I want to thank all my wonderful customers for their continued support of SW 3D Printed kits. I have been blown away with the response and wonderful feedback. The magazine reviews (more coming) have been terrific and I will add, unsolicited. Usually a manufacturer submits products for review. In this case the magazines/authors have reached out to me requesting products to review. That is awesome and I thank them all so much for their enthusiastic support.
The launch of the new SW Forum has been a great success, thanks to everyone for coming over and learning the new forum software. A huge thank you to Jim for single handedly transferring over the threads from the original SW Forum that needed to be preserved. This was a massive job and as usual Jim approached it with enthusiasm and good humor. Most of the “usual suspects” are now here posting and sharing their wonderful modeling. We have seven active build threads which is amazing and very much appreciated. I know how much time it takes to photograph and post - that is not lost on me or the community. The SW Forum has always been a place for craftsman kit modelers to come and learn, gain inspiration and the confidence to open their kits and dig in. My deepest thanks and appreciation to all contributors and authors.
Finally, I am actively working the next SW Craftsman kit pilot model that will be released (like the Tie Mill) in both HO and O Scales. More information to follow. I am really enjoying my time at the workbench and having so much fun designing this kit with laser cutting and 3D Printing technologies in tandem. No worries however, this is still 100% pure SW with board on board construction and awesome weathering. The next release in the O Scale Brass and Iron Foundry subscription program will be available shortly after. Even though I am concentrating on new craftsman kit releases in 2026, I have completed the next group of machine shop kits. As time permits I will get a set painted/weathered, and listed on the website. This set includes a pedestal grinder, power hacksaw, small drill press, and brand new; a table-top lathe and small two-stroke diesel powered engine. These will be all available as a set and perfect for creating a small shop. Line shaft details will be included as well.
That’s all for now. I hope you enjoyed this progress report!
It’s all done by the elves who come in after he has gone to bed.
I am looking forward to seeing what the new kit is going to be. Something previously talked about or something completely new . The suspense is killing me !
Nothing like time at the workbench to get creative juices flowing. When you produce a great and quality product people will want it. “If you build it they will come”! Really look forward to any new craftsman kits. Thanks for the update.
Your 3D printed detail parts and kits are just so good, it’s hard to know what to say about them other than mind blowing! Integrating them into the kits in addition to providing them as stand alone details and 3D printed kits is genius. No kidding…I have considered buying a Backwoods Tie Mill kit just to get all the 3D details and the AB Flatbed kit! That shows what a value SWSM kits are these days, considering the quality of the 3D parts, not to mention the rest of the wonderful structure materials and manual.
The forum is a massive success no matter how you look at it. Jim has now been elevated to sainthood for his contribution to the forum. Thanks Jim! Stellar call Brett in choosing the forum platform as it has rocked along with great results.
How exciting to hear about the update on your new kit…There is no more anticipated news from your followers than to hear of a pending new product, let alone it being a new kit! Drool bibs have been distributed…
Thank you all for the support and encouragement. I absolutely love what I am fortunate enough to do everyday. I have been taking a couple hours most afternoons to work on the new kit and have been enjoying every minute.