"Just Get it Done!'

[Pruitt]

There's room here for everyone.

If you want to scratchbuild everything, you can do that.

If you want someone else to build you a complete layout and all you want to do is run the trains on it, there are several companies that will do that for you.

Most of us fall somewhere in between, either by choice or by fiscal constraints.

The built-up stuff doesn't usually do a lot for me, but I appreciate that it works for some folks. I do like the RTR locos from BLI, Spectrum and Life-Like (Heritage Steam). I like the Life-Like rolling stock kits - the "timesavers" less than the earlier ones. Since I replace the trucks and couplers on everything, the RTR cars really don't do much for me (and neither do their prices!). Then again, some of the "kits" aren't too much more than attaching the trucks and couplers. I've scratchbuilt a few structures and one piece of rolling stock. That's "scratchbuilt" using Grandt Line castings, roofing kits, scribed siding and such. Not "scratchbuilt" as in blank sheet of balsa or basswood, a few sheets of paper, and some strips of styrene.

I really like to see what people have done, regardless of their component sources. If it's scratchbuilt, I enjoy seeing the craftsmanship in each individual creation. If it's all RTR stuff, I still enjoy the craftsmanship, but then it's more the craftsmanship of putting it all together into an enjoyable layout.

And every layout, from the most toy-like tinplate, to the greatest prototype fidelity, is enjoyable to me.

[DavidJ611]

[#ditto][#ditto]

Well said, skiloff and Brunton!

Let's all try to focus on what we have in common: a love of trains and models of them.

The beauty of our hobby is the manifold opportunities it offers us to pusue our creative hearts' desire, whether we are die-hard supermodelers or simply folks who like to set something up just to enjoy seeing it run. [^]

I guess I, like many, fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. I enjoy making and building things and I enjoy many of the aspects of layout design, construction and operation. Personally, I enjoy putting together a really good kit (rolling stock/structure/loco/what have you), but I'd also like to scratchbuild some structures eventually. Although I am personally dismayed that many of the "good old" shake-the-box car kits are going the way of the dinosaur, I do not begrudge the folks that are glad to get good quality RTR equipment [In fact, I myself prefer RTR (or at least nearly so) for my motive power.]. Instead, I am glad that it opens up the hobby to many more who may have the interest, but not the time or (potential) skill to build/assemble their own models. [2c]

Enjoyment of the hobby is in the eye--and hand-of the beholder. [:)]

In closing just let me say, to remember most of all:
"Model Railroading is FUN!"

-Dave

[SpaceMouse]

RTR can be great if they make what you want to model. If they don't make it, it is harder with RTR that kits. So if you want 1950-2000 UP or SP, etc. But try getting the same in Rochester and Scranton in 1990. Now if you say that has never been made, then I say that kits are easier to convert than RTR.

Along with the mainstreaming of inventory to RTR, we are also seein a mainstreaming to the most common road names. If you go the RTR route, and I think we are all being pushed that way, you are limited in your choices.

And if you want to improve it by say painting the chassis, brake wheels, etc. you either have to dismatle the RTR or be very very very careful.

[joeyegarner]

I like a little of both worlds, the kits usually are a little cheaper than buying redy to run. I'm just a little concerned about so many RTR kitts these days, it seems they are taking over. I enjoy building kits but have also enjoyed buying new P2K's and they look great out of the box, but there again I can always find things to add to or improve on the appearance some way.

[trainboyH16-44]

I have no time at home. I get up at 7, catch the 7:30 bus, stay at school till six for Tech Theatre, get home 7:30, go to bed at 9. Barely enough time to run trains for 20 mins.
On weekends, I sleep.
On the same hand, last time I tried to build an Athearn BB kit, I ende up with 2 hanrails, and a spray paint weathereing job that makes it look like it was shot up with a paintball gun after catching fire. The next loco I bought was a Kato SD40-2. What a difference, and I still broke a few grab irons. So now I'm a big fan of P2K.
Trainboy

[robengland]

I scratchbuilt a shed once. Even made a coffee cup on a table inside the door, in HO. It was fun. Do I want to scratchbuild every structure? No. I designed and built a trasnistor throttle from scratch. But I bought my DCC gear. I'd quite like to superdetail a loco one day. I'd like to scratchbuild a piece of rolling stock. I just may do one. But life is too short to do it all from scratch

At least the modern market gives us the choice. We can have the level of quality we want: hand made or off the shelf.