1:87 for $1.67

[GAPPLEG]

Stopped at good ole WallyMart today, found all sorts of Norscot construction equip. all for about 5.00 each. Lots of cars today too, just bought a couple.[:D][:D][:D]

[Milwhiawatha]

Well I finally did it I found the Norscot blister pacls so I am happy. Everyone enjoy these grea cars and such cause I heard the supply is getting low.

[bcawthon]

The VW T2 Samba (the one we called the Micro-Bus) was introduced in 1951 and came to the U.S. in 1955 and remained in production with few external changes until 1968. The Mercedes Gull-Wing is a 1955 model.

Technically, the VW Beetle and Karmann Ghia models are both replicas of later versions of their prototypes and would date from the 1960s. However, the Karmann Ghia made its bows in 1955, the same year Volkswagen opened its own U.S. sales and service network.

With the Bel Air, that gives you five models you could use.

[MisterBeasley]

Tim - Soo Line Fan posted a good list of these on page 1 of this thread. Of these, the 55 Chevy Belair would certainly fit. I think the VW Bug is appropriate, since that was fundamentally unchanged for decades. The minibus and Kharman Ghia might have come along too late for the 50's. All the others are more recent, I think.

[bryanbell]

QUOTE: Originally posted by [e-mail]

Walmart and Kmarts websites do not list these vehicles! I thought Id check out how many there were for my era(1950's) before going to 3 or four stores.So much for that.Can someone tell me whats avail. for my era??Is there any construction or John deere that would work for me?Thanks

I got a John Deere 50 series tractor at a WalMart and it would fit into the 1950's.

Bryan

[Anonymous]

Walmart and Kmarts websites do not list these vehicles! I thought Id check out how many there were for my era(1950's) before going to 3 or four stores.So much for that.Can someone tell me whats avail. for my era??Is there any construction or John deere that would work for me?Thanks

[RyanLaP]

I would say the best way to go is really just buying them on the internet. You would get a cheaper price for it and it will have metal body besides plastic bodys. So I think the best way to go is just buy them from any discount train website or ebay or train shows.

[Anonymous]

I too have bought some of those 1.67 cars at wally world. I also have bought at walgreen's some diecast trucks and construction vehicles that were selling 2 for a buck. These are pretty close to ho scale. The cars are not ho scale and do not look right with those 1.67 cars.

[Milwhiawatha]

To be honest All I have ever seen was the John Deere that were waayy to big for HO at my Walmart. I am gonna check out my Local Kmart hopefully tomorrow. All I need is a Norscot Wheel loader.

[bcawthon]

I am pretty sure the Norscots and John Deeres are made in batches as opposed to being in continuous production. This means it can be weeks or (more likely) months between runs and it's quite possible a new run isn't ordered until Wal-Mart decides enough have sold to order another round.

[Milwhiawatha]

Don,
actually those tanks are to small for HO they ar emore on the lines of N scale. I was going to purchase those till I saw how much smaller they were compared to the cars. Then again your Wallyworld might have a different scale tanks then mine. I am still on the wait for the Norscots or John Deere tractors tho.

[Anonymous]

I noticed this topic was bumped near the top again. I ran to a Super Walmart 30 miles out. I concluded that I have pretty much alll of the cars they offer for my era and scene that I need, except for a few different colors here and there.

If anyone is modeling millitary though I looked to me as there were several military tanks for $1.97 that looked to be 1/87th scale. At the Walmart I went to they were next to the $1.67 cars. I was tempted!!

DON

[bcawthon]

I think those used to be made by Majorette, a brand that doesn't have the prominence it once had at Wal-Mart. There are some NASCAR haulers that are about HO scale that show up now and then.

You can pick up unpainted modern tractors like the GMC General and a couple of other brands for under $7.00 at Promotex. There are similarly priced trailers, so you can have an actual HO-scale plastic truck model, ready for painting and decals, for less than $14.00. Bruno Cerri at Trucks 'N Stuff has some nice diecast trucks made by Tonkin; a rig with a Volvo 780 or Freightliner Columbia and 53-foot van trailer decorated for a couple of different freight companies is about $13.00. They're not as nicely detailed as the Promotex models, but they beat the heck out of the Wal-Mart toys with the kiddie wheels. Walthers has them - check stock no's 734-3152, 734-3153, 734-3154 and 734-3155.

[Walter Clot]

I like having a lot of tractor trailer trucks on my layout and have picked up quite a few HO scale both at Wal-Mart and K-Mart over the last 7 - 10 years. I haven't seen any for the last few years, however.

[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.

[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]

[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.

[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.

[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!

[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.

[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]

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]

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.

[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.

[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.

[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

[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!!

[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:-)]

[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......