JM Design Model Railways

[John M]

 

Established in 2011 the business is a New Zealand based manufacturer of ready to run models and kits of (mainly) 4mm Irish outline locomotives rolling stock and accessories. Migrating from Ireland in 2004 the current range reflects my modelling interest Irish Broad and Narrow gauge in 4mm scale and large scale American (1:20.3) narrow gauge.

 

July 2021 is turning out to be a momentous month with the opening of our on-line shop https://jmdesignmodelrailways.com/, the release of a CIE 20T Brake Van the first of a range of 3D printed ready to run wagons just over 12 months since we first considered the project.

 

Although we originally considered 3D printing for the first rolling stock kit the Bulleid 4w Heating and Luggage Van of the 1950s the model was manufactured as an etched brass kit with whitemetal fittings as we could not achieve an acceptable standard of finish using current 3D printing technology.

 

The shift in focus from kits to rtr models using 3D printed technology was partially in response to improvements in 3D printing technology, increased demand for rtr models and relatively static for kits.

 

The last 12 months has been a steep learning curve both in relation to identifying the capabilities and limitations of the technology and the 3D printing industry for model railway applications. We are purchasing our own 3D printing machines to establish in house printing capability while working with our current contract printer to improve the quality and consistency of prints.