Talking T Gauge

trainspotter-usa · Joined: 04 Sep 2008 Posts: 315 Location: Minnesota

I was looking around trying to find a supplier for appropriately scaled cars
for use on my layout.
First I came across
http://www.howardmodels.com/supplies/
with a minimum order of $50 and only needing a few vehicles thats a bit much. Even though the quality looks excellent.
Then I found
http://www.hullsnewhaven.com/index.htm
Much more reasonably priced I think and no minimum order charge.
Perhaps some of you have experience with these suppliers or have your own preferences

Ian
_________________
I CAN see how cool this stuff is!!!
http://more-t-please.blogspot.com/

David K Smith · Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 7:31 pm Post subject:

The Howard Models (architectural supplies) cars are not worth it. They are blobbish soft-metal castings that barely even look like cars (I know, I wasted good money on some).

Much better are the 1:500 vehicles from Herpa Wings. They are a bit pricey but their "classic" cars set, as well as some of the construction vehicles, are really quite nice; the more modern cars are a bit too generic-looking, however. I've ordered from a couple of online suppliers as well as one on eBay, with no issues to report.

_________________
—David

http://www.t-gauge.net/
http://1-450.blogspot.com/

TBA · Joined: 08 Sep 2008 Posts: 120 Location: Massachusetts

Other sources are:

http://www.microformmodels.com/ (US)

http://www.schulcz.de/ (Germany)

David K Smith · Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2008 11:00 am Post subject:

TBA · Joined: 08 Sep 2008 Posts: 120 Location: Massachusetts

Another distributor with architectural model vehicles is http://www.plastruct.com/.

trainspotter-usa · Joined: 04 Sep 2008 Posts: 315 Location: Minnesota

The Plastruct ones look to be the same ones as at Hulls. But they're $3 a pack cheaper... Very Happy

Ian
_________________
I CAN see how cool this stuff is!!!
http://more-t-please.blogspot.com/

TBA · Joined: 08 Sep 2008 Posts: 120 Location: Massachusetts

One idea I'm exploring for vehicles, like the buildings I've posted recently, is printing card models to reduced size. Shown here are a Greyhound bus and a Dodge/Plymouth minivan. They would've been neater printed on heavier paper stock--the minivan especially. Actually, what I plan next to do is wrap paper cutouts around a solid core.

http://public.fotki.com/BrianAustin/models_miniatures/really-small-model-/img4528.html

http://public.fotki.com/BrianAustin/models_miniatures/really-small-model-/img4525.html

The following sites have card models to print out. You'll have to work out the proper size to print out to.

Buses can be found here:
http://www.harrykwan.com/model.html

Japanese buses can be found here:
http://www.geocities.jp/playtownbingo7570/ppb-102.html

The Dodge/Plymouth minivan came from here:
http://www.hokenstrom.com/cars.html

DanMacK · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 10:47 am Post subject:

Just found another site that has TONS of North American buses. I thought of that myself, and it makes excellent sense. I especially like the idea of the wrapper around the solid core. Maybe use styrene tubing for wheels as well?

http://hudatdere.freehostia.com/
_________________
Regards,
Dan MacKellar

TBA · Joined: 08 Sep 2008 Posts: 120 Location: Massachusetts

Another idea I'm kicking around is to make a solid model (plastic or wood), paint it, then overlay reduced printouts of detals such as trim, windows and such that would be difficult to paint.

DanMacK · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 12:54 pm Post subject:

Possibly use the bus models as a basis for decals?
_________________
Regards,
Dan MacKellar