Russ, I think all areas might be experiencing what you're going
through. Except for ties, I've never had to mail order any basic
supplies. Houston had several well stocked hobby shops, but they've
left the biz or have downsized. We've got one left that handles the
full array of NE wood as well as, Evergreen plastics. The hobby shop
owner largely credits architectural students at nearby Rice University
for keeping that segment of his business alive. Seems like most
modelers like things that come RTR with little plastic windows on the
face of the box! I'm not really complaining but it does take it's toll
when you need to actually build something from the ground up.
Additionally, with outside costs what they are, who is going to drive
across town or pay shipping for 6 sticks of anything!
The alternative I took many years ago was to gather a stash of wood,
plastic, figures and all kinds of those detail castings. I could
probably buy a decent brass engine for what I have in those products,
but I can build till my time is up! So you might want to consider
finding somebody who wants to get rid of his 'stash' of scratching
building items and make a fair offer--scale shouldn't make too much
difference!
In a similar situation, I ordered a bottle of ScaleCoat paint several
months ago. After two mix-ups I finally picked up the bottle. Now I've
discovered that ScaleCoat now sells it's paints in smaller containers,
so I should have ordered two bottles! I've also had a standing order
with Oddballs decals for many months, he usually has been very prompt
and a good communicator, but apparently that has changed too. I liked
his products and felt they served a much needed semi-contemporary time
span.
On the good side, I did receive a set of interlocking switch throw
levers from Kaw Valley. I complained on this list about lacking these
levers just a few months ago, so maybe Mike was listening. After
finishing my weekend painting, I assembled them and installed in a
former Building and Structure Co, (now American Model Builders) tower.
The tower had been far enough away it's emptiness wasn't important, but
I moved it up close to where anybody could tell, nobody was asleep at
the switch! After about two hours things changed for the good--photo
tomorrow! I'll be working on lighting it next time--when I can find some.
Bob Werre
PhotoTraxx
Hey, Crew...
A few months ago I placed an order, 60.00 or so, with a well-known
scale lumber manufacturer and never heard back from him. My card was
never charged and I finally gave up. When I called in to cancel my
order, it was magically ready to ship! Amazing how that happens, eh? I
cancelled and just have enough for a scratch-built caboose, but then
I'm out of both wood and styrene. Any other proven suppliers out there
that I should try? Thanks!
Russ Panecki
