What is the English term for "Bastlermodell", a model train that requires repair, rebuilding or improvement in order to be used?

I know of "scratch built" referring to a model that is built from parts, but is there a better term for the German description?

Thanks

Mike C

Could even mean that the model is suitable as a spare part collection for other models - taken to the extreme interpretation of the term...

Hi Mike!
I would simply call it a "project".
Any red blooded English speaking person would normally catch the significance of it IMHO.
Hope this help.

Bastlermodell: Partially assembled kit designed to test the abilities of the most demanding hobbyist.
-gk

As in "Interior decorator" or "Artist"?

The question is in regards to a model that was received that was advertised as a "new condition display model" that arrived broken and not usable in it's present status. I wanted to use the phrase "in seinem heutigen Zustand koennte das Modell nur als ein Bastlermodell beschrieben werden" and came up with "in it's present condition, the model could only be described as a ..." (and my mother tongue is English).

What would be the correct description? In automotive terms, such a car would be described as a "junker" or a "beater"

Help, I'm drawing a blank here.

Regards

Mike C

"in it's present condition, the model could only be used as a door stopper" (well, maybe it's too light for that)

Or maybe "spare parts donor"?

@Tom, Spare Parts Donor. That would be the famous Ersatzteilspender.

In English, there are the terms "fixer upper" and "renovation job" used in real estate.

I think that "fixer upper" is something that a layman would understand.

Regards

Mike C

To complete your sentence I would list it as "in it's present condition, the model could only be described as a modeller's source for spare parts or a new restoration project".

Cheers
Peter

One word answer to your one question, Mike...NO!

Roger

The seller listed the model as Neu (New) but gave the following description in the listing:

"Heute wird angeboten ein neues Vitrinenmodell ohne erkennbare Mängel, keine Abbrüche..." which means " Today is offered a new Display model without any damage or broken parts"

What arrived was a model with partially detached side walls which would require a glue job by an expert hobbyist to properly reattach.
Wabu models use base models from other manufacturers, which are modified by the use of brass etched panels which are glued onto the existing shell (or remnants thereof), enabling the recreation of models that are not available from the big companies. I am familiar with this issue, having had a similar experience with another coach, which was brought to Wabu while on a trip to Zurich. Mr Carl, the owner, attempted to repair the coach, but was unable to do so, leading to my hesitance to accept this new model in it's present condition.

The box was damaged. It is possible that the impact could have caused the damage to the coach as well, but some of the actions of the seller and photos that I have since been able to magnify (zoom), suggest that the model was possibly already broken before it was shipped or even listed. The photo seems to show a space between the top edge of the brass plate and the coach shell, suggesting that it may already have been out of position when the photo was taken. A perfect model would have had the brass plate flush with the coach body with no space between.

I would accept the model if the seller refunded 2/3 of the purchase price. If it was damaged by shipping, the seller can claim the difference from the post office.
I am hesitant to go through with a postal claim, because for a full damage claim, they impound the item. If they do this, I will be left with no money and no item and the shipper who already has my money, could get an extra payout from the post office.

I am very tempted to let ebay, Paypal and Visa have a go at this using my assorted coverages, because I paid for a "new" item and that is not what I received.
If the damage was caused by the post office, they can compensate the seller.

As part of the discussions with Deutsche Post, USPS, ebay and PayPal I have had to describe the nature of the damage, hence my search for the best terms to describe the current value of the item as is.

Regards

Mike C

"lemon" = "idiot". It's my personal theory of irrationality.

Continuing with this theme, if the deliverable was injured during transit, then perhaps the logistician was deliberately miscalculating with relative placements of both said deliverable; and shank's pony.
But with reasoning unfathomable? Historically discussions of unfulfilled promise? Results are sanity implied. Free will is free.

~ alternately ~

the Latin caveat emptor seems to suffice.

OT: Hope that provides the linguistic help that you required.. The beautiful language may support, but likely hood is Phailboat.

Weiterbildung mit diesem Text, falls die Lieferung hat stellenweise vielleicht verletzt fühlte Logistik relativ Fehlkalkulation der Platzierungen der lieferbaren und Fuß. [Sneaky]
Startseite unergründlichen Grund? [Schlaf] Geschichte der unerfüllten Versprechen? [Home] [tip] Event-System impliziert. [Stark] Der freie Wille ist frei.

Integer diam elit perutile est
Nightly bye.