Classic Metal Works had run ads indicating their 1953 Ford Squire station wagon models were shipping in October, The newest ads indicate year end. I just received a 2011 pamphlet that indicates the model will be ready in 2011. As I back-ordered a number of these that certainly is disappointing news.
However, in the 2011 production of HO models there are a whole series of 1941-1946 Chevy trucks. The whole line is being released, pickups, flatbeds, box trucks, tanker trucks as well as semi tractor and trailer units.
In addition a 2009 pamphlet was also included which showed the 1956 Dodges which also have not yet been released. At least there were no ads released for those vehicles.
And a '57 Flop Top. Although CMW makes vehicles that are too old for my era, they make some fine models. You could have a hobby within a hobby collecting those things.
OPPS, my mistake, it is the 1950 model. Sorry for the senior moment. I think you will find, that many times new models are announced, then the release is delayed. The lead time for ads in magazines is months ahead of the published date. Tooling for die cast models is more complex than regular plastic molds, dealing with much higher injection pressures. Both tooling and production is no doubt being done somewhere in Asia, adding to the potential for delays and quality problems.
I agree, remember the problems CMW had with their Greyhound busses? The manufacturer in China could not meet quality standards on the chrome plating. That delayed the release by many months.
Keep in mind that the correct vintage of cars for most layouts would be the present model year back to around 15 to 20 years of previous models. Quite a few 50’s vintage vehicles were still on the road in the 60’s and 70’s, especially since they were so much better built than today’s vehicles! In fact, three of my high school friends drove mid-to-late 50’s cars as their everyday drivers throughout the late 70’s. Although rare, it is still possible to see someone driving a Model T today! Depending on the affluence of your layout locale, the locals may still be driving older models. Remember that railroads rarely run through the more desirable areas of town.
I had a cherry '57 Fairlane 500 ragtop - black with white top and red/white interior. That’s not all that uncommon I guess. But what made it different is that it came with the factory 312 cu “Thunderbird” engine with a 4 barrel and duals. Ok, what really made a difference was those models had an extra piece of chrome attached to the top of the front bumper. It was like “a dash, a V, and a dash”.
I would sure like a model (kit would be great) of this, but haven’t seen anything like it ever.
I guess Horizon got tired of CMW crappy delivery schedule, they seemed to have dropped CMW products from their website. If you’ve been telling people that a certain car is comming since 2009 and its almost 2011, thats pretty bad. Let me say, I love their products, thats what makes it so frustrating when you wait YEARS after they show you a picture of it. I guess the 1941-46 Chevy trucks will be out in late 2012?
It is my understanding that distributors such as Walthers and Horizon try to influence the manufactures to use a single distributor. They will offer enticements to ensure the competition is not used. The incentives of course affect the cash flow. Not surprised to see items that are sell well only available from a limited number of distributors.
Is there such a thing as a website that lists all of the vehicles that they’ve produced over the years. Their official site on seems to list current items. I would like to know what my options are for older products that I might find at shows or online. Thanks.
I’d like to see them do a New England Transportation Company paint job used by the New Haven Railroad on one of their tractor trailors and I bet I’m not the only one. It would not even require designing a new model, just the paint and graphics.
I’m wondering if their 1978 Chevy Impala release was the latest ‘model year’ release that they ever did, or did they do any vehicles from the 1980s or later.
I have that model, suitably weathered to match my 21st century timeframe (based on an actual Chevy Impala I used to see regularly a few year back) - this and their 1967 Ford Custom 500 are the only CMW vehicles that will go on the layout modules (any day now…), while other 1940s & 1950s CMWs go into a display cabinet w/ other neat looking classic vehicles - this way I don’t need to justify my 1950 Dodge Meadowbrook, or an Athearn 1930 Model A or a Ricko 1931 Lincoln Model K in the 2005-2010 era, but I can still look at and admire them.