Brian, I model both N and Z scale. I am really taken aback by the negativity here as well. Go over to the Z forum, let them know what you are doing and you may get a more positive response to your new adventure. Z needs everything so you will find more opportunities there. John Bartolotto
What time is it? I believe you mean taken aback. Nevertheless, I don't see the negativity you mention in this thread. After all, the OP asked for comments and suggestions, and not "please tell me this is a good idea". If he simply wanted his ego stroked, then perhaps another board would have been better. The 'net is chock-full of folks looking to create useful items others can use, and many of these creators will sit back and wonder why no one comes knocking. Listening is the key to success. Everything else leads to mediocrity. FWIW.
Thank you John. I will try the Z scale forum since I am getting more and more into Z as well. A recent misunderstanding between a friend and I is helping me more towards Z as my primary scale. I also hang out on ZCS a lot. Both the N and Z scale communities are great, but I believe it's the pure lack of product and want for items that helps bring the Z scalers together.
I have two ideas for you, auto frames for flatcar load in N Scale like these: And a Shell for ALCO/EMD MRS-1 locomotives, built for the military used second hand by vast numbers of Shortlines, Tourist lines and the Alaska Railroad,
Do you know what we really need? Body kits for trucks! How about a track truck body that would fit the Ford C or Mack B/R: http://www.truckpaper.com/images/Truck/fullsize/81254678.jpg And I think about 2/3rds of the modelers here could use at least one home heating oil truck: http://www.truckpaper.com/images/Truck/fullsize/90790734.jpg http://www.truckpaper.com/images/Truck/fullsize/90790740.jpg Both bodies could be designed to fit onto the long wheelbase Athearn Ford C (box or flatbed) with little modification. If you are really feeling adventurous, you could make a modern hydraulic wheel lift tow body for the Willmodels International cab: http://www.seanmdavis.com/violations/Violation08262006b1.jpg You could even use the same body, change the boom and make a winch recovery rig: http://royaltytruckinsurance.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/tow-truck-1.jpg
No I will still be putting out some N scale items, but I'm thinking that I will stay away from a lot of the rolling stock and a few other items I was going to make due to the fact that a former friend was going to make a few of the same items and I don't want to steal anyone's thunder. Rest assured that I will still be working on N scale detail parts and plenty of structures, scenic details, and other projects. I am just going to reserve some projects for Z scale and possibly HO.
A friend of mine already makes the auto frames in Z scale, I'm going to try and talk him into making it in N as well, and I will look into that shell. It's an interesting looking loco.
Ok GreatDriver, I will put it in the cue! As for the auto frames in N scale, here is a link to my buddy's shop: http://www.shapeways.com/shops/stonysmith?section=Nscale
Brian, If you are friends with Stony Smith then you are all set in the world of Shapeways! He is the master! Looking forward to seeing what you release. Yours, John
When you're right, you're ABSOLUTELY right!! Stony is the master of all things Shapeways! He is the one who got me started actually. I had very minimal skill with the 3d modeling programs I was using and after only a few lessons from him, my skill increased exponentially! I actually owe this to him, and cannot say enough about how awesome of a person he is. What's really great is he has been encouraging me every step of the way and will actually help me fix my models and show me what I do wrong when I hit a snag. Anyway, that's enough hero worship for one post lol. Time to get back to work. I hope to have the beacon lights fixed and available today as well as a few other small things I am working on.
Seriously, no one else is interested in a heating oil truck? Are you all Southwest modelers or something?
I think it's a neat idea. And if nothing else, at least you will have something unique Daniel! :tb-wink: I fully intend on producing EVERYTHING in this thread BY THE END OF THE YEAR. My goal is to have at least 150 items in my store by my birthday in January. That goal is as much for myself as it is for you guys and I am hoping to find and discover new ways of making these items so that they are available for even the tightest budget (that way maybe I can buy some for myself as well lol)
Woah, thats a lofty goal, it's cool to aim high and all but remember design and research take time. I would rather see you come out with say 20 unique, clean and well thought out designs that you would sell a bunch of rather than a 150 that are just "OK". BLMA is a good example, Craig started producing grab irons for EMD locomotives. Sure, other companies had them, but he did them better. Plus he designed a jig to make the process even easier. I won't use anyone elses grabs cause in my opinion, BLMA is the best. That is what you need. Coming from an industry background I can tell you, it takes months to develop and sell just one item, be it a detail part or a wheel and gear assembly for a model airplane. Don't take my comments as a slap in the face, this is based on my time within the industry and I don't want to see you get frustrated. Oh yeah, :thumbs_up:+1 here for a heating oil truck, I need some for my NH layout.
Thanks Jim, I know it's a lofty goal and considering how much time and effort I have put into each of these I know that there is absolutely NO WAY it will happen, but when I set goals like that, it is more to inspire myself and to push myself. I refuse to release an inferior product because I really REALLY hate to spend money on something that turns out to be junk. I will bump the truck up in the cue, and I'm pretty sure that it will be a far better learning experience for me than a few of the other things I am working on. I am in this for the hobby, not to get rich so I don't mind taking my time in doung the proper research needed to get something right. I hope everyone reading this thread has been as entertained by it as I have and am as excited as I am about the new designs that I will be releasing! Thanks again for the encouragement Jim!
They did indeed! Here is the new beacon light model: Please let me know what you think! I tried to get that latch on the side, but in order to get it to the minimum standards for manufacturing it would have been oversized and kinda goofy looking. I like this how it is. It will measure approx. 9" tall with about 5.25" being the orange beacon and about a scale foot at the outermost edges of the rim of the base piece. The tapering of the bottom of the base was difficult and I couldn't get the curved taper to look right so I went for a more conical shape and I think it works out. Anyway, if this meets with everyone's approval, I will get it ready to be put in the shop. Next up in the cue is the headlight package. This will require some research so I will most likely be working on a few other things while I look up info on this.
