"Easiest to build Laser Cut Western models?" Topic

All,
So after playing with my scratchbuilt "Purgatory" for a few months now, and getting deeper into Western gaming, I feel like I want to start stepping up my game. I'd like to slowly add some of the laser cut buildings, especially for the special ones, Hotel, Saloon etc. That being said, building things generally ends up with my fingers coated in super glue, and I have little patience. So, which laser cut buildings go together with the least amount of frustration.

Nick

I don't know if he answers that specific question, but you should check out the following site, it has LOADS of good info on laser cut western buildings: link

4ground makes some nice stuff, prepainted too. I cannot speak for the builds on the western stuff, but I have done their dark age stuff and it was very easy to assemble with tight fits and a detailed good look.

Can't help with a specific answer, but more generally laser cut MDF buildings are not difficult to put together. Even with instructions take time to dry fit the parts before gluing. Without instructions common sense will see you right.

Having built a couple of buildings I would advise investing in some small wood working clamps, unless you like wandering around with bits of building grasped in your cramping hand.

Nick, Try to find some of the old Arnica buildings. They are way better than laser cut, which look too "clean" for my taste.

Sarissa Precision and Aetherworks are probably the easiest to build. Battle Flag and 4Ground are probably the "hardiest" to build. Mostly its the level of detail that separates them more than any real difficulty in building them.

What do folks think of the Arnica buildings? I found the Hawgleg website, and they look pretty good and inexpensive.

I don't own any, but then I'm not a big fan of resin buildings either. Many people prefer resin buildings so really it comes down to a matter of preference. The one advantage I see to Arnica is if you like the board and batten style this is the only way to get it. None of the laser kit folks make anything like that. None of the windows are have panes in them which bothers me but probably not anyone else. Price wise they look pretty comparable. The Sarissa Precision buildings are going to be cheaper overall, especially if you order enough for free shipping (including international). With Arnica it looks like you will always pay $14 USD in shipping, but that's quite reasonable since its for any size order.

I am a big Arnica fan.

Anyone use the Old Glory buildings?

I have most of the Old Glory Buildings. Biggest problem was getting the paint to stick. The solution for that is a good detergent and a stiff brush combined with lots of hot warter and much scrubing.

For laser buildings, in additiuon to sarissa, look at knuckleduster. Great set of buildings and if you cant figure out how to put them togather a quick email to Forrest and he will sort you out.

And the cowtown creator is an outstading book

Here is my guide to laser cut buildings, which included all the brands I knew about at the time (except for one which I consider to not be compatible with anything else).

link

I just finished assembling 7 different Sarissa buildings. They range in difficulty from Easy to moderate with some moderate ones posing interesting challenges. The big church was a challenge in that you can't put it all together at once. The two story hotel gave me trouble with the roof over the veranda (I snapped one of the pieces because it was a tough fit – the only time I've come across a tough fit with these products.) Oh and the Water Tower looks great but requires 10 connection points to come together simultaneously! That one I will call veteran class! I finally got it built but it took many many tries!

I have picked up some new ones form the Troll Trader, nice easy to put together kits. They had a deal of 4 buldings plus a gallows for £29.95 GBP. I also have their Burlesque theatre on its way. Rooves are flat so may need some owrk done to put a pitch on them etc however work out around £7.00 GBP a pop. (he sells them on his e-bay shop at present

The small and medium building kits from Sarissa all have a pitched roof option.

I too can vouch for the Troll Trader mdf buildings. They are the best value on the market. See examples of finished articles on my blog.

timstanks.blogspot.co.uk