For me, hobbies are a lot more fun when I can participate in them in my own unique way. I rarely leave anything the way it comes from the manufacturer. That kind of customization isn’t for everybody, and I’m sure you can make an argument that people like me ruin otherwise perfectly functional gear and paraphernalia by messing with it.
I’m not alone though, and although I’m still relatively new to trains and model railroading, you don’t have to look far to find the model railroading community’s long and storied history of unique and custom built layouts. It’s become a bit of an art form, in fact.
Kitbashing, at least in the context of model trains, refers to modifying or combining commercial model kits to create unique builds.
Advanced modelers often modify anything from plastic kits to resin and metal parts. Depending on your technical skills, you can do anything from cutting up and reshaping (or just painting) cosmetic parts to fabricating functional elements of your track.
Necessary Equipment
If you’re interested in starting to dabble in some kitbashing of your own, like I am, you need to start with the right tools.
A basic tool kit is the foundation of the modding process. First, you’ll almost definitely need cutting tools such as X-acto knives, razor saws, and sprue cutters, which are indispensable for precise trimming. To bond anything that isn’t meant to be bonded from the factory, you’ll need some form of adhesives, like plastic cement or epoxy, and of course a variety of other adhesives depending on the material. Shaping tools such as files and sandpaper are crucial for refining and finishing any modified surfaces.
And, if you really don’t want to be a hack job, you’ll also need some measuring and marking tools like rulers, scribers, and templates. In hindsight, maybe that should be first (remember, as the old adage goes, “measure twice, cut once).
If you’re serious about spending a lot of time with advanced detailing work on your models, there’s an almost limitless selection of equipment that can elevate the kitbashing experience. Just be careful where you draw the line or you’ll end up spending more on tools than the rest of your hobby. Things like airbrush systems can help you make high-quality custom paint jobs, and tools like pin vises and drill bits allow for intricate detail work. If you’re really intent on the more hardcore side of modifying, you’ll eventually run into situations where you’ll need soldering equipment for working with brass and metal components.
Kitbashing Fundamentals
Kitbashing usually starts with combining elements from multiple kits, or adding or removing details like grab irons and ladders. Once you’ve done that, it’s tempting to do some simple modifications to your models. From there it’s only a matter of where you draw the line and how much time you’re able to invest.
Custom paint schemes and weathering integration breathe new life into repurposed models, and swapping trucks and couplers for prototypical accuracy is a rewarding challenge if you’re recreating a specific scene or real-life counterpart.
For experienced modelers, kitbashing is an excuse to execute major structural modifications and learn some new technical skills. If you get the bug, you’ll wind up with a deeper understanding of model railroading principles (and the boundaries of your hardware – ask me how I know).
Project Ideas
There’s a lot you can do just with your rolling stock. Anything from converting passenger cars to maintenance-of-way equipment or creating regional railroad variants of common freight cars. Transition-era diesel modifications and scratch-building unique local industry cars are some popular challenges I’ve seen, but you can really recreate just about anything you want with the right skills and enough time.
If you’re more interested in the structures, you can create custom signage and architectural details, build era-appropriate industrial complexes, or even scratch-build region-specific agricultural buildings. The best scenes draw you in and make you feel like you’re really looking at a lived-in, authentic location..
At its core, kitbashing is about bringing your unique vision to life. It’s what makes the modelling community fun. Seeing what other talented kitbashers and tinkerers come up with and showing off your own builds bring the community together.
Our selection of tools and paints at shop.trains.com is your best place to start. With a variety of basic and advanced gear, you can start customizing your builds in no time.
- Matt Herr