Dimville Factory 3D Printed Large Scale Models--The Begining and the End

[JimRice]

I had a package arrive today with two new 3D printed models.   First one is a 1/18 Scale Pitts S1C (though with four ailerons like S1D or S1S) with a 12" (304.8m) wingspan.  The other is a Piper J-3 Cub also with a 12" wingspan which scales it to be approximately 1/35 scale.  Both are printed in a white plastic which the manufacturers reported as the best choice if one wishes to paint them.  They have no interiors nor clear "glass" or plexiglass.   Each was 14.90 Euros plus about the same amount for shipping.

 

 

Here is the Pitts model.  It is large, even for such a small airplane.   I quickly sat down and began checking it out.  In short order, I had all but about six small parts assembled and taped, where needed.  It is engineered with large tabs which fit inside slots in opposing piece.  Both upper and lower wings have this feature which provides for very strong joint and a very close fit.  All the pieces fit together quite well.  Though there isn't a great deal of detail...they will both be an excellent blank canvas on which to build and detail to whatever extent one might choose.  There are but two pieces of blue masking tape holding the kit together in these pictures.  Everything is a tab in slot design. 

 

Now for the bad news...  The company is no longer taking orders and ceasing producing models due to issues with PayPal.  UPDATE:  Dimville has just implemented payment via Stripe.  You can order using most credit cards. /UPDATE.  I ordered my two kits May 17 and received them from today.  Printed/produced, shipped and received from France to USA (Tennessee...Memphis home of Elvis Presley) in two weeks and two days.  I received update from seller almost daily during production.  The model shipped May 25.  I cannot complain and felt their customer service was first class.  PayPal however cancelled their services and refunded my payment, despite the fact the kits had already shipped.  I'm trying to reach them to reimburse them directly as I am excited by the kits and the affordable price.   They have a bunch of kits already designed, including a Zivko Edge 540, an Extra and several other unique civilian aerobatic a/c.   They don't have a standard scale, rather all kits were produced with 12" (304.8mm) wingspans.   Additionally, they had civilian helos and motorcycles as well.

 

EDIT: The Cub has slightly over a 17” wingspan making it approximately 1/25th scale.  I had requested it be printed at 1/32 rather than 12” standard.  I supposed someone got the math wrong.  Still, it will be a BIG model…I’ll paint it like my own J-3. 

 

I hope they get their payment plan corrected and resume producing kits as they look like the basis for some outstanding large scale super detailing.

 

The link to their main page is (language warning on opening page as they note their disgust with PayPal): https://dimvillefactory.com/poutine/

 

Their explanation of the situation, which while I realize is simply their side, is still somewhat disheartening.  (Again F-bomb alert): https://dimvillefactory.com/poutine/the-end-is-coming/

 

Below are quick snaps of the Pitts after about five minutes of having it in my hands...I'm already planning my paint scheme and want at least 2-3 more of these Pitts.

 

 

 

Edited June 3, 2021 by JimRice

[seiran01]

Thanks for posting this Jim,

I was looking at their site a while back wondering what market there is for multiple models all with the same wingspan instead of the same scale. Either way I hope they do well and continue to evolve

Edit - and I hope they get that Paypal account issue settled!!

[JimRice]

Good news...Dimville has implemented a new payment system.  I was just able to place another order.

 

They also reported, they can scale models to various scales if folks want.  Likely it would be easiest to tell them what wingspan you desire vs a specific scale as they seem to better understand that.