Laser Kits

[Railfan2882]

Has anybody had any experiences with American Model Builders Laser Kits or any other laser cut kits. I built their Corridon Post Office and I think its one of the best structures on my layout. Has anybody had similar experiences if so please post a response, as well as any other brands that you would recommend.

[ReadingBob]

Hi Railfan2882! I'm currently building one that I'm not too thrilled with. It's an older Master Creations kit (pre the sale of the company, I don't know how there current stuff stacks up). It has some short trestles that are one piece units. While this does make things easier to assemble the grain of the wood doesn't run in the correct direction on the uprights. The same was true for the interior framing that they made for one of the smaller structures with a removable roof (and you should have seen it warp when I put the 'ol india ink/alcohol mix on it!).

My favorite's, without a doubt, are the Fine Scale Miniature kits. True, only the walls are laser cut and any framing, etc. you have to build out of stripwood supplied with the kits but the instructions are second to none. I've built 12 of these so far and have a large back log that I can't wait to get working on.

Just my opinion however. I'll have to try one of the American Model Builder kits someday. I'd also like to try the new kit Bar Mills came out with that allows you to freelance a structure.

Bob

[Railfan2882]

Thanks for the post, Bob. I can kind of relate to the warping scenario. When I built my post office I weathered it with a brown and grimy black wash, my structure warped too. But I quickly placed all of the wall under heavy book and let them dry for a couple of day and they turned out wonderfully.
The directions for Laser Kits are also pretty good; all of the parts in the sprues are numbered in the directions. What I really like are the self adhesive windows. Each window has two distinct sashes with a thin pane of acetate between the two.

[Anonymous]

I love the model railways kits- They are sold by model expo (modelexpo-online.com) and are some of the best kits around, for the price- I have built the fishing shanty, diner and freight house, all are great kits, and nothing over 25$

[Anonymous]

I have built the AMB 9 Mile Inn in N scale. Laser kits (at least the one I built)are incredible. Parts fit was great, detail nice, windows are really cool. I will be doing more of the laser kits. I remember the old "craftsman kits" where the die-cutting was more of a mark on the wood siding and cutting out a window opening without splitting the wall was a major goal.

[Anonymous]

I really like the AMB laserkits. As a beginning modeler, I found them easier than most plastic kits and look better too. I have done the single stall engine house, the feeder barn, the interlocking tower, and my favorite Ellington Mercantile. Warpage is a small issue. Inside bracing can help, as does wax paper and books after they are dry to the touch.

(maybe I should have kept my mouth shut, sometimes I can find the kits very reasonable on ebay)
Jen

[Anonymous]

The wooden kits are great for being able to fabricate missing or broken parts.The small styrene parts are a bare or impossible to fabricate.I would suggest using stain like Minwax to seal the wood to cut down on warpage.I`m now working on an old Dyna Model product which has unreal plans that are so complete,it`s like a blueprint.Lots of pieces which I like.The more frustrating the better! Guess I`m kinda nuts.By the way,I bought this kit on ebay at a super price.Think I paid $15.00 for a kit that would now cost around $40.00.Hope I`ve helped some! horailfan