Are modern city buildings needed in the hobby?

[CNJ831]

As an earlier poster noted, Bachmann offered some very large city buildings for a short time a few years ago. At $60-$90 each they were too expensive and finally were dropped. However, I think an even more important factor in their failure was that to be employed realistically a huge amount of space had to be allocated just to the city. Most modelers simply don't have the available space to devote to such a city scene.

Incidentally, a Burger King (or other fast food facility) situated towntown would be located on the ground floor of an office building. It would not be in a separate small structure such as are available as HO kits.

CNJ831

[Jetrock]

I wouldn't say that, since big cities existed before the railroads. Traditionally model railroads have had more emphasis on country railroads and relatively rural settings, but urban railroading and representation of cities on railroads has been around for a long time--traction modeling, for example, has always been focused on modeling cities since that is where trolleys ran.

It's perfectly appropriate for model railroaders modeling the modern era to utilize buildings from the early 1900's to present--since, if you look around, many industries near rail lines still use the same buildings. Cities that were built primarily after the 1950's tend to not have much in the way of railroad service.

I've seen quite a few modern buildings in model railroad catalogs--especially in the way of industries and modern warehouses. And I think part of the reason why one doesn't see, say, McDonald's in kit form is because fast-food companies are pretty protective of their trademarks (gee, sound familiar?) and model companies would have to pay licensing fees to produce them.

One thing to keep in mind is what sort of buildings you actually see near railroads. For some perspective on modern model railroading, stop by your local rail line, walk near the line and observe what kind of buildings are within a couple blocks of the railroad.. Are they new and shiny or kind of dumpy? Are there a lot of tall buildings or shopping areas or residential neighborhoods? Part of creating an effective scene on a model railroad involves using this sort of observation to create a sense of place.

You certainly don't HAVE to--feel free to put a skyscraper and a gas station and a grain mill next to each other on your main line if that's what gets you off--but it can be pleasing to keep in mind the composition of a scene, like a photographer or painter or other sort of artist would do. For, in a lot of ways, model railroading is an art form--we want to capture an aspect of the real world in an impossibly compact miniature form. Using an artist's tricks, primarily our senses' impressions and our ability to observe and relay details of a scene, we can enhance that illusion to create a scene that pleases us and our visitors.

[Anonymous]

I think more people model before big city's.

[Roadtrp]

Yes, I would like to see modern city buildings. I'm modeling the 80's/90's, and would like something that looks like it was built after the 40's. I'm in 'N' scale, and Bachmann has some pretty nice modern suburban buildings (housing, fast food, auto dealership, etc), but nothing much in the way of "downtown' buildings.

[Mikeygaw]

i would like to see them... even if they do bad, it would be nice too be able to buy them, and i would certainly add them to have a nice modern skyline on my model line

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the feedback. I did enter "fast food" in Walthers but didn't get any results.

I saw a number of 1960's Burger type buildings (when I searched for buildings) but nothing modern.

Not that burgers are all that significant; just looking to find new ideas to try and turn into models.

[nfmisso]

LM;

Bachmann had a line of excellent modern skyscrapers - they flopped in the market, probably because that much plastic cost $$$. Check Walthers for fast food; they have several from various manufacturers.

[Anonymous]

i say go for it! in the books and layouts ive seen i haven't noticed it, but what do i know im just a beginner

[michaelstevens]

LM,

I'd say it depends entirely on what period your layout is supposed to represent.
I'm quite happy with e.g. the Walthers office high rises, banks and hotels, which I guess are from the 40's and 50's -- they're appropriate for my 60's thru 90's era.
Check out the ads in MR and/or on-line -- seems to me that there already several modern building kits available.

Enjoy -- Mike in Philly [:)]

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I wonder if folks would like modern buildings, and especially city type buildings added to the list of models available to build?

I was even thinking about things like a Burger King or Dairy Queen and such to go along with skyscrapers (or short skyscrapers) as part of a city scape.

Also how about newer residential houses?