I plan to scratch build most of my structuresto 1:20.3. All of my rolling stock is Bachman 1:20.3 scale. I am looking for a source of vehicles, circa 1930’s, pick up trucks, delivery trucks, autos etc. Can anyone direct me to a source. I have located plenty of 1:24, some 1:18 vehicles. Would either of these scales look OK with my 1:20.3 layout?
Thanks, Dix
What era?
I primarily use old Hubley and larter “Scale Models” by ERTL.
Model "A"s primarily.
1:18 are okay, have a couple, but they are just too big for me.
Dix, be careful here, most of Bachmanns rolling stock is actually ‘Large Scale’ , 1:22.5, LGB size. Don’t believe what they say on the box. Bachmann do advertise some rolling stock as 1:20.3 but it is very small, very nice, but small. I believe that there is some true 1:20.3 on the way and if this is what you have got then I apologise for this.
When it comes to accessories I work on the ‘if it looks right’ rule. Remember that the graden is 12" to 1’ and makes a mockery of scale etc.
Kim
I have always used Hubley Model A Fords. They are 1:20th. The Packards and Dusenbergs were 1:18 too big. These can be found on e-bay. I have purchased several that were new, never built
Concur with the “looks right” rule-just bear in mind the relative sizes of the prototypes-even if they are perfectly to scale a Dusenburg would dwarf a Model T- the “Dussies” are huge. Personally I would underscale the cars/accessories as generally you want the trains to be the focal point and stand out.
Some will look OK.
Left to right - A 1:19 Ford Pickup, a 1:20 person, a 1:20 Ford, a 1:22.5 person, and a 1:24 vechicle.
Others will not…
This 1:20 person looks a bit out of scale with the 1:24 car.
If you are looking for delivery vans ( “station wagons”) from 1930’s, try Wal~Mart toy counter. Next to the remote control cars they have some 1:20 stuff. Package claimes to be 1:20, and to me it looks very close, and am considering getting one for my 1:22.5. Markings on them are 1935 Chevrolet - “Mom’s Pies”, “Dads Plumbing”, and one for a bread company (1937?). Price is $18.88, all metal construction (plastic “glass” of course.) Parts packets inside include the appropriate cargo (3~4 pieces), spare rear view (side) mirrows, and a few other “chrome” (plastic) parts.
Joat,
That is one of the classic posts…you should have Rene document it.
Major Carrales
Hubley has 32-33 (or thereabouts) fords and chevvies in several configurations, all are actual 1:20 scale.
Walt
Tom (ttrigg),
I just visited a Wal-mart supercenter in northern VA. I was looking for those 1935 - 1937 1:20 trucks you write about. Long story short, I did not find them. As a matter of fact there were hardly any vintage vehicles in any scale. Next time you’re in your local Wal-mart maybe you could inquire as to how those of us up here a little further north and east might get our hands on some of these beauties.
Thanks
Walt
I use 1:18 diecast cars, they look far better that 1/24 cars
While y’all are at it, if you find a source for the Hubley kits–other than evilbay–that would be appreciated. I’m still kicking myself for not buying the two I saw at the hobby store a few months ago. (Naturally, they were gone when I returned later.) The ones that show up on evilbay–especially the c. 1910 kits I’m after–tend to fetch a pretty penny. I’m not of the mind to spend more on an accessory for the railroad than I do for a piece of rolling stock.
Later,
K
If you would like to try your hand at assembling a vehicle kit, Northeast Narrow Gauge in Wiscasset, Maine, has 1:20 scale Model T Fords in several configurations such as a Fire Engine, Stake Side Truck, Farm Truck, Rail Truck, Wrecker, Express Truck, Beer Truck, and Oil Truck.