7 big mistakes made when assembling a model train layout building kit

No model train layout is complete without buildings and different structures. Some kits assemble easy and don’t require a lot of fussing while others require all sorts of modifications or tweaking to get the parts to fit together. Weather the kit is expensive or considered a cheapo building you can find good and bad kits across the spectrum. However, great technique yields great buildings and amazing structures.



Cheap building kit

 Quick tip …You can save some money using cheaper less detailed kits in spots of your layout that are not quite in direct view or are not close to the viewer. Save the more expensive detailed kits for the up close and in your face structures.

First big mistake modelers make is snapping the parts off the plastic trees with your fingers. I know it’s real tempting but it yields a high percentage of broken parts and usually leaves a divot in the building part that you then have to fix later. Use a pair of nipping or diagonal cutting pliers to cut the parts off the tree. If there isn’t enough clearance use your exacto knife just be careful you need all your fingers.

Second big mistake is using the wrong type or too much glue. I like to use a CA glue, super glue type, paired with an accelerator. Like zap and their zap kicker. But any brand will do. In fact these days at the local hardware store you can pick up a few different ones to try and then use the one you like. Some come in a runny, loose consistency and others are designed to be thicker for gap filling. This stuff bonds to your skin instantly, trust me. Regular plastic model cement doesn’t bond to your skin but takes forever to dry.

Third big mistake results in foggy or glue ridden windows. All of your windows need plastic glazing weather the kit comes with them or not. I save all packaging that has clear, flat, flexible plastic from items I buy. I then use it to glaze the windows of my buildings. It is real easy to get extra glue on to the clear plastic leaving behind a fog or even a finger print. Less is more here with the glue you are using and remember to take your time. Do not use ca glue or the accelerant on the clear plastic it can fog it up. I apply canopy glue to the frame it dries clear and wont fog up but takes a while to dry.



Building without an interior

 Fourth big mistake is leaving your buildings empty. All the stores on Main Street can’t be empty at once. Add people and pets and counters and shelves etc where appropriate. Many of these items are available on the net for purchase but don’t be afraid to get some plastic and start fabricating. I have found items in the scrapbooking isle to use in my model stores.

Fifth big mistake is either weathering (making your models look old and dilapidated) too much or too little. Go down any city or suburban street. All of the buildings aren’t brand new, with perfect paint jobs and new siding. And frankly there are very few sections of town that have buildings that are all falling apart. Most streets have a combination of new and old. Remember that when you are painting and weathering your building kits. It may look good to the eye to have a perfect paint job on the kit you are assembling. However, when you put all of your buildings together on your model train layout perfection just sticks out like a sore thumb.

Sixth big mistake is keeping things time period perfect. If you are modeling the 1950’s you can have buildings that were built in the early 1900’s even from the 1890’s and they will work. However you can’t have an all glass shiny office building jammed in there among your 1950’s brick ones either.

Seventh big mistake is thinking you have to use the entire building kit as described in the instructions. If you are making background buildings and it doesn’t fit in the corner well cut the building to fit around the corner. Depending on view and obstructions a lot of times know one will know. Also feel free to combine kits or kit bash, different buildings together to get the look you want.

Experiment with different kit manufacturers. Find what works for you. Don’t be afraid of working outside the box or beyond the assembly instructions. Remember you are creating the world as you see fit. Like a painter uses paint on a canvass use buildings, structures, and other scenery to make your world come alive.