Model Kits: Am I an oddball?

[Anonymous]

I am also dismayed with the abundance of R-T-R models. In most cases I would much rather have to pay less for a kit and assemble it myself than pull a finished car out of a box. When I assemble a kit, I often make minor improvements (grab irons, weathered trucks, etc) that I would tend to skip on R-T-R car.

However, there are a few examples of R-T-R cars that I just love:
Walthers tank cars (Is it me, or do the older kits tend to come apart when handled too much?) All I do to these is add a little weight, metal wheels, kadee couplers, and add the included grab irons.
Athearns RTR 28' trailers (Id rather spend my time painting locos and rolling stock than those Rail Power trailer kits)

I love Life Like's Time-Saver Kits, I can recieve the satisfaction of assembling a highly-detailed car without worrying about losing the tiny detail parts. I also enjoy assembling Kato locomotives. I find it fun adding all the detail parts on their locomotives, and again, I get the satisfaction of finishing a project that looks and runs great.

I'm sad to see the end of Rail Power Products undecorated shells. I was only able to make one custom loco from their shells, and it turned out great. By myself, I was able to create a well-detailed model of a uinique prototype that is now a 'fallen flag' I am truly proud of that engine, and would do another in a hearbeat if I could get my hands on another RailPower shell.

I encourage everyone to go and build a kit. It doesnt matter if it doesnt turn out perfect, or the details may be simplifed. When you assemble a kit, you invest a part of yourself in that model, and the satisfation is beyond compare.

Josh ZIegler
Yakima, WA

[CP5415]

ok, I have read Athearn's news releases, right from Athearn. They are not discontinuing all the kits. They are mostly retiring the non-powered locomotives.
Check out Athearn.com for yourself.
I too, was worried about the kit's disappearing. It's not going to happen. My local hobby shop has at least 200 kits on his shelf.
If your local hobby shop says the kits are disappearing, find another shop, as he's just trying to pull the wool over your eyes.
Don't forget Accurail!!!! I've recently discovered these kits at my local hobby shop.
I haven't seen these in RTR yet.

Just my 2 cents

Gordon

[CP5415]

ok, I have read Athearn's news releases, right from Athearn. They are not discontinuing all the kits. They are mostly retiring the non-powered locomotives.
Check out Athearn.com for yourself.
I too, was worried about the kit's disappearing. It's not going to happen. My local hobby shop has at least 200 kits on his shelf.
If your local hobby shop says the kits are disappearing, find another shop, as he's just trying to pull the wool over your eyes.
Don't forget Accurail!!!! I've recently discovered these kits at my local hobby shop.
I haven't seen these in RTR yet.

Just my 2 cents

Gordon

[fischey]

We are oddballs. RTR or close to it is the way the industry is going. There will always be room for the boutique kit provider (F&C comes to mind, Westerfield, others). give them your patronage. Scratchbuild or kit bash. Hit the flea markets. Have fun. When the hobby starts to quiet down a bit (and it will!! the Boomers will finally have some time!!) you will see kits and scratchwork coming back.

[fischey]

We are oddballs. RTR or close to it is the way the industry is going. There will always be room for the boutique kit provider (F&C comes to mind, Westerfield, others). give them your patronage. Scratchbuild or kit bash. Hit the flea markets. Have fun. When the hobby starts to quiet down a bit (and it will!! the Boomers will finally have some time!!) you will see kits and scratchwork coming back.

[Anonymous]

Coalfired, you are absolutely correct and I think you are right about the poll, do it. Everything on my layout is built or will be built by me. So maybe I take a few kits and styrene to get what I want, model railroading is supposed to be fun isn't it. It is not a job. So rrwitt if you are an oddball, you have a lot of company.

[Anonymous]

Coalfired, you are absolutely correct and I think you are right about the poll, do it. Everything on my layout is built or will be built by me. So maybe I take a few kits and styrene to get what I want, model railroading is supposed to be fun isn't it. It is not a job. So rrwitt if you are an oddball, you have a lot of company.

[Anonymous]

I am still in search of skeleton log car kits...which I still am yet to find; so you are not alone

[Anonymous]

I am still in search of skeleton log car kits...which I still am yet to find; so you are not alone

[Anonymous]

Sign of the times,I guess. Athearn R-T-R? Your kidding!!! The 1 1/2 minute to build kit!
Walthers now ONLY offering certain buildings ready to place! To me ,building is what it's all about. Nobody will ever convince me they don't have time. It doesn't have to be done in an hour,a night,a week,do it as time permits,the rewards are great! Whats next?,instant layout,just add water.Hmmmm!,interesting question,if you can't find time for a simple kit,where oh where are you ever going to find time to build the layout to run that R-T-R car.Odd ball?,not on your life,There's a lot more of us than you think,we're just spread a little thin.I think I see the making of a poll here.

[Anonymous]

Sign of the times,I guess. Athearn R-T-R? Your kidding!!! The 1 1/2 minute to build kit!
Walthers now ONLY offering certain buildings ready to place! To me ,building is what it's all about. Nobody will ever convince me they don't have time. It doesn't have to be done in an hour,a night,a week,do it as time permits,the rewards are great! Whats next?,instant layout,just add water.Hmmmm!,interesting question,if you can't find time for a simple kit,where oh where are you ever going to find time to build the layout to run that R-T-R car.Odd ball?,not on your life,There's a lot more of us than you think,we're just spread a little thin.I think I see the making of a poll here.

[Anonymous]

Rich,

I don't think you are an oddball unless you are a relatively young model railroader. Being "older," I still prefer to buy kits and build them myself, particularly advanced kits from manufacturers such as Red Caboose or even strach-building. However, I think we are in the age of "immediate gratification" combined with long work weeks which leads many folks to try to optimize their time. So, ready-built, highly detailed kits are probably preferred my many modelers. And between Kadee, Walthers and others plus Proto 2000, Steward and Athearn, there is a lot of very good running, superbly painted and highly detailed ready-to-run models to buy. While I still like to build rolling stock, I can't see ever building another Hobby Town diesel, much less a steam locomotive.

It took me 5 years to build a meidum size layout (12x27 room) while working roughly 50 hours a week plus high travel and keeping a marriage stable. And then another year to fini***he scenery. That's a lot of time in today's busy world. So, I can understand the desire for buying completed models.

Your question coincides with some recent thoughts about how the NMRA will change its Achievement Award criteria for engines and cars - both of which require substantial scratch-building. Further, to be an MMR requires one of these two awards.

Regards,
Lou

[Anonymous]

Rich,

I don't think you are an oddball unless you are a relatively young model railroader. Being "older," I still prefer to buy kits and build them myself, particularly advanced kits from manufacturers such as Red Caboose or even strach-building. However, I think we are in the age of "immediate gratification" combined with long work weeks which leads many folks to try to optimize their time. So, ready-built, highly detailed kits are probably preferred my many modelers. And between Kadee, Walthers and others plus Proto 2000, Steward and Athearn, there is a lot of very good running, superbly painted and highly detailed ready-to-run models to buy. While I still like to build rolling stock, I can't see ever building another Hobby Town diesel, much less a steam locomotive.

It took me 5 years to build a meidum size layout (12x27 room) while working roughly 50 hours a week plus high travel and keeping a marriage stable. And then another year to fini***he scenery. That's a lot of time in today's busy world. So, I can understand the desire for buying completed models.

Your question coincides with some recent thoughts about how the NMRA will change its Achievement Award criteria for engines and cars - both of which require substantial scratch-building. Further, to be an MMR requires one of these two awards.

Regards,
Lou

[Jacktal]

Yes you are but you're not alone.I used to be in R/C flying models and I can say that the situation is the same in this great hobby too.For different reasons,true modelers are getting fewer,wether it is lack of time,skills,space,tooling or simply because people don't want to invest the extra effort needed to create something real special.

The key words in our fast pace life today are quick,cheap and easy,which means that very little consideration is given to craftsmanship or the special character obtained by the painstaking work involved.

I'm no better in a way.I can't find the time to build a satisfying layout right now and I will obviously have to cut some corners,make some choices.I understand your point however.Manufacturers have one goal...staying in business and making $$$...so that they offer what has selling potential thus dropping production of goodies that have lesser demand.It's a shame but it's the law of business.

[Jacktal]

Yes you are but you're not alone.I used to be in R/C flying models and I can say that the situation is the same in this great hobby too.For different reasons,true modelers are getting fewer,wether it is lack of time,skills,space,tooling or simply because people don't want to invest the extra effort needed to create something real special.

The key words in our fast pace life today are quick,cheap and easy,which means that very little consideration is given to craftsmanship or the special character obtained by the painstaking work involved.

I'm no better in a way.I can't find the time to build a satisfying layout right now and I will obviously have to cut some corners,make some choices.I understand your point however.Manufacturers have one goal...staying in business and making $$$...so that they offer what has selling potential thus dropping production of goodies that have lesser demand.It's a shame but it's the law of business.

[MAbruce]

I model in N-scale, and that has mostly been RTR from the beginning. However, there have been some kits available from time to time over the years.

When I came back into the hobby a couple of years ago (after a 15 year break), I was astonished over the leaps in quality and availability. However, I was also astonished (more so) over the increase in prices. Not having much in the MRR budget, I hunted around for the best values. One of these was the older Roundhouse/MDC kits. They are simple to put together, nicely detailed, and currently going for clearance prices. Other than the poor trucks & couplers (which are easily replaced), I can't figure out why these apparently fizzled out.

Needless to say, most of my current fleet consists of these cars.

I suppose people would rather purchase $15 (and up) RTR’s rather than spend a few minutes to assemble a $5 (and lower) kit. Perhaps this hobby is attracting a more affluent clientele?

[MAbruce]

I model in N-scale, and that has mostly been RTR from the beginning. However, there have been some kits available from time to time over the years.

When I came back into the hobby a couple of years ago (after a 15 year break), I was astonished over the leaps in quality and availability. However, I was also astonished (more so) over the increase in prices. Not having much in the MRR budget, I hunted around for the best values. One of these was the older Roundhouse/MDC kits. They are simple to put together, nicely detailed, and currently going for clearance prices. Other than the poor trucks & couplers (which are easily replaced), I can't figure out why these apparently fizzled out.

Needless to say, most of my current fleet consists of these cars.

I suppose people would rather purchase $15 (and up) RTR’s rather than spend a few minutes to assemble a $5 (and lower) kit. Perhaps this hobby is attracting a more affluent clientele?

[Anonymous]

As I wander the aisles of the many area hobby shops, I have noticed the diminishing availability of HO RR car kits, particularly Athern, in favor of "Ready-to-Run" models. Upon questioning the hobby shop people, they tell me that Athearn is discontinuing most of their kits because model railroaders don't want to be bothered with having to assemble kits.

I liked the Athearn kits because they were an inexpensive base for becoming a kit bashed more detailed & realistic-looking model. By the time all the extra component [grabs, wheels, decals,etc] are added, the cost has grown to be extensive. Now, it looks like one will have to buy RTR at twice the kit price, and disassemble it to bash it into a realistic-looking model.

AM I THE ODD-BALL HERE? I thought that was what model RR was all about.
It certainly has been fodder for reams of articles and books. It seems that this is the way things in all walks of life are going. Do People prefer to pay others to do the things that they could often do better themselves, but no longer want to be bothered with it?

Is this hobby, like many others becoming milieu of the well-to do? I'd like to see the thoughts of others on this subject.

Rich

[Anonymous]

As I wander the aisles of the many area hobby shops, I have noticed the diminishing availability of HO RR car kits, particularly Athern, in favor of "Ready-to-Run" models. Upon questioning the hobby shop people, they tell me that Athearn is discontinuing most of their kits because model railroaders don't want to be bothered with having to assemble kits.

I liked the Athearn kits because they were an inexpensive base for becoming a kit bashed more detailed & realistic-looking model. By the time all the extra component [grabs, wheels, decals,etc] are added, the cost has grown to be extensive. Now, it looks like one will have to buy RTR at twice the kit price, and disassemble it to bash it into a realistic-looking model.

AM I THE ODD-BALL HERE? I thought that was what model RR was all about.
It certainly has been fodder for reams of articles and books. It seems that this is the way things in all walks of life are going. Do People prefer to pay others to do the things that they could often do better themselves, but no longer want to be bothered with it?

Is this hobby, like many others becoming milieu of the well-to do? I'd like to see the thoughts of others on this subject.

Rich