WHO IS BUILD-A-WORLD FOR?
Our programs are perfect for all kids ages 14 to 94. Kids younger than 14 will enjoy with the assistance from an adult but will likely be unable to work on their own. There are sharp instruments and at times, complex instructions that must be followed.

HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?
We’ve designed this program to Introduce the hobby to newcomers, teaching critical skills necessary to be successful in the model railroad hobby by removing common concerns: lack of time, not enough space, and lack of skills. We also wanted to offer a way for modelers who no longer have space for a layout, to continue enjoying the hobby.

The Walthers Build-A-World Modeling Kit is a program that provides an opportunity to try the hobby. It teaches users skills that lead to success in the hobby and results in a beautiful 12" x 24" HO scale diorama suitable for displaying.

Multiple themed programs are offered. Each month during the 6-month series, the user receives a kit delivered straight to their door, that teaches a new skill. Structure building, scenery and landscaping, laying track, placing ballast, creating rock formations and ponds are just some of the skills taught.

Each kit in the six-part program, is a complete project containing the materials, tools and instructions needed to complete that skill. These ‘kitchen-table projects’ are perfect for home, college dorm room or apartment living. And for those modelers who have downsized their homes, BAW is also a great solution for condos or senior living facilities. Detailed instructions both in printed form and easy-to-access ‘How-to’ videos created by top modelers, walk the modeler through each step. In addition to the six-monthly kits, your first kit includes an assortment of tools and materials that are used to complete each of the monthly projects. Once completed, your diorama can be proudly displayed and used to showcase your favorite trains. (not included). There are easy plans offered: a discounted, upfront, one-time payment or monthly installments where your credit card on file will be automatically charged at the time of shipment each month.

CAN I GIVE A SUBSCRIPTION TO SOMEONE AS A GIFT?
Yes! Build-A-World programs make wonderful gifts. Simply indicate the recipient’s name and address in the ‘Ship to’ at check out. Please note that 2021 Holiday season kits will ship beginning January 5th, 2022. You can download and print a gift announcement that can be gift wrapped letting the recipient know what they have received.

I’VE GIFTED A BUILD-A-WORLD PROGRAM, IS THERE SOMETHING I CAN GIVE TO LET MY RECIPIENT KNOW?
Absolutely! Click here for our downloadable and printed gift form.

I’VE RECEIVED A GIFTED PROGRAM; DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING?

If you’ve received a gifted program, know that your first kit should arrive within 7 days of the order being placed and then again around the same time each month thereafter.

WHAT'S COMES IN THE BOX?
Every month, during the six-month program, subscribers will receive a box packed with a new project designed to teach a skill commonly used within the model railroad and miniature world hobby. The projects are sequenced in logical order so that each kit adds to the developing HO scale, 12" x 24" diorama. At times the box may only contain a few elements but will utilize tools and materials such as glue or paint, from the main tool box delivered at the start of the program.

WHAT IS THE FINISHED SIZE OF THE DIORAMA?
American Farmstead and Mainstreet USA are 12"x24"x2". The Northwoods Retreat program has a raised track bed – 12"x 24"x 3" (back) 12"x24"x 2" overall.

ARE THE PROGRAMS OFFERED IN MULTIPLE SCALES?
All Build-A-World programs are designed in HO scale.

CAN I RUN ELECTRICITY THROUGH MY DISPLAY?
The Build-A-World programs are designed to teach modeling skills and currently not designed to be powered.

CAN I RUN A TRAIN ON MY DIORAMA?
The Build-A-World programs are not powered. They do include installation of hobby-grade track and ballast so are a great way to display your favorite locomotive or cars. (NOT INCLUDED)

CAN I CONNECT SEVERAL DIORAMAS TOGETHER TO RUN A TRAIN?
The Build-A-World programs are not powered, and are self-contained themes designed to teach modeling skills. At present they are not designed to be modules that connect to each other.

CAN I MAKE MODIFICATIONS TO THE DIORAMA?
Absolutely! The program is designed to teach the basics. We encourage your creativity to add elements of your own to enhance, and truly make your diorama a one-of-a-kind creation. Our Pro-tips may provide inspiration for advanced weathering, scenery and building. If adding elements outside of the kits, use HO scale to ensure the best fit.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE EDUCATIONAL STEAM (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ART & MATHEMATICS) FEATURES?
Painting a structure, sculpting landscape and mixing grass colors is a great way to combine prefabricated walls and elements together with your own creativity so that every layout is unlike anyone else’s. This is where the "A" in STEAM ‘Arts’ begins to emerge. We give you the basics but your creativity finishes it to make it uniquely yours. At Walthers we like to think there is a missing letter in the STEAM acronym. That letter would be "H" for History. Model Railroading's heritage began with a love for the railroads of eras gone by and learning about the history of the railroad and how it connected the country is half the fun. Materials engineers use their specialized knowledge of chemistry, physics, and more to design, develop and manufacture new materials with special properties for new applications. By creating your own pavement and mixing various compounds, you're not only having fun, but finding practical applications for chemistry that makes you the chief engineer of your miniature world. Sculpting the landscape to create a railroad bed is all part of the world of civil engineering.

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY FIRST KIT?

Orders received will ship within a week of placing your order. We aim for all boxes to ship around the same date as your initial order, each month thereafter.

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HOW DO I ACCESS MY HOW-TO VIDEOS?
Purchasing a Walthers Build-A-World kit entitles you to view all of your valuable program tutorial videos as long as you have access. The access link will appear in the instruction booklet included with your first kit. Type in the URL link in your search bar and it will take you directly to the video library for your program. From there, It will ask you for your password, also provided in your kits.

HOW DO I CANCEL MY PROGRAM?
Walthers Build-A-World modeling kits are not stand-alone craft kits but rather a continuous program of 6 kits that together, create a finished diorama. To cancel your program, you must send us a message requesting cancelation to: baw@walthers.com or call customer service at 1-800 4 TRAINS. Prepaid customers: Refunds will be given for any kits not yet shipped @ $60 each. Installment customers: No refunds issued, program is cancelled and no further kits are sent.

WHAT IS THE BUILD-A-WORLD RETURN POLICY?
Because Walthers products are intended to be modified and customized, we do not, as a policy, accept returns unless the product is in its original, unopened packaging. Unusual circumstances may be handled on a one-off basis. To begin the return process, you must first contact customer service at baw@walthers.com or call us at 1-800-4 TRAINS. If a return is approved, the customer is responsible for the cost of shipping the kit back to Walthers. A refund  will be processed once goods have arrived safely back at our facility. Forgetting to cancel the service or not realizing that this is a program are not grounds for returns.

SHIPPING
Our Fulfillment Team works hard to make sure orders are assembled and shipped as soon as possible. Our team aims to assemble, package, and ship your order within one week of receiving your order. Shipping and arrival may be affected by inventory, observed holidays, or carrier peak periods. Our Customer Experience Team will be happy to provide you with a quote based on your exact order. Shipping is FREE and always included at no charge. We are sorry but we cannot ship to a PO. Box. Please provide a street address. Occasionally the small suppliers we collaborate with experience production delays. Our team will notify you of any major delays.

DO YOU SHIP ALL 50 STATES AND OUTSIDE OF THE US?
Right now, we only ship within the contiguous 48 U.S. states. This is necessary because of shipping restrictions required by some of the materials included in the kits; (glue and paint), but we are working on expanding our offerings to all 50 states, Canada and beyond!

CAN I PURCHASE JUST AN INDIVIDUAL KIT RATHER THAN THE FULL PROGRAM?
The Walthers Build-A-World kits are not set up as individual kits, meaning the materials found in any one kit rely on some parts, tools and materials found in the Tool Kit that ships with Kit 1. Therefore, the user would not find a single month‘s kit complete to create the final project for which it was intended.

I’M MISSING AN ITEM
We are so sorry for the inconvenience and we would love to make it right as quickly as possible. Our team works extra hard to assemble kits in a way that materials won’t fall out or get lost. Before contacting us, please double-check that the item isn’t hiding or perhaps is contained in the Tool Kit (Kit 1). If you still do not see it, don’t worry, we will replace these items immediately. Please email us at baw@walthers.com. This is always helpful for our QA Team.

TERMS & CONDITIONS
Please note that by purchasing a Walthers Build-A-World Modeling Kit, the purchaser is agreeing to our Terms & Conditions.

CAN I USE PAYPAL?
Beginning January 1, 2022, you will be able to use PayPal only if you elect to pay in full using the pre-paid option.

CAN I USE A WALTHERS GIFT CERTIFICATE TO PURCHASE A BUILD-A-WORLD PROGRAM?
Absolutely, but only if you elect to pay in full using the pre-paid option.

IS SHIPPING ADDITIONAL EACH MONTH?
We are committed to keeping costs down so that more users can enjoy our wonderful hobby. For this reason, you will never be charged for shipping on a standard shipment.

CAN I EXPEDITE A SHIPMENT?
At this time, because our subscriptions are on programmed schedules, and shipping regulations prevent us from expediting hazardous materials, (glues and paints) we are unable to expedite even with an upcharge.

CAN I PAUSE OR SUSPEND MY SHIPMENTS?
Because our subscriptions are on programmed shipping schedules it prevents us from pausing or delaying shipments.

WHEN WILL I BE CHARGED FOR MY SUBSCRIPTION?
If you elected to pay up front, you will be charged the full amount at the time you place your order. If you opted for the installment program, you will be charged for your first month at time of purchase and your card will be charged the day your order is shipped each month thereafter.

IS THERE ANYTHING I NEED TO DO EACH MONTH TO RECEIVE MY NEXT KIT?
No, the billing is automatic and so are the shipments. Nothing you need to do.

I NEED TO CHANGE MY ADDRESS OR MY GIFT RECIPIENT’S ADDRESS. HOW CAN I DO THAT?
Contact baw@walthers.com and include your order number. Or call any of our customer experience team members at 1-800-4 TRAINS.

I NEED TO CHANGE MY CREDIT CARD ON FILE HOW CAN I DO THAT?
Contact baw@walthers.com and include your order number. Or call any of our customer experience team members at 1-800-4 TRAINS.

WHAT IF I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT MY ORDER?
Contact baw@walthers.com and include your order number. Or call any of our customer experience team members at 1-800-4 TRAINS.

HOW DO I CONTACT YOU?
Email: You're welcome to reach us anytime at baw@walthers.com and we'll reply as soon as possible. Come say hi :) or tell us what you think. Feedback is helpful - we practice continuous improvement and always strive to deliver the best customer experience.

Instagram/Facebook:
Thank you so much for joining our Modeling Community! We would love to invite you to follow us on social media. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @WalthersTrains to stay up to date on new trends and kits as well as partake in our product giveaways! Don’t forget to take photos and tag us at #BuildAWorld so we can see what you create.

PR:
For any PR related inquiries, please email PR@Walthers.com