B&O Wagontop Boxcar - Double door version

[Chris333]

I'm talking about shapeways FUD, can post examples later. I know there are other much finer RP printers out there, but something like a boxcar would cost around $500.00 to print.

[Chris333]

This is a Nn3 EBT steel hopper printed in FUD:


Not trying to start something, but I really don't find the hopper I posted to be usable for anything.

If you use a different printer and perhaps overlay the printout with metal or styrene to smooth it out that might work. This is an M4D RP boxcar that looks good:

Please excuse the crappy CDS decals. 

[Alwyn Cutmore]

Chris,
I knew what you were talking about. The RP I can get done is a lot more user friendly than that and now even better than the items done by Mark4Design.

The last time I dared criticize that other mob I got in the do dos. So I do not even mention them now. If that is the way modellers want to go and they are happy with second rate, no third rate product let them but the product I am talking about is a lot better than that. I also see a lot of models cast in cheap and nasty urethane which only should be used for loads not anything decent.  Most casters I know use either compression or vacuum when casting so you have to have a urethane with sufficient pot life to allow for the compression or vacuum.

All those bodies I show in this thread are vacuum castings.  The strength of the urethane is fairly resilient. So much so it will take a drop with little or no damage.

Back to you Cody. I have been casting model for over 27 years from N to O Scale. I have used masters made from Brass, styrene, RP and clay. So if I can help just yell.

Regards

Al

[Chris333]

If you can get it RP'ed at least as good as M4D then it would be worth it.

[Alwyn Cutmore]

Chris,
I will try and get a really good pic of a New South Wales Railways 80 Class done just to show you the quality. RP is getting better and better. RP out here generally cost a few hundred dollars and when you think they are getting over a hundred dollars for a loco body with decals and etches they is a fair play of profit.

I am not saying that is the way to go for the models Cody is talking about but if it is done right the market potential is alright. Look at FNS. I would have around fifty of his PRR round roof box cars and more of other kits as well. I have more individual models like the X31, X32 from FNS than any other manufacturer.

Regards

Al

[VonRyan]

Before I make any final decisions, what would the firm that you mentioned charge to take those plans and make them into two different CAD drawings and then print two of each master.
The fact that I am looking to create two different levels of kits has to be taken into account since it requires two masters.


-Cody F.

[Alwyn Cutmore]

Cody,
I do not want to openly discuss my business practices here but if you are willing I will talk to you via pm.

Regards

Al

[LV LOU]

This is a Nn3 EBT steel hopper printed in FUD:


Not trying to start something, but I really don't find the hopper I posted to be usable for anything.

If you use a different printer and perhaps overlay the printout with metal or styrene to smooth it out that might work. This is an M4D RP boxcar that looks good:

Please excuse the crappy CDS decals. 

Chris,is that your hopper? I wonder if running it through one of my vibratory polishers would improve it?

[Alwyn Cutmore]

Cody,
A private message has been sent.

Regards

Al

[Chris333]

Chris,is that your hopper? I wonder if running it through one of my vibratory polishers would improve it?

It is mine as in I bought it and own it and took the photo    I did not design it and I do not know how to draw in 3D 

I'll look and see if I still have it, or one that I didn't paint yet.

[unittrain]

I would take a few if these become available.

[VonRyan]

A bit of headway is being made in regards to sourcing the master.
Of the remaining things to be done, all that is left is decals.
Does Microscale produce a sheet for single door wagontops?
If so, I'm sure that there are suitable decals on that sheet to do some double-doors.
However, if that is not acceptable to the majority of those who are interested in these cars, then recommendations as to who I should contract out the having the artwork drawn up and the decals printed would be much obliged. I know there are some folks who have experience contracting out small decal jobs and I'm looking to contract out to someone that other TRW members have had good experiences with.


-Cody F.
Haddon Car Shops

[Alwyn Cutmore]

Cody,
Email sent direct.
Regards
Al

[VonRyan]

I have added a poll to collect data on potential sales.

My own estimate is that HCS would sell maybe 30 kits at best, 50 if magic is real.

I'm also eliminating the Finescale/Craftsman type kit unless there is significant demand (speak now or forever hold your peace).


I'd also like to find out the maximum that everyone who is interested is willing to pay.
I personally would not want to sell a kit that costs $20 when RTR single-door wagontops can be bought for $17.

Just to make everyone aware, the Standard Kit would come as follows:
-Cast resin shell sans roofwalk
-Cast resin roofwalk
-Plain MicroTrains fishbelly underframe

((The only difference between the Standard and the Finescale/Craftsman kit is that the Finescale/Craftsman kit's shell does not have any ladders or grab-irons, requiring the modeler to make and add their own.))


And just for a bit of transparency, the intended profit-per-car is $2 with $1 being reinvested towards future projects and 50 cents going to my partner and I.


Also, a disclaimer:
Haddon Car Shops is not a business. It is a small cottage industry of two guys looking to make high-fidelity resin-castings of prototypes we find interesting for our own use and sharing the opportunity to own some of those unique prototypes with whoever wants to own some.
HCS's "production runs" are not limited and we will continue to cast kits until the demand stops or mold-masters become unuseable.


I'm sad to say that there is a fair possibility that this project will not happen.
The only way it will happen is if there is enough demand for these kits, so I ask that you please respond to the poll and/or the thread so that I know what HCS is up against.




-Cody Fisher
Haddon Car Shops

[VonRyan]

I know there was more of a response than 7...
To all those who have voted this far, I thank you.
At the same time, I ask for your thoughts and opinions on this project.
Speak freely. I'm looking for the truth.


-Cody Fisher
Haddon Car Shops