|
Post by ptc on Mar 1, 2021 17:19:42 GMT
This is our new thread dedicated to all things vehicles on your layouts. It will be a continuing thread that will serve as a single resource for model vehicle information. Cars, buses, and trucks are included. I will start with what I consider to be the best model car on our layout, a Brooklin 1947 Chrysler Town & Country Woody.
|
|
|
Post by ptc on Mar 1, 2021 18:32:39 GMT
I started to pay attention to model vehicles back in 1996 when I was able to build a layout once again. A good friend introduced me to the monthly Dupage Train Show and there many vendors there selling model vehicles for O-Gauge layouts. It did not take long for me to notice the difference in quality between what was being sold. All you have to do is pick up the model, feel the weight difference, and look for the details. Turning a model over, I saw the name Brooklin on the bottom of the nicer models. I also found a few that were manufactured by Conquest and Motor City Models.
Realizing that there was a significant difference in quality (and price), I then started to bargain shop. I was lucky and found several of the nicer models when $ 10.00 would work. I purchased as many of these that I could find. The York Meet was also a good source, but not so much lately after a major model vendor no longer participated. There are many new die-cast vendors at the York Meet, but their asking price is in many instances a lot more than I paid for white metal models. When we built the newest of our layouts three years ago, there was a significant shortage of model vehicles for the layout. We added many more streets. Replicating NYC at the rush hour does not lend itself well to streets that are less than 1/2 full. I had to put the acquisition of new vehicles as a priority to get the desired look. Quality is a big item with me and you might say that I was spoiled after finding some great models at train shows at bargain basement prices. So, I used the auction sites to my advantage. I know what I wanted and placed limits on what I was willing to pay. You shop smart, you can do very well in the quality vehicle market.
Some may say, who can tell the difference in white metal verses die-cast, but I sure can and that is what counts (for me). I look at our City now and it sure has the WOW factor with the help of some really nice model vehicles. I have several die-cast vehicles (cabs and the like) and they all fit in well, but it is the Brooklins, Conquest, Durham and Motor City Models that truly make a difference.
Please take a few minutes and tell us your story of model vehicles on your layouts.
|
|
|
Post by anjdevil2 on Mar 1, 2021 20:06:47 GMT
Since I have been a longstanding Mopar guy (since Richard Petty drove SuperBirds), and my first car was a '66 Dodge Dart 2 door 225 CID automatic, I want nothing but Mopars on my layout. Anyone can have a Chevy (the junkyards are full of 'em) or a Ford - it takes a lot of pride to own one of the rarest muscle cars made. My road runner convertible is one of 179 build as a 383 4 Speed car. I've had 2 other road runners (440 6BBL 4 speed, 440 4 BBl Automatic), 2 '68 (1 HEMI 1 383) Chargers, a 71 SUper Bee 383 auto, 1971 Challenger 426 Hemi 4 speed car...... My fiancee and Mopar Soul Mate Jenni drives a 73 Charger SE 440 automatic. So, we live as Mopar or No Car, mightiest muscle cars ever built. Ford's Semi Hemi was close, GM was never really in the game (look at the horsepower wars from 1960 to 1971 - Ford and Chrysler DROVE horsepower, GM sat back and whined). So in honor of all things Chrysler Muscle, there are 50's and 60's era on the layout. We're still looking for more 3rd Gen Chargers for Jenni and more 70's era Mopars in general. Hence, as you can see at Irene's diner, we've all stopped for a cup o'joe and rice pudding at 1 AM...... There will be a Mustang, maybe too, in honor of my Mom (who's 2000 Mustang 3.8L is driven regularly) and a Galaxy 500 for my Dad (both Ford fanatics).
|
|
|
Post by rtraincollector on Mar 1, 2021 20:58:42 GMT
Speaking of cars, How many do you have? I'm thinking I'm going to need to get Menards parking garage and have a car lot using it and space in front of it. I've lost count but do know it's over 100 probably close to 200+. I feel I went overboard a bit on buying cars.
|
|
|
Post by ptc on Mar 1, 2021 21:59:32 GMT
Rich, love your story. The last car my Dad drive was a Cordova. He loved it and it lasted for many years. I have had a few Chrysler products over the years as well.
Mopar is YOU.
|
|
|
Post by ptc on Mar 1, 2021 22:12:50 GMT
I have to get an accurate count, but my guess is between 400-500 on the layout. Getting bumper to bumper traffic takes a lot of cars when you have as many streets as we do.
|
|
|
Post by ptc on Mar 1, 2021 22:14:01 GMT
By the way Rich, Irene's Diner, excellent choice!!!!!!
|
|
|
Post by Adam on Mar 1, 2021 23:16:43 GMT
I added some vehicles recently. Will take some photos soon and add them here. Great thread idea. Of course Brian you have an order of magnitude more cars than most of us. Really makes for some wonderful scenes.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2021 14:10:43 GMT
In the 1950s my layout featured the latest creations that my Mom could find. They have survived children and grandchildren and will be on the current layout with at least one Plasticville building. How many still have these? One car has a rolling counter that still works and two feature moving windshield wipers. They made things good back then before Japanese toys took over. After we started the layout, we gradually accumulated a few cars/trucks, some of which we installed lighting in. That is easy to do and Evan Designs has everything that you need. Last year PTC upgraded his fleet, the Forum had a car show featuring Brooklin models, and Paula saw pink. Now we have a few Brooklins for the layout and just about the entire pink collection. Cars can add a great deal to a train layout and it is fun to do so. Thanks Brian for all of your help. It has been fun. Check out the birthday present from Paula, BRK228x, 1956 Buick Century 4 door hardtop. PS Be careful taking photos. Do not place on the hearth. Brooklins roll freely. 2 mirrors, 2 pieces of chrome, rear light, and head light, and 2 pieces of the dash board. Not a scratch and it all went back together easily.
|
|
|
Post by ptc on Mar 2, 2021 14:18:50 GMT
What a terrific Birthday present for Paula. It screams PINK.
|
|
|
Post by ptc on Mar 2, 2021 14:32:57 GMT
Who doesn't like red cars, particularly when they are very sporty. Today, I thought I would feature a Plymouth 5-window coupe by Brooklin. The details on this model are very nice, and although a lean heavily towards 50's models, this is sure a nice one.
|
|
|
Post by joeh on Mar 2, 2021 20:36:52 GMT
Although I have some cars I spent a small fortune for, I want to start out with my best all 'round cheap model, the $7. Yat Ming 1948 Cadillac. Great detailing, build, and colors make this one a winner. The gold one is hard to find because it was made only for giving away to retail buyers at a NYC toy show.
|
|
|
Post by ptc on Mar 2, 2021 22:19:24 GMT
Nice models, Joe. Bargains can be had.
I look at you as one of our "car guy" experts and hope that you can post here often.
|
|
|
Post by ptc on Mar 2, 2021 22:24:12 GMT
Speaking of bargains, I just picked up this Brookin Packard for an unbelievable low price. It arrived today. I had been looking at this model for a long time, but never pulled the trigger as it wass noty a must have for me. At the price, I jumped. Model is much better in person. Another Woody.
|
|
|
Post by anjdevil2 on Mar 2, 2021 22:32:02 GMT
Speaking of cars, How many do you have? I'm thinking I'm going to need to get Menards parking garage and have a car lot using it and space in front of it. I've lost count but do know it's over 100 probably close to 200+. I feel I went overboard a bit on buying cars. My answer would be, just like in real life, not enough......
|
|