General Discussion (Model Railroader)

Well let me start by saying that I was shocked at the price of the structures available for us in today's model railroad world (as well as everything else). 

My son and I are just starting a model railroad under our own road name ("Anker Valley Central" or "AVC"), with a main line around the perimeter of the basement (100 foot circumference).  We started looking at the Walther's catalog and found a computer program called "Model Builder" by Evan designs.  Any of you used this program yet?  It seems like an inexpencive alternative to buying structures that are kits or pre-made.

I bought the whole suite and have designed a power house and a Locomotive rebuild shop so far for the layout.  Took about two hours total.  I have not printed them off yet on matt photo paper but plan on doing so tomorrow.   

Just wondering if any of you have used this program and if you were happy with the results.  So far it looks really good to me.  But I am not one who is into extreme texture or detail.  I just want it to look nice without looking like a "Thomas the Tank Engine" train set. lol!! 

I purchased this software at the O-scale National Convention this past summer after seeing many structures that they had on their demo layout. I was pretty impressed with what it is capable of. From a couple of feet back I was hard pressed to say that they weren't traditional plastic/resin/wood kits.

In my case I purchased it to create background flat buildings. If you're on a budget or need to fill some space quckly with structures this is a pretty good deal. You won't have the level of detail of a traditional kit but you do have the capability to mix and match components. It's pretty intuitive, too, and I loaded it up and started playing with it right away.

I'm not far enough along in my layout construction to actually begin producing structures yet but I am looking forward to the day when I do have some time to sit down, create, print them out and assemble them.

It looks interesting.  I hope we hear from someone who actually uses it and can tell us if it looks good, and how hard it is to use.

Has any publication evaluated it?

Phoebe Vet wrote:

It looks interesting.  I hope we hear from someone who actually uses it and can tell us if it looks good, and how hard it is to use. Has any publication evaluated it?

I agree. it looks like a good deal. its the "gift that keeps giving". I got a B-day coming up in two months. maybe i'll get it

So far I like it.  Since I posted last night, I have created a few more things and They should print off well.  I did print them off on regular paper, but the immage is no where near the quality than that which is printed on the matt photo paper (too bad, woulda been nice n' cheep). 

I purchased it for the "inexpencive structures" aspect.  I plan on cutting out all of the windows and doors, then resessing them into the structures in order to give some 3 dimentional look to them along with making my own cornices out of balsa wood. 

We'll see how they turn out when the time comes to build them (over the next few weekends).

I bought the program about a month or so ago and also purchased the Brickyard recently.  It's very easy to work with and create structures.  I've created several on the computer, but have only printed one out and built it.  I think I can build a basic, four wall structure now in a couple of hours.  Of course, as the complexity of the structure goes up, I believe the time to build will as well.

The one structure I built, I printed it on photo paper and then glued it to foamboard (using SoBo glue)  It was very easy, but I'm going to try the next one with chipboard.  I have a few basic clamps now that should help, so I think it will be even easier on the next building.

Overall, I think the program is very intuitive and user friendly, although like any software, there were a few minor quirks, but nothing major.  I believe when I start the structure building process in earnest, it will be a quick matter to learn the ins and outs of the program.  Also, the one structure I build looks pretty good.  I'm in N scale, so it easily passes the 3 foot test.  The next step is to weather it a bit and then I think it will fit in even better.

I think this program will really take off when modelers begin to use it and start sharing their designs.  For example, if there where a website where people could share their designs, then it would be a simple matter to download, modify to suit your layout, then print and build.

Anyway, a very good and useful program and I hope the company continues to expand and improve it.

Phoebe Vet wrote:

It looks interesting.  I hope we hear from someone who actually uses it and can tell us if it looks good, and how hard it is to use. Has any publication evaluated it?

, something different?

Pretty interesting to say the least. Here's a link if anyone wants to check it out.

 http://www.modeltrainsoftware.com/

  I bought it and did the 'tutorial' and wound up with a nice quonset bldg.  I have started on a small feed mill as well. Very nice 'background' bldgs, and with some Grandt Line windows, these could pass for 'foreground' structures as well.......

Jim

BigRusty:

Do you have any pictures of your New Haven Union Station? I spent some time there as a kid-one of my Uncles was a Conductor. Part of my layout will be based on the N.Y., N.H. & H. R.R.

Any help appreciated.