"Navwar - a word to the wise" Topic

I got an order from Navwar the other day. The accompanying flyer mentioned that GQ1, which Tony very helpfully reprinted a few years ago, was now out of print, with no plans for a reprint. But what was a bit more alarming was that there was a list of 4 models from the 1/3000 range which were said to be "out of stock/out of production and can no longer be supplied". No idea whether this is a one-off or whether it's a sign that the moulds are too old to use or what, but it certainly made me think I should try to fill any gaps in my collection before too long.

Of course, I keep discovering gaps I didn't know I had …

I think this is where 3D printing can shine.

Shapeways 3D printing – not sure why you'd bother with Navwar anymore.

Archon – Lots of reasons.

Price – Navwar about £1.35 GBP-£1.75 for BS & larger CR Shapeways £8.00 GBP-£10 minimum

Range – Navwar do the vast majority of the ships in the period I'm interested in (up to 1905) whereas Shapeways don't seen to do any, even WW1 is badly served

Quality – I have only seen one Shapeways ship and it was certainly more detailed than a Navwar equivalent but, at 1/3000th scale, the difference is not worth the massive extra cost or visible on a wargaming table.

Availability – Navwar is a UK manufacturer & I'm in the UK. Fast shipping at low cost. Shapeways ships from Europe & shipping cost looked high.

Add that up and it is Shapeways that are very much second best.

There are also numerous other 3D printing operations across the UK, US, Australia & New Zealand who put out good quality builds.

Running models in larger blocks where they fill the entire 3D print table is usually the most cost-efficient way to order. This is not so different from the old school spin casting, which made the process worthwhile by running castings in groups.

I'm surprised that there are no plans to reprint GQ1, or at least offer it as a PDF.

GQ1, and GQ2, was a product of CinC if I recall correctly and he is completely retired now. I think, and legionsivhire.ca/ don't list them.

My copies of GQ and GQ2 were published by Brookhurst Hobbies not CinC.