Hi
I was wandering if I can get some input on a couple models I’m looking at I just purchased fsm #170 sawmill and I’m in no way trying to compare the following models to the fsm model. I’m looking at a couple campbell kits to add to my wood using industries on my layout.
I find campbell doesn’t say much about there kits other than they call them or describe them as "Campbell Scale Models wood craftsman kits & details " like are they a LASER kit even I don’t believe they are plastic …so unless your familar with there kits its difficult to tell even what quality of wood it is or what kinda detail would be in it.
Unfortunately I really can’t afford to pay for more fsm kits although the fsm 170 came very highly recommended so I committed myself to getting this one. And so I’d like to acquire a couple more fair quality wood kits and them scratch build the rest.
ty
Lynn
No. Campbell kit are NOT laser kits. They are actual wood craftsman kits. The wood and wood pieces are included in the kit but you’ll have to cut the pieces to length. I have not put together one personally. Someone claimed that the Cambpell was still using their original dies to put the wood pieces for their kits. I don’t know that latter is true but I don’t think they’ve made any new kits in quite awhile.
Lynn, take a look at American Model Builders (AMB):
I don’t know about the newer Campbell kits since the company changed ownership, but assuming that they are the same what you get is a box full of unfinished wood and metal pieces that must be cut to shape according to the templates provided in the kit. Exactly as described by Campbell, these are for the advanced craftsman and are not laser cut pieces that you simply glue together.
campbell kits have been around forever [:)] and no they aren’t laser kits , nor do they have the incredible details that a FSM kit has .
the kits usually consist of pre-cut siding walls , windows and doors are plastic , roofs are cardstock with tissue paper or paper shingles , and there’s always a bag of little wooden sticks that you cut to size for trim and detail parts . some kits also contain cast plastic detail parts .
this thread Weekend photo fun
has a post by Jon Grant showing construction of a campbell kit . unfortunatly the photos aren’t working for me right now , you may have better luck
I have built both kits you describe. I can say that they are NOT for the beginner builder. There is several pcs. that need cut at delicate angles. The instructions are average at best. They are not in the same league as FSM. But are very great kits once put together and painted. I started on the simpler kits before diving into the harder ones. IMO a FSM kit was no harder then some of the Campbell ones. And for the quality and price range you can’t go wrong.
I always thought of Campbell kits as scratchbuilding, but someone else has gathered the materials and plans for you and put them in one box. I’d recommend trying one of the small, simpler ones than diving right into one like Ayres Chairs.
Campbell Kits are not for the beginner as I have built some of there kits. They are for the most part scratchbuilding with the exception that all you supplies are in the kit and it comes with instructions. Take your time and they will make a very nice structure.
If you can get some older model RR magazines say in the 80s. most of the wooden buildings were Campbells. you may want to replace the cardboard sub roofs with plastic to minimize warping. They include good corugated metal siding that can be weathered with printed circuit etching acid. BE CAREFUL!! I think the supplied plastic windows are a bit heavy, but they look better painted a darker color,but not any heavier than some of the present Walthers kits. You may be able to pick some up at train show.
I saw a notice on one retailers web site that Campbell are no longer in business. Is this true ? What is the opinion on the quality and ease of assembly of LaserKit kits (for a newbie) ??
Read my comments above about AMB (American Model Builders). Branchline also makes a very nice laser kit but it’s a bit pricier than the AMB kits. Beautiful detailing though.
I put together a Campbell Grist Mill some time ago and it took about 2 weeks to complete instructions were not that good and all cutting and fitting was up to the modeler,would I do it again,NO.
My sentiments go with what has been said. You read and re-read the instructions. Much work and they look good. Some new companies produce as good or better. Not a beginner project.
Campbell Scale Models are still being made and advertised. Duncan B. Campbell took over from the Campbells of Durango, CO, but is not related to them. He doesn’t have a Web site yet, but can be contacted at his Email address: DuncanBCampbell@aol.com
Well as usual I’ve learned alot posting here. I’ve heard from many others not just here that campbell models are very good completed and does take a bit of work and thinking and work and more reading but then again I’ve thats what I’m in this hobby for is to learn enjoy and experience. The Campbell models are still readily available and the 2 I mentioned can be ordered from a few places I did order mine from valley models well at least one and the other from internet trains I also ordered another fine looking model from internet trians called harlee and sons cycle shop which I’ve gotten really good reviews about . http://www.internettrains.com/dpmgolharson.html
One other model I bidded on and won on ebay was the fsm #170 super sawmill it cost me a bit but I think it was well worth it. I was told it was a must have for a wood industry layout and I seen why when I seen a couple put together on layouts. I’ve also done the cimermon mine which was a laser kit and for me the laser kits aren’t my cup of tea as what you get is what you have to put together and there’s not much you can do to modify it unless you give it a complete exterior overhaul to cover up where windows and doors were . As I build these kits I will be sure to add them on to my progress reports in the layout section http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=54510
Thanks so far for the input [:)]
Lynn
Boy, sounds like fun to me…and a lot of work. But…if you need such a structure then I’d say go for it with a touch of care and go slow. After all, like Lynn says, that’s what modeling is all about!! Hey, if it doesn’t work out right, you can always have it on the layout as a building under construction and leave it at that!!
The fsm kits are amazing ! Just follow the directions and take your time cleaning and painting the metal castings and you will have a building you can be proud of. I have assembled four of them and have two buildings to go. The campbell kits are nice also but the instructions are not as clear as some kits. Jim