Laser cut structure kits, anyone?

I just finished a laser cut structure kit; the first one I have attempted. My previous experience in structure kits has been limited to the plastic variety. This kit, a yard office in “S” scale, is rather small and I thought would not be too challenging. Boy, was I wrong! That thing took me at least 20 hours to complete. These modern laser kits come with peel and stick trim and windows. Sounded cool to me and seemed to be easier than a 100% glue together kit. However, the peel and stick did not do that well for me. No matter how careful I was at application, at least some of the trim work wanted to come unstuck.

This particular model had an outside two-story stair that required assembly with peel and stick stair steps. That was the worst part for me. The steps were wafer thin and would not hold the risers (or stringers) together while trying to glue the whole mess to the building. Trying to position one step would result in dislodging several others. In desperation, I made wood steps from a piece of scrap 1/16" thin stock and glued them to the stringers. That got me over the hump.

I noticed from adds that all of these laser kits have some peel and stick trim. That includes kits from American Models, Banta Models, and Bar Mills, as well as others.

If any of you have experience with these kits, I would like to hear about it.

Bill

Bill, thanks for sharing your experience. I have never done one of these type structures, but have thought about it. I am currently doing a rather large doll house for my daughter. I think this is pushing my patience, but it does look great. A lot can be said for folks who have mastered these kits. Ray and others who contribute to Sunday Photo Fun and also have been seen in the pages of OGR and CTT do some fantastic work on the laser cut models. I think I would do some scratch built and refine my skills before attempting one of the laser models.

Good Luck and thanks again,
Dennis

After one laser kit, which I ended up kit bashing anyway, I’ve found I prefer to design my own building and scratch build using bass wood. With a do-it-yourself project you can size the building to fit whatever building lot is available rather than try to fit the building.

Roger,

Good point. You hit the nail on the head: I have been looking for structures sized to fit the particular space I have, which limits the choices.

Bill