Ah, just heard back from him. Another thing I did not consider is that LCD screens which are used to harden the resin layer by layer have a lifespan. That further increases per-layer cost, so it's just not economical to angle on the Z.
On the bright side, you guys have been ordering enough models from him that he decided it would be economical to get a larger printer. He says to expect my full line within a few weeks. He did say that you were welcome to email him for a custom quote if you want it now rather than later.
Another issue I should jump on is that this thread is referring to his Etsy store. Etsy fees are really hurting him so he's going to be dropping carriers and battleships. You will still be able to find them for sale on his website; xpforge.com/
I picked up some spitfire models to use as Seafires. Since they're basically the naval variant of the spitfire there really isn't much difference in the model is there? I have a buddy that's pretty particular that the model you has to match the card. I've only been able to find the spitfires so far.
I picked up some spitfire models to use as Seafires. Since they're basically the naval variant of the spitfire there really isn't much difference in the model is there? I have a buddy that's pretty particular that the model you has to match the card. I've only been able to find the spitfires so far.
Thanks, Brent
Brent, there are various versions of both the Spitfire and Seafire, some of which included some slight adjustments in shape and dimensions. However, these differences are too slight to be able to be properly distinguished at the scale and design protocol I use. As it stands now, I have the Seafire marked as a Spitfire in my class column. I don't think making a separate variant is necessary or productive. The one exception to this would be the later versions of the Spitfire/Seafire which had a bubble canopy rather than the signature bulged canopy.
Aircraft generally have slight to minor differences between variants. This contrasts with ships where ships in class could have moderate to severe differences warranting variants of my model for that class. For example I have separate models for all four South Dakota-class battleships. There are numerous models I have that deserve multiple variants that I haven't gotten around to doing yet. My first priority is generally to get a single ship of the class which is usually either close enough or sufficiently identical to most of the other ships in class. I do variants by request.
Ah, just heard back from him. Another thing I did not consider is that LCD screens which are used to harden the resin layer by layer have a lifespan. That further increases per-layer cost, so it's just not economical to angle on the Z.
On the bright side, you guys have been ordering enough models from him that he decided it would be economical to get a larger printer. He says to expect my full line within a few weeks. He did say that you were welcome to email him for a custom quote if you want it now rather than later.
Another issue I should jump on is that this thread is referring to his Etsy store. Etsy fees are really hurting him so he's going to be dropping carriers and battleships. You will still be able to find them for sale on his website; xpforge.com/
Thanks! I should have mentioned I also reached out to him. He was very responsive. I also get cutting out the middle man, so I'll check out his website for direct orders.
Just posted a new order. Would have been interested in the Surcouf if it wasn't class limited to 1 and it was in my order. Just too wacky not to have. May not be the best unit out there but it's bound to entertain in a game!
Just posted a new order. Would have been interested in the Surcouf if it wasn't class limited to 1 and it was in my order. Just too wacky not to have. May not be the best unit out there but it's bound to entertain in a game!
I managed to sink a DD with Gunfire from the Surcouf and shoot down an a/c that was trying to depth charge. A rare event if a fun filled night, it survived the battle.
Their ship their coffin The cruel dark sea their grave.
That must have been a mighty dice game. Only a 3 on AA is pretty dang lucky.
I was playing over the weekend and my buddy's son had that luck. Two torpedo dice against the Hood and put her down from Range 2 with Italian cruisers. Between my and my buddy we lost 3 battleships to air attack and torpedos before we could even reach an objective.
I've been a bit embarrassed that I suggested Ghukek model Brig's version of Jean Bart as an AA platform, but never bought the ship off Shapeways.
Finally bought it off XPForge along with a Minotaur, a long-hull Essex,and some over-powered Hellcats!
I bought them in resin and I have to say I like it...both Ghukek's designs and the resin ship are great. They're solid resin, though, i.e. the hulls are not hollowed out so they're actually pretty heavy.
These don't have as much detail as some of Roe's do on Shapeways, but I'm willing to give up detail for a much lower price and what seems to be more sturdiness than the FUD (or whatever they call it these days).
Here's a shot:
I'll start on these after I finish up all the tanks and WWII vehicles I posted over in the Land Modelling section...
I've had some issues with the miniatures bowing at the center. Look fine when I get them but over time the bow and stern starts to lift. Any way to fix that prior to painting? I've tried bending them back and the material is too brittle. Ended up snapping my Renown in half and that put an end to that idea.
I've had some issues with the miniatures bowing at the center. Look fine when I get them but over time the bow and stern starts to lift. Any way to fix that prior to painting? I've tried bending them back and the material is too brittle. Ended up snapping my Renown in half and that put an end to that idea.
That seems to be a problem for most of the 3D printed plastics. Of course, the injection molded WotC ships were terrible about bowing as well. However, they were the reverse with the smaller units bowing and the larger ones rarely bowing.
The only plastic I have tried that does not bow very often is the Versatile Plastic, but that has the rough surface a lot of people don't like.
Edited to add: I was able to use the hot water followed by cold water trick to straighten out the WotC minis. But my experience with the 3D plastic has been the same as yours. Snap.
Last Edit: Oct 18, 2020 21:20:35 GMT by weedsrock2
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I found a post online where you use a blow drier on high for about a minute on a cast iron fry pan. Softens the plastic enough to straighten it. Hold it down on the fry pan which holds the heat for about 2 minutes. I was able to straighten quite a few. Not sure if they will bow again but that's what I tried. Seemed to work reasonably well.
I found a post online where you use a blow drier on high for about a minute on a cast iron fry pan. Softens the plastic enough to straighten it. Hold it down on the fry pan which holds the heat for about 2 minutes. I was able to straighten quite a few. Not sure if they will bow again but that's what I tried. Seemed to work reasonably well.
If you got these from XPForge I would recommend reaching out to them for support. Tim is really good with customer service and the feedback will be valuable. Certain materials may be more prone to warping and a better picture of what warps in what conditions will allow him to better serve the community with the proper materials. I have not seen any warping from the prints I have received from him; both resin and FDM but mine have been stored in a cool dry place away from the sun and not used at all so certainly we would want to find materials that would hold up to more versatile use. If not, then at least he may be able to provide advice for avoiding warping on his materials.
Shapeways is a big commercial establishment and we have no sway on how they conduct their business and choose their materials. XPForge is a small business with a specific set of customers; tabletop gaming enthusiasts. They are constantly adjusting and evolving based on what they see from us. Their resin process is also very new. Just this spring we only had the option of FDM.
I just received my first order directly from XPForge. I got excellent squadrons of E13A Jakes and Ar.196 floatplanes. Plus four Walrus'. I think they will hold up to gaming very well.
I also bought two Z-40 "Spahkruezers" and a P-class "Von der Tann." I especially like the way he did the Z-40s.
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