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104KiB, 761x1000, 81DsLPSbs+L._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_.jpg

Anonymous Wed 17 Jul 2024 03:46:03 No.11072783 View View Reply Original Report

Quoted By: >>11073108 >>11091993 >>11099148 >>11099152

Is it cheaper to scratch build your own model locomotives and rolling stock? I'm specifically into British rail and the RTR locos and rolling stock is too expensive for me. I don't really find buying RTR items fulfilling either. It's like buying a Lego kit, boring to build because everything is laid out for you.

Anonymous

Anonymous Wed 17 Jul 2024 12:25:49 No.11073108 Report

Quoted By: >>11073395

>>11072783
Out of brass? No way. But if you make yourself a vacuum forming machine and maybe a resin casting set, it should be relatively cheap to make locomotives, you just need patience.

Consider practicing by building a vacuum formed model kit first. Usually, you need to improvise with these in order to get a good result.

Anonymous

Anonymous Wed 17 Jul 2024 17:58:33 No.11073395 Report

Quoted By:

>>11073108
What about nickel? I hear it's easier to work with and isn't messy.

Maybe styrene + x-acto knife + resin + wheels + dc motors will do the trick.

Anonymous

Anonymous Fri 19 Jul 2024 12:12:39 No.11075876 Report

Quoted By:

In the end I don’t think you’ll save a lot of money unless you already have the kind of precision tools needed to machine a mechanism, or access to them. That’s the hard part, getting a working chassis, while everything else is cosmetic and just along for the ride. I’ve built locomotives but used an existing mechanism. The satisfaction you’ll get from building a unique model is priceless.

Anonymous

Anonymous Mon 22 Jul 2024 09:15:52 No.11079460 Report

Quoted By:

Sometimes but only if you have all the tools not just to build but also paint it to a good finish. Wagons and other rolling stock are a lot simpler and easy to make than locomotives and a good place to start if you're new. Usually people go with kit builds because they want some obscure model of locomotive that has no RTR for sale.

Getting a working mechanism isn't too difficult or expensive really, the kit should have all the gearing you just need a motor and those are cheap.

Maybe start with buying broken or non-running second hand trains and try refurbishing them as well as weathering projects. It's an easier start and all the skills and tools will still be used for full kit builds.

Anonymous

Anonymous Mon 29 Jul 2024 12:48:45 No.11091993 Report

Quoted By:

>>11072783
Not really my thing but anything in getting an old mechanism and one of those old Dalpol plastic kits, maybe some Evergreen etc.

Anonymous

Anonymous Sat 03 Aug 2024 18:25:50 No.11099148 Report

Quoted By:

>>11072783
Locomotives? No
Rolling stock? Unbuilt kits exist and are generally cheaper than RTR.

Anonymous

Anonymous Sat 03 Aug 2024 18:28:18 No.11099152 Report

Quoted By:

>>11072783
Learn how to bargain hunt it isn't that hard. I've found premium, top of the line rolling stock for under 20 quids a piece and locos well below MSRP and even street pricing. eBay, train shows, and just knowing people like in a train club help immensely.

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