3D big boy


Used to be years ago model makers had a lathe and they could make anything, all pre-computer. Now its turnaround and its computers. Computers makin us lazy or -differrent-. you can download this project...heh, if you have a printer you might make one too...or find some use for the files.
 
This is a process that is being used more by model railroaders. If a modeler is willing to take the time to learn the 3D modeling software they can make almost anything. You do not have to have the 3D printer. They is a company, Shapeways, that will print the model for a fee. One advantage of NOT having you own printer is that the technology is developing quickly. What you buy today will be surpassed tomorrow.
 
This isn't a bad idea at all. Get drivers from Greenway Products, proper screws and rivets for assembly, motor, NWSL gears, build a basic frame for the drivers and everything else could be built on the printer. You'd have a choice of having the printer "print" out your details or you could use cast brass parts from the various makers. Now if we could just get one of the manufacturers do it for us, and set it up as a "on demand" kit meaning that one wouldn't be printed until someone wants it. No inventory to keep track of, no taxes on unsold merchandise, no shelf space taken up by unsold stuff. They could even set it up where you could choose what kind of kit you'd want. A basic kit, where you supply the detail parts above a basic level, to one where all the details are printed and all you have to do is assemble it all. Since the rods and the valve gear would be plastic, you'd have to be supplied with fasteners, the rivets and screws, made of the same materials to prevent premature wear on these parts.

Who knows....might happen.
 
Ive had some engines 3d printed using shapeways. they have quite a coarse texture and there can be lines on any vertical surfaces from the layers of plastic. It doesn't look too bad if you paint them matt black and want them to look like an engine that is covered in soot . I wouldn't recommend it for a diesel, or for anything you want to have a glossy surface. you could of course sand the surface but then you loose details like rivets.
 
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