California buildings???

For the people that have layouts set in the LA/Metro Cali areas what buildings do you use?

It seems the nu-line buildings are too big for what I’m looking for and the closest thing I can find is the Campbell Scale Model Tilt-Up Buildings; http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/200-451

Thanks

I love the old buildings by Suydam (in the yellow boxes). Many are perfect for 1950s, 60s, and 70s California. The kits are not a one night project to build, but I wouldn’t consider them craftsman kits either, at least not the cardstock kits. Their metal buildings are a little tougher to build and require soldering.

For the “Metro” area, perhaps the Bekins Storage Warehouse, or maybe something smaller like the Electronic Plant, or the Modern Factory.

If you’re modeling a more modern era then they might not be the best buildings for you. But a lot of buildings can still be found all over the Southern California area that look like Suydam kits. Check some out on eBay under Suydam. Here’s a link:

Suydam

Although Suydam no longer fully exisits, Alpine Division Scale Models is continuing many of the Suydam kits. Here’s 2 links on Alpine:

Walthers Page

Alpine Division Scale Models Website

For that distinctive Southern California/Western look, although maybe not for a downtown “metro look”, I’d still recommend Suydam or Alpine kits. On our HO layout I’ve built; Ed’s Market, Sunkist Citrus Exchange, Interlocking Tower & Shed, Brown Bungalow, and

On my shelf layout I modeled low relief buildings that I had photographed in the Los Angeles area many years ago. I like modeling corrugated metal buildings (very common in Southern Cal.) and use Evergreen Company styrene for those those. Nowadays many of the downtown LA old industrial brick buildings have been removed now because of being earthquake hazards, tilt-ups are very common. These tilt-up are easy to scratch build from styrene sign stock (FOR SALE) that you can get at the hardware store for cheep.

Great West Models makes a line of tilt-up models

http://www.walthers.com/exec/search?category=Structure&scale=H&manu=24&item=&keywords=&words=restrict&instock=Q&split=300&Submit=Search

Aren’t all California buildings just fronts with bracing behind??? (c’mon-like Hollywood folks)

Tatans–

Nope. They’re all seven-story brick so that they can fall down into the street when the earthquakes hit, LOL!

Actually, here in Northern California in my home town, they all look like they were picked up and transplanted from New Hampshire. Especially in the Fall.

Tom [:)]

What era are you modeling? Here are a few websites to check out for 1950’s on up to more modern times:
Bob Smaus’ website
Bruce Petty’s website
James Lancaster’s website

I been looking at photos and I couldn’t really find one that was close to the GW models building. Neverless I have a large flat of a GW building and I was looking for a couple of alternatives. I probably just end up using some Steel type buildings. Really wish those campbells building were available but oh well. Oh and yes I am modern 90’s