Another enjoyable meeting guys!

For our October meeting we discussed 3D printers and how they are effecting our hobby.  We discussed designers and how they are moving away from Shapeways and buying their own printers.  In the last few years 3D printers , particularly Digital Light Process (DLP) and stereolithography apparatus (SLA) are becoming very affordable.  These printers are perfect for small model parts and have become incredibly affordable.  There are differences in printers though, so it pays to work closely with a printer to find out what equipment they are using.  The following are traditional Shapeways designers who are now printing on their own.

• Model Monkey
• Panzer vs Tanks
• Daedalus Designs
• Micro Master
• Starling Models
• 3D Model Parts
• Black Cat Models

I have a few parts coming from Panzer vs Tanks who uses the Anycubic Photon S and it will be interesting to compare them to a higher end printer costing 10 times the price.  The Anycubic Photon S can be purchased directly from the manufacturer for $419 delivered.  500 ml of UV resin costs between $25 and $50.  

This was a perfect lead in to some projects and finished models that were brought in.  Leading off was Victor's wonderful 1/350 Very Fire Montana.  This is a ship that was never built due to the end of  WWII.  Victor built his from the kit plus the Very Fire detail set which includes wood deck.  Victor also utilized 3D printed parts from Black Cat Models.  Victor has found that it's much easier to use these 3D parted parts than photo etched alternatives.  And the detail is amazing!

I love these big ship models.  They are so enjoyable to look at.  You can just fall into the subject.  And Victor just knocks it out of the park.  I'm so impressed that these models are all hand painted.  

Bill Smallshaw showed off his project which will be a 77' Elco PT Boat which he's converting from a Coastal Craft 1/72 British MGB.  Bill worked with designer, 3D Boats, on Shapeways to produce the unique torpedo tubes used on this first Elco PT Boats.  Bill also gave us a nice talk on the history of these boats.

John also treated us to some newly finished models and kits.

John shared with us the difficulties he had with this ship's decals and how to fix it.  

This was a wonderful kit who's master was created from 3D printed parts.  Some excellent molding in this kit!  It looks like it would make a great subject for a diorama with those floatplanes.

John also shared with us the Flyhawk kit of the German Battleship Scharnhorst.  What a little beauty this is.  The ultrasonic knife is going to come in handy for this one!

Roger shared with us some finds from the IPMS Nationals.  He showed off some 1/700 destroyers from Flyhawk.  He suggested this is a great way to get into 1/700 ships.  Few pieces, low cost, and excellent results can be achieved because of the high quality of the injected moldings.

Next meeting Martin suggested that we attend Colpar's event where there will be some high level instruction on airbrushing.  As I learn more, I'll be sure to let you know.