Hi all,
Well, I'm getting back into the hobby after 30 yrs or so because of my son, who wants a cool train set. I've ordered some scenery kits from Woodlands scenic, have all the HO trains from when i was younger. But I'm looking to expand my structures for a more realistic modern setting.
I don't have tons of time on hand to sit around hand-painting model kits, so I'm looking for something reasonably realistic when assembled out of the box. I hope to grow in the hobby, and be able to go back later and add weathering and perhaps spot painting as I mature my layout, even kit mixing if i can figure out how to do that well. But I'm looking now for some quick effect, to build a base. I'm aiming for a small city feel, rather contemporary but probably an older industrial-style city since it look like that's the milieu that's most easily achieved. I have identified some product, but before i shill out the money just want to be sure they aren't sorta silly like the old Bachman Plasticville stuff that made me laugh when I pulled them from the old box I stored. I want to be sure that I'll still want to use the new stuff I get as i get more serious about my layout with time. Afte all, i'll probably put some good money into the models.
These are the brands that seem to fit in my initial price ranges...any advice from experienced hobbyists on any of my thoughts here?
Brands: IHC, Model Power, Heljan, Pikestuff and Rix, Smalltown, and the Lifelike Proto "Moore's factory".
BTW, the Bachman "Plasticville" stuff looks kinda silly, but i have a secret for aging it...30 years in a box and it looks perfect! Ha!
Thanks all, and hope to hear from you!!!!
Your questions may be better answered here.....
http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/88/ShowForum.aspx
Welcome to the forums.
Most of the time you can go to a local hobbyshop and find a section where local people have custom built and weathered buildings and rolling stock.
As stated above to the forums and welcome back to the hobby. Good luck.
Welcome from me as well.
I have a Proto More Wharehouse that is weathred out of the box, very good kite. I all so have Model Power prebulit I like, might be a little older than you are looking for but not bad. I have one Heljan kite and so far it has been the best. Litte thicker plactic so wall's don't glow from the lights inside.
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust