"More about 3D printed WWI planes in 15mm scale" Topic

I have written to one of the 3D manufacturers who makes lots of WWI planes. He makes them in 1/144 scale for Wings of War but said he could start producing a few in 15mmm / 1/100 scale if people are interested. He was wondering what WWI planes 15mm collectors/ gamers would be most happy to see produced. I gave him my personal preferences but I thought some of you in this forum might have opinions as well. Feel free to chime in and I will pass the info to him.

Cheers!

Gallo

Go big or go home…

Handley Page Type O
Zeppelin-Staaken R.VI

I use the Wings of War planes but if I was to do 15mm I would want early war stuff – Eindekkers, DH-5 – but of course also a few SPAD-7s and 13s, some Sopwith Camels, Fokker D7s and maybe a DR1 for those who like that sort of things and an Albatross DIII

Just a thought

Brewster buffalo for malayan campaign

I think some manufacturers at Shapeways already have a Fokker Eindecker out. I actually had requested an Albatros CIII and he said no problem. I believe that those planes you mentioned, Frederick are all available at Shapeways in 1/144 scale so it's just a matter of getting them to upscale them.

Going big creates problems, apparently. The main difficulty being that most consumers are unwilling to pay the price for a Handley Page. I saw one in 1/144 scale for $80.00 USD. One in fine detailed plastic was $452.00 USD. Enlarging to 1/100 scale would certainly be more.

I haven't seen a Brewster buffalo yet but they do lots of WWII planes.

Once the model is built on computer then changing the scale from 1/144 to 1/100 is not so difficult. My main concern is the texture of the finished plane. If anyone here has ever seen 3D printed models they know that often there are layer lines and other distortions of texture that might make the finished product unacceptable to some.

My next step is to order a WWI plane in my 15mm scale, determine if the quality is worth the price, then paint it up and present the group with a few photos of the finished product. I have a feeling some sanding, etc. will be required, because I don't want to pay the high price for fine detail. I will let the group know the progress.

Cheers!

Gallo

I'd be interested in anything that can be used for the Middle East.

The 15mm Lil' Flyin' Fokkers are already good. Any 3D models would have to compete with them for pricing and quality.

I only want 1:100 planes for 18mm figures because the model planes are not always in the air above the figures. Some scenarios see them grounded.