Shapeways Alternative for Model Trains
Did your favorite designer disappear when Shapeways closed? We are partnering with many original Shapeways designers to bring back the high-quality 3D printed rolling stock, locomotives, and details you need. Shop our growing catalog of transition-era and narrow-gauge models today.
Former Shapeways Vendors
Find the products you love from the vendors you miss.
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First Person Scale Models
Rare Prototypes & "Fixer" Kits
Specialty: Models that are "uneconomical for big companies to make." This includes one-of-a-kind prototypes, early streamliners, and correction kits for inaccurate mass-produced models.
Key Products:
- Rare Power: Baldwin's First Centipede (Demonstrator #6000), Fairbanks Morse H12-44TS, and ALCO DL535e.
- Unique Rolling Stock: Accurate Amfleet cars (correcting errors in Bachmann/Walthers versions) and Union Pacific M10002 streamliners.
- Niche Self-Propelled: GE/Wason Motor Cars and ACF MotoRailers.
Lambert Locomotive Works
Unique Industrial Power & Narrow Gauge
Specialty: A diverse range of industrial locomotives ("Critters"), narrow gauge (On30, HOn3), and unique transition-era rolling stock.
Key Products:
- Locomotives: The famous "Mainline Boxcab," 40hp Simplex (WWI era), and GE Industrial critters.
- Rolling Stock: Osgood Bradley Commuter Coaches and Boston & Maine steel cabooses.
- Components: Custom sideframes (GE Industrial) and retrofit kits for Bachmann/Proto chassis.
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Priamide Models
High-Fidelity Modern Military Detail Parts
Specialty: Ultra-realistic upgrade kits and conversion sets for modern era military armor (1:35 scale focus). Perfect for modelers looking to upgrade standard AFV Club or Tamiya kits to specific real-world variants.
Key Products:
- Vehicle Conversions: US Special Forces Stryker DVH, M1A2 Abrams SEP v4, and M1245 SOCOM M-ATV conversion sets.
- Tech Upgrades: Blue Force Tracking (BFT) systems, CREW Duke IED jammers, and remote weapon stations.
- Armor Details: TUSK armor packages and specific bumper/hull modifications.
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Stony Smith Designs
Heavy Industry & N Scale Rolling Stock
Specialty: Known for specialized Steel Mill industrial rolling stock (Torpedo cars, Slag cars) and highly specific N scale freight details that major manufacturers ignore.
Key Products:
- Heavy Industry: Hot Metal Torpedo Cars, Slag Cars, and specialized tank cars.
- N Scale: Auto frames (for open auto carriers) and detailed flatcar loads.
- Details: Hydraulic receiver boots and custom hopper bodies.
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Thomas Knapp Model Engineering
Premier Nn3 Narrow Gauge Conversions & Historic Rolling Stock
Specialty: Highly regarded for master-level Nn3 (N scale narrow gauge) models. They are famous for engineered conversion kits that transform standard Z scale mechanisms into flawless running narrow gauge power, alongside highly accurate historic rolling stock. [1, 2]
Key Products:
- Locomotive Conversion Kits: A series of 7 specialized kits (ranging from simple cab swaps to complex 2-6-0 conversions) designed to modify standard Rokuhan Z-scale 0-6-0 donor chassis into Nn3 steam power.
- Pacific Coast Railway Fleet: Prototypical, highly accurate rolling stock kits modeled from historical drawings, including PCRy 900-series tank cars, 28-foot boxcars, and gravel gondolas.
- Unique Self-Propelled Equipment: Standout prototype kits like the historic 1927 Brill 55 Narrow Gauge Motor Car (utilizing a Rokuhan Shorty chassis) and the 1921 Mack AC Railbus.
- Diesel & Tenders: The Southern Pacific "Little Giant" GE 50-ton narrow gauge diesel shell and standalone Baldwin-inspired wood/coal tender shells.