Pikestuff vs Walters

[Toolbelt]

I'm wanting to build my first layout structure, and have looked at Pikestuff and Walters locomotive service buildings (single or double bay). Can anybody recommend one brand over the other? They are comparably priced and of similar size and style. Looking for something fairly easy to build without using specialized jigs and just basic tools.

 

[NVSrr1500]

Both are simple kits Neither has an advantage over the other. It is more of a what fits your era and region of your layout

 

[jmupton2000]

I have used both the one track and two track Walthers versions:

They strike me as being very similar to the Pikestuff versions (which here in the UK are all but unavailable now) including the score lines on the rear for different door/window apertures etc. You also get lots of spare bits with the Walthers kits which can be used for side building facades etx.

 

[TLOC]

I have used both and feel they are about the same in the ease of assembly. Walthers distributes both so if your dealer can get Walthers kits they should be able to get the Pikestuff. Walthers are more complete as mentioned but both lend themselves to kitbashing. Have fun with whatever you decide

 

[Guilford Railman]

I have always been a Walthers fan myself when it comes to cheaper kits. However, as of recently I’ve noticed the quality of the kits has deteriorated and therefore led to problems with assembly.

If these are the two options you are considering, I’d definitely choose Walthers over Pikestuff in terms of detail and variety of kits despite assembly issues but perhaps someone can provide more insight into Pikestuff as I’m not as familiar with those.

 

[Marlin39]

Just one caveat.....most Walthers kits have nothing more than an exploded diagram, for instructions, that may or may not list all the parts. You will also find that there will be a lot of extra parts on the sprues when you are finished that are probably for other kits.

Like others have said just take your time and pre-fit parts before gluing.

The Medusa Cement kit was the most frustrating, easy-to-assemble, plastic kit I have ever built.

 

[santafewillie]

Pikestuff kits are simple and easy, but they don't come with a lot of added details. That may not matter. Some require some simple cutting of stock walls and roof pieces as all of their parts are basically modular parts, assembled in different ways.

 

[Toolbelt]

I ended up picking up the Pikestuff Double Engine kit, as it was almost half the price of the similar Walters kit. It may not be as elaborate or detailed, but I will throw some extras on it to dress it up. While I built a lot of models in my younger days, all the parts had locating pins and holes to help assembly. It seems these kits depend on simpler joinery techniques such as plain butt joints. Thankfully these engine houses are fairly simple boxes so it's a good starter model. I'm months away from redoing my inherited 4 x 8 layout, however my local store is moving locations so everything is 30% off the lowest ticket price as they attempt to minimize the amount of inventory they will have to move.