06-10-2013, 07:21 PM
There is a lot that goes into a project like this, the 3D printer is just another tool but does have some limitations and hurdles to overcome as does the drawing up a model on the computer. Don't get me wrong it has been fun learning the ins and outs of the process but the puzzle is yet to be completed, still have not tried vacuum forming yet.
The next main hurdle is to find out if there is a big enough consumer base to justify the "hard work" as the "kits" would be undecorated less trucks and couplers, how many of us railroaders still paint up and build kits? Is there room for kits like what I envision? Should I design products that cover several scales? What color if any should the product be? Seems like a lot of railroads used the basic oxide red/brown scheme. If I go with Shapeways do they do any advertising or is that up to the designer? Would it be cost effective to order a bunch of kits assuming they print out right and sell them at a show? The more I think about it the less ready I am to take the plunge but the more I want to try it.
The next main hurdle is to find out if there is a big enough consumer base to justify the "hard work" as the "kits" would be undecorated less trucks and couplers, how many of us railroaders still paint up and build kits? Is there room for kits like what I envision? Should I design products that cover several scales? What color if any should the product be? Seems like a lot of railroads used the basic oxide red/brown scheme. If I go with Shapeways do they do any advertising or is that up to the designer? Would it be cost effective to order a bunch of kits assuming they print out right and sell them at a show? The more I think about it the less ready I am to take the plunge but the more I want to try it.