E33, E44, EF-3 Electrics in FUD (Shapeways)

[James Costello]

An interesting thread on Trainboard "Printing a steam locomotive" http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?141509-Printing-a-steam-locomotive! linked to these UK attempts at US Electrics:

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/49622-general-electric-e33-e44-e40-and-gf6c-in-n-scale/

http://www.shapeways.com/model/495162/ne3301-n-scale-e33-loco-new-haven.html

Obviously some current issues with hand rails, grabs and other details, but these could be left off the model and replaced with wire parts. It will be nice to see some of the samples painted up though.

Any progress with your electrics BB (ESM) ?

[ljudice]

From watching the orders that occasionally come past for roundmountainmodels.com, I can definitely say that the order to ship time for FUD has gone down to less than 10 days in most cases...

- Lou

[Dave V]

That's amazing!  I want!

[Brakie]

Wow! Looks good!

[bbussey]

... Any progress with your electrics BB (ESM) ?

I'm not pleased with the raw finish of the plastic in XHD mode on some of the tests I've done, so I can't see how there aren't issues with the Shapeways versions which are half the resolution.  The ESM Keyser Valley caboose will go a long way toward solving the resolution issue when the RP core with etched insets method is perfected.  Then I can move forward on detailed carbodies.  The digital representations look good, although the screens on that EL-C (EF4/E33) model are part of the body rather than being separate etched components.  And I'd rather see Kato pantographs and TrainCat insulators used as separate detail parts than having those details be rendered as part of the body.  It's also not clear how the couplers are mounted.  The Atlas C-628 mechanism is the correct choice there, as the trucks are close.  But there is a clearance issue with the circuit board in the cab area, so I don't know how that was resolved on this model.  I don't think he has diamond tread on his walkways either, but that is a minor issue that can be resolved with the BLMA etched detail part.

As for his other electrics - The Kato GG1 mechanism can't be used as is for the EP4, as the pilot-to-driver wheelbase is different.  Plus the GG1 nose is higher.  So I don't know what mechanism is being planned for that one.

With the EP5, it's nice to see new truck frames.  But the center axle is offset and there is no current N scale truck that matches.  So it's better to just use the PA1 mechanism of personal choice and mount the body to that.

The E44 I can't speak to, as I have not designed one and have not explored how to power it.

And, of course, the lack of orientation choice with Shapeways items is still an issue, and that affects the quality from batch to batch.

[James Costello]

Thanks for the update BB. I think we'll keep waiting for a potential ESM release with an associated level of detail.

Still, interesting to see products develop in that sphere.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

The renders looks good, but I had so many problems with some parts I ordered off Shapeways that I feel this may be waisted effort. FUD is SO CLOSE, but just not there yet. I had to do some major surgery on my MofW truck beds to get the gain off. I can't imagine doing that to a full loco shell.

Bryan also makes a good point that is any detail can be etched, it really should. Handrails, grabs, fans, grills, cat equipment... should all be etched. It just looks better.

[ljudice]

I'm about to place an order for some revised and new models here, so we'll see if there is any improvement...

- Lou

[SkipGear]

There is a poster over on trainboard that did an RP steam loco boiler and I have to say, there is no visible resolution issues. The only problem that shows up is an artifact from his drawing in as the boiler isn't round but a flat segmented circle. The steam domes look like they were cast plastic.

http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?141509-Printing-a-steam-locomotive!&p=852891#post852891

Mark Watson's Pickle car looks really good too....

http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?141656-Pickles-and-More!-New-stuff-from-CG-N-Scale

Not to mention the stage coach.

Nice enough to make me fire my copy of solid works and start learning it.

[Brakie]

If they ever perfect this method the sky will be the limit..

Think of it..One could do a Alco switcher,a SW1500,a FM 10-44 made-maybe a C&O G9 2-8-0 or a PRR H9 or H10..

[jmlaboda]

There's definitely possibilities, some of which have already been discussed (and shown) here on The Railwire.  I remain hopeful in a lot of ways that a way around some of the rendering issues can be found because of what could be done with this method of manufacturing.  There are a number of models that could potentially be done that wouldn't be able to be justified sales wise as a mass produced item, opening the door for so very much more.

[eric220]

I've already picked up a C628 and am eagerly awaiting the E44 shell. Burkitt said that the E44 would be available some time this month, and when it comes, I'll be sure to post photos. The only thing I haven't figured out yet is decals and pantographs.

[ljudice]

There's definitely possibilities, some of which have already been discussed (and shown) here on The Railwire.  I remain hopeful in a lot of ways that a way around some of the rendering issues can be found because of what could be done with this method of manufacturing.  There are a number of models that could potentially be done that wouldn't be able to be justified sales wise as a mass produced item, opening the door for so very much more.

I agree...  I think if someone set out to make a "Shapeways" service FOR model making (trains of all scales, military, cars, trucks, etc), it would take us several steps forward. Such a service would understand the issues that model makers encounter and work on ways to iron them out in the technology.

What everyone needs to remember is that Shapeways itself caters to the 3D artist and "trinket" market, not us. 

[Dave V]

I've already picked up a C628 and am eagerly awaiting the E44 shell. Burkitt said that the E44 would be available some time this month, and when it comes, I'll be sure to post photos. The only thing I haven't figured out yet is decals and pantographs.

Paint it blue and use standard Conrail diesel decals and you're good to go!

[daniel_leavitt2000]

If the photos look good, I may get one. It will end up being a shelf queen though. Where the hell is Bachmann's E44.