I have begun to create a 1950’s era country scene. One of the items within this scene is that of a truck repair garage. My problem is I can not find a Tow Truck in HO. I can find them in 1/8 to 1/72 scale and in N and Z scale. The last company to manufacture an HO scale Tow Truck that I can find was Athearn. They manufactured a Mack B-60 series Tow Truck but, that production run ended a long time ago, well before I started railroading . Does anyone out there know any company that makes a 1950’s Tow Truck in HO? I have talked to several friends and people at train shows and, they have said that this is one of the biggest problems with creating scenes that are not modern. Help?
1940’s truck here…
I’m sure there must be more… Somewhere.
Walthers has that one (Gulf) and a Red Crown at that price. That sale price is $3 to $4 less than other stores listings.
They also have this one but it is much more expensive
https://www.walthers.com/1945-1968-dodge-power-wagon-4x4-tow-truck-assembled-j-b-auto-co-black-cream
Regulator,
[#welcome] To The Forums.
In answer to Your query…are You looking for a single axle tow truck used for Autos or a tandum axle truck wrecker…used for trucks or heavy machinery? If the latter, the best bet would be to bash one from two kits. They used to make a great looking tandum axle wrecker by Walker Scale Models…but they are no longer available. I do have one that I am redoing…but it’s a rare cherished model. Alloy forms makes a stationery two boom Tandem axle wrecker from 1932/41 era. That if I wanted one, I would purchase it and put a 50’s era cab on it. The kit is pewter, like a white metal casting kit…I don’t know what Your skill level is…but I have made many highly detailed truck models from all kinds of kits and materials, so I know it is viable. Look through both links I will provide and see If You think it would be viable for You. The Sylvan link…All the models are Polyethylene resin kits that are assembled with CA as is the white metal and Pewter kits. I used to make custom models for some people…but I no longer do it…getting too old and don’t have the time…but If You would like, I can possibly assist You with any questions You may have, just PM Me.
The Wrecker:
http://scale-structures.com/af7079
Sylvan vehicles for a truck cab for body of wrecker:
http://www.sylvanscalemodels.com/Vehiclepage%20new.htm
Take Care! [:D]
Frank
There is a seller on eBay that offers a lot of resin kits, bbuddd1. He has a 53 Ford COE wrecker listed buy-it-now, for $8.79 + $3.50 shipping. The Athearn Mack B wreckers are really well done, but prices on most of the Athearn RTR trucks have gone thru the roof lately, especially the Mack B.
Classic Metal Works / Mini Metals makes 50s era tow trucks.
Doing a search on eBay “Mini Metals Tow Truck” results in quite a few listings.
Hope this helps.
I usually use Hotwheels, Matchbox, or Johnny Lightning cars. I may have some classic metal vehicles as well.
The problem with Hotwheels, Matchbox and Johnny Lightning, most are oversize for HO scale. The CMW Chevy tow truck is a nice little model, but the OP was building a truck repair shop. Based on that, the CMW wrecker may be a bit small.
Hot Wheels cars are too big but trucks are close to the correct size. I use Road Champs trucks with A-Line scale wheels and tires and other upgraded details. 
Hot Wheels (Mattel) does make HO scale vehicles. They are hard to find but they are on eBay if you look for them.
Kit bashed tow truck 1949 White
http://www.1-87vehicles.org/photo551/white_wc2866d_tow_truck.php
Could use Sylvan chassis/cab with scratch wrecker body:
Hello all,
Woodland Scenics…
http://woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/show/Item/AS5524/page/1
And it even includes a car in tow!
Hope this helps.
You having trouble with the 1950s? Try finding vehicles for the 1980s! I can’t get buy with showing cars from the 1950s unless doing a antique road show!