I'm looking at a few of these and am wondering if anyone can share some of the rebel stuff they have that HAS NOT been printed out yet by FFG. I'm looking for like size comparisons and paint jobs and how they look fielded on the table and stuff.
Thanks in advance!
Pretty sure there's a whole thread in here devoted to Mel's work, and a lot of people seem to have them.
Vykes has some nice painted ones.
https://community.fantasyflightgames.com/topic/220855-vykes-shipwright/
Get the best material you can get, otherwise you will be sorely disappointed and never do business with Shapeways again.
This maybe of help as well: https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1346338/mel-miniatures-custom-3d-printed-ships-and-squadron
I've purchased several ships from Mel, and picked up a few second hand. Frosted Ultra Detail is worth it, I have three ships that were printed in White Strong and Flexible, they don't have much in the way of detail.
Most of my ships are White strong and flexible that is all that I can afford for the number of ships I want. I am not to particular about super details, so as long as I get the ship it is good to go for me. Besides the fine ultra detail breaks easily as I have found out several times. So it is good to have models that can take a little bumping. Also fits with the base cards I use as well; just printouts from my computer.
Also be aware that you should give your FUD/FXD printed ships into a good isopropyl alcohol bath when you get them (20-30 minutes should be more than enough time). They're going to have a waxy material there from the printing process. Taking a soft bristled old tooth brush to help clean out those nooks and hard to reach spots will be good as well. Basically what you want is something less opaque and more translucent at the end of the process and let it get a good dry. Prior to painting it may be handy to hit her with a good spray of something like testors dullcoat to help seal her up. The material has a habit of soaking up paint (obviously YMMV) depending on the actual paint, application, etc though it's not as bad as say White Strong and Flexible (WSF) material is. That stuff is thirsty!
The WSF material does soak up paint, but several watered down coast seal it very well. I do a lot of washes to bring out the proper color as well. Then highlight individual panels, and use Games workshops inks. The plastic is not very detailed but you can work around it. I soak it is soapy water give it a light brush and rince and let dry. My models are for gaming so it is good that it is WSF. All though I spent money on FUD model of the 3.2 km MC-80 for my rebel battleship.
As far as I'm concerned, it's FUD only. WSF really looks out of place next to the FFG ships.
Armada Shipyards has quite a few photos of Mel's stuff.