Motorised steam shovel

[DGE-Railroad]

Okay, in truth I'm only partially motorising it and as you've probably correctly surmised it's definitely a steam shovel and not sadly a steam powered shovel

Like most steam powered things however, it's progressing quite slowly

It's certainly starting to look like a shovel though.

 

[dunnyrail]

That corrugated roof has come out very nicely.

 

[DGE-Railroad]

It has... There's something pleasing about looking at the shape too It printed without supports as the overhang is very gradual

 

[DGE-Railroad]

I need to learn how to paint/weather 3d prints properly now. I suspect the key is in the sanding prep work...

On of things the things I keep thinking I must try is spraying a dullcoat straight over the top, to loose the sheen and see how the filament colour changes

 

[Rhinochugger]

I need to learn how to paint/weather 3d prints properly now. I suspect the key is in the sanding prep work...

On of things the things I keep thinking I must try is spraying a dullcoat straight over the top, to loose the sheen and see how the filament colour changes

Have you tried etching primer?

Tain't cheap, but I've used it on many surfaces - it's meant to etch metal of course

 

[DGE-Railroad]

Have you tried etching primer?

Tain't cheap, but I've used it on many surfaces - it's meant to etch metal of course

I'll give it a try.
I'd imagine filler primer works quite well at hiding some of the smaller layer artifacts but with the inevitable risk to details.

I feel a period of YouTube studying and experimentation needs putting in the diary, to narrow down the best approach

 

[Rhinochugger]

I'll give it a try.
I'd imagine filler primer works quite well at hiding some of the smaller layer artifacts but with the inevitable risk to details.

I feel a period of YouTube studying and experimentation needs putting in the diary, to narrow down the best approach

well, there are two different aspects - and I'm only an observer, I haven't painted a 3D item.

One is getting the surface flat after the printing; the other is getting paint to adhere.

Etching primer won't help with the first issue, only the second


Having said that, your finished surfaces look pretty good - I mean, you're exposing any imperfections by some very close-up photography

 

[maxi-model]

Abrade the surfaces of the 3D printed components lightly with some wet & dry. Then apply filler or high build primer. You will need several coats to overcome the stratification lines on the printed part. Yes, if you have fine detail there is a risk you will obliterate it with this method but that is deal with 3D prints - quick to print low res' and low cost or slow to print and more expensive materials for high res'. There is another method using a solvent to "melt" the stratification lines. Solvent used is dependent on material. Do not try heat. I cannot recommend etch primers on plastic, use a specific plastic primer first then overcoat with the filler primer. Max

 

[Paul M]

On my PDF kit I've used Halfords plastic filler primer, it seems to have worked alright, any problem would probably be down to me

 

[Rhinochugger]

I cannot recommend etch primers on plastic,

Yes, I can understand that - I fell into the habit of using it on any and every type of surface.

It hasn't let me down yet ................

 

[musket the dog]

It's looking really impressive already, I'm sure it will be a lot of fun when it is finished. I've been trying to plan out a steam crane build, I think I might be able to repurpose a few of the bits for that, suitably rescaled.

I can also vouch for Halfords' filler and plain primers. I would usually give the raw print a good sanding first to remove any defects or high spots. Then fill in the printing striations with the filler primer. Definitely a lot easier than trying to sand the plastic back to flat