I prefer kits myself (actually scratchbuilt). That way I can personalize them and not have the exact same things on my layout that everyone else does ! I like to see people's imagination and creativity at work when I go to see someone's layout, not how they've arranged everything they just took out of a box and dropped into place. It's like a hobby shop display with scenery.
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
B&O Steam Demon
I would phrase your question a little differently. Instead of what looks better, I would ask myself what feels better on my layout. Current better RTR is for the most part very well detailed. So if you are happy with opening a box and plunking something down on the tracks that looks good then go for it. Personally I prefer to be a little bit more involved with my rolling stock. In other words I am much happier with a Blue Box kit that I have upgraded to proper weight, Kadee couplers at the right height and metal wheels, or a P2K tanker kit that takes some time and patience to build then I am with the RTR stuff. Make no mistake - offer me a decent RTR car and I will gladly take it. But for me, a major part of the enjoyment I derive from this hobby is doing stuff myself.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
I find my preference is for R to R locomotives, but much prefer kits, especially highly detailed kits for structures and my other rolling stock
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
Ok, which do you think looks better on the layout, the RTR's you can buy that have lots of details, or the kits you can buy and build and use on the layout? Assembly time is not an issue with this question, it's about visual and overall appearance on the layout. This applies to all aspects i.e. engines, freight cars, and passenger cars.