Ok Shapeways guys...

daniel_leavitt2000 Dec 7, 2015

  1. daniel_leavitt2000

    daniel_leavitt2000 TrainBoard Member

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    After an initial burst of enthusiasm, there has been a quiet lull for a while. At first I ran into more problems with FUD than it was worth, but the new frosted extreme detail material is both stronger and much, much finer in detail.

    Over the past 6 months I have ordered about $1200 in items ranging from vehicles (lots and lots of vehicles) to an AEM-7 to a C39-8 conversion shells and some passenger equipment.

    But where are all the crazy prototypes that are just begging to be made? I am thinking of an NW-5, a cab/nose/walkway conversion for a CF-7 (bonus points for a metal frame that provides the right truck centers).

    What about the oddballs like the Boeing LRV, or body conversions for Portland area trans for Kato chassis.
     
  2. wcfn100

    wcfn100 TrainBoard Member

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    FXD, while more detailed, still has the same support material and build orientation issues that FUD has. The layering or stepping is also still pretty visible even though it is better. So for me it's still not worth the effort.

    When something equivalent to the Prefactory process comes along at a more affordable price, I have several freight cars that will soon follow. Or if Shapeways starts to allow specifying build orientation, there are some projects I can try and design around that.


    Jason
     
  3. rrunty

    rrunty TrainBoard Supporter

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    I too am waiting for the technology to get a little better . It's getting closer from what I've seen lately but I still can't get past the print lines. My big hope is to someday have road specific cabeese available. To me, that's the gaping hole in N scale rolling stock. I can hardly begin to imagine the possibilities.

    Bob
     
  4. bnsf dash 8

    bnsf dash 8 TrainBoard Member

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    I've been thinking about a B23-7R (super 7) shell for the U23B.
     
  5. wcfn100

    wcfn100 TrainBoard Member

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    I already began imagining.

    [​IMG]

    It's not too bad but isn't nearly as complicated as most freight cars.

    Jaspn
     
  6. James Norris

    James Norris TrainBoard Supporter

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    I will be launching another Shapeways loco very shortly, the drawing work is just about done and the shell will be going for a test print with in the month.

    [​IMG]

    Ignore the trucks as the model is on the wrong set.

    [​IMG]

    The Alco C-855 will be available as a powered or dummy loco. Both the A and B units. And with brass details and handrails.

    -James
     
  7. cjm413

    cjm413 TrainBoard Member

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    The cab/nose/walkway components for a CF7 already exist. Granted, they were designed for the Atlas GP7 chassis, but I don't see why they couldn't be shortened by anyone that wanted to use a frame with the correct truck centers.
     
  8. cjm413

    cjm413 TrainBoard Member

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    I vaguely recall hearing about a future ESM release, although I wouldn't expect them to have the raised surface for a "Lucky Strike"
     
    Last edited: Dec 7, 2015
  9. wcfn100

    wcfn100 TrainBoard Member

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    Yes, Bryan has the same caboose to be released at some point as part ESMC's Made in America Series. I've had this drawn for probably 10 years now, long before I knew anything about the ESMC projects. And while they are the same car, they're different in that mine's just a replacement shell for the Atlas car. I believe that Bryan's is a whole car.


    Jason
     
  10. cjm413

    cjm413 TrainBoard Member

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    You could call it "Midwestern Cornbelt Models" and follow-up with some GATC covered hoppers, etc.

    Also, were you the one that was working on the P-S Hydroframe for the MDC 50' PS-1?
     
  11. wcfn100

    wcfn100 TrainBoard Member

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    Yeah I redid the measurements and just need to find a couple hour block on the computer. With the next run of the Athearn cars just announced I'll probably try to have the next samples done whenever Shapeways has some sort of special going like free shipping and if they're okay, put them up for sale.


    Jason
     
  12. daniel_leavitt2000

    daniel_leavitt2000 TrainBoard Member

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    YES please! I saw one only once in Conrail. Great looking engine with a lot of unique history. I think these were assigned to the anthracite lines for switching. The great power drain of 1997 brought a few up north along with SD45-2s, which almost never saw the Boston Line.

    Was, and still is GE country up here.
     
  13. daniel_leavitt2000

    daniel_leavitt2000 TrainBoard Member

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    James, that looks great! Will you provide one without handrails and grabs? These never come out well in FUD/FXD. Reese provided mounting holes in his C39-8 that worked out great.

    It's too bad that Shapeways doesn't provide an etching service as well. Imagine a one stop shop for everything needed to make a model.
     
  14. daniel_leavitt2000

    daniel_leavitt2000 TrainBoard Member

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    Jason, I used to think this as well until I received some FXD vehicles. It totally changed my thinking. Now I Bestine the parts and hit with automotive primer. There is virtually no sanding required anymore.

    Oh someone mentioned there are parts on Shapeways for a CF7 but I can't find them. Any links?
     
  15. wcfn100

    wcfn100 TrainBoard Member

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    And if I was making vehicles perhaps it would be good enough. For this medium, it does appear that objects which are more irregular tend to look better to the eye. But when dealing with totally flat surfaces, particularly sloping surfaces, it's too easy to make out the layering even with many coats of paint. The caboose I posted was sanded and scraped and has a coat of primer and the lines are still quite visible.

    Jason
     
  16. James Norris

    James Norris TrainBoard Supporter

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    The good news is all the grabs, handrails, ladders, windscreen wipers, raised walkways and a few other details that are not shown yet are etched brass, there just modeled in place for effect. The sand boxes are also separate parts to make painting much easier. There is also a cab insert with crew and proper sockets to takes LEDs for the head and tail lights.

    I think this is going to be great model.

    -James
     
    Xmtrman likes this.
  17. cjm413

    cjm413 TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks for the heads-up!
     
  18. cjm413

    cjm413 TrainBoard Member

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    The only CF7 parts I know of are the ones Randy Gustafson offered for the Atlas GP7. I recall there was some discussion as to how it could be shortened for a shorter drive, but I don't remember the specifics.

    Another change that I don't recall being discussed is the "half door" on the Atlas GP7 long hood that wouldn't have been visible on the stock Atlas walkway.

    http://shop.atlasrr.com/p-3601-n-gp-7-ph-2-body-tt-version.aspx

    This technically isn't the correct shell, but it does show the same "half door" under the radiator that would otherwise be covered on a stock Atlas GP7, but would be visible above the walkway on a CF7.

    Off the top of my head, I don't know if the BLMA set includes a suitable door to replace it.
     
  19. Xmtrman

    Xmtrman TrainBoard Member

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    OH GOODY GOODY GOODY!!! I have the three ConCor donors standing by...
     

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