New HBG 3D Printed China set

Per @Midnight_Reaper’s request, I’m working on a USS Atlanta and an IJN Agano for Light Cruisers. The Atlanta has existing open-source examples; the Agano I’ll have to rebuild from bits and photos (all current models are pay-only).

@vodot said in 3D Printers?:

@IWillNeverGrowUp said in 3D Printers?:

For things like factories, shipyards, etc a simple home 3D printer works fantastic.
For things like infantry, it gets dodgy, though you CAN still make it work ok with the right settings.

I use a Monoprice Mini Select V2 (found at https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=107&cp_id=10724&cs_id=1072403&p_id=21711).

Under $200, small buildplate (which is perfectly fine for these uses) and out-of-the-box functionality (no need to put anything together, just plug it in and you’re ready to start printing essentially). You can use basically any PLA 3D printing material for great results.

Finding the settings that work best for what you’re doing takes time, as does either MAKING the 3D files (which requires some level of experience) or finding the ones you want to print (thingiverse.com is the best source I’ve found for free to use files).

@IWillNeverGrowUp would you be willing to post some images of parts you’ve printed on the mini? I would love to see some comparisons to the IM OOB bits.

Will do once I get a chance. Just moved into a new place and everything is a disaster here. ;)

All, I’ve finally gotten a 3D printer of my own, so I have been able to launch my own little Etsy shop with the mission of getting these models out there as affordably as possible! Huzzah!

While my shapeways store will stay open, doing self-fulfilled prints on Etsy is going to be a win-win; much more of the proceeds going directly to creators, which brings the price down for everyone. The only con is that I will have to maintain the 3D printer and do all of my own post-processing…

Anyway, I wanted to welcome everyone here to the shop with a 10% off coupon for the rest of 2021! Just use coupon code AADOTORG21 at checkout. Come be one of my first customers! Visit my etsy shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NathanDetr0itDesigns

I’ll be adding new things and ideas constantly - including bundling items up for complete kits ala G40 etc., so please DM me or respond below and let me know what else you would like to see!

I have recently had a new business open in my town that does custom printing.  He is a very nice guy and can get maps printed on vinyl and many different materials.  He can also do other things as well like cards and player aids.  His prices seem pretty good too.  theonedesigner.com

Also note that, as a weight-saving measure, battlecruisers sometimes carried fewer main gun turrets than battleships.  British practice in the first two decades of the 20th century was to build battlecruiser counterparts to each battleship class, typically with fewer main guns, lighter armour, greater length and so forth.

@bgugs:

They look awesome. I am trying to do almost the exact same order but am trying to break it down by nation to spread the cost out over time (I am a college student so money is tight right now)

Yeah, the costs can certainly pile up, especially since HBG has stopped selling some of the sets, forcing you to buy 5 of each piece at a higher price per piece.

Hey Everyone,

Here is our progress on this project as of August 1st 2017…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AL1avCMC_i0

Thanks LHoffman,

Your appreciation is my inspiration… because I refuse to use a sheet of glass, my research has lead me to a material called styrene (google it) which is a type of plastic sheet that can be directly printed on. All indications point to this method being the last alternative to glass and although it cost around $240, it looks to be my best option. Even after flushing $300 so far in a crappy print, and installation complications, I’m happy with this new direction if it turns out the way I’ve been told it will. Basically it’s flexible plastic, so it should lie flat without air pockets getting trapped, and because it doesn’t get laminated, the colors should be slightly brighter. If it is sensitive to scratching than there is a clear film sheet by 3M I can look into, that’s where I’m at right now.