Help with Carolina Central N Scale Layout

[Anonymous]

I am brand new to model railroading. A few weeks back I was at the library and came across "N Scale Model Railraoding" by Marty McGuirk while browsing the bookshelves. Long story short, I checked out the book and decided to build my first layout - the Carolina Central featured in the book. I've completed my bench and I'm getting ready to lay the track. Here's where I've hit my first snag...

I went to several local hobby shops trying to locate two Kibri kits called for in the track plan, #7320 1870s Factory and #7322 1870s Boiler House w/Chimmney, without any success. Next I looked online without any luck. What I discovered is that these kits are discontinued. I was disappointed as they both feature prominently in the layout. Could anyone suggest similar structures that I could use instead of these two kits? Does anyone know where I might locate these kits? I'm eager to continue with the layout and this is a major roadblock.

Thanks!

[Dayliner]

Ottokar:

Welcome to the hobby! The frustration you describe is something we've all experienced in one way or another--it seems to go with the territory, but most of us must feel it's worth it. Don't feel you need to copy exactly all the features of an MR project layout. You can often change or adapt particular features without losing the overall flavour.

I model in N myself, and I've found that the Walthers Cornerstone line is a good, entry-level line of kits. I'm not familiar with the Kibri kits you mention, but you may find an acceptable substitute in a line such as Cornerstone. Browse the Walthers catalogue or go to their web-site (sorry, don't have the URL!). Another alternative is to browse the dusty back corners of your local hobby shop--I've found some perfect kits for my layout that otehrwise I would not have even known about. Don't be distracted by the title of the kit--something that calls itself a warehouse might do fine as a factory, for instance. If you really want to find the Kibri kits, you could always try a model train show in your area, and see what's on offer.

Good luck--you will find something that fits!

[MAbruce]

Welcome to the forum! [#welcome]

Ah, yes, our dilemma of limited availability and limited runs can be frustrating. It’s also frustrating to find good structure in our scale period.

I looked over the one kit that did come up on the Walther’s website (#7320 – 1870s factory). It was out of stock and I could not come up with anything in stock when checking through the usual on-line places. Maybe if you keep checking eBay one of these items will come up from time to time.

Walther’s makes a “Cornerstone” series that I found that maybe one could come close to the 1870’s factory. It’s called “American Hardware Supply”, but is a bit taller that the Kibri kit but has some of the same detailing style:

http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-3253

Other than that, you can search though the Walther’s site for other structures. DPM (Design Preservations Mfg) has some basic kits that you might be able to scratch build something. Here is the website:

http://www.walthers.com/

Hope this helps some…

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your prompt and thoughtful answers. I saw the Walthers catalog at the hobby store but I was surprised by the cost - $23! Well, after reading your posts I went back today and picked up a copy. The Cornerstone building will fit in the layout very nicely. Thanks again.

Michael
San Mateo, CA

[Wdlgln005]

Welcome to the hobby and to Nscale!

You've got the right idea: if you don't find the exact kits mentioned in the article, find something else that fits. You should have a good LHS in Calif full of good Model Power kits too. Some may look very similar to the Kibri or Heljan kits. With a little paint, weathering, and a change of name, those kits become Americanized. The coverall paint factory could be Dutch Boy, making Sears paint. Have fun with your layout!

[Anonymous]

Today I took the phone book and headed up to San Francisco to try my luck at hitting the hobby shops. The first two were a bust - one shop is now a kickboxing studio and the other is a chiropractor's office. But my luck turned for the better when I stopped at the last store on my list. Not only is it still in business, but they had the exact two Kibri kits I was looking to replace! I'll begin laying out the track and river next week.