I have to say it was a real pain the arse to build. The parts are fragile to say the least! It is not a bad looking model, but no way could I build the wooden steps. I mean they broke apart before I even got them out of place and the instructions were not very clear. The roofing would not reach all the way across the roof so I made my own out of paper. All in all, I kept thinking, I am working way too hard. I will say the windows look nice, if not for that lack of skill, I'd just as soon try and build it myself.
Yes laser cut wood. I learned a lot about these kits, thankfully I had leftover steps from other structures in my parts bin, because I totally wrecked the ones that came with the kit. The picture really doesn't do justice to how good the wood does look. I have to say I hate my roof and I am thinking of a way to fix it and make it look beter.
Well, at least MPP chooses great looking structures, but I do think they could do a better job on their shrinks from N and HO, as well as instructions. I had to do quite a bit of refitting and cutting replacement parts on my Rabbit Hash store, so I know what you went through Joe, and you did a really good job!
Nice job Joe. It looks like you added a lot detail to your layout. I must say, you are one brave men for attempting that kit.
Well, John the base kit is not that hard, it is all the tiny details that make it difficult. The steps and the windows my goodness, you have to be very very carefull not to break them. However, those little details are what makes it look good, thus the conumdrum...Heck if you can detail your loco's with all those add on's this kit shouldn't be too much of a problem for you
Here's another MPP building. Roof shingles were missing and Andy would not answer my emails. Made my own "tin" roof from styrene 0.01 x 0.02 strips set on end with sheets placed between the strips after the strips were in place. This helps make the strips appear smaller. ...don
Well, I tried to fix the roof and one thing led to another, and well, long story short I got very very angery and smashed it to pieces...After a few choice words, I thought to myself, this is a hobby...this is a hobby...Sitll though that kit did nothing but anger me from the start. I have learned a lesson, either build my own or buy resin or get something already built. I must learn my limitations. My blood pressure needs to drop now.
That gives me an idea. Send the smithereens here and I'll start a Z Scale dump. That can go along with Brad's [I think it was Brad] original idea of a volcano. Never never scrap out a Z model. Just move it to Dumpsterville or Shantytown or wherever. It will fit in ...don
Ha, I feel better already hearing it isn't just me. I have a lot of pateince usally but man that thing got to me. Thanks for the idea Don, I'll put he peices in my parts bin...never know when I'll need a window or a door.
Joe, I hate to ask the obvious but have you emailed MPP with your issues? Your initial photo looked great and it's a shame to see it gone. John http://www.ztrains.com
Probably won't have any luck there. I've called the guy on the phone multiple times, sent e-mails, etc., he never e-mails back, never returns calls... impossible to get in touch with. But then again, he probably doesn't owe Joe money. Charlie
That is all you need to remember. Just say it over and over. I think this is how Dorthy got back home in the Wizard of Oz. Really it is sad. I had MPP bookmarked and planned to buy some of their houses. Now after this and hearing Robert's rabbit bash guess I will skip them altogether. If they are going to sell something they should put it together first to see what they are selling.
Yes, John, I could e-mail and call, but in a way I kind of think it is one of those deals where it is as much my own falut as the model. I should have known better what I was getting into. I thought my skills were better, but man I had a hard time. I know I can't compare this kit to the MT loading ramp, but boy, I did that one in 15 minutes and it was a snap. I have made some scratch built buildings in the past and in many ways those were easier for me. The parts where just so fragile and perhaps my skills just were not up to snuff for that particular model.
If this MPP manufacturer has any brains he better wake up and begin to answer some questions or eventually his name and the comments floating around will clash and he will be the loser. He already is a loser in my book based upon his handling of customer's issues........I'll not buy his products even if they can be assembled. Any manufacturer who will not respond to customer's concerns and problems doesn't deserve more business. 2 cents, Loren
I had the same problem with the Rabbit Hash. Nothing fit right. The parts were too fragile, etc. Having made kits in N then shrinking them to Z, I had the same problems. I discovered that shrinks don't work anywhere as well as total re-draws. The problem is that the materials don't scale exactly the same. If a N Scale kit wall is made with 1/32" plywood, and has tabs and slots, then you do a shrink to Z Scale, the tabs and slots shrink to 73% of the size they were designed for, however the wood is the same thickness, so it don't fit in the slots. Also, the detail parts when shrunk, are often way too fragile to be used, and must be thickened up. The reason is that the kerf of the laser cut is still the same, but the part is now packed into 73% of the space it had before, so the laser cuts the part way too fine, and often it is just a sliver of wood fiber, with charcoal on each side. For this reason, the kits should always be redrawn in the correct scale, and made to fit the materials used. It also helps to be a Z Scale modeler if you are going to produce Z Scale wood kits. Maybe plastic and brass scale better. Anyways Joe, I fully understand what you went through, and I have found it to be a satisfying release from time to time. What works best in these situations is to get the video camera out, and set it on the ground in the backyard, recording the event. About 6 inches in front of the lens, you set the offending structure, then go get your army boots on, and sing "London Bridges Falling Down" as you stomp your way towards the offending kit, timed to finish with a final Waffle Stomp at the final "Down" of the song, then change from angry face to a smiling "My Fair Lady" Please post on youtube!
