I really do enjoy putting kits together, but basically if it's available RTR at a reasonable price then i will buy. I have a rather varied collection though, and have some obscure stuff, BHE kits, i have a 121, 123, 128 and a WYPTE 155. repaint jobs, I have an 08, 47, 87, Test Car 1 and the Stourton Saloon. I also have quite a few of Electra's superb vinyls. Other kits, I have that really good Optical Car and I have a Masterclass 76 that i can't source a chassis for

All in all, whatever I want in my collection, will be obtained somehow!!!

A year ago, I was firmly in the RTR camp; since then, I've found someone who does the coach rolling-stock I want (in another scale  ), and have made the brass kits up for the first pair and am working on the next grouping for the train.  Never done brass before, and am finding it reasonably straight-forward (once I was given some master-classes  ).

Not got the nerve up for engine kits yet; I keep getting to the point of ordering one but then bottle out    I think I'd better complete these carriages first !

Mike

I use what ever format gives me the required model. In the early days of my modeling it was pretty well all kits or modified 2nd hand RTR as there was little 1930's GWR  available. I now also model 1950 WR and the availability of suitable stock is much better so RTR is more prevelent, Ironically the 1930's stock has also improved at the same time during the  last 10 years or so.

The new Dapol pannier is a case in point, as 25 years ago the only route to a pannier was a white  metal body kit on a Farrish GP chassis. Pity Dapol selected the 67xx pannier all of which were steam brake only so cannot pull a passenger set and the body is post 1940's as it has top feed and bunker steps. At some point I am going to have to mod the body to bring it back to original condition for 1930's use. If my memory is correct Farrish fell into the same trap when they introduced a 57xx a while back.

The only problem I have with RTR is weathering a pristine model as the as bought paint job is better than anything I manage. So overall I prefere 2nd hand mod or a kit so every thing is at the same level of finish.

The same applies to buildings, a modified kit can result in a new smaller station building that is more appropriate in size to the model under construction. Simple buildings can be fabricated from plastic stone, brick or slate finish sheets at consideratly lower cost and of course no one else has a model of your hand made effort.

Hope this helps

Regards

Frank

BUMP please vote

Unfortunately age takes its toll of both your dexterity and eyesight and if you haven't already learnt the neccessary skills to kit build to a good standard, RTR/P may be your only realistic option.

In my case it certainly is, however, it doesn't stop me trying now and then but I am never happy with the results although I enjoy the challange, but for how long?

Ray

My main enjoyment of the hobby is building rolling stock. I very rarely spend any time watching the trains go by so what's the point of spending a fair few quid just to leave it in its box? That said my main interest is pre grouping and therefore if you want it you have to build it. I don't tend to post much as I don't have that much spare time so use it to build things rather than create blogs etc. When I do document a bilud it is usually for the NGS Journal.
Gareth

Hi

I used to show my builds on Fotopic but when it disappeared I never bothered photographing my work or uploading it anywhere.

I'm firmly in the I'll use whatever method best suits what I am trying to build be it RTR, Kit or Scratchbuilding.

Cheers

Paul

Hello All.

Even if a particular rolling stock item was available RTR I would still buy the kit (assuming it wasn't double the cost of the RTR item) because I enjoy building kits.

I always stock up on kits before going on summer holiday - I hate the beach !

Best regards,


Joe Cassidy

Bump and thank you to those who have taken part so far.

bump