I am trying to model downtown Dallas,TX in the 50’s-60’s. Looking for die cast yellow taxi cabs. All the ones I have found are 1:43 scale and have NYC, LA or some other city on them.
Any ideas on a source for 1:48 scale taxis without a name of a town on them? How hard would it be to remove the town names from the available models without scratching the paint? Assume decals?
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I've got a couple of ERTL Checker Cabs, no city names, but 1/43. Would definitely fit your time frame. 1/48 may be hard to find.
As for removing city names, if decals you could try re-wetting with Microscale Microsol or Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. If painted there have been lots of posts about removing lettering without harming underlying paint. Do a search. I've used the same Magic Eraser, Testor's Easy Lift Off, Mechanical draftsman eraser. I remember someone using a regular Pink Pearl eraser successfully.
Do a general web search for 1/48 scale taxi, a listing will come up, Amazon.com. 1:48 o scale minature checker taxi cab model.
Price $7.00 looks like a early 1960's checker cab, no name on cab, this is a number 2 pencil sharpener on the bottom(floor) of the cab. For a static model display on a trail layout this should work.
SIRT, have you ever posted pics of how to add the LEDs to vehicles? I am starting to detail a few vehicles with figures and would like to try to add lights as well...
This is all I have in my files.
In general, drill piolet holes then larger holes to fit LED sizes. Evans Designs sell a bunch with a regulator and built in circuitry. Connect to a 18 volt AC or DC power source to light. A wall charger will work too. Silicone the lights in place. Extend and run wires to your choice of power.
I also use them in M7's & RK Subway cars that use track AC voltage. They stay lit when throttle is down to 7v.
Fingernail polish remover will takes off most lettering you don't want. It only takes a fine brush and a steady hand. I use it on a lot of my 1/64 cars and trucks.
I gave up and am using 1/43, an unwelcome compromise, but...it has the variety and choices, and, often the appearance. I wish these companies would save themselves some money and not preprint vehicles, maybe providing decals if they must, free to be omitted. I have seen some expensive early cab models, 1940 Ford, for example, uncommon and pricy, that couldn't be considered for purchase, as painting over or deleting lettering would destroy value.
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