I would like to start out by saying I am not a Master Model Builder and I can only hope to be on a level of many of the modelers on this site. That being said I have found a way to stretch my layout budget so a little will go a long way. I purchase used buildings and parts from layouts that have been disassembled and sold. My local railroad shop, the Electric Train Depot in Pontchatula, Louisiana, has many of these buildings that are perfect for my HO layout.
Most of these used buildings are sold packaged in plastic bags with prices written on the bag. Prices range from 5.00 dollars to 20 dollars. Most of the buildings are missing little pieces, are poorly painted, not painted, or falling apart. The buildings I find I like the best are the ones that have all of the structural pieces. I can replace windows and add details from my bits box. If the building has all of the doors and windows I am set. Even if it does not have the doors and windows I can cast copies from existing structural parts.
The first thing I do is disassemble as much of the building as possible. I remove all of the windows, scrape any globs of glue, paint, and details still existing. When the building is cleaned up I prime them using white or black primer depending on it's final color. I found most industrial buildings I prime flat black and for civilian buildings I use flat white. I prefer the Army Primer Brand primers and acrylic paints to finish the buildings. After they are painted I print my own decals, signs, and window images. I also use various homemade washes to weather my buildings before sealing them with an acrylic sealant.
By purchasing many of my structures this way I have been able to create a wonderful layout. It also leaves me enough money in my budget to purchase the occasional larger structure and scenery materials to increase the detail level of my layout. If anyone has any additional information on how I can increase the detail level and quality of my structures.
Most of these used buildings are sold packaged in plastic bags with prices written on the bag. Prices range from 5.00 dollars to 20 dollars. Most of the buildings are missing little pieces, are poorly painted, not painted, or falling apart. The buildings I find I like the best are the ones that have all of the structural pieces. I can replace windows and add details from my bits box. If the building has all of the doors and windows I am set. Even if it does not have the doors and windows I can cast copies from existing structural parts.
The first thing I do is disassemble as much of the building as possible. I remove all of the windows, scrape any globs of glue, paint, and details still existing. When the building is cleaned up I prime them using white or black primer depending on it's final color. I found most industrial buildings I prime flat black and for civilian buildings I use flat white. I prefer the Army Primer Brand primers and acrylic paints to finish the buildings. After they are painted I print my own decals, signs, and window images. I also use various homemade washes to weather my buildings before sealing them with an acrylic sealant.
By purchasing many of my structures this way I have been able to create a wonderful layout. It also leaves me enough money in my budget to purchase the occasional larger structure and scenery materials to increase the detail level of my layout. If anyone has any additional information on how I can increase the detail level and quality of my structures.
. The building in the other post looks good too. I have always bought my stuff new and have recently bought a couple of cars on eBay. I haven't received either yet but I am hoping I don't regret it. One was a new Walthers Gold Line and the other was an older Athearn flat car. Time will tell. I did bid on a structure a couple of months ago but I lost that auction...grrrr.
