1/144 Scale USS STODDARD (DD-566) - Kitbash, Revell FLETCHER

[BB62vet]

Tom,

As I've discussed with you, the LCD is not causing the problems now - I'm at a loss as to why the build platform isn't advancing with the print file. All is NOT well in Printerville....

Hank

[Scheldeman]

Very inspiring design work and amazing execution! As for having 'gone to the dark side', you've become quite the Sith lord in only two years. Your cleverly composed support setups are textbook material for students like me.

As I've discussed with you, the LCD is not causing the problems now - I'm at a loss as to why the build platform isn't advancing with the print file.

Hank

Can you move the Z-axis stepper motor with manual increments? If not it's a hardware problem: There's a chance resin got into the front bearing of your motor and locked it up, or there's a badly connected pin or short in your stepper wire connectors, or one of the motor winding circuits got worn out. Worst case it's a faulty breakout board.

[BB62vet]

Scheldeman,

Thanks for the compliments and the input re. the possible problems with the printer, etc. Sith Lord....hmmm - I LIKE IT!!! LOL!!! Can I get the uniform in a med. crimson???

As for the printer, I've decided to pull its plug ( ) and have boxed it up for Deep Six at the recycle center. At this point in time, your solution could very well be correct, except that there was no resin spill in the area of the Z axis limit switch. But YES, I can manually move the build platform up/down - it just won't advance once you've started the print run.

And, probably more importantly, I've worn this machine out in 2 years + - 3 LCD screens, 2 light matrix boards, 2 vats, and 5 FEP replacements. So, I'm looking around (well, actually I've decided, but just haven't hit the "purchase button" yet on a new, larger machine. I was looking at the 115 HP Briggs & Stratton Galaxy 500, but since Brandon has pulled the plug on gas-powered anything, geez.....I just don't know!!!

The supports are quite critical in 3D printing and even now I seem to forget the "best" ways to do certain parts and then end up having to resupport, reslice, and reprint. It's only recently that I've made some changes to the actual supports in order to keep them as tiny as possible but still do the job which reduces the part having "nibs" or such sticking out all over. These slicing programs are amazing - rather unique in the ways they can be tailored to the individual part.

Glad you've been tuned in- always nice to know that my efforts are helping others!!!

Hank

[Fliger747]

Hank:

Be great when the new printer slides down the ways and you will begin a shakedown cruise with her. I was frustrated for a short while with a new printer, but eventually we made friends. I think you will have better luck with the lifelines and some other small diameter items.

Cheers: Tom

[BB62vet]

Hank:
Be great when the new printer slides down the ways and you will begin a shakedown cruise with her. I was frustrated for a short while with a new printer, but eventually we made friends. I think you will have better luck with the lifelines and some other small diameter items.
Cheers: Tom

Tom,
Thanks!! It is arriving tomorrow (early!) so perhaps tomorrow evening I'll have some time to get things out of the box. Tomorrow is busy at medical appointments (2) so little to no shop time. The lifelines will certainly be top of the list to redo where I haven't already gotten them in place.

Hank

[Fliger747]

Hank:

I hope the extra resolution will help print your lifelines better. I had decent results printing the very small scale (1:512) inclined ladders and lifelines for Whitehurst proto model. Perhaps the only disadvantage is the large platen has quite a bit of resin adhering to it. I squeegee it off with the small plastic spatula provided. At least the sloped top helps it drain a little.

So we will be anticipating the new and improved results! Tom

[BB62vet]

Tom,

So do I!! I've updated the 3D Printing thread on Online Scratchbuild Projects forum with the new printer progress.

Hank

[BB62vet]

I've slowly been getting the 5" mounts removed from their supports, cleaned up, and painted. Here is a (dry run, no glue) test fit of Mt. 51 -

Hope to get Mt. 52 in progress later this evening. I also have the 1st print run on my new printer finishing soon. We shall see....

Hank

[Mgunns]

Hi Hank:

Mt. 51 looks the business there. I like all the little details and your pin wash brings it all out and together. Looking very good my friend.

[BB62vet]

Mark,

Thanks for the nice comment - always appreciated. Between trying to get the new printer online and still doing work on this project, it's been a busy day. I have the 4 gun barrels all painted, but 3 mounts are left to remove from supports, clean up, and then paint. I've also redesigned a bit the Mt. 52 RAS tripod which goes on the mount ceiling -

Should get a print run going in the a.m. - still making adjustments to the print files as at the moment I'm still having some issues.

Hank

[BB62vet]

A bit more actual progress on the model - after receiving my white dry transfer nos./lettering sheets, I've got Mt. 52 a bit closer to being finished -

The work on the RAS Tripod will need further mod as per photos I've got it reversed from how it should be oriented - not a big deal, just some further design correction and then reprinting a few in order to get one....

Have been printing new and better main deck handrails so the originals may get a replacement if I so desire. Something the new printer is able to do without a lot of fuss.

Hank

[Fliger747]

Hank:

Pleased to see the progress, main deck house and some armament in place already! I have been able to do press applies of that size with my Cameo stencil cutter, at least in the blocky USN type font. In the old days there were a lot of small and very nice dry transfers available, used a lot in making camera ready artwork, radio equipment etc. Digital production has most killed those off, glad you were able to find some!

Tom

[BB62vet]

Hank:
Pleased to see the progress, main deck house and some armament in place already! I have been able to do press applies of that size with my Cameo stencil cutter, at least in the blocky USN type font. In the old days there were a lot of small and very nice dry transfers available, used a lot in making camera ready artwork, radio equipment etc. Digital production has most killed those off, glad you were able to find some!
Tom

Tom,
Thanks!! Much appreciate the commentary!! The lettering is Woodland Scenic RR lettering (dry transfer) - got them thru Amazon. Yes, it is nice to see some of the old tried & true items still available - digital can't to everything!!!!

Later,

Hank

[Fliger747]

Hank:

How did you do the greased steel effect on the recoil slide area of the barrels?

Tom

[BB62vet]

Hank:
How did you do the greased steel effect on the recoil slide area of the barrels?
Tom

Tom,
I think I first taped off the barrel part and then sprayed the recoil section and back of the part (the rounded area that fits into the mount body) with a quick shot of Testor's Gun Metal and then Testor's Brass - before the first color could dry. It gave sort of a "dirty" look to the brass which is what I wanted.

A bit different shade than on the IOWA class 16" barrels.

Hank

[BB62vet]

Well, after what seems to be FOREVER!!!! - I finally have completed Mount 52 and can move on to other parts of the model -

It took almost a dozen prints of the tripod to get 2 that were complete and in the correct orientation. FYI- these tripods could be erected for high line transfer on either side of the ship, so this part could actually be printed by mirroring the existing .stl file and then printing a reverse oriented item.

I'm going to try to continue with the bow/foc'sle area and get it finished with all the parts needed before moving aft, etc.

At least, that's the idea at the moment!

Hank

[Dan K]

Those mounts are sharp.

[BB62vet]

Those mounts are sharp.

Thanks, Dan - I guess I achieved what I was trying to achieve! Glad that you are following the build - I hope to pick up a bit more construction but the heat in the shop is counter productive at the moment - evenings only!!!

Hank

[Iceman 29]

Very nice!

Well, after what seems to be FOREVER!!!! - I finally have completed Mount 52 and can move on to other parts of the model -

Mt. 52 wRAS Tripod_1.jpeg

Mt. 52 wRAS Tripod_2.jpeg

It took almost a dozen prints of the tripod to get 2 that were complete and in the correct orientation. FYI- these tripods could be erected for high line transfer on either side of the ship, so this part could actually be printed by mirroring the existing .stl file and then printing a reverse oriented item.

I'm going to try to continue with the bow/foc'sle area and get it finished with all the parts needed before moving aft, etc.

At least, that's the idea at the moment!

Hank

[BB62vet]

Thanks, Pascal - I do appreciate the comment!

Hank