Opinions requested regarding the WT restaurants

[bbussey]

Since Shapeways still hasn't provided the option to specify the build orientation of their ProJet3000 (FUD) parts, I've been exploring other alternatives.  I have a contractor in Wisconsin that runs ProJet3000Plus parts, which is the same material but at twice the resolution of the Shapeways FUD parts (the two ESM limited-run Pennsy gondola kits that will be on display in Springfield were generated on a ProJet3000Plus).  I had them price out the two White Tower buildings at the higher resolution.  I would have to produce them in batches of 30, and the cost is higher than through Shapeways which would push the price from $22 to $34. 

I'd like to solicit opinions on whether or not this would be a viable option.  The purchasing method would change from made-to-order to pre-order, and it's more pricey.  But the resolution is double what Shapeways can do, and the models will be built in the orientation of my choosing.  How many here would be interested in the buildings at that price, or would you prefer to wait for Shapeways to change their policy and reactivate the availability of the buildings there?

And for those who may not know - there now are two variations to the model.  The first is the stand-alone version that requires a 1½ x ¾ patch of land.  The second is an integrated version that is designed to fit into the corner of a larger structure, such as a large warehouse or office building.

[lashedup]

I'm assuming the carrier tray they are using is dictating the run numbers? Or are they just ganging up various jobs to fill the tray?

For one off, unique pieces that you can't get anywhere else, I'd venture to say that you'll find people willing to pay a bit more since they couldn't buy them else where and/or the time investment to scratch build it isn't worth it.

Is it possible to have a master made off of the machine that would allow for a lost wax process to duplicate things? There is some hideous resin cast stuff out there that people continue to purchase and finding a happy medium might open a small cottage business of sorts.

Just random thoughts as I think there is a very cool future ahead for stuff like this. I just need to relearn my way around SolidWorks/CAD/3D program.

-jamie

[Sokramiketes]

I think $34 is still a bargain when compared to costs in the rest of the industry.  I don't think you'll have a problem selling the minimum run, and may find yourself planning a second run.

[Philip H]

Though White Towers are not a South Louisiana staple (!) I'd be in for one to redo as some sort of local burger joint just for the Art Deco architecture.  $34 for a mostly ready to paint and install building of this level of detail seems about right to me . . . . when do we preorder from ESM?

[TiVoPrince]

if 
a White Tower were in my geography, the price differential would not bother me a bit.  Mr. Wallet would be taking ninja strokes with my credit card.  200% Increased resolution more than makes up for a 50% higher price in my mind.  Maybe redone as a taco stand?  Hmmm.  Let me know if you come up short on first run reservations.

When you get around to doing an In-N-Out Burger double drive through I'm instantly in...

[wcfn100]

if 
  Maybe redone as a taco stand? 

Or a jewelry store.



I lived in two different apts. in that building behind it.  The one one top was about 300 sf. with pitched ceilings and a kitchen that I could touch everything standing in one spot. 

Just put it on the National Registry and you can make it whatever you want.

I was going to pass but WTH, Waterloo could use a White Tower.  I don't hove a problem with $34.

Jason

[seusscaboose]

when do we preorder from ESM?

+1

[bbussey]

I'm assuming the carrier tray they are using is dictating the run numbers? Or are they just ganging up various jobs to fill the tray?

Correct.  That's how many pieces fill the tray.  Two trays actually, one for the buildings and another for the interiors, as a tray yields more interiors than it does exteriors.  I have another query in to see if they can be combined onto one tray at the same cost, which on my calculations would cut the batch quantity requirement from 32 buildings to ~21 buildings.

For one off, unique pieces that you can't get anywhere else, I'd venture to say that you'll find people willing to pay a bit more since they couldn't buy them else where and/or the time investment to scratch build it isn't worth it.

Is it possible to have a master made off of the machine that would allow for a lost wax process to duplicate things? There is some hideous resin cast stuff out there that people continue to purchase and finding a happy medium might open a small cottage business of sorts.

Sadly no, due to the intricate window and door treatments.  The rolling stock that will be RP'd however will follow that process.  Fine-N-Scale is in the process of casting the two Pennsy gons currently.

Just random thoughts as I think there is a very cool future ahead for stuff like this. I just need to relearn my way around SolidWorks/CAD/3D program.

The primary exercise of both methods - production-run RPs and RPs as casting masters - is to determine if that future is now the present.

I think $34 is still a bargain when compared to costs in the rest of the industry.  I don't think you'll have a problem selling the minimum run, and may find yourself planning a second run.

That wouldn't be an issue, as long as it would be in batches of 32 (or 21).

Though White Towers are not a South Louisiana staple (!) I'd be in for one to redo as some sort of local burger joint just for the Art Deco architecture.  $34 for a mostly ready to paint and install building of this level of detail seems about right to me . . . . when do we preorder from ESM?

Once I get assurance that there is enough demand to proceed with at least the first batch.  I don't want to start collecting people's money and then have to sit on it until the final orders trickle in.  The good news is that this company is no Shapeways - the product gets turned around in a couple of days at most and they do great work.

if 
a White Tower were in my geography, the price differential would not bother me a bit.  Mr. Wallet would be taking ninja strokes with my credit card.  200% Increased resolution more than makes up for a 50% higher price in my mind.  Maybe redone as a taco stand?  Hmmm.  Let me know if you come up short on first run reservations.
When you get around to doing an In-N-Out Burger double drive through I'm instantly in...

INO still exists, correct?  I picked WT because they no longer exist so there were no license issues to deal with.  Not that securing the license is a problem, other than it adds to the product cost/price.  But other iterations of WT, as well as some of the other niche burger places certainly are a possibility if this first project does well.

I was going to pass but WTH, Waterloo could use a White Tower.  I don't hove a problem with $34.

I guess this is enough incentive to post an inquiry on Facebook to see how many hits appear there, and then dust off the product page on the website.

[JSL]

That seems reasonable. I be in for one!

[John]

That seems to be the price for most building kits these days ... or even built ups

[DKS]

I would have to produce them in batches of 30, and the cost is higher than through Shapeways which would push the price from $22 to $34. 

I'd like to solicit opinions on whether or not this would be a viable option.

IMO, totally viable. Indeed, given the quality, I suspect folks would pay even more--possibly as much as $40.

[Roger Holmes]

I will commit to one.

[seusscaboose]

IMO, totally viable. Indeed, given the quality, I suspect folks would pay even more--possibly as much as $40.

at some point, there is a price point...  but given the uniqeness and the detail, and compared to much lesser buildings on eBay as well as current offerings, filling the first run shouldn't be an issue. 

Now, if you coordinate w/ DKS and offer some bacon specific decals with it...  you will have a collector's item!

Long Live Ed!

[Philip H]

at some point, there is a price point...  but given the uniqeness and the detail, and compared to much lesser buildings on eBay as well as current offerings, filling the first run shouldn't be an issue. 

Now, if you coordinate w/ DKS and offer some bacon specific decals with it...  you will have a collector's item!

Long Live Ed!

OOH a Bacaonrail Southern BBQ joint . . . .

[lashedup]

I didn't mention it before, but I'm in for one.