Kit vs Ready-To-Run...

[mbshaw]

I am recently returning to the hobby after a 6+ year break. I have noticed, as the phrase goes, "The more things change, the more they stay the same" seems to be holding true even in model railroading. When I first started in model railroading, I was always told to stay away from ready-to-run equipment.

I have noticed that Walthers is producing ready-to-run rolling stock. Are these this as good of quality and detail as the kits?

[Anonymous]

All the new ready-to-run freight cars by Athearn, Athearn genesis, Life-Like Proto 2000, Atlas, Kadee, and Walthers seem to have just as good, if not better detailing as the kits. ready-to-run has come a long way it seems. I have several tank cars from walthers and atlas, and some boxcars from Athearn genesis, and Kadee and they are excellent.

[thirdrail1]

With the current desire for instant gratification versus pride of accomplishment, many fine models are now only available ready to run. But, there are still many excellent kits still out there for those who prefer to say "I built that myself".