NI Railways 3000/4000 Class models by CMAC models on Shapeways - anyone interested?

[NIR 450 ‘Castle’ Class]

So, as some of you may know, there is a designer on Shapeways, with the brand CMAC models, who manufactures fine, 3D-printed bodyshells, underframes, bodie sideframes and more. Their range is mainly 2mm scale but I have enquired about the CAF 3000 and 4000 Classes and whether or not they could be reproduced in 4mm scale. However, this would only be done with multiple expressions of interest. Would anyone else here be interested? Many thanks,

NIR 450 ‘Castle’ Class

 

 

https://www.shapeways.com/shops/cmacmodels?section=Northern+Ireland+Railways+C3000+and+C4000&s=0

(Link to the C3K/C4K range - currently in 2mm scale, I have been informed they might be scaled up if sufficient demand is present) 

[RobertRoche]

With the prices on Shapeways being so high, it would probably be cheaper to print a master and cast it from resin if there is demand. The price for the 4mm version would probably be 3-4 times more expensive than the 2mm version.

[NIR 450 ‘Castle’ Class]

Yes, I agree, it wouldn’t come cheap, especially to get a 3-car set printed. Resin casting would be less expensive but I think the seller will offer 3D prints only. Due to the accuracy of the CAD, I would probably fork out for one set but resin might lower the price significantly. Nonetheless, the product is the best you can get if you don’t want to repaint a Turbostar. I’ll look into it further.

NIR 450 ‘Castle’ Class 

[hurricanemk1c]

He's been doing some 3D printed Electrostars, think a 4 car set worked out around the £140 mark. Not sure who printed by though

[Mayner]

It you can come to an agreement with a designer an Irish or UK based printing service with SLA capability is likely to be a better option than Shapeways.

 https://www.google.com/search?q=3d+sla+printing+services+UK+and+ireland&rlz=1C1CHBF_enNZ752NZ752&oq=3d+sla+printing+services+UK+and+ireland&aqs=chrome..69i57j0.18285j0j9&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

SLA printing will produce similar results to plastic injection moulding and can be used to produce a pattern for vacuum casting (min vol 40 units) or small volume production. 

If you are unable to come to an agreement with CMAC, most locally owned 3D printing businesses should be able to recommend a 3D designer who understands the limitations of the technology and material and has experience in designing models and miniatures.

 

 

Edited August 9, 2020 by Mayner

[m0rris]

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick line to introduce myself as I am the person behind CMAC models. I have had a good bit of interest for the C3/4ks since I said I might do it so they have jumped up the slow moving queue and I hope that they will be in the works in the next month or so. There's a fair bit of additional detail that I would like to add before scaling them up and the surfaces need to be checked as well. 

As things stand, I am likely to only do these by 3D printing - I have investigated resin casting previously but when looking at the investment needed and the amount of interest, it does not look particularly viable. I have found a supplier that can provide me with resin 3d prints at a more reasonable cost than the shapeways 00 prints and whilst there is 1 less bodyshell, due to the additional length on the C3/4K bodyshells, I expect that they would work out around the same price as electrostars.

Thanks

C

[murphaph]

It's too late a era and the wrong area for me but best of luck your venture and if you ever make a 2600 Class in Arrow livery I'll be all over it!

[DJ Dangerous]

26 minutes ago, murphaph said:

It's too late a era and the wrong area for me but best of luck your venture and if you ever make a 2600 Class in Arrow livery I'll be all over it!

Plus five!

[m0rris]

Thanks - I will definitely bear it in mind as it is a notable class - I've a very varied collection covering Irish/British/Swiss/Austrian N gauge so as you can imagine, given the gaps in those ranges in N and 00/HO I have a very long to do list. I would need to track down a copy of the drawings for the 2600 as a starter before saying yes or no.

[mphoey]

2 hours ago, m0rris said:

Thanks - I will definitely bear it in mind as it is a notable class - I've a very varied collection covering Irish/British/Swiss/Austrian N gauge so as you can imagine, given the gaps in those ranges in N and 00/HO I have a very long to do list. I would need to track down a copy of the drawings for the 2600 as a starter before saying yes or no.

drawings are available easily

 

[mphoey]

2600 drawing have lots of others of other types

[DJ Dangerous]

Just saw this on eBay today, for anybody interested:

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/Translink-NIR-C3000-3-car-Bodyshell-Set-by-CMAC-Model-Railways/174679168105?hash=item28abb09469:g:x04AAOSwPv9gS1~8

 

[Darius43]

Hello.  First post here on Irish Railway Modeller but I’ve posted a few times on the Irish Railways Group on RMWeb over the past few years.

I built a CAF3000 unit using the CMAC bodies earlier this year.

 

 

 

 

Cheers

Darius

 

Edited October 25, 2021 by Darius43

[Galteemore]

Welcome Darius. You will find lots of fans for your work here - having seen it on RMWeb, NIR fans are in for a treat! 

[murphaph]

I had actually wondered why you weren't on here having seen your great work over there. Welcome!

[LARNE CABIN]

Yes, welcome Darius. Great to see you on this forum. I have followed your work on RMWeb, and used your 70 Class build as the best guide available. 

[K801]

Nice job on that CAF

[Bob229]

Hi Darius welcome to the forum,  an excellent CAF model

[jhb171achill]

On 25/10/2021 at 7:38 AM, Darius43 said:

Hello.  First post here on Irish Railway Modeller but I’ve posted a few times on the Irish Railways Group on RMWeb over the past few years.

I built a CAF3000 unit using the CMAC bodies earlier this year.

 

 

 

 

Cheers

Darius

 

Only seeing this now. Outstandingly good work!

[Darius43]

Photos restored in the RMWeb CMAC CAF3000 build thread

Cheers

Darius

[GSR 800]

40 minutes ago, Darius43 said:

Photos restored in the RMWeb CMAC CAF3000 build thread

Cheers

Darius

Looks great Darius, glad to see someone restoring workbench thread photos on RMweb. Countless great locos and layouts and I can't see them!

I always find it strange that when they are doubled up into 6 car sets (2x3) NIR seemingly throw the wipers across to the couple gap, makes them look very bizarre!

Edited Tuesday at 12:11 by GSR 800

[K801]

i'll wait for the IRM ready-to-run one

[Mol_PMB]

31 minutes ago, K801 said:

i'll wait for the IRM ready-to-run one

Patience is a virtue! 

[K801]

21 hours ago, Mol_PMB said:

Patience is a virtue! 

Well, its just that I couldn't build a sand castle never mind a 3D printed model lol