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N Gauge Forum

General Category => N Gauge Discussion => Topic started by: RBTKraisee on October 25, 2021, 04:43:56 PM

Title: Source for custom photo etch?
Post by: RBTKraisee on October 25, 2021, 04:43:56 PM
I'm looking for possible sources for custom PE parts.

Specifically I'm looking to make pickups for some of my 3D printed coaching stock.

I can design the parts myself - I used to do production PE work about 15 years ago, so I know what's involved - I just need someone to fab a couple of sheets for me, every so often.

Recommendations?

Cheers,

Ross.
Title: Re: Source for custom photo etch?
Post by: NScaleNotes on October 25, 2021, 05:41:05 PM
I've used https://www.ppdltd.com (https://www.ppdltd.com) in the past.
Good quality, lots of choice of materials and helpful.
Title: Re: Source for custom photo etch?
Post by: Richard @ N'Tastic Scale Models on October 25, 2021, 07:21:52 PM
Not used but have been recommended Photo Etch Consultants, Walsall.
Title: Re: Source for custom photo etch?
Post by: njee20 on October 25, 2021, 08:11:07 PM
I also plan to use PPD for some brake discs at some point, I've heard good things. Given you're thousands of miles away wouldn't someone local to you would be more sensible (particularly if you can produce the required artwork)?
Title: Re: Source for custom photo etch?
Post by: RBTKraisee on October 25, 2021, 08:26:39 PM
Yeah, I looked into some suppliers over here, but prices are crazy here right now, its actually cheaper to do it over there and ship.

My other option is to buy all the bits and do it myself.   But SWMBO is already showing signs that I need to have less stuff in our little place here :)

Ross.
Title: Re: Source for custom photo etch?
Post by: njee20 on October 25, 2021, 08:38:17 PM
Yep, definitely doable. I remember reading a guide on RMWeb which I can't now find, but this (https://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/54219-etching-brass-on-the-cheap/) one covers it pretty well, and is a comparable use case.
Title: Re: Source for custom photo etch?
Post by: RBTKraisee on October 26, 2021, 12:11:58 AM
I used to be a pro at PE work, but I just don't know I want to get back into doing my own again.   Messy, smelly stuff.   SWMBO wouldn't be all that amused, so I'm looking to avoid it unless getting parts done elsewhere is entirely impractical. :)

Back in the early 2000's I made a 1:144 scale kit of the launch tower for a Saturn-V rocket.   Took four years to design and by the time I was done I had collected about £5K worth of PE (actually PCB) processing gear.   28x A4 sheets of PE made up about 80% of the kit.  They retailed for US$ 750 each.   All my gear sadly got trashed in a hurricane though, and I quit doing it at that point, so these kits are all collectors items now! :)

Ross.

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/99/8374-011020012846-999181161.jpeg)

(https://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/uploads/monthly_2020_05/DSCN0175.JPG.e3720e0b8a3db6e3de51dd17128da496.JPG)

(https://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/uploads/monthly_2020_05/SA4_002.jpg.a0b1bc70519a9fa8923d5c2d2b263a17.jpg)
Title: Re: Source for custom photo etch?
Post by: Simon D. on October 26, 2021, 11:32:53 AM
A lot of the American N Scale  modellers on the Railwire Forum actually use PPD.
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