This may get me back to Shapeways

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Looks like the shell is pretty nice, and was designed to fit the proper chassis. This would be huge for my South Station project:

http://www.shapeways.com/model/934959/n-aem7-loco-body-amtrak-septa-marc.html?li=search-results&materialId=61

[Philip H]

That does look good. Wonder whose pan he's using.

[conrail98]

Oh no. I've seen his before but he never had any photos it printed. I just may have to change locations, and era slightly, again,  . Wonder what you'd use as a mechanism,

Phil

[wcfn100]

Wonder what you'd use as a mechanism,

He lists one option in the description.

Has FUD actually gotten better like the one comment suggests?  Or is it still a huge crap-shoot?


Jason

[conrail98]

He lists one option in the description.

And I've searched for that option but it's next to impossible to find the newer version that isn't an arm and a leg. I've heard one of the Kato E units "might" be a decent fit/stand-in but would need to explore it more,

Phil

[Alwyn Cutmore]

ask to have one painted in grey primer so you can get a better view of the surface. Grey primer will show any flaws if there are any. It will also show the layering if there is any.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Anyone know what happened to Island Model Works cars on Shapeways? I was looking for some horizon/comet cars that he had posted before and they all seem to be missing.

[bbussey]

I'll use Shapeways for fabricated parts such as my double-crossover servo mechanism, but I won't use them for any models unless I'm fabricating a core that will be totally covered by an etched brass or stainless wrapper.  The resolution they use simply isn't fine enough for my preferences.

[robert3985]

Anyone know what happened to Island Model Works cars on Shapeways? I was looking for some horizon/comet cars that he had posted before and they all seem to be missing.

Several modelers who were listing offerings on Shapeways have stopped doing so.  I'm acquainted with one of them and talked to him in depth about his reasons, which mainly are that Shapeways won't listen to their customers and prints the products any way they'll fit the printing envelope...so it IS a crapshoot as to the quality.  Also, if you happen to have your model printed when the RP machine is out of spec and needs re calibration, that also screws up the print.  He was having too many customers complain about the quality of the product when they got them.  Shapeways compensated by informing him that many of his formerly printable products were now unprintable, rather than address the real problems, which are alignment and keeping their RP machines properly calibrated.

I have several products that I'm working on at the moment which the N-scale community really needs.  Luckily for me, a layering effect isn't going to harm their appeal as the surface is prototypically weathered wood. 

However for convex and concave surfaces as well as flat surfaces, or surfaces that have lots of protruding details, the proper alignment of the print is absolutely essential.  The wax supporting structures for protruding features leave "footprints" on the flat surfaces directly under them when printed.  When the wax is removed, you can see where they were.  If that surface were to be printed so that no supporting structures are needed, then there is no "footprint" problem.  Shapeways needs to fill up the printing envelope, so they rotate the prints around so the envelope is utilized the best, and what is being printed simultaneously is rarely the same, so...crapshoot.

[Catt]

I was infirned bu a friend that used to do a lot of projects through Shaperways is they have started jobbing out the orders to sub contractors.I know the stuff printed in the US was getting really bad.

[SP-Wolf]

That does look good. Wonder whose pan he's using.

Here is what he wrote:   "Photos show a sample shell printing with Bachmann HHP-8 pantographs installed."

He's made a good lookin model.

Enjoy,
Wolf

[FEC Railway]

all of the products ive gotten from shapeways recently have been dimensionally innacurate, or inconsistent in texture.  i think im putting that organization on the back burner.   
i made the mistake of waiting to assemble one of my chip hoppers, tried to glue the sides on and they wouldnt fit properly, emailed the company, and they said "sorry, too long ago" and refused to replace the model. 

[Scottl]

There is such a dichotomy of experiences with Shapeways, I'm not sure what to think sometimes.  We are seeing spectacular results from some designers and modellers, and others seem to be reporting junk.  My only experience a year ago was very good.  I'm leaning towards concluding that some of the negative reviews are overstated or represent a vocal minority.  Not to say people are not having some problems or disappointing results, I'm sure it happens.  JIMO

[jmlaboda]

"Anyone know what happened to Island Model Works cars on Shapeways? I was looking for some horizon/comet cars that he had posted before and they all seem to be missing.

Island Modelworks page at Shapeways is here"
https://www.shapeways.com/shops/islandmodelworks

3rd Boxcar also has cars that you might find of use... including several versions of Horizon cars...
https://www.shapeways.com/shops/boxcarmodels?s=0#more-products

[bbussey]

There is such a dichotomy of experiences with Shapeways, I'm not sure what to think sometimes.  We are seeing spectacular results from some designers and modellers, and others seem to be reporting junk.  My only experience a year ago was very good.  I'm leaning towards concluding that some of the negative reviews are overstated or represent a vocal minority.  Not to say people are not having some problems or disappointing results, I'm sure it happens.  JIMO

This isn't something people would lie about, given the convenience and economical benefits of dealing with Shapeways, and it's somewhat of an insult that you would imply such a thing.

It's impossible for you to compare your one lone experience with those of others whom have had multiple transactions, mainly because you have no point of reference to make that comparison.  The primary reason I sought out other sources for ProJet renderings (which is what FUD is) is because of the Shapeways lack of consistency.  I've since found ProJet contractors that have the capability to output at higher resolutions, which is a pleasant bonus.  But what sent me in their direction in the first place was the inconsistent quality of the parts I was receiving from Shapeways.  The fact that Shapeways is willing (in most cases) to render the parts until satisfactory is irrelevant.  And I, too, have been told parts are no longer compliant after having previous multiple renderings done.  So you really have no idea what you're talking about.

Again, for rendering structural shapes and objects, I still use them regularly.  Their "strong white flexible" material is excellent stuff.  But for any detail work, I go elsewhere.