ranchfx

I really wish shapeways notified me when people contact me! sorry for being so late to the party!

I am glad you guys like my stuff, I mostly design for myself and want to share what I make. Its not like i am making a living doing this :P

I do have the rear storage basket designed for 1/35 BUT its rather expensive.. like $60 expensive
Thats if its in the highest detail printed material. I can rework the part to get it to print in the less detailed materials and get the price down to around $45

Is that too much for you guys?
P.S. I am not just scaling up the 1/35 parts but re-working them with extra detail. Feedback is always welcome!

Max-U52

Nevermind, question answered.

YHR

I purchased the Jerry can holders, which I think were your design. Nice stuff, but it is very fragile. On an RC tank this stuff can be subjected to some rough handling and operation. I also purchased some Periscope guards, but these were wiped out in no time, only leaving me the base to build brass wire ones on.

So my opinion after some limited use is that this current technology is best used on 1/16 scale solid parts. Ie hatches, periscopes, headlights. The fine railing and guards are just too fragile for RC use. Having said that though, it is great to see you here, and I am sure there are still a pile of things RC tankers need and want..


1/16 scale muzzle brakes would be one example of something that could do well.

Rustytrax

Boggie wheels and the trans cover are great on the printer. You are correct the headlight guards and periscope cages will get smashed on an RC. for static they would obviously be ok.

Other things like the 105 gun and carriage in the priest are good for printing.

Rustytrax

Double post glitch! Anyway let me know if you need something printed in frosted detail. I can probably help you.

texchap

This is awesome. I have used shapeways for detail parts for other kits. This is fantastic.

DaveBcool

I am no expert on 3D printing, but I believe that you can use a print media that is specifically for casting.
So, after the part is printed it can be cast in resin or pot metal.

Revs1

I have been watching the "non industrial" 3d printing evolve over the last couple of years and its true the future possibilities are amazing. I just thought you guys might like to see something I came across on the BBC news website. I shows the two extremes of 3d printing.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-31918215
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-23727229

Revs

MAUS45

@ranchFX, Yes, not to bad. $45 just for the storage box? What about a engine deck for an M51 Super Sherman? Do you have an e-mail you can be reached at?

Thanks, Rudy

ranchfx

Hey guys!
Glad to be here. I do understand the fragility, its an issue when it comes to the fine parts. I am just now getting some commission work for some RC 1/6 scale stuff and that's even more crazy!
$45 for just the stowage box, but that's still in the detailed plastic range. I could get it down to around $30 but will need to sacrifice some detail to do so.
So let me ask you guys a question: Would you be willing to sacrifice some detail/scale thickness in order to get a part that is more durable? I can beef the parts up to print in more resilient medium but it wont be as "fine" looking.
For the static guys ( myself included, I am a 1/35 dude ) detail and scale are the biggest concern, we GENERALLY don't go playing with our tanks like you RC guys

I can be reached by email at aaron at ranchfx.com
( replace the at with @ )

I can certainly do things like m51 engine deck and muzzles, i didn't do them in 1/35 since so many alternatives are already available. If its something that interests you guys i can get er done.
I am also available for custom commission work, where you end up owning the 3d model and rights to sell/etc. I also have a high end caster friend that can do production runs. Resin is the best option for quantity for sure.
let me know, Ill do what i can!

YHR

The Periscope covers I bought looked great, but I think the thickness could have been double. So in my opinion , yes I would be Ok with a more robust part. Reason is that fine delicate periscope guards have disappeared on my RC tank!!!!

I don't think it was you offering those, buy my suggestion was to double the thickness of the guards.


Cheers

Wozwasnt

I've done a few bits in 1/16-

https://www.shapeways.com/shops/WarrenHudson

They're made to fit the HL M4 but they should be OK for the Tamiya (I've been told the M50 manlet fits). I've still got a few more engine decks to add M4's, M50 and Chilian M60 (upgraded M4).

ranchfx

hey guys, I have my rear storage basket ready to go, Through some tweaking i was able to make it printable in both "White Strong & Flexible" and "Frosted Detail"
http://shpws.me/GN7D

Let me know what y'all think.

herrmill

For those interested in late WW2 & postwar Soviet armor, a buddy is almost finished with his DShK & can offer it in 1:16. Its originally meant for a Tupolev G-5 torpedo boat he's currently building & future BK1124/1125 builds but he also has designed the mount used for armor & train applications. He currently has a Shapeways store but looking for an alternate, lower priced means to offer 3D parts for our project builds.

For those of you who are on Facebook & interested in something different, feel free to check out our Soviet Gunboat group where you'll find a few of us working on or soon to build 1:16 BK1124 Bronekater using the new hull kit from MTB Hulls. A G-5 is slated to soon follow.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/793622274006313/

Merganser

I just received an interesting announcement from Micro Mark for a computer controlled laser cutter/engraver. It cuts thin plastics, wood, fabrics, plywood, etc. They state that it will NOT cut metal. You provide the computer and software. The price is a bit over $2000 which is unaffordable for hobbyists, but might be possible for small companies making custom stencils, decals, brackets and other small parts. It looks to me like small runs of a M-26 Dragon Wagon cab which is mostly flat panels could be made as a kit and used with Tamiya semi truck parts. The future looks interesting what with computer controlled lathes, mills cutters, printers and the like. jot

RichJohnson

Well, i went all out and bought a bunch of parts to try out, the HL spoke wheels, the 3 piece tranny cover, the perisope and guards, ( I think that will work well for replaceing the gunners periscope on the HL) and a split hatch and two different materials of a US Jerry can to check out.