Shapeways redux... Larger structures?

[Dave V]

So, we've all seen and been impressed by ESM's White Tower restaurant kit...  What is the feasibility of using Shapeways for a larger structure, like a PRR tower or Lewistown Junction station?

I have no idea how pricing works or even how to scale a series of photographs into a 3-D N scale rendering.  I would love to try to model Lewistown station and LEWIS tower, and if successful, the railroad hotel that once sat just a bit railroad east of the station.

How do I start (or should I)?

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I think the real route there will be a mixed media model using shapeways parts for anything 3d, and one of the cutters for walls.

[Philip H]

I like Ed's approach . . . or you get Bernie K to do it on his laser cutter . . . .

[Dave V]

One of the things that made me nervous about a traditional scratchbuild for Lewistown station are the curved roof pieces on the tower.  Also wasn't thrilled about banging out the gingerbread trim on the baggage shed (or on LEWIS tower).

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Yeah, that would probably work with one of the methods.

I think there's a lot to be said for using the machinery and technology to supplant traditional techniques, not replace them.

[peteski]

I think that using stereo lithography for larger items is not realistic. For one, it would be too expensive and there are other better methods (liel laser cut flat parts) for certain parts of the model.

Just like Ed mentioned, certain complex curved or trim items could be made with that technology while others (like flat walls) would be best (and cheapest) if done in laser cut plastic or wood.   Besides, having trim and maybe windows as separate parts makes painting so much easier.  Then of course, itmas like ladders or fire escapes for example could be photo etched meta for a truly multi-media kit.  I truly believe that the best quality (or scale fidelity) can only be achieved by using multiple production methods, each best suited to making properly scaled parts.

I actually wish that ESM's White Tower building was broken down into more parts for ease of painting.

[Dave V]

Thanks for the realistic take...  Sounds like an order for Grandt Line windows is in my future!

[bbussey]

Use a combination of mediums.  You could do the whole thing as RP ... but you would have to render it as a flat kit, otherwise it would cost major bucks.  The more economical route probably would be to laser-cut the building walls, whether brick or clapboard, such as what Chris Brimley did with the Nabisco warehouse on his Hudson Terminal switching layout.  All of the windows could be etched if there are no suitable ones commercially available.  And any high-relief detail parts, such as cornices and gargoyles, could be RP'd.  If designed properly, it would be no more difficult to assemble than a beginner-level building kit.

[DKS]

Several responses sum up what I'd say: primary problem is cost (which is based on material volume used to create the object). Consider that it set me back $80 for this building framework alone, and the footprint is only about the size of a pack of cigarettes:



Decent sized, fully-finished structures would be in the hundreds. I'd also recommend mixed media.

[randgust]

There's a guy out there on Shapeways with a full skyscraper that's a few grand. 

I still think that the N and Z scalers are way out in front of this, simply due to the size of the models in relationship to the cost of material.  It's competitive.  It isn't in larger scales.  It's one of the few times that N/Z has a distinct advantage in emerging technology - unlike sound!

[Brakie]

Since the name of the topic is "Larger structures?" I will throw this out.

How about large modern concrete or metal "shoebox" type industrial buildings that is common in every modern industrial park?

These would be similar to Pikestuff but,much larger-as a example 8- 10" wide by 18-24" long big enough for rail service.These could be used for warehouses,manufacturing,bakeries,frozen food distributors,alcohol and tobacco distributors,distribution centers etc.

We been tossing this around at the club with various thoughts.



 

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I think it's Nu-Line who did those many years ago, I think they were good kits too, but sadly went out of production (I hope I'm wrong).

[Brakie]

I think it's Nu-Line who did those many years ago, I think they were good kits too, but sadly went out of production (I hope I'm wrong).

Those are the type of buildings I had in mind..

IIRC there was a topic on the Atlas  N Scale forum about what happen to Nu-Line.

[Philip H]

It was Nu Line (not to be confused with Nu Comp who to the '50's era mobile homes).  I never ordered one of their Tilt-Up warehouses; wish I had I could use one.  They show up on fleabay vary occasionally.

[Ian MacMillan]

David's article from the Z layout is what I was going to point out as well. Its just not smart price wise for a decent sized N building at this point. And with the current limitations of Shapeways I would not be willing to spend the money on say a "small" station as the end product would not be up to my standard for that price point.