Having just read the thread on the new Walthers modules, I was inspired to post this thread. As stated in the above mentioned thread, I love DPM modules, and have numerous structures and background buildings built with them. What I’d like to hear from you about is this: Just how elaborate/massive have some of you gotten with these? Virtually every layout I’ve seen featured in MR has them. I want to know what the extreme is. JUst how far have you pushed the limits of modular domination[oX)]?
One big limitation is that you limited to brick “turn of the century” commerial/industrial architecture.
It would be great if they could develop some modulars for “turn of the century” wood architecture for residental and commerial buildings.
Have fun
Thing is, wood buildings are pretty easy to simulate using stripwood or scribed styrene–brick is far harder to scratchbuid UNLESS one is building more modern brick structures, which tend to be pretty smooth and plain–very easy to build with brick sheeting.
Also, brick buildings tend to last–plenty of brick buildings of the DPM style are still in use today, especially near the railroad tracks. Which is part of the flexibility of a DPM kit–with different details, the same structure would look at home on a 1905 layout or a 2005 layout.
this months Model Railroader has an article about building a combination brick, wood structure in it. The writer used a DPM kit for the brick section and a Bar Mills kit for the wood warehouse.
I’d say the sky’s the limit ( litterally ) I’ve gone to 10 stireies with DPM with no or little difficulties at least.Your main limitation is the 2 or three window styles they offer. To avoid the everything looks the same bug swap grandt windows in and your away to the races. Enjoy. Rob
The largest DPM modular building I’ve built was seven stories tall, and a maximum of 20 modules long. The building was complete on all four sides. While LARGE, it never warped nor tried to fall apart. Most of my existing DPM buildings are much smaller for my current layout, but some are still around five stories by 12 modules long.