So I want to build a diorama since I dont have enough room for a serious layout right at this moment.
I want to build a scene based on one of my favorite spots to railfan.
One of this spots unique features is that there's a skating rink right by the line.A lot of times I'll se that they have a Zamboni out for either cleaning it or deposing of shaved ice (You cans ee giant piles of it next to the tracks even in June/July).
I was wonderring, if there were any HO Scale Zamboni's for purchase to help add to the scene.
A quick search of the Walthers catalog failed to show any Zamboni models in HO scale. I would assume then that you'd have to scratch build one. Fortunately, they're not much more than a box on wheels (go to www.zamboni.com and check out their photo archive). I would use the wheels from a modern HO sports car to get the fancy wheels and wide tires common on many of these machines. A simple strip of styrene should suffice for a chassis while the box could either be fashioned from sheet styrene or filed to shape from a solid block of styrene or wood. Add a tractor seat, a steering wheel, a few small control levers and a driver high on the rear of the box. A few more pieces of styrene could be added to represent side skirts and the rear grooming sled under the driver. Maybe add a few small diameter wires between the box and the grooming sled to represent water lines and paint. If you look at the Zamboni web site photo archives, you can see that few units look similar, especially after all the custom paint jobs are applied. Apparently, headlights were optional. This should make for a very entertaining project that is sure to prove to be a real conversation starter. Kind of makes me wish I had an ice rink on my layout!
Instead of scratch building a Zamboni, my layout includes a portion of a small oval racing track. Thus, I have been scratch building HO scale midget racing cars for a 1950's setting. I create a rough body/chassis by laminating strips of styrene together into the general shape desired. Once the plastic cement has cured, I file the rough body/chassis into the desired shape. I use wide rear wheels (taken from modern HO model sports cars) and narrow front wheels (taken from vintage HO model cars). I simply cut slots in the underside of the chassis to slide the axles into and cement in place. I add pieces of wire and thin strip styrene to the sides of the vehicles to represent suspension components and also use wire and wire insulation to create engine intakes and exhaust pipes. Wire is also used to create roll, push and "nerf" bars. Add a nice paint job with either decals or rub-on numbers and these cars look pretty good. A steering wheel is then glued to the hands of an HO scale figure (legs removed) that is then cemented into the cockpit to complete the vehicle. I carefully bent the front axles on a couple of these cars to make the front wheels steer to the right. These cars will be placed in the middle and exit of the turn to represent power sliding through the turn. So far, I have three such cars completed but would like at least six more.
Good luck on your Zamboni project!
Hornblower
The Selley forklift truck looks more like a small Zamboni machine than it does a forklift truck, once you clip off the forks that is
https://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/675-146
It is in stock at Walthers but so few of the Selley parts and kits are -- with no expected restock date -- that I suspect Bowser intends to phase out the time honored Selley line once and for all.
Dave Nelson
Good find Dave! That would indeed be a good starting point for a Zamboni kitbash. Remove the forklift mechanism, turn the drivers seat around, add the rear grooming sled and you'd be pretty close right there. A more accurate representation would require you to extend the box over the original drivers seat and then add the trademark driving position hanging off the back of the unit. Kitbashing your Zamboni using this forklift would be a LOT less work. Add a custom paint job plus a driver and you're there!
The smallest Zambonis I've seen are the ones that come with the 1999 Monopoly NHL set; these could be HO or possibly a bit smaller. They'd need a paint job, though, as they seem to be pewter or something.
A quick check on eBay will turn these up. (Update: a quick question to the seller reveals this to be 7/8" x 1/4" x 1/4"; so, more like 'N' scale, I guess...)
I had an idea!
Find an O scale or S scale grocery cart and find some styrene and cover it with the styrene.
They are made in 1:50 (close to O scale)
http://www.topdogcollectibles.com/default.products.PID8582.NHL-1-50-ZAMBONI--ICE-RESURFACING-MACHINE
I have a small one somewhere. It is about HO scale, I got it from the "fan shop," it was decorated for my favourite team. I know they have them for different teams so you can get your favourite.
Kyle I have a small one somewhere. It is about HO scale, I got it from the "fan shop," it was decorated for my favourite team. I know they have them for different teams so you can get your favourite.
I think they're 1/25th scale: http://www.totalhockey.com/product/Fan_Fever_Die_Cast_Zamboni_Replica/itm/7982-2/?dummy=1&gclid=CNrW4-qPkLwCFct9OgodBHcARw
Canadian McDonalds used to have mini Zambonis in their happy meals.
I think they were somewhat close to HO scale. Being a bit on the larger size. So likely Hot Wheel size, 1/64.
Or maybe something like this key chain:
Zamboni Key Chain
The measurments given seem about right, although maybe a little small: 1 1/4" x 5/8" x 1/2"
Matt from Anaheim, CA and Bayfield, COClick Here for my model train photo website
I remembered this thread when I saw these on ebay ....
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-87-HO-scale-airplane-helicopter-tug-tractor-industrial-tow-tractor-kit-/111267150589
Could be made into a very respectable zamboni !
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
Yes! https://www.ebay.com/itm/294510641255?hash=item449233c067:g:ExoAAOSwJrVhfvJvhe makes them in N and HO scale! I'm tryong to create an outdoor rink. Working on getting HO scale hockey players from another person.
check this out.
Zamboni552 (BUNRBN7JH) by ttakata73 (shapeways.com)
Dan
dknelsonIt is in stock at Walthers but so few of the Selley parts and kits are -- with no expected restock date -- that I suspect Bowser intends to phase out the time honored Selley line once and for all.
I think it was a little over two years ago that the entire Selley "Finishing Touches" line ceased production.
I was still travelling for work when this happened, and I bought up all the Selley I could find from several hobby shops after I heard the news.
-Kevin
Living the dream.