For the past few months, we have been on an unsuccessful hunt for some Plasticville parts. The objects of our search are the front lamps for the current issue school which are now being made in a cream color rather than the traditional white and a sliding dairy barn door in the current brown color.
We have contacted Bachmann and they will only offer replacements (no sale) for “missing or damaged parts” if given a sales receipt issued within 90 days. We have contacted several E-Bay members who specialize in parts and a couple of “Plasticville” web sites. It seems that reproductions of these current issue items are not yet available on the market.
Of course, buying a new kit and selling the present kits “as is” is one approach but before we go that route, I offered to ask on this forum for suggestions as to where we might look.
Side question: Have any of you seen these current issue parts at train shows?
Traindaddy, I just checked some of my parts listings and did not see the parts you are seeking in the colors you want.
One great thing about Plasticville, is that there are ususlly repro-replacement parts if not originals. Of course, the buildings themselves, parts and pieces were made in differing colors over the years… this is one thing that makes Plasticville collectible for some folks who seek out rare color variations or packaging variations.
Since the current modern Plasticville will not have the same collectibility factor the older buildings have, might I suggest just using differing colored parts or even painting the parts yourself. I myself, don’t worry about collectibility and I prime and repaint all of my Plasticville buildings in order to lose the “pumpkin” glow effect. Not to metion kitbashing. I’m thankful any parts are made what-so-ever and have learned to make good use of what is available.
You might even buy a couple of extra building sets yourself and put the remaining parts for sale on eBay or Traincity - as maybe someone else is seeking modern parts for those kits.
Brianel: You and I think along the same tracks. (I’m a player, not a collector) At the present time, the front lamps on the school are old “painted” ones. Thanks for your post.
If I’m not mistaken, but didn’t the lamps glow in the dark, after having them near a light source which charged them up? I seem to remember something, like that, with those lamps.
Also, Westclox’s “Big Ben” clocks, in the '40’s & '50’s, used a phosphorescence substance on their clock’s numerals and hands for illumination in dark areas.
heres 2 ideas in one call jeff kane www.ttender.com 585-229-2050 and 1 see if he may have it as he has a lot not listed on his site and if not ask him to see if maybe he’ll come across it at york in 2 weeks as I know he goes ever year and picks up many parts. You never know he might just come across it as he goes thru there.