Structures in N scale

[Anonymous]

It seems that at the local Hobby Shop, which is very well stocked I might add, the number of structures available in N scale is a fraction of what is available in HO. It is pretty frustrating, for example, to see a much larger variety of kits from DPM in HO than in N. Is there no end in sight for someone filling a need of Quality N scale structures at a reasonable price?

[thirdrail1]

Lisa, there has been a lot of griping about that subject, but mainly focused at Walthers and its Cornerstone line. Walthers badly misgauged the N scale market, overproducing some models and greatly underproducing others, and lately just don't seem to bother with new N much at all. On the other hand, DPM makes almost as many N kits as HO kits - perhaps it's your local hobby shop that isn't stocking them. There are others out there though, aside from the European lines like Faller-Pola, Vollmer, and Kibri. American Model Builders Laserkits are excellent and there are quite a few different kits available. Northeastern Scale Models has some great kits as well. Pikestuff has just announced it will make its HO line in N scale as well, so things are looking up. Just wish I could afford one of Art Fahie's (Bar Mills) Idaho Hotel Kits, but at $63.95 at Rio Grande Hobbies, it's just too much.

[n2mopac]

Gregg is right, things are looking better for N scalers all the time. A few are finally starting to take the N marked seriously. Hopefully Walthers and others will follow suit soon and catch up to companies like DPM who are serving N scale needs.
It is also true that many hobby shops just do not take N scale seriously. I have a locl shop that I have been loyal to for years, but I have recently stopped shopping there. Why? Because, while they used to have a fair supply of N scale and have promised for years to increase their stock in N scale, they have let that stock drop steadily over the past year. Now they simply do not have the stock to help any serious N scaler. It is sad that they are missing out on this marked. Fortunately for me I found another shop in my area that caters specifically to N scale. Unfortunately no all are so lucky.
Ron

[MAbruce]

There is actually a fairly decent selection of N-scale structures out there (still not as much as HO). But you would not know it by walking into most hobby stores. I have found them on various internet hobby stores, and you really have to "surf" around a lot to find them.

However, something still has to be done about the prices...

[Anonymous]

Yes, something DOES need to be done about the prices. Also in answer to Gregg, the last time I checked on the DPM web site, there are quite a few structures available in HO that are not available in N scale, many of which I wi***hat would be offered in N scale. Walthers seems to have the attitude that N scalers only want large structures that take up a lot of room. I would give anything for items like small town/rural town buildings, farm structures, buildings typical of the 1940's-60's suburbs, etc. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I would have to argue the "Art Fahie's (Bar Mills) Idaho Hotel Kits, but at $63.95 at Rio Grande Hobbies, it's just too much" statement. This kit is basically one of the first high end craftsman kits made for N Scale. It is similar in quality to a Fine Scale Miniatures or BTS kit that you might find in HO for $200 or more. Heck, the HO version is only a littl eover $100.

You may think that just becuase it's a laser kit, that it might not be as detailed as it actually is. Let me tell you, as a builder of many craftsman kits, and the author of the manual for the Saco River/Bar Mills Idaho Hotel, I can assure you that it's as a much a quality kit as any HO FSM, Sierra, or BTS kit!!! The best part is, it's in n-scale!

I will say, it's realy easy to put together, but looks superb when done! For those of you looking for more than just a kit, it even comes in a handmade wooden box!

[thirdrail1]

I am sure it is a great kit. What I am saying is I CANNOT AFFORD IT!!!! I can't afford George Sellios stuff either.

[Anonymous]

As someone who is modeling the southern Appalacians
(don't think I spelled that right) I know what you mean about rural bldgs. You might want to explore the joys of kitbashing and scratch building.