Craftsman kits come in all shapes, sizes and mediums. We are all familiar with the wood and plaster and resin kind. But are there craftsman kits made out of paper? ???
Well, the answer is "yes".
I stumbled upon a line of paper kits made in the UK, Metcalfe models (https://www.metcalfemodels.com). These folks have a large collection of cost conscious kits. They make them in different scales. What is interesting is that the HO Scale ones are suitable for HO and OO Scale. What is OO Scale you ask. OO is 1:76.2 or 4mm to the foot. It is slightly larger than HO Scale at 1:87 or 3.5 mm to the foot. Metcalfe markets these kits as HO/OO but I think they are closer to OO than HO.
Anyway, this is the kit I bought.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7752.JPG&hash=ea5bb7e9953499a737d506709464fcbff5ed2eab)
It comes in a bright green envelope about the size of a manila envelope used for interoffice mail.
This is what the built up kit looks like.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250-800x439.JPG&hash=8f9d6398b7ae1710dbc211ee06bffbc63c35fa52)
You get two buildings so it is a fair deal for 8.75 GBP which is roughly 11.41 USD on 1/16/2020.
This is what you get when you open the kit.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7891.JPG&hash=e99b99bbcaf1b289db78ee9c1c19918e4dd0f73a)
Perhaps the most clever bit in these kits is how there is a guide to help you cutt out the parts from the card sheets.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7892.JPG&hash=151bf94a110faa3cf888cd9f23dafa55e748de05)
See those blue arrows. That is where you start the cut with the hobby knife and you gently drag the blade in the direction of the blue arrow and inside the score/trough already cut into the card sheet. It makes it a breeze to cut out the parts.
The card sheets are a fibrous 1 mm thick stiff paper. It gives the model a rigidity I was not expecting from a paper kit.
The card sheets fold out to reveal all of the walls attached to each other and scored at the corner joints. It makes it a snap to keep it all together.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7893.JPG&hash=243c97469e0400aff4c260aa656e4816211267d4)
The instructions are very thorough and easy to follow.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7894.JPG&hash=1f6b29d1d86244d4e6f08cdf9276e4777c06aafa)
So I am off on a paper craftsman kit adventure.
Why am I building a paper kit of a British farm house? ??? ? I liked the look of it and was intrigued by the paper part and I need something to work on while stuff dries on my other projects or I'll get distracted and bored and not finish anything.
More as it develops.
Jaime
From styrene to paper... I think Jaime is going backwards in time :-)
dave
These look real good when completed .
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fjanbouli.com%2Fimages%2Fgebouwen%2Fmetregal%2Fmetregal16.jpg&hash=d882d5bae1f7f9499e941d594f0f76ceec90fb7a)
Paper is nothing more than rearranged wood fibers ...
Jaime
There is a lot to like about this kit. For example, it comes with a thick sheet of plain cardstock already scored for the inner floors in the buildings. It allows the modeler the ability to shore up the structures and perhaps detail the interiors readily.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7895.JPG&hash=81c2fec6239f7abf06b6c81592d8d6d0b1aec2b0)
In the same sheet are bits to laminate to make formers for the chimneys in the buildings.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7896.JPG&hash=2599f1dfd4ef2fe3d89d275bc493354f8e09e35b)
Time to start gluing stuff together.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7897.JPG&hash=10a1b0e1469435beed209bd46d3357721e488b46)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7898.JPG&hash=a48921492d5dfb86222dcbfc351958816d63a75f)
Notice the detail in the corners of the building. Since all of the walls are one large piece one scores and folds, there is no worry about misaligning the walls.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7899.JPG&hash=470d45fdaf8ed77d8dac60e32cb944ae9207f42a)
The chimney formers are glued to the insides of the chimneys.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7900.JPG&hash=dec6f49afdb209f10d1968460739ca9bc69a235d)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7901.JPG&hash=83e78ee293d3d14d58444525a9712eb897d44a74)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7902.JPG&hash=ddda50c4e41866c40dbd1a34c69238af7fdfc8c8)
I used white glue for the task.
The door fits inside the building and is glued to tabs that fold into the building.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7903.JPG&hash=ff5736de56043da05eed4450bb8d67f9a4ddc4f1)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7904.JPG&hash=6529b9d0b333b5094cc4484b81bf9cd1bf4281ff)
I decided to place the door on my work surface and lower the building on top of the door so I could align it properly.
More as it develops.
Jaime
Interesting kit Jamie...nice work so far...thanks for sharing.
Jaime , I used artists markers to give the edges the color needed , so they wouldn't be white . I also used the markers to fade the brick , just very light grays . I hope you can see the difference in the following 2 photo's .
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fjanbouli.com%2Fimages%2Fgebouwen%2Fmetregal%2Fmetregal13.jpg&hash=3a6cc467c8d518a49c8f33e9c6004f9f5c7677cb)(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fjanbouli.com%2Fimages%2Fgebouwen%2Fmetregal%2Fmetregal14.jpg&hash=6bd4061841445f2d63b2339db2117639f93f2d25)
Jan,
I have used Prismaclor markers in the past to hide the white edges of card kits.
That is perhaps one of the drawbacks I ket noticing about these kits. Because the walls are all connected from the factory and folded flat, there is a slight "trough" at the very corner joint. This is easily hidden when gluing two separate walls. Not so much on these kits.
I gather your models are N Scale so the "trough" is not as pronounced as in the HO/OO kits.
Thanks for the tip and your models look way cool.
Jaime
Moving on to the windows.
The kit comes with printed windows on a clear acetate/plastic/styrene medium. The "mullions" are printed on the clear sheet of glazing and the walls have knockouts for the window openings.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7905.JPG&hash=1e0bba7c8bb0837a2fdeb70d9eee69687f205a66)
Everything is clearly labeled so the modeler doesn't get confused. All one needs to do is cut out each window along its outline on the clear glazing sheet.
The instructions say to use "the matt side" facing the outside. Well, to me both sides were shiny. Perhaps "matt" means something totally different in British English.
Let me show you.
First the printed side facing out.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7906.JPG&hash=66e79dbdcedaf5503044ed9333002633142d9282)
Second, the printed side facing in.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7907.JPG&hash=00d836c29bed9e10d4f5f2af74e7bbcd7074a80a)
I could not tell which side was "matt".
However, it dawned on me. The mullions should be in the front and the "glass" in the back. So, I chose to glue the windows with the printed side facing out.
I used white glue to fasten the windows to the openings.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7909.JPG&hash=996d4e4bc462ba75eb55f364832160c2530d9abf)
And the window assemblies to the inside of the wall.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7910.JPG&hash=7d33ab4a9fe630ec639c8e938dfcec1b6202edb8)
Again like the door, I placed the window flat on my work surface and then lowered the wall on top to align it all correctly.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7911.JPG&hash=0c336a5a5eb03e44804adae2890b8f9604a27e45)
Here is a look at how it turns out.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7915.JPG&hash=e14d54ecadfa3853c299654b37345292e6c4eada)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7929.JPG&hash=3b6ca66ebcc68630a3e050a257c0804019e5c2b0)
You can begin to appreciate the scale of HO/OO. It is really OO. That little guy needs a step stool to reach the door handle :-)
More as it develops.
Jaime
Jaime
Very interesting kit.
Your doing a fine job.
Thanks for the nice tutorial as you go through putting it together.
Jerry
What are you using for glue?
dave
Jaime,
We all know wooden structures can warp over time. I wonder what these paper/cardboard ones will do. Have you given any thought to adding wood bracing to the building before assembling it? Would it help prevent future warping? Just a thought.
Geo2rge aka timbob60
Quote from: deemery on January 18, 2020, 09:35:38 AM
What are you using for glue?
dave
Elmer's white glue.
Jaime
Quote from: Timbob60 on January 18, 2020, 12:23:42 PM
Jaime,
We all know wooden structures can warp over time. I wonder what these paper/cardboard ones will do. Have you given any thought to adding wood bracing to the building before assembling it? Would it help prevent future warping? Just a thought.
Geo2rge aka timbob60
I'm building it like the instructions call for. Some areas on the walls have "double thickness". Some areas on the walls as you will see shortly are shored up by inner reinforcements.
I have wondered if the built up would withstand humidity once a modeler begins to work upon the scenery around it.
Jaime
Time to glue the walls together.
Included with the kit is a substantial sheet of unprinted cardstock. This is used to add "double thickness" to some areas of the kit as well as it includes the chimney formers and the inner floors which give the structures some rigidity. It also helps to add a floor to the second story if one decides to add an interior.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7930.JPG&hash=b59ec64b9eaf62f4dff6df4dcdd17dad867df46a)
Here is how the instructions direct the modeler to use the inner floors.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7931.JPG&hash=f2ded630d76460824cbbb3a4613fa1fe1161b1b0)
Basically one lines up the inner floor (as well as the inner ceiling) and the walls wrap around it to form the structure.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7932.JPG&hash=a1ca54ff69caee06d852517a8abc4ea71ba32e64)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7933.JPG&hash=02d3e008ad04960946f3c11e8ba766672966c9e9)
Now it is starting to look like a building.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7934.JPG&hash=8132c0b13829507fb781bcc17a4952a95b0e2238)
It is not very big, relatively.
There is still more window glazing to add. However, this glazing is glued directly to the inner wall as it comes with no "window".
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7935.JPG&hash=b2f89b688c32f36716a17c1648ab9443e64ea6d8)
This next part was the first bit that I was not too happy about. The roof fits under the chimney walls but it is not quite wide enough to span the gap. Thus, one chimney had to be tilted back a tad to close up the gap.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7936.JPG&hash=d7c9f0fcade5b9a806c921ae7420a2503a849147)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7937.JPG&hash=d7442126166be2a27de0fd14bef7af79679bc708)
It is not terribly noticeable but it is visible to me and well, it bothered me a bit.
There is a front entrance that attaches to the main building. Its construction is very similar to the main building.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7938.JPG&hash=e7393b39dc1ec44a93455295471fb55564be2c46)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7939.JPG&hash=08874652486ad2b48c330aa30748fc235333ca5c)
AD 1679. There are not many stone farm houses built in 1679 here in the USA. It is going to be a tough sell to put this one in the foreground of a layout.
More as it develops.
Jaime
These Metcalfe kits come with more than meets the eye. For example, at the Metcalfe Models website (http://www.metcalfemodels.com) you can download the instructions, a site plan for the built up kit and extras like curtains and shingles for the kit. Go take a look. If nothing else you'll get some free curtains ::)
Here is how you do the curtains.
1. download the curtains file
2. print the curtains
3. cut out the curtains
4. glue some spare bits of card to the outside of the window on the inside (this gives the scenery some depth)
5. glue the curtains to the spare bits of card
It's that simple.
So, this kit comes with a gabled addition to the main building and some lean-to additions to both buildings. The gabled end and the lean-tos are built just like the main building. I decided to add curtains to the gabled end. And here is how all that went after following the steps above.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7944.JPG&hash=1de6744952572763e2a1ca127abe0d6d18a813aa)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7945.JPG&hash=773c6c720d3426a82574c45d1eb5da21cabfd7d1)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7946.JPG&hash=4cdc82bf16d27fb837ad5d222638f58e5919078f)
See how there is a shadow behind the mullions cast onto the curtains. Pretty nifty.
The gabled end and the lean-tos did not provide an inner window frame for all the glazing so one glues the glazing directly on the inside of the wall.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7947.JPG&hash=b4272c2b1c1b5958fa7dfd8bc6d2f3762db41d9b)
Here is how that gabled end goes on the main building.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7948.JPG&hash=dcf8ceadaa1f7c1c2dd36d61931efc29e59c453b)
There are also caps for the chimneys to glue on.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7950.JPG&hash=59be44e76bd28ea1a54ca716346127d5648b2346)
And here is a closer look at the scale of the kit. Note that the front entrance door is larger than the other doors.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7951.JPG&hash=c41db86a75660efddac035146043516b0c438218)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7952.JPG&hash=c63730bf7ae2d1aa71e9bcc64e15520bd6b73e4c)
That is an HO figure I had in my stash of stuff. I hadn't thought to measure him before so I did that and he measures out to 7 ft tall against my HO Scale rule. So, your mileage will vary with these kits and everything else on your layout.
There are two lean-tos for the main building. These are not compulsory and can be arranged to fit on any of the walls of the main building. So, I played around with the lean-tos to determine what I liked best. Here is what I came up with.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7953.JPG&hash=62e3d5c9aa95d8f86292fe22dd54a254ad655a28)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7955.JPG&hash=73ba0f56cb7118c48f27601bf37ff1a6fa65d996)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7956.JPG&hash=275d6e099ae239321002a4cc59aad507478a057c)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7957.JPG&hash=ed77c78da19512a66a56e6b5f72cc46e100bf8e7)
And the configuration I finally settled on was this one.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7958.JPG&hash=d6736ee1a16d1903419505a978c111bd951f1376)
I like how it makes the building even broader. It should make for an impressive scene along the back of a module. I don't feel the kit has enough detail and definition to make it a foreground model. However, a dedicated modeler could make this work as a foreground model. I was just putzing around with this kit as I was really intrigued by the Metcalfe catalog of kits.
I still have the second building the put together, the worker's cottage.
More as it develops.
Jaime
Really interesting build. Thanks for the journey.
The kit came out very well.....good work Jaime. 8)
Thanks for all the feedback.
Time to wrap it up.
This is what the second building (worker's cottage) finishes up to.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7962.JPG&hash=caeb31db0f57123df34efc564f00d8c8eb391e78)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7963.JPG&hash=857e39cbfcdac3988dbffdfc5a28dc742748f526)
Like the main building, the lean-tos can be added where the modelers chooses.
Along with the kit you get a sheet of "ridge tiles". I read over the instructions and did't feel they were needed plus I was a tad confused on how to use them. Nonetheless, they are there if one wishes to use them.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7964.JPG&hash=2635554f1ac166b3faa479de98c203e7a829330e)
And here is how it would look if I were to put it on my layout or on a diorama using the configuration I liked best.
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7965.JPG&hash=8992bdbf4e1cb5cddaf822fb4bf2e12861972ed6)
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myyehudaexperience.com%2Fimages%2FBuilds%2FPO250_ManorFarmHouse%2FPO250_IMG_7966.JPG&hash=9e63202ce8a1a3bb8e1aa5d2cc0d20281dddc121)
This was a fun departure from the regular stuff. It kept me at the workbench for about 4 evenings. With some extra "bling" once could make this a really nice foreground model.
It's interesting to me how Metcalfe has a full catalog of structures to fit a British themed layout. Makes on wonder if there is enough demand for some models of structures on this side of the world.
Jaime
I bought my Metcalfe kits from a Dutch vendor that attends most of the shows in the Netherlands , I go through his collection looking for kits that could be used on an American style layout. It would be great if Metcalfe or another manufacturer would decide to do more American style kits , they make nice cheap fillers and in N-scale they are good for front row buildings too.
Thanks for sharing Jaime .
Imagine how many kits they would sell in the USA if they priced them below $16.
Jaime
Nice looking structures. I think the 3-D effect of the windows/doors helps with the realism. Better than just printed flat on paper.
Jeff
Nice job Jaime.
Jerry
Thanks, guys.
I may have to give one of their railroad structures a go.
Jaime
Very nice!
Looks great Jaime!
I've only done one Metcalfe kit, years ago. It was a N scale factory, a bit fiddly, but looked great when it was done.
In more recent times, I've built a few card structures in OO (1/76, like Jamie's kit is). A medium station, a canal narrow boat, and a row house. The difference is there were downloaded kits, that you either print out at home or take to a Staple's or Kinko's. You then glue the printed surfaces on card and cut out all the parts yourself. Buy once, make any number of them. The same way Clever Models sells their kits.
Also, they can be re-scaled easily.
Here's some links to a few mfrs for anyone wanting to browse..
http://www.3dk.ca/
http://www.modelrailwayscenery.com/
http://www.scalescenes.com/
http://www.smartmodels.co.uk/
And someone asked about warping. Card kits have been used in the UK for years and years, and I've not read that it is big issue. They seem to hold up well, considering many are on small layouts that get taken to several of their types of train shows several times a year.
Jim
Great links, Jim.
Jaime
Hey Jaime:
It's just hard to believe that is a paper kit. Another great job.
Karl