Would this be a feasible way to bring back all the non-existent kits?

[Monty]

This is a YouTube video of a parts replicator. The process starts by scanning the object, then the replicator produces it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggvzcGdZsTc&feature=PlayList&p=977AA255ACA7E9A9&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=39

If you'd like, you can scan ahead to around 4:00 where they scan a 1:1 crescent wrench. Minutes later, a working plastic crescent wrench emerges.

Hypothetically, this endeavor would probably entail buying up the rights to produce JoHan kits, then finding complete, unbuilt kits and scanning & replicating all the parts trees. The scanner/software is only $3,000; I don't know what the replicator costs, but if someone were to get enough good kits produced it should pay for itself. Who's with me?

[george 53]

Monty, check out the Big Guys section, an you'll find there's ALREADY a player in that feild! I DON'T know the Dirty secrets to it, but one group of fellows IS doin just that. They scan AND CREATE some REALLY gorgeous stuff there Daddy-O! A 1/8th scale 70 Cuda, sound good? THEY got one!

A 1/8 Hemi? or Big Block Chebby? They got THEM too!!! Drop them a line to see wat else they got in mind. They even came out with a 1/25th scale Elenor!

[sjordan2]

I saw a demo of a scanner that was replicating a Mini Cooper, using a zillion little dots that the scanner reads. Seems something like the Motion Capture that's used to copy human motion for movies like Avatar, only for static objects.

Another alternative is Rapid Prototyping, which is mostly used for new product development; there's a company out there making model parts this way, such as a D Jaguar body and a variety of engines, using this process – TDR Innovations, a frequent contributor to this forum. You might contact them.

http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=23465

Since the parts are replicated in very thin slices, there's a certain amount of jaggedness that requires a lot of sanding, but the demos I've seen come out with good results.

It's pretty amazing what it can do (such as produce a car engine with moving parts in one pass) – described at greater length here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapid_prototyping

The 3D printers used to produce the product vary substantially in price and size; the cheapest one I've seen is realtively small and goes for nearly $15,000.

http://uprint.dimensionprinting.com/ppc/?adver=google&type=cpc&camp=google_Printing_3D_Printer&gclid=CKv7oIvR1KECFRcXswodgGvtIw

In a few years, I would expect the cost to come down substantially. But you'll still need to know how to use a CAD program that makes it work.

Edited May 15, 2010 by sjordan2

[Deckerz]

This is acctually really cool, i think im going to start saving now. Could make any model car parts from it and when its as a image on the PC i think you can edit it so if theres any warping or flash on parts you can't get at simply delete it.

[Aaronw]

I'm starting to get excited about the 3d printers. I don't expect to see them become a household item anytime soon, but at the rate they seem to be improving I wouldn't be surprised to see them start to show up in hobby shops in the next 10-20 years so you can go in and download a model.

[Guest Johnny]

Along with pictures you could have scale reproductions of your kids growing up!

[sjordan2]

I mentioned TDR Innovations above; I just saw on another post that they're looking for a new RP supplier. Wonder what this means.

[Harry P.]

I mentioned TDR Innovations above; I just saw on another post that they're looking for a new RP supplier. Wonder what this means.

It means just what it says... they're expanding fast, and need another source to do outputting of parts.

[Deckerz]

Wait a second....how large an area would the lasers scan?

I have a friend who has a 1:1 unpainted bodyshell of my 1:1 car (MG ZR), as far as i know nobody makes a ZR kit so im thinking, scan it with the hood, tailgate, doors, ect on it then shrink it down on the pc to 1:24 scale and then print it.