Gobsmacked

I've always been one for finding ways to spend less money on my miniatures: buying second hand, kitbashing, converting, using proxies, etc.

However, there is one method of getting cheaper models that I've previously largely avoided; 3d printing...

...until now!

Yep, I've gone and got myself a 3d printer (technically my birthday present) and am currently learning what it can and can't do.

I've opted to go for an FDM printer rather than a resin one for reasons of space, mess, faffing and not wanting to do permanent damage to my lungs due to lack of adequate ventilation.

The model I've gone for is the Bambu A1 Mini for a few reasons. Firstly, it's remarkably affordable; certainly when compared to other models and seems to be on offer right now. 

Secondly, it's pretty much a 'plug and play' experience and set up took me no time at all. Within less than an hour of opening the box I was printing my first doohickies: a print bed scraper (that I've not used yet due to the flexible magnetic bed plate) and a 'poop catcher' (for keeping the extruded filament from being flicked all over the floor).

Thirdly, and most importantly, my research had told me that the Bambu A1 and A1 Mini were currently the best bet for getting decent prints of miniatures from an FDM machine, something I'll go into more depth on in a future post.

However, my first goal was to print something that FDM printers are good at: big stuff. Namely, a tank.

The specific tank in question is a 'Gobsmasha' for my 40k Orks.

This tank was first featured in a issue of White Dwarf, back in the days of Rogue Trader, and was actually a model readers were given templates to scratch build out of cardboard and coffee jar lids.

I never made the model myself, but I was sorely tempted. However, our family didn't drink enough coffee for me to make the Gobsmasha before my impulse faded.

There was never an official model for the Gobsmasha in 40k, although they did turn up in Epic scale (I had four of them) and there was apparently an Armorcast resin version.

This model is an unofficial design I picked up from Cults3d and can be found here.

Printing it was remarkably simple and didn't require many supports, even on the barrel. Doing all the parts separately took the best part of a day to print and I ended up trimming the axels as I felt the wheels stuck out too far.

Painting was simple as ever with Ork contraptions. I undercoated black, dry brushed Leadbelcher all over, and blocked in the yellow before washing the whole thing in Agrax Earthshade.

I then sponged on more yellow, Averland Sunset, to brighten it up before freehanding the checker pattern on the front to give a bit of visual detail.

Finally I sponged on some weathering and picked out the rivets.

I'm delighted with the outcome. As we mainly play 5th edition 40k I'll be fielding this as a Looted Wagon upgraded with an 'Ard Case, Armour Plates and a Boomgun.

However, after al this I'm somewhat shocked at how quick and simple it was to print and paint a full vehicle for a significantly reduced cost. There is a worrying likelihood that my vehicle and terrain collection could possibly explode.

I'm trying to resist the urge to print print print, and so I've promised myself that I'll only print things I definitely want to paint up immediately. I'm also slowing things down by experimenting with printing miniatures, which is turning into a bit of an adventure.

Acquired: -81
Painted: 122
Lead Mountain: 449