Harbor Modeling Resources

[basementcalling]

What companies and such are your go to places for models of cranes, docks, ships, containers (pretty widely popular now), and other items needed to model a harbor scene?

Think dockside cranes, fencing, pavement, security gates, conveyors and other items typically found around the waterfront and railyard interface.

[basementcalling]

Crickets? We have no port modelers among our Asshats?

Been searching without success for reputable ship model dealers, not that there seem to be many. Even finding someone who carries the new Sylvan Models small container ship is tough.

Harbor modeling will have to involve a good degree of scratch building I know, but do we truly have no resources out there for us?

[Philip H]

Artitec has ships https://www.artitecshop.com/en/ships/ and European harbor accessories https://www.artitecshop.com/en/buildings/n-1-160/harbor/

N Scale Supply lists the Sylvan ships https://www.nscalesupply.com/syl/syl.html

Some of Frenchman River's HO detail parts can be used as large versions of their N scale counterparts https://frenchmanriver.com/HO-187-Scale-Nautical-Detail-Parts_c_38.html

And Tomix has some Japanese sturctures and harbor fittings that could be modified - if you can find them https://www.plazajapan.com/model-train/n-scale/structure/?page=14&srsltid=AfmBOoo-M-R5AgHCMfxWx0_QB5awCyesmLt3M5a6vJE9e2zBVtag3-9g

[RSWController]

I’ve used seaportmodelworks.com. They have nice selection of detail parts in HO and N scale. I’ve found a few parts on Etsy.com as well. There is one other detail manufacturer but I can’t find it now. As far as modern freighters, scratchbuilding is likely the best and only option. Unfortunately, the operator of nscaleships.com passed away recently. Pete had some great ships, and a huge variety. I have three of his for my Great Lakes layout and there is nothing close that would have been available if not for him.

[MK]

Some, not a lot.

https://www.osbornmodelkits.com/copy-6-of-blank-9

[Simon D.]

https://modeltechstudios.com/nscalewaterfrontkitsanddetails.aspx ?

[Lemosteam]

This thread makes me miss Pete Nolan.   

[basementcalling]

This thread makes me miss Pete Nolan.   

Yes it does. No one else in the world was doing what he did for ship models.

I wonder if the lack of resources for harbor modeling reflects a lack of interest among modelers, or if the lack of resources helps create a lack of harbor themed layouts, especially in N scale.

Not to pick on Walthers,  OK, I am picking on them,  but a simple example is their track insert system. Great way to model track in pavement in HO, and ports are loaded with track in concrete. Ought to be easy to offer in N scale given our lack of turnout manufacturers. And don't ask about the other items like their ore docks or pier warehouse.

[Philip H]

I wonder if the lack of resources for harbor modeling reflects a lack of interest among modelers, or if the lack of resources helps create a lack of harbor themed layouts, especially in N scale.

I think there's as much interest in N scale ports and harbors (on a percentage of modelers basis) as in HO - there's just way more HO modelers.  Walthers needs to port a lot of its HO line to N scale, but even when it does the sales won't match up because there are fewer bodies to buy stuff.  Me, I jsut kitbash and scratchbuild as needed.

[basementcalling]

I think there's as much interest in N scale ports and harbors (on a percentage of modelers basis) as in HO - there's just way more HO modelers.  Walthers needs to port a lot of its HO line to N scale, but even when it does the sales won't match up because there are fewer bodies to buy stuff.  Me, I jsut kitbash and scratchbuild as needed.

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[huntrashmi]

Artitec has ships https://www.artitecshop.com/en/ships/ and European harbor accessories https://www.artitecshop.com/en/buildings/n-1-160/harbor/

N Scale Supply lists the Sylvan ships https://www.nscalesupply.com/syl/syl.html

Some of Frenchman River's HO detail parts can be used as large versions of their N scale counterparts https://frenchmanriver.com/HO-187-Scale-Nautical-Detail-Parts_c_38.html

And Tomix has some Japanese sturctures and harbor fittings that could be modified - if you can find them https://www.plazajapan.com/model-train/n-scale/structure/?page=14&srsltid=AfmBOoo-M-R5AgHCMfxWx0_QB5awCyesmLt3M5a6vJE9e2zBVtag3-9g

Thank you very much!

[TinyTurner]

I have a little something planned with a water front.  I didn't know about some of these links, so this is a great find
I have a Sylvan tug kit somewhere and was looking for a small freighter or similar to compliment the scene, something about 6'' long or so, the width is more restricted.

I don't really know much about marine vessels, but a nation that effectively has lakes the size of inland seas is fascinating.     

Is there a library of boat plans to construct in that layered manner from balsa, ect?
I don't know the correct description of that, I heard it was done that way once.