Building kits close to 1:18th scale

[General Blasto]

I've read a few threads regarding 1:18th building kits and I can say that some of the G scale buildings come close to correct size, mainly the LGB, Piko and Pola kits. They are 1/22 scale and may look ok in the background of some scenes. Also, they are of Euro design, perfect for the Euro theater WWII. Now since the demise of LGB being sold to Marklin, they may be harder to find now and be prepared to spend a little money too. When I was buying them in my G scale days, many building were around $100 or more EACH. But I'd thought I'd just pass this along if anyone was looking for building kits close to 1:18th scale. General Blasto

[tmanthegreat]

LGB got sold? That's too bad... My father is really into G-scale trains and has quite a collection.

I agree with the buildings, however. Although many of the buildings are somewhat large for G-scale, they are perfect for 1:18 Here's a photo I took a while back of a little Pola gem that I own:



Board member Digger even has a Pola factory building that looks really cool

[aktiger]

From what I understand, LGB was sold to Marklin by the bank that had shut LGB down. Apparently LGB was run into the ground and was deep in debt. Marklin is a great company but has also had there issues of late. My guess Marklin will continue to produce POLA and LGB but they will be more expensive and have a smaller selection. If you had your eye on any buildings, I would buy them now.

[General Blasto]

There were many reasons why LGB was sold to Marklin. The main reason LGB got in trouble was that their main bank they had their loans at was bought up by a bigger bank. One of the first things this bank did after the purchase/takeover of the smaller bank was to call in all of their outstanding loans. LGB was one of these companies that had outstanding loans. That basically broke LGB's back. For months it went on and on of who was going to buy LGB and save the product line. I watched this unfold over on the trains forum. Many folks(modelers and collectors of trains) were up in arms over all of this. Most were upset at times. LGB almost got bought out by LGBoA- LGB of America or G45 as they were known. But that deal fell thru. At about the same time, one of LGB's owner/founders was caught trying to sneak molds out the back door at LGB in Germany. Then the crap really hit the fan Needless to say after months and months, a buyer was finally found that could pay off all the outstanding debts. That company was Marklin. So the LGB and Piko lines of products will still be produced again, most in China I think. As for Pola, I think they went under and out of business several years ago if memory serves me. But I still like their products, that is, if and when I find them. General Blasto