Is it just me or are structures way overpriced?

You are correct on structures.  This Ertl farm set was given to me.  Perception and finish is 95% of the structures.  My wife did some wonderful paint work.  Some adjustment to the height of the machine shed and all fit well. 

It's your project ask your critic to see their project/hobby. IMO Mike

Thanks Mike. Is your wife available for hire...err...I mean...umm...this isn't coming out...dang...I better shut up now. Seriously, I've both examined and have saved copies of your pictures to review.

One could reasonably argue that due to my selection of engines (Steam, Diesel, and Amtrak Budd), I am horribly inconsistent. That is true.

So I probably should clarify that I'm not seeking a layout to fit a specific decade theme, but one that can visually match both a steam engine (maybe as a "Scenic Tour train"), while a modern Union Pacific passing the same tracks wouldn't freak imaginary people out.

I've got lots of work ahead of me (and I thought the DCS wiring was tough...heh, heh), but that's OK.

It's why they call it a hobby, and not a one-day-kit, right?

I've noticed the same thing, Dave. eBay is not always a bargain. When shopping on eBay I check sites like Trainland, MB Klein and others before bidding or buying.

You're right about train lay people. I had one relative who's very into boating and spends lots of time and money on it ask, "Why do you need trains? It's a waste of time and money!" I responded, "Why do you need a boat? It's also a terrible waste of time and money." I haven't heard diddly about it since.

Mike, is there a way to safely transport artistic work like your wife has created for you? I'm thinking of poster-boards, but they're rather small and are probably difficult for her.

Why do I ask? I don't have anyone with artistic ability to assist me, so if she and I can work out some way for her to paint/draw a similar background to what you have, it would benefit both of us.

Since I am building kit structures, some of which, like Stoney Creek, get bid out into

the twilight zone in auctions, which does tell you that they are valued and people will

pay for them (even if I think they are crazy), I think Plasticville is cheap.  I have

kitbashed Plasticville severely, building a whole series of stations I then decided not

to use.  People are trying to recoup the value of their time spent building those....

my advice...build it yourself, where you can personalize it to your taste and learn

something in the process. As for the other comments, you have to proceed at your own

speed, and apologize to noone for doing so...tell 'em to "Go build your own!"

In the unlikely event that critics did that, they would find that it does not all happen

at once.

I like the Woodland scenic structures and the Menards buildings... a really good deal, when you factor in all the details and realistic paint.

Plasticville prices are hinging on the collector value price, with the box, good shape, etc, so I tend to stay away from them. God forbid I kitbash a collector item.

Atlas structures are great and I always find affordable ones at train shows, but never buy them new... there are just too many out there used at low prices.

I guess I would recommend decide if you want scale or do you want the semi-scale look, and stay away from the collector prices, unless that is what you are looking to display.

Dave,

Some structures are overpriced, but I thing there is some factors to considered.

Where is made, details, and if are mass production.

I am starting to make some wood kit, nothing too complicate, easy to assemble and attractive. the idea start from the same situation that you are facing now, scenery is expensive, some kits a re more than a $100 so when you need 5 o more structures hurts. So if you are interested in something simple we can working out. So far I made a gas station and working in a Depot.

Andre.

Dear C. H,

As a retired programmer by profession, I can write you a program your your computer, or an app for your cellphone, in less than two hours that will both blow your mind away and make you tingle like a schoolboy.

But, I can't draw a dang tree if my life depended on it. Yea, it's funny...I'll admit it. I can program computers but lack any artistic ability.

I've contemplated taking digital pictures of structures (various angles of course), printing them on matte photo-quality paper, and then using a spray adhesive to affix my pictures. But that's quite a bit of work, and printer ink is very expensive. I'm not sure I would pass the "cost/benefit" test. Sure, it's my "technical" solution to one that requires an artistic one, but I lack that ability.

Then what? Any advice?

I've produced a handful of structure kits and a couple of freight cars, and there's nothing like putting all of the parts into a box, writing instructions, putting a label on the box, and then selling them to teach you what goes into this process and to gain an appreciation for the effort, time & money that is invested.

This is now another person who has express their own opinion against Plasticville, and while not affirming their opinion, I can express my own I suppose.

The piece I ordered on eBay was "weathered" by the seller (which he did a fantastic job doing), but it would have been a much better sale if he had told me that various pieces were broken (as in none of the doors were functional as the hinge-pins were snapped off). I accepted the purchase and gave him positive feedback, but the "feel" of the Plasticville structure versus the Atlas station platform is, well frankly, night & day.

I guess this is why I'm posting this inquiry today, because it's stupid to do trial and error on my own, when there are many out there who've "been there and done that", and I'd be negligent if I didn't try to learn from others experience.

You have my permission to email me (I think my email is public...might need to re-check that), but if not, I'll make it so.

When we started this project many years ago, we purchased a Kalmbach soft back book on Scenery.  They are an excellent source.  While my wife does other crafts, she spent a good bit of time with the Kalmbach books as did I.  Click on the underline phrase to link.   Mike

I've visited your link, but...ugg...this is hard to say without appearing rude (which is NOT my intention). It seems like a great resource, so can I provide an analogy, to avoid sounding rude?

If you need an electronic kit for a burglar alarm, door-bell, or a psychedelic light-show for when you listen to Pink Floyd, I'm your guy!

But what if you can't hold a soldering iron, like I can't hold a paintbrush or colored pencil? Yea, I've been soldering since I was 10-years-old (and well over 40 years later) can still do so, but my ability to paint hasn't improved since I was 10.

So what do I do? 'Till now, it's been to rely on people who have the ability I don't have, and on other forums (unrelated to trains), I am the one who has my own unique ability to offer. In this case, I can't do what I can't do.

Funny...I can program computers but can't change the oil on my own car...yet my father was an auto mechanic by both profession and hobby...at one point building his own vehicle from frame to finished car. Genetics are funny I guess.

Interesting.  Painting was the one part of the hobby I struggled with. With my wife's help and a lot of practice I got better, to the point, I have an air brush and usually can do acceptable work.  I made a living as an electrical contractor so that part of the hobby has been a breeze.

IMO, The great thing about the hobby is the multitude of different skills required. IMO.    Mike  

The other option is "Out of the box, on to the layout"  There have been some very nice Woodland Scenics models that fit this description.

@Mike CT

Yea you're right, it is interesting. I've found such a wide variety of skill levels (like those who prefer to Dremel cut track versus those who prefer to buy pre-cut sections) which not provoked by me, has come close to animosity. No complaints from me...people are allowed their own perspective (assuming the moderator doesn't kill the thread). In fact, I think over 50% of my threads have been killed...which by stating this fact might get this thread killed. That is the singular regret I have about this forum. If you read this (before it might get killed), send a message to the moderator, in that opposing views are valuable (even if wrong).

You are correct Mike in that this hobby requires a multitude of skill-sets, including wood construction (layout support), electrical wiring (connecting the track and accessories), and even programming to some extent (the MTH DCS system, which I cannot speak highly enough).

But for everyone I suspect (though admittedly I may be wrong), there are gaps. For example, I have the technical tools and ability to analyze MTH's backup files and edit (in hexadecimal) in any way I choose, and then re-load the edited file back into the remote. That's my "skill".

On the other hand, painting has been a skill that has only reached the level of stick-figures for me, and at my age, I can't reasonably expect a change.

However, If you have someone (you mentioned your wife) who has artistic ability that may benefit me, I'd like to suggest that you email me directly (I've confirmed that my email address is public).

Hey, if you need some computer advice in the future, I'm here for you. But in the spirit of this OGR forum, I welcome your wife's assistance (and anyone interested) to assist me directly. (Not to circumvent the value of this forum, but to avoid wasting other people's time in reading messages that don't contribute to the value of this forum.)

Prices on all aspects of our hobby are increasing, but I don't think the buildings are lesser of a value than say new engines.  Woodland Scenics is able to sell their buildings for higher price due to the realism they have incorporated in my opinion.  The added details and the weathering really make them stand out.

Art

Well, 'I am not against placticville, simple I don't like plastic or at least too much plastic. I just a matter of choice. This is why I choose to make almost all my structures and rolling stock.

The difference between the brand is not that one is better than the other, is just to satisfy different customers.

AG.

One of the interesting plastic pieces, that looked like crap out of the box.  MTH water tower.

A little paint work later.

In this case a picture is worth 10,000 words!

Thanks!!!

You're very welcome, Dave, and welcome to the family.   Remember the old saying, "You can choose your friends, you can't choose your relatives." I wouldn't have told that without you starting this thread. By the way, I have nothing against boats and people that like them.

 Understood!

Boat people are often just as serious as us train people...not wrong, just different, right?

Right! I agree 100%.

One of our Forum members purchased six Woodland Scenics buildings from Charles Ro at the York Meet for $ 105.00 per structure, Based upon the size, detail, accessories that go with them and they are pre-built, I think that is a bargain.

Do yourself a favor and follow the FSOT forum. The first two structures I got were on eBay and I paid through the nose. Then on FSOT up comes a nicely weathered full MTH train station for $25! I have seen other great structures come up for well below on line prices. Guys just want to move old stuff to make way for new stuff. Myself, I have a MTH water tower and engine shed that have to go soon. Both will go for about half retail.

Actually I have done that for some building fronts and they turned out very well. I printed, cut wood to match, added some extra features that made them a little 3-D like awnings, sidewalks and doors, and they look great. I use them as backgrounds for 4-sided buildings. I'll try to dig up a few pictures. 

Good example with the MTH water tower!   I am not anti-Plastiville, I had it on my

childhood layout, and that station I liked because I thought it looked more like a station as I was famiilar with than either the red or yellow versions of the metal

Marx one, AND was a whole lot more compact that the very large Marx Glendale

metal station, or the plastic Nomatown one (Come to think of it, I don't remember

seeing a layout pictured on here with A Nomatown station, much less a kitbashed one,

which the bright plastic could stand).  I just want mine to not look like all the out of

the box Plasticville out there.  That applies to Woodland Scenics/Menards buildings,

which cost the price of a kit, and I would be forced to then make radical changes to them.  Which I will gleefully do when I start finding them in junkboxes priced right.

As for artistic ability, my oil painting of a vintage car has perspective problems, but

I have no problem using a square and a staight edge and building a model structure.

(there isn't snowball's chance I will ever program a comptuter, but I have not tried

to learn it, either). (I have changed a lot of oil)  I do not for one minute think that

anybody who can handle the math to program a computer cannot learn to change oil,

or rebuild an engine, or build a wooden model, IF he set his mind to it.

First of all, there are Plasticville collectors out there, along with the dreaded "Price Guides" (you know, the ones that make the person with a collection feel "rich").

Also, this is not a cheap hobby, and there are a limited number of buyers. Everyone wants a computer, but few want a "O" corner store.

On a related subject...I remember when I joined the forum there were lots of posts about how the person built most of his layout and scenics from trash via dumpster-diving. Or how driveway sweepings were used for ballast. Has this gone out of favor? It seemed like this was a "badge of honor" years ago. BTW, I don't miss it.