inexpensive buildings

[baltimoretrainworks]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jaabat

QUOTE: Originally posted by Dave Farquhar

I forget the brand name, but there's a line of inexpensive miniature plastic doll houses that shows up in drug stores frequently. The size is just about right for O gauge. You'll want to get rid of some of the froo-froo stuff on them and you'll want to paint them, but they cost something like $4. Next time you're at CVS or Walgreen's, take a stroll down the toy aisle. If the door is about 1.75 inches, you've found it.

Thanks for the great tip, Dave. I'll be on the lookout for those doll houses. With all the stuffy noses and earaches my kids get, I visit drug stores on a pretty regular basis!

I've had a lot of luck painting and detailing Plasticville structures. I buy them cheap at train shows ($3 -$5) and don't care if they're already built or not, although the built ones seem to be cheaper. Last wekend I took a Plasticville Cape Cod house with an ugly red roof and white chimney, and painted the entire thing. Now it has a gray roof, tan siding, white trim and green shutters. They chimney is now brick colored. It really looks nice and it was all of $3! I'm going to use it as a railroad office building.

Jim

PAINT PLASTICVILLE?!?!?!
Bet you just gave a bunch of guys heart failure out there! Actually I've painted all my Plasticville vintage or not, they look alot better and I didn't plan to resell then later anyway.
There used to be a guy down in Baltimore who sold alot of Plasticville out of his store but I think he passed away but it looked like Bachmans warehouse had exploded in there, would spend a whole Saturday just piecing together buildings for myself and he'd make up prices as I went along.

[Bob Keller]

Trainworld's current advert has the ready made Lionel buildings for $14.99 each.

[jefelectric]

Laz, Barry didn't have much selection last I was in. For some reason I missed it when he had them all. I did buy a bunch to send out to the grandson in CO last summer.

[laz 57]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jefelectric

There have been a lot of the Lionel buildings on ebay lately. Most are selling for under 15.00 and they are lighted. Walthers puts some of theirs on sale occasionally, check their web site from time to time. A lot of the online and mail order suppliers handle Plasticville buildings.

JOHN,
I got all mine (LIONEL ) from BARRY's all for $160. I think there is something like 16-17 buildings. Not bad to get em in bulk.
laz57

[dlagrua]

The most cost effective appear to be the closeout Lionel structures that you now see almost everywhere on sale. Plasticville while cheap, tend to be more S scale than O scale and IMO look small on an O gauge layout. Walthers, Ameritown and Korber models make some very nice kits but they are also more expensive than Lionel.s MTH is the most expensive but their choices are many.

[Jumijo]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Dave Farquhar

I forget the brand name, but there's a line of inexpensive miniature plastic doll houses that shows up in drug stores frequently. The size is just about right for O gauge. You'll want to get rid of some of the froo-froo stuff on them and you'll want to paint them, but they cost something like $4. Next time you're at CVS or Walgreen's, take a stroll down the toy aisle. If the door is about 1.75 inches, you've found it.

Thanks for the great tip, Dave. I'll be on the lookout for those doll houses. With all the stuffy noses and earaches my kids get, I visit drug stores on a pretty regular basis!

I've had a lot of luck painting and detailing Plasticville structures. I buy them cheap at train shows ($3 -$5) and don't care if they're already built or not, although the built ones seem to be cheaper. Last wekend I took a Plasticville Cape Cod house with an ugly red roof and white chimney, and painted the entire thing. Now it has a gray roof, tan siding, white trim and green shutters. They chimney is now brick colored. It really looks nice and it was all of $3! I'm going to use it as a railroad office building.

Jim

[Anonymous]

Since my layout is a city/urban scene, I use a number of Ameritowne building fronts that retail at about $12. Side and back walls are easy to make. I suggest that instead of trying to fill your entire layout quickly, spend time on 1 or 2 buildings that are carefully painted and detailed. For the ones "up front" on your layout, do the interiors. I sometimes see layout photos that look like all the buildings were bought and installed in one day. Joe

[Anonymous]

On occasion, you can find Green Leaf Village buildings listed on Ebay. They are wood kits of houses, a church, school, etc that can be assembled with white or yellow glue. I have a few - they scale close to O and look good once painted.

[jefelectric]

Here is one listing starting at 12.50, I have noticed a lot of these go for opening bid. This seller has others listed also.

http://cgi.ebay.com/6-34112-LIONELVILLE-FIELDSTONE-HOUSE-LIGHTED-NEW-OB_W0QQitemZ6038800993QQcategoryZ4148QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[jefelectric]

There have been a lot of the Lionel buildings on ebay lately. Most are selling for under 15.00 and they are lighted. Walthers puts some of theirs on sale occasionally, check their web site from time to time. A lot of the online and mail order suppliers handle Plasticville buildings.

[Dave Farquhar]

I forget the brand name, but there's a line of inexpensive miniature plastic doll houses that shows up in drug stores frequently. The size is just about right for O gauge. You'll want to get rid of some of the froo-froo stuff on them and you'll want to paint them, but they cost something like $4. Next time you're at CVS or Walgreen's, take a stroll down the toy aisle. If the door is about 1.75 inches, you've found it.

[Anonymous]

Hey Ya'll

Bachmann still makes it's Plasticville Buildings. Lots to choose from.

Go to..
www.bachmannindustries.com
Click on the USA flag and it will take you to the website. Go to Product Search and go from there.

steel rails

[Sturgeon-Phish]

I recently ordered a building from Clever Models, there was an blurp in CTT last month. The price is fair, and they look neat. I will post what I think about the kit when it comes.
Ebay has a lot of plasticville if that is the look you want.
Jim

[dwiemer]

I find myself once again seeking knowledge from this group of fine individuals. I am looking for inexpensive build sources. I have several plasticville items and would like more, but do not have a local source. Any suggestions would be welcome.
Thanks
Dennis