Buying from Shapeways - help please

[keithabarker]

I have never bought anything from Shapeways.
But now I want a couple of Polikarpov I-153 fighters and Shapeways seems to be the only place to get them?
https://www.shapeways.com/product/26...-1-200-240-285

Which Material should I go for.
Are they tough enough for wargaming?
There are big differences in prices.
Is the most expensive the best for wargaming?



Thanks in advance for any help
Keith

[Teaticket]

I have these very planes myself. I got them in least expensive white plastic. WSF was what they used to call it. It is very strong and can take being dropped without batting an eye. I found the ultra detailed plastic to be brittle so no longer will buy it.



They are a little grainy but I was in a hurry and did not prepare them as I should have with a few more coats of primer. The WSF tends to be grainy while the higher end will have a smooth(er) surface to start with.

[keithabarker]

Thanks Teaticket - that answers my question.

But now a follow up question.

Shapeways appear to have a location in Holland. Can I get stuff printed there and shipped from NL.

Much easier and cheaper for me if its from EU and not from USA!

Thanx
Keith

[Teaticket]

On the Shapeways.com website I don't see where one would indicate the origin of the models. I would hope they would make and ship from NL for you. When I place my US order it ships from NY.

[Flying Helmut]

When I order mine to come to the U.K. it ships from the Netherlands

[Zoe Brain]

When given a coat of thinned (3:1) PVA glue, then a spray of chrome, that smooths the surface out a lot. Or use 2-3 coats of thinned PVA.

I definitely recommend versatile plastic, what used to be called WSF.

Here's an example - a Wings of Glory Yak-1, an AIM resin P-39, a Shapeways I-15 in WSF, and an AIM resin I-16.



As you can see, when given the thinned PVA glue treatment, it doesn't stick out.

A mixture of AIM resin and Shapeways Versatile Plastic aircraft. 2 of the I16s are resin, 2 are WSF. The Bf110s and Whirlwinds are also WSF, as are the I15s. Again, you can't easily tell the resin and WSF apart when given a dilute PVA coat or two.

[Willi]

Hello Keith. I know I am a bit late to get in on this discussion, but I want to lend additional encouragement to trying out Shapeways prints. I have only done WW1, but I have painted and customized different WW1 aircraft. As others have noted the least expensive, but sturdy product works well, but to smooth the grainy texture of the print can be done with various materials and several coats. I have added a few photos to show both the graininess as well as finished projects. Happy painting!; an example of grainy texture., completed Be2c; , Hans Kleins Pfalz

[Jager]

One thing that has not been noted here: most (digital) pictures posted here show more detail (read roughness) of the surface than your unaided eye will see.
Karl

[Flying Helmut]

One thing that has not been noted here: most (digital) pictures posted here show more detail (read roughness) of the surface than your unaided eye will see.
Karl

Definitely! To the naked eye, prepped and painted WSF models appear just fine.