Modern Style Office Buildings

RBrodzinsky Apr 10, 2014

  1. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    Does anyone know of any kits / suppliers for more modern looking office buildings, similar to this photo in style (meant only for example, not that it has to be this building)?

    [​IMG]


    It doesn't have to be fully glass, can have some decorative brick, or even just the 70s/80s style pre-poured concrete, with glass windows. 4-5 stories. Just trying to see if I can come up with a modern looking suburban office building to place on my Silicon Valley Station FreeMoN module
     
  2. Spookshow

    Spookshow TrainBoard Member

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    Wow, good luck with that. My experience is that N scale is firmly stuck in the pre-1960s as far as buildings go (large or small)...

    It'd be a helluva cool scratchbuild, though :)

    Cheers,
    -Mark
     
  3. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    Yeah - am just hoping. Will really stretch the limits of my scratch building skills (and it wouldn't be anything like the photo, if that is the case).
     
  4. jlundy46

    jlundy46 TrainBoard Supporter

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    Rick,
    Kato does have some ready built modern commercial buildings that could probably be "Americanized". There's also an outfit that has a modern looking business high rise ad in N-Scale: www.custommodelrailroads.com. I model the mid 50s to mid 60s so not an issue for me. Good luck!

    John
     
  5. nscalestation

    nscalestation TrainBoard Supporter

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  6. Eagle2

    Eagle2 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    A lot of these kinds of kits I've seen have, as previously mentioned, been Japanese prototypes by companies like Tomix or Green Max. Could quite possibly be modified or used as a source of materials for kitbashing, though.

    On a side note, just a caution for all - please stay aware of our Retailer Policy in these kinds of discussions; discussion of manufacturers, including those directly selling their own products, is generally acceptable, while mentions of general retail outlets is often not.
     
  7. river_eagle

    river_eagle TrainBoard Member

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    Glass wall buildings are a simple scratch project.
    Some plexi, drafting tape, and some spray tint, and your in business.
     
  8. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    Thanks for the suggestions. I've looked at custommodelrailroads and like what they have for ideas Brad, I like the site you posted, will have to study it more.

    Will have to see what else I can find, and ponder some more. Might be an interesting project if I can design up something nice. And, of course, would have to have lit interiors.
     
  9. sd90ns

    sd90ns TrainBoard Member

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    Check out e-bay under buildings N-Scale.

    There is a vender that sells modern structures along the lines of what I think you are looking for.
    They are not cheap but what is, these days?
     
  10. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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  11. DCESharkman

    DCESharkman TrainBoard Member

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    Rick,

    That link has some awesome looking buildings. And that cost is very reasonable. I agree that installing lighting could be a bit of a problem.
     
  12. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    Yeah, I communicated with Wolfgang, the seller, and the windows are solid, so no lighting for the interior if I go with his buildings. But one could still add lights on the exterior, and surrounding the building.... It is now down to whether I want to take on a very large scratch building project, or work with one of his fantastic looking buildings. Am going to measure up the exact dimensions of my empty space, and maybe try a mock up of his from the dimensions posted, see what might work.
     
  13. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    Office buildings would most likely be dark inside at night anyways. Everyone goes home @ 5 at those type of places...lol. If one wanted/needed interior lights...maybe just the lobby...where the security gaurd is asleep at his desk...lol. Exterior building lighting along with ambient lighting from other buildings or lighting sources near it should make it look pretty darned good. JMO
     
  14. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    George, you clearly don't hang around Silicon Valley, LOL! I am always amazed at the number of floors with lights on, and not just janitorial staff, around here. Or, the buildings are 100% dark and see-through during the day, since they are empty (still a large office space glut up here). That initial photo I posted was from an article about office space glut.
     
  15. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    Yea...never was a 'suit & tie' kinda guy. More of a 'jeans & tshirt' kinda guy. Didnt have to dress up fancy to drive a truck...lmao !!!
     
  16. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    Suits & Ties in Silicon Valley RMOTFL! Maybe way back when I first started, but the last 15 years or so, we're lucky when some of the folks wear shoes!

    Well, I bit the bullet, and after measuring (and getting additional pictures from the seller), went ahead and ordered two of his buildings! Putting in the parking / landscaping etc will still be a big enough summer project, and will give me plenty of time to also run trains, besides just working on the module.
     
  17. DrMb

    DrMb TrainBoard Member

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    When it comes to office buildings, light switches are surprisingly uncommon.
     
  18. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    Cant wait to see what ya build. Your work is always amazzing ^5
     
  19. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Yes. This will definitely be interesting!
     
  20. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    Great, just what I need, pressure.
     

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