Back in November last year 3 foot 6 models was created to break the Shapeways monopoly on 3D printing of NZ120 models. I've managed to hold off doing any shopping for quite a while now. However in May the English Electric Dm/D EMU set came onto the list. Now off and on for years I've looked at these models on Shapeways but the price has keep my credit card in my wallet. With the cost dropping to $80 for a 2 car set (or $100 for the 3 car set) I clicked on the button. While waiting for my turn in the print cue, the devilishly cunning Mr Holden listed the Ew on a list of test prints. Hoping to bump it to the top I offered to take to first test print. Click. I'm still wondering why I'm doing this as Paekakariki isn't moving off the back wall of the garage any time soon. Anyhoo...
Tonight the box was waiting for me.
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| Maths is not his strong suit.... |
First impressions are good. The general dimensions are about right. The corners could be a bit more rounded, but thats more a function of the CAD programs limits. A little bit of work with a file and sandpaper with reference to photos of the real thing solves this.
So, a solid 4 out of 5 and I'm planning to buy a second 3 car set at some point.
Second up is the Ew. Its a test print and the details on the sides seem a bit soft and could stand out a bit more. However looking at the CAD picture on Shapeways its in the CAD file. Again the dimensions seem to be about right. A 3 out of 5 at the moment but I've sent comments back to Lewis and the production models should be of a higher standard.
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| The printing lines in the photo don't show up at all in real life. |
Lewis was also able to send me a couple of pictures taken during the process.
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| Fresh off the press |
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| Taking a spin on the UV curing turntable. |
Finally, the bogies. These are simply detailed, with plenty of space to add the extra fiddly bits if you want. There are brake shoes added as well which fit 7mm wheels. The axle centers are 19mm, so 1mm short of the 20mm/8' of the real thing. The bogies are also printed just a wee bit wide so the Parkside-Dundas wheelsets are on the verge of dropping out of the pinpoints. If I cut a slice out of the ends and re-glue them together it should work out OK.
So overall I'm quite happy with these models. The D/Dm set particularly provide a good starting point for the more experienced modeler to go to town, but a also a "good enough" model for a keen beginner.
4 comments:
Windows can be done using some stuff that is a cross between PVA glue and bubble-mix (that children use to blow into little hoops to make bubbles float out). One uses a brush to line the window hole with the stuff, and draw a film across the window. When it sets, there is a clear window pane exactly fitting the window.
Seeee? Paekak is calling. . . calling. . .calling you :-)
Seriously, that blog for me was huge motivation in getting in to scratch building and generally giving stuff a go. With all this 3D stuff coming along nicely now (thankyou Lewis et al) it still gives us the opprtunity to scratch a litte. With time for me being in short supply, it speeds up the main build and we can concentrate on the detaily bits and mods as much or as little as we want.
SteveF
Thanks Steve. I agree that the base shapes speed things up no end. Theres no way I could build the D/Dm/D set with its complex shape and windows ( and lets not ho inyo making everything square) I've just noticed today how thin the sides are which is going to make glazing a bit easier.
Got the Shapeway print for a 3 car set, back in the day and it needs a good amount of tidying up first. Been left in the 'to build' box
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