FAQ and Tips

Working with 3D printer resins

The resin used in 3D printer is a thermo resin activated by UV light. UV activation generates heat to polimerize(harden) the resin. Similar to polyurathane, the plastic can distort or curl as the material hardens. This is caused by tension between different layers of the item hardening at different rates.

Fortunately the plastic can be reshaped or straightened with heat. You can use a hair dryer or hot water to soften the plastic and then set it to the way you want and let cool. You might need to add weight or clamp the part until it cools.

Drilling and cutting

Avoid using a knift or razor blade because the material is hard. You're more likely to slip and hurt yourself or break the part rather than achieve the desired result. 3D printer resin can be drilled, cut and sanded like polyurathane. Use spur nippers or side flush cutters to remove parts from spurs. To avoid breaking small parts, start by cutting at the support base and then the finish cut. Finish up with a file and fine sand paper.

What glue to use

Treat the model exactly like a traditional poured or pressure cast poly-urethane kit. Your primary adhesive will be Cyanocrylate, aka., CA. If construction requires a special glue it will be in the instructions. I will not suggest anything I haven't personally tested in trial construction of a kit.

I recommend medium thickness CA and make yourself an applicator so you can control the application. My applicator is a pinvise with a short piece of spring wire. I put a blob of glue on a small piece of plastic sheet and then dab glue where it's needed.

Alternate glue examples:
White PVA type glues - Canoply or similar
Acrylic Diamond craft glues, e.g., GSEBond B-7000 or similar
Contact cements

Painting tips

You can use your favourite paint on the model. Just makes sure the model is clean and dry before painting. Wash the model in luke warm water (not hot), rinse and let dry. I recommend to always use a primer.

Final details - Trucks and whatnot

My kits are designed to accept Kadee arch bar trucks (301) but you can use whatever you like. For example, my brother prefers Tahoe Model Works AC&F truck (TMW-103 or TMW-203)