It has arrived! The first kit from the TownBuilder System collaboration: Plain Jane's Thrift Store. How did we come to choose this modest little storefront? We had two primary motives. For starters, we didn't want to go overboard with our first kit, since this was a completely new venture into new territory. Likewise we wanted a relatively simple kit for modelers, since we're introducing a somewhat unusual style of construction—that being mixed media. At the same time, we clearly wanted to demonstrate the strengths of this approach to kit design, so there's some really nice brickwork featured on the otherwise ordinary building face. And details abound, from the cut granite wall caps to the fancy window cornices and sills; from the scuppers and downspouts to the electric meter. Not to mention the fully-decorated window displays! We also provide the builder with some choices; an alternate sign turns it into Top Drawer Athletics, and there's even alternate window decorations. Of course, this is just the beginning. We have so much more in store for Z Scale, because each month will bring a new TownBuilder System release. By this time next year, you'll have an entire Z Scale town at your disposal—hence the name of our product line. So watch this space to see what Stonebridge Modelsand NZT Products have in store for you! TBSZ-0001: Plain Jane's Thrift Store Introducing the first in a series of Z Scale classic American downtown structures from the TownBuilder System, a collaboration of talent dedicated to bringing you the finest kits possible. Plain Jane's Thrift Store (a.k.a. Top Drawer Athletics) is not based on a specific single prototype building, but is instead representative of timeless architecture unique to Anytown, USA. Featuring authentic styling and exceptional brickwork, this lighted kit is highly detailed yet easy to build, requiring no special tools or skills. Everything you see in the photos is included—right down to the complete window displays! Exploiting the salient qualities of different media, this hybrid kit is comprised of super-detailed first-generation high-pressure resin castings, molded in a rich brick color, plus precision laser-cut windows, doors and other parts. Together these high-quality components produce an outstanding structure suitable for a foreground location on any layout. Check out the copious detailing: the wall caps and front window sills have a remarkable cut granite texture; the back wall features scuppers and downspouts, electric meters, and a (non-working) light over the door. Plus, you have your choice of two signs and two sets of window displays. We believe it's the most detailed kit of its kind in Z Scale, all at an affordable price. Assembled size: 1.24"w x 1.8"d x 1.6"h (31.5 x 46 x 40.8mm) Wherever you see the TBS logo, you'll be assured of the finest possible quality.
David, Karin and Loren, Sweet looking building! Is the brick detail around the sing part of the changeable sign or is it cut into the wall? How thick are the resin walls and how easy is the resin to cut for kit bashing? John
The brickwork around the sign is cut into the wall. The walls are approx. .060 inches thick. They can be scored and snapped or sawed with relative ease for kitbashing.
Neat kit for sure. What is that material called? It looks so much better than brass, it has unique depth and better demension to it.
This is casting resin, a form of plastic. Instead of plastic pellets melted and injected into molds under high pressure to make a model, two liquid chemicals are mixed which perform a reaction that results in a hard, plastic-like material. It's been used for many years in the hobby industry, because it allows small manufacturers to produce plastic items without the need for expensive tooling.
OK, so now what do you have to show for it???? Enough nuzzling and a bit more building....with photos!
If mine shows in the mail this weekend, then I can Nuzzle too, and with my patented "Press Into Cheek" process, I can sport an embedded front facade too!
Karin, I worry about these two guys....wanting to spend all this time with some inanimate pieces of resin plastic, laser board and acetate. Seems they spend an unusually large amount of time nuzzling these kits and not working their tails off to provide food on the table and a roof over the heads of their loved ones. Then again, maybe they spend all that time at the job so they can have that intimate time with their model kits. Just have to hand it to their gals who must love them a lot to afford them the pleasure of becoming more than familiar with those modeling pieces. I guess if there is not too much jealousy on the gals part, then all is well with the world. Of course, the world will wonder if these two guys are related somehow what with both of them sporting the same imprint on their cheeks. You gotta love their passion....
I just got mine in the mail, as well as a bunch of the NZT Products detail castings. I'm floored! This stuff is Exquisite! If you plan on building a kit this year, make sure you put the TBS Z-01 at the top of your list. It's loaded with value. The main walls are finer that anything I have EVER seen cast before. Period! They are cast in a realistic brick color, and it's true you do not need to paint the brick, just do the cream color tole paint trick to rub mortar between the bricks, and the finish is perfect! There are inner wall sheets that act as window mullions, and window glazing, designed to simplify construction, and double duty as light blocks so the structure don't glow when you turn on the included lighting! There is even silhouettes for both sports figure poses or girly fashion poses to place in the front windows. This is both a simple, yet complete kit, and even includes window blind material. It's tiny, it's precision, and it's a home run! I have no vested interest in this venture, other than for use in my own modeling efforts, and I'm telling you all, get yours or get sorry you missed out! Oh, and the NZT Products details... They are for real! You cannot for love of God or Country, or stacks of cash for that matter, obtain any better quality and sized details in Z. Don't take my word for it, just ask anyone else you know who got some! If you like quality, precision, and detail as much as I do, get some NZT Products for your yourself!
