Automobiles/ Trucks 1/43-1/50 scale let’s see them

JDFonz: Good eye and memory!!  That is a modified Model Tech Studios "Smith Bros." kit.  Here is the kit built out of the box on my previous layout:

The modified kit to go on my current layout:

Nice work Pete.

That looks like a really nice kit. Both builds are very well done.. like I said I believe the building is still there, and I do believe it is painted in the same colors. If I get that way I could snap a pic, it’s about 30 minutes from my current residence.

Pete,

I too have been admiring your Fish building in the background behind your classic toys.  Thanks for posting additional pictures.  It's got great character and the water tower and vents we can now see on top look great.  It shows what potential there can be for RR vignettes, too, especially for those like me with limited space.

However, I have enough space to have just ordered a new scale car from Forum sponsor Diecast Direct.  I've been waiting for a Dodge Charger of the right (or close enough) era to appear in catalogs for what seems like a long time.  They offered a 2012 example during their Black Friday sale and I jumped on it.

Will post a pix or two when I arrives.  Thanks again for your posts.

Tomlinson Run Railroad

Trinity River Bottoms Boomer :  Thank you so much for your comment and complement.  After reading your post I checked the truck but alas no marking as to manufacturer at all that I could find.  You may not be able to read it, but under the "ICE" word is two smaller words / numbers in black...they say .... "Made in the USA" and "No 215" .  So we know the manufacturer is a US company and the toy was his product # 215 but that is about all.  Glad I brightened your day!

Regards

Don

@mustang posted:

Great looking truck. I see stuff like this and its one of the few times I wish I didn't model so early in history, as I couldn't use this in rural northeast Tennessee in 1943...

Someone tell me where I can get 1/48 - 1/50 scale 1950s mid-range American sedans with some detail without spending the rent.  Thank you.

@Forty Rod posted:

Someone tell me where I can get 1/48 - 1/50 scale 1950s mid-range American sedans with some detail without spending the rent.  Thank you.

Hey Tom, have any idea or Photo of what your looking for?

Have you tried Diecast Direct - one of our Forum sponsors ?

They have sale items and you can filter by scale and price.

I've gotten some nice '50s autos made by Yatming/Road Signature (I believe, although the name varies) from Diecast Direct.  They run about $6.00 if I recall.  They are, however, listed as 1/43, which you did not include in your inquiry.  The scale looks fine to me.

TRRR

I'm looking for a Ford, Chevy, Plymouth, Studebaker, Nash, Hudson...lower priced cars in a four door family-type sedan from the early post WWII era up to about 1954 or so.

Most of what I'm finding are modified / custom cars or more sporty or upper cost cars.  I need a farmer's car.  Lots of 1/64 cars that would be perfect if they were a bit larger.  I even have a 1/64 car holding the place until I get what I really want.

Whatever I get will be severely aged and will end up sitting in a weed patch beside a rotting, falling down old house.  I don't even need all the wheels, some dents are alright, and I can't even see much use for glazed windows or good paint jobs.  I can fake an interior and only need enough detail to identify the car, but I'm not fussy on this.  I just need the scale and appearance.  I could even get by with a pickup or a Jeepster sort of rig.

Tom,

if you type in Vintage 1/43 Die cast vehicles in the search bar on the Bay, you may find what you are looking for.... There are some very reasonable items and reasonable shipping as well...

@Forty Rod posted:

I'm looking for a Ford, Chevy, Plymouth, Studebaker, Nash, Hudson...lower priced cars in a four door family-type sedan from the early post WWII era up to about 1954 or so.

Most of what I'm finding are modified / custom cars or more sporty or upper cost cars.  I need a farmer's car.  Lots of 1/64 cars that would be perfect if they were a bit larger.  I even have a 1/64 car holding the place until I get what I really want.

Whatever I get will be severely aged and will end up sitting in a weed patch beside a rotting, falling down old house.  I don't even need all the wheels, some dents are alright, and I can't even see much use for glazed windows or good paint jobs.  I can fake an interior and only need enough detail to identify the car, but I'm not fussy on this.  I just need the scale and appearance.  I could even get by with a pickup or a Jeepster sort of rig.

1/43 model cars are selling at giveaway prices on that famous "E" auction site!  Look at diecast autos/busses/trucks. You might look at "lots" also. Another option is the  'O' scale model railroading site and type "1/43" in the search window.

True, most will end up being 2 dr. hardtops and convertibles, but EVERYTHING is on that auction site!  One of my favorites is the Solido 1950 Chevrolet  sedan.  You could do various paint schemes on THAT one. That model Chevy was ubiquitous+ on the streets in the 50's and 60's.

Franklin Mint 1/43 car models are worth checking out, too.  Not too many years ago they sold used for $50-$60 and up each.  NOW you can buy them for $15 without a box  and cheaper for less than perfect specimens. And YES, there are some coupes and sedans among them.  Good luck!  -Salty Rails-

There are several 1950 Chevy's for$7.00 on the Vintage Die Cast thread on the bay'.. ANd others as well.  Difficult to beat that price...

@Quarter Gauger 48 posted:

There are several 1950 Chevy's for$7.00 on the Vintage Die Cast thread on the bay'.. ANd others as well.  Difficult to beat that price...

I won'r even look at 1/43.  I want something a bit smaller, 1/48 to 1/50, so it won't overwhelm the rest of the scene.

I'll check out the Vintager Die Cast thread on E Bay.

@Forty Rod posted:

I won'r even look at 1/43.  I want something a bit smaller, 1/48 to 1/50, so it won't overwhelm the rest of the scene.

I'll check out the Vintager Die Cast thread on E Bay.

GOOD LUCK WITH THAT, THERE ARE VERY FEW 1/48 CARS. 1/50 ARE TRUCKS... UNLESS YOU PURCHASE TAMYRIA  MILITARY TYPE MODELS , AND SPEND $30.00 PLUS SIPPING YOU WILL NOT FIND ANY CHEAP 1/48 VEHICLES...... THERE ARE SOME BUT DIFFICULT TO FIND AT A REASONABLE PRICE'... IF YOUR LOOKING TO GO CHEAP, FORGET IT..

MONOGRAM MODELS MADE 1/48 MODEL CARS.  SOME CAN BE FOUND BY DOING A MASSIVE SEARCH ON THE NET AND BAY.  HOWEVER, THEY SELL FOR WELL OVER $30.00 PLUS....

I used a couple lionel sedans and rusted and wrecked them for a junkyard scene. Got four of those cars for like $20. at York a couple years ago.

That's what I'm looking for.  Something I can weather and not worry about destroying the value.

Nice scenes Joel'... Getting difficult to find those Lionel cars lately too....... They would work for Forty Rod'...

Thanks Ted, Tom, I bought those reissues in a four pack. One of the forum sponsors must have them yet. They are the same cars that are on lionel auto carriers.

I finished restoring a dinky jaguar mark x. It wasn’t in too bad of shape but I gave it a complete overhaul and moved the steering to the American side. Before and after.

Nice job joel'.. the Jag came out great'.. On Another note, It takes quite some time to get those rivets out.... I have the 49 Ford ready for the undercoating shop....😁 After a very good polishing with 0000 steel wool.....

JD. Your cars are looking sweet thanks for sharing

Thanks fellas, appreciate that.

yes Ted, you have to work carefully on the rivets. I have a drill press and it makes things a little easier.

This time I have a Corgi restoration. A Fiat 2100. Before and after.

@Forty Rod posted:

I won'r even look at 1/43.  I want something a bit smaller, 1/48 to 1/50, so it won't overwhelm the rest of the scene.

I'll check out the Vintager Die Cast thread on E Bay.

Just wondering if you have the measurements for a 1/48 or 1/50 size car? So I can check if I might have something for you.

@JDFonz posted:

This time I have a Corgi restoration. A Fiat 2100. Before and after.

Wow Joel',, that came out beautiful'.. Two of my favorite colors.!! ARe those jewels for head lights, and what kind of tape are you using to mask off the different area for those two tone paint jobs.  This paint job is perfect'.. I like the green on the cowl and roof line... Very professional''''....😀👍👌☑🎅🏻...🌲

@mike g. posted:

Just wondering if you have the measurements for a 1/48 or 1/50 size car? So I can check if I might have something for you.

Hi Mike,  here is the formula for measuring cars to determine scale/size and actual dimensions...  Try this on one of your smaller looking cars.

Measure the length of the car as best you can...

Now just divide that length by 4828.54.  AFter converting to metric first.  You can google the length in inches and will convert to MM for you.  This for 1/48 scale cars.

Let me know how you make out'...😀🎅🏻

Hi Ted,

yes those are jewels for headlights. Quite a few corgis come with them. I just use the regular blue painters tape. I’m really happy with the results on this one. I wanted that little line of green along the roof and was really happy when I pulled the tape off. Funny, I really like that green color as well. One of my full size cars is that color and I love it!

So I know another contributor was looking to have a junker on the side of the road, or maybe in a field. So that gave me an idea to try something different. I don’t know if I’m going to leave it this way, or go ahead and strip and restore it. I bought a Corgi Ford Consul, and of course it was all beat up.. so instead of stripping I painted rust on all the chips to really make it a beater. Let me know what you think, leave it as is, or go ahead and fix it up now. Tom, this one is for you!    Before and after.....

@JDFonz posted:

So I know another contributor was looking to have a junker on the side of the road, or maybe in a field. So that gave me an idea to try something different. I don’t know if I’m going to leave it this way, or go ahead and strip and restore it. I bought a Corgi Ford Consul, and of course it was all beat up.. so instead of stripping I painted rust on all the chips to really make it a beater. Let me know what you think, leave it as is, or go ahead and fix it up now. Tom, this one is for you!    Before and after.....

That's a tough decision to make. I really like the looks of the rust'.. It would be perfect for Tom's requirements.  Only problem is the cost of that Corgi begs for a restore'.. Perhaps another specimen would be appropriate for a rust out'... There are many rusted cars... But none are Corgi's or Dinky's... That I've seen.  1949 Ford's  Seafoam Green, coming up.  If I can ever get outside to use the stripper, and spray paints'... (rain) & rain...

Beaten and rusted and touched up 55 Chevy, first Car for this youngster'....😀

These sell on Diecast-Direct's big sale for $5.50.  They have 57 Fords as well'..

@Quarter Gauger 48 posted:

Hi Mike,  here is the formula for measuring cars to determine scale/size and actual dimensions...  Try this on one of your smaller looking cars.

Measure the length of the car as best you can...

Now just divide that length by 4828.54.  AFter converting to metric first.  You can google the length in inches and will convert to MM for you.  This for 1/48 scale cars.

Let me know how you make out'...😀🎅🏻

Thanks, Mike and you too, QG.  I appreciate the help.

Ted, Nice job on that Chevy. I like how you even turned the wheel covers into “dog dish” covers. I’ll tell you, I got that Corgi for a steal, $6.00 for the car, $4.00 shipping.

joel

@Forty Rod posted:

Someone tell me where I can get 1/48 - 1/50 scale 1950s mid-range American sedans with some detail without spending the rent.  Thank you.

Tom, I think I have what your looking for. I will get a photo of it in the morning for you.

@Quarter Gauger 48 posted:

Hi Mike,  here is the formula for measuring cars to determine scale/size and actual dimensions...  Try this on one of your smaller looking cars.

Measure the length of the car as best you can...

Now just divide that length by 4828.54.  AFter converting to metric first.  You can google the length in inches and will convert to MM for you.  This for 1/48 scale cars.

Let me know how you make out'...😀🎅🏻

Thanks Ted, I will give it a try in the morning.

I found a good single source for automobile dimensions is the Classic Car Data bBase

http://www.classiccardatabase.com/search2.php

Below I tabulated the correct size and actual size for several models on my layout:

@JDFonz posted:

Ted, Nice job on that Chevy. I like how you even turned the wheel covers into “dog dish” covers. I’ll tell you, I got that Corgi for a steal, $6.00 for the car, $4.00 shipping.

joel

That is a steel'.... I haven't seen any that reasonable'... In this case, leave it rusted'.. AT that price what the heck'....

As per the very informative "1/43 auto scale chart"----Yep! The dimensions are all over the place!

Soooo---It is THEN possible, is it NOT---to cherry pick undersized 1/43 models that are closer to 1/48 scale? I know some of the New Ray models (for example) appear to be closer to 1/48 size dimensions.

If New Ray would start selling these undersized 1/43 models as 1/48 I bet they would have a revival in sales.  As it  IS now, you can hardly give these New Ray vehicles away.   -Salty Rails-

Morning Tom, here is what I have.

1949Ford Coupe measures 4 3/4" long

I have 3 bigger ones if thats what your looking for. Here are a couple photos of them.

Let me know what you think.

Hi Ted, I tried your formula and here is what I came up with.

4 3/4" = 120.65mm

120.65mm divided by 4828.54 = 0.0249

To be honest  I dont know what I am looking at! LOL

@mike g. posted:

Hi Ted, I tried your formula and here is what I came up with.

4 3/4" = 120.65mm

120.65mm divided by 4828.54 = 0.0249

To be honest  I dont know what I am looking at! LOL

Mike, just reverse these numbers Divide 4828.54 by 120.65. ALways divide by the lower amount number.  You should get approximately 40.02.  It is not a 1/43 or 48 scale vehicle, but a 1/40 scale...  Remember, the lower the number, the larger the vehicle.........  think Tom wants small vehicles, closer to 1/48, 1/50...😃

A easier quicker way:  Multiply the length by 25.4: