O Gauge Building wish list

Rich - I would love to see all of them the question becomes footprint in O Gauge, the cost of all could be over $100.00 per kit(and that is in styrene) and then based on that would the market bear it and make it feasible for Walthers or anybody else, that's why I think we don't see them at this point unless kittbashed or custom built. Just my two cents. Happy Railroading!!!-Don Klose


Check out
www.bellevueandschenectadyrr.com

Rich, that’s why I started making my own.
We should be able to buy everything in O that you see in the Walther's catalogs.

Time is ticking, so get on it!

Building link here - http://classic.kodakgallery.co...rt/main/mth_sirt_s-2

The first and last of your links look like reasonable scratch build projects with a little planning and patience. For the other three, you'd need to be as talented as SIRT. Pecos River used to make some large O scale commercial building kits and you can sometimes find them on eBay. Of course, there are other O scale kit manufacturers like Model Tech, Bar Mills, etc. but if you're looking for pricing in the Ameritowne range, most of their offerings wouldn't suffice. But, many of them are certainly nice.

For smaller wood buildings, I've often used the designs from some of the HO manufacturers (like Foslimited who makes some incredibly creative buildings, albeit all HO) and scratch build them to O scale dimensions. It would be nice if Woodland Scenics did some downtown buildings like those of City Classics (HO scale), etc. but that doesn't seem to be in the cards. However, if those three recent built-ups/weathered buildings they've released are successful, maybe they'll venture out for some additional projects.

Jerrman

Forgot to add another Walthers O item, though not a kit, also lends itself to kitbashing:

933-2717 City Litho Company & Black Rock Beverage Background Buildings
Link

This is still made by Walthers and can be ordered from many of the online hobby shops that sell O scale buildings.

933-3312 Krazy Ken's Car Town - My version.


(Only a few remain)
City Litho Company & Black Rock Beverage that can be modified into full buildings.
Walthers Part # 933-2717
O scale, $44.98, currently in stock at Walthers but is scheduled to be Phased Out

http://classic.kodakgallery.co...main/latest_projects


http://classic.kodakgallery.com/sirt/main/coming_soon

This would be nice in O gauge also. Much more appealing than the modern wind turbines.

While not necessarily new to O gauge/scale trains, I'm in the infancy stage of modeling. It didn’t take long however for me to realize that O gauge’ers were by far the left out red headed step child of this hobby. It often amazes me that out of 83 pages, Walthers only managed to dedicate the equivalent of one page toward O scale. (Twenty items) This seems to be the case of most other catalogs and monthly publications that hit my mailbox. And when you do find items, they are near double the price of HO. It's hard for me to believe that there is that much more stock involved with such little increase in size. It sucks, but what can we do?

I agree with Kenny... O gauge/scale train cost are high. What most people do not notice is the size of O gauge is 2 times that of HO and therefor the actual volume of the same parts is 4 times that of HO and typically thicker walls. So I'm not surprised that O Gauge building are 3 times the cost of HO store bought buidings... raw materal cost do add up !!

Actually, O scale structures are approximately 8 times the volume of HO structures, not 4. That's a heck of a lot more material. I started a line of O scale factory kits a few years ago and it was quickly dismissed by O scalers. I spent a lot of time and money developing that line and it proved to be a total waste of time and money. Any manufacturer should be very careful getting involved in this market.
Tom

Rich,

You squarely mashed my hot button - the lack of buildings in O gauge. Unfortunately, there are several factors at work against a more diverse set of buildings or kits:
1) As dkdkrd, Sherward, and Tom Yorke pointed out, market size, cost of equipment are all negative factors.
2) There seems to be a movement away from making buildings to buying them - probably a result of our more busy lives.
2) The blatant copying of structures by MTH has certainly discouraged smaller manufacturers from taking the risks required for new buildings. My understanding is that MTH was sued over this practice and did lose the suit (or settled out of court). But that's a good reason you see similar or identical buildings. Why does a market starving for diversity need 2 versions of Kirsten's Corner Cafe?

Realistically, the only answer is to scratch build your own. It's a lot easier than you might think, too. And if you want a larger building or 3-D backdrop, I can tell you from experience that you're pretty much on your own.

Like you, I do look wistfully at Walthers and other catalogues stuffed with HO buildings and kits.

Best,

George

Okay let me add an example of my approach to this subject. I had a rather odd shaped location along the backside of what is a water/coal stop along the main line. This was clearly a "wrong side of the tracks" type spot. It was empty wall space and demanded some sort of treatment either from scenic materials or a structure perhaps. I didn't like its scenic potential as too often such spot get massive but very unrealistic retaining walls or a mountain just sort of growing out of what should be flat terrain near the RR facility.

I decided to model the back side of an old furniture mill and this structure was inspired by one which actually existed on the branchline I model too...thus it adds credibilty and realism as a bonus.

First photo shows the basic foundation being fitted in place and it shows how I'm able to make it fit my exact needs which a kit is unlikely to do with such an odd spot. Also note this is all scrap wood being used. What some might discard in fact.


This next photo shows the structure nearing completion on my workbench...it is 4 feet long and about 14 inches tall at it's highest point. Designed to gently fit that long wedge shape I was dealing with...it grows wider and gets taller as would often be the case over the years as a business expands or renovation are made to accomidate their manufacturing needs.


This next photo shows the nearly completed "fatflat" being test fitted in it's intended location along the back of the engine service facility.


This last photo is taken from another angle and gives an idea of how the structure blends in and completes the scene...total cost was low ($30) and was mostly about window/door castings and since this was the backside of this furniture mill the windows could be spaced out more as would be appropriate to trackside verses the customer view out front. I think I took a month of evenings on it overall, and time is not that important to me since it is a hobby.


I don't say this is for everyone but it is a very enjoyable activity which suits my needs for a realistic railroad that doesn't look like anyone elses, and costs me small money which in this economy is important.

Bob

SIRT, those DSL fronts as full buildings are just a terrific example of creative kitbashing and detailing. And if you're "looking at 56...", just think, only 30-40 more years to go :-)

Bob, in just a couple of photos, you absolutely nailed the technique of scratch building to fit an unusual space and produce something really unique without spending a lot of money. Not to mention fulfilling your creative needs. As to your thought "that it's not for everyone..." I think you definitely showed that, in fact, it could easily be for everyone if they gave it a try. You couldn't find an O scale kit structure like that ever, but with some clapboard siding, windows and roof details, all easily accessible, you showed how it could be done in a way that I think even modelers with a little experience might be able to accomplish. A really great job. I've done a lot of this type of scratch building but you've given me some additional ideas based on what you've done. Thanks.

Jerrman

Thanks Buddy. My Mom is 93 and her sister on LI is 98 today.

The thread started out on the subject of what kind of buildings would you like to see.

Well the three from Woodland Scenics seemed to be a big hit with O scalers.

And I would like to see a brick church with a belltower.

Mostly, I would like to see the backs of some buildings. Railroads run behind buildings not in front of them.

ROB M

quote:

Originally posted by SIRT:
Thanks Buddy. My Mom is 93 and her sister on LI is 98 today.

Good genes and great modeling talent. Not a bad combination. Love that sub-station scene (the bike, trash and graffiti are terrific details). Are there pictures on your website that show more angles of that sub-station model that I can get to easily without a lot of searching? Thx.

Jerrman

quote:

Are there pictures on your website that show more angles of that sub-station model

Yes, Curve Module #1 Album.

or link here- http://classic.kodakgallery.com/sirt/main/curve_1

quote:

Originally posted by MOZGAWA:
The thread started out on the subject of what kind of buildings would you like to see.

Well the three from Woodland Scenics seemed to be a big hit with O scalers.

And I would like to see a brick church with a belltower.

Mostly, I would like to see the backs of some buildings. Railroads run behind buildings not in front of them.

ROB M

Yes it did start out asking that question, but also asked "are they available, and I just missed them"?

That's what prompted my encouragement to give scratchbuilding a chance. It would also really enhance your desire for backs of buildings as well. In fact my example above is exactly that...the backside of an old wooden mill. Might be worth a try next time you are in the need for such a structure...

Bob

Nice creative work on the "Fat flat" Bob[Flanger].

Outstanding work as always Sirt. Since you do not consider yourself a craftsman and kit builder I can hardly wait to see your work when you learn!

As regards new buildings or kits I would also like to have a Brick Church with Steeple.

There are some building designs and siding types that are very regional such as those on Grain Elevators and feed mills. To offer models of Grain Elevators and Feed Mills it would require a lot of research to cover the most regions with the fewest variations.

Andrew

I agree Andrew. I scratch built this interpretation of a feed and grain mill. It fits an odd spot in a corner and is serviced by a spur. They sell AG supplies, sell and service Jon Deere tractors, the adjoining building houses the local grange office and this spot is a favorite for locals to gather and chew the fat for a while before heading back home to their farms.

Bob

Very nice, Bob.

I appreciate it Fred...thanks!

Bob

I don't need real fancy buildings.I'm one of those close enough is good enough guys.I don't weather anything.I have been very pleased with the Ameritowne Buildings.They are easy to alter and to build for someone with my limited abilities.
I would like for more detail parts to be available from the specific maker of the kits that might be listed with an inclusion in the kit.Some of the Walthers buildings came with several different sets of signs.Possibly different "packages" of detail parts would be available.

quote:

Originally posted by flanger:
I think Jerrman is offering some excellent advice for those who have found a kit they want to try building a representation of in O scale.

I want to add the notion of also using your imagination to come up with a design of your own. Totally freelanced using pictures of building you've seen for ideas perhaps or just memories of structure which might have existed in your hometown or elsewhere. Take scrap paper and cut it up and tape it together to make it fit the exact spot you want the finished building to be located. This basic pattern will assure the final structure will fit properly. Build something using the dimensions of that simple footprint...the satisfaction of doing so will far exceed building a kit I assure you. Develope this skill over time and it will reward you many fold. Try it and good luck.

Bob

Those are excellent points. I, too, have gotten past the point where I will limit myself to just commercially available buildings or even kits. There just aren't that many of the generic ones that I really want. I have specific areas (usually of strange or oddball sizes) that I need to fill. And my skills, although modest, have gotten to the point where I'll try most things.

The two mills in this photo (left to right: Blooming Mill, Open Hearth) are actually 3-D backdrops with a soon-to-be-hidden yard lead running underneath and a highway overpass running between them. Sorry, this isn't the best photo of them. It took some time to figure out how to construct the buildings, but it isn't as difficult as it might appear. In fact I did an NMRA clinic based on constructing the Blooming Mill at the last Model Railroad Jamboree in Pittsburgh (April 2011).



If I were to put my wish list together, it would be for a more diverse set of buildings, but it would also ask for much more industrial building details and components. I hope that people like Les Lewis (Westport Models) continue to expand their selection of such parts and details. And I fervently hope that business model is valid in today's O gauge model railroading world.

George

Sirt, I've been looking for glass insulators like your power station has for a long time. Do you know of a suppler that sells them?
This thread is really helping me planning my new layout. Thanks everyone. Don

Seems to me there's so much opportunity in scratch building either through your own imagination or by using HO scale designs for ideas. I think Flanger's examples of the background building or the grain and feed building are really great examples of using structure designs that have relatively simple lines. That makes the scratch building much easier, particularly when you're starting out. They may look really complicated but if you look closely and dissect the building into its major pieces, you can see how it can be done and not have it seem overwhelming. When you add the details, signs, etc. it takes on the look of a true craftsman type building kit. Before long you may be scratch building like SIRT or Vulcan (well, maybe not but we can hope). The pictures below were all done off HO designs. When I looked at the HO pictures from different angles, they all seem to have relatively simple lines that can be copied. I changed a few things along the way, due to availability or choice. There are way easier building to start with, like small cabins, freight houses, etc. all online that could provide inspiration.

I too wish there were more O scale buildings out there, particularly hi-rise city type buildings that are plentiful in HO. But, in the meantime, for originality and creative pleasure, scratch building is the way to go.

Jerrman

Jerrman, wow real fine models...Brian Boot Co in particular! It has great character and finish and best of all no one has one like it.

Bob

Good thread

quote:

Sirt, I've been looking for glass insulators like your power station has for a long time. Do you know of a suppler that sells them?

George, Hobby Lobby or any crafts store has tons of glass beads and other things. Try Wal-mart craft section also.

Steve

quote:

Originally posted by Jerrman:
Seems to me there's so much opportunity in scratch building either through your own imagination or by using HO scale designs for ideas. I think Flanger's examples of the background building or the grain and feed building are really great examples of using structure designs that have relatively simple lines.
....
The pictures below were all done off HO designs. When I looked at the HO pictures from different angles, they all seem to have relatively simple lines that can be copied. I changed a few things along the way, due to availability or choice. There are way easier building to start with, like small cabins, freight houses, etc. all online that could provide inspiration.

Jerrman,
I love all three of those buildings, and I couldn't agree more with the above statement. They have that hard-to-describe uniqueness that you just can't buy. I agree that a big part of getting started in scratchbuilding involves "picking your battles" -- finding the right buildings to attempt and finding existing work to act as inspiration. HO kits are definitely great, but so are other people's scratch projects. That doesn't mean you have to end up with anything that anybody would call a "copy". I often find two or three buildings of the kind I am working on and pick elements from each. That's what I did in the shed I just finished. It has elements inspired by an O-guage copy of an HO model that I found on another forum and also some from a shed that Vulcan did a while ago (I'm sure he recognized the parts that I ripped off ) The rest is all mine. IMO, there is nothing like knowing that a piece can't be found on anybody else's layout, even if the results aren't as refined as a pre-made item. Of course, kit bashing and plain-old accessorizing can be just as satisfying if you are just getting started or are short on time.

One thing that I always do when I start a project is to do a google image search to look for similar projects that other people have done. It is amazing how easy it is to find relevant ideas that way.

The only immediate solution is to take as many photos as possible of the classic buildings you like the most that are still existing.

Take those images and print the images on thick photo paper.

Build temporary paper models with the prints.

Andrew.

Some really nice buildings pictured above. Thanks to all who posted.

quote:

Sirt, I've been looking for glass insulators like your power station has for a long time. Do you know of a suppler that sells them

San Juan makes some small "glass" insulators.

This is a fantastic thread! Thank you!

I understand the basic concept of scratch building and I can build the basic shapes using basswood etc..

However..How tall should a building be so that it is scale height and length?

Where I get hung up is on the detailing part and finding where to get the different types of sidings/windows/lights/railings/steps

All of that is what makes it a great model but where can one find these various supplies?

My next project is a trackside brick warehouse with a RR loading dock and I understand how to build the structure but where do I go from there?

here is an example of what I want to create:



Thanks!

Will...check these two websites...they will be very informative. Also if you do not own an O scale ruler you should get one. I will help you determine sizes in the 1/4" scale world...invaluable item for any scratch builder.

http://www.grandtline.com/

http://www.tichytraingroup.com/

Bob

Will, in addition to Flanger' suggestions regarding windows/doors, here's some other places you might check out for your scratch building supplies:

Clapboard wood wall sections: Northeastern Scale Models, Mt. Albert, Micro-mark (I like Northeastern as they offer 3" wide wall sections as well as 3 1/2". If you figure the 3" section is 12' in prototype then it's a realistic height for each floor. They offer different types of wood sections so take your pick and preference). Rustystumps.com also has a great selection of wall sections including brick and stone in 1/4" scale.

For building details, I'd check Rustystumps again for stairway sections, roofing and other castings. Also, definitely look over the tons of castings that Modeltechstudions.com has. Barmillsmodels.com has roofing materials and a nice line-up of detail castings as well. I could go on and on as there are many other great manufacturers that have what you're looking for. For an overview, try ValleyModelTrains. com who has kits and details from most of the major sellers. Barring that, just Google any specific part you're looking for and someone will undoubtedly be making it.

Jerrman

Thank you both for the fantastic tips I really appreciate it those are great sites...I knew about tichy train because I bought windows there for my coal mine! The other ones are fantastic!