No , I got the same response with my FMs, within a couple of days of that response I got notification that the models have shipped. Randy
Interesting, is that happening to everyone then? After the first model successfully prints the file should be tagged as "printable" and you shouldn't have any more issues. I ordered one which should ship in the next few days and haven't heard anything...
Maybe its someone at Shapeways with a mean sense of humor. Lots of folks know how much I've wanted these modles the last 20 years, I'm thinking they sent that knowing that I'd probably drink too much Vodka and write rambling manifestos... Randy
GOOD NEWS !! I soaked the FM H10-44 shell overnight in Bestine , then a scrubbed the shell with a stiff brush and soaked it again . The Scalecoat paint dried overnight ! I guess the real secret is to get the shell clean for good paint adhesion . Pay special attention to the stepwells , thats where alot of the wax likes to hide . Randy
You actually might not be too far off the mark with that analysis - "printability" is pretty subjective, a lot comes down to the disposition of the guy running the machine that day. Good to hear! Bestine really is the most effective cleaner I've come across...
Wonder if you could use the Bestine in an ultrasonic cleaner. If it is usable it should provide for far less scrubbing on the part of the modeler.
I'd be concerned about the fumes if nothing else, but I suppose if you had a really well ventilated space (outdoors maybe?)...
This past month I've had three orders cancelled! All different designs. All of which have been ordered and printed dozens of times previously. I'm also receiving orders with many missing parts. And this last time one of the my pickles cars was only half printed! Clearly they placed it on the boundary of the printer and it only printed about 4/5ths of the part! I don't know what's going on there, but it's really starting to frustrate me. Anyways, great shell Matthew! And awesome paint job Randy!
Thanks for the compliments.. I was thinking how nice an AB set of AS616s would look in this scheme !! Randy
Thanks! As for the odd cancellations, it's good to hear that it isn't just me - I was beginning to think I was going crazy! - I'm starting to suspect that Shapeways might be in the process of bringing new FUD contractors into the mix (and that we might be seeing the growing pains). The emails that I have received from them in regards to the canceled FMs have made no sense whatsoever (citing "extremely thin walls" as the rejection criteria when the walls indicated are almost double the minimum, for example)... Hmm, might be time for me to start searching for an atlas rsd... Yes, but less conclusive than I would have liked... I'm going to release an update here soon (minor tweaks - like adding optional nose mounted bells to the H-10). Hopefully I'll fix some problems in the process...
Just remember that while Shapeways uses FUD to mean "Frosted Ultra Detail," the more traditional meaning of the acronym is "Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt"...
Matthew, Can you add the fan and grill work to the roof near the front of the locomotive? FYI, I received mine last Thursday and didn't have any problems with ordering from Shapeways like some others are having.
Well... perhaps the printer isn't completely off the mark on that statemet. The rear cab thickness is quite thin. One of my three FM shells has a crack in the rear surface of the cab... which is causing the rear platform and steps to curve downward. This is definately not a shipping issue... these model are shipped in an oversize box with ample bubblewrap to prevent damage. It appears to be a bad print run which created an overly thin layer that cracked when handled. They should not have sent it out as it was... and probably should have printed a new one. The other two shells look perfect. I will probably be able to fix the crack and hopefully it will be strong enough to handle impact of coupling and uncoupling. In any event... it will not be returned (if that is even possible). BTW... I did get an initial email from Shapeways that stated they were 'checking out' the print file for problems and 'to wait for a confirmation'... which that confirmation came within hours of the first email. I'm wondering if they found issues like the one I'm describing above as a reason for cancelling other orders.
I learned something interesting about the FUD material. Saturday night I soaked the H10-44 parts in naphtha (closest I could find to Bestine). Sunday, I sprayed the parts with a citrus based cleaner (Orange Blast), scrubbed with an old toothbrush, rinsed thoroughly, and set them aside to dry. This morning, the parts had turned from translucent to white! It must have been the citrus-based cleaner. The plastic doesn't seem to be softened or damaged; it just changed color. I can see this project is going to be an adventure.
That's the plan! Hmm thanks for the feedback - that is the first I have heard or seen of 'cracking.' As for "returns:" Shapeways doesn't request that you return models (they simply send you replacements if something goes wrong). They give reprints out extremely readily too - I'd suggest sending their service department a quick email with a picture of the damage attached. I'd be willing to bet that they'll send you a reprint in fairly short order.
White = clean! The whiter the model becomes the more wax you have removed, so you are on the right track.
