Kit Question

WigWag Workshop · May 13, 2020, 12:51:02 PM

Hey Der Folks,

I hope this is OK to ask, I am looking for some opinions on JL Innovative Design Kits. I am new to building wood kits, and have the opportunity to get a couple of these kits in a trade. I have a few "starter" kits from RailroadKits and FOS that I will be starting, and the JL kits will be in the stash until I build a few basic kits.

Thank You in Advance,

-Steven

GPdemayo · May 13, 2020, 01:42:57 PM

Hi Steven.....I haven't done any JL kits, but have not heard anything bad about them.

They do own the Durango Press line that I have a few of and they are nicely detailed, especially the kits for the cranes.

Good luck and welcome to the forum.....and don't forget the photos, because we love pictures.....

Janbouli · May 13, 2020, 01:53:49 PM

I have built a few in N-scale, some of them need some tinkering because it doesn't fit well ,but all n all I think they are nice kits. That said in N-scale we are slightly satisfied easier because there's not as much choice as in H0.

PRR Modeler · May 13, 2020, 03:10:59 PM

Welcome to the forum and just jump in and get your feet wet. That's what I did and enjoy.

BandOGuy · May 13, 2020, 04:04:08 PM

Welcome!
I hope that, in addition to the secret handshake, someone has told you we LOVE pictures of what you're accomplishing model-wise.

bparrish · May 13, 2020, 06:10:39 PM

Steven....

JL is a pretty good company. Straight forward and good instructions. Never had anything missing that should have been in a kit.

If you are new to building in wood........... find some yellow Franklin Tite bond glue and get a bunch of #11 blades.

Also consider Jimmy Deignan's Railroad Kits company. They make a great little starter barn called Dannen Feed that will get you started for under 20 bux. Jimmy has the instructions on line and that cuts the cost also.

Here is a link.

https://railroadkits.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=4

See ya.
Bob

Oh.... and welcome aboard.

Oldguy · May 13, 2020, 10:02:55 PM

They are a decent kit, I'm doing a build on one now. Good idea to do a Railroad Kit and a FOS or two before jumping on a JL Innovative one.

jerryrbeach · May 14, 2020, 06:18:41 AM

Steven,

For me one big plus with the JL kits is their full size plan drawings. Second plus is they supply a number of nice castings with most kits. In my experience their kits are what I would term "mixed media". They like to use some plastic parts such as stairs and storefronts (as well as plastic windows commonly supplied with many kits). This approach means you don't have to build up these parts from smaller pieces. It also means you have to make sure you test fit surrounding parts while building to make sure the wood and plastic parts fit together precisely. Some JL kits are easier than others. I rate the Suds Bucket as one of their more difficult kits and recommend trying one or two of the others first. I agree 100% that Railroad Kits are good starter kits to learn basic skills. I built their set of three garages when recovering from surgery, thinking that if I messed up it was no great loss.

postalkarl · May 14, 2020, 08:00:39 AM

Hey Jan:

Never built one of their kits. I've heard they are nice though.

Karl

WigWag Workshop · May 14, 2020, 10:51:10 AM

Thanks for all the wonderful feedback, I truly appreciate it.

WigWag Workshop · May 14, 2020, 10:53:12 AM

Quote from: Oldguy on May 13, 2020, 10:02:55 PM
They are a decent kit, I'm doing a build on one now. Good idea to do a Railroad Kit and a FOS or two before jumping on a JL Innovative one.

I have the Railroad Kits J. Keen Supplies Kit and "Build Along" DVD, that I will build has my first wood kit.

WigWag Workshop · May 14, 2020, 10:56:37 AM

Quote from: bparrish on May 13, 2020, 06:10:39 PM
Steven....

JL is a pretty good company. Straight forward and good instructions. Never had anything missing that should have been in a kit.

If you are new to building in wood........... find some yellow Franklin Tite bond glue and get a bunch of #11 blades.

Also consider Jimmy Deignan's Railroad Kits company. They make a great little starter barn called Dannen Feed that will get you started for under 20 bux. Jimmy has the instructions on line and that cuts the cost also.

Here is a link.

https://railroadkits.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=4

See ya.
Bob

Oh.... and welcome aboard.

I have the Railroad Kits J. Keen Supplies Kit and "Build Along" DVD, that I will build has my first wood kit. One of my other hobbies is woodworking, I buy Tite Bond by the gallon lol. Thank You for the Welcome