Ok, order my first wood structure, american model builders n scale crossroads church. Has anybody built something from them and was it acceptable, decent, or good, and could anybody give me some tips on building it?
Thanks.
The instructions that come with them are very clear, and be sure to follow them by the letter, and you should not have a problem. I painted everything before assembly, using an airbrush.
Just take your time, and have plenty of patience, especially if you are applying the peel and stick shingles. With their tab and slot construction, they make it almost impossible to screw things up too bad. I will tell you, after the first kit from AMB, I was hooked!!!
SD,
American Model Builders (AMB) are terrific kits and very straightforward to put together. I’ve only built their HO kits but I would assume the quality to be the same with their N-scale kits.
As far as tips:
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I prefer wood glue to CA when assembling wooden kits.
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If you are planning to paint the parts before assembly, use enamel paints to reduce warping. If you do use acrylic paint like Floquil, paint both sides.
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Leave the roofs unattached so that you can install/replace interior lighting more easily.
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Remember that the backing on the window frames peel off.
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For variety, cut the top off a couple of the window frames in order to hang them in the “up” position, as in Dill’s Market below:
- Think of ways you’d like to super-detail or light the interior. Light really adds a whole new dimension to your layout.
SD, that’s all I can think of at the moment. Post a pic of your AMB chuch when you’ve finished assembling it.
Hope that helps…
Tom