N Scale U36B Solutions

I have two parts available on Shapeways for turning Atlas U23B models into reasonable facsimiles of a U36B or U33B. The first solution requires cutting off part of the U23B radiator and fitting a whole new flared radiator over the cut section.
The second solution simply requires gluing flared radiator wings onto the sides of the U23B radiator.
I use method two for my own models just because it is very easy and can easily be applied to a factory painted model. I paint the flared radiator wings the proper color. And I attach the flared radiator wings with Elmer’s white glue so I can wet them and remove them if I ever desire to do so.
If you aren’t satisfied with the second solution due to the existing U23B radiator, which is too narrow and doesn’t extend to the flared section, I provide a choice of two vector images (white background and gray) that can be printed as a decal or on paper to represent the radiator screen and to cover the existing U23B radiator. To use the radiator graphics, scrape the grab iron on the top of the existing radiator off with a razor blade. Print the screens (ideally using a laser printer), glue the screens down with Elmer’s glue if using paper. You could print the graphic with the white background on colored paper. Or you could use the dirty gray screen graphic.
Get the parts at Shapeways here and here. As always, with parts in the Frosted Detail materials, don’t skip the step of using a soak in Bestine (or Doc Edington’s brand) to properly clean the parts of support wax.

N Scale GP11 Paducah Geep

An N scale GP11 is now available. There are two versions depending on if someone wants printed handrails or do it yourself brass handrails.
https://www.shapeways.com/product/ZXHAYHYCB/gp11-n-scale-paducah-geep-for-brass-handrails
https://www.shapeways.com/product/AEFMLNLAD/gp11-n-scale-paducah-geep-for-printed-handrails
https://www.shapeways.com/product/WUNYFSQVJ/gp11-handrails-download-file
For the printed handrails you can just download the handrails file here: gp11handrails – STL. The file is a .STL file and is in a zip folder. So you need to remove it from that folder on your computer before you try uploading it to Shapeways. Then upload it to your own Shapeways account (choose “inches” when asked). When ordering, select “print anyway” and Shapeways will print these for you. These are too delicate to put up for sale but Shapeways will print them for individuals. Contains two of each handrail piece in case one breaks, but they held up fine in my own test orders. Print in either Frosted Detail or Frosted Extreme Detail.
I was thinking of doing some other Paducah Geeps, but Intermountain has decided to make the real deal, not just shells, with an N GP10 model.
https://www.intermountain-railway.com/n/nloco/nlocgp10.htm

Dmc-12 DeLorean N Scale 1:160 and HO 1:87 Back to the Future

I took a stab at making an N scale vehicle available. I’ve started with a Dmc-12 DeLorean. If shapeways ever starts offering a clear material that I could use to model window glass, I’ll start making a lot of vehicles. In the meantime though, I’m using my own printed decals as windows for the DeLorean. I printed the decals for my own DeLorean on MicroMark clear laser decal paper using my color laser printer. I cut close around the decals leaving just a sliver of the clear decal film around the edges. Get the printable decal files here for your version of the model: DeLorean decals N Back to the Future DeLorean decals N Back to the Future DeLorean decals HO DeLorean decals HO
Buy the N DeLorean model here.
And the Back to the Future N version here.
And the Back to the Future HO version here.
And nontrain BTTF Dmc-12 DeLorean HO Scale 1:87

Have your own resin printer? Here is my more detailed HO or larger BTTF DeLorean model that is too intricate to sell on Shapeways. 

M-5 Caboose N Scale Now Available

The M-5 Caboose is now available in N Scale from Shapeways.
The M-5 Caboose was used by ACL, SCL, Family Lines, and Seaboard System between 1964 into the 1990s. There were 438 total M5’s built.
This kit requires trucks, couplers, etched roof walk, paint, decals, and wire for grab irons (a small jig is included for bending grab irons). The picture above is of a pre-production model I put together (it isn’t quite finished in the above photo, but it’s close enough for now). I improved a few minor things on the model that is now available at Shapeways relative to the model in the above picture. If you want to model the Atlantic Coast Line, you can just use Microscale ACL decals. For SCL and Family Lines, here is a print ready PDF to make your own decals m5decals. I just print my decals with a laser printer on decal paper from MicroMark. After printing, seal the decals with a dull coat and they are ready to go.

N Bluford Shops Transfer Caboose Replacement Roof

This is a roof designed to replace the smooth roof found on Bluford Shops N scale transfer cabooses. The Bluford Shops N scale transfer cabooses are great, but the roof (and some of the handrails) are not true to different railroads. This replacement roof is the kind of roof used on L&N Family Lines (CSX) bay window transfer cabooses. The roof on the Bluford Shops models snaps off with minimal effort and can be easily replaced with this roof. As always, soak the 3d print in Bestine. Also, for additional cleaning on non-delicate parts (like this roof) use a simple toothbrush and tooth paste. If anyone wants this roof in HO, contact me and be ready to provide me with measurements (in mm) of the HO Bluford Shops transfer caboose roof.

Buy it here

N Scale Pontoon Boat

Now available on Shapeways: N scale Pontoon Boat
It comes in two variations, one with railing detail and one without. The railing on the one without railing detail can be modeled graphically by printing out the railing as artwork and attaching it to the model.
Download printable graphics here (includes railing in four colors and floor carpeting in two shades of gray).

3D Printed Woodchip Hoppers

Richard Thomason shared these photos of some painted and decaled N scale woodchip hoppers built using my woodchip hopper designs printed by Shapeways. This is what is possible when Shapeways delivers sufficient quality. But Shapeways is still not consistent in its print quality, so if you ever receive a substandard printed model (i.e. warped or inconsistent printing of details) ask for a reprint.