Poll #3 RTR over KITS

[Anonymous]

I would go with kits becuase they are cheaper. Since i Am in junior high i don't have alot of money so i need to by kit's.

[Big_Boy_4005]

I did not answer this poll.

To me this question has no real meaning for 2 reasons. First, in the scale that I model
( 3 rail O ) this isn't an issue since everything is ready to run. Second, the question is begging to divide the hobby and set the stage for more intolerance and conflict. See my response to poll 2.

By answering this poll, we start down the road of who's right and who's wrong, and that is road leads only to trouble.

[Roadtrp]

Having just started in MR, I like RTR and built-up buildings. The #1 thing I like is running my trains, and I want to get a decent (if not entirely realistic looking) layout up and running as quickly as possible. Once I have that accomplished, I can go back and weather my houses and trains, get into more complex scenery, and start building kits.

[RhB_HJ]

You start with R-T-R and progress from there!

Kits are not that special, provided they're well designed and have good instructions.
Scratchbuilding is more of a challenge!

BTW RTR is perfect if the "right" product is offered! We don't need to reinvent the wheel!

Kitbashing is the cat's meow once you get the hang of it i.e. know what to look for in a kit that can be modified ; it doesn't need to be written up in a mag!

[Mikeygaw]

i'll admit that im not very skilled at building the kits, but i try. If a model is too complicated for me or i screw it up too much, i'll buy the rtr atleast too look good when showing it off.

[Anonymous]

I prefer kits. I do have some RTR, but it's almost like they aren't even mine. Running RTR to me is like using someone elses equipment. I just don't have the link to it that I have to the things I've actually built.

This is just how I feel about it.

Warren

[joecool1212]

I like rtr because im still building my collection so when I need to add somthing rtr is quicker to put in service but if I see somthing Ill get the kit, but I might not assemble it for a while. It all depends on how much time i have to devote to each area of the hobby. Also I find some brands of rtr rolling stock need less maintence than others. Joe

[Anonymous]

I put yes and no. After receiving a disabling injury, my physical problems although they come and go decide whether I'd buy RTR or kits. The closest to RTR that I've bought being Kato's, I still love the kits. As a matter of fact I'm making a SD40T-2w. A tunnel motor with a wide cab. I had to buy a kit to make this funny looking loco, but if I want a CNW SD40-2 or something I may go the RTR way. So for me it is both as long as RTR don't phase out kits.


Thanks,
Jeremy

[Anonymous]

But what about rookies? They don't want to spend an hour (or more) building a kit when they could be running trains!

[Anonymous]

I am totally in favor of kits! I think the position people don't have time to build kits is preposterous! This is what this hobby is all about. It can takes as little as 5-20 minutes to assemble a shake the box kit from Athearn, Accurail or MDC. I find myself attracted to building more and more highly detailed kits like Branchline Blueprint, Red Caboose, and Life Like P2K. And I still love Accurail, even though they are pretty simple!

I am a modeller, have been since the mid 1950s. That's where my heart is!

[AntonioFP45]

Even though I agree with AggroJones and I voted kits, this is a double edged sword. My closest friend who owns his own technology business pointed out to me a few years back that many seasoned modelers that work full time in today's fast paced world don't have as much time as they used a decade or two ago so many modelers would appreciate something that won't take months to detail. Beginners would also find it easier to have realistic looking models. This was during the time period that Proto introduced a high nosed GP diesel with doors that could open and windshield wipers. I was criticizing the fact that modelers that work to detail models improve their skills and enjoy the fun. I was a workaholic myself a few years ago (almost ruined my health) and have to admit seldom found time to model. There is room for RTR and I like them but I will continue to go the kit route whenver possible.

[AggroJones]

At least kits require some skill to assemble. RTR takes most of the modelling out of model railroading. (unless you disassemble the RTR for detailing and easier weathering.)

[Anonymous]

I started out on RTR, then when I saw what was available in kits, I decided that kits were the way that I wanted to go. That doesn't mean that someone else who decides to stay with RTR is wrong. I think there's enough room in this hobby for everyone's likes and dislikes.

The attitude in our club is "run what ya brung", and if that means it's a $25.00 cheap-o RTR or a $189.00 kit with super detailing, it's all going to run on our layout, so bring it in and have fun with it.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for answers, if you have any comments on any of the polls, please post and I'll include them in the results, as a separate PRO or CON.