No, Shapeways is not the only company offering this service, but they are the least expensive by a significant amount. A structure that I have in my shop at Shapeways for $20.00 was quoted out at over !! $180.00 !! by THREE other companies.
"How about working N-scale crossing arms (something that could be motorized)?" The NJI can be motorized with a piece of wire and a slow motion switch motor. There are also mechanisms that have been published in Model Railroader that could also be used but some modifications will be necessary since the measurements would be changed. As far as something "simple" goes, no, there isn't anything available. The operation of such is left up to modelers to figure out but it isn't overly difficult to do... it just is not a drop in installation.
I'm very familiar with the NJ International gates and signals. The corner of their page in my old Walther's catalogs was always dog-eared so I could find it quickly! Unfortunately, their price is just too much for my budget. Oh, and when I said "working" I simply meant "the hinge on the gate works so it can be put in up or down position". As for making a simple gate controller, why not a micro servo with a servo delay (like the ones used for extending/retracting flaps on an R/C plane)? One servo could easily control both gates at a crossing with some simple gear/rod/cable drive mechanism and a little control circuit. There's a good article in Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine in the third-quarter 2009 issue on using servos for switches. They even hooked one up to a semaphore signal. So why not crossing gates? You can find it in the back-issues section (it's a FREE magazine, btw) and the article is on page 29.
Hey guys!!! After a brief scare that I may have to give up the hobby for a bit and some other issues, everything has worked itself out and I am back to designing! An update on what I have been doing, I added 2 Z scale centerbeam flats to my shop and I am now beginning work on a few projects that are custom jobs for those who sent me private messages or emails. I am also going to be producing different items that I have had on the back burner for a while. A few of them are structures that can be found here locally and the rest of my projects are things like a wooden log fence, modern single story houses, and a modern convenience store. I have been taking measurements from the Kum and Go gas station by my house and will be making on very similar to it. Anyway, sorry for the lack of updates. Things were just nuts around here for a bit.
Also, my email inbox was absolutely FLOODED with notifications that a bunch of orders of N scale beacon lights were shipped today! Hopefully within the week there will be a lot of happy campers and please post some pics when you guys get them! I am anxious to see before and after shots!
Got them yesterday. Can't see them without my glasses though. When I get my glasses on I can see that they are absolutely gorgeous! So tiny, yet they look like they should. One day, when I get to the next level of insanity I'll try to drill into one from the underside and put a micro-LED in there. Keep them coming! Michael
Very cool Micheal! Thank you for the update! I'm glad that you are happy with them and if you look at the underside I actually included a small pilot hole that can be expanded to fit a light into. Please keep us up to date on your project! This is so exciting :tb-biggrin:
I really need better glasses! Now that you mention it and by using magnifiying glass i can see them! Keep up the good work! Michael
Got mine today and they are awesome! Perfectly scale and look great. Here is a comparision with a Sunrise beacon. Makes the Sunrise base look very out of scale.
Last look, from straight down. I think you nailed it in every way! Cant wait to get several of my ATSF units to the detailing table now!
Oh very very cool Jerry!!!!! Thank you so much for the comparison pics and I am EXTREMELY pleased that you guys are happy with them!!! If you can, please update us again if you put lights in them! The material should pass light fairly easily and even more so if they are drilled out a tad. This has just made my whole summer and I can't wait to see some of my other projects once I can get them finished. It should be a real "lift" to my spirits!! (hint hint Jerry, your request is about to be started :tb-biggrin
Those beacon are looking great ! Guess I am gonna have to dig out some $$$$ from the old Mason jar buried out by the oak tree in the back yard...and order some huh ! That is if there are any left !!! LOL .
Thanks George! That's the beauty of Shapeways, they will NEVER run out of them so you can order as many as your wallet will allow and then some! :tb-smile:
Hi Would you consider producing ditch lights, perhaps with an option to illuminate? Just an idea...... Gerry
Hi. I would gladly consider it, but the lighting would have to be added later. I can only produce the plastic part. I will take a look at the lighting options available and see what I can do. Thank you for your interest!
