We all have different ends for our modelling. I think that the purpose is to run trains -- either around in circles or back and forth in yards. The trains need to be reasonably representational of something that ran or could have run.
It used to be that the only way to do this required a machine shop and a carpentry mill. So we spent years building the trains before we could run them.
Some, though, enjoy the building as end in itself (like the fellows that build plastic aircraft). They build and then either display it or sell it. I read one comment by someone who loses interest in a layout when the building is done and all that's left is to run it.
The unfortunate thing is that the unbelievably detailed RTR models we can buy today have somewhat discouraged those who can build, eliminated a lot of the midway kits where you could learn the techniques to be applied to scratchbuiding.
BR60103 Wrote:We all have different ends for our modelling. I think that the purpose is to run trains -- either around in circles or back and forth in yards. The trains need to be reasonably representational of something that ran or could have run.
It used to be that the only way to do this required a machine shop and a carpentry mill. So we spent years building the trains before we could run them.
Some, though, enjoy the building as end in itself (like the fellows that build plastic aircraft). They build and then either display it or sell it. I read one comment by someone who loses interest in a layout when the building is done and all that's left is to run it.
The unfortunate thing is that the unbelievably detailed RTR models we can buy today have somewhat discouraged those who can build, eliminated a lot of the midway kits where you could learn the techniques to be applied to scratchbuiding.
I recently discovered Tichy. I had heard of them of course, but had never built or even seen one of their kits. I was looking through the Walthers catalog at the LHS a few months ago. I was looking for 40 foot flat car kits that could be bashed into the funny looking ore cars used to haul crushed ore from the quarry to the cement plant in Victorville,Ca. The only kits I found were by Tichy, so I ordered a 6 pack. They are so nice I almost hate to cut them up, and their prices are quite reasonable. For anyone who wants to build kits, I would highly recommend them. The problem for modern modelers is that their models are from the 1930's & 1940's, so if you model much past the 1950's they are probably out of your era.
As I stated in a recent blog,this is the best forum I have ever been associated with.I find the people here to be a great bunch who are willing to offer advice,tips etc.
I have learned lots from others here and have never seen any poster get chastised for opinions or the degree of his modeling experience.
I could care less if a modeler uses rtr or craftsman kits,it's the results that count and that's what I see here.
Anyway,keep up the good work guys.
Bob
foulrift Wrote:As I stated in a recent blog,this is the best forum I have ever been associated with.I find the people here to be a great bunch who are willing to offer advice,tips etc.
I have learned lots from others here and have never seen any poster get chastised for opinions or the degree of his modeling experience.
I could care less if a modeler uses rtr or craftsman kits,it's the results that count and that's what I see here.
Anyway,keep up the good work guys.
Bob
I agree Bob, this is a very nice blog with loads of approachable people in it. Everyone shares ideas and tips, and accepts each others interests and skill levels. Long may it last! A little criticism is okay of course, it helps to improve your next attempt, should you so choose, but it's done in a different way here, with respect for the others.
Koos
BIL wrote:I apologize for coming off as intolerant of those in the hobby who buy everything RTR ... I just think they are missing out on a major part of the fun that the feeling of accomplishment one gets when completing a build can give you in this great hobby.
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As always there is two sides why many of us (including older heads) embrace RTR.
Many of us grew up in the eras of generic models,wood and plastic structure kits,the need to scratchbuild,kitbash or add several dollars worth of Kemtron,Detail West or Detail Associates parts to our generic locomotives and with the introduction of highly detailed(some comes with road specific details) locomotives and freight cars and many of us decided to forgo the old ways.Then there are modelers that-well- has 2 left hands when it comes to adding detail and little scratchbuilding skills due to the fact of the availability of detailed structure kits..
Then some of us has a handicap that limits modeling and for us RTR is a blessing.
I think RTR and Scratchbuilding/kitbashing will be around for years to come simply because we are entering a new era of modeling..
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In the real world we all have to make our point and master an ongoing contest. The younger are fighting to create a family and start a career, the middle agers fight to stay on top and the elder of us try hard to make the decline as soft as possible.
Not so here! This is the hobby world. No contest at all. What ever I do I do it for myself only and you all should do it for yourself only because you enjoy it as I enjoy what I do. As long as you do not hurt anybody else I will have a smile in my face watching you enjoying your hobby.
That provides the room you might need to challenge yourself to master the most complicated scratch build brass locomotive but that provides also the room you might need to run a RTR train on a small simple layout with ready build buildings. It is your hobby!
Well this certainly become quite the topic, very interesting, and with a few twists and turns... but, just to clarify, my original post was intended only to compliment the wonderful modelers I have encountered here at The Gauge, and say thank you!
Just to observe, I've been in HO for most of 50 years (with a 10 year hiatus in N) but a couple of years ago I observed I was buying a bunch of Bachman train sets.
:oops: