Kato 1/150 "Town Shop"

[Denver Road Doug]

Anybody have one of these?  Kind of a strip mall looking building...smallish but perfect for my small layout.  I am looking at the Red roof version and there is a similar set in blue as well. (and maybe more?)   I would like to see one "in action" if possible.

Next question...anyone know what the import duties and taxes are for items ordered from Japan. (To Dallas, in this case)  I'm looking at one on eBay and seller states I'm responsible for duties/tax but I have no idea what the costs are.  I found a place in Cali that has them but they are asking 2x the price. (which may be a better deal, dunno)   I'm also looking at the Tomix modern gas station and 7-11 while I'm at it....neither are really ideal but I think would have useful parts I could use. (?)

So alternatively, anybody know anywhere else I could find the Kato Town Shop structures?

[ljudice]

I've ordered from PlazaJapan and others - and never paid any more than the price for the item plus shipping. And the items usually come in about 5 days...

In one case the post office made a special trip to deliver it since "EMS" mail was somehow equated to ExpressMail service.

[Denver Road Doug]

Thanks.  That was kinda the vibe I was getting from Google (in a discussion about $3,000 purses!!! lol  I don't spend a dime over $1000 for my purses) but nice to hear it from a model railroader.  I'm moving in a few weeks so I'll probably wait until after that to order so I don't get in a situation but I think I'll go for it.

[TiVoPrince]

Since
you are eBaying.  Check seller ansky98 who often offers some nice 'strip mall' buildings in a modular fashion.  You may need to check completed auctions to see them.  No 'interiors' like the Kato product but blank facades work perfectly for my LA at night scene.  No connection with this seller other than as a satisfied customer...

[cfritschle]

Is this what you are looking for?



If so, I have the ones with the blue roof, and I got them here:

http://www.wig-wag-trains.com/KatoPages/Buildings/Kato-Buildings-Product-Page.htm

Unfortunately, they are still in the box, so I don't have a photo of them with other buildings.  However, they good looking modern buildings, even if they are N gauge instead of N scale.  The photos really do not do the models justice.

Carter

[Denver Road Doug]

Duh, guess I should have checked with my primary pusher, huh?  Oh well, learned a little bit in the process I guess.   :-[   

Carter, thanks for the pic and the link.  Yes, that is the set I want.  I'm particulary interested in the one on the left.  Probably will use that one and keep the other for later and possibly reconfigure the storefront on that one a bit.  I have a pretty small space and this little building is perfect for setting the scene without taking up a lot of space. The one on the right screams "70's jewelry store" (at least the left side with the angled display case) which isn't a bad thing just not the look I'm going for in this instance.  Guess it could be a butcher shop too with the big fats steaks in the front window luring passerby's.

Also found the dimensions, FYI....  81mm x 50mm or approx. 3 3/16" x 2" (building only, not including base)