Atlas Engine House Kit # 2009001

[KRM]

Hi,

 Any of you have this kit on your layout?

http://www.atlastrainman.com/Structures/tmostructures.htm

 I would like to see some better pictures and hear your comments on the kit and build. I am thinking of getting one but hate to just off of the sale pictures.

 Thanks,

 Kev.

[Mauka]

Aloha,

Don't have it on my layout, but I did start building one a few years ago.  It's a very detailed kit on the outside but has no inside detail.  The walls and corners are built up from multiple pieces and I was having a difficult time keeping it straight and true.  I decided I would need a gluing jig to build the kit to my satisfaction.  I'd rate this kit as best for experienced builders with well equipped workbenches.  I still have the uncompleted kit and would be able to post a few pictures if you like.  Hope this helps!  

Alan

[marxalot]

Even though I kit-bashed it I really enjoyed working on this kit. It goes together well and has several options not shown, like the blanked off door opening which worked perfectly for what I was trying to do.

 

 

 

 

[KRM]

marxalot,

Thanks that helps a lot I would still like to see one that has not been bashed on a layout. But this does show how it looks with train and cars.

 Thanks,

 Kev.

[DennisB-1]

Hi Kev,

The photo on the Atlas site is an accurate depiction of how the model appears when assembled right out of the box.  I don't think you'll find a layout picture that will be any better. 

That kit has been around for decades. It was originally imported by IHC and remained in their line until Atlas O  picked it up. You can still find those kits at train shows. As far as assembly , it's not a snap together kit like Plasticville but it is not difficult to put together. As you've seen in the above photos by marxalot, its modular design  easily lends itself to kitbashing. 

Because of its 27" long sides you do need a nice flat work space to assemble it. Other than that, I would use a liquid plastic cement like Testors, Tenax, or Ambroid Pro-Weld. The key to building any kit is to understand how the pieces fit together and the proper sequence for doing so. In other words, read the instructions. If you check the fit before gluing, clean up any flash along the edges, you'll be good to go.

Dennis Brennan 

 

PS: Check out my article in the January issue of CTT: Build Better Structure Kits. If you find that article useful, You may also want to check out my book: Realistic Modeling for Toy Trains: A Hi-rail Guide. It's available here: http://www.kalmbachstore.com/modeltrains-railroading-toy-trains-books-realistic-operation.html