| Kitbashing is the Key to that 1 in a 1,000,000 Model | | | | You could build the pieces that you want from the |
| Train Layout! | | | | ground up but this would involve a lot more time and |
| Model kits are not always items of beauty. They are | | | | effort. |
| also not exactly what a model train enthusiast really | | | | It is much easier to start with a kit that has some |
| wants when they are searching through the aisles and | | | | components that you like, and then modify those parts |
| shelves of their local hobby store. | | | | until you create exactly what you had in mind. |
| In fact, the failure of model kits to meet the needs of | | | | Transformations Minor and Major |
| model railroaders is exactly why the art of Kitbashing | | | | Some people will take a mass produced model kit of a |
| evolved. | | | | common train depot and they will be able to see an |
| What Is Kitbashing? | | | | amazing amount of possibilities. |
| The term is fairly self-explanatory because it involves | | | | They may decide to raise the roof into a steep A-line |
| "bashing" the store bought "kit" and transforming those | | | | design and add a weather vane at the top. Perhaps |
| model train models into the items that you had in mind | | | | they even envision changing the doors and windows, |
| from the very beginning. | | | | adding a different platform and changing the paint from |
| The word "bashing" is actually a rather harsh term | | | | silver grey to bright red with green trim. |
| because there is more "alterations" taking place than | | | | All kitbashing does not have to be dramatic and |
| true "banging and bashing". | | | | involved; it could be something as simple as changing |
| You will also hear this practice referred to as "model | | | | the roof of a small structure or just repainting the |
| bashing". | | | | building's exterior. However many hobbyists want to |
| Drawbacks of Commercial Model Kits | | | | put their own stamp on the kit and change the set into |
| Although there are many model train sets and kits on | | | | something that is totally unique. |
| the shelves of hobby stores, it is extremely difficult to | | | | The one great thing about kitbashing is that you can |
| find the one that perfectly fits your needs. | | | | always use this technique to make almost any item fit |
| Most of the packaged models that are being sold are | | | | into your own specific building plans. |
| still "cookie cutter" designs that have no personality | | | | What You Need to Know |
| and style. If you use a typical scale model kit to create | | | | This technique does require some knowledge about |
| the structures on your model train layout it will look just | | | | building, but most people who work with model train |
| like millions of others. | | | | kits and scale-sized layouts are already well versed in |
| However, with a little kitbashing, it is really very easy to | | | | this area. Both major and minor changes have to be |
| become a building engineer for your scale size model | | | | performed with precision and care if you do not want |
| train layout. | | | | the final look to be a hodgepodge design that lacks |
| Benefits of Kitbashing | | | | that finished and polished effect. |
| When someone wants to create a totally new scale | | | | Hobby knives, razor saws, files, Dremels, tweezers, |
| model train project, they can do it with this building | | | | small magnets, straight edge rulers, pencils, putty, and |
| technique. They can combine different pieces from | | | | some liquid cement are the basic tools that you are |
| several mass produced kits that will result in a unique | | | | going to need. Do not be afraid to add details and |
| model or they can simply transform a basic design by | | | | features from an assortment of model kits, actual |
| altering certain features on the model trains and | | | | scale model vehicles or build your own special effect |
| structures. | | | | details. |
| Then they can add some personalized special effects | | | | Go For It |
| that will make the trains and structures really pop. | | | | When someone makes the commitment to the |
| There are many details and special features that are | | | | kitbashing process, they are also taking a giant leap of |
| already in those packaged model kits. | | | | faith in relation to their own abilities and vision. They are |
| With a bit of imagination you can use these with your | | | | going to use their skills and imagination to change a |
| own designs to create those one of a kind, finely | | | | ready-made design into a new and unique creation. |
| detailed scale models that you really want. There is no | | | | Does this effort sometimes fall short of the goal? |
| better way for an individual to acquire some truly | | | | Absolutely, but an occasional failure does not deter the |
| unique layout accessories with a minimum of time and | | | | model train hobbyists who are dedicated to the idea of |
| work. | | | | bringing their dreams to life. |