authenticity

Iread that people modify metcalfe kits.Is this necessary or is it such a disater to erect the buildings as they are meant to be.I am only asking because as a complete beginner I think to change the original design creates work......:hmm

The Metcalfe Kits are fine built out of the box

They can be improved by painting the cut lines and adding gutters and drain pipes

There are some circumstances where "out of the box" doesnt work on an individual layout or you want to use a Kit for another purpose with another module………..I incorporated their MPD water tank and sandhouse into my Brewery module for example

Hope this helps

Modifying kits, no matter who makes them, can be a good way to individualise them as an alternative to full scratchbuilding.

It's very easy, when looking at model railway magazines or visiting model railway exhibitions, to pick out the standard-built kits time and time again. Modifying kits to one's own requirements helps avoid this 'sameness'.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with kit building. The quality of modern kits is very high. Most people start out with ready-made or kit-built buildings. Some progress to full scratchbuilding, some do not. It's all a case of whatever you like doing and how you like to do it.

Although my first love is scratchbuilding in plastikard, I have dabbled in modifying a card kit. You can see the thread here: http://yourmodelrailway.net/view_topic.php?id=7496&forum_id=101

I would say that the Scalescenes kits lend themselves to modification perhaps a little more easily than some of the pre-cut kits such as Metcalfe and Superquick.

No-one on here will tell you you're right or wrong to do whatever you want with a kit. It's your choice entirely. What we will do is help and support you should you run into any problems whether that be with constructing a kit 'out of the packet' or scratchbuilding a mega project like Wayne's 'Old Republic'. http://yourmodelrailway.net/view_topic.php?id=7529&forum_id=14 - not that Wayne needs much help these days!

Perry

as a complete beginner

Let's not lose sight of important detail such as this comment.

Yes it is true that people "kit-bash" Metcalfe and other kits to suit their own requirements but there is nothing to say that this has to be done.

Metcalfe kits are among the best of their kind and don't need to be altered in any way.

However kit-bashing is a means to achieve perhaps a better fit with your individual needs once you feel suitably confident.  Yes it creates work but that is called creativity and is a part of the overall modelling experience.

As a beginner the best starting point is probably to build a couple of the kits as they are.  In doing so you will improve your personal skill level, gain an appreciation of how the kits are designed and built and what can be done with the parts to create a more personalised structure.

Once the basics are mastered it is easier to go on and adapt kits as you wish should you feel the need to do so.

Well spotted Rick,and you are absolutely right.It is better to learn to build a few kits "as is"before trying to alter/customise them.Its like trying to run before you can walk otherwise.

Cheers,John.B.:thumbs

[user=525]Salfordman[/user] wrote:

Iread that people modify metcalfe kits.Is this necessary or is it such a disater to erect the buildings as they are meant to be.I am only asking because as a complete beginner I think to change the original design creates work……:hmm

Hi, S'Man,

Yes, it's work, but with a little effort you can have something unique for YOUR railway.

This   http://yourmodelrailway.net/view_topic.php?id=6068&forum_id=15&highlight=metcalfe+pub+  might give you some inspiration….

If you have any questions on the subject, feel free to PM me.

Good luck, Doug