Hey everyone, a Friend of mine has started a Laser Scribing business and is looking for ideas for produsts, I told him about the demand in model railroading for models, he sounded excited about the possibility, and wants to know more. I told him I would work on getting a test for him. We both like the NP, (although he isn't a big train guy), but is open to any suggestions, The more information, pictures and blueprints the better. I am going to put together a test building or car, and when I get the results I will post'em here! So suggest away!
How about N and HO scale engine/car repair sheds, station buildings, trackside shanties, diesel fuel tanks....may have a few other suggestions, but they'll have to wait till after dinner!!:tb-biggrin:
How about a Z scale MOW wrecker crane conversion kit that would fit on the chassis of the Marklin Z scale wrecker crane. Modellers could convert their Marklin Z scale wrecker crane into a medium size prototype US style wrecker crane. None currently exists in Z scale. John
Suggestion for new laser Bus I would suggest that any modern structures for the most part in N Scale are wide open. Not many do Modern era buildings. Summitt is about it; unless you want to count the Scrpaers that Lunde Studios and CMR do I would stay away from that end of the market but the other aspects are wide open and I think would sell. I would sure buy them since not really any there in the market. ie; Circle K's, Wally Worlds, Modern Supermarkets, Schools, Home Improvement Centers, & Modern Housing.
I would stay away from rolling stock for the time being. There are too many accessory parts that just won't hack it with a wood kit like trucks, wheels, brake thingies, etc. A well done store would fit the bill for the first attempt at marketing. Wide market appeal and not as much competition with the current makers of yard buildings.
Caboose kits do great in N Scale! Make a wood bay window caboose, like the NP 1500 series, paint in NP and SP&S, and you will do well with them. Make the GN 25' wood cabooses, and you will turn trick on those as well. Look at Marty Coil's collection of scratchbuilts for inspiration.
I like caboose kits. I usually substitute the floor for a comercial kit floor. like MTL or Atlas. that makes the kit so much easier. Then use the old shell for a yard office or something. The middle caboose in this shot is a kit from fellow TB member Joe Gartman....Thanks Joe it's a great caboose. I put it on an Atlas underframe.
at this point I am really leaning towards the NP 1500 Series Cabooses, from what I have seen it is pretty close to sevral railroads war emergency converted boxcar cabooses. so with some creativity, it could be sevral models from one, Now I just need to track down drawings, I have the line drawing, but some more detailed pictures, and blueprints and I can get the ball rolling. As for a building, I am leaning towards t specific prototypes, but are still generic enought to be found everywhere, first is the "Landmark Tavern" in Tenino, Wa. I havn't obtained premession to take photographs and use the building yet, I don't for see their being a problem there though. here is a image: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/114/295927848_926f1b45c9.jpg?v=0 I think it can be just generic enought to be a Bar/Tavern, Bank, Restraunt, or any other corner shop in a small town. Building material is Sandstone and wood, Model will be wood. The other one is the Tenino Depot: http://pics4.city-data.com/cpicc/cfiles18470.jpg NP Protorype, But again, basic enough in Shape, it would work for other railroads and locations. The prototype is Sandstone and wood, Model will be wood, and I am planning on making 3 versions, one as it sits here (Minus the moss on the roof) and one that is wood, and one that is Brick. Quick question I have though, how thick is the wood that it typically used on these kits? and where can I get some for test runs? so what do you guys think?
Here's the CMR St. Paul's building I've just built. It's a laser cut acrylic kit. I took this photo with a penny... Yup I'm Canadian!!! Same size as an American Penny too So you can see how nice their details are in N scale... Hopefully your friend will try a Building kit!!! The Laser cut Acrylic building kits are awesome.
Delamaize, the NP "standard" depots are already available in kit form, so Tenono might be a good choice as it is a non-standard depot (which unfortunately also limits its aoolication to other areas....) Before embarking on a complex kit, how about a selection of lineside structures? Section houses, tool house, handcar shed etc. Though they are available as well there was a lot of variation, so there are many standards / types not tyet build. Cheers Dirk
