Why is populating a layout with scale vehicles so expensive?

[eaglescout]

I've picked up quite a few used vehicles at antique malls (the ones with multiple booths by individuals). Tractor Supply in Texas has some tractors that are close to scale. For distant scenes and junkyards I have picked up some cheap plastic shells on Ebay. Garage sales can sometimes yield one or two. Just keep a scale ruler in your pocket and make sure they are as close to HO as possible. N scale--that is another issue and much harder to find.

[dknelson]

It is true that it would be awful nice to have lots more vehicles of the quality and price combination that Motormax/Fresh Cherries offers.  Still and all, I remember when the choices for American "HO" vehicles (the quote marks denote irony) was really pretty pathetic -- Bachmann and LifeLike stuff that was beneath even their standards in appearance and the size was only an approximation of real HO.  

A modeler from circa 1970 who could be magically transported into the modern era would probably be as astounded by the quality and selection of today's vehicle models as by any other change to the hobby.

I note that the Jordan vehicle kits remain very reasonable in price although I know they appeal to a narrow range in terms of era.  

Back in the old days some of the better truck kits around were the old Ulrich tractor/trailer metal kits - and they were high priced or seemed so at the time. Quality costs money.

Dave Nelson 

 

 

 

[tstage]

Given that MRRing is a niche market and a number of manufacturers are cottage business, you aren't going to get the price breaks you would if you are selling millions of units like cell phones and electronics.  FWIW, $10 isn't all that expensive when it comes to scale models.  I've picked up a Ricko HO scale '31 Lincoln at my LHS a few years back for about that price and it was absolutely gorgeous!

Tom

[BroadwayLion]

As far as the LPPs are concerned, they are all hand painted and THAT is very expensive

ROAR

[hornblower]

So are plastic figures so expensive because the manufacturers have to pay licensing fees?  I don't think I've ever seen an HO scale figure that actually looked like anyone I'd recognize!

[Anonymous]

You´d be surprised how expensive the tooling for a detailed scale vehicle is. Add to that licensing fees and divide it by a figure in the upper 4-digit region on the low end and the lower 5-digit region in the upper and and you understand why HO or N scale vehicles are expensive.

The folks of Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg will tell  you, that despite favorable terms and conditions from the manufacturers, the two single most expensive items are cars and figures!

[IRONROOSTER]

Hot Wheels are aimed at the toy market. 

Most cars aimed at the toy market are 1/64 or larger.  Quite a boon for me in S scale.  I'm always checking the toy stores out for vehicles.  Of course quite a few have really outlandish paint schemes, but I have found quite a few that fit my 1952 era for $5 or less.

Good luck

Paul

[7j43k]

Productionmanager

 

Given that you can buy Hot wheels for around a dollar, why are the vehicles that we use so appreciably higher?

 

Any thoughts on the matter and have you found cheaper alternatives?

 

 

 

 

 

 

I expect economy of scale is involved.  Mattel most likely makes many times more of an item than a company that makes 1/87 stuff.

 

In addition, production costs would be lower for Mattel if they made their stuff sturdy--no little fine parts to break off.  Those would be the very parts we expect on a good model.  They're making toys for kids, not adults.

 

 

Ed

[mlehman]

Licensing.

Plus in HO and smaller scales, many US companies won't license their vehicles as being so small they could present a choking hazard in children, meaning many vehicles are imports -- even in scale.

[Productionmanager]

Hi

We have quite a few trains shows in this area of PA so I am always on the lookout for bargains that I am putting away with the hope of someday starting my layout.

One thing that is apparent, is how hard it is to find scale vehicles that are inexpensive.

All the new ones in packages almost always start at $10.00 and go out from there.

Even used vehicles are prices similarly.

I've seen resin casts that are priced cheaper, but I would spend alot of time removing flashing and adding details.

Given that you can buy Hot wheels for around a dollar, why are the vehicles that we use so appreciably higher?

I know some would say attention to period correctness and detail, but I can only buy that argument to a point.

Any thoughts on the matter and have you found cheaper alternatives?