3d Prints and Waterslide Transfers for Tram Modellers

Size and scale information

The majority of 3d prints and transfers we offer are originally produced for 00 scale (1:76, or 4mm/ft), with some also already available in N or 0. However the techniques used for producing the artwork lends itself in some cases to rescaling up or down, so we can produce some of them to any scale from N to 0 (even G for some transfers). N gauge prints/transfers are generally British n gauge (1:148), but 'typhoo' (approx 1:133) is also available to match the Lesney models made popular by the Typhoo copies. Other possible scales are N(USA/1:160), N(2mm/1:152), TT(3mm/1:101), TT(USA/1:120), H0(3.5mm/1:87), S(1:64), 0(US/1:48), 0(7mm/1:43.5).

If you want a model/transfers in one these alternative scales, please get in touch.

About Tramads 3D Prints

Tramads 3D printed tram body shells are printed in one of the following materials, dependant on the size and required level of detail. A reference code identifying the material is shown under each picture.
NYR: Imaterialise "Natural Yellow Resin", which offers a good resolution with a generally smooth surface which needs less preparation, and at a lower price. Some layering may be seen on horizontal curved surfaces such as domes roofs, which can be filled or sanded if required. There will also be small dots where the supports were attached, these are normally inside or on the underside, but occaisionally will be on the visible surfaces. These too can be sanded off easily from flat surfaces, but may take a little more care to remove from details. This is an unavoidable part of the printing process, and is not a fault.
SFD: Shapeways "Smooth Fine Detail Plastic", now replaced by TFD, see below. Many images on the website show prints in SFD, but are now only availalbe in TFD. (SFD models are translucent to white, TFD are Tan in colour)
TFD: Shapeways "Tan Fine Detail Plastic". These are high resolution print, and consist of a raw resin-like shell, which doesn't have the waxy surface of SFD, making preparing for painting easier. Some surfaces may show a texture from the supports which can be removed with a fiberglass pencil or light sanding, and some layer lines may be visible.
WSF: Shapeways "Versatile Plastic" (formerly known as "White Strong Flexible"). These allow a larger print, so generally are used for 0 scale/7mm bodies. This is a slightly rougher but much tougher material which needs some painting/sanding effort to produce a smoother surface if required.
HDA: Shapeways "High Definition Acrylate", no longer available although some pictures used here may still show the bodies in HDA (identifiable by being black).
ACX: Shapeways "Accura Ctreme" allows us to print bodies with much finer details, eg window pillars, and true to scale beadings. The surface will have some markings from supports, but does not have the waxiness of SFD. A slight texture may be visible on flat surfaces when viewed close up, and there will be layer lines on vertical curves, eg domed roofs. If required we can provide guidance on removing these.
PPR: Tramads also now print some bodies, and any high detail parts like trucksides, in-house in "Photo Polymer Resin" on our own printers. This are high resolution prints with a smooth surface which needs little preparation, although some layer lines may be seen on horizontal curved surfaces. There will also be some nibs or dimples will show where the supports are attached, and on some prints it is unaviodable that these will affect external surfaces, therefore a little filling/sanding may be required, however normally less than would be required on the equivalant kit built model. Preparation of these prints before painting (other than the aforementioned) requires only washing in soapy water, but they will need to be kept out of direct sunlight until painted, as they will become brittle if over-exposed to UV light.
PLA: "Polyactide", a lower resolution but stronger plastic material suitable for interior parts, which are supplied ready for painting, but can easily be drilled/filled/ if required.

A small number of the pictures shown are of pre-production test prints, and the models now offered will incorporate small improvements.
Tramads interior or other additional parts are printed either in PLA for parts such as interiors or drive mounts, or PPR for high detail parts such as staircases and trucksides. Some parts bundles will contain parts in both materials, and some are supplied with multiple parts on a support sheet, rather than a sprue. These parts must be removed and assembled into the ordered product. To release the parts, press gently on one corner of the backing sheet, you may hear a slight crack, and should then be able to get a knife* in the gap and then push it along under the part until it releases from the backing sheet. To see a video how to do this click here. Some packs contain 3d printed lifeguards - these are slightly overscale as they cannot be printed in a scale thickness, but are included so that the modeller can use them temporarily, or use them as a pattern to make their own from brass or plastic strip. The colour of PLA or PPR parts may vary from those shown.
The drive mounts are designed to accept drives/bogies from manufacturers such as Halling, to make these trams easier to motorise. Please note these drives are not included with any Tramads bundles and must be sourced by the modeller.
All other parts to complete the model must be made or supplied by your preferred model shop. White metal parts packs for many of these are now available from KW Trams.

About Tramads 3D Transfers

Most Tramads transfers are produced on our own professional printer, and should be easy to apply, however they do differ from the commercially screen printed transfers you may be used to getting with plastic kits. More info is available here.

Please email here if you have any questions on any of our transfers or prints. Please note that Shapeways material specifications and pricing are subject to change, and therefore it is possible one or more models may be temporarily or permanently unavailable, or at revised prices. In the event that such changes affect a model after ordering, a refund or alternative product will be offered. Also note that where transfer sets are shown for Leeds models, the crests are not included unless specifically mentioned; this is because Sunrise already produce these.


* We assume you are an experienced modeller aged over fourteen and therefore will already know you need to be very careful when using knives. If in any doubt, please seek advice before proceeding.