06-22-2012, 08:13 AM
It's more of an evolution, which happens all the time - constantly - whether we like it or not...! 
But to Dave's original idea about the "on-demand" models - I think this is a definite direction the hobby could go. No more limited runs, or special orders. Just bring your file to the store and have them print whatever you want. Store stocks only raw materials, so no huge overhead of 1000's of items of inventory. And it doesn't matter what scale, or era, or whether it is a huge factory, or a single figure you want. You pay for a bit of time and material proportionate to the size of the finished product and you are set!
I loved that video of the Z Printer. The architectural models are great! You could get entire towns printed that way, or some 3-d "flats" for backdrops. You might even be able to print your roadbed, turnout ties (like Fasttrack kits, but custom fit or custom curved), or even your landscape!
Interesting indeed!
Andrew
But to Dave's original idea about the "on-demand" models - I think this is a definite direction the hobby could go. No more limited runs, or special orders. Just bring your file to the store and have them print whatever you want. Store stocks only raw materials, so no huge overhead of 1000's of items of inventory. And it doesn't matter what scale, or era, or whether it is a huge factory, or a single figure you want. You pay for a bit of time and material proportionate to the size of the finished product and you are set!
I loved that video of the Z Printer. The architectural models are great! You could get entire towns printed that way, or some 3-d "flats" for backdrops. You might even be able to print your roadbed, turnout ties (like Fasttrack kits, but custom fit or custom curved), or even your landscape!
Interesting indeed!
Andrew