Has anybody else’s enthusiasm for either scratchbuilding or kit building waned due to the availability of the excellent RTR equipment that is currently available? This is NOT a post about which is better or worse. When I started to model O scale narrow gauge in the 70s, not much was available in RTR or kits, therefore it was necessary to scratchbuild alot of equipment. The reason my enthusiasm has waned in On30 is that many models I scratchbuilt in the past and would like to build are now available in RTR - sometimes at a lower cost and with superior details - that would be very hard and time consuming to duplicate if I were to build them. (Why reinvent the square wheel?) Let’s face it, compared to what’s available to us modelers, the manufacturers have very costly superior machines and manufacturing methods that can crank out excellently detailed models (eg. grab irons, stantions, etc. that are perfectly aligned with bolt details). Don’t get me wrong, the availability of RTR in this hobby has been a positive asset, especially the excellent detailed RTR locos and rolling stock that would be very difficult, and sometimes more expensive, to scratchbuild with this amount and the precision placement of details. (To me, nothing looks worse than misapplied details.) The main reason I am into larger and unusual scales/gauges is that I like to build models of equipment and structures that aren’t available commercially and can be detailed with the precision of today’s standards (I have OCD when it comes to this), however, since I also like to operate the trains (they must operate flawlessly, even if it means omitting or modifying some details) I like my locos and other finnicky assemblies (eg. trucks) RTR. I’d appreciate other opinions on this subject and please, this is not a post of RTR vs. scratch/kit building.
I like doing HO kits and scratch building.
With kits you can improve or change things easier as you build. I do mostly rolling stock kits and scratch build structures. Locos are another thing. Bowser seems to be the only loco kit maker. I have a couple and love them.
Pete
Not in the least. I still prefer to build kits rather than buy RTR. I’ve also gotten into scratch-building in the past year or so. Although I haven’t done much, I really like it. To me, it adds more satisfaction in creating my layout.
Again, the above is my preference - not a slap to those who enjoy buying RTR.
Tom
Most of the good RTP (Ready To Plop) structures are also available in kit form. So, I’m thrilled by all of this. I always view a kit as a starting point anyway. To me, the pre-built stuff still looks plastic, but it’s all been put together so it’s hard to paint and weather. On the other hand, the kit version of the same product is cheaper, I can build what I want with it, and it’s a lot of fun to do just that.
By providing both kit and built-ups, the manufacturers are serving two markets, and getting more out of their production runs. That’s good for them, and for us.
I look at my stock of unbuilt locomotive kits and scratchbuild plans, and see your point. My appetite for building these kits has waned somewhat because I know the result will not be as good as the item in RTR*, if* it ever becomes available in RTR.
Modeling 1900 in HO and HOn3 has reduced true RTR locomotive availability to almost nothing. Almost any RTR locomotive requires back-dating or some bashing to fit my region and era. But I do wonder about the day that PSC/MMI produces announced their HOn3 4-4-0, or somebody makes a realistic-sized Class A Shay for $400. Will I be tempted to buy the RTR, or stick to my guns with kit-bashing and scratching?
my thoughts
Fred W
I share your thoughts regarding this subject. Although I really like scratchbuilding, I don’t have much enthusiasm to do it if the results will not be as good or more costly than the same item in RTR. As I said, that’s one of the reasons I chose to model in offbeat scales and gauges. As for structures, I’d never buy one that was assembled. For them I would either scratchbuild something that’s not available or build a simple plastic kit.
Thanks you all for sharing your views.
Absolutley not!
Building models is what I enjoy, not just arranging pre-formed pieces! [;)]
To me, one of the biggest reasons for scatchbuilding, kitbashing and weathering is to give each piece it’s own identity.
I find nothing detracts from viewing somebody else’s otherwise fine layout than suddenly recognizing Walther’s Open Air Transload Building Part No. 933-2918 (for instance)!
Suddenly, the illusion of being trackside in some small town somewhere is shattered and I know that I’m just looking at a model.
Without any question, NO! I scratchbuild far more today than I did twenty years ago. I find it very helpful that so many unusual laser-cut craftsman kits are appearing, as I often use these for inspiration in my scratchbuilding (particularly in creating my version of some FSM or FOS buildings). Two examples are provided below.
I can say that I have yet to buy anything RTR, other than a steam loco or two intended for modification and don’t expect ever to do so. RTR is not a part of the hobby for me.
CNJ831
Hi!
I long ago realized that one of the biggest things I love about model railroading is that “I built it”!!! I have no desire to buy a built up structure and place it on the layout - even though it might be a bit nicer than what I can build myself - either from a kit or more likely a kitbash. I confess I own a few built up cars (about 10 out of 400), but even thoses are weathered or otherwise altered.
I realize that a lot of folks have the money and not much time to build stuff, but they are missing the building of skills and the pride of “I did it” - which surely means something to most of us. After all, isn’t that why the vast majority of us built our layouts/modules??
Hey, whatever makes you happy!!!
ENJOY,
Mobilman44
Actually, I’m getting excited about kitbashing right now. Why?
Seems an RTR Pennsy M1b 4-8-2 was announced in N scale by some company with all the bells and whistles over three years ago. The fact is they still aren’t even close to getting the number of pre-orders they think they need. So, I’m about to ditch my own pre-order and build the thing myself!
I have some old Minitrix N scale PRR k4 parts, so they can be used to splaice together a boiler for a post-WWII PRR M1b 4-8-2. What do I need? I just worked it out tonight:
Edited 8:20 EST 11/17/2007
1 Bachmann Spectrum USRA Light 4-8-2
2 Trix K4 boiler shells
1 Trix complete K4 tender
1 Trix extra K4 tender shell
1 DCC decoder
1 GHQ_55-004-09 engineer side delta trailing truck plate
1 GHQ_55-004-10 fireman’s side delta trailing truck plate
1 GHQ_55-004-11 pilot air tank
1 GHQ_55-004-16 headlight & tool box
1 GHQ_55-004-18 generator & turret valve
1 GHQ_55-004-22 doghouse
1 GHQ_55-004-27 doghouse hood/whistle shield
1 ConConr 4-6-4 tender frame w/ 6wheel trucks
1 Z scale coupler
1 cast drop coupler pilot shield (scratchbuilt)
I can’t wait to get started!
Well, if the IRS doesn’t take too much of the bonus I got for completing some projects ahead of schedule… I’m gonna buy me 3-4 of the Bowser NYC K-11s* (with superdetail kits); maybe even the Northern, although I have no idea what the prototype is/was. I have little enough knowledge about the prototype rr’s as it is, and I don’t wanna be screwing up horridly by having a NYC lettered B&O locomotive…
I wonder if they have RP 25 wheels (or where I could get them from if they don’t…) – guess I’ll have to give them a ring on Monday.
I’d say that scratch/kit building/bashing is going strong [:)].
- Yeah, I wish. Realistically I’ll probably get 2. Especially if I have to get RP 25 wheels and stuff for them
Scratch building / kit bashing. If you have got the time, there is great satisfaction in HEY I MADE THAT!! I have always enjoyed making my own stuff - buildings-rolling stock-engines-scenery materials- I am now into O Guage trains, and gathering info on an engine and its consist (R.I. TA engine 601 and its 4 cars). Im going to try to build one this winter. As I am a Rock Island fan I like to paint and build its many different engines, especialy its oddball diesels, And the Rock had a few of these!
The number of RTR/RTP items available in the United States that are suitable (scale and prototype) for use on my layout can be counted on the fingers of one hand - with more than enough left to scratch an ear! For me, the question isn’t, “Will I have to change the number on that RTR (fillintheblank) before I put it into service?” It’s more like, “How close to (fillintheblank) can I come without performing surgery on the frame?”
I personally prefer kits. They save me the time I would have to spend disassembling a RTR product and simplify the kitbashing process considerably.
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
why 2 DCC decoders ?
The fine RTR products available in all scales have certainly raised the bar.
Anyone remember those old scratchbuilt dollar models where they told you to use track spikes for door guides, door stop, and the door handle on you scratchbuilt boxcar? And not to bother with the brake line underneath because you couldn’t see it anyway? I built a couple of those, and then I built a couple with the NMRA paper sides. They were a lot of fun and they looked pretty good, but they don’t compare with today’s standards.
Frankly, the only need to scratch/parts build is to get a car that’s otherwise not available. If you use a lot of commercial parts, you wind up spending almost as much as RTR and your car looks like RTR. If you want a better looking car you buy very expensive kits, very expensive parts, or spend a lot of time making all the parts.
OTOH RTR allows you to focus on the layout and get that running.
Personally, I am using mostly RTR so I can focus on the layout. I have a stash of kits and parts for when I retire in a couple of years, but my time is limited now and the layout gets what time I have for the hobby.
Enjoy
Paul
He wants to go backwards as well as forwards. [:o)]
Enjoy
Paul
Oops! Actually, now that you bring it up… it’s likely I’ll toast one during install, so I just might need 2 anyway![swg]
Okay, I admit it. I’m lazy. I want to see progress on my layout. If I could find a model of Stewart’s Hardware store RTR, I’d consider buying it. Or if I could find a kit of the YMCA building in downtown Indiana in 1950. I’d buy that. The idea of reverse engineering 3 city blocks from photos is, I admit, daunting. Right now, I’d just settle for the photos
You think I could get Model Power to whip something up?
I used to scratchbuild a lot, I don’t anymore, not because of the RTR, although I am buying them now, but because of age and arthritis. It is great to say “I never have and never will” but that is a most unrealistic look at life, especially in the later years. I have trouble sometimes even installing a decoder because my fingers don’t work the same as they did, my wrists hurt, even sitting at a workbench for long periods causes me to have back trouble.
If you are in your 70’s as I am and still scratchbuild without pain or dropping everything, go for it. I would. But it has become too much a hassle and too much pain to scratchbuild anymore.
To CNJ whatever, who says I never have and I never will, good luck.
Bob
Not at all. I work in N scale so I have never built and rolling stock , but I love building. I do use quite a few lits , but I can build a struture that nobody else has , make it fit my location and needs exactly. Just because here is a photo of a couple scratch build building I have on my layout
Oh and don’t stop scrathcbuilding , way to much fun