When building a model railroad layout many modelers buy the buildings for the layout either pre-built or in kit form. Some modelers also prefer to scatch build everything rather than buying pre-made or ready to assemble kits.

For most model railroaders it really depends on time, money and whatever skills they have.

The ready to assemble kits and ready made kits generally have that “plastic” look that needs touching up and weathering to add realism.

Another option many modelers choose is “kit-bashing.” It sounds like a complicated term, but it is really very simple to explain.

Kit-Bashing is when you buy a kit that is ready to assemble, but instead of following the supplied instructions, you modify it and add your own ideas.

You might decide to put the kit together in a different way or perhaps combine the parts from two or more kits together. Alternatively, you might add some other items, or delete items and create a different structure from the basic kit. When you do that you will have a kit-bashed model to go on your layout. That’s what the term “kit-bashing” basically means.