It was previously mentioned, but tooling is a major drawback to plastic injection molding. Model Railroading in particular requires lots of tooling to capture different styles of freight cars, locomotives and trackside buildings. And each mold is expensive to do and make. A comparison of the pros and cons of different manufacturing processes can probably show the strengths and failings of current printing methods.
Now lets say its a large model railroading company such as Walthers or Athearn. They have enough money to invest in multiple toolings for multiple products. If one product fails, the success of the rest of their catalog will cover the costs of the tooling for the failed product. In comparison though, with the smaller companies such as ScaleTrains, Rapido or ExactRail each tooling mold is an investment… if the product created with the tooling fails on market then that is a huge loss of money which could be potentially disastrous for the company. They have enough market knowledge and practice to avoid this from happening, but it definetely highlights the risks each time tooling for plastic injection molding is done.
So what if you want to produce a relatively unknown prototype, which only a handful of modelers would want to buy (but also has a larger market demand than just making a one off scratchbuilt/kitbash model)? That is where the world of 3D printing, resin casting and laser wood cutting is useful. When I visited the ExactRail office a while ago to see Pelle’s former layout, I got to see their laser wood cutter which was next to Pelle’s layout and in use making kits when I was there. A quick visit to their TrainLife website shows the type of products they are able to produce on a smaller scale thanks to that laser wood cutter in their office; all at an investment price far cheaper than making new car tooling.
3D printing with Shapeways especially fills this demand for rare locomotive designs and freight cars. The investment in 3D drafting is no