We are highlighting miniatures this week, so we’re happy to feature Rich Brungard and his shop, Marsh Creek Mini. Rich is inspired by creation, and has found a hobby that allows him to do just that. What’s more, Rich was able to use Shapeways to create products that he found hard to find, and made them available to others, as well!
Tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? Where are you located?
I have been drawing and conceptualizing ever since my first box of crayons, about 35 years ago. I am a father, a husband, and a veteran. I have a number of hobbies that I’m interested in, but Model Railroading is what occupies most of my hobby time, along with spells of interspersed military and science fiction/fantasy modeling. I’m currently working in the power industry as a 2D drafter, in Reading, Pennsylvania.
What’s the story behind your designs? What inspires you?
I gravitate toward the obscure and unusual, and sometimes that places me in challenging situations. My railroad models are in a scale that isn’t fully supported by major hobby manufacturers, so I decided that instead of waiting for someone to produce something that would suit my needs, I would just begin making the items I required, and by 3D printing through Shapeways, I could offer my work to others as well. Creation inspires me. In a world where media sensationalizes and society ravenously consumes the human penchant for destruction, creation can serve to inspire others to do good things with their own hands. Everyone has their personal demons, I am no exception to that rule, but I have refused to let mine win the war. I create as therapy, as a reminder that no matter who you are, what you do, or have done, you can create things of worth, beauty, and imagination. The spark of creativity inside everyone can be drawn out into a flame hot enough to fire a forge and bring constructive personal, professional, and sociological change.
What brought you to 3D printing with Shapeways?
I use Shapeways for a number of reasons. Print quality is extremely important to modelers, and because my designs are small scale (primarily 1:87) wall thickness, and details must be accurate in order to look good, and function well. Most of my designs are intended to be printed in Frosted Detail Acrylics only, which produces parts which, when cleaned and painted, blend in with more traditional modeling materials, like injection molded plastics, brass, and wood.
The biggest reason for using Shapeways, is that as a service, I don’t need to worry about production, packing, stocking, or shipping models. A considerable amount of effort and money goes into producing miniatures, and by offloading production responsibilities to Shapeways, my capital investment in products is only my design time, and I don’t need to worry about storing thousands of tiny parts that may or may not ever be sold. Shapeways business model allows me to focus more on design and innovation than traditional methods of production would.
How did you learn how to design in 3D?
After my career in the Army, I wanted to return to something that makes me happy, and fills me with a sense of purpose and accomplishment. I love to build things, and I have always loved miniatures, so I decided to pursue an education that would both allow me to do something that was both personally and professionally satisfying. I enrolled at Berks Technical Institute to learn Drafting Technology. During my time earning my Associates Degree at BTI, I learned the basics of 2D, and 3D modeling in Autodesk Inventor, and Solidworks. I spent considerable time outside of class working in Inventor in an attempt to bring my ideas into reality. Since then, I have started dabbling into 3D sculpting to satisfy my craving for more organic designs and artistic work.
How do you promote your work?
I currently rely on social media (Facebook) heavily to promote my designs. It’s a Do It Yourself type of hobby, and marketing is no different. I have also used traditional media in the form of hobby magazines to reach a wider audience, primarily modelers who haven’t embraced social media.
Who are your favorite designers or artists? Who in the Shapeways community has served as an inspiration to you?
The list is a long one, and I pull inspiration from many different hobbies, arts, and artists. My railroad models have a lineage that gets their roots from the innovative work in the late 1960s of Dave Frary and Bob Hayden, and the idea to use 3D printing as a means to an ends in scale modeling came from watching Chuck Doan design and masterfully detail an old gas pump in scale, which was printed by Shapeways.
If you weren’t limited by current technologies, what would you want to make using 3D printing?
I am anxiously awaiting a time when metal 3D printing can bring the level of precision and detail of Frosted Extreme Detail. One of the best ways to improve the running qualities of model trains is to add weight to the models to improve electrical conductivity and stability on the track.
Anything else you want to share?
Build something with your own hands. Design something in 3D, and print it out. Draw or paint a picture. Knit a scarf, carve a walking cane, or bake cupcakes. Whatever you do with your time, make sure it adds value to someone or something, and share it. Be positive and creative because our time is limited, and it is your sole responsibility to build your life the way you want it. Go build something awesome.
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THIS SHOP:
- Great branding; banner and avatar photos
- Sections for easy shopping
- Nice description of shop information
- Variety of products
Thank you, Richard! It’s so nice to see how you’re able to use 3D printing not only as a creative outlet, but for a distinct use of creating scale models that are hard to find – perfect combination! Make sure to check out Richard’s shop, Marsh Creek Mini, and follow along on Facebook and his website.
I want to make a creature that is at least 13 inches long by at least four or five inches long that can be eventually used as a boot scraper which means it has to be on a board or filled with sand or something heavy so it doesn’t’ tip. I do not want to tell what the creature is yet for fear someone will steal my idea but is there any way it can be made with the 3d process. I need lots of them with a wholesale price so I can sell them. Anne
Hello Anne,
I am not a professional designer or licensed artist. I do know that the design would have to be a metal of some kind. It needs to take a beating unless it is a side prop for the scraper. This design would need a thick wall if it needed to be durable.
I recommend listening to a local metal worker or even a person from a department store like Lowes. They should tell you about around how much steel or iron you would need in the stressed areas. This is crucial because you don’t want a weak material design that would bend in over use.
After knowing how thick you will need the walls. Now I would say you are ready to make the design. You can sculpt it in any form but be sure to look at guidelines to 3D printing. Some models don’t work because of the extra space or “holes” between parts. Making the wall is pretty easy when you sculpt in 3D. Basically it is just sculpting in a cavity within the model. Be sure to measure and thicken any thin areas that is thinner than the recommended thickness. Be sure to set your model into scale as well.
Pricing would vary with the thickness and materials. Shapeways does have some sort of a “Calculator” that can determine the price of the item. Be sure to look at Shapeways’ free tutorials to get started if not already.
Sorry for the length but I want to allow you to have that one design that will not only impress but be strong as well!
Good luck and Have fun,
Rodger Davis