Scratch Build ?, Kits ?, Built-ups & Ready to Run

69Z28

Posts: 1070
Joined: 2006-03-19

Some Modelers excel at scratch building. And Some prefer to use kits. While others buy built-ups and ready to run models and maybe weather them.

In any case it takes skill and model knowledge to scratch build. Less so if you build from kits or go the built-up and RTR route.

No matter what approach you use we are all model railroaders and envision ourselves in the cab of our locomotive(s) with one hand on the throttle and the other on the whistle.

Of course the pleasure we get from any method is also important. So lets not knock any modelers method. After all it all depends on your skill Set, time available, and of course money.

So this leads to a couple of questions;

1) Which method or methods do you use on your railroad and why?

2) Which is the most cost effective for you in both money and time?

See ya

Ron

--
Ya gots ta choose. Sometimes ya wins and sometimes ya lose.

Submitted by 69Z28 on Sat, 03/29/2008 - 18:14.

absnut

Posts: 589
Joined: 2004-01-12

Good question

I have only one "built-up" structure on my layout, a Bachmann coaling tower, because it was, at the time, the only choice for that type of tower. I prefer to build my own buildings, either kit or scratch-built. Economically, kits are a better buy than are built-ups if you don't mind taking the time to build. Since I enjoy the building of a model, time is not generally a factor I consider. If I cannot find the structure I fancy I need, I'll look for a photo (better yet, plans) of something I think fits the need and will build it. Scratch-building is usually a little cheaper than buying kits but, if you need a lot of windows, doors, etc., then the cost difference shrinks. I guess, to answer your question, I enjoy both and will do both, depending on the need at the moment.

Dick,

Usually, when all is said and done, there's a lot more said than done!

Sat, 03/29/2008 - 18:43

dugbonz

Posts: 383
Joined: 2004-09-08

I always looked at this

I always looked at this issue as a task based decision. This might be because I'm horrifically lazy. If there is a kit "out of the box" that fits my needs, all the better. If it needs some tweaking, then I'll bash away. Finally, if the building is unique or iconinc and needs to be recognizable, out comes the scale ruler, graph paper and Evergreen catalog.

For the second part of the question, out of the box and kitbashing from the parts box are usually the least expensive. Out of the box is usually the fastest (besides built-ups of course). Scratch built to me is the most time consuming (and most rewarding usually).

Finally, in my humble opinion, everything needs to be weathered (or at least dulled down). I especially can't stand seeing Woodland Scenics people on layouts that have not been dull coated or otherwise toned down. When people stick them on their layout "out of the box" I can't help but think of REM singing "Shiny happy people..."

--
Tom C. "It's the least I could do. And never let it be said I didn't do the least I could do." Groucho Marx

Sat, 03/29/2008 - 19:55

MooseID

Posts: 763
Joined: 2006-11-05

Oh, Yes, What Dick said........

...just about sums up my choices, too. Actually, for structures and scenery I prefer to scratchbuild anything I can. Of course the finer details are usually purchases. As far as rolling stock and locomotives, I am still in the RTR mode, but I may consider kits in the near future.

More than anything else, I think it is the process that I enjoy the most. The longer and more complicate the process is the more I enjoy the results.

Have fun,

Moose

Sat, 03/29/2008 - 20:01

Komata

Posts: 1229
Joined: 2005-05-12

Scratch Build ?, Kits ?, Built-ups & Ready to Run

Ron

Thanks for the question.

Some of us, through our own individual choices, have very little option - sratchbuild/modify or nothing . . .

As you know, I freelance, modeling a railway set in my own country - New Zealand.

So, to answer your question:

As far as methods used etc, there is little option - Scratchbuilding it has to be, as there is no other alternative.

There are NO N-scale kits of New Zealand-style buildings, rolling stock etc, etc, in existence (though TTn31/2 / NZ120 does have these in increasing numbers) so for me to achieve what I want to, it is a case of scratchbuild or go without.

Building kits are also not an option, because the average US and European house is somewhat different in design to what we have in this country, while most commercial premises are also unsuitable for the same reason, so . . .

And the most cost effective?

Again, scratchbuilding - I purchase rolling stock, locomotives and those things you can't make (people, animals, road vehicles etc) only because I have no choice and have usually exhausted all other options (including checking the local toyshops, craftshops etc).

But as I said, it's choices that were/are made, so I have to live with the consequences (but then, I always DID like a challenge . . .)

But, thanks for asking . . .

Komata

"TVR - serving the Northern Taranaki . . . "

Komata

"TVR - serving the Northern Taranaki . . . " ___________________________________________

Sat, 03/29/2008 - 22:03

Jimmi

Posts: 810
Joined: 2006-12-18

Depends on the type of

Depends on the type of building. Like Dick, I have a couple of built up buildings left over from the days when there was little available in N scale. If there is a kit available that is close to what I need I'll use a kit but usually just use the parts as a kitbash. If I have a particular prototype in mind, I'll scratch build. Certainly scratch building is the most satisfying way to go. If it looks like the real building you end up with something that nobody else has.

The secret of success is sincerity. Once you can fake that, you've got it made. Jean Giraudoux

Jim

Sun, 03/30/2008 - 22:32

Will_annand

Posts: 324
Joined: 2004-03-19

It depends on the layout,

It depends on the layout, era and location.

Our club layouts are both different...

The large HO layout is 40s-50s transition, located in Central Ontario. It was everything from Bachmann and Atlas builtups to kits from various manufacturers to a Scratchbuilt replica of the Bracebridge Station (torn down years ago).

The club's N scale show layout is era independent... has everything, mostly kits and built ups, some scratch.

At home, my layout is 50-50, several scratchbuilt kits made by my dear departed friend Robin Matthysen, no built-ups... and kits, what I like to do in kits is DPM for brick buildings, and laser cut for wood. I have several from RSLaser Kits, Osborn Models and Branchline LAser-Art. I have one from Kanamodels which was supposed to be laser cut, but was 1/2 wood and 1/2 resin, not a good combination... nothing matched... I have just recieved "Woody's" from JL Innovative, that is on my "To be built" pile... however I just moved the layout, so track laying and wiring come first again...

--
Will -- Modeling the Credit Valley circa 1880-1900 www.muskokacomputes.com/CVR_Home.htm

Mon, 03/31/2008 - 10:19

eldecker

Posts: 71
Joined: 2007-03-02

Answer a question with a question?

Perhaps a few rhetorical questions might answer your question for me.

Is there a readymade that you cannot within your skill set duplicate? Can you find a worthy kit? Do you have the time? Do you have any money? Does a finished product have to be there, or can a semi representative paper box hold the scene for the time being? Or can you bear the bald spot? Can one item (at the low cheap) end be replaced by another, then another, and even later perhaps by another, (growing in price and workmanship)? How long has it been bare, or a box, or an unacceptable placeholder? What is the priority of the item vs some other (track vs structure vs scenery) item?

I guess it is a relative, what do I want/afford/feel like working on this moment, kind of answer for me.

--
To invent something, all you need is a good imagination,....and a pile of junk. (T.A. Edison)

Tue, 04/01/2008 - 15:42

RS-27

Posts: 188
Joined: 2006-02-04

No Kiwi buildings...

Komata wrote:

There are NO N-scale kits of New Zealand-style buildings, rolling stock etc, etc, in existence (though TTn31/2 / NZ120 does have these in increasing numbers) so for me to achieve what I want to, it is a case of scratchbuild or go without.
Building kits are also not an option, because the average US and European house is somewhat different in design to what we have in this country, while most commercial premises are also unsuitable for the same reason, so . . .
Komata
"TVR - serving the Northern Taranaki . . . "

Hmmm, you're not doing Hobbittown and other Middle Earth locales, are you?

Just kidding

Bob in IDaho, who has read JRR's books at least twice over, but still hasn't seen all the movies.

Thu, 04/03/2008 - 03:04

Scratch Build ?, Kits ?, Built-ups & Ready to Run

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