Have just received a Shapeways AF mk1... with the intent of kit-bashing it with the FFG AF mk2.

The plan is to remove the mk2's tail and put the mk1's on it, removing the pods underneath in the process for a sleeker look.

Questions going out to those with experience of working with Shapeways stuff:

- Cutting: the Shapeways models feel quite brittle, any experience of them shattering?

- Gluing: any difficulties gluing? Im guessing washing is required but any particular glue?

- Painting: again, washing required but any issues with paint slewing off after washing? And do folks remove the FFG paint off their models pre-spraying?

Thanks in advance

Cutting:

Pressure Cutting will involve pressure and ergo, risk snapping and bending, as most of the shapeways stuff is layered (although it is material dependant). Your BEST bet is a razor or jewellers saw, and cutting with as little pressure (and speed!) as possible, to not melt and gum up and do all that bad stuff.

Gluing:

Everything should be washed, always, and regarddless... Cyanoacrylate (Superglue) is really your best bet. Make sure surfaces are as flush as possible... Use Kneadatite or something similar to enforce (and reinforce) a glue bond as much as possible if required.


Painting:
The texture of some shapeways models can be... difficult to deal with. Definiitely wash it. Consider even hitting it with a watered down layer of PVA if you're seeing TONS of Soaking in, otherwise, a proper prime should do the trick.

As for FFG Models, I personally strip them to the bone with Isopropyl Alcohol (95%). That way, there is no artifacts of the surface or paint to get in the way - but its not entirely neccessary, again, with a proper prime.

Cheers - i hadnt considered the porous nature of the Shapeways material.

I'll post pics once i have it put together and primed!