N Scale Santa Fe switcher 3D Print

[kiwi_al]

This will be of limited interest as it is very ATSF specific.
I thought I would show what is possible if you can't do 3D drawing and don't have a 3D Printer.

The shell is an FM H12-44TS and the 3D artwork was done by First Person Scale Models.
I then looked around for a company to print it. I ended up choosing HLHProtypes which is in China. It is a Chinese / British joint venture and they are very good. The customer service is one of the best I've come across.
The price is about half of what Shapeways charge and the quality is sooooo much better.





I'll be looking to get a 3D printer this year I think and I'll have to learn how to create STL files.

EDIT:
These shells fit on an Atlas FM H16-44 mechanism but will need the minitrix FM H12-44 sideframes grafted on.

[eagle5473]

About how much was the design work from First Person Scale Models?  Edit:  I found the web site.  He is no longer taking on new work

[kiwi_al]

About how much was the design work from First Person Scale Models?  Edit:  I found the web site.  He is no longer taking on new work

He had already completed the design for another person in HO Scale, he sells the stl files for roughly around 30 USD, he just scaled to N for me. Yes he's not taking on new work as he is in college, he's a young fella

[Sokramiketes]

WOW WOW WOW

These are the terminal switchers that were in place at Dearborn Station in Chicago, right?  Kudos for such an esoteric model.  Are you open to sourcing the drawing, if I have a printer, or acquiring a couple extra shells from that company?  I can retire the Atlas stand in!

[kiwi_al]

WOW WOW WOW

These are the terminal switchers that were in place at Dearborn Station in Chicago, right?  Kudos for such an esoteric model.  Are you open to sourcing the drawing, if I have a printer, or acquiring a couple extra shells from that company?  I can retire the Atlas stand in!

Yes these are the terminal switchers that were in place at Dearborn Station in Chicago. Yes I have the drawing, do you have a printer?

http://m.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=3380417

[Sokramiketes]

I do have a printer.  PM me?

[Dirk Jan Blikkendaal]

Hi Alister,

Interesting.... what material/printing setup did you use/order?

[kiwi_al]

Hi Dirk,
It was printed in ABS. For the setup I just left it up to them. I did get one done by itself so I could see what it would turn out like before proceeding with the small batch.

[dem34]

Wait, then what technology are they using for the print? If it is indeed ABS that is a huge step up in favorable material characteristics compared to both Photoresins and FUD. And not even stating the surface quality over a standard FDM print.

[kiwi_al]

Wait, then what technology are they using for the print? If it is indeed ABS that is a huge step up in favorable material characteristics compared to both Photoresins and FUD. And not even stating the surface quality over a standard FDM print.

I had to go back and check my emails from them, the H12-44TS shells were printed in ABS-resin on an SLA 3D Printer.
They also do:
SLS, FDM,DMLS (metal) and Projet MJP 3D Printing.