1:87 scale automobiles at Wal-Mart for $1.67

[tstage]

Mike,

Let me know if they have any vintage HO scale cars from the 30's and early 40's. I assume it's mostly modern vehicles.

Tom

[joeyegarner]

Yep, I picked up a few myself a while back, there a real good deal. Great looking priced right.

Soo Line fan ;
I seen the same thing as you.

[Soo Line fan]

I was wondering if everyone is seeing the same selections in different parts of the country. So far in Michigan I have found the following cars at Wal-Mart:

VW Beattle
VW Bus
VW Karmann Ghia
Ford Thunderbird
Shelby Cobra
Porsche Cabrio
Porsche Carrerra GT
Porsche Cayenne
Chevy Camaro
Chevy Belair
Pontiac Firebird
BMW 5 Series
Dodge Viper
Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing

Has anyone found different models from this list?

Jim

[Anonymous]

I found the same ones in a nearby Maine Wal-Mart. The Chevy Belair is a 1956 model, I got one in red white, one in blue & white. The VWs are the older ones, but most of the rest of the models are recent cars. The same models are offered by Model Power, at a higher price of course!

Bob Boudreau

[fiatfan]

So far, I have seen exactly two of these in my local Walmart and only one was appropriate for my layout. Of course, it was broken while still in the package!

To make matters worse, my daughter is manager of the toy department! I still can't get the @#%$#@#$%@ things!

Tom

[ac4400fan]

Yep myself found some of these but i have to get back there it sounds like they might have more avi now but this is one i picked up about 3 months ago



Carl..

[Anonymous]

Hi Gang,

Fundynorthern:
The Chevy is a 1955 belair. Easy mistake.

Everybody:
I've picked up about 60 models so far, trying to stick with the 60's and older. During my first trip I was so excited to find them, that I bought out the whole first tray of them from my local store.

They also sell "Atearn, John Deere Tractors," in HO scale as well. I'm up to nine of them, broken up into four different models. A friend of mine sent some of them to me, after he found them at his local store. They are under three dollars each.

At "K-Mart," I just found two pieces of "Case Equipment." One Grader, and one Bull Dozer. They were a little more expensive, at just under seven dolors each. I looked in the ad's of my latest issue of "Model Railroader" and found a comparable one for $35.00.

Hope I was helpful,
Bill North[:D]

[GAPPLEG]

YEEEOOOOWWW, The magnum looks good, That's my car, was that from Wal mart ?

[Anonymous]

SSSHHHHH How am I supposed to get more of these, if you keep blabbering your mouth about them!!!

I've gotten some of them, haven't seen the following in my Walmarts though:
VW Beattle
VW Bus
VW Karmann Ghia
Shelby Cobra
Mini
Sprinter

I haven't seen the John Deere tractors either. Only the 1:64 scale ones.

Tom, How is your daughter the manager of the toy department yet still can't get you any of these? Doesn't she do the ordering? Or... (not to get your hopes up)... do I smell Christmas present? If not, tell her that you'l disown her for not hooking you up with these!! What's the point of an insider if they can't hook you up at all!!!!

Kevin

[fiatfan]

QUOTE: Originally posted by chewie8han

Tom, How is your daughter the manager of the toy department yet still can't get you any of these? Doesn't she do the ordering? Or... (not to get your hopes up)... do I smell Christmas present? If not, tell her that you'l disown her for not hooking you up with these!! What's the point of an insider if they can't hook you up at all!!!!

Kevin

If I'm getting them for Christmas, I must be getting the entire shipment, because other than the two I saw on the shelf, I haven't seen any of the others. [%-)] We do live in a small town so maybe the store did not receive any. or it was a small shipment that sold out right away.

Tom

[tmcc man]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ac4400fan

Yep myself found some of these but i have to get back there it sounds like they might have more avi now but this is one i picked up about 3 months ago



Carl..

You got yourself the Dodge Magnum. Great car in real life, especially with the HEMI.

[icmr]

I picked up two of them a few weeks ago and I also picked up one of the Athearn tractors. I hope I can get a lot more of both. I have only seen 6 different cars at my Wal-Mart.



ICMR

Happy Railroading.[swg][swg]

[loathar]

I bought a whole case of them about 3 months ago. Got a bunch of the tractors too.
Aren't the cars a little heavy to filling auto racks with?

[mustanggt]

QUOTE: Yep myself found some of these but i have to get back there it sounds like they might have more avi now but this is one i picked up about 3 months ago

All I we now are some Neons, Rams, newer Caravans, and my favorite, classic Mopar muscle!

[GAPPLEG]

Stop in Wal-Mart this morning, they have really been picked over, did get the 55 chevy, the viper and the camero, man I want that Magnum bad, I have owned one for over a year now, bought the first one my local dealer sold, great car, need an HO model really bad.

[ac4400fan]

QUOTE: Originally posted by GAPPLEG

Stop in Wal-Mart this morning, they have really been picked over, did get the 55 chevy, the viper and the camero, man I want that Magnum bad, I have owned one for over a year now, bought the first one my local dealer sold, great car, need an HO model really bad.

Try looking at differnt wal marts .sometimes there in differnt isles thats where i found that one .on a differnt isle then i found the cars lol i did pick up 8 yesterday thow

Carl..

[GAPPLEG]

The Magnum is a Malibu international 1/87th , right ?

[metalfrog]

here in my neck of the woods(kansas) wm just got them in about three to four weeks ago.they're selling real well.at this price i have been able to pick up abour seven of them so far.wish wm had ho scale rr cars...just train sets so far.

[metalfrog]

here in my neck of the woods(kansas) wm just got them in about three to four weeks ago.they're selling real well.at this price i have been able to pick up abour seven of them so far.wish wm had ho scale rr cars...just train sets so far.

[ac4400fan]

I threw the package away ,but need to get back there today so ill let you know
Carl..

[Anonymous]

I have seen everything SOO LINE FAN had listed. I have not seen the Dodges others are speaking of. They are selling some 1:72 scale cars as well (even some of the same models) that were on the same shelf and right next to the 1:87, and at first I thought they were 1:87 scale, until I held it next to the 1:87. Once I did that it was easy to tell it was way to big.

Can anyone confirm that the dodge's are 1:87?

I did a google on the website listed on the box, but didn't come up with any thing, also did a google on malibu international and got nothing. Was hoping to see what else they had. Wal-Marts website doesn't list them either.

One other note........some folks are selling them on Ebay for 3.99-5.99 plus S&H.

Mike in Tulsa
BNSF Cherokee Sub

[GAPPLEG]

Well after three different Wal-Marts I found the Magnum, they are 1/72 but close enough to use on the HO layout. $1.44 at my Wal-mart here. Not bad looking for such a low price.

[railroadyoshi]

Question: Where can one find sets of average (not famous-not racing-not government) vehicles for populating a model road? It always seems to me that even the single cars are some 75% police and fire dep vehicles.

[GAPPLEG]

These cars at Wal-mart are nice, and for 1.44 not bad looking. I think cast metal minatures is another brand of really nice looking cars although limited in types. Some sites like www.truckstopmodels.com have listings of cars and trucks by brand, pricier than Wal-mart. Busch and Trident do have alot of American cars also. Look at Walthers for a listing buy somewhere else for price.

[Soo Line fan]

Mike Rehling, I too have seen the larger cars but have not seen the Dodges in the 1/87 scale. I saw the Epay cars as well and if you go to completed items it seems like not too many of them are actually selling. Here is something interesting although some what dated, which explains the situation a little bit: http://87thscale.proboards23.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=1127000025 Thanks for starting this topic.

Everyone, here is a link to the Model Power Cars: http://www.modelpower.com/site/519087/page/276435 or http://www.87thscale.info/modelpower.htm One of the reasons I wanted to know if anyone had found some different models from what I have seen are the Model Power Cars. I wanted to see if all the Model Power cars were available under the Malibu / Wal-Mart line as well. Based on what you guys are seeing this does not seem to be the case. Lately I have been buying some Model Power Cars at the LHS, which I could not find at Wal-Mart. I paid the outrageous price of 3.98. Just kidding, even at that price they are still the best bargain to come along in HO vehicles. I have found the Mini Cooper and The Ford Street Kia at the LHS. Some of the Model Power cars at the LHS are in different colors than the Wal-Mart cars also.

Jim

[cwclark]

it was too good to be true..i was initially thinking "yeah right" "not at the walmart i shop at"..so i took a drive over there out of curiosity and sure enough..there they were...1:87 scale cars for $1.69..i picked up about twenty of them..even got the ford cobra..that was one fast car in it's day...they even had a volkswagon van that i got hold of...all of them were really nicely detailed...thanks for the tip Mike!....chuck

[dharmon]

The Malibu cars at Walmart are 1/87, the others are 1/72. And measuring them out..they are real darn close to dead on. The story as it was told by someone in the know on Atlas, is that Model Power had some issues with it's supplier. They have changed supplies for the next run including the new issues. What Malibu has, and the the ones you see now are what you will get...no new models, and is the balance of the inventory from the old supplier. They are identical to the ones that Model Power has at the LHS for 3.98. But not all of the MP line was picked up by Malibu, so the Dodge Sprinter van and many of the others will not appear at Walmart.

MP is going with a new supplier and adding to the line so more stuff will be coming. But even at $4 a pop, they are still a pretty good deal.

Get the Malibu cars while they last. I bought an extra 20 or so that I will probably nver use, but at the price I couldn't resist.

** Johnny Lightning makes some 1/72 cars at Walmart....great looking and can be used on layouts.....just not right next to a 1/87. I got one of the 1/72 and 1/87 BMWs ...side by side it's a big difference**

Dan

[loathar]

WOW! I posted this info about 6 months ago and got snubbed for it.[B)] I have noticed this time around some of the cars are painted different colors so I bought 1/2 a case of the new ones today.It's gonna kill me to weather these things cause they look so nice.

[fiatfan]

I FINALLY got some in at the local Walmart! I picked up about 10 of them along with some John Deere tractors. They are really nice for the price.

Tom

[accord1959]

Anyone know if the Canadian Wal-Mart stores are carrying any of these?

[Anonymous]

I discovered the Malibu International 1:87 scale cars at Wal-Mart about a month ago and have already purchased 37 of them from four different stores in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. What a gold mine of cars for my future layout. I also picked up several John Deere tractors by Athearn. The quality of these little cars is really good and the $1.67 price is wonderful for vehicles in 1:87 scale of this quality.

When I first found them there were only a few in the local Wal-Mart, but I started looking for them in every Wal-Mart I could find in my area. My only disappointment was that there were not that many older cars. The VW's and '55 Chevy are nice but I would love to see them manufacture more cars and trucks from the '30's, '40's, & '50's. I have emailed Wal-Mart and let them know how I feel and received a phone call from the manager of the toy department of my local Wal-Mart saying he would see what he could do. I was unable to find Malibu International Toys on the internet, even though they printed there site on the car boxes, but I did find all of your comments here on Model Railroader Magazine's site.

Hey guys, since you love these little cars as much as I do, email Wal-Mart and ask them to ask Malibu to make more of them for us to buy. Wouldn't be great to get some '40 Fords, '32 Chevys, '48 Dodges, and some old '30's, '40's , & '50's pick-ups?

Jim Peters
Broadway, VA

[Rotorranch]

I've not seen any Cobras at the local Wally World. Anyone that can pick me up a few I'd appreciate it!

Rotor

[accord1959]

Checked a couple of the local Wal Marts in Ottawa Canada and no Malibu Internationals. lots of 1:64 tractors and stuff, but nothing in the 1:87.

[RoyalOaker]

I took a drive over to the Wally Mart in Pontiac Michigan and sure enough, there they were.

Not too many styles, but I picked up seven or eight of them.

Thanks for the tip again. When I went a few month ago they did not have any.

[warhammerdriver]

Picked up the JD GP Tractor, the '55 Chevy, and the VW Kafer. Goin' back for more!

Great tip! Thanks!

[loathar]

I was looking at al my Malibus last night and decided to make a Hot Rod car delership scene out of them.(that way I don't have to ruin their paint by weathering them.)

[Soo Line fan]

I found more cars today at the Mart. They are in different colors than before. This is the first time I have seen the red Cobra. My layout is looking like a Cobra convention / cruise event. I also bought a Bigfoot Ford truck in an orange box that was marked as 1/64 size but was actually 1/87. The other vehicles in this line were in fact 1/64. Did not see any John Deeres. I have found 4 different tractors so far, but the Athearn site lists seven.

Jim

[GAPPLEG]

WOw, [:o)] I walked into my LHS yesterday, they had the cars from Malibu for 3.99 each, back to Wal-Mart for me. My local Wal-Mart had them for 1.44. [:O]

[bcawthon]

The Wal-Mart 1:87 scale cars are made by High Speed of China and sold exclusively to Wal-Mart through Malibu International, which seems to be a sort of diecast liquidator run by 21st Century Toys out of California.

Model Power terminated their contract with High Speed after discovering the Chinese company was selling their models to others in violation of their contract. Not all of the models produced by High Speed were for Model Power. The European cars were produced under a contract with Schuco of Germany. Over there, they are the Schuco Edition 1:87.

The new models from Model Power, like the 1955 Ford F-100, 1963 Thunderbird and 1965 Mustang, will be exclusive to Model Power. The pickup is pretty nice.

The diecast Dodge cars are 1:72 which is too large for HO, but definitely better than 1:64 or larger.

Right now, the only 1:87 Dodge licenses are held by Ricko Ltd., which will introduce two modern Dodges, the Charger SSP Police and the new Caliber, next year.

Ricko will also introduce the Chrysler 300C SRT8, Chrysler Crossfire, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Ford Mustang GT, Ford Mustang GT Convertible, Ford GT, Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac CTS-V and Cadillac Sixteen.

There will also be some older cars like the 1931 Lincoln Model K, 1934 Cadillac Aerodynamic Coupe and 1963 Lincoln Continental convertible.

The Ricko models will be available beginning in February with additional introductions continuing through the spring and early summer. Suggested retail prices range from $11.98 to $15.98. These are injection-molded ABS plastic, not diecast.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by GAPPLEG

WOw, [:o)] I walked into my LHS yesterday, they had the cars from Malibu for 3.99 each, back to Wal-Mart for me. My local Wal-Mart had them for 1.44. [:O]

Where do you think the LHS got his?

[cwclark]

well folks..i don't know about the wal-marts in ya'lls areas, but I think I got the last 8 cars in the store yesterday...I made three trips this past week and got about 30 cars but now the 1:87 scale is being replaced with cars in the 1:74 scale...a bit too big for HO gauge...guess it was fun while it lasted...something else happened at the walmart yesterday too...some jerk was in there lifting people's wallets out of their purses and pants pockets...three people came up to me looking for their wallets, two ladies and a man...the man found his laying on the floor in the back of the store and they got all his cash...I notified security, but don't know if they caught the guy..i mean, how would you catch someone like that unless they searched everyone in the store?...hopefully the security cameras got him...chuck

[GAPPLEG]

QUOTE: Originally posted by videotrains

QUOTE: Originally posted by GAPPLEG

WOw, [:o)] I walked into my LHS yesterday, they had the cars from Malibu for 3.99 each, back to Wal-Mart for me. My local Wal-Mart had them for 1.44. [:O]

Where do you think the LHS got his?

Good question[:D] I didn't ask as I was in a hurry.[:I]

[Anonymous]

ok so i went to my super wal mart yesterday and found what all the hype was about and fell in love i bought 2 john deer tractors and 1 of each type i could find of cars (came to 45 some odd cars), my town now has 3 houses a store a train depot and 50+ cars i think i need more residential what do u think hahaha

[GAPPLEG]

Build a used car lot, I did.[(-D]

[Anonymous]

My Walmart doesn't have any of the tractors, but there are some more cars. These were previously listed:

VW Beettle (58-59?)
VW Bus ('63 21-window)
VW Karmann Ghia (looks like a '56?)
Ford Thunderbird (new version)
Shelby Cobra (1965)
Porsche Cabrio
Porsche Carrerra GT
Porsche Cayenne
Chevy Camaro (1969 with SS striping and badges -- very nice)
Chevy Belair (1955)
Pontiac Firebird (late 90's-early '00's)
BMW 5 Series (2004-2005 530i)
Dodge Viper

In addition, I got:
(1954?) Mercedes Gullwing 300SL (silver & red)
1959 Porsche 356B (red) maybe the cabrio listed above?)

Every time they get a new shipment, it seems the colors change. I've gotten 4 or 5 different colors of the Bel-Aire. Car load and dealership material. I really want some pre-1965 tractors. Anyone want to trade?[?]

They all have great detail, clear headlights, and rubber tires. The detail is so good, as a matter of fact, that each different type of car has a different license number. The badging is also extremely detailed. I can make out the bow-tie on the Bel-Aire's hood, the checkerboard circle on the BMW, and the VW on the Ghia! Some are missing some detailing, like the Gullwing's taillights are not painted red (I plan on fixing that anyway).

[MisterBeasley]

I visited a Wal-Mart in Maine on Saturday. The Deere tractors were the only 1:87 models I saw. Lots of 1:64 stuff, though.

[trainchris]

At last I was able to find some cars 3 1955 Chevy Bel Air’s 2 yellow and white,1 black and white, also 1 dark green 1959 Porsche. Still have not seen any tractors.

[Soo Line fan]

I went to a major train show awhile back and this clown had the Malibu cars for the bargain price of $9.99! Now you can special order the same ones from Model Power for 3.99 online or at your LHS if they do not stock these. I was surprised he took the time to remove the Wal-Mart price tags.  When I left he still had the same cars. Duh?

Jim

[waltersrails]

oh one walmarts smartest moves. i m glad they have some HO scale items now.

[icmr]

I went and got 4 more to add to my layout.



ICMR

Happy Railroading.[swg][swg]

[Anonymous]

Are there any HO miniature companies that consistently mention the dates of their vehicles? Cars are pretty easy to research online, but things like tractors, trucks, and stuff like that are a pain in the .... You'd think they would print the date on the package to make it easier for us to buy.

[Anonymous]

does wally world have train sets?

[Anonymous]

After going to 5 Walmarts, I have now 5 Beetles, 2 Karmann Ghias, 2 VW Vans and 15 55 Chevys. The Chevys will populate the streets, and if I can get enough Volkswagens, I might have to open up a VW dealership in town!!!

They look great on a bi-level rack, but the car gets a little heavy with 12 vehicles on board....oh well, I'll just add another engine!![:D][:D][:D]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by PABELT

does wally world have train sets?

They have 2 by Athearn, but I've only seen them online. A John Deere one and a Coca-Cola one. Both are $75.00, and the engines are F-7's.

[Soo Line fan]

They must be scarce, I have never seen one.

Jim

[Anonymous]

I found some other sets at WM today. There were 2 Bachmann and a Life-Like. The Life-Like was a Santa Fe Diesel, one of the Bachmanns was the Casey Jones, and the other, I think was an F7 Santa Fe. Another WM had an Athearn Santa Fe (once again, I think it's an F7).

[Anonymous]

I found a bunch of Chevy 55's at the walmart today. Sadly they dont fit the Accurail Ready to run TRIPLE deck Autorack.

I will be evaluating the Accurail Double Decker as a possible canidate soon.

If I cannot find a working autorack to load, then I guess Im a owner of a HO scale dealership! LOL.

[bryanbell]

I have no problem finding the cars but I've checked five WM's in my area and not one tractor to be found. It might be a suburban thing, I'll have to venture out to a rural WM to look for them.

bryan

[Medina1128]

I guess you could model the 1950s and explain that Marty McFly wrecked the DeLorean and made another time machine out of a Viper...

[accord1959]

Anybody in the Ottawa, Canada area find these cars in a Walmart store? I've checked the Orleans and South Keys stores and there are none.

[DALCruiser]

OK, I give up!! It looks like these cars are in Wal-marts on a regional basis. I have been to several Wal-marts in the San Jose, CA area and NO HO SCALE CARS in stock. The only thing they stock are Hot Wheels (1:64) and larger. The John Deer stuff was there but it looks like 1:64 or larger. Now I'm jealous[sigh]

Dave

[Budliner]

hay with all this hoopla
I trcked over to wally mart (15 miles away in lynn MA)
wow its like some other country in spain
I cant find no ho cars nothing even close
*** I was looking for some piggy backs and cant beleve the price like 5 to 8 on line pluss shipping yikes
walmart strikes again nadda

[davekelly]

The two WalMarts by me seem to have these every now and then. It's kinda hit or miss. I've managed to score about a dozen cars (VW's and the Chevys) so far, but would like to get some more. Unfortunately there seems to be someone else in my area looking for the same thing as the last four times shipments arrived someone already had picked out the VW's and Chevys. Oh well. Keep trying right?

[Anonymous]

I tested the Accurail RTR Double Deck for these models and the Chevy fits both decks no problem.

[Anonymous]

Hey Guys,

I have emailed WalMart twice about the Malibu cars and both times gotten a phone call from the manager of the toy department in our local WalMart saying they were getting more in a couple of weeks. He did say that Malibu International Toys was probably just a name used by the manufacturer making the cars for WalMart. The company which makes the cars is Model Power which (unlike Malibu) is on the web at www.modelpower.com.

I emailed Model Power telling them how much we all love the little cars they make, but that we all wished they would make more of the older models, like the 30's, 40's, and 50's.

They do have on their site some models not carried by WalMart at this time as far as I know. They are a 1953 Cadillac Eldorado, 1963 Ford Thunderbird, 1969 Oldsmobile 442, 1956 Ford F-100 Pick up Truck, they also picture a 60's Mustang and Corvette and some cars pulling little camping trailers.

In my email I encouraged them to produce a larger variety of years and models, and I believe if they really understood the market out here they would give us what we want, SO GO TO THEIR SITE AND TELL THEM WHAT YOU WANT. If enough of us tell them they may just do it. I had a U. S. Congressman tell me one time that when he gets a letter from someone he figures that there are at least 10,000 more people that feel the same about an issue. If the Model Power people see it the same way your communication could have some real clout!

[Anonymous]

The response by those who are able to buy the Malibu International 1:87 scale cars is great and for those of you not able to get them at your local WalMart you should contact the toy manager in your store and ask him/her to order them. The same is true with the Athearn brand 1:87 John Deere tractors and the Norscot brand 1:87 Caterpillar yellow construction equipment. "If you ask them, they will order it." If they do not, contact WalMart headquarters at walmart.com.

I have contacted Jonathan B. Tager, the vice president of Model Power (Malibu International Toys) and he said they were going to add some new (older) cars to their line in the future. These new cars are those being displaying on their website - modelpower.com. I did ask him if they would be doing any others and he said they did not have plans to do others at this time.

Here is a new idea!! In all of the Walmart stores in my area they stock 1:72 scale cars made by Yat Ming right next to the 1:87 scale Malibu cars. These cars are as nice as the Malibu cars and sell for $1.44, that's less than the others. The shipments of 1:87th sell very quickly but the 1:72 just sit there for obvious reasons, THEY ARE TOO BIG FOR US TO USE!

I have emailed Yat Ming and asked them to make older cars (30's, 40's and 50's) in the right scale, 1:87th. After the third email I did get an answer - I'm not sure he read what I wrote, so I have written again to ask for 1:87 scale.

Any of you who are as interested in WalMart stocking more of the 1:87 scale cars for us might like to also write to Yat Ming to encourage them to change scales. If they hear from enough of us, they may just think it would be a good idea to give us what we want.

Brian D. Thompson
Office Manager
Yat Ming USA, Inc.
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

Thanks, Jim

[Anonymous]

Forget Yat Ming! I just got a response from Brian Thompson and they have no plans to make 1:87th scale cars.

Jim

[Anonymous]

What are we gonna do with all the 8 dollar cars in the LHS??? No one is going to want em now. Besides I think the Accurail Autoracks are now out of production.

[Hauckra]

I decided to send Brian Thompson an e, asking him to reconsider his decision. Hopefully he will do a little R&D and realize the market potential. Personally, I'd really like to see him market 20's, 30's, 40's, and 50's. All those would fit nicely into most any era.

[reklein]

Thanks for the tip on the 1:87 cars. I found 50 -60 of em in the Lewiston ID Wal-mart. Only a few fifties vintage cars though,chevys and ,VW's. I'm a littlesurprised at all the conversation on this subject though.

[bcawthon]

PLEASE READ THIS!

What you have seen from Malibu International is likely all you're going to see.

Model Power has no relationship whatsoever to Malibu International. The models are made by High Speed, a Chinese contract manufacturer. HIgh Speed models are sold under a variety of brand names. The Malibu International line is the result of a dispute between Model Power and High Speed, which has apparently now been resolved.

Following the termination of its contract with Model Power, High Speed was using 21st Century Toys of San Leandro, California, which is the owner of Malibu International Toys, to dispose of the existing models through an exclusive agreement with Wal-Mart. So what you have been paying are "fire-sale" prices that bear no resemblance to the real world. This doesn't mean you shouldn't stock up whenever you can find these models (I have a bunch) but it does mean you shouldn't expect much more that what you've already seen. Especially in terms of new models of American vehicles.

On the other hand, Model Power will have a number of new models. The new Ford F-100 and Oldsmobile 442 are especially nice. You can see these on the Model Power website. I can't discuss any future Model Power products except to say they will be exclusive to Model Power and will NOT be sold in Wal-Mart. They will be available at your LHS with a suggested retail price of $3.98.

Yat Ming, Maisto and most other diecast manufacturers have no interest in 1:87 scale. They want big sales through the toy channel and do quite well in other scales. There are some other "pioneers" looking to try their hand at HO scale but NO ONE is planning anything like the $1.67 models. In fact, prices for diecast are likely to increase because costs of manufacturing and shipping have risen quite a bit.

And how about those $8-plus models at your LHS? Get used to them, guys, though I think there will be some good action in the $3-$5 per model price range, too. With licensing, tooling recovery and other costs, that's about the least it takes to get a model on the shelf at your retailer. Cheap may be good, but it doesn't inspire investment, which is what is required to get new models made.

BTW: 1955 Chevys wouldn't have ridden a multi-level auto rack, which didn't appear in America until 1959. By that time car rooflines were several inches lower (there's four inches difference between the heights of the 1955 and 1959 Chevrolets). The height of Model Power/Malibu International Chevy is about 1.4 scale inches lower than factory spec, which is right at five feet. The width and length are off by less than a scale inch. So if there is some reason the Chevy doesn't fit, check your rolling stock. You could also try the smaller CMW '55 Bel Air, which is actually closer to 1:90 scale.

Bill C.

[Anonymous]

A response to Bill C.

Thanks for the info. I understand what you are saying about higher costs for materials and shipping, but how can Yat Ming produce 1:72 scale cars of the same or better quality and have them sell for $1.44 in the same Wal-Mart toy section as the Malibu cars? Is Wal-Mart loosing money on these little wonders? I kind of doubt it.

I did receive this reply from Yat Ming today:

"We chose the 1/72nd scale for a reason and that was not selling into the market for trains. There is also another problem with safety in that scale being sold in the toy department. When Wal-Mart has our full line of modern American vehicles, I am sure that they will sell much better. Boley alreadys does a nice job in 1/87th."

Thanks for your interest.
John W. Adams
Yat Ming Industrial Factory Ltd.
131 Spencer Woods Drive
East Greenwich, RI 02818
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Yat Ming makes lots of great quality scale model cars and trucks and if they can sell the 1:72 scale ones to Wal-Mart and both companies make a profit, its too bad they don't want to get into the "train" market.

Jim

[jlrc47]

Any one in the Springfield Ma area the Walmart in Westfield Ma has a few 1:87 cars for $1.67 , Not too many but hope they get more .
Joe

[Anonymous]

You know most Company's don't care about the little guy. Forget Ming Ying or what you call it. I will stick to the traditional options.

[Anonymous]

the High Speed models distributed by Schuco can be seen at www.schuco.de and are $4.50-$5.50, even for sets including a caravan and multi-car sets. also a LOTof racing cars and a lot of new models / colors being released soon. i currently have a first order of 44 cars from a new contact in Germany that can order them from a distributer, I will post his contact info when my order is completed successfully. shipping will be a killer but well worth it. they often have limited editions also. they have a big variety of tractor-trailors, emergency vehicles, even a few military tanks! There is a snow plow on page 4 of the 1:87/Cars section. not sure how much the tractor-trailors run, will ask about them for my next order (when this one is done). thought some of ya's might like to see their selection at least

[GAPPLEG]

Just stopped at one of my local Wal-Marts, they had two cases out on the shelf, Bought a bunch. I don't know why but we have 4 Wal-Marts here in Erie. It's not that big a town. But I just hop from one to the other looking.

[bcawthon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by JimPeters

A response to Bill C.

Thanks for the info. I understand what you are saying about higher costs for materials and shipping, but how can Yat Ming produce 1:72 scale cars of the same or better quality and have them sell for $1.44 in the same Wal-Mart toy section as the Malibu cars? Is Wal-Mart loosing money on these little wonders? I kind of doubt it. ....
.... Yat Ming makes lots of great quality scale model cars and trucks and if they can sell the 1:72 scale ones to Wal-Mart and both companies make a profit, its too bad they don't want to get into the "train" market.

Jim

Jim:

Wal-Mart isn't losing a penny selling the Yat Mings at $1.44. When you can make a gazillion 1/72 models, your cost per model is quite low plus the models are being sold directly to Wal-Mart, cutting out the necessary margins for distributors and the standard retail markup. And before anyone complains about distributor and retail markups, they are what allow your LHS to stay in business and hobby markups are about the same as other retail markups.

I have a hunch Yat Ming is waffling on their reason for selecting 1/72. Hongwell is doing the same. They want a scale they can sell in the toy and mass-merchandise stores so they can reduce their cost per unit (see gazillion models above). 1/64 scale is so crowded it's hard to get a new line established without spending a ton on promotion. 1/87 is not widely regarded as a collector's scale and can run into problems as a toy scale because of its size and potential child safety issues. A lot of 1/87 scale models would fit in the "choke tube" used by the CPSC and thus would require special labeling. As a matter of fact, General Motors will no longer license a model that fails the choke tube test, meaning no more Corvette models (the one listed on the Model Power website has been cancelled). In fact, there are an awful lot of GM models that can no longer be made in HO scale.

Bill C.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Bill,

I just got back from my local Wal-Mart and picked up 18 more of the older model Malibu cars. I figure I will get them while they last. Sorry to hear about the cancellation of the Vet by Model Power. The Malibu cars do display the "8+" label on the front of their boxes and the "WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD•Small parts Not for children under 3 years." And another warning on the bottom, "Not suitable for children under 3 years old due to the danger of swallowing small parts."

Isn't that enough warning for consumers? I would think so, but knowing how some judges rule - maybe not.

Jim

[bcawthon]

With all of GM's very real challenges, it amazes me someone in their organization had so much time on their hands that they decided they needed to fix something that wasn't a problem at all. But they did and now GM will not license a model shorter than 2.5 inches in length. This not only means no Corvettes, it means no Camaros, no Corvairs, no Blazers, no Novas, Cobalts, Vegas and a host of other new and classic GM vehicles.

Pity the poor guys who model in N scale. The best they can hope for is a bus or big truck with a box van or flatbed body. No cars, no light trucks.

I have had a prolonged, but so far fruitless, discussion with GM and their licensing agency about the silliness of their new standards. GM faces no liability because of small collectibles. At least since 1977, there has never been a recall or safety warning issued over an HO scale vehicle model. I know; I checked all actions brought by the CPSC for the past 28 years. As far as I have been able to determine, there has never been a tort claim even filed over an HO scale vehicle model that was related to product safety or injury. As a matter of fact, the only collectible toy car or scale replica that was ever involved in any kind of legal action over product safety was a larger diecast packed in a cereal box. Other than that, no recalls, no lawsuits, zero, zip, nada.

As you mentioned, Jim, the warnings found on most toy cars are adequate. According to federal regulation (16 CFR 1500 and 1501) and ASTM standard 953, the small parts and Choke Hazard warnings are all that's needed. in fact, if the package says "Not suitable for children under 8. Contains small parts and sharp edges" and has an age advisory like "8+" on the package, you don't even have to have the Choke Hazard warning.

I don't know this for sure, but I have come to believe GM decided that licensing in HO and N wasn't bringing in enough money so they decided to restructure the program to eliminate it.

[Anonymous]

BIll,

Thanks for being such as good source of info. Do you think if we were to start a letter/email campaign to GM that they might change their minds? If they heard from enough of us about how we would like to display Chevrolet cars on our layouts and that for them is really GOOD FREE advertising.

I was planning on going to "The World's Greatest Hobby on Tour' show in Chantilly, VA today but it is snowing and I'm not sure it is still on. I have emailed them but have not received a response yet.

Thanks again, Jim

[bcawthon]

Jim,

To be honest, I don't know how much a letter (not e-mail) campaign would help, but I am sure it wouldn't hurt.

I would suggest a polite, one-page letter to:

Mr. Thomas A. Gottschalk
Executive Vice President & General Counsel
General Motors Corporation
300 Renaissance Center
P.O. Box 300
Detroit, Michigan 48265-3000

Mr. Gottschalk is in charge of all of GM’s legal and contractual affairs.

In your letter, let Mr. Gottschalk know model railroading is enjoyed by a quarter-million American adults and teenagers the majority of whom select 1:87 as their primary or only modeling scale. Urge him to request the standards be revisited, examining the issues and balancing any possible benefits of the new requirements against the probable loss of goodwill among a rather large number of current and potential GM customers. You might even suggest he request the responsible executives seek some input from the model railroading community, just as they bring in focus groups to evaluate future GM products.

Remember this is a business letter, so make it first-rate. Do use your spell-checker and proper grammar. Please don’t threaten mayhem or say you will or won’t buy a GM product based on the outcome, even if it’s true. That will only defeat your intention and hurt the chances of any meaningful response.

Good luck!

Bill

[Anonymous]

Thanks Bill I'll give it a try.

I did drive two hours each way to the Dulles Expo Center today in a mix of rain, sleet and snow to attend the model railroad show. When I arrived I drove around in the parking lot for about 15 minutes waiting for a parking place. The show was packed!! Lots of older guys like myself, but also hundreds of families with children of all ages. It was really great to see how many people came out in the bad weather to attend that show.

I saw a few of the Malibu cars there which one vendor was trying to sell at $5.00 each. Several vendors had the Model Power cars priced from $3.95 to $5.00 each. Tons of stuff to see and buy but I was most impressed with the Woodland Scenics display and demos. A top quality display and excellent demonstrations of their great products.

I know it was a bit crazy to drive all that way for the show, but now that I am safe and warm in my home, I'm glad I went.

Model Railroading is alive and well!!

Jim

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by GAPPLEG

Just stopped at one of my local Wal-Marts, they had two cases out on the shelf, Bought a bunch. I don't know why but we have 4 Wal-Marts here in Erie. It's not that big a town. But I just hop from one to the other looking.

Found 2 fresh cases (4 trays of 24 cars each) at Hilliard Walmart here in Columbus tonight. Only cars missing were 2 red VW bugs. Luckily I got the other 2 since we still need red. Picked up 20 other cars also, blue camaro & blue samba, red and black cobras. all alternate colors of what I have found previously (and not featured on Schuco's site as currently available in their line). The price has gone up though, currently $1.97.

The trays were in 2 diffenent areas in the toy isle. 2 trays on the Johnny Lightning & Jada side of the Hot Wheels isle, and 2 trays by the plastic model kits. As I was looking through the first 2 in the HW isle, a guy told me there were more in the other isle- thats where I found the 2 red bugs that were missing in the first 2 trays

[bcawthon]

I am curious about the variation in pricing. I picked up a couple more Malibus last week and they were still $1.67 here in Houston. Wonder if we're just lucky because a price increase hasn't hit us yet?

[Anonymous]

I just went and bought 10 cars last night for $1.67 each here in Dallas. They also have some Cat road equipment for $5 in 1:87 scale.....and paint for my airbrush.....and cloth for my table skirt....and a new tackle box for small parts....and....I just can't be trusted to go shopping alone. [8D]

[Anonymous]

The 20 cars I picked up in Virginia a couple of days ago were still $1.67 each, but the tray they were in had a price sticker of $1.97. Maybe they have just not changed it the computer yet.

Jim

[Anonymous]

My local Wal-Mart restocked the shelf this week. So they are still available..........at least in my area.

Mike In Tulsa
BNSF Cherokee Sub

[Milwhiawatha]

Actually, I had the same issue the sticker said $1.97 but when At register it showed $1.97 then all of a sudden it went to $1.67. I'm not complaining cause I love these cars for the price but so far I havent been lucky enough to get the CAT equipment just really out of scale John Deer Construction equipment. And I want CAT equipment.

[Anonymous]

It took me a time of watching 6 Seperate supercenters for 10 chevy 55's I needed for the autorack.

One rack is plenty. But the prices cannot be beat by the LHS. Good thing the toy industry did not look at what some vehicles go for in the hobby.

[Anonymous]

I am buying them to populate my auto distribution faciltiy. My era is modern so the late model firebird, T-bird, porche suv, and BMW are the ones I have been buying. Hard to sell new cars coming off autoracks with their tops down, so I have mostly purchased the suv and BMW. From a distance they look pretty much like most late model cars so I am not to concerned that they are actually imports. Although, my guess is that imports are loaded on autoracks at the port also. I have a number of autoracks and had been using them on through trains, but with these vehicles, I can put them to work on the layout.

Mike in Tulsa
BNSF Cherokee Sub

[Anonymous]

Martin,

If your Wal-Mart does not stock the CAT models you might try K-Mart. That is where I fould my first CAT 1:87 equipment.

Jim

[Milwhiawatha]

Yeah tried the two that are as local as I can get no luck thats for sure. I am not destined to get the CAT machines.

[bcawthon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by BugBomber66

the High Speed models distributed by Schuco can be seen at www.schuco.de and are $4.50-$5.50, even for sets including a caravan and multi-car sets. also a LOTof racing cars and a lot of new models / colors being released soon. i currently have a first order of 44 cars from a new contact in Germany that can order them from a distributer, I will post his contact info when my order is completed successfully. shipping will be a killer but well worth it. they often have limited editions also. they have a big variety of tractor-trailors, emergency vehicles, even a few military tanks! There is a snow plow on page 4 of the 1:87/Cars section. not sure how much the tractor-trailors run, will ask about them for my next order (when this one is done). thought some of ya's might like to see their selection at least

The Schuco Edition 1:87 vehicles are distributed in the U.S. by the nice folks at German Aircooled http://www.germanaircooled.com/Schuco_USA.htm. Prices start around $2.99 and the selection is huge. Don't buy the big trucks, though. A lot of those are Boleys and you're paying for an extra ocean voyage. [C):-)]

[Hauckra]

I've been to Wal-Mart to try and find the John Deere tractors to no avail. I've asked the toy section manager if they can get the Athearn JD's. They said they would try, but it is not listed on their order sheet. Suggested if I could get the part number or the particulars of the JD's, she might be able to get them. Can anyone supply me with the part numbers to the HO John Deeres?

[dwRavenstar]

Hauckra,

I've got three of the Athearn HO scale JD's.
Item numbers are 7700, 7701 and 7703 (wonder what 7702 looks like?)
The modela are Model B, 50 Series and 6420 respectively (all tractors)

dwRavenstar

[Hauckra]

Thanks, I appreciate the info, I will take that into Wal-Mart tomorrow. I hope that they can get it.

[Anonymous]

My wife and found both the Atheran Tractors and the cars just in time for the Mad City Show. So there was at least a 50' flat with 3 JD's riding the rails and 2 Belairs and a VW.

Now if only I could have gotten the trolley to work...

[Anonymous]

What do you do when you have too many porshes? Sell them of course!!!

[Anonymous]

this thread just keeps on going.......glad I could help!

Mike in Tulsa
BNSF Cherokee Sub

[Anonymous]

I'm from Canada and made a trip to a train show and sale in Saline Mi. on the weekend. I remebered seeing this thread and stopped at a Wal-Mart in Detroit. I picked up 12 cars and trucks. Even with the exchange it was a great deal. Thanks for a great thread.

[Soo Line fan]

I went to the Mart today and found a model I have not previously seen. It was the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing. I went back and updated my list on page 1.

Jim

[Anonymous]

Mike,

The subject of the Wal-Mart 1/87 scale cars you opened so long ago has new life. For months now I have been walking through the toy sections of our two local Wal-Mart stores only to find the same little black and red boxes with all of the same cars of which I now have dozens of each color and make, that is, until today. Those little boxes were gone and in their place were some bigger black and red boxes with new cars in them. New blue and tan VW beetles, tan Karmann Ghia Coupe, yellow Shelby Cobra, red/white '55 Chevy Corvette, silver Jaguar XK 140 conv., dark blue Jaguar MK II, 2006 yellow Lamborghini Gallardo Coupe, black 2006 Lamborghini Murcielaro, and some other cars we have already seen before. These new cars are packaged in groups of five cars for $7.97. There is also a variety of cars with camper trailers for $2.47. There are also trucks! Big rig tractors. You know the 18 wheeler type in several colors; red, white and blue for $3.97 each. All of these new vehicles are from Malibu International as before, but there are also some 1/87 scale Ford and Dodge custom vans from Planet Toys for $1.97 each.

Wal-Mart obviously got the message that WE like these little cars and if they put them in their stores, we will buy them!

Jim Peters

[bcawthon]

I picked up one of the new Malibu trucks. It's a pretty nice model, especially for four dollars, but I noticed something: Malibu apparently has done a licensing deal with International but the truck I picked up was most definitely a Freightliner Columbia.

The only new models in the car collections are the Corvette, Lamborghini and Ford Taunus. The "new to you" models are retired Schucos. There's some debate about the Taunus (NOT Taurus, the Taunus was a small German Ford); some Europeans think it was a model proposed to Schuco that Schuco turned down because it was so poor; something that's a bit unusual for High Speed.

[bcawthon]

....Wal-Mart obviously got the message that WE like these little cars and if they put them in their stores, we will buy them!....

Actually, a lot of people are getting the message. HO is one of the few diecast segments left that isn't hopelessly overcrowded and modelmakers are looking for new opportunities. This is actually kind of amusing. Less than two years ago, I was at the New York International Toy Fair, the annual trade-only show. I had manufacturer after manufacturer tell me there was no market for 1:87 in the U.S. I even had the vice-president of a major diecast manufacturer tell me it was impossible to make a decent model in 1:87 diecast. At the same show, Model Power was showing me advance samples of their latest Model Power Minis. I guess no one told High Speed or Welly that what they were doing was impossible.

 

[mondotrains]

Hi Guys,

I went to Wal-Mart today and picked up a set of 5 cars for $7.98.  They are as follows:

Volkswagen Bus, Volkswagen Beetle, Volkswageb Karmenn Ghia, Mercedes 300 SL Wing Door and a Porshe 356B 1959.

Unfortunately, the box only mentions the "year" on the Porshe so I don't know if the other cars are Pre-1960, which is the era of my layout.

Anybody out there who has bought these cars know the years the other cars were produced?

Thanks,

Mondo

 

[tomnoy3]

Walmart now has, atleast in Mankato, MN, HO scale semis.  Theyre made by Malibu which must not have gotten liscensing for them becuase they all have a hint of generic to them.  But they all look familiar.  There are 4 of them out now and are as follows,

White Peterbilt

Brown Kenworth W900

Blue Freightliner Columbia

Red Kenworth T600

They all have full sleepers, mirrors, crossover platforms on the chassis, individual rubber tires, and have metalic automotive finish paint.

 

-Tom 

[bcawthon]

Hi Guys,

I went to Wal-Mart today and picked up a set of 5 cars for $7.98.  They are as follows:

Volkswagen Bus, Volkswagen Beetle, Volkswageb Karmenn Ghia, Mercedes 300 SL Wing Door and a Porshe 356B 1959.

Unfortunately, the box only mentions the "year" on the Porshe so I don't know if the other cars are Pre-1960, which is the era of my layout.

Anybody out there who has bought these cars know the years the other cars were produced?

Thanks,

Mondo

The Mercedes Gullwing is a 1954-1955 model. The Beetle, Samba and Karmann-Ghia models are actually based on 1960s prototypes but you're probably good to go unless you run across a VW purist. The first VW Beetle hit the U.S. in 1949 and the Samba bus was introduced in 1951 but VWs did not appear in any quantity in the U.S. until 1955, when Volkswagen set up its own distribution network. The Karmann-Ghia first appeared in the U.S. a year later.

Bill C.

[Anonymous]

Hi Guys,

I went to Wal-Mart today and picked up a set of 5 cars for $7.98.  They are as follows:

Volkswagen Bus, Volkswagen Beetle, Volkswageb Karmenn Ghia, Mercedes 300 SL Wing Door and a Porshe 356B 1959.

Unfortunately, the box only mentions the "year" on the Porshe so I don't know if the other cars are Pre-1960, which is the era of my layout.

Anybody out there who has bought these cars know the years the other cars were produced?

Thanks,

Mondo

The Mercedes Gullwing is a 1954-1955 model. The Beetle, Samba and Karmann-Ghia models are actually based on 1960s prototypes but you're probably good to go unless you run across a VW purist. The first VW Beetle hit the U.S. in 1949 and the Samba bus was introduced in 1951 but VWs did not appear in any quantity in the U.S. until 1955, when Volkswagen set up its own distribution network. The Karmann-Ghia first appeared in the U.S. a year later.

Bill C.

Interestingly the old style beetles were still being produced in Volkswagen's Mexico assembly plant as late as November 2003

[bcawthon]

Production of the Beetle actually ended in mid-2003, although the last 3,000 were marketed as 2004 "Final Edition" models. The 21,529,464th Beetle was completed in Puebla, Mexico, on Wednesday, July 30, 2003. The baby-blue car wore flowers and was serenaded by Mariachis as it left the assembly line at 9:05 AM.

[Charlie]

Don't forget Norscots Construction Minis. I have picked up 4 models of three construction pieces @ 199 apiece

Cat D5G XL

Cat 906 Wheel loader

Cat 420 Backhoe

Ch

[Charlie]

I just got back from the Wally Worlds in my city and one had just gotten a Shipment of Street Whipz models. The models are HO one is a 74 Ford E100 custom van and the other is a 75 Dodge D100 custom van. The Ford comes in either Red w/black graphics or Black w/gold graphics. The Dodge comes in dark tan w/gold and black graphics. The models are 1.97 each. The other Wally World had the Porsche Cayenne Turbos on clearance for 1.00 ea

Ch

[jbaakko]

    I can get you more in depth, just look at the following page:
http://www.modelrailroadtips.com/index.php?op=Articles;article=7

[bcawthon]

    I can get you more in depth, just look at the following page:
http://www.modelrailroadtips.com/index.php?op=Articles;article=7

Checked your site - one correction: the trailer is a European travel trailer. It was originally produced by High Speed for Schuco.

[One Track Mind]

Hey Bill (and/or others): I went to Wal-Mart yesterday to see these "HO" Dodge and Ford vans for myself....all I saw were 1/64th scale vans...are we talking about real HO scale vans (in which our 'hood Wal-Mart didn't have any) or are they only available as 1/64th? Anyone know for sure?

[Charlie]

Hey Bill (and/or others): I went to Wal-Mart yesterday to see these "HO" Dodge and Ford vans for myself....all I saw were 1/64th scale vans...are we talking about real HO scale vans (in which our 'hood Wal-Mart didn't have any) or are they only available as 1/64th? Anyone know for sure?

 

The Dodge and Ford vans are sold under the name of Street Whipz. If you would like, I can get you a couple. just e-mail me your info. The Fords come in black or red while the Dodge in tan only

Ch

[jeffrey-wimberly]

This is pretty much the selection at the Wal-mart's in Leesville and DeRidder, Louisiana.

VW Beattle
VW Bus
VW Karmann Ghia
Ford Thunderbird
Shelby Cobra
Porsche Cabrio
Porsche Carrerra GT
Porsche Cayenne
Chevy Camaro
Chevy Belair
Pontiac Firebird
BMW 5 Series
Dodge Viper
Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing

I think it's pretty much the same across the country.

 

[bcawthon]

Add the '57 Corvette, the Lamborghini Murcielago, the Ford Taunus sedan and the Jaguar XK and you've got the 5-car sets covered, too.

[Anonymous]

Anyone interested in 1/87 scale NASCAR? I stopped by one of the local Wal-Marts here in Harrisonburg, VA and noticed it now carries cars by Motorsports Authentics. I picked up three: #24 Jeff Gordon-Dupont-Chevy, #16 Greg Biffle-National Guard-Ford, and a #99 Carl Edwards-Office Depot-Ford. They were displayed right next to the Malibu cars and trucks and cost about $2.97 each. Is it time to put a racetrack on your train layouts? By the way I have seen slot car sets in the past that claim to be HO scale but are too large. These new NASCAR models are a true 1/87th scale.

Jim

[Charlie]

I picked up Ricko's 2007 Dodge Caliber from one of my LHS's. Talk about a beautiful car. Painted interior. Amber lights up front and back up lights on the rear. Painted side mirrors, rear window defroster. Painted gear shift selector and center console. Rearview mirror. Vinyl tires and chrome alloy wheels. The car is made of plastice and set me back 11.98

Ch

[Magnum019]

Has anyone ever seen these in Canada, live in Winnipeg and have never seen them or must have always missed them,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,?????????????????

[Stevert]

Well, almost nine months after this thread was started, I finally got to a (Spra)Wall Mart and picked up a few of these.  Actually more than a few but who's counting...    Anyway, better late than not at all I guess.

Steve

[mechanic]

I was wondering the same thing.

Ever since seeing this post I've been looking to no avail.

I'm in Ontario Canada though.

Eric

[mgutwein]

I've looked for them in Wal Marts in BC as well and have never seen them either - I don't think they ever made it up here.

[tomytuna]

I just fould the same auto's at wal mart....I have purchased single pcs before when i could fnid them...Now being sold in package of 5...still good price....Tom

[Chuck Geiger]

I picked up a 24 car case yesterday - (last one) at Wally in Fresno. It was pretty much like the list Jeff posted. I am selling them at the next Simi Valley Swap Meet for MRSP.

[Anonymous]

Hey, Those of you who have purchased any of the new "Street Whipz" Dodge and Ford vans - If you are like me, you like the vans but don't care for the graphics on the sides. Well, I found a very easy way to remove the graphics and not harm the paint. My wife has some acetone-free nail polish remover pads she purchased at Wal-Mart under the brand name "Sally Hansen."

Its great stuff for removing the graphics and does not harm the paint. Be careful not to get it on the clear plastic windows, it will fog them. Use the pad to wipe off the graphics then wipe the nail polish remover with a Kleenex tissue. It really works great and looking at the vans, you could never believe anything was on the sides. I'm sure there must be other solvents that will do the same thing but this one works well for me so thought I would share it.

Jim

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Went to Wal-mart the other night and picked up three vans (2 Dodge's and 1 Ford) and two semi-trucks, 1 Ford and 1 peterbilt.

 

[N737AA]

I can't believe this thread is still going, I think I started it this time last year, not sure.  I managed to deplete the stock of these cars at my local Wal-Mart (Tulsa area).  I did manage to get enough to populate my automobile distribution center I am building. They look great next to the autoracks with the walthers loading ramps!

I am glad it was a worthwhile thread.  Good luck to those still searching, sounds like Wally World may have a new deal with the 5 packs.  I have not seen those in the Tulsa area yet.

Mike in Tulsa 

[Anonymous]

See theres alot of greedy people selling them on eBay now starting at $3.98 what a rip

[jeffrey-wimberly]

The Wal-mart here in Leesville has a bunch of those 5 packs. They're selling like hot-cakes.

[zgardner18]

Hey, Those of you who have purchased any of the new "Street Whipz" Dodge and Ford vans - If you are like me, you like the vans but don't care for the graphics on the sides. Well, I found a very easy way to remove the graphics and not harm the paint. My wife has some acetone-free nail polish remover pads she purchased at Wal-Mart under the brand name "Sally Hansen." Its great stuff for removing the graphics and does not harm the paint. Be careful not to get it on the clear plastic windows, it will fog them. Use the pad to wipe off the graphics then wipe the nail polish remover with a Kleenex tissue. It really works great and looking at the vans, you could never believe anything was on the sides. I'm sure there must be other solvents that will do the same thing but this one works well for me so thought I would share it. Jim

Jim, good advice.  I have 4 of them and I don't care for the graphics.  I was thinking of removing them but didn't know how.  Thanks for the advice.

Is it me or are the semi's from Malibu International a scale too big?

[One Track Mind]

Yep that is good advice from Jim. I've used nail polish remover before to remove tampos from Hot Wheels diecast I wanted to customize...works great.

In fact I finally found some of those HO scale Dodge and Ford vans at Wal-Mart and could not wait to get those graphics off. Could not find the wife's nail polish remover though!

About those greedy folks on eBay selling the Model Power cars, those are NOT the cars from Wal-Mart. The MSRP on those cars is 4.49....so while some of those prices (like a lot of them on eBay) are a lot higher than other places you could buy them, it's not like they bought them for 1.67 at Wal-Mart and jacked the price up.

And on a humorous side note, I did have a customer come in the other day, picked up one of the new Model Power vehicles in the black box with the word "Exclusive" on the front, marched up to the counter, literally stuck it in my face and said "I can kill you on this price, Wal-Mart has these for a dollar."

Now with my brand new positive attitude, instead of saying something smart-alecky like usual, I just replied with an "OK."

[Milwhiawatha]

some people can be mean when it comes to these cars. I heard that a million times at the LHS, but they were looking at the 442's and the true exclusive cars the owner however said Look at it tell me have you ever seen the same cars like this at your walmart like the 442 the f150 etc he said no and he said thats cause they are model powers only, if you want them by them then dont. Personally I think he handled it nicely because th guy did accuse him of being a thief when I know the guy isnt.

As for the Malibu International cars being on ebay its true I have seen some sellers selling them at 4.95 or even more.

I am sad to say but my Walmart is sold out of the original single packs and last time I checked is out of the 5 packs and had the camper sets but only a few of them

No Semi's but the Walmart in the close city does have them so I go there. As for the nascars last time i checked my Wally world had them but I only picked up a Dale Earnhardt Jr car only driver I like.

As for the semi size I put them next to my Athearn macks and its pretty much the same size what makes them look larger are the sleepers, and top airdams or what ever they are called (brain feeze right now).

 

So thats my posting.Lucky huh lol.

[Anonymous]

Have you seen the new CAT construction Mini's at Wal-Mart. They are not HO scale but are made by NORSCOT which is the same company that does sell HO construction equipment at LHS, Wal-Mart and K-Mart. These new little vehicles are small but I did pick up a CAT 906 Wheel Loader which looks about the right size for a small front end loader (Bobcat size) for my HO layout. They are nice little models.
Jim

[Anonymous]

Bought another one of the NORSCOT mini CAT construction models this evening. The CAT bulldozer I purchased WAS just about right for HO scale. What they are doing is making mini equipment whatever size it needs to be to fit into one of those neat little plastic display boxes. They don't seem to be bother with matching any particular scale, just that it fits into the box. Although I have not purchased more than the two I have mentioned, those of you who are into N scale might want to check out some of these, they may just work for you.
Jim

[fievel]

Walmart only had 3 models left of the Cat Mini's when I  was there.

I purchased  the 315C L excavator for use in N scale. I think it looks good enough.

The other two models were too big for N scale,though.  I told my wife I got a

screamin' deal at only $1.97 !     

I looked at two other Walmarts, but all I could find were some 1/144 tanks,

so I bought  an M4 Sherman tank to put in my downtown park.

[N737AA]

See theres alot of greedy people selling them on eBay now starting at $3.98 what a rip

Ya and then charging $6 for shipping.  I have been known to send the bidders a note letting them in on the Wally World price.

Mike in Tulsa

BNSF Cherokee Sub

[N737AA]

See theres alot of greedy people selling them on eBay now starting at $3.98 what a rip

Ya and then charging $6 for shipping.  I have been known to send the bidders a note letting them in on the Wally World price.

Mike in Tulsa

BNSF Cherokee Sub

[RRTrainman]

If you look hard enough you can find trucks, John Deere tractors, and CAT tractors too.

All In 1:87

[StillGrande]

The cars are starting to turn up other places.  I saw them at KayBee Toys yesterday.  Of course, they were $1.99 each.