I'm currently designing a Goldhofer AST-1 tug for testing out rapid prototyping.
This technique is very fascinating and I always wanted to give it a try.
Although somewhat limited when comparing it to injection molding, it's at least affordable for me.
I'm not sure if this works out as intended, but I will keep you informed. Had some promising talks to some companies.
Let's hope for the best!
Here are two shots of the digital model used for the process. Please bear in mind, while it does lack some details, it will be in 1:200!
I'm more than skeptical wether this turns out well enough to be presented here...
What's next, IF it works? Who knows...?
Let's hope the best!
Cheers
Chris <- sooooo excited
And so you should be!! Please keep us posted, as I'd be seriously be up for anything like this!
BTW: . . .
You may want to know about [ this small firm ] in the UK who does a tractor and 5 baggage trailers (loaded or unloaded). I suspect these are resin, but can confirm they are 1:200. Perhaps they could do the production if the other folks say no? Just a suggestion.
Good luck, regardless!
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Élégance en vol . . . Airfrance-style!
Last edited by Upkeep; 08-15-2011 at 06:36 PM.
Reason: sp
Great link! Was considering doing some baggage cars if the tug turns out to be successfull. Oh well. Gotta look for another project...maybe some old style airstairs?
Looks like these cars are made of some metal die-cast.
I'm currently pondering on how to paint this thing.
I recently acquired some laser decal film (never done this before). My only problem is that I cannot print white...
So everything bright on dark colors has to be underlayed with white paint - which is not doable in that scale. As the length of vehicle is about 46mm (or if you prefer about 1.8 inch), painting rectangular rear lights is '&%!*...
I was told that the finished model will recquire up to five days for production, as the company waits till some more orders have accumulated.
Suspense is killing me...
Great link! Was considering doing some baggage cars if the tug turns out to be successfull. Oh well. Gotta look for another project...maybe some old style airstairs?
Looks like these cars are made of some metal die-cast.
I'm currently pondering on how to paint this thing.
I recently acquired some laser decal film (never done this before). My only problem is that I cannot print white...
So everything bright on dark colors has to be underlayed with white paint - which is not doable in that scale. As the length of vehicle is about 46mm (or if you prefer about 1.8 inch), painting rectangular rear lights is '&%!*...
I was told that the finished model will recquire up to five days for production, as the company waits till some more orders have accumulated.
Suspense is killing me...
Cheers
Retro-styled airstairs are also in great demand, as they can be used with modern models as well. (Not all airports always use jetways).
If you are contemplating eventually having any of this produced in resin, I would suggest a basic white may be the best choice, as for those who don't have modeling skills could use them straight away, while collectors such as I, have a civilized modelling base to start with.
If diecast metal, well, we'd all have to start with primer paint and go from there.
Meanwhile, I really hope for success in your first step with the Goldhofer tug, as I myself could be up for a number of these if they work out!
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Today I was surprised to find a tiny package on my front door!
First impression:
OMG. Better than I expected.
Still encased in some sort of wax used during production with a cent piece for size comparision:
The tug is made out of transparent resin which makes it quite difficult to photograph:
Testing with an Inflight200 747:
Quick résumé:
Awesome first attempt, overall success (IMO)
Difficult to clean and remove the wax
Not every detail could be reproduced (handrails, free standing beacons, etc.). Expected it, so no big problem. At least I know what's technically feasible now.
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Oh, ok. I just thought these looked like the same design.
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Today I was surprised to find a tiny package on my front door!
First impression:
OMG. Better than I expected.
Still encased in some sort of wax used during production with a cent piece for size comparision:
The tug is made out of transparent resin which makes it quite difficult to photograph:
Quick résumé:
Awesome first attempt, overall success (IMO)
Difficult to clean and remove the wax
Not every detail could be reproduced (handrails, free standing beacons, etc.). Expected it, so no big problem. At least I know what's technically feasible now.
Will give it a coat of white now.
What do you guys think?
Expecting some feedback. Critics are welcome!
Cheers
Chris
I think you have a success on your hands!
I think you want to give it a light spray coat of matte white and re-photograph it again. Once you have figured out how you want to proceed, then I guess it is time to set up pre-orders for manufacturing, eh?
As an ex-modeller from years back, I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt I'd be happy with a few of those just as they are. Basically, 'I could take it from here', sort of thing. I can't speak for others though.
Are you planning to offer a fully painted and finished item? Honestly, I like what I see and if that was offered online somewhere, I'd buy a few as is. That is my feedback.
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I am planing printing some decals for it. This type of vehicle has some prominent panel lines and large, teh-he, lettering on the sides. That will take some time to develop, as I've never done that before. I hope, I don't ruin the copy machine...
I think I will redo some details on the tug itself:
The recessed rim part on the wheels needs to be of a bigger diameter. It feels too small on this scale.
The front with the guard rails and lights needs to be made with a greater depth to the rear in order to show up nicely (at least I hope this will work)
Id' like to increase the height of the underbody just because I can.
Unfortunately, all the prominent parts like mirrors or warning beacons will have to be made unreasonably large, so I'm going to abandon this stuff altogether.
Cheers!
*weekend*
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Decals for fine panel lines and solid windows (all mid-grey à la Hogan/Gemini) would be nice. Maybe you want to find someone with an ALPS printer? The detail at small size is absolutely fantastic! 'Vector-based' art is the way to go . . . no JPEGs.
I know I would like a few with Air France markings, but I have those decals already made for a customization of a Herpa one. The rest of the unit would be basically white.
As far as beacons and mirrors are concerned, best to leave those to the detailists to do (with photo-etch scraps). We don't need something that looks like a child's toy with oversized features.
Good luck with your tinkering and DO keep the updates coming! You've certainly got MY interest big-time with this.
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Have you thought about scaling it down to 1/400? Herpa has made them in 1/500, but they are not available in 1/400. You might want to consider doing it. The 1/400 is a large market. Personally I would be willing to buy 30 of the 1/400.
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Have you thought about scaling it down to 1/400? Herpa has made them in 1/500, but they are not available in 1/400. You might want to consider doing it. The 1/400 is a large market. Personally I would be willing to buy 30 of the 1/400.
So these are the same as in 1/500? Well i got my answer.
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What do you mean you suck at painting? That's a great result.
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Oh yeah, now we're getting somewhere. If that was a light primer paint one could see that a bit of work with about a 1000 grit paper could eliminate the roughness of the flat surfaces. And for the über-detailist -- some hand-made photo etch bits (or rob a spare sheet).
I'm impressed and I can't wait to see these for sale.
The upper of the two Air France ones has the cab raised. Maybe a second variant?
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Élégance en vol . . . Airfrance-style!
Last edited by Upkeep; 08-19-2011 at 09:04 PM.
Reason: Add images
No seperate version - cab and wheels are seperate parts!
I'm not dexterous enough to sand the parts down. FYI, a wheel is 7 mm only!
But I might try it on the second model I have here...
I am currently pondering how I can reproduce the Fraport colors. I was thinking about using decals, but I don't think they will bend around the edges.
Regarding decals: I'm working with graphic programs every day, so Illustrator is not unbeknownst to me. You can achieve great results with Photoshop, too - just remember to choose a resolution of more than 600 dpi. See here:
The whole base is a huge PS file.
I'm going for a small decal set with details like the panel lines. What I am missing is a good view from the top of the tug. I can spot some gratings or vents there, but I'm not sure...
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Regarding decals: I'm working with graphic programs every day, so Illustrator is not unbeknownst to me. You can achieve great results with Photoshop, too - just remember to choose a resolution of more than 600 dpi. See here:
The whole base is a huge PS file.
Your base is a completely different than decals that have micro details and are often mainly linear in nature. Yes, Photoshop at 600dpi (or higher) can produce a respectable output for something the size of your base (and with the tonal variations), but you'll find for hi-def details at micro-size, an Illustrator file and a razor sharp output device will exceed your wildest expectations -- especially for something like the detail of panel lines, stenciling and appropriate logos.
Anyhow, I'm end my wits-end with these inkjet output devices as I can't seem to get the clarity I want with the do-it-yourself decal kits. I'm now looking for a pro-grade online output service that can also print white. Apparently they exist so I'm going to 'haunt' the model building forums for a recommendation or two.
For the record, as a Senior Communications Designer, I too have been working professionally with Adobe Illustrator since it was called 'Illustrator 88' and Photoshop since it was 'Photoshop 2', so I've run into my fair share of situations like this over the last 18+ years.
I was going to suggest you checked the Goldhofer web site for top side images but I just did that and below was the best there was. Not very encouraging, I'm afraid. On the other hand, if you Google "Goldhofer tug" (with quotes), and then click on 'images', you'll start to see some interesting shots -- including yours here(!!) You also may want to check out [ THIS ] DA.C post (with superb images) OR the database with not bad images [ HERE ].
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Élégance en vol . . . Airfrance-style!
Last edited by Upkeep; 08-20-2011 at 07:41 PM.
Reason: sp
I received several mails asking for a 1/400 version of the tug.
After playing around and testing, I got to say that 1/400 scale is too small for this type of airport tug.
The platforms next to the cab as well as the mechanism for the jet gear cannot be reproduced in this scale. In order for them to show up, these parts would have to be exaggerated too much - resulting in a huge loss of detail (photo-etching might do the trick here, but I have never done anything like that).
As nobody likes an undetailed block with four wheels on it, I'm not even trying to go 1/400. Sorry guys!
On the other hand:
I've dug out a 1200 dpi laser printer and while my tests where just made onto offset paper and not on decal paper, the results are...nice.
Although I could have passed doing an exact copy of the Fraport logo. A size of just about 4 mm makes me wonder, why I was tinkering with the logo for more than half an hour...or why I was counting the vent openings on the left side...
38 rows!!! I know it!!! There! Count them all! They are spot on.. Hahahahahaaaa...
*runs down the hallway screaming*
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It's (I think) an unofficial Inflight200 mould. I got mine via eBay.
Pay attention: Mine and other models I've seen, have some quality issues.
All four engines are pointing upwards (inward engines even more).
Furthermore, almost all axles of my model are bend.
See here (no the best point of view - was too slow to catch it...):
*Sad Chris is sad*
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Okay, I'm selling this as a kit only.
Applying decals in this size is claiming my patience.
Maybe a dumb idea trying to apply every bit (still WIP).
Printing the decals is complicated, too (letter format vs A4 anyone?).
Cheers!
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Okay, I'm selling this as a kit only. Applying decals in this size is claiming my patience.
I know how tricky that can be.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EMD F7A
Maybe a dumb idea trying to apply every bit (still WIP). Printing the decals is complicated, too (letter format vs A4 anyone?).
Cheers!
I would guess, for something this small, you would be able to get several complete sets on a single letter format or A4 sheet, and then just slice out per kit.
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Great work Chris on Goldhofer, now if you could make one, I don't know why GJ or other 1/200 maker won't make something like this for us... I would take multiple of these any time. Are you able to make some more and sell them? Unpainted versions are find with me with detailing decal sheet if you make one. Please let me know. Again, great work! Please PM me!
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Last edited by smoothjazz; 08-29-2011 at 09:34 PM.
Okay. Important. Use glossy colors. Must remember.
Lesson learned.
Quick update (it's 1:11 in the night and I'm very tired):
I've reworked the front (sorry, no pictures yet; will send it to the manufacturer later this week) and added most of the decals.
I'm not sure if you guys will like applying them - I didn't like it at all.
During this fun episode I remembered that decals need a glossy surface - too late!
Will do better with the second sample, I promise.
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Given the influx of Gemini Air France 777-228's this weekend, it looks like your timing could be good, especially when you have a look at the photo of the real F-GSPX getting a tow.
The larger front guard would look fine, provided it is either attached to the lower plate or a separate item (which I suspect it is) so a lifted cab still can be achieved with accuracy, as seen in the photo.
Looking real good, regardless, and I'm looking forward to the day where I can replicate that photo with my recently arrived AF 777!!
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Last edited by Upkeep; 09-03-2011 at 12:23 PM.
Reason: Clarity
Wow, that looks great! I love it! Please let me know when you're finished tooling the mould and decals. I would love to purchase a few of them. Again very nice work on this vehicle! Great work!
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Hello Christian,
Any further developments regarding this tug? If you could get this to a form of low-run resin moulding, it would be fantastic. I know I'd be up for a few.
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I received another model after making some modifications to the mesh. It now has a frontguard and appropriate decals to go with (I will provide two sets of decals just in case you need a replacement).
I need a volunteer to test the 'kit' (6 pieces only). Keep in mind, this model is very small and has some structual thin parts, so some experience in handling and painting small parts is advised!
The model has to be cleaned of some sort of wax. I used cold water with a drip of dish-ashing detergent and a tooth-pick (takes about 5 minutes when done right).
Here is the deal: I will sell this very first piece for 20 euro (plus shipping) for someone willing to give it a try plus giving me feedback of any kind. The person willing to accept has to have experience in building and painting models.
So, anyone willing to be a guinea pig?*
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I received another model after making some modifications to the mesh. It now has a frontguard and appropriate decals to go with (I will provide two sets of decals just in case you need a replacement).
I need a volunteer to test the 'kit' (6 pieces only). Keep in mind, this model is very small and has some structual thin parts, so some experience in handling and painting small parts is advised!
The model has to be cleaned of some sort of wax. I used cold water with a drip of dish-ashing detergent and a tooth-pick (takes about 5 minutes when done right).
Here is the deal: I will sell this very first piece for 20 euro (plus shipping) for someone willing to give it a try plus giving me feedback of any kind. The person willing to accept has to have experience in building and painting models.
So, anyone willing to be a guinea pig?*
I'd be willing to be a guinea pig, but I'll say right now, I don't do PayPal. International Postal Money Order in Euros would be it. If that works for you, PM me. I'd be happy to do a review here for you with photos of the finished product (with F-GSPX!).
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I received another model after making some modifications to the mesh. It now has a frontguard and appropriate decals to go with (I will provide two sets of decals just in case you need a replacement).
I need a volunteer to test the 'kit' (6 pieces only). Keep in mind, this model is very small and has some structual thin parts, so some experience in handling and painting small parts is advised!
The model has to be cleaned of some sort of wax. I used cold water with a drip of dish-ashing detergent and a tooth-pick (takes about 5 minutes when done right).
Here is the deal: I will sell this very first piece for 20 euro (plus shipping) for someone willing to give it a try plus giving me feedback of any kind. The person willing to accept has to have experience in building and painting models.
So, anyone willing to be a guinea pig?*
To understand correctly, are you regarding the painted version or non-painted version?
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To understand correctly, are you regarding the painted version or non-painted version?
From his description, it can be assumed that this is a model kit that requires mould wax removed, cleaned, sanded/filed, primed, painted and decals applied. 'Some assembly required' as we say over here.
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Hello , I would like to know if these tugs are available for purchase. I would buy several if they are for sale.
actech80
Same here...
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Goldhofer AST-1 Airport Tug 1/200
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