It seems that most structure kits are of buildings that would have been built in the mid 20th Century. I'm interested in putting a current day manufacturing and accompanying distribution facility on my layout. Are there any kits available for this? If not, and I have to try to do it with styrene sheet, are you aware of any templates/plans? Finally, any recommendations for cutting windows and doors out of styrene sheet (i.e. how do you cut the window or for example a rail car level door out of the middle of the sheet?). Thanks.
DPM has a couple of kits that might fit the bill, also Walthers Cornerstone modulars might also . But the only thing with the modulars is that you would have to find a picture to model then match it up the parts they offer to make the depicted image. There's one idea and I'm sure you'll get others that will get you where you wish to go I left out that a scale ruler will be necessary if you use a picture to replicate an image.
I love Nu Line and wish there was some more availability and variety. I have also used the Walthers HO Lauston Shipping fronts. While the doors are big, if you leave off the stone bottom, it tends to bring them down to N scale openings and you can trim the door, or add awnings, etc. to better disguise it. The whole structure would be a bit big for most N scale layouts, but they make the background version only, which is what I use.
I like the Nu Line structures. They are hard to find. I was able to make one good sized warehouse out of half of the package. I took a piece of styrene to fill in the back where it ws unsen. Jeff
I find there is a lot of older industry buildings still in use today in smaller cities and towns that still rail served and armed with that knowledge I pick and choose the better industry kits to fill my industrial needs. For my more "modern" customers I use Pikestuff buildings by combining 2 kits togeter or I split 'em and use 'em along the back drop..
Greenmax makes some interesting kits. Kato has some pre-builts also. Difficult to find here in the states. I go through PlazaJapan, an EBay store. The shipping is kind of steep, so you will benefit with multiple items purchased.
Sad isn’t it that we can get 57 different versions of old wooden two pump filling stations that would have long ago become termite food, but we can’t get a model of an AM-PM Mini Mart or a Pizza Hut.
Micro-Mark sells these tools, a corner punch and the nibbler, both shown with the instructions. I use the corner punch frequently for windows 3/16" or larger but haven't yet got the knack of the nibbler. Ben
No freakin' kidding! I think there is a law for new model railroad companies: "As penance for entry to the secret order of model railroad manufacturers, thou shalt create the following items before any creative product will be allowed: 1. Old Wooden Gas Station; 2. Alco PA-1; 3. A coalporter; 4. Three freight cars that have already been done by other manufacturers, and with the exact same roadnames; 5. Some structure with a blinky LED on it; 6. A two-stall wooden enginehouse; and 7. Something with an ATSF warbonnet on it....locomotive, freight car, structure, farm animal....whatever." I have one of the older Pizza Hut's and it's a decent model but I paid a stupid price for it. (only to find one built up at a train show for $10 a few months later, naturally) Why there isn't a "modern gas station" is just goofy. One company makes a decent resin "convenience store" that looks a lot like an "Allsup's" (Texas/NM) or some of the mom-and-pop type stores but it doesn't come with the gas pumps/awning. Probably an easy scratchbuild though...then a matter of getting some decals made. George, can you still get those Nu-Line warehouses? As expensive as that company with the Taco Bell and Staples building is, I have at least given it a second thought. The strip mall kit is ~$40 I think, not terrible. I do think it would be cool if there were templates we could print out and transfer to styrene. Good idea there.
Part of the problem with modern fast food chains may be licensing. I think that may be why some models like Pizza the Hut and McDonalds got pulled quickly. Don't know for sure though. Kato managed to put out a Denny's. Someone was offering a Sheetz convenience store/gas station - gotta see if I can dig up the link.
Lol, that's a good way of putting it. I understand why; most model railroaders are guys in their 50's + who are nostalgic for the old times I guess. But the future of the hobby, I would think, is people who never knew steam and who I would guess want to model what they know--which is now. Hopefully manufacturers will catch up.
One of my favorite places is Summit Custom Cuts: Modern structure model kits and accessories I met the owner a couple of years ago at the Tulsa, OK. show, and now he has a N-scale Taco Bell, Domino's Pizza, and a Dave's Coffee Shop (former Denny's Restaurant). Good stuff for a fair price. I am in the process of scratch building a small Applebees, like the one in my town. Robert
You just might be right. Isn't that the way nowadays? Licensing for everything. I would take a plain ol' building that represented a McD's or BK, or any fast food place, and just print out my own signs. How about selling just some gas pumps and a canopy? Summit shows it's going to make an AM/PM and a hotel, among other things, so that might help a bit, but man, when a pizza hut or an old BK come up on the 'Bay, they go for ridiculous amounts. I finally got a Kato Dennys for under $20, but that sure was a waiting game. What I would really like is an Apartment complex. Every now and then some architect designer guy puts up a timeshare/apt complex style building on the 'Bay, but they always go for so much money that I don't think it's worth it. -Mike
If it is all about licensing then why are Pizza Huts and Taco Bells etc. available in HO? The biggest problem I have with PikeStuff, DPM Nu-Line and others like them, is they put out a few kits and then rest on their laurels. You can only use so many of these and if there isn’t anything new coming out from them,; what are we expected to buy from them?
Yes, you would think that would be attractive to a company since you could make 1 4-unit modular and you may sell 4, 8, or more of those to build a complex. Then maybe an "apartment office" that could also work for a golf course clubhouse or the like.
