Walthers reaches out...

[Mark5]

I wanna see the Atlas HO Middlesex MFG come out in N scale.
http://www.atlasrr.com/Trackmisc/middlesexmc.htm

that is sweeeet!

[sizemore]

I wanna see the Atlas HO Middlesex MFG come out in N scale.
http://www.atlasrr.com/Trackmisc/middlesexmc.htm

that is sweeeet!

Yeah thats perfect for modelling the Savage or Ellicot Mills area for 18th century modeling! I hope they make this in N!

The S.

[MichaelWinicki]

Really, the Modular system that Walther's has done (and the earlier version from DPM) are ideal for this type of problem.  What fits on my layout may not fit on yours.  The problem with the current crop of modulars is that they are limited architecturally.

Some of us have the eye to scratch or bash our way out of a problem using strip and sheet stock, but for those who are more inclined to open a package and read the directions... it would be nice if modular wall sections for more modern construction could be available.  I.e. Corrugated metal or painted Galvalume siding with brick foundations, brick or masonry curtain wall construction, the stuff you see in modern industrial parks, for instance.  Pike Stuff/Rix structures already provide a lot of these things as full building kits, and they're really easy to "unfold" to make flats, or to rob the sidings and textures for kitbashes.

Walthers has taken baby steps in this direction, but their pricing makes it difficult to accept a "flat kit" (essentially half a building) for $30 or $40...

Lee

Those are valid points Lee.  Unfortunately it looks like Walther's has deemphasized their N-scale modular series. 

The new Walther's big book has eliminated the two large sets along with the 3-in-1 Building #1. 

I'd love to see some alternate textures along with different window designs made available, but at this point that's just a pipe-dream.

[sirenwerks]

Really, the Modular system that Walther's has done (and the earlier version from DPM) are ideal for this type of problem.  What fits on my layout may not fit on yours.  The problem with the current crop of modulars is that they are limited architecturally.

Some of us have the eye to scratch or bash our way out of a problem using strip and sheet stock, but for those who are more inclined to open a package and read the directions... it would be nice if modular wall sections for more modern construction could be available.  I.e. Corrugated metal or painted Galvalume siding with brick foundations, brick or masonry curtain wall construction, the stuff you see in modern industrial parks, for instance.  Pike Stuff/Rix structures already provide a lot of these things as full building kits, and they're really easy to "unfold" to make flats, or to rob the sidings and textures for kitbashes.

Walthers has taken baby steps in this direction, but their pricing makes it difficult to accept a "flat kit" (essentially half a building) for $30 or $40...

Lee

Those are valid points Lee.  Unfortunately it looks like Walther's has deemphasized their N-scale modular series. 

The new Walther's big book has eliminated the two large sets along with the 3-in-1 Building #1. 

I'd love to see some alternate textures along with different window designs made available, but at this point that's just a pipe-dream.

I think Walthers needs to work out the engineering kinks in that system before it releases anything new. The horizontal joints were horribly noticeable and, given the lesser size constraints that HO modelers face, we can and want to go up to 4, 6, even 8 stories. A poorly designed product can only result in poor sales and Walthers' identifying the lack of sales as a lack of interest in such a product is just downright ludicrous. We want this product type, but we want it to perform well as a resource with minimal effort and to be able to create models that have a level of variation as evidenced in many prototypes. Poor quality and one window variation ain't gonna cut it homey Walt.

[MichaelWinicki]

I think Walthers needs to work out the engineering kinks in that system before it releases anything new. The horizontal joints were horribly noticeable and, given the lesser size constraints that HO modelers face, we can and want to go up to 4, 6, even 8 stories. A poorly designed product can only result in poor sales and Walthers' identifying the lack of sales as a lack of interest in such a product is just downright ludicrous. We want this product type, but we want it to perform well as a resource with minimal effort and to be able to create models that have a level of variation as evidenced in many prototypes. Poor quality and one window variation ain't gonna cut it homey Walt.

Boy, you really hit the mark there...

I just finished putting together a two-story structure using the modular parts in the "3-in-1 Building Kit #2"  and it was comical seeing all the cracks & crevasses between the sections– And I did my best trying to make sure everything was aligned. 

I'm glad that I do not install lights in my buildings because this bad-boy would be some kinda light-sieve.

[asarge]

I've put togehter plastic kits from Walthers, Heljan, MP, Bachman and Pola and they all had their issues. The only that fit together well was the Kibri Factory complex. So in Walthers defense there is room for improvement for about every body.

[sirenwerks]

I've put togehter plastic kits from Walthers, Heljan, MP, Bachman and Pola and they all had their issues. The only that fit together well was the Kibri Factory complex. So in Walthers defense there is room for improvement for about every body.

I never took much faith in the everybody does it wrong so it's okay belief system. In fact, as someone with Asperger's Syndrome, the world has never let me. I've had to learn to communicate just like everyone else. Having not achieved perfection yet, I am always open to improvement, even though I am damn near certain I will never attain perfection. I should only expect it from others as well, right? Do unto others, and all that jazz?

There was much to-do about InterMountain's B unit gaff. Is the issue with Walthers modular wall system not a prototypical issue just like InterMountain's B unit issue? I don't know of any buildings that stood long that had the "Walthers prototypical" look. Walthers is a leader in the industry. They should lead by example, not cop a plea.

[MichaelWinicki]

I've put togehter plastic kits from Walthers, Heljan, MP, Bachman and Pola and they all had their issues. The only that fit together well was the Kibri Factory complex. So in Walthers defense there is room for improvement for about every body.

That's true.

That challenge with the Walther's modular series though is that you have so many more seams that can go bad... You have exponential growth in potential alignment issues.  ;D

[wm3798]

It's interesting that they discontinued the "kits" that use the modular system.  It doesn't surprise me, though.  They went down the typical path they've been on lately, by taking what should have been a good idea, then prepackaging it in a form to appeal to the box shakers, and then pricing it so no one in their right mind would buy it.

If I remember correctly, the Dairy or the Tannery kits (or both) had an MSRP of around $100.  I'm not springing a C-note for anything that doesn't move under its own power!!  Instead of packing up the modular system in easily digestible $10-$20 sets, wherein the modeler (that nearly extinct beast) buys what he wants and feels good about it, they force feed the same bag of details, walls and windows on you, and make you part with a wad RIGHT NOW.

Now, I know for a fact that if you buy your building a few bits at a time, overall you'll end up spending more than the MSRP on the cumulative kit, which seems counter-intuitive, but as a consumer, I like having the option of paying $15 ten times rather than $100 all at once.  (First off, the odds of me having $15 in my pocket are considerably better than the likelihood of Dr. Franklin lurking in the lint...)

So, due to their stupidity, the kits don't sell in large numbers, so they determine that no one wants modular wall systems. The shades get drawn, the lights get turned off, and they go back to HO themselves out...
 

Claaaasssic Walthers...

Lee

[SkipGear]

I don't think the HO modulars did very well either. They have been on bargain pricing for a while now also. I don't think it is a scale thing. I think it is quite honestly a lack of imagination in the buying public. I can't count how many people just flat don't understand the modular idea. The fist thing they ask is, "Where can I find plans or instructions to use these?". I would say most of our customers struggle with the idea of building a kit, let alone building a building out of a box of random parts.

The pre packaged modular kits were an attempt to get people to build a building using the modular parts, following instructions, so that they could get a feel for how they go together. Unfortunately, the buildings that the modular system is best suited for is a boring, unappealing industrial building in the average persons eyes. When starting out, everybody wants a station, some small town or city buildings, and maybe an engine shed or other trackside building. The modular system doesn't really fit any of those requirements. I bet if they packaged a loco service building or something like the track side transfer made using the modulars, it might have gone over better. The Tannery and Dairy were too big for most people to consider tackling. People needed something small to get their feet wet and try the system out, yet relevant to their layout. Most of the starter kits were just one form of warehouse or another.

[Chris333]

I think the problem with the new modulars is that no one knows what your getting in the package. Like how bout take a photo of the contents?  All you get is a list, then you have to download their file to print out and match the numbers on the list with the parts on the print out. Yeah real simple.

[DKS]

Best modular system I've found so far is a pile of cheap Model Power kits (the old Pola line). Just go at 'em with a knife and have fun.

The two larger images are models from my old layout that are now on Rick Spano's S&U.
 

 

 

 

[asarge]

Someone at Walthers told me the Modulars were poorly thought out and marketed. No JOKE!! However that had plans to repackage as specific kits. This was told to me right afte the Tannery and Dairy were released. All in all it was a decent idea, but the vast majority of modellers out there seem yo want kits with specific industry names to them.

The Tannery and Dairy Complexes give you alot of stuff for the money, but as Lee said, not that many people are willing to shell out the cash for one industry....at least one industry as they see it. Walthers has done ok with the industry series of kits released over time. I think they would be very sucessful in N.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Best modular system I've found so far is a pile of cheap Model Power kits (the old Pola line). Just go at 'em with a knife and have fun.

Yes!
I love those things!!

[wm3798]

Amen to that, brother!

Thanks to Ed (when he was slumming at MBK) everything you see here set me back about $20...

Lee