Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins - Almost Ready to Print

I made some more progress on my Dodge Ram.  It still needs some clearance lights and maybe a couple more details, but it is getting very close to print ready.  My Silverado should ship to me today.

3d Printed 28' Pup Trailer - I Got It Right This Time

I posted several months ago the initial results of my 28' pup trailer design to go with my Mack Vision and Trainworx 28' pup trailers.  I was a bit short on the overall height, and while I fixed it soon after, I didn't get around to ordering another print until recently.  After soaking overnight in Bestine, I took several photos of the result.  I haven't ordered anything from Shapeways in awhile, as I have been idle in N scale overall, and I already have enough unfinished 3d printed stuff to fill an ice cream bucket.  I was very pleased with the quality of this last batch of models.  I would imagine that like many companies, the quality of product continues to get better, or they just hire more people in their customer service departments to handle complaints and returns.  I am convinced that perhaps the quality of FUD (frosted ultra detail) is getting better?  Anyone else out there wish to comment?

Anyway, it is hard to photograph white objects without getting too much exposure, but I think these shots give enough detail to illustrate the quality of the sides.  There is a very minor texture on the sides, but keep in mind I haven't touched these with any sandpaper or tools.  The horizontal rib is crisp and the detail on the back door is very nice.

I designed this model much like the Trainworx version where the top "box" is one piece, and the frame is separate.  You will notice a slight bow in the frame which is not an issue, as the top has a shoulder where the frame can rest and get glued to form a solid and square trailer.  I made the model walls as thin as possible to reduce the overall cost of the print.

If you want to order your own, they are now available on Shapeways

How About a Dodge Ram 2500/Cummins?

I have a pair of my Chevy Silverados on order through Shapeways, and hope to have them in about a week.  Meanwhile, I thought I would stay with the pickup theme and try a Dodge Ram 2500.  I have the cab done, and just need to work on the box now.  Here are some Shapeways renderings of the cab.  Like my Siverado, this is also the latest model from Dodge.

Chevy Silverado Duramax is Ready to Print

Tonight I added the finishing touches to my Silverado.  It looks a lot better with mirrors and tires.  Up to this point, I have designed my trucks with one-piece wheel/tire components, which tend to pose a challenge during painting.  Maintaining a nice crisp line between the chrome rim and the black tire is hard even with a fairly steady hand and fine paint brush.  On this model I decided to try something new.  The truck body and the wheels are all a single part, with only the tires being printed separately.  My hope is that after paint, the tires will then slip over the wheels, leaving a nice clean look.  The inside diameter of the tire is slightly larger than the outside diameter of the wheel to allow for thickness of paint.  You can see what the printed result will look like in the last 2 photos.  A solid body and 4 loose tires.  I opted to not print 4 separate wheels AND 4 separate tires, simply to avoid that many small parts.

I will probably stop here and order a sample, although a receiver hitch and step bars would be 2 obvious additions.  I will likely design a toolbox as an extra detail too.  Oh, and maybe a lift kit and super swampers?

Next 3D Truck Project? How About a New 2015 Silverado Duramax

I have recently stated that I am getting the itch to start designing some more 3D models.  And just to prove that I indeed have something cooking, I thought I would share what's currently brewing.  These are actual renderings from Shapeways, so other than a few minor details (mirrors, door handles, etc.), and some tires, I am very close to having a 2015 Silverado Duramax ready to print.  The front cab posts are a bit chunky, but hey, this is N Scale.  I decided to go with an open cab rather than fill in the windows.  I personally don't like having to paint windows and make them look realistic.  That said, I am also too lazy to design an interior, so like it or not, this is where I will stop.  I've got too many other design ideas to spend too much time of any one model.

Anyway, here is proof that I am finally getting back into my design routine.  And why a Silverado?  Why not?  Where else can you get a sweet looking crewcab like this in N scale?

N Scale Addict Truck Designs - Your Photos Shared

I sincerely appreciate the number of fellow N scale enthusiasts that have purchased my 3D designs either directly from Shapeways, or from my Ebay page.  I imagine the number of items is in the several hundreds by now.  I wanted to share some photos that I received from a couple individuals, as this gives me almost as much satisfaction as completing a model myself.

Keep sharing your photos and I'll keep posting them here.  Thank you to those of you that took advantage of the black Friday and cyber Monday incentives from Shapeways recently.  I know how pricey these things are, but having a model that never existed is sometimes worth a premium.

My Shapeways Shop  

Shapeways Discount and Free Shipping Offer - Act Fast

I saw an offer by Shapeways that caught my eye and thought I would make note of it here.  They are offering free Shipping on all orders, and $10 credit.  But it is only good until later tonight.

I know personally, I like to order a few items at a time to spread the cost of shipping on these already pricey designs.  This way, you can order a single item and not feel the burden of the extra shipping charge.

Go to my shop here and order my N scale designs:  N Scale Addiction Shapeways Shop

By the way, I am starting to get the itch to start designing again after months of very little N scale activity.  My blog has certainly been idle for much of 2014.  Look for more in 2015 from me.

Shapeways Model Train Page - Guess Who is Featured?

Happy October Everyone.  I see that my last posting was back in July!  And if you tried to email me, that has been neglected too.  My apologies.

I don't know whether I was getting burned out with N scale, bored with my 3d models, or just needing something else to focus on, but I am beginning to miss my projects, and hope to jump back in soon.  I have had lots of other things to focus on however, so it's not like I've been sitting on the couch with a bag of chips.

I received a note the other day from Shapeways stating that my livestock trailer was featured front and center on the model train page.  Wow, how is that for being rewarded for 3d model boredom, disengagement, and not doing anything for several months.  Seriously, maybe this is what I need to get both feet back into the designing chair.

I have sold several models in the past months, and would really like to see some finished models from my blog followers.  So if you have something to share, please send it to me and I'll start posting.  Until I have some new items to share, I would greatly appreciate some content.

A Whole Lotta Nothin'

For those of you that have been scanning the obituary lately looking for "N Scale Addict", I apologize for the lack of communication in the past several weeks.  Summer has gotten in the way, and I guess you could call it somewhat of a "detox" from n scale.  While I have a passion for the scale, even I find that an extended break from time to time provides a fresh start to the intense projects that I seem to find myself undertaking.  I have many other activities that demand my time, and other interests (addictions) that steer my focus, time, and energy.

Anyway, recently, the n scale addiction has begun to creep up on me again, and I find myself at least thinking about the highs that I get when I'm drawing in Sketchup, putting a coat of paint on a new model, or designing a new layout.  It almost makes me want to snort some lightweight rock casting hydrocal, or smoke some woodlands scenics static grass.  Kidding of course.

The only updates I can provide tonight are that my Pete 389 and Kenworth K100 are available for sale on Shapeways.  I have been meaning to finish a model myself and take pictures, but obviously that hasn't happened yet.  So if you feel the urge to add a new truck model to your fleet, please don't let me stand in your way.  I also made my Fontaine drop deck and East dump trailer available as well.

www.shapeways.com/shops/NScaleAddict

Go Big Red - Pete 379 & Friends

I have been waiting for my new Pete 389 design to arrive from Shapeways, and thought it would be a great time to finish a 379 that has been in the works for awhile now.  I experimented with aluminum foil tape, the kind used for HVAC applications, and it makes nice shiny surfaces.  The mirror tape that I have was simply to rigid to go around details like a fuel tank or air cleaners, but worked well on the KW 900 visors.  I also was able to finish a trio of livestock trailers so I now have a larger set.  I have a couple triple axle versions that need my attention now.

Here it is sporting a coat of red paint and straight pipes.  The mirrors are custom, made from brass wire for brackets and styrene for the mirror.  Looks pretty good on the cattle pot.

UPS 28' Pup Trailer - Swing and a Miss

Ok, so I had a 28' pup trailer in primer, and was feeling good about my latest 3d print results.  Then I decided to compare my 28' pup with a Trainworx 28' drop frame pup.  I guess size does matter.  I had to go back to my design file and found that I did cheat myself by 6 inches on the trailer height.  Sigh.

Oh well, that is an easy fix, and I can have another one ordered soon.  Anyone need a 13' high UPS trailer?

Overall the quality is great, and the details turned out very well.  I think this design is a winner despite my incorrect dimensions.  The only downside to this trailer is that it is a pricey print.  I made the walls a little thicker to avoid warping, and it increases the cost of the print.  The top is one piece, while the frame is separate much like the Trainworx version.  Since I have to revise my design anyway, I will reduce the wall thickness to see if I can still get a solid model but less volume and cost.  Now that I know I can successfully print a van trailer, a 53' reefer is in the works.  Stay tuned.

I took some photos to illustrate my results:

Ready to Print - Pete 389 with Unibilt Sleeper

Here is my 389 Pete ready to print.  I chose to model a pre-DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) version, so you won't see the extra tank on this model.  Although a minor detail, this could offer yet another variation of this modern truck.

Kenworth K100 is Ready to Print

Here is the 3d rendering of my Kenworth K100.  I plan to use wire for the handrail/step details.  The air cleaner stack and exhaust will be add-on's.

This model is mid-80's which features rectangular headlights, which seems to be the most obvious difference from earlier models.

You Know You Are an Addict When....

I have thoroughly enjoyed my entry into the world of 3d printing, and the idea of creating N scale models that do not exist certainly is a motivating factor.  Of course with the huge void of N scale vehicles, and very little competition, it leaves the space wide open for possibilities.

While Shapeways seems to be the only shop in town for what I am doing with 3d printing, I certainly hope that other services will become available in the near future, or that technology will evolve to allow small designers like myself an opportunity to own a high-res printer.

That said, I have kept UPS busy shipping me boxes over the past months, and while most of these go to ebay, I have managed to finish a few myself.  Just to show you how insane I am, here is a recent collection of models, soaked in Bestine and ready for buyers.  Anyone need a Kenworth 900?  I have 20 now, and 10 more to soak.  Anyway, it's funny how addictions lead to more addictions.  Where will it end?

On a different note, I have several new models that are either printed and waiting for me to finish an initial version, or waiting to be printed and shipped to me.  I hope to illustrate these in the near future.  So far, I have only provided the 3d renderings of the models I have been working on.

Lastly, I have seen a few requests for a cabover tractor, so decided with a Kenworth K100 for the first (mid 80's version).  I am thinking about a Pete 352 next (70's version).  I guess that new layout project just keeps getting sidelined...