Cheap, Modern HO scale autos

[Anonymous]

I've been reading following the thread about the need for modern HO scale cars and know of the problems encountered with obtaining a variety of different cars. I model the steam period so my knowledge of all the available modern cars is limited. However, I do have a couple of children, one of whom 300 cars is not enough. So I am always on the prowl for cheap autos for him. So here's what I found.

Motorworks has put out a Collector's Edition NASCAR set (notice how everything is collector nowadays?). I had to enquire with some friends who are NASCAR fans as to these cars, they have told me that these are IROC (International Race of Champions) cars. Where the cars are all the same from the ground up. These cars are painted like the race cars with adds all over them.

The cars are sold at Wal-Mart as these cars are marketed by Wal-Mart. There are four cars to a package which sell for $8.95 (Item:31811). They are 1/87 Die-cast cars. The undercarriage is even depicted. Two of the cars are Chevrolet Monte Carlos, and two of them are Dodge Intrepids. I could only guess that the cars would be 2002/3 model year. To get an idea of what they look like, go here: http://www.sambass.com/corporate/Portfolio.html

Now for the bad news. Since these are die cast cars, everything is painted on. From the windshields down to the headlights. But since we are modelers, I would think this is not too big of a problem as we can paint the car to color. However the windows would be a problem as they are metal too (as well as the headlights). Four (or more) possible solutions for this 1)The glass is heavily tinted. 2) The glass and front upper surface is covered with elephant paper (real thick paper that is applied to the surface to protect from flying debris) that peals off easily. So these cars can be put into car transporters. 3) Park the car in a garage 4) Turn car upside down for rollover accident. I almost forgot to mention that the Dodges have what appear to be roll bars formed in both the front and back windows (nothing a file can't handle).

I hope this will be of help to those looking for a source of cheap, late model cars. I'm hoping that if Motorworks sell enough of these, that they will continue this practice and expand their offerings.