i just got the verliniden ortstommandantur, but i noticed on the building it doesnt have the sign that says ortstommandantur as the picture on the box. is this typical? or is it missing a piece

Ola Mike

Usually Mister Verlinden only gives you the plaster building... Minus everything alse visible in the picture. So yeah it is either buying a set with a sign saying ortskommandantur on it or scratchbuilt it (print it)

That's odd as the Rathaus ruin does have the letters moulded on.
It is typical of Verlinden though as I've had several items in the past that didn't match the photo on the box.
Your best bet is to use Slater's plastic lettering available from model railway suppliers(in the UK at least) as I'm sure that's what Verlinden used on the pattern for the Rathaus kit.

Try this link...

http://www.slatersplastikard.com/7mm%20Products/slaters%20alphabets.htm

or this US site...

http://www.railwaymodels.com/