HO scale vehicles

[krump]

I'd like to see replicas of a NEW John Deere Tractor, a PONTOON Boat - fishing barge type, newer travel trailers or 5th Wheels.
ck
(Prov 22:6)

[Anonymous]

How about anything modern and American. Quality, modern HO scale vehicles are very scarce offerings by manufacturers probably since most of these manufacurers are foreign companies.

[Anonymous]

How about anything modern and American. Quality, modern HO scale vehicles are very scarce offerings by manufacturers probably since most of these manufacurers are foreign companies.

[Anonymous]

i am very new to this hobby and am trying to find out the best scale to start out with for my son. I've been looking at the HO scales, what, if any, other scales are compatible? Any info would be great

[Anonymous]

i am very new to this hobby and am trying to find out the best scale to start out with for my son. I've been looking at the HO scales, what, if any, other scales are compatible? Any info would be great

[Anonymous]

As far a model railroading goes, no scale is compatible with any other beyond using say N scale vehicles, buildings, etc. in creating forced distance in the background of modeled HO scene where space is at a premium, this however is another topic for another time. Personally, I would suggest HO scale as the very smallest scale for a child to use. Anything below this size is to fragile and small for children to play with. Depending on how young your son is you may want to try introducing your son to the wooden model trains first and then advance from there as these are more rugged. HO scale is used by the vast majority of modelers, probably over 75%. The larger O scale and the smaller N scale have their own benefits as well as drawbacks. N scale is a little cheaper than HO scale and you need only half the amount of space to model the same scene as you would in HO yet the small size of the models makes them more difficult and fragile to work with. O scale models cost a bit more than HO models and you need double the space that you would in HO. Models that are availiabe in O scale are easier to work with due to their larger size and can be modeled more realistically in my opinion than any of the smaller scales. My main suggestion to you would be to use the scale that conforms best to you individual needs and desires. Each scale has its own place in the hobby. Good luck to you and your son. It's good to hear you are helping create a new generation of model railroader!

[Anonymous]

As far a model railroading goes, no scale is compatible with any other beyond using say N scale vehicles, buildings, etc. in creating forced distance in the background of modeled HO scene where space is at a premium, this however is another topic for another time. Personally, I would suggest HO scale as the very smallest scale for a child to use. Anything below this size is to fragile and small for children to play with. Depending on how young your son is you may want to try introducing your son to the wooden model trains first and then advance from there as these are more rugged. HO scale is used by the vast majority of modelers, probably over 75%. The larger O scale and the smaller N scale have their own benefits as well as drawbacks. N scale is a little cheaper than HO scale and you need only half the amount of space to model the same scene as you would in HO yet the small size of the models makes them more difficult and fragile to work with. O scale models cost a bit more than HO models and you need double the space that you would in HO. Models that are availiabe in O scale are easier to work with due to their larger size and can be modeled more realistically in my opinion than any of the smaller scales. My main suggestion to you would be to use the scale that conforms best to you individual needs and desires. Each scale has its own place in the hobby. Good luck to you and your son. It's good to hear you are helping create a new generation of model railroader!

[Anonymous]

It's time for Athearn, Atlas and Busch to come out with a new American car, mini-van, sport-utility or pick-up. Either one of these manufacturers can produce excellent quality vehicles. It will hopefully be a vehicle from 1970-2001. It's time for all Matchbox and toy vehicles to be taken off the layouts!
Vito L.

[Anonymous]

It's time for Athearn, Atlas and Busch to come out with a new American car, mini-van, sport-utility or pick-up. Either one of these manufacturers can produce excellent quality vehicles. It will hopefully be a vehicle from 1970-2001. It's time for all Matchbox and toy vehicles to be taken off the layouts!
Vito L.

[Anonymous]

We need affordable HO scale cars of hotwheel quality at hotwheel price. Why couldn't mattel just make their cars a bit smaller? The kids wouldn't mind, Railroaders would buy more, and mattel would use less material and get more in a cargo container. So it would be a win win situation. But it's logical and anti "way it's always been" so it will never get done. Of course hotwheels are S gauge and I could switch to S, but S gauge anything train is out of sight pricewise, so save on cars and spend on trains, or save on trains and spend on cars. That's the conundrum.

[Anonymous]

We need affordable HO scale cars of hotwheel quality at hotwheel price. Why couldn't mattel just make their cars a bit smaller? The kids wouldn't mind, Railroaders would buy more, and mattel would use less material and get more in a cargo container. So it would be a win win situation. But it's logical and anti "way it's always been" so it will never get done. Of course hotwheels are S gauge and I could switch to S, but S gauge anything train is out of sight pricewise, so save on cars and spend on trains, or save on trains and spend on cars. That's the conundrum.

[krump]

ideally I would like to put modern vehicles representing those that I've owned onto my R/R - Honda, Astro Van, Dakota pickup, Nissan...
full agreement with Vito

[krump]

ideally I would like to put modern vehicles representing those that I've owned onto my R/R - Honda, Astro Van, Dakota pickup, Nissan...
full agreement with Vito

[Anonymous]

I wonder why it is that all the HO scale and probably other scale auto manufacturers think we all model in the 1950s? Oh well, it's them missing out on the market and losing the money!

[Anonymous]

I wonder why it is that all the HO scale and probably other scale auto manufacturers think we all model in the 1950s? Oh well, it's them missing out on the market and losing the money!

[Anonymous]

I believe there is a need to do an updated version of the terminal tractors for intermodal yards like the Ottawa Terminal Tractors offered some time back by Walthers. One can not have either an authentic port scene nor an intermodal yard without two or three and with appropriate markings i.e.
ITS/ Mi Jack, Parsec, Pac Rail, Maher Terminals, Maersk/Sealand, APL etc. All of the truck terminals and distribution centers have them as well.

[Anonymous]

I believe there is a need to do an updated version of the terminal tractors for intermodal yards like the Ottawa Terminal Tractors offered some time back by Walthers. One can not have either an authentic port scene nor an intermodal yard without two or three and with appropriate markings i.e.
ITS/ Mi Jack, Parsec, Pac Rail, Maher Terminals, Maersk/Sealand, APL etc. All of the truck terminals and distribution centers have them as well.

[Anonymous]

Im trying to find out where I may purchase American Transit Busses. All I can seem to find are European models

[Anonymous]

Im trying to find out where I may purchase American Transit Busses. All I can seem to find are European models

[Anonymous]

jacorie... The American buses are only avalible in EUROPE.

[Anonymous]

jacorie... The American buses are only avalible in EUROPE.

[Anonymous]

Do you really want a list that long! Simply put we need a company like Herpa, Kibri and Roco in the US. I would like to see construction rigs, cars, trucks, boats, I like to model what I see while I am driving down the road. I think that Lonestar has made a good start with some of there trailers and trucks.

[Anonymous]

Do you really want a list that long! Simply put we need a company like Herpa, Kibri and Roco in the US. I would like to see construction rigs, cars, trucks, boats, I like to model what I see while I am driving down the road. I think that Lonestar has made a good start with some of there trailers and trucks.

[Wdlgln005]

Is Ertl the only US manufacturer of scale vehicles? Is there some problem with General Motors Ford Caterpillar that no HO-N scale items exist? Why did Mattell kill off MicroMachines? they were a hot item, but try to find any now. Why are there so many Nascar trucks/cars? Somebody is asleep! Walthers used to produce cars/trucks to go with their structure kits. Where are they now? Us Nscalers remember the ru***o buy *** Tracy car sets from the movie when someone discovered the cars could be a close match & be a tremendous improvement from the same old plastic stamped cars!

[Wdlgln005]

Is Ertl the only US manufacturer of scale vehicles? Is there some problem with General Motors Ford Caterpillar that no HO-N scale items exist? Why did Mattell kill off MicroMachines? they were a hot item, but try to find any now. Why are there so many Nascar trucks/cars? Somebody is asleep! Walthers used to produce cars/trucks to go with their structure kits. Where are they now? Us Nscalers remember the ru***o buy *** Tracy car sets from the movie when someone discovered the cars could be a close match & be a tremendous improvement from the same old plastic stamped cars!

[Anonymous]

Here here Wdlgln005. My point exactly, it's definately a conspiracy.

[Anonymous]

Here here Wdlgln005. My point exactly, it's definately a conspiracy.

[ClinchValleySD40]

We need vehicles from the 70's in HO scale.

[ClinchValleySD40]

We need vehicles from the 70's in HO scale.

[ternan92]

I called Mattel's suggustion hot line and complained about their way out cars& trucks and that they need to come down to earth! Start to come back more into proto type of vehicles with H.O.scale in mind . The girl at Mattel suggested to try get others who are interested to call in too. You can fined the 800 number on any Match Box or Hot Wheels packit.

[ternan92]

I called Mattel's suggustion hot line and complained about their way out cars& trucks and that they need to come down to earth! Start to come back more into proto type of vehicles with H.O.scale in mind . The girl at Mattel suggested to try get others who are interested to call in too. You can fined the 800 number on any Match Box or Hot Wheels packit.

[jsanchez]

I highly reccomend everyone contact Classic Metal Works on the need for modern HO or N vehicles, since they are looking into making some. If a lot of pre demenand and requests are shown hopefully they will do some. Theier 40-60's cars are great and pretty reasonable in price. Busch is another company worth contacting, since they did pretty well with the Chevy Blazers and Chysler minivans. I'm surprised no one has done a PT cruiser in N or Ho.

[jsanchez]

I highly reccomend everyone contact Classic Metal Works on the need for modern HO or N vehicles, since they are looking into making some. If a lot of pre demenand and requests are shown hopefully they will do some. Theier 40-60's cars are great and pretty reasonable in price. Busch is another company worth contacting, since they did pretty well with the Chevy Blazers and Chysler minivans. I'm surprised no one has done a PT cruiser in N or Ho.

[Puckdropper]

I'd love to see mid-range type vehicles... Dodge Trucks, Plymouth Acclaims, Honda Accords etc...

We're all looking for realness, but plastic static displays just look bad.

[Puckdropper]

I'd love to see mid-range type vehicles... Dodge Trucks, Plymouth Acclaims, Honda Accords etc...

We're all looking for realness, but plastic static displays just look bad.

[ternan92]

Call and tell Mattel's hot line 1-800-524-toys and let them what YOU would like to see!

[ternan92]

Call and tell Mattel's hot line 1-800-524-toys and let them what YOU would like to see!

[Anonymous]

A few reasons come to mind as to why Hot Wheels can't or won't do
more than perhaps a limited line of true HO scale vehicles, biggest one being that
"true" Hot Wheels (meaning non-collectibles) are built and scaled to run on Hot
Wheels track and associated products (boosters, ramps, robots, serpents, etc.).
I'm not saying that Mattel can't have a separate line of true 1:87 vehicles, but rather
that it's not nearly a simple matter of tweaking the standard products for the sake
of accuracy. If you doubt this, try running a Classic Metal Works car through a
Hot Wheel booster.

[Anonymous]

A few reasons come to mind as to why Hot Wheels can't or won't do
more than perhaps a limited line of true HO scale vehicles, biggest one being that
"true" Hot Wheels (meaning non-collectibles) are built and scaled to run on Hot
Wheels track and associated products (boosters, ramps, robots, serpents, etc.).
I'm not saying that Mattel can't have a separate line of true 1:87 vehicles, but rather
that it's not nearly a simple matter of tweaking the standard products for the sake
of accuracy. If you doubt this, try running a Classic Metal Works car through a
Hot Wheel booster.

[Anonymous]

I've found that Japanese imports are virtually non-existant in the model vehicle world... the Honda Civic and Toyota Camry are 2 cars that seem to be everywhere in the real world, but never seen on contemporary layouts. Someone should think about tapping that market, as it seems Honda, Nissan, and Toyota are the new BIG 3. There's also not enough late model American styles. mini vans (new styled caravan, windstar), or cars(about a '00 Taurus, or even Dodge Intrepid/Neon/Stratus). Trucks and SUV's seem to be ok, but one can only have so many F 150's and Chevy Blazers/Suburban. How about a Silverado, a Cadillac Escalade, or Dodge Durango. European model vehicles seem to dominate. I can find Jetta, beetles (new and old), mercedes C and E class, and BMWs. although it would be nice to pick up a european SUV (ie BMW X5 or a volvo XC80). I model Southern California in the 1990's and anyone who's been there then knows the automobile was still king, and it'd be nice to represent that.

[Anonymous]

I've found that Japanese imports are virtually non-existant in the model vehicle world... the Honda Civic and Toyota Camry are 2 cars that seem to be everywhere in the real world, but never seen on contemporary layouts. Someone should think about tapping that market, as it seems Honda, Nissan, and Toyota are the new BIG 3. There's also not enough late model American styles. mini vans (new styled caravan, windstar), or cars(about a '00 Taurus, or even Dodge Intrepid/Neon/Stratus). Trucks and SUV's seem to be ok, but one can only have so many F 150's and Chevy Blazers/Suburban. How about a Silverado, a Cadillac Escalade, or Dodge Durango. European model vehicles seem to dominate. I can find Jetta, beetles (new and old), mercedes C and E class, and BMWs. although it would be nice to pick up a european SUV (ie BMW X5 or a volvo XC80). I model Southern California in the 1990's and anyone who's been there then knows the automobile was still king, and it'd be nice to represent that.

[Puckdropper]

You may want to add to that list Plymouth Acclaim/Dodge Spirt. I see two or three each time I go somewhere. Also, I've seen a lot of Buick Skylarks from around '95. (It's got a triangular protrusion from the front bumper...)

[Puckdropper]

You may want to add to that list Plymouth Acclaim/Dodge Spirt. I see two or three each time I go somewhere. Also, I've seen a lot of Buick Skylarks from around '95. (It's got a triangular protrusion from the front bumper...)

[Anonymous]

has anyone tried to motorize a HO scale car?

[Anonymous]

has anyone tried to motorize a HO scale car?

[Anonymous]

the biggest problem is the lisencing aggrements that are required. I do know that Mattel makes a veriy nice Cat tracked farm tractor in HO scale. cost 5.95 and comes in a cylindical clear plastice container. Don't over look the Williams bros products. They make a 87 Chevy El Camino, 97 Chevy Blazer and 91-92 Ford Explorer.

[Anonymous]

the biggest problem is the lisencing aggrements that are required. I do know that Mattel makes a veriy nice Cat tracked farm tractor in HO scale. cost 5.95 and comes in a cylindical clear plastice container. Don't over look the Williams bros products. They make a 87 Chevy El Camino, 97 Chevy Blazer and 91-92 Ford Explorer.

[OhioRailroader]

This is one reason I would rarely model anything that had roads. I always worked in the modern era and could never find any HO modern cars. And then when I did find them, they were either $$$$, limited runs so I could only rarely find even one or modern but fake looking.

The last vehicle I bought was an '87 Buick Grand National. Nice product, but only found the 1 I bought. I'd love to see some of the late model cars as well. Like the Hondas, Chevys, Dodge, Ford, etc. And actually produced with some kind of realism. But licenseing would in fact be a problem with some companies and is probably why some models aren't produced until the prototype design is on the market for 5 years or more. At least that's what I see in a sense.

I had the thought to use my knowledge of making molds for carbon fiber and fiberglass race car parts and create some cars in a similar manner, but the time and work it would take wouldn't be worth it unless I could mass produce them immediatly.

[OhioRailroader]

This is one reason I would rarely model anything that had roads. I always worked in the modern era and could never find any HO modern cars. And then when I did find them, they were either $$$$, limited runs so I could only rarely find even one or modern but fake looking.

The last vehicle I bought was an '87 Buick Grand National. Nice product, but only found the 1 I bought. I'd love to see some of the late model cars as well. Like the Hondas, Chevys, Dodge, Ford, etc. And actually produced with some kind of realism. But licenseing would in fact be a problem with some companies and is probably why some models aren't produced until the prototype design is on the market for 5 years or more. At least that's what I see in a sense.

I had the thought to use my knowledge of making molds for carbon fiber and fiberglass race car parts and create some cars in a similar manner, but the time and work it would take wouldn't be worth it unless I could mass produce them immediatly.

[Puckdropper]

If I was a car manufacturer, I'd consider having my car produced in 1:87 scale advertising. Good for business.

[Puckdropper]

If I was a car manufacturer, I'd consider having my car produced in 1:87 scale advertising. Good for business.

[krump]

glad to see some discussion here. my original query was regarding HO scale (the scale I model) however, it would be great to have a selection of current vehicles in ALL scales - thanks for pointing that out, and also for indicating some manufacturers that I wasn't aware of...
cheers,

Prov 22:6

[krump]

glad to see some discussion here. my original query was regarding HO scale (the scale I model) however, it would be great to have a selection of current vehicles in ALL scales - thanks for pointing that out, and also for indicating some manufacturers that I wasn't aware of...
cheers,

Prov 22:6

[ternan92]

I brought fire dept. Am.Lafrance1970s engine & ladder trucks 10years ago made by Praline. I just got Boleys new S&S engine and ladder trucks and BOY the Boleys model trucks LOOKED alot bigger than the Pralines when I put them side by side. Whos more on scale Praline or Boley?????

[ternan92]

I brought fire dept. Am.Lafrance1970s engine & ladder trucks 10years ago made by Praline. I just got Boleys new S&S engine and ladder trucks and BOY the Boleys model trucks LOOKED alot bigger than the Pralines when I put them side by side. Whos more on scale Praline or Boley?????

[jrbarney]

In answer to TetonJack's query in his posting. Back in the '60s, although it was far from a modern car and was a bit crude by present day standards, Kemtron sold a Thomas Flyer. An improved version of that kit, powered (item HO-10900) or unpowered (item HO-10910), is currently listed as a Reserve item by Precision Scale Co. which I believe also offers a re-motoring kit for the original. The re-motoring kit might be a basis for kit bashing for something more modern.
Also, some of the original slot racers were, I believe, supposed to be HO scale.
Bob

[jrbarney]

In answer to TetonJack's query in his posting. Back in the '60s, although it was far from a modern car and was a bit crude by present day standards, Kemtron sold a Thomas Flyer. An improved version of that kit, powered (item HO-10900) or unpowered (item HO-10910), is currently listed as a Reserve item by Precision Scale Co. which I believe also offers a re-motoring kit for the original. The re-motoring kit might be a basis for kit bashing for something more modern.
Also, some of the original slot racers were, I believe, supposed to be HO scale.
Bob

[BentnoseWillie]

I'd like to see HO scale vehicles from the 80's and laters - plain-jane stuff like Accords, Camrys, Saturns, Intrepids, Rangers, etc. Problem is that the car makers want licensing fees.

GM showed up at a MRIA event a decade or so back and served Cease & Desist orders to many makers of small scale cars, and that soured the market.

[BentnoseWillie]

I'd like to see HO scale vehicles from the 80's and laters - plain-jane stuff like Accords, Camrys, Saturns, Intrepids, Rangers, etc. Problem is that the car makers want licensing fees.

GM showed up at a MRIA event a decade or so back and served Cease & Desist orders to many makers of small scale cars, and that soured the market.

[Anonymous]

Faller have produced some European cars/trucks/buses in HO scale that are motorised - they follow a wire buried in the roadway. They also produce various accessories to go with them like working traffic lights and railway crossings (These use some kind of electromagnet to stop the cars and restart them when the lights go green).

[Anonymous]

Faller have produced some European cars/trucks/buses in HO scale that are motorised - they follow a wire buried in the roadway. They also produce various accessories to go with them like working traffic lights and railway crossings (These use some kind of electromagnet to stop the cars and restart them when the lights go green).

[krump]

FYI - the Norscot CAT Heavy Equipment pieces are terrific, and they can also be purchased via Finning.

Prov 22:6

[krump]

FYI - the Norscot CAT Heavy Equipment pieces are terrific, and they can also be purchased via Finning.

Prov 22:6

[dehusman]

How about some horse drawn wagons. I know of only two manufacturers of wagons, Jordan and Preiser. That's maybe 20 varieties and many of them aren't that common (for every one bedecked beer wagon with a twelve horse hitch of Clydesdales there were thousands of utility and delvery wagons.) And a Preiser wagon can easily top $20. What we need is a Life like Scene Master set with a utility wagon, adelivery wagon and buckboard in the set, maybe a heavy wagon with oxen.

[dehusman]

How about some horse drawn wagons. I know of only two manufacturers of wagons, Jordan and Preiser. That's maybe 20 varieties and many of them aren't that common (for every one bedecked beer wagon with a twelve horse hitch of Clydesdales there were thousands of utility and delvery wagons.) And a Preiser wagon can easily top $20. What we need is a Life like Scene Master set with a utility wagon, adelivery wagon and buckboard in the set, maybe a heavy wagon with oxen.

[Anonymous]

I see plenty of HO scale car models both US and European, ancient and modern in Walthers catalog at what I think are reasonable prices. Have fun.

[Anonymous]

I see plenty of HO scale car models both US and European, ancient and modern in Walthers catalog at what I think are reasonable prices. Have fun.

[Hillyard]

I'm mostly interested in modern trucks for the industries on my railroad layout.

There's a pretty good selection available, but there is one hole waiting to be filled:

Pneumatic style hopper trailers used to deliver flour & cement.

I see them everywhere. They would be a perfect fit for Walthers' Medusa Cement Plant, Golden Flour Mill, etc.

[Hillyard]

I'm mostly interested in modern trucks for the industries on my railroad layout.

There's a pretty good selection available, but there is one hole waiting to be filled:

Pneumatic style hopper trailers used to deliver flour & cement.

I see them everywhere. They would be a perfect fit for Walthers' Medusa Cement Plant, Golden Flour Mill, etc.

[Anonymous]

I need some 1960's era automobiles for use on Accurail's bi/tri level racks. I would like these cars, pickup trucks and vans have wheels that look like wheels without the hub caps on as this was the practice in those days.

[Anonymous]

I need some 1960's era automobiles for use on Accurail's bi/tri level racks. I would like these cars, pickup trucks and vans have wheels that look like wheels without the hub caps on as this was the practice in those days.

[jrbarney]

In a second response to Teton Jack's query, I found an article about powering a car, by modifying the motor used to make a pager vibrate. Get this, it was built in Nn3. The article by Tom Knapp, titled "Using a Pager Motor to Power an Nn3 Rail Car - Pacific Coast Railway Rail Car #4000," appeared in the March/April 2000 issue of the Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette, starting on page 69. As the article notes, the pager motors are available from Flying Zoo and other sources.
Bob

[jrbarney]

In a second response to Teton Jack's query, I found an article about powering a car, by modifying the motor used to make a pager vibrate. Get this, it was built in Nn3. The article by Tom Knapp, titled "Using a Pager Motor to Power an Nn3 Rail Car - Pacific Coast Railway Rail Car #4000," appeared in the March/April 2000 issue of the Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette, starting on page 69. As the article notes, the pager motors are available from Flying Zoo and other sources.
Bob

[CBQ_Guy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tlong

I need some 1960's era automobiles for use on Accurail's bi/tri level racks. I would like these cars, pickup trucks and vans have wheels that look like wheels without the hub caps on as this was the practice in those days.

I see that Athearn has recently re-released their generic looking 1960's era flat car load vehicles - a station wagon and a coupe(?) in various colors and basic Athearn undec. black. They cost something like three and a half bucks each.

[CBQ_Guy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tlong

I need some 1960's era automobiles for use on Accurail's bi/tri level racks. I would like these cars, pickup trucks and vans have wheels that look like wheels without the hub caps on as this was the practice in those days.

I see that Athearn has recently re-released their generic looking 1960's era flat car load vehicles - a station wagon and a coupe(?) in various colors and basic Athearn undec. black. They cost something like three and a half bucks each.

[Jordan6]

I am looking to model a CNW layout based on the 80's-the UP merger but, a layout without (modern[1985-present, not 1950-70's] American vehicles) isn't any fun.[*^_^*] Something must be done on this subject.

[Jordan6]

I am looking to model a CNW layout based on the 80's-the UP merger but, a layout without (modern[1985-present, not 1950-70's] American vehicles) isn't any fun.[*^_^*] Something must be done on this subject.

[Jetrock]

Quite frankly, as someone who models the late 40's to early 50's, I don't see nearly enough vehicles from that era to suit my taste. I know that partially this is because civilian cars weren't made during World War II, but there was a big boom (due to demand) in the late forties, and late thirties cars were still around in great numbers.

I see a lot of modern car kits--not every model is represented, but most are. I model an urban setting so I definitely feel the lack of affordable HO cars!

[Jetrock]

Quite frankly, as someone who models the late 40's to early 50's, I don't see nearly enough vehicles from that era to suit my taste. I know that partially this is because civilian cars weren't made during World War II, but there was a big boom (due to demand) in the late forties, and late thirties cars were still around in great numbers.

I see a lot of modern car kits--not every model is represented, but most are. I model an urban setting so I definitely feel the lack of affordable HO cars!

[Anonymous]

Micro Machines were made by Monogram and not Mattel, Con-Cor picked up the dies.
Road Champs makes really neat American Buses in HO Scale, check with Toys R Us.
Contact Euro-Rails in New York, they were doing the state cop cars and even marketed
a Viper in HO. Ya just gotta look around to find decent HO vehicles, however the cost of
producing these cars is high. Companys like GM in particular charge money to get the
the right to produce scale models of their cars, Ford is more liberal, which is why you see F-150's and Taurus available, we need new Mustangs.

[Anonymous]

Micro Machines were made by Monogram and not Mattel, Con-Cor picked up the dies.
Road Champs makes really neat American Buses in HO Scale, check with Toys R Us.
Contact Euro-Rails in New York, they were doing the state cop cars and even marketed
a Viper in HO. Ya just gotta look around to find decent HO vehicles, however the cost of
producing these cars is high. Companys like GM in particular charge money to get the
the right to produce scale models of their cars, Ford is more liberal, which is why you see F-150's and Taurus available, we need new Mustangs.

[krump]

thanks Jordan6 for digging this (my original post) out of the broom closet.

[krump]

thanks Jordan6 for digging this (my original post) out of the broom closet.

[Anonymous]

Dehusman:

Higher on this thread you wondered if there were other makers of wagons in HO, particularly with oxen or mule teams. Have a look at Musket Minatures offerings. www.musketminiatures.com If you don't see anything which fits your requirements and want to scratch something, they also offer wagon wheel sets. For prototypes you might want to look at a reprint of a turn of the century Sears catalog.

Randy

[Anonymous]

Dehusman:

Higher on this thread you wondered if there were other makers of wagons in HO, particularly with oxen or mule teams. Have a look at Musket Minatures offerings. www.musketminiatures.com If you don't see anything which fits your requirements and want to scratch something, they also offer wagon wheel sets. For prototypes you might want to look at a reprint of a turn of the century Sears catalog.

Randy

[jrbarney]

Jetrock and Dehusman,
Jetrock,
You might want to consider Sylvan Scale Models. They have 1937 cars and a pickup, as well as a 1951 Windsor. They also have a 1937 flatbed, and late '48, '50s and '60s cars and trucks, with "poseable" front wheels. The URL is:
http://www.isp.ca/Sylvan
Another source of trucks is Sheepscot Scale Products. Their URL is:
http://sheepscotscale.com

Dehusman,
If you can find them, Wardie-Jay Manufacturing Ccompany makes an 1/8" scale circus water tank wagon and Circus Crafts makes a side show canvas wagon. Both kits can be modified for 'civilian' use. You can upgrade these kits with 36" and 48" circus wagon wheels, item 5143, from Grandt Line Products whose URL is:
http://www.grandtline.com
(Added) One outlet I have found for both wagon kits and circus train paraphernalia is Circus Creations Unlimited :
http://www.circuscreationsunlimited1.bizonthe.net/
It is slow to load and I haven't bought anything there yet, but the inventory is interesting.

Two other relevant sites for car and truck modelers are 1/87 Vehicle Club at:
http://www.1-87vehicles.org
and another similarly at:
http:www.87thscale.info
Keep on truckin.'
Bob
NMRA Life 0543

[jrbarney]

Jetrock and Dehusman,
Jetrock,
You might want to consider Sylvan Scale Models. They have 1937 cars and a pickup, as well as a 1951 Windsor. They also have a 1937 flatbed, and late '48, '50s and '60s cars and trucks, with "poseable" front wheels. The URL is:
http://www.isp.ca/Sylvan
Another source of trucks is Sheepscot Scale Products. Their URL is:
http://sheepscotscale.com

Dehusman,
If you can find them, Wardie-Jay Manufacturing Ccompany makes an 1/8" scale circus water tank wagon and Circus Crafts makes a side show canvas wagon. Both kits can be modified for 'civilian' use. You can upgrade these kits with 36" and 48" circus wagon wheels, item 5143, from Grandt Line Products whose URL is:
http://www.grandtline.com
(Added) One outlet I have found for both wagon kits and circus train paraphernalia is Circus Creations Unlimited :
http://www.circuscreationsunlimited1.bizonthe.net/
It is slow to load and I haven't bought anything there yet, but the inventory is interesting.

Two other relevant sites for car and truck modelers are 1/87 Vehicle Club at:
http://www.1-87vehicles.org
and another similarly at:
http:www.87thscale.info
Keep on truckin.'
Bob
NMRA Life 0543

[easyaces]

[V]I agree with Krump and Flee307 . We need a US company to make HO scale vehicles(cars, trucks, busses, etc.)and sell them fairly cheap like Matchbox cars or Hotwheels. Some of the prices I've seen for the foriegn made stuff is rather steep!

[easyaces]

[V]I agree with Krump and Flee307 . We need a US company to make HO scale vehicles(cars, trucks, busses, etc.)and sell them fairly cheap like Matchbox cars or Hotwheels. Some of the prices I've seen for the foriegn made stuff is rather steep!

[Anonymous]

You guys really need to buy the Walthers catalog. All the autos plus motorbikes and motor scooters are there. They have Brawa US and European models with working head and tail lights.

[Anonymous]

You guys really need to buy the Walthers catalog. All the autos plus motorbikes and motor scooters are there. They have Brawa US and European models with working head and tail lights.

[Nieuweboer]

I think there is an abundance of US cars and trucks, both expensive and affordable.
but what I sorely miss are affordable buses of the 50-80 period, both intercity such as Greyhound, Trailways had as well as city buses like the Flxible. The Pirate models in the walthers catalogue are too expesive for my taste. I think Busch, Herpa or Trident should be able to produce one or two representative models. Their US schoolbuses
are good examples of the quality they are able to deliver. I hope their people read this forum.

[Nieuweboer]

I think there is an abundance of US cars and trucks, both expensive and affordable.
but what I sorely miss are affordable buses of the 50-80 period, both intercity such as Greyhound, Trailways had as well as city buses like the Flxible. The Pirate models in the walthers catalogue are too expesive for my taste. I think Busch, Herpa or Trident should be able to produce one or two representative models. Their US schoolbuses
are good examples of the quality they are able to deliver. I hope their people read this forum.

[krump]

I have Walthers 2003 (HO), it have been most helpful in selecting items. the vehicles go from cheap (looking) to finely detailed pieces.

[krump]

I have Walthers 2003 (HO), it have been most helpful in selecting items. the vehicles go from cheap (looking) to finely detailed pieces.

[Anonymous]

I think they should make more 40's and 50's cars. That seems to be the most popular modeling era right now. Some modern cars would be nice too.

[Anonymous]

I think they should make more 40's and 50's cars. That seems to be the most popular modeling era right now. Some modern cars would be nice too.

[Anonymous]

Why should HO vehicles cost as much as , and sometimes much more than, highly detailed , 1/24 or 1/25 scale cars and trucks? Also consider that most HO scale vehicles often consist of a very basic body shell lacking any chrome trim ,windows, or realistic wheels and tires. Most lack any underbody detail or running gear. There are some very nice and very expensive and difficult-to-build kits on the market, but there's the rub. How much time and money does the average model railroader have or want to commit to an appropriate number of model vehicles for their layout? Who wants to spend over $50. for an HO scale city bus, when for a few dollars more they can get a Spectrum 2-8-0, or a Proto 2000 diesel or perhaps a half dozen or more decent freight cars? If a manufacturer can tool up a very complex and highly accurate depiction of an, HO locomotive body shell or freight car body ( or for that matter, a complete 1/24 or 1/25 scale automobile engine part in a $12. model car kit), why can't they do the same in an injection molded HO scale vehicle? Think about it - do we need scale underbodies or engines? No. Do we need scale interiors? No. Do we need separate chrome parts? No. Why? Because most real car windows are dirty enough that if you tried to see into them from as far away as it is when we look at 1/87 scale vehicles, you couldn't make out any details anyway. When you look at colors from that same 1/87 vantage point they are less bright-chrome parts would be duller even if the car had just been washed! We do need an accurate body shell with trim that can be lightly detailed with a paint stick and a brush, as well as windows that are translucent enough to hint at what's inside, and that could be a generic interior 'tub' of seats, a dashboard and a steering wheel. A basic underframe consisting of a flat plastic piece with locating tabs for 2 thin metal 'axles' and simplified wheels and tires would probably satisfy most requirements, provided that they looked appropriate for the era of the particular prototype. There have been some really awful HO scale vehicles offered in the past and many of them have populated otherwise spectacular layouts, and even graced the cover of Model Railroader, frankly ruining any feeling that you were looking at a realistic depiction of a railroad.; instead it became a flawed work of art. I realize that the model manufacturers argue that they would have to sell large quantities of scale vehicles to recoup their tooling costs but wouldn't most of us buy more vehicles than we do now if they were as I described and their costs were in line? We need to tell the industry what vehicles we would buy; for instance we need basic trucks like the old Ulrich line of 40's and 50's truck tractors and various trailers. We need more modern trucks like Peterbilts and Macks and appropriate trailers. How about a GM city bus from the 50's that often served for 20+ years? Most cars over the years, until the Japanese invasion in the past 30 years have been from Ford, GM or Chrysler and most were 4 door sedans and pickups. Most were relatively the same length and width and consequently, the undercarriage and interior tubs would have wide application to keep tooling costs down. Ditto for wheels and tires. The same applies to the windows, since most GM, Ford, and Chrysler shared bodies within their respective product lines. The same holds true even now and pertains to Hondas, Toyotas and other imports. Seriously what do you think it would really cost for someone like Bachmann, Life-Like, or Athearn/Horizon , or perhaps AMT Ertl or Revell/Monogram, to do what I am challenging them with? Or will it take a savy outsider or newcomer to take a proactive approach and do it instead? In the meantime I think it is stupid to spend $50. for a truck or bus model, and just as stupid to spend hours building a $10. Model T or settling for a cartoon like vehicle (that is still overpriced) that looks more like a parade float than a Chevy. I'm glad that I've got this off my chest and hope that we can look forward for all of us to be heard and that this mostly ignored portion of our hobby will finally be addressed.

[Anonymous]

Why should HO vehicles cost as much as , and sometimes much more than, highly detailed , 1/24 or 1/25 scale cars and trucks? Also consider that most HO scale vehicles often consist of a very basic body shell lacking any chrome trim ,windows, or realistic wheels and tires. Most lack any underbody detail or running gear. There are some very nice and very expensive and difficult-to-build kits on the market, but there's the rub. How much time and money does the average model railroader have or want to commit to an appropriate number of model vehicles for their layout? Who wants to spend over $50. for an HO scale city bus, when for a few dollars more they can get a Spectrum 2-8-0, or a Proto 2000 diesel or perhaps a half dozen or more decent freight cars? If a manufacturer can tool up a very complex and highly accurate depiction of an, HO locomotive body shell or freight car body ( or for that matter, a complete 1/24 or 1/25 scale automobile engine part in a $12. model car kit), why can't they do the same in an injection molded HO scale vehicle? Think about it - do we need scale underbodies or engines? No. Do we need scale interiors? No. Do we need separate chrome parts? No. Why? Because most real car windows are dirty enough that if you tried to see into them from as far away as it is when we look at 1/87 scale vehicles, you couldn't make out any details anyway. When you look at colors from that same 1/87 vantage point they are less bright-chrome parts would be duller even if the car had just been washed! We do need an accurate body shell with trim that can be lightly detailed with a paint stick and a brush, as well as windows that are translucent enough to hint at what's inside, and that could be a generic interior 'tub' of seats, a dashboard and a steering wheel. A basic underframe consisting of a flat plastic piece with locating tabs for 2 thin metal 'axles' and simplified wheels and tires would probably satisfy most requirements, provided that they looked appropriate for the era of the particular prototype. There have been some really awful HO scale vehicles offered in the past and many of them have populated otherwise spectacular layouts, and even graced the cover of Model Railroader, frankly ruining any feeling that you were looking at a realistic depiction of a railroad.; instead it became a flawed work of art. I realize that the model manufacturers argue that they would have to sell large quantities of scale vehicles to recoup their tooling costs but wouldn't most of us buy more vehicles than we do now if they were as I described and their costs were in line? We need to tell the industry what vehicles we would buy; for instance we need basic trucks like the old Ulrich line of 40's and 50's truck tractors and various trailers. We need more modern trucks like Peterbilts and Macks and appropriate trailers. How about a GM city bus from the 50's that often served for 20+ years? Most cars over the years, until the Japanese invasion in the past 30 years have been from Ford, GM or Chrysler and most were 4 door sedans and pickups. Most were relatively the same length and width and consequently, the undercarriage and interior tubs would have wide application to keep tooling costs down. Ditto for wheels and tires. The same applies to the windows, since most GM, Ford, and Chrysler shared bodies within their respective product lines. The same holds true even now and pertains to Hondas, Toyotas and other imports. Seriously what do you think it would really cost for someone like Bachmann, Life-Like, or Athearn/Horizon , or perhaps AMT Ertl or Revell/Monogram, to do what I am challenging them with? Or will it take a savy outsider or newcomer to take a proactive approach and do it instead? In the meantime I think it is stupid to spend $50. for a truck or bus model, and just as stupid to spend hours building a $10. Model T or settling for a cartoon like vehicle (that is still overpriced) that looks more like a parade float than a Chevy. I'm glad that I've got this off my chest and hope that we can look forward for all of us to be heard and that this mostly ignored portion of our hobby will finally be addressed.

[DSchmitt]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Scottydog

You guys really need to buy the Walthers catalog. All the autos plus motorbikes and motor scooters are there. They have Brawa US and European models with working head and tail lights.

There are a lot of companies (In particular but not limited to small ones) that are not distributed by Walthers, and a lot of the products in the catalog are not currently available from them

[DSchmitt]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Scottydog

You guys really need to buy the Walthers catalog. All the autos plus motorbikes and motor scooters are there. They have Brawa US and European models with working head and tail lights.

There are a lot of companies (In particular but not limited to small ones) that are not distributed by Walthers, and a lot of the products in the catalog are not currently available from them

[Anonymous]

If your looking for really modern HO vehicles, check out www.vw.com. They have
2004 New Beetles, New Beetle convertibles, Touregs and the new Phaeton in various
colors and in several scales. They are absolutely beautiful, but order more than one
because the postage will kill you. I bought 1 Toureg two weeks ago cost me 10 bucks for the car and 13.50 for postage. I bought nine more (many for other people) and they
charged me 12.50 for postage. They are worth a look, Wiking makes em, and like I said
they are very detailed (colors and chrome trim etc) and look great. I asked them about
Jettas, Passats, Golf and GTI's like I saw at the Detroit Auto Show in January, they were
pretty snotty and said all we have is Beetles,Touregs and Phaetons, and the other models come from Germany. I have contacted Wiking in Germany but have yet to hear
from them. I'll let you know what I find out.

[Anonymous]

If your looking for really modern HO vehicles, check out www.vw.com. They have
2004 New Beetles, New Beetle convertibles, Touregs and the new Phaeton in various
colors and in several scales. They are absolutely beautiful, but order more than one
because the postage will kill you. I bought 1 Toureg two weeks ago cost me 10 bucks for the car and 13.50 for postage. I bought nine more (many for other people) and they
charged me 12.50 for postage. They are worth a look, Wiking makes em, and like I said
they are very detailed (colors and chrome trim etc) and look great. I asked them about
Jettas, Passats, Golf and GTI's like I saw at the Detroit Auto Show in January, they were
pretty snotty and said all we have is Beetles,Touregs and Phaetons, and the other models come from Germany. I have contacted Wiking in Germany but have yet to hear
from them. I'll let you know what I find out.

[Anonymous]

Do Matchbox cars match HO scale?

[Anonymous]

Do Matchbox cars match HO scale?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by appst03

How about anything modern and American. Quality, modern HO scale vehicles are very scarce offerings by manufacturers probably since most of these manufacurers are foreign companies.

OOOH! Good point!, there isn't an abundance of modern American HO vehicles out there![banghead] How about a 1985 Mustang GT, or a 1997 Camaro Z28, or a 1975 Dodge Van,or.........................What's your pick?[:D]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by appst03

How about anything modern and American. Quality, modern HO scale vehicles are very scarce offerings by manufacturers probably since most of these manufacurers are foreign companies.

OOOH! Good point!, there isn't an abundance of modern American HO vehicles out there![banghead] How about a 1985 Mustang GT, or a 1997 Camaro Z28, or a 1975 Dodge Van,or.........................What's your pick?[:D]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by JCtrain

Do Matchbox cars match HO scale?

Matchbox cars are modelled in a variety of scales, and the scale is "usually",but not always, molded into the bottom of the car.[:D]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by JCtrain

Do Matchbox cars match HO scale?

Matchbox cars are modelled in a variety of scales, and the scale is "usually",but not always, molded into the bottom of the car.[:D]

[cisco1]

Here's an idea for an article {or series of articles}: How about a comparison of vehicles produced over say the past 20 years. Go into detail with manufacturer, models produced, how close to scale {HO for instance} and ideas for modification or alteration.
Model Railroader did this with plastic diesel locomotives not too long ago : GP30s if I remember right. It would be a large enough project that a page or two could be devoted to this each month for a full year and still not cover everything. Just a thought........

[cisco1]

Here's an idea for an article {or series of articles}: How about a comparison of vehicles produced over say the past 20 years. Go into detail with manufacturer, models produced, how close to scale {HO for instance} and ideas for modification or alteration.
Model Railroader did this with plastic diesel locomotives not too long ago : GP30s if I remember right. It would be a large enough project that a page or two could be devoted to this each month for a full year and still not cover everything. Just a thought........

[Anonymous]

hey 'cisco1' --- I think you've got a good suggestion (comparison of what vehicles have been produced by whom/when) . .. A very brief 'comment' following manufacturer info would be helpful as to accuracy, closeness to 1/87, and whether or not is still in production. It would probably be too much of an undertaking to review all of a manufacturer's individual products. There are some inexpensive toy models, of trucks especially , that can be found at swap meets, garage sales and even in discount and chain toy stores that are close, if not exact HO scale. It seems that if an HO scale label is placed on a model vehicle the price all of the sudden doubles or triples. I found a beautifully made and painted diecast Grayhound 'Scenic Cruiser" bus in a toy store sometime ago and paid about $5.00 for it. It's close to 1/87 but has no scale marking on it, nor a manufacturer's label. Don't know about you but I'd go broke paying $8.00-$15.00 for scale 1940s cars, double or more than that for large trucks, and Pirate model buses about the same as discounted Spectrum 2-8-0. Hopefully MR reads these Forums and will consider implementing your idea. . .

[Anonymous]

hey 'cisco1' --- I think you've got a good suggestion (comparison of what vehicles have been produced by whom/when) . .. A very brief 'comment' following manufacturer info would be helpful as to accuracy, closeness to 1/87, and whether or not is still in production. It would probably be too much of an undertaking to review all of a manufacturer's individual products. There are some inexpensive toy models, of trucks especially , that can be found at swap meets, garage sales and even in discount and chain toy stores that are close, if not exact HO scale. It seems that if an HO scale label is placed on a model vehicle the price all of the sudden doubles or triples. I found a beautifully made and painted diecast Grayhound 'Scenic Cruiser" bus in a toy store sometime ago and paid about $5.00 for it. It's close to 1/87 but has no scale marking on it, nor a manufacturer's label. Don't know about you but I'd go broke paying $8.00-$15.00 for scale 1940s cars, double or more than that for large trucks, and Pirate model buses about the same as discounted Spectrum 2-8-0. Hopefully MR reads these Forums and will consider implementing your idea. . .

[Anonymous]

For those of you carping about price and selection of HO vehicles have a look at www.nixonenterprises.com They specialize in OOP and remainders.

On the point of buying a Walthers catalog. Why spend money when they have a searchable online catalog free for the using?

Randy

[Anonymous]

For those of you carping about price and selection of HO vehicles have a look at www.nixonenterprises.com They specialize in OOP and remainders.

On the point of buying a Walthers catalog. Why spend money when they have a searchable online catalog free for the using?

Randy

[Anonymous]

Because it's a lot less "comfortable" to fall asleep on your keyboard, than on the couch, reading the printed version. -- I checked out Nixon Enterprises per your suggestion and although I appreciate your lead, frankly their prices for at least the items I'd be interested in, are just as wacky as the prices in Walthers, which we all know (and some of us admit) are often way over what you can get the same item for elsewhere. It's easy to locate far more affordable sources for most HO motive power & rolling stock, and for some structures. Try that for smaller, more specialized items like vehicles and you're looking at absurdly high prices for little, teany, tiny, uncomplicated, easy to injection mold, non-powered, static display model cars and trucks. . . What's wrong w/ discussing the relative value/cost of an important component part of our hobby - vehicles help define an era and set the 'mood' for a scene (all trucks - must be an industrial area; all rundown early Ford sedans and pickups - could be Depression era or just depressed neighborhood or town; a shiny new Cadillac and you've found the 'boss man' or local robber baron; no vehicles-must be deserted (or model railroader can't afford any) ' circus-float ' looking plastic cars w/out any detail - must be a modeler who's given up locating any better ones or can't afford to. . . There still is a need and ready-to -buy market for low cost, decent HO vehicles of American prototypes in all eras ( my bias is pre-and post war WW II ). We harped for years about having affordable steam and diesel alternative to brass that were accurate, not necessarily generic models, well detailed and good runners. Some manufacturers paid attention, stepped up and gave us more than we could have possibly dreamed of while looking at a Walthers' catalog 10 or 15 years ago. Harping and carping is good!. What about a 'poll' asking question(s) like - What should a scale car or truck cost? What era is needed? What level of detail do you expect ? What material will you buy (metal, plastic, resin, etc.) ? RTR or kit ? and, How many would you buy (over the next 12 months) ? Then, we email/snail mail the results to every model railroading publication, every scale vehicle publication, and most every potential model maker including Matell, AMT/ERTL, Revell Monogram, Life-Like, Bachmann, and others. Or we just harp and carp, and cope and hope forever. Then, if we get lucky, we can complain that the flood of HO vehicles are coming from China!

[Anonymous]

Because it's a lot less "comfortable" to fall asleep on your keyboard, than on the couch, reading the printed version. -- I checked out Nixon Enterprises per your suggestion and although I appreciate your lead, frankly their prices for at least the items I'd be interested in, are just as wacky as the prices in Walthers, which we all know (and some of us admit) are often way over what you can get the same item for elsewhere. It's easy to locate far more affordable sources for most HO motive power & rolling stock, and for some structures. Try that for smaller, more specialized items like vehicles and you're looking at absurdly high prices for little, teany, tiny, uncomplicated, easy to injection mold, non-powered, static display model cars and trucks. . . What's wrong w/ discussing the relative value/cost of an important component part of our hobby - vehicles help define an era and set the 'mood' for a scene (all trucks - must be an industrial area; all rundown early Ford sedans and pickups - could be Depression era or just depressed neighborhood or town; a shiny new Cadillac and you've found the 'boss man' or local robber baron; no vehicles-must be deserted (or model railroader can't afford any) ' circus-float ' looking plastic cars w/out any detail - must be a modeler who's given up locating any better ones or can't afford to. . . There still is a need and ready-to -buy market for low cost, decent HO vehicles of American prototypes in all eras ( my bias is pre-and post war WW II ). We harped for years about having affordable steam and diesel alternative to brass that were accurate, not necessarily generic models, well detailed and good runners. Some manufacturers paid attention, stepped up and gave us more than we could have possibly dreamed of while looking at a Walthers' catalog 10 or 15 years ago. Harping and carping is good!. What about a 'poll' asking question(s) like - What should a scale car or truck cost? What era is needed? What level of detail do you expect ? What material will you buy (metal, plastic, resin, etc.) ? RTR or kit ? and, How many would you buy (over the next 12 months) ? Then, we email/snail mail the results to every model railroading publication, every scale vehicle publication, and most every potential model maker including Matell, AMT/ERTL, Revell Monogram, Life-Like, Bachmann, and others. Or we just harp and carp, and cope and hope forever. Then, if we get lucky, we can complain that the flood of HO vehicles are coming from China!

[DavidBriel]

We HO Modelers need a HO Scale US prototype GLASS TRUCK like those used by companies such as AFGD for transporting flat glass. Some HO model railroad companies such as BOLEY already have the cab and chassis, but not the glass rack itself. The truck would be a much needed model of HO roads and highways and glass manufacturing plants. The glass load itself would be supplied by the modeler using leftover glass used for windows from structure kits. David Briel

[DavidBriel]

We HO Modelers need a HO Scale US prototype GLASS TRUCK like those used by companies such as AFGD for transporting flat glass. Some HO model railroad companies such as BOLEY already have the cab and chassis, but not the glass rack itself. The truck would be a much needed model of HO roads and highways and glass manufacturing plants. The glass load itself would be supplied by the modeler using leftover glass used for windows from structure kits. David Briel

[AntonioFP45]

In case it wasn't mentioned, Busch (Germany) has produced the GMC Fishbowl city transit bus of the 1960s-70s period. Plastic w/ interior ready to run. Price $26. Was supposed to be released earlier this year in 3 acttractive color schemes. Hopefully the delay won't be long.

[JPowell]

Once again Model Railroading magazine has published a special vehicle modelers' insert in the March/April (1999) issue of the magazine. Usually printed in time for the 1/87 Vehicle & Equipment Club's annual convention, this year's issue is running a little late. This issue includes articles titled Modeling Trucks Using Alloy Forms Kits by Ken Patterson, UPS Package Delivery Car by Gary Walton, Model Vehicles Help Set The Scene: Automobiles for the Transition Era by V.S. Roseman, Vehicle Reviews: Don Mills Models' 1952 Bullnose Kenworth & Resin Unlimited's 1956 Cab-Over Semi-Tractor by David A. Bontrager, Nostalgia -- Modeling From Memory ICX (Illinois-California eXpress, Inc.) by David A. Bontrager, and Generic Detailing of Truck Tractors by Gary Walton. Be sure and pick up a copy of this magazine! The club would like to thank publisher Randy Lee and Chris Lane, National Sales Manager for their contributions to 1/87 scale vehicle modeling!
Model Railroading magazine's March 1998 issue has an extraordinary 20 page insert titled Vehicle Modeler. The magazine publishes this special insert each March to help the club's annual convention held in March. This year's issue has kit reviews, how-to articles, and 1/87 vehicle advertising all in one section. The club would like to express our gratitude to publisher Randy Lee and National Sales Manager (and club member) Chris Lane. Check pages 37-56 in the March 1998 issue. Note: In subsequent issues there have been several letter to the editor commending the magazine on the quality of this special section.

Ok... I was just 'surfing' http://www.1-87vehicles.org/News/news.php and came across these 2 references of MR doing a HO Scale vehicle section for 2 yrs straight (March '98 and '99). What's happend to this?????

[JPowell]

Once again Model Railroading magazine has published a special vehicle modelers' insert in the March/April (1999) issue of the magazine. Usually printed in time for the 1/87 Vehicle & Equipment Club's annual convention, this year's issue is running a little late. This issue includes articles titled Modeling Trucks Using Alloy Forms Kits by Ken Patterson, UPS Package Delivery Car by Gary Walton, Model Vehicles Help Set The Scene: Automobiles for the Transition Era by V.S. Roseman, Vehicle Reviews: Don Mills Models' 1952 Bullnose Kenworth & Resin Unlimited's 1956 Cab-Over Semi-Tractor by David A. Bontrager, Nostalgia -- Modeling From Memory ICX (Illinois-California eXpress, Inc.) by David A. Bontrager, and Generic Detailing of Truck Tractors by Gary Walton. Be sure and pick up a copy of this magazine! The club would like to thank publisher Randy Lee and Chris Lane, National Sales Manager for their contributions to 1/87 scale vehicle modeling!
Model Railroading magazine's March 1998 issue has an extraordinary 20 page insert titled Vehicle Modeler. The magazine publishes this special insert each March to help the club's annual convention held in March. This year's issue has kit reviews, how-to articles, and 1/87 vehicle advertising all in one section. The club would like to express our gratitude to publisher Randy Lee and National Sales Manager (and club member) Chris Lane. Check pages 37-56 in the March 1998 issue. Note: In subsequent issues there have been several letter to the editor commending the magazine on the quality of this special section.

Ok... I was just 'surfing' http://www.1-87vehicles.org/News/news.php and came across these 2 references of MR doing a HO Scale vehicle section for 2 yrs straight (March '98 and '99). What's happend to this?????

[Anonymous]

It appears prototypical appearance isn't as important as many think, or at least not important enough to keep you out of a magazine. After spending hundreds of dollars each on motive power, using laser-cut structure kits, lots of attention to detail and weathering, Harry Crouch (Ohio and Northwestern RR feature in the 7/04 RR Model Craftsman) has a mid 90's mack tanker truck on his '70s era layout. See page 52. Maybe it was an experimental vehicle??? It's a nice truck, but it just doesn't belong.
Tim

[Anonymous]

It appears prototypical appearance isn't as important as many think, or at least not important enough to keep you out of a magazine. After spending hundreds of dollars each on motive power, using laser-cut structure kits, lots of attention to detail and weathering, Harry Crouch (Ohio and Northwestern RR feature in the 7/04 RR Model Craftsman) has a mid 90's mack tanker truck on his '70s era layout. See page 52. Maybe it was an experimental vehicle??? It's a nice truck, but it just doesn't belong.
Tim

[jeffrey-wimberly]

I went to Wal-Mart today and saw the 1/87 scale vans on the clearance rack. 50 cents each! I picked up 4 on the spot. 4 HO scale van for 2 bucks? Can't beat that!