Shapeways alternative to a housing shortage

I've been scratching my head over what I could do for a bunch of houses for a project to do some city street running. I am modeling South 5th Street in Milwaukee to be specific.

I accidently stumbled onto this-

https://www.shapeways.com/shops/scale_model_structures

I ordered a couple to check them out . They are a bit pricey but no more really than a laser cut variety.

Randy

 

They look kind of interesting but being offered just in FUD would keep me away from them. If it was FXD I wouldn't mind paying more... and they fit my era quite well, as well.

 

Please post photo of one where you receive it either unfinished or finished. These look marvelous in the photos shown. Agree they seem pricey, but for a front of the layout scene one or two would really enhance a scene.
Not certain the rest of my modeling would live up to the same level of detail.

 

Some of these bear a resemblance to Branchline's laser kits, though they don't seem to be precisely the same prototype design. (SMS' "Winona" and Branchline's "Drayton" for example-- similar but not identical.)

Others appear to be designs I haven't seen before.

I picked one structure at random and there are two data points: First, it is FUD (Frosted Ultra Detail) and second, there is a caution in Capital Letters that these are not for beginners and patience is required-- a responsible caveat by SMS.

 

I got the "Silverdale" and the "Elsmore" on the way. I'll take some pics and post them. The area I'm modeling is a Milwaukee South side neighborhood. It was mostly Polish so I have a specific look I'm going for. The problem is the cost of these houses is going to make South 5th Street an expensive proposition. At some point I also need to find garages and corner taverns selling Blatz beer...

It appears that all of the houses are some sort of "catalog" home. Most of them are Sears .

Randy

 

Ouch. They're nice, but no way could I convince the finance department that those are a necessity. I bought a set of streetlamps from Shapeways for much less and those were a tough sell.

 

They do indeed look interesting, however as stated earlier in this thread they are pricey. The difficulty doesn't phase me; since some of the Wood Laser kits have been difficult yet I'm able to build them. I also would appreciate seeing pictures in any stage

 

Note that they are printed as modules, so you can potentially kitbash unique houses. It's relatively simple to split the floors of a 2-story into two houses (i.e., no sawing). Very intelligent design, good choice of era since we still see a lot of houses in these styles up to today. Easy to build we-ain't-got-no-basement-for-trains versions.

And interiors(!) Well, you can have lift-off roofs here, no problem.

One thing that came to mind was that 3D printing and laser cutting would/should allow left-hand/right-hand (mirror image) houses as seen in some developments. At least one of the laser kits comes LH/RH for an SP station design that exists both ways (HO kit only, dammit). The makers could sell a few more houses with little additional work, we'd get better variety.

 

Maybe someone should suggest this to them... would help in creating older neighborhoods...

 

That would be nice to see as an offering. I don't really know any of them, but I would be willing to guess that a suggestion can be made.

 

I bought a barnhart loader from them. I was really surprised at the detail it had. Maybe high in price but worth it, Dan

 

I hope he does garages and carriage houses too ...

 

Here are some photo's of the printed house. I personally like them. They are currently taking a Bestine bath.

The modular build will enable complete interiors. The walls, floors, stairways and whatnot are already provided in the interior kit. I especially like the interior stairway with the bannister railing !

The front and rear porches are well done and should make a very good opportunity for super detailing.

 

Hey Randy--

I took the plunge and ordered 3 of those kits. I should get them next week. I am interested in seeing more pics of the build on yours. I remember mowing lawns at a couple of the Sears homes in our neighborhood
a long time ago. Would have never guessed what they were until I saw these on Shapeways. I also ordered the Warren shop hoist from the same designer. Planning to outfit a car shop and it will be a good start.

Bob

 

Hi Bob,

I think you'll like them. They really are cleverly designed. They seem to be made especially for the super detailers.

I'm going to take the plunge and light these homes so I will need to do at least some interior detail work. I model 1949 so at least I won't need a TV !!

I'll get mine out of the Bestine when I get home and try to get them primed at least. I have a few more coming, in fact I might see them today when I get home. I'll try to keep the pictures coming !

I have a locomotive shop that needs the crane as well.

 

Thanks for sharing, Randy! They look quite fragile (or should I say "Frag-ee-ley?" -- A Christmas Story reference) but really nice.

Off topic advisory: Jean Shepherd, who is the author/humorist/raconteur whose stories were the basis for A Christmas Story, also wrote a piece about a house coming from Sears via rail. It appears in one of his other films, I think one that was done for PBS.

 

Thanks for sharing Randy. I purchased the Southwest Ranch and should be here shortly. They are quite well detailed, but as stated look fragile and I would presume is why they say kits are not for the beginner

 

They are very fragile. Its obvious that if I want to light them (I do) some sort of material will need to be glued to the walls to prevent the house glowing like a Halloween decoration.
I have seen furniture on Shapeways as well so I'll need to add beds, couches and whatnot to the interior