:thumb:
I have noted the astonishing expense of 'Z'
scale structures. I am also aware that smaller
structures may require more work than larger
to do well.
Regardless, most of that burden is on the
final creator, in all of this matter- NOT the
parts seller.
Photoetched brass is a case in point, it is
used commonly to reduce labor and maximize
(delicate) details without using more expensive
production methods. It is becoming widespread
as a way to make 1:250 structures. You fold and
either solder or glue the building together.
You make your fret, and because it is 1/10 th
size of an etched fret for some other purpose
does not mean it should cost ten times as much
as the larger one. In fact it should be cheaper.
There is not much demand, for 'Z' structures
(and besides 'Z' scaler's are used to paying
high prices for there stuff!- right), they say.
That is balogna! Photo etching, outside of
mass produced circuits, is all a small batch
racket.
However, I think that I am not going to
change anything that way, unless some of
the brotherhood gets together and goes and
gets there own chemically photetched frets
made.
What they can do is use the 1:285 scale
massive structure pool available. I don't
know but a few 'Z' scalers that I encountered at
that big Florida train store that is the western
hemisphere's biggest Marklin dealer, and they
were unaware of the plethora of structures
involved.
These are dental stone, or resin molded
buildings, and artifacts that have reasonable
detail. There are also some ceramic and etched
elements.
What is different is that they are cheap,
and some massive industrial structures can
be had for fifty bucks or less. If you wish to
turn "The Red October Tractor Factory"(Stalingrad)
or "Oil Refinery" (Gulf War) into works of
high fidelity get out your loupes, patience, and
supplies of fine wire. As they stand, with a decent
paint jobs, and some minor detailing and
vehicles they are like nothing available as
model train kits in WALTHERS. If you think
1:285 and 1:250 makes a difference in
industrial structures, apartment houses, barges,
ships, et al. - you are right, but NOT one that
you will be able to detect without getting your
nose down with a hand lense to compare the
figures and vehicles available in the respective
scales.
I believe that folks should know about this
material. If you are, I apologize... but, if
not - go study the war gamer/military modeller
stuff in 1:285 (or for that matter the 10 mm and
15mm scale goods for use in larger scales).
I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the
variety and prices of the structures.
Good Luck,
Peter Boylan
I have noted the astonishing expense of 'Z'
scale structures. I am also aware that smaller
structures may require more work than larger
to do well.
Regardless, most of that burden is on the
final creator, in all of this matter- NOT the
parts seller.
Photoetched brass is a case in point, it is
used commonly to reduce labor and maximize
(delicate) details without using more expensive
production methods. It is becoming widespread
as a way to make 1:250 structures. You fold and
either solder or glue the building together.
You make your fret, and because it is 1/10 th
size of an etched fret for some other purpose
does not mean it should cost ten times as much
as the larger one. In fact it should be cheaper.
There is not much demand, for 'Z' structures
(and besides 'Z' scaler's are used to paying
high prices for there stuff!- right), they say.
That is balogna! Photo etching, outside of
mass produced circuits, is all a small batch
racket.
However, I think that I am not going to
change anything that way, unless some of
the brotherhood gets together and goes and
gets there own chemically photetched frets
made.
What they can do is use the 1:285 scale
massive structure pool available. I don't
know but a few 'Z' scalers that I encountered at
that big Florida train store that is the western
hemisphere's biggest Marklin dealer, and they
were unaware of the plethora of structures
involved.
These are dental stone, or resin molded
buildings, and artifacts that have reasonable
detail. There are also some ceramic and etched
elements.
What is different is that they are cheap,
and some massive industrial structures can
be had for fifty bucks or less. If you wish to
turn "The Red October Tractor Factory"(Stalingrad)
or "Oil Refinery" (Gulf War) into works of
high fidelity get out your loupes, patience, and
supplies of fine wire. As they stand, with a decent
paint jobs, and some minor detailing and
vehicles they are like nothing available as
model train kits in WALTHERS. If you think
1:285 and 1:250 makes a difference in
industrial structures, apartment houses, barges,
ships, et al. - you are right, but NOT one that
you will be able to detect without getting your
nose down with a hand lense to compare the
figures and vehicles available in the respective
scales.
I believe that folks should know about this
material. If you are, I apologize... but, if
not - go study the war gamer/military modeller
stuff in 1:285 (or for that matter the 10 mm and
15mm scale goods for use in larger scales).
I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the
variety and prices of the structures.
Good Luck,
Peter Boylan