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Post by ptc on Apr 1, 2021 19:17:13 GMT
Thanks to Bill Webb, today I was reminded about Club Cars. Club Cars are made exclusively for a Club by a supplier (typically a high end supplier) and are very nice models that are very limited in quantity. Bill contacted me about the Brooklin Collectors Club 2020 Club Car, a 1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air 2 Dr. Hardtop. Simply a gorgeous model done in a teal body and white roof. Bill has established a nice relationship with one of Brooklin's leading dealers and they made him aware of this model. Brooklin is not alone in terms of Collectors Clubs as there are several others. They just happen to stand out as they are one of the most active suppliers of quality 1:43 scale model vehicles. So, not surprising, the Brooklin Collectors is also very active. Several months ago, I stumbled on the BCC's 2018 Club Car, a 1942 DeSoto Deluxe Sedan FDNY Batallion Chief's Car. What a perfect for our Christmas in the City designed to model NYC. I jumped on it the minute I saw it. The model is as good as the photo below. It has become the prized vehicle for Battalion Chief Sparky. Do any of our members also have a Club Car?
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Post by ptc on Apr 4, 2021 21:11:34 GMT
As model train enthusiasts, we have a distinct advantage over the folks who just collect 1:43 scale models. By that, I mean we can integrate our collections into our train layouts. Our models look so much better than sitting in a cabinet with other models. Ours interact with our scenery and trains making our layouts look so much better.
Not too long ago, we had a tech work on the heating system in our train room. He stopped in his tracks when he saw our collection of model cars and how they are displayed on our City streets. Sure, he was very impressed by our layout, but very impressed with the model cars.
Please show us photos of cars on your layouts.
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Post by joeh on Apr 5, 2021 13:24:12 GMT
1:43 car models of the past ran the span from very expensive diecast, heavy, limited production ones to cheap toys made in the Orient. Today, you can find some that are very detailed for a relatively low cost. I picked this '59 Cadillac ambulance as an example. Around 20 years ago, Motor City offered Cadillac ambulances, along with Buick versions for about $350. each. They were pre-ordered by collectors before the very limited production was even made. For the general public, none were available until a few started showing up on eBay for $400.+. Today, models made in China, like the one shown, can be very detailed, right down to the gurney and cabinets inside. While not as heavy as diecast, the price of only $25. is remarkable, in my opinion. I bought this one in the Orange Hall at York.
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Post by ptc on Apr 5, 2021 13:49:11 GMT
Got one of those as well, Joe. Nice looking and I believe I paid around $ 20.00. The Borrklin version of this ambulance now goes for between $ 150.00 to 250.00.
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Post by laz57 on Apr 5, 2021 14:26:19 GMT
Here are a few...and a nice cab over tow truck
.
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Post by ptc on Apr 5, 2021 16:42:01 GMT
Nice collection of big rigs, Laz. Thanks for the photos.
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Post by laz57 on Apr 5, 2021 17:41:13 GMT
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Post by ptc on Apr 5, 2021 19:11:47 GMT
Laz, you have some wild rides there. Thanks for posting.
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Post by Country Joe on Apr 6, 2021 19:04:24 GMT
I think vehicles, like people, are a very important part of a layout. They help to set the era and mood of a layout and, while the trains will run perfectly without people and vehicles, they make a layout far more interesting.
This simple passenger platform is enhances with people waiting for the train and with cars in the parking lot.
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Post by Country Joe on Apr 6, 2021 19:13:54 GMT
This Menards ranch house becomes much more interesting because of the girls washing their car. It turns an ordinary ranch house into a point of interest.
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Post by ptc on Apr 6, 2021 23:16:44 GMT
Full parking lot, Joe. Very nice.
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Post by ptc on Apr 6, 2021 23:18:54 GMT
This is a magazine quality photo, Joe. WOW!!!!!!!!!
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Post by Country Joe on Apr 8, 2021 13:18:52 GMT
This is a magazine quality photo, Joe. WOW!!!!!!!!! Thanks Brian.
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Post by ptc on Apr 10, 2021 19:10:03 GMT
I was working on the layout this morning and came across a 1949 Buick Roadmaster convertible that I purchased last year. I was changing the placement of some of the models to give them better viability. I remember the seller telling me the story of how this model had been converted from a sedanette to a convertible. You would never know by looking at this model. The workmanship is exquisite. It s probably one of the best models in our collection. And, of course it is yellow that attracted me to it in the first place. I found an image of this model as a sedanette and then how it looks now. Before the conversion:After the conversion:
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Post by Adam on Apr 10, 2021 23:03:46 GMT
With vaccines upon us (should get mine late April/early May) and my companies Massachusetts office talking about opening up in July, seems like I will be driving more soon and the need to buy a new car is coming back into view. The car I am currently driving, an 18 year old Volvo with almost 200K on it, is starting to show its age.
A few weeks ago Brian Vail and I had a good chat about my car selection dilemma, so he has heard much of this from me already. I’m not as much or a car nut as many of you. To me a car is transportation, utility and expense. My wife rolls her eyes when I start talking about what I want next because I flip flop like crazy. One day I want a pickup truck (my first new car was a Tacoma and I wish I kept it), next a sporty sedan, next an SUV. My wife wishes I would just make up my mind. I thought I did in January. The Toyota Tacoma was calling my name when I brought my wife’s minivan in for service. I found the first salesperson I could find and asked for a test drive. I drove one and, meh, wasn’t impressed. Not a comfortable ride and felt very rough. Didn’t suit me well.
Well, for the last month or so I think I have found the next car for me. The Honda Ridgeline seems to be getting great reviews and combines the utility of a pickup truck with the comfort and snow handling of an SUV.
Does anyone on the forum own one? If so, what are your impressions of this vehicle?
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