So who's your favorite model building company?

[DigitalGriffin]

I'm down to planning building layout for my track. I need a train station, water tower, coaling tower, an industry or two, and an engine house (not a round house).

I see Walther's has several nice kits, but I was wondering what some of the alternatives are for model companies?

My previous experience is limited to plastic models of buildings and airplanes, and I have never air brushed before. Does anybody have favorites or recommendations?

My apologies if this has been covered before, but a forum search really didn't turn up any direct answers to my question.

Thanks,

Don

[camarokid]

Campbells out of Durango, Colorado. Don't know if they are still there or not.
Archie

[Anonymous]

You might check out Campbell 's wood kits. This firm has been sold and moved more than once, but I still see the occasional Campbell advertisement in MR. You might check with Kalmbach to see if the book on kitbashing by Art Curren is still available. It will give you plenty of ideas about building industrial buildings that are not run of the mill. I have been pleased with wood kits from Alexander Scale Models, but I have not seen them in years. A recent blurb indicated they had been sold, so these ra

[ericsp]

It seems like many companies specialize in a particular era. What era are you modeling?

[simon1966]

Until about 6 months ago, I had not made anything but plastic kits. The Walthers line are fine, but I started to realize that I was recognising them on layouts and at shows. So in a quest to fnd something a bit different I tried some wooden kits. I really like the kits produced by JL Innovative supply. Instructions are good and they are modestly priced compared to some of the craftsman style kits. http://www.jlinnovative.com/ They make an engine shed as well as several smaller trackside industries. I also like the kits from American Model Builders. www.laserkit.com These laser kits are not nearly as difficult to build as I imagined and I really like the look of the completed items. They have some simple express kits to get you started if you want to try out a laser kit without breaking the bank. Good luck with this, i find it to be one of the more rewarding aspects of the hobby. Will be trying my hand at a scratch build next!

[trolleyboy]

The pike stuff /rix products plastic kits work well if you are going for a more modern era. The buildings go together well and there are several trainsheds and some interesting warehouse type kits available from them. DPM bulk wall backs also make relitivly easy and endlessly kitbashable buildings as well. TB

[DigitalGriffin]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ericsp

It seems like many companies specialize in a particular era. What era are you modeling?

I'm aiming at the 30's.

[ericsp]

QUOTE: Originally posted by DigitalGriffin

QUOTE: Originally posted by ericsp

It seems like many companies specialize in a particular era. What era are you modeling?

I'm aiming at the 30's.

I don't know about that era, I am modeling modern times. I have bought several Walthers kits, they seem to be fairly good and they make old stuff also. All of the structures on my layout are Pikestuff, Walthers, or scratchbuilt with a Con-Cor and 2 Tichy Train Group tanks.

[pike-62]

So who's your favorite model building company?

My favorite is "ME"...Here is what I am building.


This is a GE 132 ton centercab as used by ford motor co and the Wellsville Addison & Galeton RR's

Dan Pikulski
www.DansResinCasting.com

[Anonymous]

I get a great amount of statisfaction out of building a wood and bristle board kit. I've built just about all of the Alpine models, a lot of them back when it was called Suydam. These kits are cheap to buy and easy to build (look on eBay). They are a good way to graduate from the plastic to the craftsman kits. I hesitate to use the word "craftsman" as it scares people away. Another good thing about the Alpine is they have a smaller footprint so the don't overwhelm the trains and you can use more buildings.

One can not say enough about Campbell, just follow the instructions and it'll turn out beautifully, and you will be so proud that you'll bust many a button bragging about it. One idea - paint some of the items BEFORE putting them on.

Wood is an easy mediun to work in, if you just take your time.

Have a good time
Bob

[orsonroy]

DPM for small storefronts and modular factory sections.
City Classics for taller city buildings and for their company houses (great kitbashing fodder!)
Branchline for their houses.
AMB for their depots.
Depots by John for their depot and urban houses.
Atlas for their houses.
Walthers for their factories and steam service structures.

And of course ME, for scratchbuilding anything I can't otherwise get! (out of plastic, of course! THE best scratchbuilding medium there is!)

[jrbarney]

QUOTE: Originally posted by camarokid

Campbells out of Durango, Colorado. Don't know if they are still there or not.
Archie

Archie and others,
Yes, Campbell Scale Models is still out there, but not in Durango. Their kits are offered and illustrated at Arizona Rock & Mineral Company:
http://www.rrscenery.com
Duncan B. Campbell, who is not related to the Durango Campbells, is currently working hard to fulfill kit back orders and can be Emailed at [e-mail] He plans to open a Web site as soon as he can "catch his breath."
Bob
NMRA Life 0543