DPM kitbashing?

[Anonymous]

First a little back ground. I modeI BNSF, their yard, and the industrial part of Seattle,WA (you don't need to live in WA to answer my question). I've got half a dozen or so DPM structures (Freight Depot, Kellys Saloon, Townhouse, First National Bank, and Cab Company). What are some good kitbashes I can make? I don't want repeating structures on my layout. I've done one, that's take the cab company and make it into two buildings.


Alexander

[orsonroy]

Cutting's Scissors makes for good kitbash bait for long two story buildings, as well as four story factories. I just came up with a plan to take one of the City Cab buildings and two of the Carr's Parts buildings to kitbash a representation of a Cudahy bacon packing plant in Bloomington, IL.

Otherwise, just start cutting and stacking the DPM buildings. One of the biggest problems with the line is the relative lack of three story storefronts. And you don't need to repeat the buildings in your town that much. Between DPM, Walthers, City Classics and Smalltown, USA, you've got well over 50 commercial street buildings to work with! And that's not including the ones you can make out of the DPM modular system, or the many craftsman-style commercial buildings.

[brokemoto]

DPMs just beg to be bashed. I have built a few as designed, but have bashed more than a few. Their simplicity of design allows for easy cross-kitting as well. They seem to be devoid of details, which allows the modeller to create a unique building, even if he builds the DPM parts of the kit 'as designed'. Details are available from numerous sources.

My experience is with the N scale kits, but I have talked to numerous people who have had similar experineces with the HO.

[Ibflattop]

There is nothing better than a DPM kit!!!!!!!!!! Kevin

[Anonymous]

DPM also makes brick building wall pieces with different windows, doors, etc. You can pick and choose the wall sections you want and assemble a structure to suit your needs. I've built several for my third pair of modules that are still under construction. They also have strips of vertical bricks that can be used to hide joints, roof edges, accessories, etc. Lots to choose from, and may be sometimes easier than cutting apart kits.

Bob Boudreau

[Anonymous]

Alexander

You didn't say HO or N - but from the names of the kits - I'm assuming HO.

Not that it makes a big difference when doing DPM kits. But in terms of alternative brands, there are similar "period" building kits in HO. Just look in a Walthers catalog.

As Ray pointed out - the Scissors Factory makes a good choice for a kitbash. I did one:

http://www.mellowmike.com/Buildings/ATLAS_3.html

But as for inspiration... Seattle should be rife with historical and decrepit buildings. I live in Spokane and have chronicled plenty of what's here for reference material on my website. As you can see, a lot of buildings have their backside to the tracks. DPM kits generally are designed to be viewed from the front. So your work is cut out for you. How to muck up the mundane rear ends and make them eye-appealing.

http://www.mellowmike.com/Buildings/Thumbnails_19.html

One thing I've noticed, is that if you have a block of DPM-style buildings together, they should be different colors. Not all one shade of brick red. Rarely did a real bldg copy it's neighbor!

[Anonymous]

I have a number of DPM structures from my first N scale layout. I miss the days when they first came out because now the same buildings seem to be everywhere. I think the fact that so many of us know these buildings by their names indicates their popularity.

As Mellow-Mike points out, the track side is usually the rear of the building. Adding small wood structures to the back such as room additions, sheds, porches, stairs or building extensions is prototypical and goes a long way to creating an interesting and unique structure.

Wayne

[darth9x9]

Walthers has just announced their version of modular wall designs as well. Check out pages 16-17 of the Feb 2005 issue of Model Railroader. More cool stuff for us modelers!