Large Scale Central

How many people still build from kits

Modeling
#21

The kit Don is building is the coach kit I was referring to. While Don is happy with that price I need two of these of which I would be bashing to make into Brill coaches. An here in lies my personal problem. Maybe I have chosen an inappropriate hobby for my available resources but $600 bucks for two kits that I would have to modify is just not going to happen. It makes no difference really if that is a great value, I just don’t have the disposable income to pay those prices.

So I will make these coaches from scratch but cutting all those seats would suck. I might be willing to pay to have the seats cut but that’s about it. all me cheap, call me frugal, call me just plan poor; I can’t, I won’t pay those prices. So while I appreciate the services available it is unlikely i will use them for much.

I offer this only because in reality I think the vast majority of people in the hobby or wanting to be in this hobby simply do not have the funds to drop on such services. Now if you decide to buy this equipment so you can pursue your hobby and then to recoup some money then I think yu will find enough people to support your hobby. I am not sure you will find enough to support you business.

One avenue to approach is to think out side the box. Model RR is only on place to offer the service. Doll house builders, military modelers, maybe gamers, all do scale modeling. I like the idea of you saying hey provide the file and I will provide the parts. I could see several applications for that. Those carter Bro coaches are an example. The files are done. I don’t want a complete kit. Just the parts. Now if you provide that such service then maybe you will go farther than you would if you provide just a box kit. Look at the business Shapeways does. same principle.

I do wish you the best. I still hope someday to open that hobby shop as a retirement project.

#22

With the cots of technology like laser cutters and 3D printing coming down, and the sharing of plans and diagrams, I can see where a cottage industry can develop. A cottage industry where folks make kits and parts and such that the big manufacturers do not produce. There are so many pieces of rolling stock available in HO for instance, that are not available in large scale. The cottage industry of privately produced kits, parts and cars could fill that void/need.

As for the cost to make these things, I do not know. But I do believe there would be a market for such items.

If you do decide to get a laser cutter and start making kits and parts I hope you do well.

#23

What’s a kit?

Ed

#24

I like kits.

A lack of dedicated work space as well as tools negates my ability to scratch build.

And yes, a $300 kit is way above my price point.

Ralph

#25

Devon,

You most certainly are not the only victim of ‘dwindling disposable income syndrome’. We all suffer from that. As was said above, the number of ‘look what I just bough’ threads have also dwindled.

The way I see the future of large scale moving is back in time to the days of scratch building, kit bashing and kit building. Due to the costs involved, my perspective on the methodology might be different than some, but the distributed sources might be the best method. Phil Dipple has a fair investment in tooling for his business and recovering that cost is built into his kits. I think Ozark is not doing their business any service by having purchased the Hartford line, adding it to their web site, then having no stock. I am personally looking into developing a D&RGW freight truck with another caster that may become available. Having a laser cutter that is willing to do piece work will allow me to build what I want, but within the cost constraints of my disposable income.

From Chester’s point of view, if he is doing the drawings and generating the kits I would then expect a kit that fits and works when I receive it. I am certain that Phil made several ‘prototype’ kits before his kits fit and went together as well as they do (knowledge from others not personal). Chester must make it clear that if he cuts from others files, fitment is the sole responsibility of the supplier of the cutting file. Being a designer by trade, I would accept that up front, others may not. On the flip side of that issue, Chester will need to clearly define how his equipment functions in relation to what file type he is being provided. To illustrate this, a plasma cutter I used to use in my work read DXF files. To determine whether the cutter cut inside or outside the line, the path had to be converted to a polyline and the line had to be either clockwise or counterclockwise. The direction of the polyline determine inside or outside. This will affect fitment.

Chester may choose to quote by project or by material and time. By project would require sourcing all sorts of materials that a customer might wish to use. If allowing the customer to provide material, I would suggest that unless the material is known, a sample would need to be sent to allow Chester to test the cut ability of the material. This statement is brought about by me having a supply of plastic sheeting that was signage for a company my spouse worked for.

Modelers have preferences of material. I happen to prefer wood for my projects. Many prefer plastic. Ray Dunakin is a master at making plastic look like wood. Me, not so much. With a good filler or sanding sealer I can make wood look like steel. These materials cut differently, both is speed and byproducts. Most plastics will produce a fume that MUST BE EXHAUSTED as they are toxic. Wood, depending on whether it is solid wood or laminated (plywood), may or may not be toxic. Phil used to have a tab on his web site on building his shop in Colorado, it had some neat information if you read between the lines.

In Devon’s case, knowing the cars, it is my belief that the seating would definitely be a marketable item. For the hobbyist, the seating is a boring and redundant task. Seating as a kit in 1:20.3 and 1:22.5 and a reasonable price point would sell. A suggestion to assist in justifying price point might be to state that the kit consumes ‘X’ square feet of ‘Y’ material. No dollars required, let the buyer do that homework.

Chester, I surely don’t wish to discourage you, but these are a few of my thoughts on your endeavor. If piece work is something you might be considering, I certainly will give you an opportunity.

Good luck

#26

Phil’s NG web site is at ‘philsnarrowgauge.com’. He is not making kits at this time but he will be at the Denver Convention this Summer and the last time I heard from him he said he was making kits to sell there. However that may change, so don’t quote me on that!

I have built two of his kits and like them a lot. However I also build from cut wood as well and if I can get ‘Delton Sprung Trucks’ I will build more. Keep in mind that most NG RR used home built rolling stock, buying only the metal casting and trucks they needed. I did a clinic at PSGRS a couple of years ago on that subject.

Paul Austin

#27

Phil’s NG web site is at ‘philsnarrowgauge.com’. He is not making kits at this time but he will be at the Denver Convention this Summer and the last time I heard from him he said he was making kits to sell there. However that may change, so don’t quote me on that!

I have built two of his kits and like them a lot. However I also build from cut wood as well and if I can get ‘Delton Sprung Trucks’ I will build more. Keep in mind that most NG RR used home built rolling stock, buying only the metal casting and trucks they needed. I did a clinic at PSGRS a couple of years ago on that subject.

Paul Austin

#28

Hi everybody,

I what to thank all who responded to my questionaire. You’ve all given me plenty to think about and the direction in which I wish to go.

Over the weekend a friend came forward and has offered to help with the developement of a 24ft Carter Brothers boxcar kit in 1:20.3. I am very excited about this new adventure and will keep you all posted on the progress of this kit.

Thanks again for all the support you have shown me.

Chester