As part of my free time, I enjoy working on model railroading accessories and details for the modeling community. The parts that I normally create stem from personal need, customer request or have been discontinued by a mainstream manufacturer. The parts that I create in SolidWorks are printed and fulfilled by Shapeways using a 3DS ProJet HD3000Plus in either UHD or XHD quality depending on selection by the customer. This ongoing project began when I was working on a project locomotive and came across a need for a custom plow that had never been produced before. Ever since then, I've been continually adding new products to my online store every month.
With every new product, I evaluate the market first to see what competing products are currently available to consumers and if there is enough space in the market for another, how I could market my product better and give the consumer more value. Because Shapeways charges the customer a flat $5 setup fee on top of the material cost, I often offer bulk packs and combination packs, allowing customers to save more without any detriment to earnings.
This personal project has helped me practice solid modeling skills in SolidWorks, provide quality and accurate detail parts for the modeling community and maintain my interest in model railroading.
Front page of the Wutter Vehicles and Details store
Prototype picture of project locomotive
Finished model with 3D printed plow
The first plow designed for personal use and later uploaded to Shapeways shop
Entire bodyshell and carbody sill is 3D printed by Shapeways
