I like both the MP and WS pre-built structures. The MP buildings are half the price of WS and come with LED lights installed. I would happily buy the older WS buildings at close out prices. It’s very easy to install an LED. I have a train show on April 6 where I’m hoping to find some more WS structures at very reasonable prices. Need a bunch of buildings.
The last couple of local train shows (DFW metroplex) have had only HO and O scale WS built-ups. Man, those O scale ones are HUGE compared to my tiny N scale ones!
I’m looking for some opinions. I have these 2 kits to build. I’m wondering whether or not I should paint them. My normal instinct would be to paint them but I looked at my prebuilt Model Power buildings and they aren’t painted and look fine to my eyes. This photo shows the MP paint factory and WS painted feeds distributor together and I think they look good. If these were your kits would you paint them? Why or why not? Your input will help me make a decision. My first thought was to paint them but now I’m learning towards not painting, but I’m not sure. What do you think?
Since I have a million other things to do on the layout , for the time being I would not paint them. I rather spend the time doing other things that are more important in getting the layout further along. They look pretty decent as is and will fill the void on your layout. You can always paint them later (or not).
Thanks MK, that’s kind of what I am thinking but your putting it into words really makes it clear. I have limited hobby time and want to spend it wisely.
Rule #1 is the most important thing. But since you asked-I’d paint them. I paint my kits-painting and weathering is one of my favorite parts of the hobby. In addition to the appearance and removing plastic shine I can hide many of my mistakes in assembly. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thanks, I appreciate your input. It’s very helpful. I agree about rule #1, but hearing other guy’s opinions can be helpful.
Maybe at the least, give them a coat of clear matte rattlecan paint to kill the plastic shine. Just make sure to do that before adding window glazing.
I forgot about keeping this thread updated so I’ll be doing that in the next few posts. I bought these two house kits at my local train store a few weeks ago. I will be building them soon. I also got these buses from Amazon. The six buses were $11.99. We have to go out so the next post will probably be this afternoon.
I purchased several of those same built-ups for my layout! Eventually, I'd like to try assembling and painting some kits, but in the meantime, these will provide an early visual boost to my layout.
Thanks Richard. I’m happy with the buses. The painting and lettering is not as crisp as it could be but that is not so obvious in person. When they are on the layout they look very good. The biggest drawback is that they are made for left hand running like in British countries or Japan so the doors are on the wrong side for America, however that doesn’t really bother me. I was not sure about the buses until I saw a couple of them on an N-Trak module at a train show recently. In a detailed scene with trains running I thought they were respectable models so I ordered them when I got home. Here’s a few pictures. I hope they help. I have a benign condition called tension tremors that makes assembling and painting models difficult so built-ups are a Godsend for me. Some days the shaking is bad but there are also days when I can do pretty much anything except paint fine details. If you take your time and test fit the parts before gluing you should have no problem with kits.
I bought this building at a train show in March. It had something on the side at one point but whatever it was it’s gone. I decided to build a walled off area for crates and junk. My spare parts box had enough pieces for this simple project. I didn’t take WIP pictures but here’s the finished model. More to come either later or tomorrow.
Did you build the Modern Suburban station yet? I have the Modern Gas Station N Scale kit below and love it, and did NOT paint it I'd like to see it after you build it please. I like molded color kits, me lazy!
Little stuff like that add-on scene on the back of a built-up are a potential way for a neophyte like me to cautiously tip-toe into the shallow end of the pool. Thanks for sharing the ideas and encouragement!
I have not built the station yet. I should have time to work on it in the next couple weeks. I’ll post pics when I finish it.
Most plastic buildings are fairly easy to build though some are not. The 2 houses, the Dairy Queen and the station are all easier kits. It’s good to start with a simpler kit and move on to more involved ones as your skills and confidence grow.
