We have had mixed success ordering layout buildings from modeltrainstuff. Some are described as "snap together," others as "built up." One item we received was a billboard kit. However, the kit was all laser-cut wood pieces, requiring painting of tiny letters to complete the sign. No stick-ons or decals. No way we could keep the sign clean looking with painting that small.
Another kit we purchased was the "yard restaurant." Many, many small parts of wood. Almost too difficult for us. I am sure it would look great if we had the skill to build it correctly.
We do okay with the Walther kits we have ordered, and the Bachmann kits are fairly simple. It is very difficult to tell from the write-up on the Internet how difficult the kit will be.
Has anyone else had this dilemma?
No....sorry.
Sid
Stapler, it sounds like you've been accidentally buying a couple of craftsman type kits. With the billboards, you can buy decals and dry transfers to finish them without having to paint tiny letters. But don't let the kits intimidate you. You cannot gain skills without practicing them. Approach craftsman kits as you would (or should) any other: read the instructions completely first, if anything is unclear, Google / ask on a forum / email the manufacturer about your questions. Check YouTube for a review or construction video. And when you are ready to start, tackle it slowly and methodically. It's not a race. It doesn't have to be built in a single night.
For billboards you can get many poster adds off the internet and print your own to glue on the face of the billboard.
Keep those craftsman kits for the day you'll be ready to build them. First, build a couple of tool shed or privy kits similar to the ones on this site -
http://www.lakejunctionmodels.com/Catalog-1.html
With a very small building, you won't be deeply invested if you get something wrong.