Is it just me or does it seem like there isn’t many ready made structures or industries that are modern meaning current era. Looking through Walther’s catalog and even online most of the stuff out there is from the 40s to late 60s. There are literally thousands of items to purchase in those era’s but after that it seems like there is a dramatic reduction of what’s available. Since I’m young and grew up in the 80s and 90s that seems to appeal to me more so than others. I do see some vehicles that are in the modern phases such as Cadillac, Range Rover, etc…but that’s about all. What are your thoughts? I’m in the planning phase of my new layout to be built so just making a bunch of notes.
I would have to agree that many of the ‘kits’ are of transition era structures, but there are a lot of kits like Pikestuff/Rix that are modern era. As far as ‘RTR’ - I think you make be quite correct. A lot of the ‘RTR’ brick retail store type structures(Cornerstone/Woodland Scenics) can be modernized with new 1st floor facades using Pikestuff materials and large windows.
As far as large industries, the Pikestuff series of kits lend themselves to kit-bashing…
Jim
I don’t believe it’s bias, it’s probably to appeal to the transition era modelers(like myself for the moment at least). To be honest, and this is just my opinion so don’t pull the fire alarm. Transition era is probably the most popular time to model because of all of the railroads, locos, cars, etc. as well as a majority of the MRRing pop. being from that time and modeling what they remember, shoot look at most of our fellow forumers. how many are modeling during that time? a good portion of them.
I will eventually switch back to the BN and then move onto the BNSF, I’m doing this because my roster will become so diverse that I could run any of the three era’s I want (sometime in the future).
Structures have much longer lives than things like trains, cars, etc. So the stock of kits somewhat reflects what we see around us. It’s also the case that, for lots of reasons, railroads tend to pass through the more “seasoned” parts of town, increasing the count of older structures encountered.
But also consider how easy it is to scratchbuild or kitbash many modern structures. They tend to be more standardized and have more repetitive architectural features.
So it’s far from a lost cause if you want to do modern. Now, try to do Old West and it’s a situation where the number of kits is relatively small and is unlikely to grow. Fortunately, they’re easy to scratch up in many cases and the pool of 19th century modelers who need them is tiny.
Me? Transition era is my true love[{][Y][}]
The market is what matters. As the market changes, and the dollars go to more modern than what is currently selling today, those wanting to supply the hobby with kits and RTR stuff will have to adapt.
It might be sensible now, though, to initiate contact with those making kits and planning new runs to consider a trial or two to see if more modern structures make them a buck.
Look at it from another perspective. As a transition era modeler, I am limited in which structures I can buy. You won’t see a Burger King or a modern glass-walled auto dealership on my layout. But, it would not be inappropriate to have a few older brick buildings on yours. So, in a way, you’ve got it better than us.
I think you’re right about the Walthers concentration on bygone days, though. For one thing, they’ve been at this a long time, and they know what sells and what doesn’t. They’ve also got a substantial investment in tooling for those old kits, and they can keep turning them out for only the manufacturing cost, while there’s a certain amount of extra investment in any new kit, be it 19th, 20th or 21st century.
Look beyond Walthers, and you’ll find a wider selection in every era. Pikestuff has been mentioned. City Classics has introduced a few more modern buildings, too. GCLaser and Model Power also offer alternatives.
Remember, too, that buildings stay around for decades. Your streets can be transformed with the right autos and some modern signs on the buildings. I have a dual-era layout, and the main scenic changes I make going from the 30s to the 60s is the autos and trucks.
I also model the modern era. For me, there is nothing better then a big modern diesel thundering down the mainline of either my layout or a real track hauling double stacks or mixed freight (especially if it’s an EMD product [;)]). The folks above offer good advice as far as mixing in/updating some of the older structure kits available, as well as pikestuff products. Industry wise, there are quite a few kits available for modern industries found in most areas of North America. Again, depending on the industries your railroad services, even some of the older transition era industrial structures can be easily upgraded with a little time and detail parts. If you haven’t, check out Pelle Soeborg’s books produced by Model Railroader Books as he models the modern era and his scenery/structures look great and he offers some " how to" and advice (June’s issue of Model Railroader has an article by him on how to model a modern asphalt transfer terminal…I think I found a new project for an empty spot on my layout…[Y]).
Happy modeling!
Don.
Just like everything else it’s the cost to make the molds that is the biggest problem today. They have been able to slightly modify the older molds to make slightly differant building fronts. The sides and rear sections are almost all identicle. When the demand goes up maybe they will design newer and modern buildings and accesories. Kit bashing seems to be the only way to go today. Just like everyone above said you have to look and modernize to your era with add on items. Your imagination and some pics of what you want is your best and only way to make your layout yours. Jim
Like what everyone else said. More demand for transition era stuff, so there’s more available for it. And quite frankly, as others have also said, you would have it easier than us transition era modelers since it would look OK to have a historic general store next to a 90’s McDonald’s on a layout set during 1998, and not necessarily on a layout set in 1963 (year I model).
They also scale better and are from a time when a smaller facility would be rail served.
Just an observation…
When walking/driving though “downtown anywhere” – Buildings tend to be 50-100 years old as seen in DPM buildings, and; the downtown is sometimes “modernized” with facades or signage. Modern structures tend to be interspersed a little further from the downtown with stand-alone structures, such as a steel building, readily modeled from Pikestuff. McDonalds franchises, for example, can be either modern stand-alones, or downtown with a facade storefront – Don’t overlook kit-bashing possibilities of styrene first-floor/streetfront facades on older structures.
So, inclusion of some transition era buildings when modeling the current era is prototypical.
They go by what is popular. Transition era IS what is popular…many folks ARE older and remember {or as you youngun’s say " 'member"} that period…they are the pre- or early- BABY BOOMERS.
ALSO, many modelers cannot decide which to model…steam or diesel, so they choose “steasel” and model both at the transition period.
As mentioned, in my area there are buildings that go back easily to the early-mid 19th century {1800s} still around, and even the now-defunct as RR depots from RR travel days gone by that have become museums or restaurants are still standing, just under re-purposing.
Even the local McDonald’s,built in the 1970s, standing “as was”-except a new coat of paint, are still here!
There ARE some newer late 20th, early 21st century items, you just have to hunt for them.
What, specifically, are you looking for?
Maybe that way we can help you…
[8-|]
I haven’t seen anybody mention these guys yet. Gorgeous models, but CO$TLY…[:O]
I’m a modern modeler too. If you look hard enough, you can find lots and lots of structures. Those Summit kits are really nice that Ken gave you.
Don’t forget Walthers had their Ethanol Plant series. http://www.walthers.com/exec/page/ethanol
Also the Walthers (modern) Diesel House. http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-2916
BLMA has a lot of modern items, like signal bridges, etc. http://www.blmamodels.com/cgi-bin/webstore/shop.cgi?c=start.htm&t=main.index.htm&storeid=1&ud=BQYCAwgKBgMCBxQUEBEcHA8GAwACBAUECQkTEQAA
Modern modeling does have it challenges since modern freight cars dwarf most model industries in fact most model industries is to small for 40’ boxcars by the time you start checking for the shipping and receiving docks plus production areas,restrooms, lunch room and office space…Most model industries is to small for rail traffic.
If one wants modern concrete industrial box buildings then break out the scale ruler,matt board,detail parts and scratch build your industrial buildings…If you need storage tanks for those beautiful modern tank cars and covered hoppers its hello PVC pipe time.
The bright side is those modern RTR cars and locomotives free up time needed to scratch build those modern structures.
For modern steel buildings Walthers makes excellent background buildings:
Lauston Shipping
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-3191
and Bud’s Trucking.
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-3192
These are great structures to use along the back drop and can be combine to make a larger industry…Storage tanks can be added by using PVC pipe…
I combined four of these kits kits to make two large industries one is Paulding Manufacturing and the other General Plastics Corporation. I have since painted this building a faded blue.
The manufacturers make what sells. The overwhelming majority of model railroaders still model the steam-diesel transition era or the era of the great passenger trains which extended a little bit longer. Many surveys have been done about this–online and by manufacturers–even including Exactrail. Many comment cards have gone out with new models through the years–seeking to learn what models the buying public desires.
Also, once a product has been tooled, manufacturers tend to keep making it as long as it sells, because they need the income.
I have been greatly frustrated in the past that the modeling emphasis of my favorite railroad’s hysterical society has been limited to the era ending with the formation of Amtrak in 1971–but it is what it is. I dropped my membership in the hysterical society because the hysterical society is still run by what some have called “the steam mafia”.
I felt there was absolutely nothing–or, very little–they had to offer myself and others who were attempting to model the 1970’s onward. It is changing–but the change is very slow.
Even Exactrail has produced a number of models that appeal to the pre-1970 era–though clearly the handwriting is on the wall, and more modern releases are coming out.
John
Yes the same thing I’m seeing. I emailed a couple of manufacturers and the response I got was that they are aware of modern industries are lacking but the buying public still desires the “old stuff” as this one guy put it. I can definitely have some of the older buildings on my layout as that’s not a problem since there are millions of blds that are 60+ years all over the US but I see modern stuff and since I’m younger would want those more. I wanted to put some of the newer housing stock such as modern townhomes and duplexes on my layout along with some of the suburban commuter stations, and maybe a couple of strip malls or office complexes on there. As far as industries I do like the article on modeling a liquid transfer station in the current issue of MRR. As far as RTR structures yea I haven’t seen much. Walthers has a few and I’ve seen a few others but those others look toy like so I didn’t like them.
Around here (New England) all the high tech companies started up in old brick Victorian mill buildings. Digital Equipment, Signal Processing Systems, Teradyne, Picturetel, Raytheon, Data General, and a bunch more all had headquarters in 19th century brick mills. Other than the fact that high tech companies don’t ship by rail much, you can be right up to date, without putting in Butler (prefab sheet metal) buildings.
As others have already posted, the “Transition Era” has been king for a longtime and will, in all likelihood, remain king for the foreseeable future. But as more “rookie” or less seasoned modelers enter the hobby, the odds are they will identify more with the modern era of diesel railroading that they witnessed in thier youth. This is why I model the modern era as I grew up around diesel locomotives. I would wager as time goes on the demand for more modern buildings/structures etc will increase and the model manufacturers will pick up on this and add more modern facilities/structures etc to their inventory.
Happy Modeling!
Don.
Keep in mind alot of those “ready made buildings” are simply built up models of the same old kit products they have had for decades, same molds, same models, just a new way to market them.
You use what you got, why make new tooling when you can still squeeze a few more dollars out of the old turnip.