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

[mmyers05]

Interesting, well if that has been helping smooth the surface then I'm all for it!

I find it interesting that you have had the most problems with large flat surfaces - that's where I have been getting my best results. The sides of the steel gondola I printed looks darn near perfect to my eye - I doubt that anyone could identify it as printed even if they had an injection molded gondola sitting next to it for direct comparison. 

I'm jealous you have access to a machine, I've been needing to stagger all of my projects to deal with the 2 week turnover...

[bbussey]

I have access in the form of a domestic contractor that is more timely in rendering product.  Slightly more expensive but worth it for the tighter resolution, choice of build-orientation and faster turn-around time.

 

[pennsyfan1361]

I was wondering what is the best way to clean the  E33-E44? I need about 8 of them I model PRR 1956-1966 and CR 1979.I  like the hot water method but at what temp? Also any ideas for the E44 PENNSYLVANIA lettering?

[bbussey]

If you soak the models in Bestine for a day, the wax totally dissolves and you won't have to scrub and risk damaging the model.  The EX2000 material turns opaque white (totally) when fully void of wax.  See my gondola before/after comparison up-thread.

[eagle5473]

Bryan

This stuff?



Aaron

[eagle5473]

Who has one on order I want to see it in paint 

[bbussey]

This stuff?

Yes.  It's Union Rubber's brand name for heptane, which is the actual solvent that dissolves wax.  Any pure heptane product will do but this brand is the most accessible.

[pennsyfan1361]

I'm trying to do the lettering for the PRR E44, microscale #60-21 and the  red and gold keystone looks like it will work but, the lettering looks too small for the fonts the E44 has, any ideas?  I'm doing Conrail also so no problem doing them.

Eric I would think about emailing him and asking about the holes for the additional parts. They are likely too large if you wanted to bend your own much thinner grabs or other details.  Not sure if you're looking to tackle your own grabs, but it would likely improve the appearance quite a bit.

Just an idea...

-j

[eagle5473]

1361

Do you have a copy of the E44 from Shapways can you post some close up pics of it?

Aaron

[pennsyfan1361]

 Aaron not yet I just ordered a E33 and a E44 Sunday nite, I will as soon as I get them.    Rich

1361

Do you have a copy of the E44 from Shapeways can you post some close up pics of it?

[PGE_Modeller]

Bryan,

Do you have any experience that indicates how often you can re-use the same quantity of Bestine, or do you use fresh material for each model?  The stuff is rather dear here in Canada.  My local Michaels here in Vancouver has a blank spot on the shelf for "rubber cement thinner" at $24.99 plus tax for 500 ml (16 oz).  Curry's art supplies in Ontario sells the same quantity for $9.95 plus $12.00 shipping to BC.  After taxes are paid, it is still 12% less expensive to have it shipped from Ontario.  At those prices, I would like to get as much mileage from the stuff as possible.

Thanks,
Greg Kennelly

[BCR 570]

Greg:

Given the pending arrival of the PGE cabooses, perhaps I can split the cost with you.  Also, the GF6C will be available next week.


Tim

[bbussey]

Bryan,

Do you have any experience that indicates how often you can re-use the same quantity of Bestine, or do you use fresh material for each model?  The stuff is rather dear here in Canada.  My local Michaels here in Vancouver has a blank spot on the shelf for "rubber cement thinner" at $24.99 plus tax for 500 ml (16 oz).  Curry's art supplies in Ontario sells the same quantity for $9.95 plus $12.00 shipping to BC.  After taxes are paid, it is still 12% less expensive to have it shipped from Ontario.  At those prices, I would like to get as much mileage from the stuff as possible.

Greg,

I keep it in a large sealed glass container with a screw top, and put the models in that.  It doesn't get contaminated, as the dissolved wax adheres itself to the exposed glass and underside of the lid.  So you can continue to use it over and over.  One of the downsides to heptane is that it evaporates very quickly, so you want to keep the container sealed at all times other than putting the models in and taking the models out.  A glass French Jar with the glass clamp top would give a tighter seal, but I don't know what the heptane would do to the rubber gasket.  I've had my jar filled for two months and haven't needed to top it off, so a good screw top seems to work fine.

Also, check Amazon online.  You might find it cheaper both price-wise and shipping-wise than at Michaels or Curry's.

[peteski]

Bryan,
I have one of the White Tower kits (still unbuilt). I was thinking of dissolving the wax with VM&P Naphta (aka Ronsonol Lighter Fluid). I use it as a solvent and degreaser in my hobbies.  It is widely available in large quantities (in hardware stores) and it seems that might be  cheaper that the solvent you're using.

Peteski

[bbussey]

Pete,

People with prior experience recommended the heptane, so that's what I can attest to.  The Naphta should dissolve the wax without damaging the EX2000 plastic but I don't know of anyone who can verify that.  Please let me know if the results are positive, and I will revise the White Tower instructions to include that as an option.