I’ve accumulated a number of styrene kits. I’ve noticed that most of them are brick structures, and since the styrene replication of wood looks less appealing to me than brick does, I would like to start trying my hand at building laser cut wood structures.
Since I would be a beginner at this, I do not want to be overwhelmed at first. I don’t want sheds or outbuildings, which would be easier, but something of more substance , like a depot or a general store, etc.
Do any of you experienced modeler’s out there have any recommendations for a relatively easy laser cut structure kit of decent size that is easy to build.?
I model modern era in the midwest, so, you know, post depression era structures would be better than 1800’s logging camp stuff.
I was also “afraid” of laser kits. I bought one, opened the box and put it on a shelf for a couple of years, feeling that I wasn’t “worthy” of this kit. When it came time, I still started with a bit of trepidation, but soon discovered that laser kits are only a small step up from styrene in level of difficulty. Like any kit, take your time, ask questions and enjoy the experience.
I highly recommend Kanamodel kits. They are mostly Canadian Prototypes but also do some US kits and even some of the Canadian ones could be modified or used for US buildings. Different difficulty levels from beginer to expert with very good instructions.
Also there are several nice inexpensive laser kits from http://railroadkits.com/ they even have a kit with a companion “how to” DVD which has a lot of good tips for wooden structure building. They also have a very nice inexpensive depot called Middletown Station.
Both are reputable companies.
There are several others, but these would be a good start.
Thanks for the replies so far. I guess “easy to build” can be a broad definition. I know that certain styrene kits have fit and finish issues, both rolling stock and structures, so I can only assume that wooden kits suffer from the same variations in quality from kit to kit and manufacturer to manufacturer. Well written instructions are helpful to know too, as some one has already posted.
If you can handle a styrene kit, you can put together a laser kit. In many instances, the laser kits are easier to put together and the parts fit better. I find that the assembly directions are better, too. And you can chose whether you want to use CA or wood glue to assemble them.
The one neat feature that I really like about laser kits are the peal 'n stick windows. You can trim the bottom sash so that it “appears” to be either partially open or fully open. (See pic below.) That one particular feature adds life to a static model.
Take a look at the American Model Builders (AMB) kits. The quality is very good and they have quite a variety of stations and freight houses to choose from. Here’s a picture of their Dill’s Market to give you an idea of the detailing.
I would offer that a number of the less expensive (and thus less complex) Bar Mills structure kits are ideal starting points for one’s first attempt at wooden laser kit assembly.
I have assembled kits by American Model Builders, Bar Mills Basics, Laser Art Structures, and Blair Line, and have found them only slightly more difficult that a typical styrene kit (by Walthers or Atlas).
There are some slightly different techniques involved (sealing nad painting the wood before assembly, creating open windows, and the general “peel and stick” technology) which require a little different approach, but if if you’ve successfully complete fairly complex styrene kits, you won’t have any trouble wth the simpler laser cut wood ones.
Just beware of the description “Craftsman Kit”, which generally denotes those which are “a box of sticks and a blueprint” and require significantly higher modelling skills to assemble (although with correspondingly more realistic results).
Ahh, my eyes! Electric pink is NOT a good color for a website!
They’ve got some nice kits, and it’s great to see someone doing the kind of basic trackside structures rather than just imitating the fanciful, intricate structures that George Selios popularized.
My personal favorite is Branchline Trains laser-art kits. They’re not craftsman kits and I actually find them easier than most styrene kits. When they say laser-cut, they’re not kidding. Plus they have a good selection of building types they produce.
I feel that laser cut wood structures are easier than the styrene kits. I guess because I started with them. AmericanModel Builders kits have great instructions for your first kit.
The Dream, Plan, Build Vidoe Series, Volume 2, has a demo.
Just pick and chose carefully. Many craftsman kits are not laser so make sure that is what you are getting, second I would go with the plastic windows as these are easier till you get the hang of it. Once you chose your kit, chose your main glue (I like ACC but others prefer white or yellow glue). You will need less sanding on the joints unusually but may need to do some fuzz cleanup. A bonus with wood kits is that cheap craft paint usually works well on them for the main body and spackle or wood putty can do wonders to fix mistakes, although they have patches for plastic kits you will find the wood fixes bond better…
As many people have said, American Model Builders, JL Innovative, Branchline and Bar Mills are good places to start. If you look carefully at what each one offers, I think you will find various levels of difficulty within each line which I have always appreciated. They all have web sites which would be good places to start.
Bar Mills has a line they call ‘Basic’ which are good starter kits before moving into one that is a little more complex. Their instructions are very detailed and you will end up with a very nice structure. When I have gotten stuck I have called them and have always been treated very well and have been given some great suggestions.
I’ld say it’s more of a Fuschia rather than Electric Pink. But you still may need these. [8D] You’re right it is pretty bright on the eyes but kits are still good builds. Straightforward if you follow the directions and don’t work too fast.
