Thinking about trying Shapeways - advice please

**Prodromoi** · 04-28-2015 00:42

Hi,

I'm finding myself (against my better judgement!) giving serious consideration to trying out Shapeways. However, having read through several threads here I'm quite undecided and would appreciate a couple of pointers.

1. WSF seems to have both a good and bad rep. Lots of pics about old 'bad' WSF prints on here, but never any new ones where the quality has supposedly improved. Could someone please post a pic or two of a recent WSF plane (before painting or preparation) that shows the current quality of Shapeways output?

2. WSF-P seems to have advantages and disadvantages with a big factor being who actually does the polishing at Shapeways; improving the finish but reducing the detail. How are they polished and is it something maybe better to do myself? I have a micro power-drill with buffing brushes etc. What process of polishing produces the best results?

3. I've seen many mentions of coating WSF models with diluted PVA to seal them for painting. How dilute do these coats need to be? What sort of proportion of glue to water, or final consistency should be aimed for?

Thanks in advance.
A

**Doug** · 04-28-2015 01:29

I would say no, there is a lot of hard work in trying to get a half decent model out of one I am not happy with the results of my efforts. The only decent shapeways models I have got was made for me by Clipper. I know others will disagree but that is my view.

**flash** · 04-28-2015 01:31

Did you read this sticky thread Alex ? It compares the different finishes.
I mix the PVA about 50/50 with water but use such small amounts it's hard to quantify - I'll put a brush load into a pot dunk the brush in water & mix, once its looking as though it'll paint on I use it. A little goes a long way. I usually will have already coated the subject with Klear floor polish as well.

**Prodromoi** · 04-28-2015 01:44

Originally Posted by flash

Did you read this sticky thread Alex ? It compares the different finishes.

I did, thanks. The photos of WSF look very disappointing, and while various comments state that it's improved, I'd like to actually see photos of the 'new' prints to see how much they've improved. The more expensive FUD etc. seems to double the price while being dangerously brittle, which is why I think WSF is probably a better choice from a game-piece point of view. Obviously some compromise is necessary as the grail of robust and detailed isn't going to happen any time soon!

AlanWaller · 04-28-2015 02:43

Hi Alex,

I have many shapeways planes. I always buy the WSF. Normally I find about 5 coats of primer either white or black depending on your painting style and the colour of the finished plane before you start putting on the top coats seems to work, followed by decals and varnish.

You can also buy pilots and short posts from shapeways to put in and under the plane as well. here is a picture of one of my latest planes, a Pfalz EII.

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If you are still not sure have a look at my page as all my shapeways plane are photographed there.

Hope this is of some help.

Alan

**Prodromoi** · 04-28-2015 02:52

Thank you. If I grab a couple to test, I'm not going to buy pilots/observers to start with, as I'd need to pay for three different full sprues to get the ones I have in mind and if it turns out I'm not happy with the planes, that's simply not worth the expense for about four 1/144 figures.

Do you polish or otherwise prepare your WSF planes before the primer goes on? (I'm assuming there's a washing process at least to remove remaining mold-release.)

**Boney10** · 04-28-2015 03:27

Alex I will bring a couple to the Mall this week to show you. Will also bring an unpainted specimum.
For my Shapeways I used four or five coats of acrylic Matt varnish then a white undercoat to seal.

AlanWaller · 04-28-2015 03:41

Hi Alex,

The only preparation that I do before putting the primer on is a bit of modeling to put the pilot in, the short post on and the propeller in place if these things need doing and a look over the model to make sure every thing is Ok. I do not wash the plane or anything else. I have never had a single problem with finish at all. The 5 coats of primer smooth out the grainy finish of the model, you could say that this is polishing the model. Though I do use micro sol on the decals.

Hope this is helpful.

Regards

Alan

**Nightbomber** · 04-28-2015 03:53

Now I can see how primitive my approach toward Shapeways WSF is.
1. wash in soapy warm water,
2. black primer,
3. 2-3 layers of thinned acrylic paint,
4. glossy varnish,
5. decals,
6. matt varnish.
Of 20-30 WSF models just 1 came with moderate faulty printing. Not bad.
Evening the surfaces like some of the Forumers do surely improve the overall look of the minis.
Of course it takes time. And do remember that the planes look much better in reality from a table top distance than on the digital photos we post here. I must confess I can not believe my eyes how bad some of my planes look on the Forum and how nice they look in a game

.

**jbmacek** · 04-28-2015 04:05

I prefer WSF over FUD by a long sea mile. Sure, FUD holds the detail nicely, but I'm always worried something is going to snap on a FUD model.

My favorite method of prepping WSF is to hit them with three or four coats of Krylon Triple Thick Crystal Clear. More often than not, I'll do a couple dunks in Future, either before of after. Then I'll prime them. I find that by the time they are painted and sealed most of the graininess has gone away. Sure, if you look closely you can usually see some, but at arm's length, no. And on the table, certainly not.

Some examples.

**jbmacek** · 04-28-2015 04:10

For aircrew I use N gauge figures. You can get 100 of them for just a few bucks on ebay.
This was a trick that Andy taught to me.
Thanks, Andy!

**Prodromoi** · 04-30-2015 03:46

Well... that's it! I've just pulled the trigger on it and placed an order for a couple of planes to check out this whole 3D printing thing!

**Teaticket** · 04-30-2015 04:13

Originally Posted by Prodromoi

Well... that's it! I've just pulled the trigger on it and placed an order for a couple of planes to check out this whole 3D printing thing!

Being able to get planes that ARES will never make I think is exciting. I hope you have a good experience like many of us have had.

**flash** · 04-30-2015 04:17

Originally Posted by Prodromoi

Well... that's it! I've just pulled the trigger on it and placed an order for a couple of planes to check out this whole 3D printing thing!

Hope you're not disappointed Alex & get some kites you can't get otherwise

**jbmacek** · 04-30-2015 05:28

If they come out with "stepping" make sure you email Shapeways about it. They are really good about replacing misprints.

**Prodromoi** · 05-01-2015 11:06

What colour do people generally paint the interior of the cockpit and gunner's positions (in particular for British planes) on Shapeways models? (When I used to paint Airfix kits as a kid I recall it was always zinc chromate primer, a rather unpleasant green colour, but obviously that's not going to be the case for WWI kites!)

**Dom S** · 05-01-2015 11:40

I generally use CDL if the plane is CDL, and a wood brown if it's not.

**Teaticket** · 06-07-2015 15:23

John, your black and yellow striped Fokker DVII, is this an historical plane? Looks great.

**jbmacek** · 06-08-2015 12:31

Yes, it is a historical plane. But only in my mind.

**grumpybear** · 06-08-2015 15:53

I also have started to use Shapeways pilots and observers . They look a bit small in some planes Alb.DV for one, but need to trim for others Sop Camel .

**Flying Helmut** · 06-28-2015 12:10

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Shapeways Pfalz DXII with Peter Pig pilots.
No unsightly 'bobbles' after prep and painting/decaling.

**john snelling** · 06-28-2015 14:46

I was very vocal against them over the years, but they seem to have it together now. Last 2 purchases were very good.

**RJG173** · 06-28-2015 21:05

John, what is this last aircraft?

**jbmacek** · 07-02-2015 05:53

Something of a late-war experimental design by LFG. The Germans were tinkering around with a floatplane that could be carried on board a sub. I decided I needed one for my Fate Core alternate WWI roleplaying game, so I made one.
http://www.shapeways.com/product/WNB...-1-144th-scale

**Teaticket** · 07-02-2015 08:37

Originally Posted by jbmacek

Something of a late-war experimental design by LFG. The Germans were tinkering around with a floatplane that could be carried on board a sub. I decided I needed one for my Fate Core alternate WWI roleplaying game, so I made one.
http://www.shapeways.com/product/WNB...-1-144th-scale

I had missed this one! Now on the WGF Shapeways list.

**cardinal palin** · 08-02-2015 14:37

I've bitten the bullet too now, ordered a pair of Pups & a pair of DH2's, I'll let you know how I get on with them..

Re the last note about the unusual plane, I think there is also an unusual Austrian WW1 observation Helicopter (3 gnome engines but vertical flight only) on shapeways too

**cardinal palin** · 08-04-2015 01:03

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First attempt at pic attaching, here goes,

The Pups & Airco DH2s have arrived, they are all WFS from kampflieger, oh and the silver flecks are Peter Pig pilots

Mik

**Dom S** · 08-04-2015 02:41

Good purchase there - the Kampflieger Pups in particular are very nice - I found them a vast improvement on my old Skytrex metal ones.

**Flying Helmut** · 08-04-2015 03:36

Originally Posted by Dom S

Good purchase there - the Kampflieger Pups in particular are very nice - I found them a vast improvement on my old Skytrex metal ones.

I agree - I bought one to serve as a guide for building Valom Pup kits, but it's a great little model in its own right.

**jbmacek** · 08-04-2015 03:41

Yep, Roman's Pups are very nice. I'll give them two big thumbs up.

**cardinal palin** · 08-04-2015 05:50

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And now the models drilled & pegged for the bases & pilots strapped in place.
I'm using Litko bases with the standard altitude pegs so carefully drilled each plane and added a 2mm plastic-rod underneath to slot into the pegs

**cardinal palin** · 08-06-2015 01:15

And now
First a spray undercoat of bleached bone, I didn't use white so I could see if the spray had missed any areas.
Second two coats of Foundry Phlegm Green A allowing each to dry completely.
Third a wash of Soft Tone ink.
and the start of base coat detail colours - white, grey, black etc...

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As you can see the graining is much much less now, to be honest I like what graining is left given the surfaces are representing linen in the main..

**cardinal palin** · 08-11-2015 09:26

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Getting there, nearly finished

**ReducedAirFact** · 08-11-2015 10:03

Looking good!

**fast.git** · 08-11-2015 10:29

Those are coming along nicely, Mike!

Which decals are you using?

**cardinal palin** · 08-11-2015 11:17

Thanks

Dom Skelton's for the national insignia and a sheet of 1/144 Cyrillic decals from Ebay

**Flying Helmut** · 08-11-2015 15:33

Very pretty Pups!

**Prodromoi** · 10-19-2015 09:56

In the unlikely event that anyone is still following this rather dusty thread, the planes that I bought from Shapeways are now painted and up in the gallery, here and here.