N Scale Automobiles - Shapeways

[Bart1701]

From a previous thread on the site, I learned about RapidPro on Shapeways - who has a great assortment of N-Gauge Automobiles. I'm new to 3D Printed items, so I need some help here!

1) Can someone explain the different types of materials (Frosted Extreme Detail, White Strong and Flexible, Frosted Ultra Detail, etc.)? I assume that each produces a different level of quality?

2) How would you rank them in order of quality and detail?

3) What would you think is best for a N-Gauge automobile?

4) What are the basic steps for prepping the item for painting? (Sanding, soaking, what type of paints work best, etc.)?

5) Has anyone built any of RapidPro's N-Gauge cars and do you have photos you could share?

6) Any other good sources for N Gauge autos on Shapeways that you have had experience with?

Many thanks for your help, advice and knowledge!
Bart

[wazzou]

Quality FXD, FUD, White Strong & Flexible.
For autos, I would choose FXD.
Prep, soaking in Bestene for 6-8 hours to remove wax structure and a good rinse with soap and water. 
Maybe a real light brush with a soft bristled tooth brush and possibly some careful light sanding with a very fine sandpaper.
No and there are other good manufacturers.

[Philip H]

In addition to Bryan's suggestions a of of guys apply a surface filling primer to shapesways prints like Mr. Surfaced or Tamiya.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I follow Bryan and Phillip's suggestions. FXD if available, use Bestine to remove wax, followed by a good automotive primer and very fine sanding sticks to fix any imperfections. I usually then paint the car silver if there is a lot of chrome and mask off the chrome areas, headlights, tail lights and windows. I then spray the primary color and let dry. For the windshields, I will use a diluted dark gray in an uneven coverage. The idea here is to create artifacts on the windshield as if it was reflections from the outside world. Once I am satisfied with the result, I use hi-gloss on the windows to seal it all in. Headlights and taillights are painted with Tamiya transparent paints over the base silver. Wheel wells, under body and tires are painted a flat off/grimy black.

This is a resin model, but the basic painting technique is the same:

[jmarley76]

Nice truck! 

And yes, as Bryan and Phillip suggest, Bestine + sand + primer. If you have trouble finding Bestine locally, several online art supply companies have it. It will ship via ground in the lower 48 with no problem.

[Catt]

You can get Bestine from Walmart.If they don't stock it you can order online to be shipped to your local store with free shipping.

[bbussey]

You can get Bestine anywhere worldwide via Amazon. Just order through the proper Amazon website for your country.

[RAIL N SCALE]

Hello Bart,

As mentioned here FUD and FXD are the only real options for N scale car models. FUD and FXD are the exact same material. The difference is in the printing layer thickness. FXD is therefor slightly better in detail. I typically do not sand the models before painting, because much of the details may get lost while sanding.

It is very very very important to clean the kits before trying to paint them. I use the cleaning acetone in our cleaning proces. This may sound a little drastic, but the materials can handle it pretty good.
We've collected our tips and tricks here: http://railnscale.com/tips-english/

Then before purchasing, it makes sense to check whether a model can be painted properly. Some creative shop owners at Shapeways show models that can clearly not painted because the visible interior is hidden within the car body. Unfortunately some shop owners do not show painted results of their nice designs. The renders give the impression that the almost details would be visible and could be painted. This is not the case.
In the meantime I've designed a number of cars my self and learned what kind of details can be printed and painted with success.

Here you can see the models I've designed so far: http://www.shapeways.com/shops/rail-n-scale

And these are some results of our customers who happen to be pretty good in painting sometimes: http://railnscale.com/gallery/

Kind regards,
Maurice
RAILNSCALE
http://railnscale.com

[Bart1701]

Thanks for all of the info and suggestions!

I rec'd my first N-Gauge Shapeways autos and they look really nice.

For cleaning, I have seen Dishwashing Liquid, Bestine and Acetone mentioned. It seems like most folks lean towards Bestine, but I am not finding a nearby location that stocks it. Walmart no longer sells it. I can find Bestine online (Amazon and other spots), but I'd prefer to avoid the heavy shipping charges I have seen for it.

Since Bestine is described as a rubber cement thinner/solvent, are there other brands of thinner/solvents that might work just as well and be easier to find?

...or are there other suggestions for other pre-cleaning methods that work well.

Thanks,
Bart

[Chris333]

Try a craft store.



... I still have parts soaking in olive oil 

[peteski]

Since Bestine is described as a rubber cement thinner/solvent, are there other brands of thinner/solvents that might work just as well and be easier to find?

Yes, Naphtha.
It is sold as Ronsonol Lighter Fluid, or in larger quantities as VM&P Naphtha (in less expensive quart and gallon sizes) at your local hardware stores.  VM&P stands for varnish maker's & painter's.  It is slightly milder than Bestine (Heptane) but it still dissolves the wax.

[Missaberoad]

I had really good luck with "simple green" degreaser sold at my local hardware store for about 5$ a bottle.

Learnt about it from a recomemdation on the shapeways forums...

[Catt]

Go to WalMart's website find the Bestine and order it delivered to your closest store.They will send it to the store you pic in a regular delivery so there is no shipping charge.

[Bart1701]

Walmart does not seem to offer Bestine any longer: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bestline-Solvent-And-Thinner-Quart/32887106

This page says: "This Item is no longer available. We're unable to show you buying options for this item."

But, thanks for the tips. The Simple Green and the Ronsonol Lighter Fluid sound like good options that I will try.

Bart

[bbussey]

Amazon.com.