A little reality check here: There is already a version of the mid-1990s Jeep Grand Cherokee but I haven’t heard of any models of the basic Cherokee being considered.
Atlas makes a model of the 1997 Ford F-150 and the 1996 Ford Taurus. Trident makes a F-350 Crew Cab from the mid-1990s. Walthers made a 1966 Ford pickup and Life-Like had a late 1970s F-series, so it’s unlikely another company would offer a similar model.
The 1990s-era Chevy Malibu would be too short in HO scale to be approved by GM unless they change their licensing policies. In fact, GM would need to change their licensing program altogether to attract much in the way of new interest.
The Bronco is a poor candidate; it was a niche vehicle with limited re-issue potential. If a model like that is desired, it’s cheaper to license an International Scout.
1980s E-Series van is likely out. The G-Series vans from Trident are already well-estabished and readily available. A 1990s version would be good, but a better seller might be a first or second generation Econoline.
Of course, it’s never wise to say “never,” so keep those wish lists coming. You never know
Gee, Hal, there are already so many, it seems only fair to let other decades have a shot. Out of roughly 120 or so ready-to-run models I can think of right offhand, 38 are for the years from 1941 to 1959. That includes the following models announced for delivery this year: 1941 Packard 180 limousine, 1950 Oldsmobile 88, 1954 Ford F-350 pickup, 1955 Chrysler Imperial, 1955 Ford F100 pickup, 1955 Ford Panel Delivery, 1958 Studebaker Golden Hawk, 1959 Ford Fairlane and one more I can’t tell you about yet. That’s nine new models. The 1930s are a winner this year, too, with the Ford Model A sedan, Model A roadster, model A pickup, and 1936 Ford Fordor sedan (and another one I can’t tell you about yet). Even the seventies are coming up a winner this year. And the modern-era guys will be happy with at least three new models.
Looking what’s been announced and what’s in the queue, I think it’s time the modelmakers take a serious look at the 1960s and 1980s.
All versions of Chevrolets Berettas the GT, GTU Indy and Z26.
1979 Pontiac Trans Am
78-80 Chevrolet Camaro
69 Dodge Charger
Most other cars I like are being produced by Ricko like the 2005 Mustang to the Cadillac Esculade (spelling ) Infact I got one yesterday at Walthers and I cant believe how nice they are detailed like the Caliber.
Not to burst your reality bubble, but I had already considered your points before my post. I want to model an area of Colorado in the late 1990’s and the Jeeps were everywhere. I know about the Herpa model but it is clearly needs work for the layout. The model is currently out of production and is generally difficult to find. Realistically I would like to have 20 or more of these is various colors. Several white ones would be destined for the Liberty Police Department.
Your comments on the F150 are shortsighted. The 1990’s vintage truck is pathetic. I was initially excited when the annouced the model but I opted not to acquire any when they became available. The lifelike 1970’s F150 model is subpar and really does not warrent any serious consideration. I do like and own couple of dozen Atlas F150’s. I would like to have a standard cab model as well. Depending on the configuration, I would like to have about thirty additional F150’s.
I can understand your point about the Malibu but we need common fleet cars. The Malibu was the same body for nearly five years and was everywhere. I owned one while I was in college. I would also like to see the Cheby Corsica in HO as those cars were extremely common and still commonly on the road. The licensing agreements with GM could be a problem, but the need is there. I woudl like to have 4-5 Malibus and 2-3 Corsicas.
I forgot about the Bronco but please let me second that request. I would like to have about 4-5 of those
I will strongly disagree with you about the 1980’s van. I would like to have options so that I can model a fleet with variations. I own quite a few of the Trident vans but I would like to have options. I know that Wal-mart recently had a series of 1970’s HO Scale vans and I understand that the were populare with modelers. I have 4 of them on the way but I do not have them yet.
I would like to Ertl rerelease their Dodge Ram 3500 dualee again. I missed getting them when I had a chance to. I couldn’t justify the 8.00 price for the single item
Gee, I guess I touched some sensitive nerves. I thought the subject was on cheap but nice model 1/87 cars sold at Walmart… and I haven’t seen a lot of 40s-50s there. Sorry bout that.
Don’t be, Hal. I am with you on this one. Walmart in Canada should only have minor differences in what they offer to the locals over what they offer elsewhere. All through Christmas, and several times each year, I check their shelves looking for these fables 1/87 diecast autos that keep getting mentioned on this forum, and have yet to see anything that would be at home in my transition era layout. Some of the stuff has modern mag wheels, flame striping, and metallic paint that would clearly not be at home on anyone’s layout of that era. Even then, there are only a few in that scale, with 1/64 strongly represented.
I really don’t think it matters what is released as anything new and better detailed than the plastic vehicles of 20 years ago will be welcome. We can populate our layouts with great offerings from Wal Mart or our LHS (Class Metal Works my favorite).
I would like to see more semi trucks in the diecast RTR offerings, but that is a separate post.
Anything is better than the models from 20 years ago. It reminds me of a member of the former club I used to be in. He believed that the Matchbox and Hot wheels cars scaled out to HO scale much better than the actual scale cars. RedGrey62, are you planning on being at the show in Wichita in Feb? I plan on being there w/my Free-mo modules
I am part of the group running the show so yes, I will be there! Also, I am part of the Free-Mo group here in Wichita. I have only been in Wichita a few months and haven’t gotten a module built yet. Hopefully starting soon with one based on th Frisco bridge over the White Water River in Augusta. I will definately see you there as I will be helping obth set up the show and set up the modules (and probably helping to tear it all down too!)
Mine doesn’t have those yet. They did have some HO Nascar cars and some real nice HO tractor semis. A couple of 70’s vans too. What surprised me was some beautiful approxamate N scale construction equipment for $1.59 each. Almost bought those just to sit on for the price.
Dave, You are right.[tup] They are all Malibu. The clerk told me that some more were coming soon. [:P]I’ve since heard from a friend that our local WM has some tractors. I had seen some there, but they didn’t have any scale listed and I thought they were closere to N scale.[:(]
My wife came home last night from Wal Mart with some new Malibu International cars. She got me two kinds of Land Rovers and a '37 bug. I love seeing SUVs since I model today’s era and that is what is on the road anymore. She also brought home two new Nascar’s That I haven’t seen before. I hope Malibu International keeps it up. I’ll take all the modern cars & trucks that I can get!
I too snagged a few of those “Fresh Cherries”! I was really suprised to see thm in HO scale. I look forward to picking up a few more once they get some other models in. By the way for those who need John Deere tractors in H.O. Scale… I just got back from Walmart and found a bunch of John Deere HO scale tractors (Athearn brand) on clearance for a buck each! They had the 50 series, 6420 enclosed & the Model B. These were going for about 5 or 6 bucks each at my local train shop. If you have a Wallys near by…you might check out the toy clearance isles! They also had some larger scales but I did not check them out. This is perfect if you have a John Deere Dealership on your layout, heck you could have a tractor sale on your lot! [;)]
I too am in Wichita, have been since 1990 thanks to the USAF. Did you guys say there was a show this Feb? Where…at the Century 2?
Rob 2112, I live in Topeka but, I will be at the show w/my Free-mo modules. The show is at the Cessna Activity Center 10-11 Feb 07. Hope to see you there