Q. Where can I buy your 3D prints?

A. My 3D prints are available through my shop at the Shapeways website. http://www.shapeways.com/shops/JamesTrainParts

Q. Why do you use Shapeways?

A. Shapeways have been at the forefront of 3D printing and have an outstanding record for customer service including reliable printing methods and materials, and extremely efficient shipping, all at competitive rates.

Q.  Why are your models mostly available in the FUD material?

A.  FUD (Frosted Ultra Detail) is the material with the highest level of detail that Shapeways currently supply.  Almost all of my models have very fine detail which would not be printable in the other materials.

Q. I have broken my model. What is the best way to mend it?

A. Superglue is very effective, it mends the FUD and the model is as good as new.  The FUD material is brittle so do not force it to bend too much.

Q.  What should I do if I don’t receive all the parts for my kit or it has arrived damaged?

A.  Contact Shapeways, they deal with everything concerning the ordering and shipping of my kits and their customer service is very good.

Q.  How do I clean my printed model ready for painting?

A.  There are several ways to do this but the important thing is to remove the waxy residue left over from the print process as it will stop paint from drying on the model. First I recommend washing the parts in warm soapy water, then submerging them in a product to remove the wax residue.  Depending on where you are will depend on what products are available, but I have found good results using Goo Gone.  I submerge the parts in Goo Gone for 24 hours; I use an old jar with a lid for this as the Goo Gone will evaporate fast.  Once removed from the Goo Gone wash the parts again in warm soapy water and leave to dry for another 24 hours.  When the parts are dry use a soft tooth brush to scrape off the fuzz that has build up on the model; this is the wax residue that has reacted with the Goo Gone.

Q.  What paint should I use on the model?

A.  I have found that acrylic paints work the best with the FUD material. I do not recommend using enamel paints as in my experience they do not dry.

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