My shop on Shapeways is now live and you can order 3D printed model railroad items; only O Scale for now, but HO is coming. Only a few models to start, but I have many more in the pipeline and most will be available after I have the test prints and I can correct any shortcomings.
My shop is called "Scenic Reality" and can be found through this link: Scenic Reality
In the shop are the B&O dwarf signal, two varieties of PRR "K" braced catenary poles, separate rain caps for PRR catenary and power line insulators for high tension wires.
Here's how this works. I have placed the 3D files on Shapeways. You can select a model, select a material to have it printed in, and place your order with Shapeways. Shapeways prints your model and ships it to you. Read the model descriptions carefully so that you are happy with the finished product.
Prices are set largely by Shapeways based on the material chosen, the volume of the model plus a service charge per model printed. I have a markup on each model which does not significantly affect the price - it's just "beer money."
The beauty of this business model is that so long as Shapeways and other 3D printing service bureaus exist, the model need not go out of production. I am looking to upload these models to another 3D printing service which offers additional choices in materials and I will make that shop live after I receive test prints. BTW - the I have to pay for the test prints, so not every combination of model and material will be tested.
All of the models mentioned in a previous post on coming attractions are in works and will be produced eventually.
