Re: 1/2 scale Atlas from Portal 2
sounds like there is a lot of interest in having an Atlas available to buy. I can say right now it would be extremely limited since we're not about to create a kit or do any moulding or finishing whatsoever, we've had our fill already and there's still a second bot to build!
I will say this, GameStop would like there to only be the two at this scale and finish level, to keep their prize rare and exciting, and I understand. I think it would basically be impossible to print this size as one piece anyway.
We do have an infinitely scalable digital model that we made however, and could theoretically submit it for 3D printing. It cost nearly $8k to print all the parts to one bot at this scale though, so at 1/4 scale it may very well be around 4K, plus our costs of modelling, mechanically designing, etc. and profit. I don't really think that would be economical for many people. Even on this project, like almost ALL projects we do, the material costs are a very small percentage of the final cost, it's professional designer time paid that's where the costs add up. There will be almost 1,000 man hours in this before we're done.
I guess you can take that to mean I've heard a lot of musing on the subject, and I feel many don't understand the costs here. HOWEVER, I am totally open to ideas to make this more feasible for everyone involved! So if you folks in the kit and modelmaking world of the RPF know of anything, I'm all ears!
We also have a box of unused parts that were sub-par but completely usable. There are two complete 1/2 scale portal guns as well that may be a part of that box, or separate, I haven't decided. This things will be for sale when I can figure out the best way to recoup costs from them.