Ray Breyer
Modeling the NKP's Peoria Division, circa 1943
Originally posted by orsonroy Model Power makes the largest line of American-prototype two story houses in N scale: http://www.walthers.com/exec/search?category=Structure&scale=N&manu=490&item=&keywords=house&instock=Q&split=300&Submit=Search Doing a more general Walthers search for "house" yields 20-30 kits appropriate for your needs by several manufacturers (stay away from Pola & Faller): http://www.walthers.com/exec/search?category=Structure&scale=N&manu=&item=&keywords=house&instock=Q&split=300&Submit=Search And a search for "home" yields fewer, but as useful kits (especially check out Atlas): http://www.walthers.com/exec/search?category=Structure&scale=N&manu=&item=&keywords=home&instock=Q&split=300&Submit=Search Finally, look to Tichy for a great and extensive new line of N scale windows, doors, and details: http://www.tichytraingroup.com/index.php?page=view_category.php&category=Framed+Windows&offset=0 Scratchbuilding houses in plastic, in N scale, isn't hard at all, since you don't need to add as much fine detail. I model in both HO and N, and scratchbuild structures in both scales. N scale is by far simpler, faster, and easier than HO, and doesn't use up nearly as much materials (for example, a single sheet of Evergreen clapboard siding and a single sheet of Plastruct HO brick sheet - for shingled roofs - yielded me about 40 8x12 section houses in N scale, for about a full Saturday's work!) BLOCKED SCRIPTinsertsmilie('[8D]') Cool [8D]Thanks a lot ORSONROY! IThe links had been perfect. I have just made my orders. The Tichy Shop gave me the right hint for my downtown area bringing up a little of the Chicago fascination scratchbuilding some big buildings. There is one more thing - maybe you can help me aswell: The most important details that make a town look American are fireescapes and rooftop water reservoirs. I have the common dpm buildings in N scale. I mention the rear sides of the buildings would look great with theese exterior ladders. You know where I could get some? Reply Edit Wdlgln005 Member sinceApril 2002 From: Nashville TN 1,306 posts Posted by Wdlgln005 on Sunday, February 13, 2005 9:27 PM Gold Metal Models makes some great detail parts to make fire escapes, ladders, & so forth. Many of the rooftop water tanks can be made from bottle tops or other items that can be scratchbuilt into a water tank. You can get 2 or more Model Power housing kits & repaint them. Many times, a similar house will be built nearby, with a different color trim. You should also look out for Heljan or other European kits. If you can find one, the Bachmann Sears House makes a nice kit. You may also find wood kits for detached garages. A small house will have a small 1 car garage. Glenn Woodle Reply orsonroy Member sinceMarch 2002 From: Elgin, IL 3,677 posts Posted by orsonroy on Monday, February 14, 2005 9:48 AM The Gold Medal Models fire escapes are your best bet in N scale. I've also kitbashed the Alkem industrial walkways into N scale fire escapes (you get more material for less money). As for water tanks, Alloy Forms makes one in N scale, but it's a little small. Use their HO version. You can also kitbash N scale water tanks from Atlas, Dyna Products, or Bachmann. Ray Breyer Modeling the NKP's Peoria Division, circa 1943 Reply Jetrock Member sinceAugust 2003 From: Midtown Sacramento 3,340 posts Posted by Jetrock on Monday, February 14, 2005 12:12 PM Rooftop water tanks are pretty easy to build, too. I built one out of PVC pipe with Plastruct scribed styrene sheeting wrapped around it, and styrene 1"x2" strips wrapped around it--although one could use narrow striping tape for a finer-scale look. The top can be a flat piece of styrene, or a circle of styrene with a wedge cut out to create a conical top. Just build a frame out of scrap styrene or wood and glue on a bit of ladder...mine cost about 10 cents in materials and took about an hour to make, not counting waiting for the paint to dry. Reply Subscriber & Member Login Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more! Login Register Users Online There are no community member online Search the Community ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Model Railroader Newsletter See all Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox! Sign up