Finished my track and am now turning my attention to the landscape, building and various accessories. Right now I am focused on some trucks of various types to place next to the industrial building I have. I have been blown away by the cost for N scale cars and trucks. You can buy a loco for the cost of a few vehicles. Why so expensive?
I agree- they are rather pricy. for HO scale I use matchbox cars, but N scale is hard.
Try fitting Matchbox cars into an auto rack. Don’t think they will fit too well and that is what I need a bunch of domestic 1970’s sedans for.
Matchbox cars are considerably bigger than HO scale cars - so YMMV; I don’t care for the oversized appearance so I’ll pass on using them.
Not only are N scale vehicles expensive, there is very limited variety and almost no availability. [:(]
Robert
How much demand is there for them?
I can only speak for myself . . .
To populate my layout I need about 15 or 20 more trucks and/or tractor-trailer combos, and about 25 or 30 more passenger vehicles. I prefer modern (1990 - present) ready-to-run crisply painted and detailed. I’m not afraid of Trainworx-level prices (for Trainworx-level quality), but they’re sold out before even hitting the market.
I’m open to ideas and suggestions.
Robert
I watch the Walthers flyers for discounts, and sometimes I get e-mails from Trainworld with very good prices. I also am on the lookout for my HO scale autos and trucks at train shows. Years ago, I found nice die-cast models for under $2 at Wal-Mart.
One time I thought the printed 3D models might be a solution but if you look at sites like Shapeway, the prices are just as bad or worse for an upainted model. Guess I will need to be on lookout for some reasonable prices at trainshows and ad’s.
Yes, Trainworx first run of drop frame ho trailers sold out fast but the second run of drop frames and first run straight frames are still available. Lots on eBay and mbk had both for a fairly long time.
I have a few Atlas and CMW vehicles. I do have hassles of trying to buy cars.
I can’t get Kato and Trainworx semi trucks because their too modern. Kate’s is based on a truck in 2008. Trainworx’ 2016 or 2017 version.
Why can’t we have more variety of vehicles. I can’t continue or willing to buy or get trucks. How popular are trucks that are 3 or more models with multiple different colors?
Personally, I would look for second hand models. Ebay is your friend.
Regards
walid
I don’t shop for N scale, but you might try your local toy store, Wal-Mart, Target, etc. Depending on the level of detail you desire you may find some there.
One of the few things in abundance for S scale is vehicles, I find lots at these places in 1/64.
Good luck
Paul
Sometimes you get good deals at trainshows or swap meets.
Trainworx has 40’ straight frame and 40’ drop frame trailers for 1960’s thru 1980’s in both HO and N scale.
Atlas just put out a 1980’ truck cab and should be available in HO and N.
FWIW, Wheels of Time just announced a new trucks:
NEW HO AND N SCALE ANNOUNCEMENTSTUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2018 AT 07:50PM
Wheels of Time is delighted to everyday work trucks used by railroad maintenance-of-way departments and construction contractors. First up are Railroad Maintenance-of-Way Truck and Dump Truck. Designed with the characteristically sculptured hood and cab. These Series 50/60/80 trucks were built in 1964-1966 for medium to heavy duty applications. Model features - one piece highly detailed body from Shapeways FUD material (FXD and FUD for N scale) and wheels-tires roll freely. Model requires cleaning any waxes, very light sanding, priming and painting. These models are available only directly due to the higher cost of production.
There are kits out there starting at about 12$ per vehicle. Tiny stuff, but it is N scale after all!
Simon
All good suggestions but I need about 50-70 vehicles of various types to make my layout look like an active place. With prices averaging $15-$25 or more per vehicle and typically unfinished, this is a killer.
Sounds like a $300 3D printer would be a bargain.
Nobody ever said building a sizable model railroad would be cheap. Many have one to two hundred engines and hundreds of freight cars. DCC, decoders, sound, good quality track … and much more, it all adds up.
If you have the time to roll your own, a 3D printer may be a solution for some. As usual you either need lots of money (RTR) or time (kits and roll your own). You know the drill.
And it isn’t like there isn’t a history of people complaining about the cost of the hobby for the past 10 years on forum - it’s a horse beat to death and long dead. There, I guess someone had to address that 2000 lb elephant in the room (high cost of the hobby).
A $300 3D printer would probably create disappointing N scale vehicles.
There are a decent number of N scale vehicles on Shapeways for under $20 for a pair. There’s still the stepping issue, though.
GHQ makes some nice truck kits.
But even in HO, it’s hard to find models for specific eras, and most cars are for collectors, who prefer sporty models.
Looking at photos from the era and region I want to model, a few dozen Novas, Darts and Mavericks would be a great help, but I need the dowdy four-doors as well as the cooler-looking two-doors.
A layout only needs so many Lamborghini Countachs.
Eric
For what it’s worth, in N scale, Atlas has released their nice Ford F100 pick up and they come in 2-packs for around $25 give or take. They are good for early 1970’s and later and are nice for around town or populating bi-level auto racks with.