Showcase vehicles back in production

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I don't know if you guys are interested, but Showcase vehicles have been sold to the origonal toolmaker and will go back in production soon. They will also be releasing an International Loadstar in the near future. Here is the prototype:

http://www.1-87vehicles.org/images/survey/ihc_loadstar_lg.jpg

[up1950s]

It looks pre 1960 , is it Dan ?

[wazzou]

The one pictured in the link is probably a '65, however the one Showcase is doing is claimed to be a '68.
It is molded as though the intent is to portray, by weathering and/or damage to be in use in the late 70's or 80's though.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

They were produced from 1962 until 1979. You can still find some in landscape, farm, snow removal and tree service. Its actually a huge deal, these were more common than the Mack B and cover a 50 year era.

[Kisatchie]

...Showcase vehicles have been sold to the origonal toolmaker and will go back in production soon.

That's great news. They were my favorite N scale models, just ahead of GHQ in my opinion. Too bad I lost all my Showcase models to the hurricane Katrina flood.


Hmm... that's nothing. I
lost all my termites when
the wind blew them out
of my treehouse into the
floodwaters...

[sirenwerks]

Yea, I got a somewhat cryptic message this morning about this, but maybe I couldn't decipher it because I hadn't had any coffee.  But I was happy to see it kicking back into gear and the IH will be much loved on my layout.

[pennsyfan1361]

Great  I'm looking forward to the Loadstar      Rich

[peteski]

That's great news. They were my favorite N scale models, just ahead of GHQ in my opinion. Too bad I lost all my Showcase models to the hurricane Katrina flood.

On that I will disagree. GHQ models have much finer details and are much better quality overall.  The only thing is that some of GHQ vehicles are solid bricks (no see-through windows).  Bit overall, it is like comparing DELL with Apple. 

Still, I'm glad that they will be produced again. Maybe they'll even bring back the Pfatt Boys Diner.

[cfritschle]

Here is the actual "announcement" of the return of Showcase Miniatures:

--- In NScaleVehicleAssociation@yahoogroups.com, "crf250x04" <joe@...> wrote:

Hi Gang

Early this Summer Walter Vail inquired to the group here to see if there was any interest in the Showcase Miniatures N scale vehicle line.  The reason Walter was inquiring is because he was considering taking the line over and making some new vehicles.  Now for those who don't know Walter he is the one who has built most of the vehicles for the Showcase Miniatures in the past.  He has also produced models for a few of the other popular Metal vehicle lines.  His work over the years speaks for itself.  He is now preparing a batch of new models for release this next year.
 
Walter and his family will be taking over the Showcase Miniatures line at the beginning of the New Year.  I will remain on board at a much lesser degree in the future and primarily help with sales.  The line will continue to be available on line www.showcaseminiatures.com as it has in the past.  We will be posting more information at about the changes at a later date.

If you would like to see the newest model I have loaded one up here in the photo file "New Showcase Miniatures".  Walter patterned it after a 1968 International Loadstar.  It will be available soon as Showcase Miniatures item #38. It is a weather beat version. Hope you like it.   

Sincerely Joe Warren

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I think the quality/ease of construction ratio is much higher in Showcase models than GHQ. I can paint and built a Showcase model in a few hours where a GHQ model will take a day or two. CinC seem to have the best detail (by the way, they are designed by the same toolmaker as the Showcase vehicles); those vehicles include seperate drive shafts, wheels with suspension components and dashboards in their cabs.

[BCR 570]

The Showcase tractors were very nice but lacked the etched mirrors and other details which GHQ provided.  Nevertheless, their return will be most welcome, and new 1960s/1970s models doubly so.

Tim

[cfritschle]

A photo of the next two Showcase Miniature vehicle models has been posted on the N Scale Vehicle Association Yahoo Group.

Model nos. 39 and 40 are an IH Loadstar three axle semi-tractor and an IH Loadstar flatbed straight truck.

Here is a link, but unless you belong to the group, I doubt if you will be able to view the photo.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NScaleVehicleAssociation/photos/recent/2057979054/view

Carter

[pennsyfan1361]

Carter,  I  belong to the group and they look great.  Went do you think they will be available ?       Rich   

[GimpLizard]

I wonder if Showcase could be talked into some 60's era sedans & station wagons. Like maybe they'd be interested in doing my coveted 1964 Rambler Ambassador wagon.

Why I'm simply giddy over the possibility.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Would anyone be interested in a group buy of 60's and 70's sedand or wagons? I'm thinking if he has enough garenteed sales, he might be more willing to try something new. We did this on decal orders in the past.