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Vehicles - why so expensive

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  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: Culpeper, Va
  • 8,204 posts
Posted by IRONROOSTER on Friday, April 13, 2018 4:37 AM

I don't shop for N scale, but you might try your local toy store, Wal-Mart, Target, etc.  Depending on the level of detail you desire you may find some there. 

One of the few things in abundance for S scale is vehicles, I find lots at these places in 1/64.

Good luck

Paul

If you're having fun, you're doing it the right way.
  • Member since
    November 2016
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Posted by khier on Friday, April 13, 2018 3:48 AM

Personally, I would look for second hand models. Ebay is your friend.

 

Regards

 

walid

  • Member since
    May 2012
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Posted by angelob6660 on Thursday, April 12, 2018 8:19 PM

I have a few Atlas and CMW vehicles. I do have hassles of trying to buy cars.

I can't get Kato and Trainworx semi trucks because their too modern. Kate's is based on a truck in 2008. Trainworx' 2016 or 2017 version.

Why can't we have more variety of vehicles. I can't continue or willing to buy or get trucks. How popular are trucks that are 3 or more models with multiple different colors?

Modeling the G.N.O. Railway, The Diamond Route.

Amtrak America, 1971-Present.

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Posted by riogrande5761 on Thursday, April 12, 2018 8:14 PM

ROBERT PETRICK
I'm not afraid of Trainworx-level prices (for Trainworx-level quality), but they're sold out before even hitting the market.

Robert

Yes, Trainworx first run of drop frame ho trailers sold out fast but the second run of drop frames and first run straight frames are still available.  Lots on eBay and mbk had both for a fairly long time.

Rio Grande.  The Action Road  - Focus 1977-1983

PED
  • Member since
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Posted by PED on Thursday, April 12, 2018 7:07 PM

One time I thought the printed 3D models might be a solution but if you look at sites like Shapeway, the prices are just as bad or worse for an upainted model. Guess I will need to be on lookout for some reasonable prices at trainshows and ad's.

Paul D

N scale Washita and Santa Fe Railroad
Southern Oklahoma circa late 70's

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
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Posted by MisterBeasley on Thursday, April 12, 2018 5:35 PM

I watch the Walthers flyers for discounts, and sometimes I get e-mails from Trainworld with very good prices.  I also am on the lookout for my HO scale autos and trucks at train shows.  Years ago, I found nice die-cast models for under $2 at Wal-Mart.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

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Posted by ROBERT PETRICK on Thursday, April 12, 2018 3:14 PM

maxman
ROBERT PETRICK
Not only are N scale vehicles expensive, there is very limited variety and almost no availability. Sad

How much demand is there for them?

I can only speak for myself . . .

To populate my layout I need about 15 or 20 more trucks and/or tractor-trailer combos, and about 25 or 30 more passenger vehicles. I prefer modern (1990 - present) ready-to-run crisply painted and detailed. I'm not afraid of Trainworx-level prices (for Trainworx-level quality), but they're sold out before even hitting the market.

I'm open to ideas and suggestions. 

Robert

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Posted by maxman on Thursday, April 12, 2018 2:58 PM

ROBERT PETRICK
Not only are N scale vehicles expensive, there is very limited variety and almost no availability. Sad

How much demand is there for them?

  • Member since
    January 2014
  • 1,500 posts
Posted by ROBERT PETRICK on Thursday, April 12, 2018 2:35 PM

Not only are N scale vehicles expensive, there is very limited variety and almost no availability.  Sad

Robert

LINK to SNSR Blog


  • Member since
    June 2007
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Posted by riogrande5761 on Thursday, April 12, 2018 2:23 PM

Harrison

I agree- they are rather pricy. for HO scale I use matchbox cars

Try fitting Matchbox cars into an auto rack.  Don't think they will fit too well and that is what I need a bunch of domestic 1970's sedans for.

Matchbox cars are considerably bigger than HO scale cars - so YMMV; I don't care for the oversized appearance so I'll pass on using them.

 

Rio Grande.  The Action Road  - Focus 1977-1983

  • Member since
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  • From: Northern NY (Think Upstate but even more)
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Posted by Harrison on Thursday, April 12, 2018 2:18 PM

I agree- they are rather pricy. for HO scale I use matchbox cars, but N scale is hard.

Harrison

Homeschooler living In upstate NY a.k.a Northern NY.

Modeling the D&H in 1978.

Route of the famous "Montreal Limited"

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PED
  • Member since
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Vehicles - why so expensive
Posted by PED on Thursday, April 12, 2018 2:06 PM

Finished my track and am now turning my attention to the landscape, building and various accessories.   Right now I am focused on some trucks of various types to place next to the industrial building I have. I have been blown away by the cost for N scale cars and trucks. You can buy a loco for the cost of a few vehicles. Why so expensive?

Paul D

N scale Washita and Santa Fe Railroad
Southern Oklahoma circa late 70's

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