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.