I just noticed that Walther’s has the American Hardware Supply kit in HO scale on sale for $28.00 (item number 933-3097). I bought this kit some time ago and noticed that it can be made into 2 structures. You see, the back 1/4 of the American Hardware building is the River City Textile structure that Walther’s also sells (item number 933-3178). In other words, you can get a slightly smaller American Hardware Supply building, which is still quite large AND the River City Textiles background building out of the 1 kit. Interestingly, River City Textiles currently sells for $27.00.
To make the 2 structures, you will need to do some kitbashing that is really simple. Just cut the last sections off the 2 side walls of American Hardware and of course, you’ll need some sheet styrene to act as a back wall for American Hardware. Take a look at the structures on the Walther’s website and you’ll see what I’m talking about. You experienced kitbashing folks will find this project a cinch. Beginners will find it a good place to start.
I remembered your earlier thread on the subject and ordered the kit when i saw it back on sale, due to your previous thread. I will, I think be extending it lengthwise to double the length and use it against the backdrop. I’m also thinking I may order a second one to create an even bigger ‘kitbash’ of the two together. When the first arrives I will see what I can come up with.
With just about any 4 sided kit building, you can substitute either a sheet of styrene or cardboard for the rear wall and reuse that rear wall as a flat or in a kitbash. This assumes of course that the rear of the structure will not be visible from any viewing angle. I have repurposed these rear walls several times on my layout. Also, most of Walther’s background buildings are cut down versions of full sized kits. They use the same sprues in both kits which means often you get extra walls that are not used in the background building. These can also come in handy for kitbashing or as building flats.