Some 3D Printed Models

Well my 2nd test order from Shapeways came in and I finally got around to taking pictures of everything.  This test print was basically asking three questions:

1. Can I print my own wheels?
2. Can I print my own trucks?
3. Can I print an entire car in HOn30/n2/z?

I'll answer these all as I go.

HOz Trucks + Z scale trucks

In the above picture, from left to right: 

• HOz archbar trucks + HOz 24" wheels (Frosted Ultra Detail)
• HOz archbar trucks + HOz 24" wheels (stainless steel)
• Micro Trains "Diamond Archbar" Z scale trucks

Can wheels be printed with Shapeways?  No way.  The FUD wheels were too warped and inconsistent.  The stainless steel wheels were much to uneven and textured to work.

Can trucks be printed with Shapeways?  Maybe.  The above trucks were a failure because they were too weak on the interior.  I've figured out how to fix that and will implement that knowledge in any future models.

Can a complete car be printed with Shapeways?  Yes, likely.  The above car is my scale model of the Gilpin Tramway half-chord cars, and the lower car is my copy of the On30 wood side dump car for HOn30.  However if you look on the left side of the side dump car you'll see part of it is broken off.  This was actually a problem with all of the models I ordered, even though they're packed very well.  I'm not sure how to deal with this for future models.