Forward Superstructure including Bridge and Fighting Top
Forward Funnel and Aircraft Handling deck
Aft Funnel and Upper Anti-aircraft Deck
Lower Anti-aircraft Deck
Aft Superstructure
Aft 20mm Oerlikon Tubs
These parts were 3D printed in gray resin, on Model Monkey's new in house printer. The grey resin is, according to MM webpage, an acrylate-based plastic, and is quite different than the acrylic plastic from Shapeways. The printed parts also come with multiple 3D printed supports, which support overhanging parts. The bigger and more complex the part, the more of these "trees" will be found. For more info on this material, and how to remove the parts from their runners, check the MM website here.
The gray resin looks very much like injection molded plastic, plus the cost was lower than what was offered via Shapeways. Once you get past the odd support trees, you can appreciate how nice these parts look. There are still printing lines, like the parts printed by Shapeways, but they don't appear to be as prominent to the naked eye as they do on the Shapeways printed parts. They DO, however, look prominent in digital photographs. I also like the fact that the gray resin is solid and not translucent, like Shapeways printed products. You can't see it clearly in the photos, but there is some nice planking details on the appropriate decks.
Overall, I'm pleased with the gray resin parts I ordered. I'm curious to see how they'll look under a coat of paint and how they go together, once I get around to actually building a model of the 1942 Portland. While the parts were packed in multiple bags, there was some minor breakage. I alerted Model Monkey, who says he's going to work on packaging the parts a bit more securely moving forward.
Here are some photos of the 3D printed parts.
