Damn... if only I could manage painting this (I really can't, I've tried painting shapeways parts over and over and it never turns out well) I'd snatch up these parts in a heartbeat.

 

Is it possible to have these parts made in the smoother plastics like FUD of FED?

 

I don't know much about shuttle variants, but those angled tailfins really remind of Armada Jetfire's gimmick. This look really cool.

 

See? Here's another example.....a FANTASTIC design and execution, etc etc...but 99% of us will never be able to paint this thing where it'll look halfway decent.

I just don't think the 3D printing technology has matched the creativity yet.

Everything comes out looking like a sand-sculpture.

 

So how does one go about a Kickstater/croud funded venture to get this kit made in moulded plastics?

Or scream at some likely third party to partner/pick up this design.

 

(Throws money)

 

Does this apply to Frosted Ultra/Extreme detail? From what I can tell by google image search the extreme detail doesn't have this problem.

 

It does not, but it is much more brittle. I wouldn't recomend it for anything other than heads.

Honestly, y'all are just a bunch of pansies. 10 mins with some 300 grit and SWF cleans up just fine.

 

I gotta agree. The first thing I do is wash my Shapeways purchases, then sand it while it's still wet with 300 grit, then finish off with steel wool. A few coats of paint and then a few coats of matte clear and stuff usually ends up looking pretty good. Eventually, I plan on getting a rock tumbler and polishing up my WSF purchases that way.

 

Paint's my problem. I just can't make it look anywhere remotely good or clean.

 

Thanks everyone for your interest and patience. Yes printing process still result in a pretty rough surface, but a couple rounds of primer and sanding will at least give you an acceptable surface if you are not overly picky.

I personally have not considered injection molding, but I will look around. The design for 3-D printing and injection molding has different principles though, so there'll be fair amount of rework.

Lastly, I just have COMPLETELY REDESIGNED the nose section for a better look. Sending to test print today. This kit is costing me a bundle already   But the fun is worth the price

 

Looks like you took a cues from the Xplorer nose. I can't say I hate it.

 

Hmm, I mostly modeled after this shuttle

 

Going by this pic you omitted the little wing at the back of the nose section? I kinda like that.

 

That's awesome.

 

It looks good, but I gotta admit that I like the look of the Combat Orbiter Nose Section Mk. I a bit better. It's the vents on the side of the Mk. I that I love. I know it's kinda silly...no need for vents in space...but I really like that look.

 

No worries, still there - I was just showing the part I reworked  

 

cool! so just to clarify, it'll need the official jet's pin AND two additional pins, right?
i do have two pins ready, but finding a third will be troublesome.....

 

OK, yeah, that looks AWESOME!!!

 

How easy is if to remove old wings without destroying anything?