I need some projects to keep me busy at home and thought I might build some rolling stock from kits.
Besides eBay, what are some good online retailers and sources of O Scale rolling stock building kits?
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The FOR SALE Forum is worth looking through. If you have an idea of what you want, The WANT TO BUY OR TRADE would be a good place to put a message. Rails Unlimited always has a nice selection. Most kits do not come with trucks or couplers. John in Lansing, ILL
Very few current kits in production for rolling stock. If you have some idea of what you might like to build, yes, "The WANT TO BUY OR TRADE would be a good place to put a message".
Similarly, there is the OSCALEYARDSALE: https://groups.io/g/OSCALEYARDSALE
The Rails Unlimited cars are very nice, not cheap, and usually require a lot of added details to complete, along with paint and decals.
LaBelle makes a line of very nice wood kits; again those require a lot of added details to complete, along with paint and decals.
Until such time that meets and shows resume, judicious use of eBay might be you best bet for finding some kits.
Just what do you want build?
Really, I am looking at beginner level kits--if there is such a thing. The old Weaver Quality Craft kits would have been a good choice for me to start but I don't know how many of those are still sitting around unbuilt.
JBuettner posted:Really, I am looking at beginner level kits--if there is such a thing. The old Weaver Quality Craft kits would have been a good choice for me to start but I don't know how many of those are still sitting around unbuilt.
The plastic hoppers? Used to see small mountains of them at meets. Wish I had any to send you.
Maybe look about for the basic wood kits from Huff 'n' Puff or Main Line? Lots on the secondary market; LaBelle bought those lines, but unknown as to if in production again.
JBuettner posted:Really, I am looking at beginner level kits--if there is such a thing. The old Weaver Quality Craft kits would have been a good choice for me to start but I don't know how many of those are still sitting around unbuilt.
I think ebay is your best source. I doubt many still exist on store shelves. I see Weaver kits every once in a while but to be honest you may end up paying more for a kit than a completed item. Yiu may want to look for old Walthers passenger car kits. Fun to build and the hardest part is shaping the wood roof. The rest is pretty straight forward.
Pete
I just purchased a couple Intermountain kits from Caboose Stop Hobbies in Cedar Falls,IA. Carroll still had a number of these and she said she had a number of Weaver kits also. She’s doing a Facebook live tomorrow, she’s quick to answer questions.
James
Ask on the O Scale yard sale. There are lots and lots of those kits still around in the original boxes. we all bought them and put them on the shelf for "someday" and then changed direction, moved on, or wanted something difference.
If you go to an O scale non-generic train show, you will see them on many tables. Unfortunately, those shows are not available right now, but the sellers just migh be watching for a WTB,
Quality Craft became Gloorcraft and is gone. Ambroid kits are basically the same style and what not as Quality Craft. Labelle bought some of these lines and has not reissued. Suncoast Models is still in existence I think and has some car kits and some building kits. All Nation and Athearn Boxcars and some other style cars are pretty easy to build and had pre-painted sides.
Typically in O scale, trucks and couplers were not included in kits. Everyone used their favorites.
Why don't you try your hand at "Buildings"? They are much easier to find than rolling stock kits.
I was just looking at the website for Caboose Stop Hobbies in Cedar Rapids Iowa.
The photo of the O Scale inventory showed a large shelf of older kits - All Nation, MainLine, Labelle etc. Might be worth a call if looking for kits right now.
Scenery accessories. Small items can be hand made or small, small kits. Boxes, crates, saw horses, etc.
For immediate gratification, the Weaver kits fit the bill. Card stock kits for buildings take a little time to do them right but the results are fine. Some time is spent waiting for the glue to dry. If you are looking for a passenger car that is easy to assemble but requires patience try an American Standard kit. John in Lansing, ILL
