Walthers and TomyTec Vehicles

[cfritschle]

My Walthers Flyer came in the mail earlier this week, and when I got to the section on N scale vehicles, several of the TomyTec basic sets from the car collections were listed.

Noticeably absent though was any reference to the models being 1:150 scale. 

While I am sure the scale of these models is well known among those with a special interest in N scale vehicles, I am not at all sure if N scale modelers as a whole are aware of the discrepancy.  Somewhat in anticipation that this would occur, the N Scale Vehicle Association’s web site has a page devoted to 1:150 and 1:148 scale vehicle models.

http://nscalevehicles.org/n_gauge_models.php

The page is still under development, but links to photos of the vehicles from the TomyTec Car Collections are available.  These are low angle photos that show the 1:150 scale models with a 1:160 scale model.  But even seeing the photos is not always a sufficient means of determining the relative size of the models, so if you would like the actual dimensions of a specific model, please contact me and I can get that information to you.

I will also state that I certainly do not want to discredit the TomyTec or other 1:150 scale models as most are very well executed examples of current model manufacturing technology.  I have even found several that I believe are very usable with 1:160 scale models.  However, I do think the buyer needs to be aware of what is being purchased.  And, I also realize that what looks over-sized to one person may be very acceptable to another.

Switching now to a totally different topic, there is another page under the resource section on the site that is in development.  These pages will have photos of N scale vehicle models sorted by the decade in which the prototype vehicle was first marketed in North America. 

http://nscalevehicles.org/resources/models_era.php

As time permits, links to models from all the eras shown will appear under the appropriate heading. 

One final note, these pages are intended to compliment the information found in Markus Schiavo’s encyclopedia of N sized vehicles, but will never even come close to having the abundant content that Markus has developed on his site.

Carter

[GimpLizard]

Thanks Carter. Your work is much appreciated by many of us. Especially those of us scrounging for era appropriate US vehicles. (Unfortunately I chose to model the dark abyss of the 1960's.) I'm pleased with the VW 1600's coming from Lemke. Not exactly US cars, but there were plenty of them around in the late 60's. Any idea where they can be bought.

And one more question... What is this "Markus Schiavo’s encyclopedia of N sized vehicles" you talk about? I have never heard of it. (Not that that is a surprise. My ignorance is legendary.  ) Is it web based or hard copy?

[ljudice]

Here it is:

http://www.spur-n.com/


Every n-scale vehicle ever made is probably cataloged here....

[sirenwerks]

Switching now to a totally different topic, there is another page under the resource section on the site that is in development.  These pages will have photos of N scale vehicle models sorted by the decade in which the prototype vehicle was first marketed in North America. 

Nice touch, Carter.  The format is definitely easier to use, IMO, than the Spur-N site, where you have to know the manufacturer (and German).  Can we contribute, should we have obscure models?  And how?

[rogergperkins]

Did you notice that the Tomix track cleaning car was also listed?  Difficult to say without a prototype if it is 1/150 or 1/160 scale; but the version Atlas sold works very well. I especially like the vacuum mode. 

[VonRyan]

I personally don't see much of a problem with 1:150th vehicles on a 1:160 layout. 1:144th scale military equipment look quite well at home as long as you don't mix in N scale versions of the same vehicle. I turn to 1:144th scale only for military vehicles since there are more types out there and the detail is better than the few N-Scale specific military vehicles. Not to mention much lighter if you plan to make military flat-car loads.

With 1:148th you are going to find mostly UK style vehicles, which if you look at Oxford Diecast Models, their vehicles look incredible.


-Cody F.

[peteski]

Good info Carter!
I have not seen teir newest static models release but I just received the TomyTec motorized bus and that one shows 1:150 scale. It is barely visible in the logo which states "N scale". I agree that Walters (they seem to be the official TomyTec distributor) should mention that the models are 1:150 N scale.

[Nilmadic]

Walters (they seem to be the official TomyTec distributor) should mention that the models are 1:150 N scale.

+1

[GimpLizard]

Here it is:

http://www.spur-n.com/

Every n-scale vehicle ever made is probably cataloged here....

Thanks. Terrific site. Almost perfect. (Would be if I read German. that is German...right?)

[peteski]

Thanks. Terrific site. Almost perfect. (Would be if I read German. that is German...right?)

Try Google translate.

[Catt]

I use both 1:160 and 1:144 scale vehicles on my N scale layout.I just don't use them in the same setting.To my eyes there are times when the 1:144 looks better because of the slight difference in size.

[GimpLizard]

Try Google translate.

I did. It didn't do anything. Which surprised the heck out of me. Usually that works quite well.

Okay... here's a question.

I know the RP vehicles, from A2 Models, have some severe 'stepping' when looked at closely. But honestly, how do they fair up against the "3 foot rule"? The reason I ask is because they have some models that would fit very well on my mid 60's layout. IF they can pass the 3 foot rule.

[DKS]

I did. It didn't do anything. Which surprised the heck out of me. Usually that works quite well.

Worked for me... http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&eotf=1&u=http://www.spur-n.com/&act=url

Some of the results are mildly amusing...

If you have any comments, suggestions, hints or Lobeleien, then they use it just the button.

[GimpLizard]

Worked for me... http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&eotf=1&u=http://www.spur-n.com/&act=url

Some of the results are mildly amusing...

Well now what the heck? I'm telling ya... these computer thingies are out to get me.

Thanks DK.

[BCR751]

I can't get into the nscalevehicles.org site.  When I click on the link, it takes me to some weird search engine.

Doug