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alanbuttler
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2 hours ago, alanbuttler said:

News Update - June 2019

 

Hi all, it's been a busy Spring with a lot of improvements made behind the scenes on workshop processes, communication and standardising products and packet sizes.    We've launched a new website with a chat function where you can talk to me or other staff members when we are in the workshop.   There is now also a new landline number (01743 340008).   My small crew of staff are getting to grips with more complex tasks, freeing me up to get out and about working on new products and collaborations. 

 

New HD Resin

B9 Creations have been developing a brand new resin designed specifically for model making.   I've been beta testing the resin since March and it has outstanding model making potential.   In particular its matt grey finish and outstanding material characteristics make it highly suited to figurines and details.  I'll be using it as standard on all products to up 1/32nd scale from July.  So far it doesn't exhibit the same brittleness of 3D printed resins and as a result I've been blowing the dust of many parked projects - platform lamps being one of them!  N Gauge in particular looks exceptional.  I'll post pictures when I'm back in the workshop next week and I'll have some stock at Warminster this weekend.

 

This resin was first used at Pendon during Tim Shackleton's figure painting course, where I scan participants in the morning, before spending the rest of the day learning figure painting techniques.  Thanks to the lightening speed of the B9 printer, I was able to scan, edit and print the participants so they had their figurines ready to paint after lunch.  

 

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GWR Spark Arrestor

Commissioned by Warren Shephard for his 16xx kit, this test print will be added to the range once I've had feedback from Warren in 4mm and 7mm scales.   When the ModelRail 16xx is released, I'll look at modifying the artwork to make it compatible.

 

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LSWR Barley Twist Platform Lamps

It's been almost 4 years since I printed the L&Y lamps in 4mm and until now they haven't been viable to produce in any quantities.  A new resin launched by B9 has put them back on the table and I'm now experimenting with some artwork kindly provided by Martin Finney.  The image below is of a 7mm multi part print, with base, column and neck printed separately.  These components have a 0.5mm hole which in this example has a length of brass wire threaded through for stability.  Making these lamps modular will allow for a wide range of variations.  I'll be taking these print samples to Warminster this weekend for Martin to review and next week I'll be looking at 4mm versions.  I'm yet to decide on how to deal with the frames, most likely they will be a fold up etch for strength and lasercut glazing along the lines of  Shawplans laserglaze.

 

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New Loco and Rolling Stock Lamps

Thanks to Justin Newitt and John Marsh, I have the artwork for a number of new loco head lamps and rolling stock lamps.    Test prints have been successful and I now just need to modify the artwork to take the lenses.   The new lamps include:

  • LNER Carriage & Goods Tail Lamps
  • LNER Brake Van Side Lamps
  • Taff Vale Railway Head Lamps (two types)
  • Cambrian Railway Head Lamps

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New Products Available Now

 

2748 Shunters Pole

Another example of a product that has been right under my nose for years! The shunters poles featured in a number of figures are now available in packs of 3. 

61660650_2671686726178069_7343002407971848192_n.jpg.b642ab3ec1977eb8f136f16d6579737c.jpg

 

New Modern Image Engineers and Diesel Depot details

Thanks to Sean Williams and Mike Turner who brought their kit along to DEMU last weekend, there are now 7 new figures in the modern image range.  Nick Willcox from the SVR also makes an appearance!  Also added are Diesel depot details, including hanging and folded jackets/bibs, hard hats, drivers bags and rucksacks.

 

https://www.modelu3d.co.uk/product-category/finescale-figures/railway-and-lineside/1982-onwards/line-possession-working/

https://www.modelu3d.co.uk/product-category/detailing-components/diesel-depot-details/

 

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New Early Industrial Loco Crews

Originally commissioned by Minerva Model Railways for the Manning Wardle K Class, these 9 crews are now available in all scales.  Thanks to Nick Willcox from the SVR for his help in the scanning and arranging volunteers. 

 

https://www.modelu3d.co.uk/product-category/finescale-figures/industry/early-20th-century/loco-crew-early-20th-century/

 

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Next Developments

  • 2 day scanning session booked in with the Friends of Pendon for a new range of seated passengers and other civilian themed figurines
  • 70+ WWII British and American infantry, tank and artillery figurines in relaxed poses
  • Initial range of new platform and street lamps (including the Revo!)

 

Exhibitions

Modelu's scanning equipment will be available at the following exhibitions this year:

  • Warminster 8th June
  • Railwells 10/11th August
  • Guildex 31st August / 1st September
  • Great Electric Trainshow 12th / 13th October
  • Warley 23/24th November
  • BRM Peterborough 7th / 8th December

 

 

 

Unreal Alan, you keep going from strength to strength. Have you thought about loco depot/shed lamps from the steam era?

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Recently received an order from Alan. Two good things to report:

 

Customer service. Some guttering items I ordered were not received as ordered (different type), Alan rectified this without quibble or excuse. Great stuff.

 

New products. Took a punt at ordering the new whistle shield for my 7mm Minerva pannier as my prototype had a taller version than either of those supplied with the loco. Excellent product, recommended.

 

Just the LSWR rodding stools now to do Alan...

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10 hours ago, Brocp said:

Unreal Alan, you keep going from strength to strength. Have you thought about loco depot/shed lamps from the steam era?

Yes, all are in the cards once I've nailed down how best to produce them :)

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14 hours ago, alanbuttler said:

Exhibitions

Modelu's scanning equipment will be available at the following exhibitions this year:

  • Warminster 8th June

 

See if you can get Mr Clifford to sit down long enough to scan him. :)

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Shunters poles are just the job - 2 sets ordered to adorn the front footplate of my industrial locos as per prototype

 

2016153061_loddingtonno.2shuntpole.jpg.7bfbf5442afaf43357ad3bf38008a24a.jpg


EDIT:

 

Hmmm, maybe I should have ordered a few more packs

 

1996742884_peckettshunterspole.jpg.69088d584158c86b533bdbfee3bbd3c3.jpg

 

Paul A. 

Edited by 1whitemoor
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  • 2 weeks later...

Larger Scales are here!

 

Larger scales including G Scale and 16mm are now available across the whole product catalogue, including detailing components.  All figures are printed in a tough grey resin. Prices start at £15 for Gauge 1, £26 for G Scale and £32 for 16mm.  These 16mm painted models pictured below were commissioned for the Kent and North Wales Light railway and painted by the hugely talented Claudia Everett.

 

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On 08/06/2019 at 19:03, 1whitemoor said:

Shunters poles are just the job - 2 sets ordered to adorn the front footplate of my industrial locos as per prototype

 

Now we just need some brake sticks to go with them shunters poles & oil cans. :smile_mini2:

 

2014785047_AB-Tfield-06-19-021-EditSM.jpg.82574357e2e30a1abfb7c1dcd50200f0.jpg

 

P

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I suspect the example on the Armstrong Whitworth loco above was just turned up on the loco shed lathe out of a bit of square. I think the sticks in BR days were a bit more substantial and had a slight taper on the square section with the thinner end being towards the end.

Probably not noticeable in 4mm but them 7mm boys can be sticklers for detail. 

 

Somewhere I have photo's.

 

In the meantime google turned up this.

 

https://www.modelrailforum.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=10426&view=findpost&p=117930

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10 minutes ago, Porcy Mane said:

I suspect the example on the Armstrong Whitworth loco above was just turned up on the loco shed lathe out of a bit of square. I think the sticks in BR days were a bit more substantial and had a slight taper on the square section with the thinner end being towards the end.

Probably not noticeable in 4mm but them 7mm boys can be sticklers for detail. 

 

Yes good point, I've found some dimensions online:

 

Quote

The Brake Stick 

The Brake Stick is wooden, about 3 feet long. Half the length is rectangular, around 2.5 inches by 2 inches in section. The remainder is rounded and tapered to about 1.25 inches diameter at the end. The rectangular section is placed over the Brake Lever and wedged under the underframe or the spring. Pressing down on the rounded section provides additional leverage and the pin is inserted in a pair of holes to retain the brake force. The brake stick may be needed to safely remove the pin when it is necessary to release the brake. As with the Shunting Pole, it's important to check the Brake Stick regularly for damage. 

 

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On 17/06/2019 at 20:00, Porcy Mane said:

 

Now we just need some brake sticks to go with them shunters poles & oil cans. :smile_mini2:

 

2014785047_AB-Tfield-06-19-021-EditSM.jpg.82574357e2e30a1abfb7c1dcd50200f0.jpg

 

P

Will you feature the brake stick wedged into the brake handle assembly of a wagon with the shunter riding on it?

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Hi Alan. 

 

When are you anticipating having the L&SWR platform lamps available in 4mm? 

 

Rob

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On 18/06/2019 at 12:36, alanbuttler said:

 

Yes good point, I've found some dimensions online:

 

 

Pop down to Moreton-on-Lugg this Sunday Alan, and scan a few of the real things. We have some lying around.

 

Paul J.

Edited by Swindon 123
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21 hours ago, NHY 581 said:

Hi Alan. 

 

When are you anticipating having the L&SWR platform lamps available in 4mm? 

 

Rob

 

Hi Rob,

 

I'll be testing them thoroughly over the summer, so realistically I hope to have some ready for Wells in August.  I'm heading into another busy period so dev time is at a premium again! But seeing what Martin has done with the print samples I gave him is very encouraging!


Cheers

 

Alan

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  • 2 months later...

News Update - September 2019

 

69380897_2815265248486882_898165957531271168_o.jpg.74ffef45fc833344681f2ec04fac0aee.jpg

The Great Model Railway Challenge

Broadcast dates have been confirmed for the new series of the Great Model Railway Challenge and I'm pleased to announce that Modelu will feature on set during the final episode, 3D scanning and 3D printing.  Episode one airs on the revised date of September 13th.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Pendon Figures

8 new figures have been added to the Pendon Collection; these include farm workers, workmen and people in conversation.  Another scanning session with volunteers at the museum is scheduled for October, with seated passengers and other general public figures planned.  These will be available for sale in November.

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New Seated Loco Crews

Two new seated crews have been added to the 1948-1968 range.  These include 1090 Seated Driver suitable for BR Standard, LMS and LNER locomotives and 1089 Seated Loco Crew leaning. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N1774822106_Screenshot2019-09-09at11_04_52.png.2bc72d0e30b423180acec83d3649df15.pngew Town and Country Figures

Three new Town & Country figures are now available depicting the civilian clothing given to a man on his demobilisation from the British armed forces at the end of the Second World War. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

68730184_2809791042367636_2377527787205427200_o.jpg.40abcc78dcdedc78806a8e2c3f9e3c93.jpgLSWR Point Rodding

These early point rodding rollers have been produced in 4mm and 7mm scales, available in 1 way through 12 way.   Used throughout the LSWR, surviving examples can be seen at Sheffield Park on the Bluebell railway.   Designed for round section 0.4mm (4mm scale) and 0.7mm (7mm scale) wire.  For packet sizes see the website

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

69426384_2834963599850380_5470270472186757120_o.jpg.9f5094b64a21c98375b42b8ca971f624.jpgPipe Fittings and Fixtures

For the scratch builders or people looking to add some detail to their buildings, the Architectural Fittings range has been expanded to include pipe fittings and fixtures.  These include offsets, branches, bends and shoes, available in 90°, 112.5° and 135° variants.   
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2065257924_Screenshot2019-09-09at09_54_54.png.4aced59bdf543ad1436a95b9e7db2257.pngWing Backed Arm Chair

The popular seated signal man figure sits in a rather nice armchair which has been made available as a stand alone item.  This was scanned from one of the two wing backed armchairs in the foyer at Pendon Museum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

64549423_2702519139761494_2470303989946646528_n.jpg.198c170cb9bb081a5f5e735633dd7440.jpgRoad Work Lamps

The Kenyon Kenlite, a common sight on road works around the country up until the 1970's.  These distinctive paraffin danger lamps are now available in packs of 3.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thoughts on material improvements

Over the 5 years I've been producing figures there have been many developments in 3D printing, with improved accuracy and detail, surface finish and material characteristics.  Compared to the red resin which was used for many years, the new HD Slate has much crisper features, takes paint more easily and is more pliable.  

At exhibitions I meet many customers who still have red figures unpainted and tucked away in a drawer for future projects.  With this in mind I'm considering a trade-in discount offer, where unpainted red figures can be returned and a discount coupon issued for new HD slate figures.   This would be for off the shelf products as well as custom scans created at exhibitions.

I'm still working out the logistics of how the trade-in would work, but would be really interested to hear your thoughts.

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Would it be possible to add fags and pipes to some of the figures, it's only been pc not to smoke, back in the 50's and 60's when I were a lad I would say that about 50% and 20% of women and possibly more smoked, more cigarettes than pipes. Even one or two rolling a cigarette.

 

Thanks.

 

 

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23 minutes ago, Siberian Snooper said:

Would it be possible to add fags and pipes to some of the figures, it's only been pc not to smoke, back in the 50's and 60's when I were a lad I would say that about 50% and 20% of women and possibly more smoked, more cigarettes than pipes. Even one or two rolling a cigarette.

 

Thanks.

 

 

 

There is this gentlemen...

 

1668.jpg.fe62dceafc892ef04df64224617993b9.jpg

 

 

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