CESM Closed for Real

[dcutting]

http://www.cescalemodels.com/

CESM is closing its doors, effective August 1, 2018. I will continue to sell through my Shapeways channel, but I will not be offering etchings, windows, or making new models. I'd like to take the chance to thank all of you for enabling me to have this amazing experience, and to introduce myself a little more.

I'm David Cutting, and I'm 17 years old. I started CESM when I was 13 years old, after learning how to make models in CAD. Since then, I've made over 500 models in CAD, and along the way I've picked up python, c++, java, circuit board design and layout, and etching design. I've competed with my high school's Science Olympiad team and with a local FTC team, bringing these new skills to the table.

The power of the internet is profound... it has allowed me, as a minor, to learn some awesome skills. This summer, I've taken a position working as a Test Engineer Intern for Inertial Sense, a tech startup on the silicone slopes of Utah. I'm working full time and having the time of my life. It's all of you who got me here, who put up with the bumps in the road that helped me learn the ropes. Thank you all!

- David Cutting

Guys, it's been a great run. I don't have any time to put into trains for the next few years... senior year, college, girls, etc. You know how it goes.

If you need parts, you've got a few weeks to order them. I'm also selling model rights, so please contact me if you want those. @orionfield

[Jbub]

You're 17? You've got a bright future in front of you with the skills you have acquired. Good luck on your senior year and internship.

[Cajonpassfan]

Lol, yes, Mr. Cutting Edge. All the best, and be just as smart about the girls as you seem to be about other things 
My best to you, David.
Otto K.

[johnb]

Good luck in school

[sirenwerks]

So, you're taking your Shapeways stuff off the market too?

[peteski]

David,
Yes, the power of the Internet is truly amazing. It also provides the anonymity of not seeing someone you interact in person. I had no idea about your age - this now makes it so much more incredible.  Looking at what you have accomplished so far, you are very intelligent and talented, but don't let it go to your head in the adult world you are entering. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't showcase off your talents - just be smart about it.

I wish you the best of luck in all your ventures (now in "real" life"). May they all be as much fun as you had so far!

[w neal]

David,

I ordered a bunch of your searchlight siganals from the previous run and through my own inertia, I have yet to use them.

Can I?:

1. Order a few more searchlight components before August 1st?

2. Will you be available for guidance & questions after August 1st?

Thanks for bringing so much quality to our scale.

Very best wishes!

[tom mann]

I had no idea that you are 17 - and this is meant to be a huge compliment!

[dcutting]

Thanks everyone for the kind remarks.

So, you're taking your Shapeways stuff off the market too?

The shapeways stuff will remain up... it doesn't make sense to sell it because it will continue to generate revenue the same way no matter who owns it. Models that included etchings or windows, or that had PCBs, will be available. I have compiled a short spreadsheet of available models. I've already been approached by several interested parties so I have created a bidding system. If you're interested, please email me with a bid for a specific product. I will update the bid amount in the spreadsheet and then add you to the list of people being notified about bids. If there hasn't been a new bid for several days, I will close that bidding.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Lb9MvrNvrUEzriAkXDK2ggno8f8M3i0hvajtKZMkGXo/edit?usp=sharing

David

[dcutting]

Can I?:

1. Order a few more searchlight components before August 1st?
2. Will you be available for guidance & questions after August 1st?

I left all my production stuff in Long Island with my family for the summer. I would bring this up with the individual who purchases the searchlight signal models.

David

[dcutting]

One more thing I will note. While I would love to give everything to the highest bidder, I will also be looking for who is most qualified. I don't want to give my stuff to someone who will not be able to continue producing it.

David

[daniel_leavitt2000]

David.... You have all the signs of being the next Craig Martin.

Keep the designs. Work a bit for fun in your spare time. Reopen the store when you are ready to.

Craig got his start casting resin parts from donor shells. Then the etched part line came. Then full plastic models. And that's how BLMA was born.

Keep the shapeways store open to generate a little revenue. Stash that away. Recapitalize when you are good and ready to. None of this would take much work at all.

When you have a free day or two, add easy to design generic parts like Conrail signal boxes, modern plastic trash bins, modern gas pumps. Furniture for buildings and passenger cars. These would be high volume parts with an untapped market. Very little design time is needed. Invest any profits that trickle in to bigger projects once things slow down.

Building something from scratch is really rewarding.