Craftsman skills

[Anonymous]

Hi,
I rarely kitbash, and i've never scracthbuilt from the ground up. I believe that in this age there are many fine kits available. With the proper painting and attetion to weathering one can personalize any "shake-the-box" model.

[Anonymous]

Hi,
I rarely kitbash, and i've never scracthbuilt from the ground up. I believe that in this age there are many fine kits available. With the proper painting and attetion to weathering one can personalize any "shake-the-box" model.

[sparkingbolt]

Most my structures are or will be scratchbuilt. Some from imagination following realistic practice. Some will be faithful replicas of actual local buildings from Coos Bay or Bend Oregon. Some follow plans or pictures in MR. And, some will be 'bashed.
Locomotives can be almost stock, but many are heavily kitbashed, such as a 4-4-0 following the MR article in the Dec '82 issue (An MDC/Mantua 4-4-0, By Bob Ottoson) and a few "critters" using Bachman 44 tonner mechanisms.
Most freight cars are stock, exept ALL get Kadee couplers, no copycats, and metal wheelsets. Some are scratchbuilt, some 'bashed. All are or will be weathered.
Automobiles run the full range from scratchbuilt, kits, modified toys, untouched RTR's Dan S

[sparkingbolt]

Most my structures are or will be scratchbuilt. Some from imagination following realistic practice. Some will be faithful replicas of actual local buildings from Coos Bay or Bend Oregon. Some follow plans or pictures in MR. And, some will be 'bashed.
Locomotives can be almost stock, but many are heavily kitbashed, such as a 4-4-0 following the MR article in the Dec '82 issue (An MDC/Mantua 4-4-0, By Bob Ottoson) and a few "critters" using Bachman 44 tonner mechanisms.
Most freight cars are stock, exept ALL get Kadee couplers, no copycats, and metal wheelsets. Some are scratchbuilt, some 'bashed. All are or will be weathered.
Automobiles run the full range from scratchbuilt, kits, modified toys, untouched RTR's Dan S

[Anonymous]

I seem to be constitutionally unable to build a kit straight out of the box. I nearly always make some modification to fit my layout's size, a structure's location or the era and location I model. When I can't find a kit for a structure or equipment I need, I scratchbuild. It's made me a better modeler.

[Anonymous]

When you're trying to recreate things you remember from years gone by, the only way you can get it is by building it yourself from scratch or modifying something that's close to what you want. When I started my CB&Q layout 2-1/2 years ago... there wasn't much out there off the shelf... But that didn't matter... I've scratch built some small things and built every building, rolling stock and locomotive from a kit, modifying them to be something I remember or found in photo. GREAT HOBBY, isn't it!

[jbmoran]

I'm trying to gain assembly skills (yep, I'm a novice) by using kits 'as-is'. Once I feel competent to assemble various materials, then, maybe, I'll consider 'bashing' something together...right now, tho', I don't think I could pull it off to my satisfaction...

[connrail]

I don't have the skills for good scratch building, but love to take a building kit or kits and create a new structure from the parts, primarily from plastic kits. If I need something in a hurry, I build the basic kit and add detailing until it has the "look" that I am trying for. I built a Walthers Hardwood Furniture plant this way, making the structure stock, then added lots of vents, blowers & machinery to the roof, windows and walls, and gave the windows facing the railroad side of the building a look of many windows being replaced due to breakage or just covered over. If creating a structure where time is not a factor, I will temporarily tape walls sections together and if necessary, keep changing or moving them until I see what I want and just start creating from there. Changes can occur as the building grows, sometimes by adding a second kit and/or parts to make a unique structure. There is a lubricant company growing in this manner. 2 DPM Drywell Inks, 3 tall model power oil tanks and a Walthers Tankcar filling platform are forming a company that specializes in industrial lubricants.
I feel that there are a good many kits out on the market and most anyone can create unique structures for their layout, just by kitbashing- all it takes is a good imagination and time to have fun in model railroading.

[Anonymous]

I built my first steam engine from a Tyco kit in 1968 and it still looks and runs like brand new. I then started using kits as the base to build engines that I saw and liked. Have tried some of the newer kits, but, too much plastic. Does anyone sell good basic metal engine kits or are they history?

[Bergie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by flee307

A better question would be "do you ever build a kit exactly as directed"? Bet you would get a big fat 0% on that one. Here's a challange, buy a kirbi, faller, or cornerstone kit, throw away the instructions, remove all the parts from the sprues, then fit it together like a 3d jigsaw puzzle using only the pictures on the box. You'll love it! FRED

Hi Fred,

I agree and disagree with your statements. I build a lot of freight car kits as directed, and some structure kits. I bet a lot of people would say the same.

I couldn't agree more with the Kibri kit challenge. That's a great idea. Their structure kits are so well done. They have some of the best tooling out there. I've been saying for years that I wi***hey'd bring out more North American-style structures. Some of their European-style kits can be adapted for use on a North American focused layout, but it would be nice to have a better selection.

Scratch on,
Erik

[Anonymous]

I have built a lot of cars from basic kits that have stripwood, hardware and plans but little else. While I was in the Navy during Korea, I got quite a few car kits and 4 or 5 brass loco kits.

[ngfred]

My first scratch build was some 45 +/- yearsago. These were built following the articles in MR's "Dollar Car'" series many years ago.. These made nice cars, and were right for the dollars I had at the time. Build a box, gon. flat and some others. These were not superdetailed, but in a string, one can not realy tell. Maybe MR could up date these, re-release in the mag. Fred in NC. Via AZ, CA,and CO.

[Anonymous]

Sometimes, I build the kit straight from the box, others, kitbash, and still others totally scratch build. It just depends on my needs at the time. I think nowadays that the quality of most kits leaves little reason to scratch build much. Kitbashing though keeps the layout looking different from anyone else's.

[Anonymous]

I much prefer scratchbuilding or even kitbashing structures to get the right "feel" for my layout. I model the around my home, but in the 1950's, and a few DPM kits are closer to what I need. But also prevelent in this area are large clapboard homes and bank barns. Its amazing how fast you can build these with a large supply of styrene parts!
I've also kitbashed a lot of engines and rolling stock, but the huge amount of correct stuff on the market already prcludes me from wanting to do any more. It simply isn't worth it to scratchbuild a boxcar.
So as long as windows, doors, sheet brick and styrene siding are available, I'll keep building!
[:)]

[Anonymous]

I kitbash rolling stock & scratch-build structures. I bashed a sharp transfer caboose from a caboose & flat car kit and am buildiing a yard-office out of a bay window caboose with a neighboring box car for a storage shed and a tank truck.

I have also scratch-built an interlocking tower, a metal office/storage building, an d an oil storage tank, all out of plastic [mainly styrene] to match prototypes. I also scratch build most of my trees.

Rich Witt

[Anonymous]

I am really new to model railroading, so I am sticking with things that are ready to run or kits that I can put together. I don't feel I am ready to try something from scratch yet. Maybe some day.

[Anonymous]

When I started my first layout over 50 years ago, good and affordable structure structure kits were not easy to find. I started out making my own using balsa wood. They were as realistic as the Suydam cardboard kits popular at the time. Many years later I enjoy kitbashing, but I also have purchased some of the Walthers built-ups.

I still feel that the fun of creating is as much fun as operating!!

[Anonymous]

I've just gotten back into HO railroading after almost 40 years away. I'm presently kitbashing a Micro Engineering 50' through girder bridge into a skewed through girder to cross a stream on a diagonal while conforming to an old DL&W bridge design. The plate girders are all I can salvage from the kit. My barely 3 year old grandaughter and I scratch build trees together from CAT V wire, florist tape and lichen and have a great time with good results. Scratch building with a 3 year old gives it a whole new meaning. Next kibashing/scratch build project on an adult scale will be a plate girder bridge from an old Susquhanna line that looks like it had to be shored at some point during its lifetime. More Micro Engineering parts and some Plastruc.

[Anonymous]

I haven't built anything from scratch or kitbashed any models. I usually go with the ready to run items. However, I am collecting two locomotive types and not all paint schemes are available, so I do have to paint undecorated model locomotives to get what I'm looking for. I also add detail parts to personalize the models.

[ajpaschal]

I have both scratch built and kit bashed many models. While there are many very good models out of the box incliding decoration, there is often some minor details that need to be added, removed, or changed.

My first scratch bulit locomotive was a the "Kitchen Table Locomotive" published in Model Railroader in te early 50's. I satill have it, but it is somewhat the worst for wear.

I kit bashed an Athearn PA-1 into a Southern Railway PA-3 using an article from the first two issues of Mainline Modeler.

I almost never buils a structure without some modifications.

I am corrantly kitabshing an Athearn Genisis pacific into a Southern Railway Ps-2. The Ps-2 has a "shot gun" or almost straight bouler and a cab design that is different than the USRA cab. The tender is alsoo unique. I'll tackle that one later.
[e-mail]

[Anonymous]

Over the years I have done a lot of scratchbuilding and kitbashing. I recommend it for a number of reasons. Both give you the opportunity to improve your modeling skills. Both allow you to reproduce structures or rolling stock that are unavailable otherwise. Both give you a sense of accomplishment and "pride of possession."

In addition, I find it very relaxing to start a scratchbuilding or kitbashing project and work on it at my own pace.

Of course, unlike the modelers of fifty-sixty years ago, none of us has to rely as much on our own resources, so I have been known to buy some ready-made stuff ,as well, if it fits the era that I model (modern).

My current favorite freight cars are the InterMountain hoppers (HO) and I can't wait for their new corn syrup car. They are the closest thing to the old time craftsman kits that I know of, with lots of details and some challenges, as well.

John

[Anonymous]

I enjoy scratchbuilding structures even though my eyes are not what they used to be and my fingers are a bit fat and clumsy. Since I model in N scale, this can really be a challenge. I have built some lineside structures from diagrams in Model Railroader, and I have built a lot of homes for my N-Trak module. I plan to add interiors to some of the kits that I will be building for my new layout.

[randybc2003]

I have a tendancy to run the spectrum from pure "shake the box" without even repainting to completely scratchbilt. I'll sometimes take a kit, often a craftsman's, to figure out how a structure is put together, and then kitbash or scratchbild similar structures from there. For simple structures it's easier sometimes to scratchbuild than modify a kit. For experience in a new medum or process, I try some simple buildings such as shanties or "training" kits. Some of the so-called "beginner" or "middle skill" kits I have found have flaws, errors, or mistakes in their instructions or materials. Creativity is therefor a necessity for successful assembly. I don't include painting in this evaluation, although I probably repaint 90% of my "shake the box" kits.

[Anonymous]

As I look over the replies, it seems that there is a lot more interest in scratchbuilding than I might have guessed. I hope that some of the owners of hobby shops are reading this topic as it is very discouraging to have to hunt for even the most basic scratchbuilding materials. I often have to resort to the internet for what I need.

John

[dehusman]

One of the things that always suprises me on lists is how distainful people seem to be of scratchbuilding. One of the reasons that people give for not participating in the NMRA Achievement program is it is too oriented toward scratchbuilding and that is outdated in the RTR age, lotsa parts age.

[Anonymous]

I am modelling a fictous north american railroad - the Red Rock Railroad in Z scale. As there as not a very huge selection available in this scale scratchbuilding and kitbashing is the only way to get what you want!

I.e. I kitbashed a 3 and a 4 bay Hopper out of a FR 2 bay hopper nickel-silver kit or build a 30' and 5ß' tank car from scratch.

It adds a lot of fun to my hobby!

Cheers

Kurt

[CBQ_Guy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dehusman

One of the things that always suprises me on lists is how distainful people seem to be of scratchbuilding. One of the reasons that people give for not participating in the NMRA Achievement program is it is too oriented toward scratchbuilding and that is outdated in the RTR age, lotsa parts age.

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Hi Dave,

I have specifically left areas on my track plan "vacant" where structures need to go to force me at some point in the future to have to kitbash, scratchbuild, try a craftsman type kit, etc. as adequate time, creativity, skill level, and inspiration allows me to do an adequate job in those areas.

Don't get me wrong, many of the Cornerstone Series buildings and other shake-the-box structure kits will be well represented on the layout, in fact probably too much so! But I think most modelers would be well served to designate at least a couple of these "oases of indivual creativity" on their track plans for future FUN.

[CBQ_Guy]

I don't seem to have the eye to take a pile of different size and texture kit parts and "see" how they can be mixed together to form an entirely new and unique structure. Too bad. The upside to this is that I can appreciate the work of those who do have this gift all the more.

One person whom I felt was the king in this area was the late Ed Curran of MR mag. I really enjoyed reading his stuff and since his passing I really miss his writings on the subject. I can imagine how much more those who knew and worked with him must feel at his loss.

[Anonymous]

I like to scratchbuild all my structures. There are times when I will kitbash something or other, but scrachbuild is more fun. If you have never done, try it.

Rob

[Anonymous]

Do we kit-bash or build from the box??
Hey! does a moose sleep on the tracks on a dark moonless night?? Darn right we bash. And sometimes from nuthin, brother. Other times from sumpin.

Like my layout is steam, man. Only. Went to sleep as a kid listening to the wet, agonizing whistle of the evening local coming through. Can't get any romance or spiritual renewal outa deesuls whining up an' down and honking. No self respected motive power ever HONKED. They WHISTLE an' ring, warble an' moan; laugh and gargle ( if the driver knows how to pre-wear lovely thing's valve so he can play some emotional content throoo it in middle of the night.)

So whaza point here? Well by BASHING we can get our longest string up our wretched 4% (a novicical mistake) worst grade. How? We bashed the hull (that's not a pun, son,) offan short chasis deisel and hid the works in a Roundhouse D&WG
box car body. Hook it up behind a switcher, code the two together an' whamo! Instant bashed power.

Yes, we bash structures, too. But of course they just sit around,ya know...