I am considering buying a couple of models from the Shapeways site but while it has generated a lot of buzz, I guess I just haven't seen much "finished product" so I just wanted to put a call out for photos of any models you have bought and finished "layout ready". Also any comments about your experiences with the whole process. I am blown away by the "theory and potential" but I have concerns about durability and especially with the feasibility of an actual freight car. Here are some of the things (n-scale) I've seen that I'm considering: 1. Trackmobile (Stony) - this one is kind of the catalyst, as the Trinity plant I am modeling has something similar and I thought it would make a great static detail. 2. Auto Frame load (Stony) - this one appears to be maybe an older style of rack, different than what I've seen and want to model but probably wouldn't be that noticeable. (maybe there's one that's closer to http://www.krunk.org/~joeshaw/pics/ttx/fttx/fttx974669-auto-frames.jpg out there?) Close to $40 to equip one flat....definitely would be worth it but might hold out for the correct style of rack. And obviously would love to see one finished. 3. MOW equipment (Lou/Round Mountain Models) - thought I would pick one or two pieces up while I was at it 4. Ballast Car (Stony) - this one is why I'm asking the question. It is based on a BNSF car and I would be very interested but, hard to commit to it without knowing a little more or perhaps seeing one in action. Thanks!
Hi Doug. Stony was my mentor in the ways of the 3d modelling and got me my start in Shapeways and I can tell you from personally owning a few of his Z scale models that they look quite nice. I have a few that are painted black (no decals yet) that I would be more than happy to take pictures of and post later. I can also show you one of my Z scale centerbeam flat cars that has not had anything done to it if you would like to see how they look on arrival. Keep in mind that the pics I will post are Z scale and if they look that good in Z, the N scale will look even better. I can also post a comparison picture of a small building I made in both N and Z scale if you would like as well.
Here's the CG N scale Ventilated Boxcar. More can be found here. http://www.shapeways.com/model/395098/ventilated_boxcar_2_pack.html?gid=ug http://www.shapeways.com/model/395066/ventilated_boxcar.html?gid=ug
well here is my chassis that can be used on athearn bombardier cars ( and my Hyundai rothem in progress ) here is a drawing that i used to 3d print it ... pics are of the installed chassis for use with kato inside bearing trucks ( for lights and cab lights and sound ) the chassis is actually for this hyundai coach .... ( in progress.... )
Here are some pictures of a couple of Krauss Maffei locomotives I did for a customer. I was very happy with how the paint and decals went on, the plastic finish was a little rough when viewed up close. Doug www.parkerlocoworks.com
I have spent most of 2013 focused on 3d printing projects, mostly N scale trucks and trailers. I have also purchased hundreds of my own designs, and have sold hundreds as well. My blog is full of examples, and commentary about the whole process from design, working with the raw models, to finishing. www.nscaleaddiction.blogspot.com HuskerN www.nscaleaddiction.blogspot.com www.shapeways.com/shops/NScaleAddict
The potential of this technology is obvious, but it is not quite there yet for me if I'm looking for a model that calls for a totally smooth surface (which I can see by the above pics is already improving). I figure another 2-3 years and this technology is going to change the hobby forever.
Here is an Admiral Cab I picked up from Shapeways. A fine piece of sandpaper smoothed out the roughness on the cab. I don't mind scratchbuilding, but this cab was ready for details and paint, and it's details are crisp. So I prefer it.
This is a South Boulder Modelworks S4 I put together (it was one of the first completed), the kit was excellent and the whole experience was great. Wait time after ordering was a little long but not too bad. The detail was good and the everything went together perfectly with little fitting. FUD glues well with CA and, although this model met its fate on a concrete floor (restoration is on hold due to a move), I would say the material is very durable. I used this locomotive for daily operations for quite some time with no handrail breakage or other problems. I am scabbing what is left of it together with an S2 I got from Matthew (the designer) to get it back into operation. This is a South Boulder Modelworks NKP 1000 series caboose kit I am also working on, as time allows. Again it is well made and I expect it to be more than durable enough for daily operations. It is also FUD and the details are holding up quite well. I hope this helps.
Husker, they all look pretty good. I'm noting a distinct lack of mirrors. Also, it appears that the Pete 387's windshield is sloping back too much. I drove one for close to 6 months, don't recall that much slope. Will you be doing pipe sets for the aero tractors? They still got pipes.... Finally, a question for all: what the heck does "FUD" mean in this context?
"FUD" is short-hand for Shapeways printing material called "Frosted Ultra Detail." Of all the materials Shapeways can print in, it's the one that can produce the highest level of detail - so for us 1:160 guys, that's the stuff we're typically printing with. -Mike
The mirrors on the 387 could actually be printed and I am considering adding this as a separate detail in my print file. For the other common style, there are etched details available, which I just haven't gotten around to adding to my own models. Yes, I know the 387 has pipes like all other trucks, and again, I was just too quick with my photos, and hadn't added this detail yet. As far as making pipe sets, I don't plan to make them available. I am just using brass wire and tube to make my mufflers and straight pipes. I never planned to take this printing addiction this far, but it just makes sense that after all the work that goes into the CAD files, I might as well make them available to the rest of the N scale world. Shapeways makes it pretty easy to do that. I have spent almost all of 2013 designing and finishing models, so many of the models I have photographed still could use some detail before I will call them "complete". I simply haven't had the time to devote to the finishing, since I am too busy with the design. HuskerN
Hi Like Husker I have spent over a year doing not much else so need to slow down on the drawing front but so many projects to do. Pictures of some of my printed models. Apologies for the standard of the pictures, I should really get some better ones sorted and get some painting done. Horizon car, uses Kato trucks. [Coach and Diner versions both in both versions of the end doors] BQ23-7 cab that fits an Atlas shell. [3 versions available with the different window configurations.] DE60LF bus, component parts and assembled with cranked bellows. [4 other NFI buses available] CNSM MD car with printed under frame and trucks. [Alll 3 MD car versions available] CNSM Interurban Diner [17 steel interurban car versions available plus under frames and trucks] CNSM battery loco with printed under frame and trucks [latest model]
