Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

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

19426 views
144 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Topeka, KS
  • 329 posts
Posted by Charlie on Sunday, August 27, 2006 6:07 PM

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

MP 53 on the BNSF Topeka Sub

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Topeka, KS
  • 329 posts
Posted by Charlie on Sunday, August 27, 2006 4:20 PM

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

MP 53 on the BNSF Topeka Sub

  • Member since
    March 2005
  • From: Lone Star State
  • 404 posts
Posted by bcawthon on Sunday, August 27, 2006 6:53 AM
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.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, August 26, 2006 2:45 PM
 bcawthon wrote:
 mondotrains wrote:

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

  • Member since
    March 2005
  • From: Lone Star State
  • 404 posts
Posted by bcawthon on Saturday, August 26, 2006 10:31 AM
 mondotrains wrote:

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.

  • Member since
    May 2002
  • 223 posts
Posted by tomnoy3 on Friday, August 25, 2006 5:40 PM

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 

  • Member since
    April 2004
  • From: Connecticut
  • 724 posts
Posted by mondotrains on Friday, August 25, 2006 4:44 PM

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

 

Mondo
  • Member since
    March 2005
  • From: Lone Star State
  • 404 posts
Posted by bcawthon on Friday, August 25, 2006 9:24 AM

 JimPeters wrote:
....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.

 

  • Member since
    March 2005
  • From: Lone Star State
  • 404 posts
Posted by bcawthon on Friday, August 25, 2006 9:15 AM

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.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, August 24, 2006 9:39 PM
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
  • Member since
    October 2005
  • From: Detroit, Michigan
  • 2,284 posts
Posted by Soo Line fan on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 8:51 PM
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

Jim

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, February 21, 2006 5:47 AM
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.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, February 21, 2006 3:23 AM
this thread just keeps on going.......glad I could help!

Mike in Tulsa
BNSF Cherokee Sub
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, February 20, 2006 5:46 PM


What do you do when you have too many porshes? Sell them of course!!!
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, February 20, 2006 11:54 AM
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...
  • Member since
    October 2005
  • 11 posts
Posted by Hauckra on Saturday, February 18, 2006 2:01 PM
Thanks, I appreciate the info, I will take that into Wal-Mart tomorrow. I hope that they can get it.
  • Member since
    January 2005
  • 379 posts
Posted by dwRavenstar on Saturday, February 18, 2006 10:08 AM
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
If hard work could hurt us they'd put warning lables on tool boxes
  • Member since
    October 2005
  • 11 posts
Posted by Hauckra on Saturday, February 18, 2006 8:40 AM
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?
  • Member since
    March 2005
  • From: Lone Star State
  • 404 posts
Posted by bcawthon on Friday, February 17, 2006 4:34 AM
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):-)]
  • Member since
    August 2002
  • From: Somewhere here and there
  • 1,012 posts
Posted by Milwhiawatha on Thursday, February 16, 2006 11:55 PM
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.
Owner & Operator of Midwest & Northern RR and Midwest Intermodal (freelanced HO)
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 9:31 PM
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
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 1:14 AM
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
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 5:59 PM
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.
  • Member since
    August 2002
  • From: Somewhere here and there
  • 1,012 posts
Posted by Milwhiawatha on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 7:27 AM
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.
Owner & Operator of Midwest & Northern RR and Midwest Intermodal (freelanced HO)
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 2:15 AM
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
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, February 12, 2006 11:09 AM
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
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, February 12, 2006 10:27 AM
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]
  • Member since
    March 2005
  • From: Lone Star State
  • 404 posts
Posted by bcawthon on Sunday, February 12, 2006 6:36 AM
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?
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, February 12, 2006 1:53 AM
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
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, February 11, 2006 7:50 PM
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


Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!