Good news, 3D printer is ordered. I will definitely be able to make this available for less than what it would be on Shapeways. I'm very excited about this as I'll be able to prototype WAY faster now and make final models available sooner.

For smaller pieces, I will probably still rely on Shapeways, with the possibility of printing them myself as an option for those in the US. On larger pieces like my TFP trailer and my DOTM trailer, definitely print myself. Also contemplating getting into casting which would just make everything awesome. The only other piece I would need then is a knurling tool to make metal pins.

 

Sweet news brah, can't wait

 

Thanks mate! I don't know exactly when I'll get the printer. The site said 6-8 weeks after placing the order, but those FAQs were created before they shipped the first printer so I don't think that's accurate anymore.

Here's how I'm circumventing the 6"^3 build envelope. The trailer will be printed in sections. This is one panel. I just added the detailing on it so it has pegs on the back and it's ready. The notches toward the back are for the door hinges. Hopefully everything will just fit together like a puzzle.

 

Nice, also sorry to ask again but it'll fit on both Optimi? I'm definitely gonna use it with my RiD but I do plan on switching to FE once it becomes affordable again in November, and I'm sure a few others will as well

 

That is the plan, yes.

 

I thought this would be fun to see. There's a lot that's going into this piece. Here's an exploded view of the pieces so far. Still have tabs and holes to model out, then mirror those completed pieces to the other half.

 

Looks amazing....

 

Man if the price is right...

 

Wow. Looking good!

 

Outstanding work man.

 

Wow! You can make this work if you partner with someone like Dr.Wu... Coolness!

 

Gorgeous

 

Glad to see you making such progress on this, it should be pretty awesome  

 

Thanks! Really hoping the reproductions will be as nice as the production renders.

That's what inspired the purchase of the printer.

Thanks mate!

Yeah I think that would be sweet to make a truly great product. Contacting guys like that seems to be impossible though.

  Thanks!

Thanks man. This will be my test bed for the DOTM trailer. Yup, I haven't forgotten about or given up on that.

I really appreciate all the comments and support guys. I'm doing what I can to have this model complete by the time I receive the printer. Then, it should just be a brief period of testing, making some setting adjustments, then pop out an initial prototype for everyone to view.

 

Small update: I've tried to stay away from screws but then acknowledged there's wisdom in using them. I've spent a considerable amount of time working on this particular area because it's kind of the fulcrum for the transformation.

Now, there's also an argument for not adding this transformation; it's not show accurate. So to those interested in this trailer do you want the transformation or do you want a simpler, more show accurate trailer? Simpler also means faster production.

 

I'm down to buy both. The transforming aspect is kinda cool but not that big of a deal. I'd rather have the non-transforming trailer if it means a much faster and cheaper product in the end. Like I said before..throw me on the top of the list.

 

I would prefer a transforming trailer due to custom / tradition.

 

Prime's trailer does split open like the G1 trailer in the show.

It just doesn't have anything in it.

 

OK noted.

I missed that episode.

OK thanks guys, I'm getting back to it now.

 

how the heck did i miss all these..my FE Prime needs a trailer badly..