N Gauge Forum

General Category => N Gauge Discussion => Topic started by: Richard @ N'Tastic Scale Models on January 03, 2013, 07:20:48 PM

Poll
Question: Do you prefer RTP or kits (type of kit as well)
Option 1: RTP - only
Option 2: RTP and Card kits
Option 3: RTP and any kit
Option 4: Kits and scratch build.
Option 5: Scratch build only
Title: Buildings - RTP or Kits
Post by: Richard @ N'Tastic Scale Models on January 03, 2013, 07:20:48 PM
Last night at club we were discussing whether people were doing modelling any more and preferred RTR Rolling Stock. I have already asked this question for Rolling Stock.

With the Scratch building options if you use products like etched windows and other details vote for "kits and scratch build". With scratch build only as yo make every thing from scratch.

I'll be honest and say that I am asking this to gauge where to spend my time and money in the future. I do feel that the majority are not necessarily interested in kits and prefer RTR / RTP.

I do not want this to descend it to a debate or wish list, please keep it general.

:NGaugersRule:
Title: Re: Buildings - RTP or Kits
Post by: upnick on January 03, 2013, 07:56:37 PM
Hi  Richard,   

I voted for Kit &  Scratchbuilt  .................   if i  can get a  suitable kit fine  if not  a conversion  of a kit  or indeeed a scratchbuild using dimensions from   a kit, i   have done this with  some Metcalfe  buildings  before using  plasticard sheeting   to replicate them   ;)

I tend to enjoy  scratchbuilds more as  they  are one off's in many cases.

Theres lot  of  plastruct  shapes /  materials out there to have a go at scratchbuilding.  :bounce:
Title: Re: Buildings - RTP or Kits
Post by: Oldman on January 03, 2013, 08:16:04 PM
Voted Kit and scratchbuilt .
Most of my structures are either card kits modified in some cases and some wooden laser cut structures.
RTP trackside accessories like sign posts, junk piles etc are the only exception to the above rule but then they are usually unpainted castings.
Title: Re: Buildings - RTP or Kits
Post by: Sea Mills on January 03, 2013, 09:20:18 PM
I have also gone for kit and scratchbuilt.   I realistically need to have access to etchings for windows, glazing and awnings for example, but want to choose which ones to use in which situation.   As Upnick has alluded to, the one drawback for me in this option is the dimensions.  A scratchbuilding resource that gave access to scale drawings (for non-railway as well as railway buildings) would be great.   That would certainly get me building more, using a quality range of components, but my own choice for each building - a sort of pick and mix.   Interesting question!

David
Title: Re: Buildings - RTP or Kits
Post by: bbdave on January 03, 2013, 09:34:53 PM
If i could afford the RTP buildings i would probably have used them but i have used plastic and card kits upto now

Dave
Title: Re: Buildings - RTP or Kits
Post by: Sprintex on January 03, 2013, 09:44:49 PM
Kit and scratchbuilt here too :)

Preference is for Metcalfe kits if possible, albeit with quite a bit of detailing. Have a couple of plastic kits, but I wouldn't use a lot of them. I have just one RTP building, and that will be getting some modification before it goes near the layout - can't quite pinpoint why but RTP buildings just never look right to me! ???

Have so far only built one item from scratch, came out OK but far too labour-intensive to fill a layout in this way - I'd end up in the loony-bin! :laugh:


Paul
Title: Re: Buildings - RTP or Kits
Post by: Karhedron on January 03, 2013, 11:14:17 PM
All my buildings are kit built, a mix of Ratio, Peco and Walthers. I have been making plastic model kits for a long time and I enjoy it so RTP does not really interest me. One advantage of painting your own buildings is consistency of finish. You do not have to worry if the shade of brickwork from one RTP manufacturer matches that from another.

I buy RTR rolling stock because sadly I am not nearly as good at the mechanical side as I am at cosmetic work. I am a reasonably dab hand with a paint brush but my one attempt to modify a chassis to take a kit-built body resulted in a dead loco. :(

One day I will try to work on this but at the moment I stick to buying anything with a motor RTR (although I have put a kit-built body on a chassis that didn't need hacking).
Title: Re: Buildings - RTP or Kits
Post by: Fratton on January 04, 2013, 04:22:51 AM
I like kit & scratchbuild and i like ready to plonk stuff too,,,,, im currently conduring something up for my station over the weekend,,,,
Title: Re: Buildings - RTP or Kits
Post by: Chinahand on January 04, 2013, 09:18:27 AM
I voted for 'Kit & Scratch build'. I do have a few RTP buildings but they have been severely 'bashed' to suit my particular needs so they almost count as kits anyway.
Title: Re: Buildings - RTP or Kits
Post by: Richard @ N'Tastic Scale Models on January 04, 2013, 01:40:48 PM
BUMP interesting so far come on everyone please vote
Title: Re: Buildings - RTP or Kits
Post by: Rowlie on January 04, 2013, 03:15:15 PM
Hi, I have voted for kit and scratchbuild. It would be nice to see a good range of accessories available (windows etc)
Title: Re: Buildings - RTP or Kits
Post by: E Pinniger on January 05, 2013, 05:50:40 PM
I started my layout with the intention of scratchbuilding everything (using commercial windows, doors etc.), but have since ended up buying quite a few plastic kits which were particularly suitable, notably the Ratio GWR signalbox and engine shed and the Dornaplas pagoda shelters! The majority of buildings on my layout will still be scratch however, many of them such as SR signalboxes aren't available commercially anyway (to my knowledge).
Not a great fan of card personally due to the lack of relief detail and because I enjoy the challenge of painting and weathering buildings. I do likea lot of of the RTP buildings that are available, but being on a limited budget their very high cost puts me off.
Title: Re: Buildings - RTP or Kits
Post by: Rabbathehutt on January 05, 2013, 05:58:40 PM
Hi lads just got my first set for xmas
Graham Farish Deltic set
found a site for card scenery but it's 00 gauge
there free can anyone tell me how tae print them for N Gauge?
site is Wordsworth Model Railway

Cherrs Rab
Title: Re: Buildings - RTP or Kits
Post by: Chinahand on January 05, 2013, 06:07:24 PM
Quote from: Rabbathehutt on January 05, 2013, 05:58:40 PM
there free can anyone tell me how tae print them for N Gauge?
site is Wordsworth Model Railway

Cherrs Rab

If you print them out at 51.35% of full size Rab that will give you N Scale (1:148)
Title: Re: Buildings - RTP or Kits
Post by: Rabbathehutt on January 05, 2013, 06:18:33 PM
Thanx Trevor
i appreciate your fast answer
Title: Re: Buildings - RTP or Kits
Post by: painbrook on January 05, 2013, 06:34:57 PM
I consider 'ready to plonk' a load of plonk, the price/quality makes it even more plonk, honestly is it value for money?. I think we use RTP because for what ever reason (time,skill,availability) we have no other option. Cheers john.
Title: Re: Buildings - RTP or Kits
Post by: upnick on January 05, 2013, 06:48:56 PM
Welcome to the forum   Rab  look forward to seeing the buildings   ;)
Title: Re: Buildings - RTP or Kits
Post by: Rabbathehutt on January 05, 2013, 07:02:50 PM
Thanx Upnick
you lads will be sick of me asking for tips
i have just started after many years of wanting to
cheers Rab
Title: Re: Buildings - RTP or Kits
Post by: upnick on January 05, 2013, 07:08:03 PM
Quote from: Rabbathehutt on January 05, 2013, 07:02:50 PM
Thanx Upnick
you lads will be sick of me asking for tips
i have just sarted after many years of wanting to
cheers Rab

No  Problems Rab  if you need any help  just ask away sure  one of us will  be able to help    :bounce:
Title: Re: Buildings - RTP or Kits
Post by: longbridge on January 05, 2013, 07:27:18 PM
I voted for Scratch building and kits, my preference is card kits for 3 reasons, 1/ they are cheap, 2/ they are easy to build, 3/ they are easy to modify.
Title: Re: Buildings - RTP or Kits
Post by: daveg on January 05, 2013, 09:34:43 PM
Voted for card (Metcalfe so far) and RTP as I have one of the latter.

Limited skills have made me avoid any serious scratch building so far although I enjoy doing the scenic work. Proper permanent workspace may encourage me me to start but that's for post the house move and that isn't decided yet.

Dave G
Title: Re: Buildings - RTP or Kits
Post by: bees on January 06, 2013, 01:29:17 AM
Hi there,
I voted for Kit and Scratchbuild, I mainly use Scalescenes, keeping all textures looking the same.
Title: Re: Buildings - RTP or Kits
Post by: Richard @ N'Tastic Scale Models on January 15, 2013, 07:20:10 PM
bump  :thankyousign:
Title: Re: Buildings - RTP or Kits
Post by: daveg on January 15, 2013, 07:34:46 PM
Quote from: NtasticShop on January 15, 2013, 07:20:10 PM
bump  :thankyousign:

Just discovered what BUMP means!

Do I get a prize??  :laugh3:
Title: Re: Buildings - RTP or Kits
Post by: Newportnobby on January 15, 2013, 07:38:02 PM
Quote from: daveg on January 15, 2013, 07:34:46 PM
Quote from: NtasticShop on January 15, 2013, 07:20:10 PM
bump  :thankyousign:

Just discovered what BUMP means!

Do I get a prize??  :laugh3:

Errrr........................no :P
Title: Re: Buildings - RTP or Kits
Post by: daveg on January 15, 2013, 07:44:32 PM
Quote from: newportnobby on January 15, 2013, 07:38:02 PM
Quote from: daveg on January 15, 2013, 07:34:46 PM
Quote from: NtasticShop on January 15, 2013, 07:20:10 PM
bump  :thankyousign:

Just discovered what BUMP means!

Do I get a prize??  :laugh3:


Errrr........................no :P

Ooh, meanie!  :'(

It wasn't easy! I did have to go on the werld wide interweb and rummage about.
Title: Re: Buildings - RTP or Kits
Post by: scotsoft on January 15, 2013, 07:59:22 PM
Quote from: daveg on January 15, 2013, 07:44:32 PM
Quote from: newportnobby on January 15, 2013, 07:38:02 PM
Quote from: daveg on January 15, 2013, 07:34:46 PM
Quote from: NtasticShop on January 15, 2013, 07:20:10 PM
bump  :thankyousign:

Just discovered what BUMP means!

Do I get a prize??  :laugh3:


Errrr........................no :P

Ooh, meanie!  :'(

It wasn't easy! I did have to go on the werld wide interweb and rummage about.

That's what you get for not asking here first  :nerner: :nerner: :nerner: