1-30 Resin Maus Tank - Printed and painted (1 Viewer)

[DireWolfScenics]

After a few requests for 1-30 scale tanks from clients I decided to invest heavily in large format resin printers. I've previously only produced them in FDM printed PLA plastic which, if you're familiar with the 3d printing process does tend to leave visible layer lines that aren't always easy to hide on vehicles. The first 1-30 commission I did in resin for a customer was this Maus tank, printed and painted and shown below. Resin printing basically means no more layer lines and a print quality that can rival other production processes such as resin casting, etc. More expensive and time consuming to produce in resin compared to plastic printing but the results are so much better.

 

[villagehorse]

Very interesting, wondering what the cost would be? Robin.

 

[DireWolfScenics]

Very interesting, wondering what the cost would be? Robin.

I did this one for £190 printed and painted, plus shipping.

 

[Running-Buddy]

How does that compare in price to the metal & resin model tanks from the premium model mfg. companies in US dollars? Is the difference in cost enough to sacrifice the detail and material of the other models? I believe that 190 pounds sterling is around $250 US.

Howard

 

[DireWolfScenics]

How does that compare in price to the metal & resin model tanks from the premium model mfg. companies in US dollars? Is the difference in cost enough to sacrifice the detail and material of the other models? I believe that 190 pounds sterling is around $250 US.

Howard

Not entirely sure personally as I don't tend to look at the other manufacturers. My pricing is based on material costs and time so I'm guessing is invariably lower than the more established manufacturers. Ultimately it's the client's choice. I show them the files that I have for the tank model they're looking for. Many of the files are extremely detailed as there are some very talented 3d designers out there. If the customer is happy to proceed then we do so, either on a painted or unpainted basis. I suppose the benefit of having them 3d printed is that you can maybe access vehicles that are otherwise commercially unavailable by any other means. Or, in the example below, the client was able to mix and match pieces from different models of the Panzer IV to make the model he wanted for a specific project.
Paul

 

[wayne556517]

You have great stuff, pity you are so far away.

 

[sfarrelly]

How does that compare in price to the metal & resin model tanks from the premium model mfg. companies in US dollars? Is the difference in cost enough to sacrifice the detail and material of the other models? I believe that 190 pounds sterling is around $250 US.

Howard

The problem is no mainstream manufacturers are going to make a Maus. Its just too expensive and with tariffs starting next week its just impossible. Thomas Gunn confirmed same to me.

The Tank Workshop in China made some Maus tanks - cast - but only a small number and long sold out. I was lucky to get one and posted pictures of it on this forum a few weeks back.

If you want unusual vehicles like this you have no choice nowadays but to 3D print but they beauty is they can 3D print anything you want. If its not available now it will be soon. I had 3x 1/30 3D Maus printed and painted for me for the Toy soldier show last year then so much interest I sold them all.

Paul is currently printing me a 1/30 scale hanger for a Lancaster! cant wait.... for the Dec London Toy solider show.