1:87 for $1.67

[MisterBeasley]

I found some 1:87 autos at Wal-Mart this week while on a business trip. I got cars from the 50's and 60's (55 Chevy Bel-Air, 69 Camaro and a T-bird.) I guess you just have to be lucky to find these. There were newer ones, too, for those who model more recent times.

[myred02]

Well, they have alot of those at my Wal-Mart. They're a pretty good deal for what you're getting. I got an old Shelby, a Porsche Carrera GT, a Dodge Viper, and a Pontiac Firebird. I case you're wondering, I have an exotic car dealership across from a classic car dealership on my layout. [8D]

-Brandon

[GAPPLEG]

So far I've bought 20 or so of these at Wal-marts in my area, the one I really wanted and finally found was the VW bus.

[MisterBeasley]

Is that an old VW microbus from the Arlo Guthrie days, like with shovels and rakes and implements of destruction? If so, then I've got to go haunt more Wal-Marts.

[Anonymous]

MisterBeasly , in the Wal-mart round these parts, I found that VERY VW Microbus, complete with shovels, rakes and implements of destruction exactly one aisle away from all the "other" aisles of toys, next to the one where they keep picture frames. You know, the kind you might need for 8x10 color GLOSSY photographs ! Course you may have to dig through a half a ton a garbage to get to them.
Its funny you should bring that up, cause when I first saw the VW that was the first thing that came to mind.

[grayfox1119]

Hey Mr. B, is the old Banana Bucket Ice Cream place still there at the junction of rts 4 + 225? I was stationed at the Nike Missile Site ( Fire Control Area ) nearby , back in 1959-1961, and then later down rt 62 in Lincoln at another Missile site until 1962.

[Anonymous]

There were 24 Nike missile batteries protecting Balto and DC during those days but that is beside the topic. (Additional Nikes were in the North east, Detroit and possibly other sites)

I have a load of 10 of the yellow chevies in a Accurail Double Deck autorack. (The RTR version) the model car with the load is quite heavy. There was quite a few folks some time back hunting for these cars. It took me 6 walmarts over 3 months.

Beats spending 8.00 a car at the LHS. However my growing fleet of 18 wheelers and assoicated heavys require me to consider passenger cars models more carefully.

[underworld]

If you keep checking, you'll find different stock of these wonderful cars. I think the first time I saw them at Walmart was about two years ago. The assortment has changed but they always seem to have the VWs and the older American cars. They also have a nice assortment of 1/43 for $1.97.

underworld

aka The Violet

[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]

[Anonymous]

Im glad someone started this up.

A few weeks ago I went to my local walmart and walked out with 3 of them. Im still looking for cars from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Unfortunatly Ive been to about to 3 of them. One only had all the modern cars (90s on), the others had modern and a few repeats.

Hopefully if I go to Rockford with friends on Saturday I know there is a Super Walmart out there if I can try 2 convince my friend that I need to stop at Walmart for something (For some reason I cant get him to like railroading), I want to check out their selection.

I know someone on Ebay was selling a 1:87 1969 Indy 500 pace from Malibu models, but it was going way too high for me. If I could find it for $1.67 Id b really happy!

DON

P.S. I wi***he company would have a working website! Id like to know what other models they have instead of searching at many Walmarts.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by MisterBeasley

Is that an old VW microbus from the Arlo Guthrie days, like with shovels and rakes and implements of destruction? If so, then I've got to go haunt more Wal-Marts.

Not to mention the 27 8X10 glossy color photographs with the circles and arrows on the back of each one to be used as evidence against us.....

[bryanbell]

There has been several threads about these over the last couple of months. I started hitting every WalMart I came across and in the last couple of months I've gotten:
Porsche Cayenne Turbo; Porsche Carrera GT; 1959 Porsche 356B; 1965 Shelby Cobra; BMW 5 Series; Dodge Viper; VW Kafer; VW Bus T1 Samba; Pontiac Firebird; Ford Thunderbird and 1956 Chevy. I think I now have close to 30 because I have found most of them in different colors.
I also just found at a local WalMart the Athearn John Deere tractors that other people have been finding for several months. I cleaned them out of the 4620's that they had.

Bryan

[bcawthon]

Guys, what you have found is all you're going to find. The Malibu International cars have been dumped in Wal-Mart by a special arrangement.

High Speed, the manufacturer, produced the Model Power Minis until Model Power terminated the relationship due to breach of contract (Model Power hs since renewed but don't be looking for the new 442, '63 T-Bird or Mustang at Wal-Mart - this time High Speed has guaranteed U.S. exclusivity to Model Power). In any event, High Speed had a lot of leftover models and arranged with Malibu International, which is a wholly owned operation of 21st Century Toys, to sell them through an exclusive agreement with Wal-Mart.

The German models were originally produced for Schuco of Germany. As newer models were introduced (and there are a number of newer ones), the older ones went into mass distribution in Germany, where they pay even less than $1.67 for them because they are packed in a blister pack instead of a nice plastic box.

Those '55 Chevys, in addition to being a bit heavy, are not protypical for use as an auto rack load. Auto racks didn't come into common use on U.S. railways until 1959. The 1963 T-Bird or 1969 Olds 442 will make a much better load, even though they will still be heavy.

Those VWs are actually a later model, but you can still stock up on them. By 1960, Volkswagen was outselling some American brands and had about 5% of the total light vehicle market.

By the way, MisterBeasley, that T-Bird you got is the modern version, not the 1950s model. If you want the 1950s version, you need to get the '56 Thunderbird from Busch.

Bill C.

[Soo Line fan]

I posted this list of the Malibu / Wal-Mart cars in another thread. Perhaps someone may find it useful.

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

Welcome to Wal-Mart!

Jim

[MisterBeasley]

QUOTE: Originally posted by grayfox1119

Hey Mr. B, is the old Banana Bucket Ice Cream place still there at the junction of rts 4 + 225? I was stationed at the Nike Missile Site ( Fire Control Area ) nearby , back in 1959-1961, and then later down rt 62 in Lincoln at another Missile site until 1962.

The ice cream place has been called "Bedford Farms" ever since 1980 when I moved here. It just re-opened for the 2006 season. On a warm summer evening, the clientele is a true slice of New England - young couples with strollers, seniors, cyclists, teens and groups of school kids in baseball or soccer uniforms. The ice cream place further up 225 in Carlisle was bought by the Kimball Farms place in Littleton, but it hasn't changed either. The original Kimballs now has paddleboats and mini-golf along with the ice cream, I think.

Might be an interesting thing to model off in the corner of the layout somewhere...

[mononguy63]

Interestingly, I recently came across an entire shelf of the Malibu International cars at the local Hobbytown USA. They were priced at over $3 apiece, as I recall. Remembering all the threads about them on this forum (and purchasing/receiving as Christmas gifts several myself) I had to walk away chuckling.

[loathar]

QUOTE: Originally posted by donnyn2001

Im glad someone started this up.

A few weeks ago I went to my local walmart and walked out with 3 of them. Im still looking for cars from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Unfortunatly Ive been to about to 3 of them. One only had all the modern cars (90s on), the others had modern and a few repeats.

Hopefully if I go to Rockford with friends on Saturday I know there is a Super Walmart out there if I can try 2 convince my friend that I need to stop at Walmart for something (For some reason I cant get him to like railroading), I want to check out their selection.

I know someone on Ebay was selling a 1:87 1969 Indy 500 pace from Malibu models, but it was going way too high for me. If I could find it for $1.67 Id b really happy!

DON

P.S. I wi***he company would have a working website! Id like to know what other models they have instead of searching at many Walmarts.

I started this post over a year and a half ago and people dinged me for not buying them from an LHS!!!!(Model Power-$3.99)Same thing.....
Wally World also has the Norscott Cat construction equipment for $5.99.($15 from die cast sites) and John Deere tractors for $2.49.($5.00 from the Walthers site)
WHEN YOU GO INTO THESE STORES, KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN!!! There are GOOD deals to be had......

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Safety Valve


I have a load of 10 of the yellow chevies in a Accurail Double Deck autorack. (The RTR version) the model car with the load is quite heavy. There was quite a few folks some time back hunting for these cars. It took me 6 walmarts over 3 months.
.

I've got 12 VW 's on an accurail autorack (bugs and vans) and yes, its a bit heavy.
Please don't tell Officer Obie!!! [4:-)]

[grayfox1119]

Mr "B" , the wife and I will have to make a trip back to Bedford one of these days and stop by Bedford Farms ( Banana Bucket ). It sounds like nothing has changed, the same groups go there. I lived OFF POST, being married, and lived down Rt4 in Billerica in a two story apartment house, just over the Concord River bridge , first house on the right side. I don't know if it is even still there. There was a gas station as I recall on the left side as you cross over the bridge.
Ahhh, the good old days!!

[zgardner18]

Guys, I have collected over 30 of these cars from Wal-Mart, and I've even seen CAT tractors there too for 1:87 (K-Mart too). These cars are great for me because I model modern era, but I'm still in search for modern Trucks, mini trucks and SUV's. I've seen everything in the Walther's catalog but though there are some it just isn't enough for today’s modern highways.

I also got the VW bus a blue one and a green one. I hope that there will be more.

Check out my Pre-runner Atlas Ford F-150

[MisterBeasley]

QUOTE: Originally posted by grayfox1119

Mr "B" , the wife and I will have to make a trip back to Bedford one of these days and stop by Bedford Farms ( Banana Bucket ). It sounds like nothing has changed, the same groups go there. I lived OFF POST, being married, and lived down Rt4 in Billerica in a two story apartment house, just over the Concord River bridge , first house on the right side. I don't know if it is even still there. There was a gas station as I recall on the left side as you cross over the bridge.
Ahhh, the good old days!!

I think I may know the house, but I'll have to check it next time I'm down that way. Do you remember the River View Restaurant? It used to serve Greek cuisine for dinner, but I think they've switched to a breakfast-and-lunch-only place now. There is a gas station there, too, I think, but it's been boarded up and turned into a house of sorts.

[Anonymous]

That's the only reason I will even set foot in a Wallys World, they do have some good HO stuff now and then.

[grayfox1119]

Yes, I believe there was a restuarant there, I think the locals called that area the Rio Vista sction of Billerica.
We did all our shopping in Bedford though, and the wife worked at RCA at Hanscomb Field. My 1st son was born at Emerson Hospital. I can't believe how the years have sped by.

[MisterBeasley]

QUOTE: Originally posted by grayfox1119

Yes, I believe there was a restuarant there, I think the locals called that area the Rio Vista sction of Billerica.
We did all our shopping in Bedford though, and the wife worked at RCA at Hanscomb Field. My 1st son was born at Emerson Hospital. I can't believe how the years have sped by.

Yes, I believe the side street that heads off the main at that point is called Rio Vista. We do some of our shopping in Billerica now, because the old low-budget supermarket has become a Bread & Wallet "natural" food store, and the Stop & Shop is endeavoring to match their "gourmet" prices.

And my daughter was also born at Emerson. She's in High School now. Yeah, where did all those years go?

I pass your old stompin' grounds on the way to my LHS, MaineTrains up in Chelmsford on Route 4.

[grayfox1119]

I haven't been to Maine Trains HS in Chelmsford, I go near there in I-495 every time I head North, one of these time I need to check it out. What is your assessment of that store? I have been to Maine Trains HS in Yarmouth, Maine, a small place, actually two rooms of his house, right on route 1. Very small, but the guy seems knowledgable and very pleasant, prices not too bad.

[MisterBeasley]

I think it's a great little LHS. Gerry has HO and some N. He's got a very nice in-store HO layout. For a small shop, it's well supplied with engines, track and rolling stock. The regulars get a discount. I think it's worth the trip just to look at the layout. Gerry does detailing, painting and decoder installations too, so he's very up-to-date on the hobby, and the nice weathering on the layout is ample evidence of his craftsmanship.

[zgardner18]

I just got off of the Walther's website and checked out vehicles, looks like Model Power is going to be coming out with some new cars, and a Hummer H2 is one of them, Sweet!

[bcawthon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by donnyn2001

...I wi***he company would have a working website! Id like to know what other models they have instead of searching at many Walmarts. ...

You'll find the address on the package doesn't exist, either. It took some serious digging to learn who owns the company and some more digging to get the correct address and phone number.

As I mentioned, Malibu International is a subsidary of 21st Century Toys. As far as I can tell, Malibu International "remainders" discontinued diecast. The Wal-Mart 1:87 models are not the first "Malibu International" products, though they do seem to be better than the others I have found, including a large-scale model of a Hummer that even looked bad in the pictures.

I have found no information anywhere that Malibu International has any contracts for new production of its own, though the success of the line at Wal-Mart may persuade them to change their minds. As of right now, only new American car that might be added at some time in the future is a 2005 Ford Mustang, which is making its debut this year as part of the Schuco Edition 1:87 line in Germany. All of the other American models being made in HO scale by High Speed are exclusive to Model Power and all the other new Schucos are European vehicles. If you want a sneak peek at what the future might hold in store: http://www.schuco.de/de/modelle/edition187/cars.htm

The cheap Norscots sold at Wal-Mart models are not the same as the more expensive diecast models sold elsewhere for $20.00 (or discounted to $15.00) and in some cases do not offer the same features..

Mind you, there is nothing whatsoever wrong (immoral, illegal or even fattening) about trying to get the best deal for your hobby dollar. I shop on the Internet, scratchbuild structures and scour the neighborhood for tree materials.

On the other hand, I also know Model Power is spending well over a hundred thousand dollars on developing new Model Power Mini models, something Malibu International is not doing. And, like most model railroaders, I want new models. Plus, Model Power is more sensitive to the kind of models we want.

Big news: Wal-Mart isn't buying the Malibu cars because they are HO scale or to beef up their model railroad or hobby trade; they're buying them because they are cheap diecast cars and diecast is one of the stronger segments of the toy industry. Therefore, Wal-Mart is more interested in the kind of cars that will appeal to the diecast fans.

So buy what you can at Wal-Mart. But when it comes time to get the other models you want, don't complain about the price, whether it's $4, $8 or $20. Be glad that they are available.

[Milwhiawatha]

I got to say I have a ton of these malibu cars. since they do come in other colors. But the issu I have is my Walmart doesnt carry the HO scale John Deere or Norscot. Now as one metioned the NOrscots dont have all the movable parts or so I have heard. They are good for static dispay or actual flat car loads. I am hoping to check out the local Kmart this weekend or maybe monday but I am dougting they will have them. Maybe if someone wants to trade a Malibu car I have for a front whell loader you could contact me here or through email.

[Anonymous]

Was in a Walmart today, and COULD have picked up 6 55chevies, 3 yellow and 3 black. But I already have 15 yellows and 5 blacks, and am looking to start repainting them soon......no sense being a pig![:I]

[PennsyHoosier]

[#offtopic]

[;)]

QUOTE: Originally posted by MisterBeasley

QUOTE: Originally posted by grayfox1119

Yes, I believe there was a restuarant there, I think the locals called that area the Rio Vista sction of Billerica.
We did all our shopping in Bedford though, and the wife worked at RCA at Hanscomb Field. My 1st son was born at Emerson Hospital. I can't believe how the years have sped by.

Yes, I believe the side street that heads off the main at that point is called Rio Vista. We do some of our shopping in Billerica now, because the old low-budget supermarket has become a Bread & Wallet "natural" food store, and the Stop & Shop is endeavoring to match their "gourmet" prices.

And my daughter was also born at Emerson. She's in High School now. Yeah, where did all those years go?

I pass your old stompin' grounds on the way to my LHS, MaineTrains up in Chelmsford on Route 4.