How do you feel about 3D modeling?

[Carl W]

My Name is Carl Whitten, a 3D model designer that has created figures and parts for the African Queen and most recently The Rum Chaser Guard Prohibition Patrol Boat.
I would be grateful for your feedback about 3D printing interest you have in model building. I share my 3D model creations I have made for my own models on Cults3D and what little I make goes toward my 3D subscriptions. I focus on model things I can't find already available and I want to build. I am wondering if I should continue spending so much time on 3D. Any comments you have will be helpful.

Questions:
1. Would you buy The Rum Chaser Patrol Boat as a Kit if it was available rather than printing it yourself on your 3D printer? Plastic Kit? Wood Kit with some metal or plastic parts?
2. Do you currently own a 3D printer? If so what kind of Printer Resin or String?
3. Are you thinking about buying 3D printer for model building?
4. Are you aware there are model parts available for Free or purchase on 3D websites?
5. Do you belong to a model group that has a 3D printer?
6. What kinds of model parts or figures would you most interested in?
7. Any comments you have will be helpful.

You may answer simply: 1. Yes, Wood, 2. No 3. Yes, etc.

Thank you
Carl Whitten

 

[Y.T.]

I am very interested in 3D printing parts for ship models. I however am so far disappointed with issues I would encounter if going into 3D printing myself. They are:

- I live in condo. I will not be able to provide proper and essential ventilation around 3D printer. I cannot resolve this problem
- I understand there are a few types of printers. Some with plastic wire and some with resin. My understanding is that resin does good results but is very expensive. Plastic wire parts I had seen about 5 years ago, were of terrible quality not suitable for quality I had set up for my models.
- I do not know how much decent quality printer machine costs but assume it will be not cheap
- I have no space for another machinery in my condo which I cannot stove away in my clothes closet.

 

[Jimsky]

My Name is Carl Whitten, a 3D model designer that has created figures and parts for the African Queen and most recently The Rum Chaser Guard Prohibition Patrol Boat.
I would be grateful for your feedback about 3D printing interest you have in model building. I share my 3D model creations I have made for my own models on Cults3D and what little I make goes toward my 3D subscriptions. I focus on model things I can't find already available and I want to build. I am wondering if I should continue spending so much time on 3D. Any comments you have will be helpful.

Questions:
1. Would you buy The Rum Chaser Patrol Boat as a Kit if it was available rather than printing it yourself on your 3D printer? Plastic Kit? Wood Kit with some metal or plastic parts?
2. Do you currently own a 3D printer? If so what kind of Printer Resin or String?
3. Are you thinking about buying 3D printer for model building?
4. Are you aware there are model parts available for Free or purchase on 3D websites?
5. Do you belong to a model group that has a 3D printer?
6. What kinds of model parts or figures would you most interested in?
7. Any comments you have will be helpful.

You may answer simply: 1. Yes, Wood, 2. No 3. Yes, etc.

Thank you
Carl Whitten

Hi Carl,

Thank you for creating an interesting topic. I think 3D design and printing have become an increasingly valuable part of my hobby of scale modeling, especially in 1:350 and/or 1:200, where fine details can really elevate a build.

1. I would consider buying it as a kit, in plastic with optional 3D-printed detail parts and (PE???) or as a wood kit with mixed media parts.
2. No, I do not currently own a 3D printer. For now, I rely on commercially available kits and aftermarket detail parts.
3. Yes, I have considered buying a 3D printer for model building, mainly for custom fittings, figures, and hard-to-find ship details in smaller scales such as 1:350.
4. Yes, I am aware that parts and figures are available on 3D websites, both free and paid. This is especially useful for niche subjects and uncommon vessels where aftermarket support is limited.
5. No, I do not currently belong to a model group with access to a 3D printer.
6. The parts I would be most interested in are:
   • ship fittings and deck equipment of the IJN (Imperial Japanese Navy) of WWII or the pre-World War II era
   • small boats and launches, whiches anchors.
   • crew figures in realistic poses
   • photo-etch alternatives such as ladders, vents, and radar details
   • custom parts not available from mainstream manufacturers
7. My overall comment:
   I definitely think there is value in continuing your 3D work, especially for subjects like The Rum Chaser that may not have broad commercial kit support. Many modelers in smaller scales appreciate well-designed specialty parts and complete kits for unusual subjects. Your work fills a niche that traditional manufacturers often overlook.

 

[Roger Pellett]

Not sure my response matters much but my response to questions 1-6 is no.

Re; question 7: I’m an old (in years) time ship model builder. I build from scratch, everything hand made, no CAD, CNC, etc. In my opinion this builds the best ship models.

Roger

 

[Jimsky]

In my opinion this builds the best ship models.

Sorry for the slight off-topic, Carl.

The only reason I’m raising this here is that you (Roger) mentioned that everything handmade builds the best ship models, and that got me thinking. This may be a question better suited for a separate discussion, but I’d genuinely be interested in hearing your thoughts:
If you had two best-in-class models of the same subject and scale placed side by side, would you truly be able to tell which one was built entirely from scratch and which one made use of CAD, CNC, or other modern tools?

 

[Bryian]

I love 3d printed ship models and have built 5 battleships from various navies in 1/200 scale.
I purchase them from Chinese vendors on eBay, but would happily support you.

 

[Carl W]

I am very interested in 3D printing parts for ship models. I however am so far disappointed with issues I would encounter if going into 3D printing myself. They are:

- I live in condo. I will not be able to provide proper and essential ventilation around 3D printer. I cannot resolve this problem
- I understand there are a few types of printers. Some with plastic wire and some with resin. My understanding is that resin does good results but is very expensive. Plastic wire parts I had seen about 5 years ago, were of terrible quality not suitable for quality I had set up for my models.
- I do not know how much decent quality printer machine costs but assume it will be not cheap
- I have no space for another machinery in my condo which I cannot stove away in my clothes closet.

Your situation does create some problems. I do my 3D printing In a separate room With ventilation of a window. I had considered printing outside But that requires good weather in a shaded area. With resin printing It would be difficult Loading and unloading Light sensitive chemicals. My 3D printer About the size of a large coffee maker cost Around $350 2 years ago. That same printer out there is less than $200 if you can find 1. They're always coming out with new models and they cut the price on the older ones As they clear them out. I use Water washable resins Which don't emit too much odor And clean up easier. But you are correct there are limitations and Restrictions That you would have to overcome. Good luck in your model building and thanks for your feedback.

 

[Carl W]

Sorry for the slight off-topic, Carl.tt

The only reason I’m raising this here is that you (Roger) mentioned that everything handmade builds the best ship models, and that got me thinking. This may be a question better suited for a separate discussion, but I’d genuinely be interested in hearing your thoughts:
If you had two best-in-class models of the same subject and scale placed side by side, would you truly be able to tell which one was built entirely from scratch and which one made use of CAD, CNC, or other modern tools?

To answer your question I think the quality lies In the skill of the builder. I have built both wood scratch built models and 3D models in plastic and found them both satisfying. It takes me as much effort to build something in 3D and sometimes more than building something handmade in wood. The hull shapes In 3D are particularly difficult.You just can't Sand your mistakes away. There are tools in 3D that increase your productivity like the mirror tool. Create a port running light Then just mirror the starboard Running light. Also you can create an anchor and use on several models and resize. With that said, I can appreciate the love of the work and pride of creating each pc of your model by hand that is truly a work of Art.

 

[Carl W]

Not sure my response matters much but my response to questions 1-6 is no.

Re; question 7: I’m an old (in years) time ship model builder. I build from scratch, everything hand made, no CAD, CNC, etc. In my opinion this builds the best ship models.

Roger

Thanks for your reply. As an artist I can appreciate your point of view.

 

[Jimsky]

To answer your question I think the quality lies In the skill of the builder. I have built both wood scratch built models and 3D models in plastic and found them both satisfying. It takes me as much effort to build something in 3D and sometimes more than building something handmade in wood. The hull shapes In 3D are particularly difficult.You just can't Sand your mistakes away. There are tools in 3D that increase your productivity like the mirror tool. Create a port running light Then just mirror the starboard Running light. Also you can create an anchor and use on several models and resize. With that said, I can appreciate the love of the work and pride of creating each pc of your model by hand that is truly a work of Art.

Thank you for the input, Carl. The question was for Roger @Roger Pellett and his quote: " What builds the best models" (below)

I build from scratch, everything hand made, no CAD, CNC, etc. In my opinion this builds the best ship models.

 

[Y.T.]

When manufactured part is of good quality, the multiplication of identical parts is a major strength of 3d (like making 100 scaled cannons for a model). This is similar with strengths of die casting manufacturing. Die casting initial investment however must be justified by the quantity of parts manufactured and sold. Expenses associated with initial ship modeler set up investment (software cost, printer, room ventilation, raisin and so on) must be financially justified. I have doubt that switching to 3D parts making may justify the investment. The 3D printing however is good help for modelers with poor modeling skills. So at the end 3D may become expensive but the only way unskillful modeler may become happy with modeling hobby. This is good, is not it?

 

[Bobby K.]

3D printers are alot like paint rollers. Paint rollers , they were invented in 1940 because of a hog hair brush shortage. A lot of painters refuse to use them, some used them but brushed out behind the roller. I remember my first boss telling me about when he was younger that they used to be fights over if you used a roller you were not a real painter. They eventually became common use by all.
I think 3D printing is the same it will become increasingly popular for people like myself who have difficulty cutting and putting things together . But to the 7 questions at hand.

I. yes wood
2. No
3. No
4 yes
5. No
6... Figures, ships boats, blocks ,deadeyes and anchors etc.
7. The world moves on, just because that's the way old builders used to build from scratch doesn't mean that's the only way. Kits were invented, and the battle continues.
3D printers are going to be used a lot more and more in modeling. I am so glad I got a buddy with a printer, it popularly is on the rise.

Bobby K

 

[Bryian]

3D printers are alot like paint rollers. Paint rollers , they were invented in 1940 because of a hog hair brush shortage. A lot of painters refuse to use them, some used them but brushed out behind the roller. I remember my first boss telling me about when he was younger that they used to be fights over if you used a roller you were not a real painter. They eventually became common use by all.
I think 3D printing is the same it will become increasingly popular for people like myself who have difficulty cutting and putting things together . But to the 7 questions at hand.

I. yes wood
2. No
3. No
4 yes
5. No
6... Figures, ships boats, blocks ,deadeyes and anchors etc.
7. The world moves on, just because that's the way old builders used to build from scratch doesn't mean that's the only way. Kits were invented, and the battle continues.
3D printers are going to be used a lot more and more in modeling. I am so glad I got a buddy with a printer, it popularly is on the rise.

Bobby K

H Bobby,
were you a house painter ? Thats been my profession for the last 49 years. cheers.

 

[Bobby K.]

38 years

Bobby K

 

[Kurt Konrath]

I have a resin printer, not much experience with it, got a few model railroad stuff printed. Need to set up exhaust for it.

I have no design or build experience, and just barely use the software for printer as I need to spend more time with it.

Parts would be mainly crew and replacements for bad casting of metal work.

 

[Rob444]

My Name is Carl Whitten, a 3D model designer that has created figures and parts for the African Queen and most recently The Rum Chaser Guard Prohibition Patrol Boat.
I would be grateful for your feedback about 3D printing interest you have in model building. I share my 3D model creations I have made for my own models on Cults3D and what little I make goes toward my 3D subscriptions. I focus on model things I can't find already available and I want to build. I am wondering if I should continue spending so much time on 3D. Any comments you have will be helpful.

Questions:
1. Would you buy The Rum Chaser Patrol Boat as a Kit if it was available rather than printing it yourself on your 3D printer? Plastic Kit? Wood Kit with some metal or plastic parts?
2. Do you currently own a 3D printer? If so what kind of Printer Resin or String?
3. Are you thinking about buying 3D printer for model building?
4. Are you aware there are model parts available for Free or purchase on 3D websites?
5. Do you belong to a model group that has a 3D printer?
6. What kinds of model parts or figures would you most interested in?
7. Any comments you have will be helpful.

You may answer simply: 1. Yes, Wood, 2. No 3. Yes, etc.

Thank you
Carl Whitten

1) I believe these kits are more akin to plastic models than wood ship kits. I do both. I have just completed a model of the Viking Mars lander that consisted of 3D printed parts that I put together with CA glue. The details on the parts were amazing, the resolution of these printers have gotten much better. These are (at least for me) completely different creatures than a wooden kit where you shape, cut and sand wood. It is a very different experience. I like both. This is a long winded way of saying I would prefer a wooden kit with 3D parts such as leads, vents, davits etc.
2) I don't own a 3D printer but I have use of a high end one at my local library.
3) I think about it all the time, but I think the Admiral would blow a gasket I also think about buying a laser cutter engraver.
4) Yes the amount of parts available for free or at low cost is amazing.
5)No but see #2
6)Figures, boat accessories Davits, cleats vents, deadeyes, blocks
7) 3D printing has come a long way and it keeps getting better and the prices keep falling. The new machines are amazing and does things such as bed leveling that used to drive people crazy. I have tried without much success to learn to do CAD programs. This I believe is the stumbling block. I would not be surprised with AI if in a few years you can feed in a PDF or pictures of plans and an AI will generate the 3D CAD drawing of what you need at the appropriate scale. once this occurs 3D printing will explode.

 

[Bryian]

This is my current project of a 3D printed model. Its H.M.S Queen Mary battlecruiser in 1/200 scale. Its 44 inches long and packed with details.

 

[Bill-R]

Hi Bryian,

Your HMS Queen Mary is looking great.

Bill

 

[AllanKP69]

1. Would you buy The Rum Chaser Patrol Boat as a Kit if it was available rather than printing it yourself on your 3D printer? Plastic Kit? Wood Kit with some metal or plastic parts? No to all
2. Do you currently own a 3D printer? If so what kind of Printer Resin or String? If you mean a machine, no, If you mean a person, yes I have a printer and he does great work.
3. Are you thinking about buying 3D printer for model building? No
4. Are you aware there are model parts available for Free or purchase on 3D websites? Yes
5. Do you belong to a model group that has a 3D printer? No
6. What kinds of model parts or figures would you most interested in? English Dutch, French and Spanish cannon in appropriate patterns, sizes, and calibers for various eras from 1600 to 1820, port hinges from various eras, pintles, and gudgeons.
7. Any comments you have will be helpful. Some folks feel resin and plastic parts have no business on wooden ship models. I used to feel similarly but I ask those folks if they are building a warship from the 17th or 18th century for example,are they casting their cannon in bronze or iron or are they turning them in brass or steel? Brass and steel cannon barrels are no more realistic than resin. Same goes for casting in soft metals.