|
Post by acelaphillies on Jan 18, 2015 22:56:08 GMT -5
In the past few years we have seen a large influx of very high quality mass produced plastic passenger models. Thankfully these models seem to be doing quite well because the manufacturers keep cranking out more. But the commuter market still remains a very niche market that is only dabbled into by the major manufacturers. Thankfully we have Mike at IHP and Joe at IMW that have each been able to deliver high quality kits of many commuter models from around the country.
It will be interesting to see how commuter modeling changes within the next few years. I do believe that we are at the dawn of some big changes in the hobby because of a rapidly expanding technology: 3D printing. We have already seen a glimpse of this technology as some modelers have already began printing items on Shapeways.com. But I think this is only the tip of the iceberg. IMO, 3D printing has not quite reached the point of the right balance between quality and price for the average modeler. But once it does, I expect it to explode.
I have had the chance to do a little work with 3D printing myself and it definitely opens up a lot of doors. Instead of the expensive and time consuming process of "tooling" or "modling" a model, once the design work is done on the computer, you pretty much hit print. I think that this will definitely open up the doors to a lot of the very specific models that many people in the past have considered unrealistic. If companies like IHP and IMW start using 3D printed models as their finished goods, I think that it will open up the doors for an even larger variety of models to be produced and in a more efficient way. Plus, the models would most likely need less work by the modeler. Another advantage is that molds for a specific model would never wear out, because there are no molds. Plus, minor changes like road number specific details would be as easy as changing the model on the computer.
It is an exciting time for modelers and I look forward to what the future brings. Has anyone else had any dealings with 3D printing?
|
|
|
Post by backshophoss on Jan 19, 2015 1:47:52 GMT -5
Believe Dremel is now offering a 3D printer,but not sure of the price.(Bloody,can't remember where I saw the AD ) As the tech evolves,the cost is coming down,and can be useful,as an example,if I were to make a model of the Santa Fe Depot,I would take 4 photos,1 of each wall,some basic measurements,by using CAD software, create plans to scale and feed the program to the printer,and "let it rip" After some minor cleanup,put the walls together,and some roofing material, paint as needed,and a finished model. Forgive the reference;In the Star Trek novels,"Replicators" were used to create spare parts needed on board the ship and to create "foodstuffs" from raw materials stored on board and recycled material as well. (Yes,am aware in the various "Stargate" series,"replicators" were bad villians! )
|
|
|
Post by rails4dmv on Jan 19, 2015 13:04:18 GMT -5
I agree, it's a wonderful time for commuter modeling. I suspect more modern equipment to be released as the older generation of modelers who model trains of the 40's-50's start to fade out.
The catch is dollars speak volumes and we can request models all day.
But if we don't go out and buy them, we can't sit back and complain as to why something doesn't get made. Hopefully 3D printing becomes so mainstream so we don't have to wait a year or three to get a model made.
I'm curious as to the sales numbers for Walthers Metroliners, Amfleets and Superliners. I'm hoping they are high so we can get Amtrak Cab Cars, Horizons, California Cars & Viewliners.
|
|
|
Post by backshophoss on Jan 29, 2015 0:33:58 GMT -5
Finally found the announcement,pg 20 of Jan '15 RMC,avaible at Home Depot and Amazon MSRP of $999.00
|
|
mlrr
Member
Posts: 66
Primary Railroads: Amtrak, Metro-North, MARC, METRA, New Jersey Transit, VRE
|
Post by mlrr on Dec 2, 2015 15:40:16 GMT -5
Finally found the announcement,pg 20 of Jan '15 RMC,avaible at Home Depot and Amazon MSRP of $999.00 Print off ten or so detailed passenger cars and their associated parts and the machine has paid for itself , lol
|
|
cab4
Member
Posts: 149
Primary Railroads: Conrail, NJ DOT, Amtrak, SEPTA, NJT
|
Post by cab4 on Dec 3, 2015 15:13:54 GMT -5
Not to put a damper on things, but we still do have on significant problem- Powering our models.
I suppose its not that world ending, because if you run locomotive/push-pull sets, you're fine. That said, there appears to be no good drive adaptable for heavy EMU cars. I haven't yet seen anyone try to install a Metroliner drive (I'm getting close to biting the bullet and just doing it). IHP and IMW rely on Stanton drives, but these do not really give the performance necessary for many MU car applications, and they add ~$90 per truck to the cost of already expensive kits.
3D printing is fun, but then what do we do with our self-propelled cars when we print them? There will be many yard queens until we figure that part out.
|
|
|
Post by backshophoss on Dec 3, 2015 18:52:14 GMT -5
B+M did the "unthinkable",towing the RDC's with GP-7'and 9's as drive parts became scarce. Amtrak towed the Metroliners with GG-1's at the end of their 1st life,before the conversion to coaches in Mi service Chicago- Detroit,and into Cab cars for other services. For the MBTA,the B+M RDC's were rebuilt into coaches,known as "Boise Budds" after MBTA got BBD Comet cars,they were sold off to CaDOT for use on SFO-San Jose commuter service, then were sold to GCRY,and used as the 2nd train on Williams-Grand Canyon run now.
|
|
edgecrusher
Member
Posts: 31
Primary Railroads: Monon, RI, NYC, PRR, C&EI, CNW, Milw......
|
Post by edgecrusher on Dec 4, 2015 11:53:50 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by backshophoss on Dec 4, 2015 16:09:04 GMT -5
Interesting,Proto 87 standards are a bit different then regular HO. That 6 volt motor may not play well with 12-15 volt DCC power at the rails!
|
|
|
Post by tmurray on Dec 4, 2015 22:29:27 GMT -5
The former Railflyer company and traction motor... If you send money, you have a 5% chance -at best- of receiving anything.
|
|
|
Post by acelaphillies on Dec 5, 2015 0:42:53 GMT -5
Also as a side note I'll be receiving my very first 3D printed parts today, I'm pretty excited. Well...what are you getting??
|
|
|
Post by backshophoss on Dec 5, 2015 2:08:14 GMT -5
The former Railflyer company and traction motor... If you send money, you have a 5% chance -at best- of receiving anything. T murry,I take it you have had dealings with this outfit before?? PM me if you think you need to.
|
|
edgecrusher
Member
Posts: 31
Primary Railroads: Monon, RI, NYC, PRR, C&EI, CNW, Milw......
|
Post by edgecrusher on Dec 7, 2015 11:36:19 GMT -5
Well what I got is pretty far removed from passenger or commuter trains but it is HO scale. They are coupler buffer plates for G.E. U-25-Bs. The frosted plastic is kinda hard to photograph well but here are some pics anyway. I'm very impressed with the detail on these. As for the Railflyer guy. I have many of his parts that I'm extremely happy with, however I wouldn't order anything that doesn't exist yet. But that being said, I don't ever pre-order anything from anyone. I kinda look at it like gambling. If you get it great, if you don't you knew the risk and have nothing to complain about.
|
|
|
Post by backshophoss on Dec 7, 2015 18:32:42 GMT -5
Edgecrusher,well said about pre-orders in general,even outfits like Walters announce an item, and allow pre-ordering,but later have to cancel them due to external problems.
"Layoutnet" is still an NMRA concept,the standards are still being refined for now. I will take a "wait and see" on any products for "Layoutnet" or any form of layout control for now.
Any detailed discussion about Manufacturers/Vendors,and Suppliers belongs in the "Crew Lounge" area of the Board. That includes "customer service" issues or lack of!
|
|
edgecrusher
Member
Posts: 31
Primary Railroads: Monon, RI, NYC, PRR, C&EI, CNW, Milw......
|
Post by edgecrusher on Dec 7, 2015 19:45:04 GMT -5
As I'm just starting construction on a new layout the whole layoutnet/deadrail thing really did interest me. But the cost is just too out of my league right now. Guess I'll just have to learn DCC.
|
|