American Heritage '50 and '41 Fords (pics)

These models were originally marketed by White Rose then by Fleer, mostly as Police cars. They listed for $15.00 less and they were a good model for the price, I haven’t seen the any of the new ones yet.

FYI, The older one is a reasonable representative of a 1941 DeLuxe. The coupe is a 1949 and the sedan is a 1950.

I have a couple on order and hope they’re better than you describe

I'm sorry, but I imagine yours will be just like mine . . . .

Anyway, thanks for the info.  And they aren't that bad - at least I have three everyday fords on my layout now.  

I bought a case of the 41 Ford with blurred police logos on the doors for about $7 each....and since they all will get a repaint not a problem with me. Decent $10 cars.....but you are correct they are not $25 cars.

Lee,

What's with all of these yellow photos you've been posting?

I have been following these cars also,Die Cast Direct just received them. I noticed less quality in my last batch of diecast about a month ago. Of course I have not purchased any die cast for about 5 years. Higher prices ,less quality. I find it harder and harder finding late 30's and 40's (up to and including 1950) 1:43 die cast automobiles, plenty of trucks out there. I also notice many auto's are convertible. I must also add that I am not a big fan of chrome wheels and chrome continental covers used on these eariler models.

AMCDave, is your name because you are a fan of AMC cars?   I have been looking for some O scale AMC cars or Ramblers.  Anyone know of any produced?

I grew up in a family that largely owned Rambler and AMC cars, would be nice to add a few on the layout.

There's a Route 66 set for sale on the forum that includes a cute Rambler.

I just received the '49 coupe and '50 4-door from Diecast Direct. I agree, they are just OK. The '49 convertible by Minichamps is better, but it is $39. vs $27. for these.

Brooklin Models makes a 1957 Nash Rambler Cross Country station wagon, a 1954 Nash Ambassador Country Club hardtop and a 1951 Nash Healey . They recently discontinued a 1957 Rambler Rebel hardtop and a 1955 Hudson Hornet sedan. Franklin mint produced a 1951 Hudson Hornet coup and a 1950 Nash Rambler Convertible. Also a 1950 Nash Ambassador sedan was available from USA Models.
They are high quality models unavailable elsewhere. The problem is they are expensive but sometimes you can find a deal on the secondary market like ebay. High quality models add a lot to the look of a layout. And I think they’re worth the expense.

I agree, but most "O" people faint at the thought of spending more than $7. each. I want to scream when I see beautiful scenics and expensive trains on a layout with cheap  New Ray cars.

I think there is a place for both: I have many $7 models (some bought used so they were originally much more $$) and some are not too good - I put those far away from the eye, or, in a couple of instances, inside a garage so you only see a rear bumper and fenders, etc.  

Above about $35 I've seen no obvious benefit, as to quality, with increasing price.  I've paid up to list price of Brookline, and a bit more for some fine models of specific Ferraris (the car that won LeMans, painted correctly, etc) because I want a specific model I can't get elsewhere, but generally when I shop carefully I can find good quality for about $35-$40.  

I have seen several models that I bought 5-10 years ago for $6.00 now selling for $21.95 and up from the same dealers I bought them from for $6.00. They were better quality when compared to the last batch I bought in the $7-$10 range, a couple weeks ago.

 (I Know, ya can't have everything).

No matter how they're made and detailed, I think 1/43 sized cars, especially trucks look to big on O gauge layouts. 

But if the size works, MTH currently has 32 packs of assorted roadsters most dealers are listing in the $160-$175 range.

Not a bad price when you consider its about $5 each..

Fill up your layout cheap..

Yep.....I own two AMC's right now but had 5 at one time!!! My family was a big AMC and Studebaker owners. There are very few Rambler and AMC 1/43-48 scale models. Most are Brooklyn $150-250 range....very nice but out of my comfort zone! The only AMC I have is a AMT plastic model kit of a 69 AMX. I bought 18 of them to load on a auto rack!!!!

I did just buy two Motor Max die cast.....a 48 Ford and 49 Mercury......both very nice and at $4.88 each a good deal.  I'll buy a few more, repaint and fill the streets for cheap!! They also have a 32 Ford and some more modern cars in the line at the same price.

18 AMXs?  That's what, half the total production?  They were rare then, probably most people today have never seen one.  Really a nice car with the 390 in it.   

you think amcs are tough to find...how about looking for a third gen camaro...82-92 more like the 85-92 style...i see more 82-84s but nothing with the different front bumper lol

Joe, Richard, Thanks for the info on the 1/43 Ramblers.  I will look for those.  I do try to avoid the 1/43 but sometimes you can get away with it.  I have some of the New Ray trucks in 1/43 which just look like bigger sized trucks than they are meant to be, but ok on the layout.

AMCDave,

  This picture is for you.  This car was parked in front of my house Wed morning this week.  Just seeing it there made my day!  My family drove Rambler and AMC's until the end in 1988.  My first car ride home from the hospital as a baby was a blue/green Rambler American 4 door.I recalled being at the AMC dealer in my hometown when my Father was buying his Matador, really liking the AMX and some of the sport level Spirit models.  I feel this car looks great in 2012, still kind of want one.   The AMX is a great looking car.  Love the Javelin era AMX's.  There is an orange one in my neighborhood that I see once in a while.

Here is my 1973 Javelin.....2nd owner car......And to keep it train related....the car is sitting on what was the C&O Seebert station on the Greenbrier Div!!!!

I received my American Heritage 49/50 Fords  today, a black & yellow taxi and a Bimini Blue sedan. The quality is acceptable although I think the price was a bit high for models of their  caliber.  But the are models of common automobiles from that period