A couple of months ago there was a discussion on the weekly 1/43 diecast thread about the ultra-streamlined Texaco Doodlebug tank truck of the late 30's. It was much lamented that the only models that could be found were an Ertl toy coin bank in 1/32 and an HO model, with nothing available that would be the right size for an 0 gauge layout. Well, I just picked up a third version, in (almost) 0 scale at 1/55. It was made by DeHanes, a boutique builder of die-cast trucks that makes its products here in the USA. The Doodlebug was produced in 1990 so it isn't all that easy to find, but one occasionally turns up on eBay. I just received mine today; here are some photos showing size comparisons. At 1/55 it is a bit small for an 0 gauge layout, especially if it is sitting next to 1/43 cars, but if it is put by itself, and especially in the background for forced perspective, it could work. It would go quite nicely with traditional size Lionel. In any case, it's a lot closer than 1/32 or HO!
I'm thinking that my 1/32 Doodlebug would make a nice load for a Standard Gauge flatcar.
DeHanes 1/55 Doodlebug with Ertl 1/32 Doodlebug. Platform and figures in background are Standard Gauge.
DeHanes Doodlebug in foreground, with a Brooklin 1/43 Buick and a 1/32 Doodlebug for comparison. It's noticeably undersize next to the Buick.
DeHanes Doodlebug with slightly undersized die-cast toy car of unknown origin.They look pretty good together.
DeHanes Doodlebug on a traditional size Lionel flatcar. Seems to be in good proportion.
. I have the headlights wired and the truck parked next to a fuel storage tank. Really cool piece of Americana!