Megapost incoming...
The only thing I can figure is they are not keeping a library of successful G-Code files with which printer (and printer firmware) was successful and generate new G-Code with every order.
Yeah - if only, but I do not think they would ever have done that. They nest and reorient parts in their build trays for maximum efficiency, with parts from many completely unrelated designers/orders grown at the same time. So the G-code is likely to be unique per instance.
Primitive Dave sent me bow plans and I cut them for him, but it needed tweaking. Just waiting on that
Jason, I might be able to do the tweaks if the mandibles etc. are still downloadable. (Or even if not, since you have the prints!) I like the sound of the diffused acrylic. I know I have asked you before, but I can't recall. Can your laser cutter perform bevel cuts?
To get around the issue of frosted vs clear acrylic, I am hoping to create a pattern of wall detail that I can print out on sticker paper and apply to the clear armature before adding the scaffolding. Here is a test sample I made for my MPC model years back. The patterns for this new one will be greyscale with either yellow LEDs or some kind of yellow diffusor like crinkled yellow cellophane over white LEDs. That way when the lights are off, it will have that eery look it had in the film.
That sounds great, the sample looks good too. I think greyscale plus yellow LEDs/gels/whatever is an absolute must. The main framing isn't black or grey but rather a brass/bronze colour with a *lot* of verdigris, really very Jules Verne. It has to look good with the lights off; visible non-lit yellow would clash.
I received my latest crop of parts and all but 2 came out great; the observatory antenna base and the lower command spire. I think both are usable with some work.
Oh sod. Mine was going to be WSF but I can't recall if I ordered one or not, or if it was another print fail right now. At least the sprues seemed to work - my first attempt was much worse looking than this, if that's any consolation!
The observatory antenna base they said said they printed one (I ordered 2 but either were unable or didn't want to print the second because they did not think it would survive shipping). It almost did survive the shipping but the base sprue did not support the long legs radially so they twisted around the base and 2 broke off.
(Cartman) God...DEMMIT!!!! (/Cartman). That's crush damage, I'd be almost certain. Too much vertical pressure. Oh that's crazy, they shouldn't have packaged it in a way that would allow for that. OK...I'll sprue the legs too.
A couple of the rod broke as shown and I think replacing them with ABS or brass rod shouldn't be to difficult. Two things concern me about this piece 1. the legs do not go all the way to the bottom of the dome. Is this correct?
No. There is a slight rim on the dome base part but the legs should at least reach that. This could be resin shrinkage, I guess? I don't recall it being a problem on my failed WSF print but will have to dig it out of storage and check. (Not easy right now, half the house is in the shed.)
The other is attaching this to the upper spire (which showed up perfect). How are the two supposed to be attached to each other. AT first I thought there would be a hole in the base of the upper to slide the upper point into. But the bottom of the upper is flat. The only thing I can think of is to drill a hole in the bottom of the upper either big enough to fit the tip of the lower or smaller to insert a piece of wire between them.
I'm afraid that part is a bit of a cheat. I more or less just used the rod as a sprue for the antennas - for mine, I'll snip them off it and slide them over a hollow brass rod, so that I can have at least one of the red nav lights represented by fibre-optic. But if you want to you can build it from the part as supplied. Printing it this way just saves a little bit of cost.
My next order is all the tanks. They have printed all the B tanks but seem to be maybe having an issue with the A tanks as they are the only things not done and are still in processing. Is there an issue?
Yes. But a flakey one. I have all of them OK but also have "we can't print this" messages from SW.
I have received all the tanks, all in perfect condition
Oh good. So...like I say, flakey!
But, for the power drum tanks can't I figure out whether the solid end of the cylinder is the top or the bottom.
I recall you saying this. There should not BE a solid end of the cylinder! Again, this is a flakey, comes-and-goes issue. I got it on the first power drum I printed, revised and reuploaded, then got two perfect ones...simple cylinders, open at both ends. Go figure. I see their rotatable version of the model does show an end. Bah, I'll go fix it.
I also received the main engine nozzles and I have no clue how to install them in the core pieces without cutting something in the core part.
The outboard main engines mount on the "engine mount" and "heat shield" parts which hopefully fit OK, I only have my home-printed versions for the heatshields and haven't put all this together yet. The inboard ones are probably the ones you mean - I recall you asked on this too - I really need to post that colour-coded screen shot, right? I'll try to find time tonight. The core parts do have *several* small sprues to cut away - they weren't printably rigid enough without them.
I'm in the same boat unfortunately.I need the top spine. For a while now its been "not for sale". My options are thus: save up and buy a 3d printer(which type is the question?) or buy another bottom spine section and ask someone(martin��)who knows how to work cad programs,can he separate the framework that supports the travel tubes, from the top spine file and make them available on his shapeways shop. Then I can remodel the new lower spine,adding the antenna base and scratching the travel tubes. Other than those options....Dave,where are you?
FWIW, one of my bottom spine sections is among those which SW is rejecting, suddenly, for no good reason. So since I need to rework that anyway, I'll try and do Dave's upper spine when I get to that job.
My options are thus: save up and buy a 3d printer(which type is the question?)
Definitely a stereolithography type, NOT a Fused Deposition ("robotised motorised glue gun") type. I.e. a Formlabs Form1 or similar - but be aware you're still not out of the woods, since they have tiny build volumes. (The Form1 is 5" x 5" x 5".) And if you don't know 3D modelling, there's a steeeeeeep learning curve there, too.
or buy another bottom spine section and ask someone(martin)who knows how to work cad programs,can he separate the framework that supports the travel tubes, from the top spine file and make them available on his shapeways shop. Then I can remodel the new lower spine,adding the antenna base and scratching the travel tubes.
I'll do it, if Dave doesn't show before I get to it.
Other than those options....Dave,where are you?
I know, right? I really hope he's OK.
I'm still catching up on this build but I've got a Form1+ and am willing to make parts if you need them. This has always been one of my favorite ships.
Ooo - VERY cool, Bryan...TY and I'm sure a lot of folks would much appreciate it.
Cheers,
Martyn