Advice on what structure models to avoid

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railBuilderDhd

railBuilderDhd

Active Member
I’ve recently started to build my model railroad after years since I last had my hands on any model trains and I have so many questions. I want to start my questions by getting users options on what brands of structure and building models I should be looking for my layout. The local hobby shops I’ve been to do not have much to look at compared to what I’m able to find on-line. The problem I have with on-line is I don’t know what I’m really getting till I get the items and I figure if I like the models I’ll waste my budget on return shipping.
I’m thinking of building my first layout to be a modern era railroad and I’m still looking into what scale I want to use. I’ve narrowed the scale down to HO or N. I would like to build in HO since there are some many more resources and they are more life-like but I don’t have the room I need to build a larger scale railroad. I know I’m not the first to have this issue with what scale to model but that’s for a later post.
I would appreciate anyone’s thoughts on the qualities of the different structure models out there and what companies or model lines I really need to avoid if I want to build with the most life-like models.
Thanks,
dhd
 
First, there is a significant difference in the number, variety, and scale dimensions between HO scale and N scale. N scale, while some nice structure kits are available, has probably five times less than HO. If you want to build wood structures, the numbers are probably more like 10-1 in favor of HO.

There are good and bad buildings within every company's line of products. Unless you have some very specific structures you want, this should not influence the gauge you choose to model. If you don't have the room for the type of HO layout you would like, then you will be forced to build in N scale. There are great structures available in N scale, both as kits and built-ups. The most important thing is to first nail down the exact space you have and come up with a track plan that meets the vision of what you want your railroad to be. Structures come way down the line in terms of importance in selecting scale.
 
In my OPINION, the low end of the line are Bachmann, most Atlas, and IHC. They tend to be simple and bare-bones most of the time.

Model Power is one step up, their structures are pretty decent, but they're old (as in, how long they've been around).

Next up, I'd say Walthers. Pikestuff, Rix, DPM, Smalltown. Those are all good, they have good detail, and there's a lot you can do with them. DPM and Walthers offer kit pieces so you can make buildings to your own design.

The Heljan, Pola, Kibri, Vollmer are nice also, but are Euro based, so might not be as suitable for a layout representing the US.

All these guys are on the Walthers site; you may want to buy a copy of their HO (or N if you're doing N) catalog. I think it's $9.95. Go see Nate at Sushob; he's a sponsor on this site, so maybe he can hook you up with a copy.

Kennedy
 


Kennedy's post is dead on as far as I'm concerned. The only thing I would add, is that individual kits in a companys product line can vary in quality. So, like everything in life, there are always some lemons. If you are looking at a specific building kit, ask around here, chances are someone here has built it.

Your skill level as a modeller will also come into play. Some members of my club can take the cheepest, junky building and have it looking like a million bucks. Unfortunately, I'm not one of those guys, at least not yet.
 
Sounds like a lot of us are "getting back in to RR". About 3-4 months ago I was trying to decide which scale to model HO or N. And then I went into HobbyTown north of Atlanta and heard a DCC HO steam loco. WOW!!! I found out that N scale DCC w/snd is very limited. The DCC and sound was the deciding factor. I've just ordered my 3rd HO loco - the first where I will attempt to add the DCC board and Sound Bug.

If you haven't decided yet, consider DCC w/sound. It is outstanding.
 
Also what you do to the model can make a big difference. Here are a couple of cheap models that with a little paint can look preaty good. The Church was $9 Life Like (took 6 weeks to paint) And the Western town buildings averaged $3 each.

church01.gif


traincity99a.gif
 
If you can take a good look at the finished model on the box. Chances are if it's a dog not even the pro that put that model together could make it work.
I look at the engraving of the plastic, Is it deep enough? I had an IHC model who's brick engraving was so shallow that a coat of paint almost filled in all the mortar lines.
Check the corner fit as well, some are so badly warped that you would have to use half a tube of body putty to fil all the cracks.
I would have to say that some atlas kits are pretty good. I have their signal tower on my layout and am quite happy with its detail. Other kits that I could recommend for a beginner (In HO): Most Walthers Cornerstone kits, and Design Preservation. More advanced kits that I like are the Woodland scenics structures but they are white metal and require 5 minute epoxy to assemble.
 
" but they are white metal and require 5 minute epoxy to assemble."
I read and then tried using CA (super glue) on the white metal kits. Good results and holding.
Jon
 
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