Components For Models

I can produce a set of components for you to use in the construction of your own models. See below for further details of the types of components I can produce, and associated prices. As well as a range of standard and semi-custom component sets for you to use on your own models, I can also produce fully custom components to your precise requirements.

Standard Products

I am currently preparing a range of standard component sets, each available in a selection of scales, from 2mm:1ft (N gauge) to 16mm:1ft. Many of these components are highly configurable from a range of standard options. The component sets currently available or in preparation include:

In the list above, those items with active links are currently available (the link will take you to the relevant details and ordering page), the others are in various stages of preparation. If you are particularly interested in any of the latter, please contact me to encourage me to produce them, or even commission them as a (reduced-price) custom order.

Semi-custom Components

I am also preparing a range of semi-custom component sets, each available in a selection of scales, from 2mm:1ft (N gauge) to 16mm:1ft. These differ from my standard components, which are often higly configurable,  in that a wider range of customisation is available (often using arbitrary values rather than standard options) to produce a set of components to your requirements. The sets currently available or in preparation include:

Some of the proposed components listed in the Standard Components section above may be better offered as semi-custom products.

In the list above, those items with active links are currently available (the link will take you to the relevant details and ordering page), the others are in various stages of preparation. If you are particularly interested in any of the latter, please contact me to encourage me to produce them, or even commission them as a (reduced-price) custom order.

Custom Components

If you have a specific requirement that is not currently covered by my range of standard or semi-custom component sets, I will be happy to produce a fully custom set for you; please contact me with full details of your requirements to request a quotation. I will need full details of each component, including size and/or scale, etc., together with an indication of what pictures or other information you can supply for me to work from. Although full, detailed information is not needed at the quotation stage, I will need enough to gain an appreciation of the complexity of each component, and the number of them, together with an indication of the quantity and quality of the detailed information you will be able to supply. If you are not able to supply me with sufficient information and/or suitable pictures, you are welcome to commission a preliminary research project for me to find the necessary information for you.

My range of standard and semi-custom components currently concentrates on the railway anbd architectural modelling field; this is because this is where my personal modelling interest and experience (and thus knowledge) lies. I will gladly, however, produce components for you for any other modelling subject (or indeed non-model application), provided that you can supply me with the necessary information.

Component Types

I can produce components by two basic methods: 3D-printed and etched metal.

3D-Printed Components

These components are made from UV-cured resin that builds an object in very thin layers from a flat base, by exposing each layer to UV light through a mask that defines which parts of the layer are to be solidified. This process has consequences for the components I can produce: the size of the base plate the components are built on limits the size of the components themselves (although larger components can be produced in pieces that are later joined together); projections that overhang the base of the object can be difficult to form unless built up gradually over multiple layers, or require additional support structures that have to be removed after printing.

The finished components can be joined to each other, or to other materials, using adhesives such as cyano-acrylate ("super glue"), epoxy resin, or general-purpose contact adhesives. Components can also be attached to polystyrene (the type used in kits or sold as sheets and strips, not the expanded type) using the more aggressive solvents such as methyl-ethyl-ketone (Slater's Mek-Pak) or butanone. Flood the joint with solvent while pressing the component into place and holding it while the solvent evaporates. Slower-acting solvents such as Humbrol Liquid Poly don't work so well. Adhesion is helped by lightly roughening the mating surface of the resin component using fine abrasive paper or a glass-fibre brush – the dissolved polystyrene mingles with the roughened resin, then solidifies and interlocks as the solvent evaporates.

Etched Metal Components

These components are made from metal sheet such as brass or nickel silver that is etched away during production to leave the component shapes behind. Components produced this way are essentially thin and flat, although they can incorporate a single layer of surface detail on one side. The flat components are often designed to be folded and/or joined together to form more copmlex shapes.

The finished components can be joined to each other using solder or adhesives such as cyano-acrylate ("super glue"), epoxy resin, or general-purpose contact adhesives. Attaching components to other materials generally requires the adhesive approach. Adhesion is helped by lightly roughening the mating surfaces of the components using fine abrasive paper or a glass-fibre brush.

Prices and Delivery

All of my components are produced to order; I do not keep a stock of individual sets. Standard and semi-custom components will normally be dispatched within 10 working days of your order (and receipt of your cleared payment). If I am unable to do this (e.g. due to unexpectedly running out of supplies etc.) I will let you know within a few days of your order.

I produce the 3D-printed components myself, while the etched metal components are produced by my supplier, and will be shipped directly to you from them.

My standard 3D-printed components typically cost £9.50 per set. Semi-custom components cost £12–50 per set, depending on the degree of customisation needed, and fully custom components will cost from £50 per set, depending on the number and complexity of the components required, and the quality of the information you provide.

My standard etched metal components typically cost £25 per A5 sheet. Fully custom components will cost from £50 per A5 sheet, depending on the number and complexity of the components required, and the quality of the information you provide. A semi-custom approach is not feasible with etched metal components as a tooling charge is also required for each sheet design.

To send components to you I offer several levels of service:

  • Economy. £2.00 per order. The components will be posted by normal First Class post, and loss or damage in transit is at your risk (i.e. if the components arrive damaged or not at all, they will not be replaced or refunded).
  • Standard. £3.50 per order. The components will be posted by First Class recorded delivery, and will thus require a signature on arrival. Components that arrive damaged, or not at all, will be replaced free of charge (or refunded), provided I can claim on the insurance included with this service.
  • Express. £7.75 per order. The components will be posted by Special Delivery, will require a signature on arrival, and are guaranteed to arrive the next (working) day after I dispatch them. I will also endeavour to dispatch them as quickly as possible after your order, usually within 5 working days. Components that arrive damaged, or not at all, will be replaced free of charge (or refunded), provided I can claim on the insurance included with this service.
  • Overseas. For delivery outside of the UK. No fee will initially be added to your order. Once I receive your order I will send you a quote for the cost of delivery, since this will depend on the destination country. Where possible the components will be posted by an equivalent of First Class recorded delivery, and will thus require a signature on arrival. Whether such a service is available depends on the destination country. Components that arrive damaged, or not at all, will be replaced free of charge (or refunded), provided I can claim on any insurance included with the postal service.