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I designed and printed a Thunderbolt model and was very content, so I thought I'd try something more solid next.
I loved the Shadowsword model since Forge World brought out its Epic model way back when.

So a Shadowsword it would be. I found the dimensions for the 40k model on the web and lots and lots of images for reference. So I gave it a try.
I needed 3 versions to be content with the Thunderbold and will probably need three as well with the Shadowsword.

This is my very first try. Its sole purpose it to let me see where the caveats are. Basically there are 3 problems with 3D printed models, details, surface quality and overhangs.

I gave the model 3 coats of primer filler, cut of rogue strands and that was it. No sanding or other tinkering with the surfaces. This model is meant to allow me to judge the "raw model" and finde problems.
For the same reason, i gave the model a heavy wash and a strong drybrush.

Surprisingly the surface "pattern" didn't bother me in most parts. Probably because the tanks I've seen hadn't a smooth surface either. Not even considering Zimmerit.
The hatches on the turret top are the only cases. Most notably the commander's hatch. The lamps and the exhausts also showed bad surfaces, because of layer height. I will replace all those with parts printed on my resin printer.
Detail was basically good enough. The Twin Bolter being the exception. It will also be replaced by a resin printed part.

There were some overhang problem but they will be easily corrected.

One of the turret panels has a kink, which has to be ironed out and the cutting line in the side panel has to be hidden.

That's quite a list, but not as much as I feared. If there's interest I will post pictures of the next version when it's ready.

Awesome!!!! Great job!

Very, very impressive. I'm actually quite liking the surface pattern, it makes it "feel" big and heavy somehow.

The surface pattern makes it look like it is painted with zimmerit.

That looks amazing. Nice work.

I see what you mean about the side panels. I would also add the big line formed down the centre of the tracks. Is there anything you can do to either fill that, or change the location of your cuts to.conceal it a bit more?

That looks mighty cool

Many thanks for the thumbs up.

@Flinty
I agree, the tracks have to be cut differently as well.

Printed version 2 now it's time to glue and paint.



Increased the number of parts to avoid too visible seems. But also some parts added for a sponsons. The green parts are done with a resin printer, because of resolution issues.
I probably will replace the cannon with a resin printed one, not sure yet.

It's done.

Two of a kind. The print pattern is less noticeable with this colour scheme.


It's a big boy.



The two versions of bolters. The photograph do not do justice to the improvement. Should do some Macro shots.
As you can see the tracks profit from the changes.


The back changed and the exhaust got replaced with resin parts.


The ladies talking shop.


All in all V2 is a definite improvement over V1. Still there are some minor things that could be changed, but V2 is good enough. I will replace the bolters and exhauts on the V1 mopdel and probably the tracks and than it will be good enough to be kept.

[Edit]
The crew was printed with the Resin not the FDM printer.

V2 is very impressive. Well done. The improvements on the tracks make a BIG difference.

I'm still very fond of the print pattern's effect on this scale of a model, but you're right that it's far less noticeable.

That's a really impresive print. Congrats!