Building a drive in movie scene and looking for about 15-20 automobiles.Any suggestions on source for variety of cars I could get. that are reasonable and good qaulity.I dont really needd detailed diecast.I am looking for a variety and NOT 4-5 Models.Appreciate AlB
Replies sorted oldest to newest
If it's not along the front, go with forced perspective and get Hot wheels cars.
They run smaller than 1:48 but if it's a few feet away that won't be a problem, just don't mix anything big in them.
Al I'm sending you an email.
Bob
You might try CVS or Wallgreens or Dollar Tree; they have low cost die cast but check their sizes as they vary quite a bit. Walmart and Ocean State Job Lot may also have some but not all the time.
On-line stores like www.diecastdirect.com www.3000toys.com www.royalcoachbuses.com www.aawesometoy.com www.everstoystore.com www.motormint.com www.toytruckcity.com and www.policecarmodels.com all offer die cast vehicles.
The major train retailers sell the MTH, Lionel, K-Line, and Athens cars & trucks includeing their big sets like 30-50044 32 pack Roadster Hardtops. I especially like the YatMing models as they are inexpensive compared to most. (you can find anything on ebay)
I have noticed a big jump in prices last year compared to the year before...something to do with China's exchange rate or something. $7.95 seems to be about as low as most sell for.
Have fun. Paul Goodness
Menard's still has some.
Someday I would like to see forced perspective on the most common size 4x8 layout.
Bob
Rite Aid has nice cars I think are 1:43 for $5. They may have a display in several spots in the store so walk around. From 60's to modern.
Considering the time and money I spent building my Drive-In Movie, using "el-cheapo" cars of different scales makes no sense to me. But, hey, it's your layout.
I have three diecast vehicles still in the original boxes that I am willing to sell. They are made by Sun Ray and they are 1955 Bel Air, 1959 Impala and 1958 Buick Special. I will send you an e-mail with a photo of the Bel Air.
TheClutchGuy, I received your message and I will take all three.Appreciate.Al B
I have three diecast vehicles still in the original boxes that I am willing to sell. They are made by Sun Ray and they are 1955 Bel Air, 1959 Impala and 1958 Buick Special. I will send you an e-mail with a photo of the Bel Air.
I think you meant Sun Star. All 3 are very nice models, and they come in a large number of color combinations.
Rite Aid has nice cars I think are 1:43 for $5. They may have a display in several spots in the store so walk around. From 60's to modern.
If you don't mind modern and convertibles, they are a great buy. You might even find some older units......and, often they will run a sale and if you have a saver's card w' them, it is "buy one, get one 1/2 price." I bought half a dozen just before
Christmas.
I just wish they would put glazing in the driver and passenger windows!!
Greg
Can't find Rite Aid help please.
Ken
I have three diecast vehicles still in the original boxes that I am willing to sell. They are made by Sun Ray and they are 1955 Bel Air, 1959 Impala and 1958 Buick Special. I will send you an e-mail with a photo of the Bel Air.
I think you meant Sun Star. All 3 are very nice models, and they come in a large number of color combinations.
You are right Joe, I meant Sun Star. Here is a photo.
Once a week I check Amazon for model cars for my layout and I recommend it. I sometimes have seen a "24 pack" of assorted cars in the 1:43 section for around $70-90. they are New Ray cars -'50s, '60s, '70s, and some are a bit smaller than 1:43, even than 1:48 - down to 1/55, but for the price.
I check this site one a week, in the serach bar at the top, I select toys and Games section, then type "1:43 1947" to get all 1947 model 1:43 models, and work my way forward through to 1960 (the last year i'm intersted in). that is where I have found those 24 packs (I bought one) and somewhere in there I usually see some real bargain autos, too, from $4 and up. Many are from the '50s, and give the period when dirve ins were popular, that is probably what might interest you.
Lee after seeing pics of your layout you surprised me that you mention New Ray cars...those are all cheap convertibles. I had those when they first came out and the last bunch I had I was blowing them out @ 3 for $5.00.
The better way to search is ebay 1:43 or check the forum Buy/Sell.
Bob
Lee after seeing pics of your layout you surprised me that you mention New Ray cars...those are all cheap convertibles. I had those when they first came out and the last bunch I had I was blowing them out @ 3 for $5.00.
The better way to search is ebay 1:43 or check the forum Buy/Sell.
Bob
Exactly - what's wrong with cheap if they work? Many New Ray convertibles and cars are from the '50s and work good as regards time period of my layout. They tend to be around 1/50 to 1/52 scale and those look good in the background, where their lack of detail does not show and their slightly smaller size lends a bit of forced perspective. But frankly, the vast majority of my New Ray sit on a low shelf, off the layout - I have perhaps six on the layout, about twenty off it. It's more detailed and sclae models that are up right near the edge of the layout.
Here is an example of what I mean: car in the foreground is a Brooklin '54 Buick Special which is right at 1:43, that right behind it is a New Ray '55 Buick roadmaster or Century, not sure which, but a car the same size or slightly larger in real life that is this case is about 1:48 or a bit smaller in scale.
Lee, My 1:43 reference book, "American Wheels" lists Nu Ray/New Ray cars as 1:48.
Yes, but the guide must mean a "nominal" 1/48. (Like earlier trains have sometimes been called a nominal 1/48.) Example: My New Ray '49 Buick and Jag XK120 are the same length! The XK120 was large for a sports car, but since it was not as long as a '49 Buick, one must be a slightly different scale.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
