Has anyone used the Walthers Cornerstone Modular system to build any structures on their layout. If so… how did it turn out… were you happy with the product… was there anything you thought you could do but then found out you couldn’t. Looking for any and all feedback.
Thanks[C):-)]
Ozzy,
I have used the Walthers Cornerstone Modulars to “scratchbuild” a couple of small structures and the kits are great because they give you a lot of flexibility and fit together very well. I first used them to build a couple of small structures to add to Walthers Greatland Sugar Refining kit that I previously built. I wanted the modulars to look like the buildings in the Sugar Refining kit and I succeeded.
One thing that I will note about the Walthers Cornerstone Modulars is that your start up cost is pretty big because there are several different kits and you pretty much need to buy one of each to build what you need. There are large roofs, small roofs, large doors, small doors, large walls, small walls, etc. Right now, Walthers has a 40% off sale on most of the modular kits so now is a good time to buy what you need.
I have used them to build many structures large and small. I have used them for several background structures and a small yard office. Most recently I have used them to build the Prarie Star Milling and Sterling Consolidated Dairy kits which are hybrid kits consisting primarily of modular components. Both turned out excellent. When using the modular components, great care needs to be take to make sure the parts are fit tightly together so the walls go up plumb, level, and square. This is especially important with the larger structures since any misallignment on the lower levels will have a ripple effect as you work your way up. Also, don’t paint them until the whole wall is assembled. That way, you keep paint off the glue surfaces that otherwise would have to be scraped away.
I bought the Walthers 3-in-1 modular kit which came with everthing needed. I built a nice building which yet has to be named. I combined two buildings they showed flipped on part around to make it different.
If you buy the individual part boxes you can make whatever your heart wants to but for me the 3-in-1 made more sense.
I wrote a review thread of my experience constructing a structure with these some time ago. You can read it at: http://www.trains.com/TRC/CS/forums/517460/ShowPost.aspx
I have used them for two small factory buildings on my layout and think they are excellent. You shouldn’t be disappointed with them.
Thanks for all the input… someone else reminded me today to glue and allign all the walls prior to painting. Im going to give it a shot and see if I can make something work. If I mess up… oh well… its only a plastic structure in make belive land.
Oz
We’ve used the Walthers modulars on several exhibits and found the section fits to be superior to DPM modulars. We also found that if you buy the Walthers “theme kits” (the Dairy, etc) you get a better deal financially than buying the modular parts, and you don’t necessarily have to build the kit according to the instructions. Mike Tylick built a couple of totally different factory complexes for us out of the same combination (Dairy) kit. I would guess that the number of “left-over” pieces would be about the same or less than if you bought the parts kits. Besides, there are all kinds of neat background flats possible to be made from the left-over sections.
Happy railroading,