shrink it, produce all the n scale versions of that engine that me and my friends want, rebuild the ho engine, paint it and turn around and sell the ho engine for 400-800 dollars. Dont you guys get tired of depending/ begging the mfgs to producea specific model and sending you money to china
Actually the locomotive I was serious about is about to be released in N scale. As far as I know the HO version is still on hold. You are still sending money to China if you purchase the mechanical bits. If you are machining the chassis and other bits her then why not take into full production.
You are correct I am still sending money to china, but mostly japan. And no I don't like it, but what little I have accomplished makes me feel better. I don't have to hope and beg for a specific non-USRA steam engine to be produced and there is something very rewarding about building your own engine. Ps I would never invest the money to go into production, from what I have seem people only gripe and complain. I admire people like Matt from fox valley
For what it is worth - our experience is 98% positive, and when people complain, it has nearly always been our fault! My experience of manufacturing and marketing to N Scalers is much more positive than in our other operations, where things are not so co-operative or supportive. I have enjoyed my work with N Scale intermodal and flat cars, and hope to do so for a longtime yet. I would encourage folks to carry on and develop our scale by widening the range of models as much as possible. Peter Peter Harris N Scale Kits www.nscalekits.com
$400-800 for a N scale C-415? HHHHMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM Now you got me thinking. I might be willing to shell out that kind of coin for a one-of-a-kind loco. Lord knows when some mfg will get off their duff and make on in N scale.
Shapeways What are your thoughts on, or has anyone tried the online 3D printing service Shapeways? I've seen a lot of Z scale on there, not as much N scale, and most of it European. I think they are based out of the UK, but I did read somewhere that they have a facility in the US now.
"What are your thoughts on, or has anyone tried the online 3D printing service Shapeways?" This has already been touched on earlier in this thread, as well as in others. I know Brian B. has done some items using Shapeways and if a person knows how to to CAD drawings (really wish that I did!!!) it would be a viable option to consider for bringing all sorts of products out, not just locomotives.
I've designed a few models and ordered them through Shapeways. They are due to arrive soon and I will be selling them in TrainStore! Have a peek at the Telescopic Boom Lift here. The 3D prints I've received are all excellent, and I plan to do much much more! As mentioned, Brian (Sierra117) has also been designing some very cool things: http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?132142-I-opened-a-shop-on-Shapeways! I haven't heard from him in a while though...
