I have the one that builds a small diorama with a piece of track on it and like my layout, it got to the 'benchwork' stage and I never finished it. Part of that was I felt the support for the roadbed was insufficient so construction was halted until I got a piece of balsa to cut to fit in palce as a center support, which I now have but then I got started on building my actual layout so the 'kit' sits on my shelf. I do intend to do scenery on it before I touch my layout though.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
My opinion, like everything Woodland Scenics, They are great, but expensive for what you get. What you pay extra for is that they collect the materials and write a good set of directions and plans. You could do the same thing yourself for less money, if you know how and took the time.
Thus your question, the learning kits may be just what you need, try one. Their videos are also good. Their layout kits may be more than your need and you will end up with an expensive experment. On the other hand, you do get a niced layout quicky and with good directions. They can be worked into a larger layout later.
If the cost is not an issue and you do not have experienced modelers close by, you are exactly their target audience. I don't think you can go wroing with any WS product, though I have now found less expensive and slightly better ways.
Lets see what the others say.
That's what makes them worthwhile - complete step by step instructions with all the required materials. Learn from the kit, then when you go to apply the techniques to your full layout you can aquire the materials in quantity from other sources for lower costs, but because you went through the learning process you know how to do it and what you need.
I say this because I am absolutely horrible at doing scenery. I have not one signle artistic bone in my body. I look at the Woodland Scenics catalog and it's like - wow! One one hand, theoretically anyone can do it. But in my mind, such things are beyond my abilities. I can put down derailment-free track and wire it all up, but when it comes to scenery, forget it.
If you like scenery and have an artistic flair, consider carving styrofoam as an alternative to WS type plaster cloth.
They are fantastic for someone who has not done scenery before and you can rely on the WS folks to help if you do run into a problem. In fact they are one of the nicest companies to deal with!
Wow, awesome pictures and an awesome layout. Not sure what I like best, there's so much to choose from.
I like woodland scenics, its good stuff, and faster than figuring it out from a virtual library's worth of material and old magazines and information.... But... And this is a big but from a wide bodied modeler....
No pun intended, stop laughing...
The But stops here... Don't crack a smile...
The big BUT is that these guys are rightits good stuff but overpriced and there are better cheaper ways, but its a learning process and not everyone wants to make bottle brush pines, rubber rocks, and deciduous trees from sagebrush, sugar bush, or my personal favorite mulberry...
This is not to say there isn't valuable information to be gotten from the learning kits eu contraire... I got the kits, all of them on sale from Hobbylinc in my first order, they give you a discount on your first order- or they did last year anyhow.... I paid between 6 and ten bucks per kit and I learned a lot, of course I also have benefit of being pals with a modeler from the wallpaper paste and chicken wire days who can tell me little tricks from time to time... Resources are here on the web, sometimes it takes a while to find them... other times you puzzle it out...
Don't forget to look at scenic express.
I'm with Art carve the foam, paint the foam, sprinkle it with more foam and glue on other foam, them give it a nice spray with hairspray or scenic cement...
Most of all have fun with it...
I have purchased WS materials as well as their DVD and books. The instructions are very well done. The materials are great to work with especially the foam for risers, inclines, etc. It saves a lot of work otherwise when building elevated tracks with a set incline such as 2%, 3%, 4% etc. Where I save money is at Home Depot. I purchase 3/4" and 2" foam board, the pink stuff at HD, Blue at Lowe's. I think for beginners, it is the way to go without a doubt. THEN, as you acquire modeling skills, you will find other materials and ideas that will cost you less money.
ARTHILLIf you like scenery and have an artistic flair, consider carving styrofoam as an alternative to WS type plaster cloth.
Let me tell you, he KNOWS how to carve it, does a great demonstration for the local NMRA CLub , makes it look sooooo easy.
I picked one up a while ago. It's actually pretty easy to use.
The rock molds are re-usable & step by step instructions allowed me to paint "rocks" that look like rocks.
Gordon
Brought to you by the letters C.P.R. as well as D&H!
K1a - all the way