Thanks for answers, if you have any comments on any of the polls, please post and I’ll include them in the results, as a separate PRO or CON.
I started out on RTR, then when I saw what was available in kits, I decided that kits were the way that I wanted to go. That doesn’t mean that someone else who decides to stay with RTR is wrong. I think there’s enough room in this hobby for everyone’s likes and dislikes.
The attitude in our club is “run what ya brung”, and if that means it’s a $25.00 cheap-o RTR or a $189.00 kit with super detailing, it’s all going to run on our layout, so bring it in and have fun with it.
At least kits require some skill to assemble. RTR takes most of the modelling out of model railroading. (unless you disassemble the RTR for detailing and easier weathering.)
Even though I agree with AggroJones and I voted kits, this is a double edged sword. My closest friend who owns his own technology business pointed out to me a few years back that many seasoned modelers that work full time in today’s fast paced world don’t have as much time as they used a decade or two ago so many modelers would appreciate something that won’t take months to detail. Beginners would also find it easier to have realistic looking models. This was during the time period that Proto introduced a high nosed GP diesel with doors that could open and windshield wipers. I was criticizing the fact that modelers that work to detail models improve their skills and enjoy the fun. I was a workaholic myself a few years ago (almost ruined my health) and have to admit seldom found time to model. There is room for RTR and I like them but I will continue to go the kit route whenver possible.
I am totally in favor of kits! I think the position people don’t have time to build kits is preposterous! This is what this hobby is all about. It can takes as little as 5-20 minutes to assemble a shake the box kit from Athearn, Accurail or MDC. I find myself attracted to building more and more highly detailed kits like Branchline Blueprint, Red Caboose, and Life Like P2K. And I still love Accurail, even though they are pretty simple!
I am a modeller, have been since the mid 1950s. That’s where my heart is!
But what about rookies? They don’t want to spend an hour (or more) building a kit when they could be running trains!
I put yes and no. After receiving a disabling injury, my physical problems although they come and go decide whether I’d buy RTR or kits. The closest to RTR that I’ve bought being Kato’s, I still love the kits. As a matter of fact I’m making a SD40T-2w. A tunnel motor with a wide cab. I had to buy a kit to make this funny looking loco, but if I want a CNW SD40-2 or something I may go the RTR way. So for me it is both as long as RTR don’t phase out kits.
Thanks,
Jeremy
I like rtr because im still building my collection so when I need to add somthing rtr is quicker to put in service but if I see somthing Ill get the kit, but I might not assemble it for a while. It all depends on how much time i have to devote to each area of the hobby. Also I find some brands of rtr rolling stock need less maintence than others. Joe
I prefer kits. I do have some RTR, but it’s almost like they aren’t even mine. Running RTR to me is like using someone elses equipment. I just don’t have the link to it that I have to the things I’ve actually built.
This is just how I feel about it.
Warren
i’ll admit that im not very skilled at building the kits, but i try. If a model is too complicated for me or i screw it up too much, i’ll buy the rtr atleast too look good when showing it off.
You start with R-T-R and progress from there!
Kits are not that special, provided they’re well designed and have good instructions.
Scratchbuilding is more of a challenge!
BTW RTR is perfect if the “right” product is offered! We don’t need to reinvent the wheel!
Kitbashing is the cat’s meow once you get the hang of it i.e. know what to look for in a kit that can be modified ; it doesn’t need to be written up in a mag!
Having just started in MR, I like RTR and built-up buildings. The #1 thing I like is running my trains, and I want to get a decent (if not entirely realistic looking) layout up and running as quickly as possible. Once I have that accomplished, I can go back and weather my houses and trains, get into more complex scenery, and start building kits.
I did not answer this poll.
To me this question has no real meaning for 2 reasons. First, in the scale that I model
( 3 rail O ) this isn’t an issue since everything is ready to run. Second, the question is begging to divide the hobby and set the stage for more intolerance and conflict. See my response to poll 2.
By answering this poll, we start down the road of who’s right and who’s wrong, and that is road leads only to trouble.
I would go with kits becuase they are cheaper. Since i Am in junior high i don’t have alot of money so i need to by kit’s.
I prefer kits to RTR because I like building models and adding details. However, there is a place for both in the hobby. RTR makes sense if you can afford them and would rather spend money instead of time. Hopefully both will continue to be available in good supply and variety.
Have fun,
Tom Watkins
If there’s a locomotive or piece of rolling stock i want, the only thing that’ll usually stop me is price.
I do prefer the “kits” though. To me there is a satisfying feeling I get after assembling an Athearn, Accurail or Roundhouse kit. It’s just not the same as taking something out of the box & placing it on the rails.
I have 2 Intermountain kits I inherited from my dad I haven’t tackled yet. I’m saving those for when I get most of my scenery done.
The one thing I wished that all manufacturers would do is put KD’s in the box instead of the crappy imitations.
Gordon
An hour spent is not a kit! Thats just shaking a box and having stiff fall out right! What some of us “old timers” refer to as a kit starts life as a box of sticks (or brass) and some crude instructions, and ends up a piece of rolling stock, or an engine, or a factory complex, some 20 or 30 hours later!
Get yourself an old RedBall, Gloorcraft, or Quality craft kit. They are relatively inexpensive at train shows, 10-15 bucks will get you a nice basic kit. Follow the directions (look at the pictures) take your time and do the VERY BEST job you can. Use lots of sanding sealer to hide the woodgrain, (unless its a wood sheathed reefer)double check all measurements before installing the grabirons, and paint carefully. Even if it comes out halfway decent, you will be prouder of that car that any other in the fleet.
You can’t get that feeling in a box!
Your friends reaction?----------->[:O][wow][C):-)][yeah]
You can always build a O scale kit and use lionel trucks and couplers.
Personally, I like RTR because it gets me up and running faster, but I also enjoy building kits.
By having both the hobby is attractive to more people and we all benefit. I suspect that a fair number of the RTR folks will eventually build a kit and most of the kit folks will buy a RTR diesel (can’t hardly get a diesel kit) .
Enjoy
Paul
Since you ask, I’ll tell you what I think. RTR isn’t model railroading, its playing with trains.
The essence of model railroading is putting something of yourself in to a project, regardless of how elementary and artless the result. Buying RTR is putting the contents of your wallet on display.
Someone who doesn’t have the time and won’t make the effort to develope the skills, is someone who likes trains, they aren’t a model railroader.
Randy
I like trains!!!
[:D][:D]
And just what the heck is so bad about that??
[?][?]
After I’ve been with it a bit, I may well decided to get much more serious about the modeling end of it. But in the meantime, I’m out there buying stuff from the LHS and the internet, stuff that probably has a higher profit margin since it is built. Thereby keeping the LHS guys in business so folks like you who want to build everything from toothpicks can!