Korber vs Walthers (difficulty level)

Take your time, both are beginner level, unless Korber is an old urethane (warped) model, in which cast reinforce and clamping is required. Suggest washing in mild soap to eliminate any contamination from the mould release.

I would not say that Korber models are at a beginner level.  I find them to be much more of a challenge than Walthers Cornerstone models.  However I find Korber to be much more varied with many more selections of models and look fantastic when done properly.  Besides we have Rich Redman owner of Korber Models here on the forum and I can tell you he difines the word "customer service"

 

Paul Edgar

Thanks guys. I feel comfortable with Walthers, still a little unsure about Korber. I might try one of their smaller kits. I really wish I could find some pre-assembled industries that look nice next to freight cars.

 

Paul,

They do have a nice variety of buildings that would work great with a layout designed for operations. Lots of industries with loading docks etc.

Thanks again for your input!

I hope to build the roundhouse someday.  I was looking at the instructions last night and they seemed straightforward.  It will be a long process but they have it broken into many small manageable steps.  I'm looking forward to it.

Korber models made of urethane are very different from the Walthers models. Walthers models are made of styrene and can be easily glued with liquid-type solvent glues. Korber models are best glued using a glue gun and CA. By using both types of glue, the building has a better chance of staying together. The styrene buildings are actually being welded together with glue. 

Just make sure you sand all building parts at glue connections and have some clamps to hold the pieces together. If you have no patience like me, you will buy an accelerator for the CA glue so it sets up within a minute. Use the CA glue on the joint first and then follow up on the inside of the building with a glue gun. If you build the buildings on a 1/4-inch thick luon base, they will be easier to keep square and remove any warpage that may exist in the walls.

I enjoy building Korber models. The y can be a lot of fun as long as you understand the difference in the material they are made of.

 

Alan Graziano

A couple of Walters Cornerstone models, now Atlas Hillside Structures Series.  One unique feature was a large tab on tab assembly with some of the models.  I believe the feature was so that the model could be dis-assembled and stored in the box for seasonal display.
Sure-sweet feed store.

Dave Service Station.   This was a built-up, completely assembled, some decal and sticker work.

Krazy Kens Kar Town.  Fair amount of paint and assembly to this project.

Walters Walton Lumber, Atlas Hillside Structures Series. Jack's Lumber

Korber models.
Quincy Machine and Mining

Signal tower, (styrene kit), Korber

304 Engine house. Korber
Layout house. Additional structural detail lumber has been added.

Modular House.  Fabricated roof panels from 13/64" (1/4") luan board. Detail gutters and downspouts added.

I agree, Paul.

Mike what did you made the gutters with. Don

The luan roof assembly makes this a do-able project.  The C-channel can be bent carefully to match the roof line.   At the time I did this the C-channel was available in 24" lengths. Mitered corners were done with a dremel cut-off wheel and a small file. The wood roof and gutter detail has been added to the Korber 304 Instructions which is available on line.   Mike CT

Good looking work there, Mike.  I appreciate you showing the process on how you made the Gutters & Downspouts as I have a Korber project to do, but..... How does the water flow through the solid tubes.  I guess if it did, you would have a bigger worry of why it is wet in your house.

Hi Mike, and guys,

 

Most Korber kits are really a square box with a top.  4 walls and a roof.  Yes there are exceptions like the round house or the grain silo that are a bit different, but most of the kits are pretty straightforward.

 

We have been working through the kits and updating the instructions to provide a more clear approach to assembly.  We have been lucky to have some great help form modelers here on the forum who have helped with by contributing their tips and approaches as MikeCT notes (he was a big contributor to the new 304 roundhouse instructions)  Many of these are posted on our website for download.

 

With respect to glue, we have had great success with the gorilla super glue (int he small bottle with a blue top - different than regular gorilla glue) this type of super glue has some "rubber" characteristics that work well and withstand some shocks.

 

Take a look at the models, and send me a note if you have any questions I will be glad to answer.

 

If you still feel uncomfortable with taking on a kit, we have several great model builders we work with (they are also listed on our site) you can pick one, or we can help you find one who will be glad to build one for you.  We have helped several hobbyists this way get a great looking model that they may not have been able to get otherwise.

 

For those with nice comments, thank you.

 

 

 

Rich,

I am glad you kept the Korber Line alive. I started buying these kits from Ernie Korber in the 80's. Back then, there was not too much on the market to compare to them. I have probably built hundreds of these buildings with very good results. Keep up the good work.

 

Alan Graziano

the key to makng structure kits is patience-both companys make great buildings.korber buildings need to have styrene strips glued to inside of buildingsso when you attach walls they butt up-i use regular model glue for korbers and tooth picks.have a model square to make sure wallsare square.

walther kits i like-you can disassemble them when not in use and they are gtreat looking structures-switch tower-gas station-fuel depot,etc.

we are lucky to have these companys plus mth are great for customizing also.

Hi Rich.....any time frame in mind for completing the instructions for that Switch Tower that we discussed previously. My kit is begging to be built but I promised myself when I bought a new one that I would wait for the new instructions.

Hi Ken

 

That set is targeted shortly, after the ones for the Flag company and the Pickle Factory.  The one you have, the 926 is a kit we currently do not offer, so we are are fitting in the new set of instructions with some that are being offered.

 

Mike,

 

I have never done a Walthers but I have done a few Korber buildings including the roundhouse.  I would comsider myself a beginner at building things and I had no trouble with any of the Korber buildings.  The roundhouse, although a lot more involved, really was easy just following the instructions.  

 

Ed