Atlas N Scale 1973 Ford F-100s Have Arrived

[cfritschle]

Some Atlas F-100s showed up in my driveway this afternoon, so I tried to get a "street level" view of the new pickups.   



It's cold and windy outside, so I did not spend much time "perfecting" the photo shoot, but you should be able to get an idea of what they look like from ground level.  I am really impressed with the flush fit of the movable tailgate.  At least as good as on my real 1976 F-250!

[peteski]

They look good, but at extreme closeup the cab doesn't quite line up with the bed, and the silver beltline molding looks a bit rough (too wide).  Looking at the microscopic size of the backup light insert in the taillight lenses, or the side markers, the beltline molding could have been printed thinner.  This shows that they aren't quite up to Tranworx quality of decoration.

[cfritschle]

They look good, but at extreme closeup the cab doesn't quite line up with the bed, and the silver beltline molding looks a bit rough (too wide).  Looking at the microscopic size of the backup light insert in the taillight lenses, or the side markers, the beltline molding could have been printed thinner.  This shows that they aren't quite up to Tranworx quality of decoration.

Peter,

I am hoping Atlas will make a run of the basic XL version.  At least I think that is what they called the base model without the metal trim, it is too cold right now to go back outside and check mine.  The Atlas model appears to be the upscale XLT version, which was common in urban areas, but not as common in the rural communities or on the farms.  Fleet operators also favored the lower cost base models.  My 1974 F-250 flatbed was a power company fleet vehicle, and it does not have the "trim" that is found on the Atlas model.

[peteski]

Peter,

I am hoping Atlas will make a run of the basic XL version.  At least I think that is what they called the base model without the metal trim, it is too cold right now to go back outside and check mine.  The Atlas model appears to be the upscale XLT version, which was common in urban areas, but not as common in the rural communities or on the farms.  Fleet operators also favored the lower cost base models.  My 1974 F-250 flatbed was a power company fleet vehicle, and it does not have the "trim" that is found on the Atlas model.

But the 2-tone paint will always have the silver trim, correct?

Looking at the photos, if I see it correctly, it appears that they used 1-piece plastic wheels.  If that is the case, I'm glad that they went back to this type of wheel. The plastic rim with vinyl tire (like they used on their Ford Fairmont) was a terrible idea in N scale. Not only visually, but more often than not, the cheap vinyl they use for making model tires starts oozing liquid (plasticizer) from the vinyl after few years. Not only that looks bad, it often softens and deforms the surrounding styrene.  One-piece plastic wheels are really the best way to go.

[cfritschle]

But the 2-tone paint will always have the silver trim, correct?

Looking at the photos, if I see it correctly, it appears that they used 1-piece plastic wheels.  If that is the case, I'm glad that they went back to this type of wheel. The plastic rim with vinyl tire (like they used on their Ford Fairmont) was a terrible idea in N scale. Not only visually, but more often than not, the cheap vinyl they use for making model tires starts oozing liquid (plasticizer) from the vinyl after few years. Not only that looks bad, it often softens and deforms the surrounding styrene.  One-piece plastic wheels are really the best way to go.

Peter,

I cannot remember ever seeing a two-tone version that did not have the metal trim, which is polished aluminum.  The side trim between the front and rear marker lights had a black vinyl insert, so the side trim should appear as two narrow "silver stripes" above and below a black stripe.  And, I think the XLT designation in 1973 was indicative of the "high end" interior appointments option, so the XLT pickups would likely have the aluminum trim. 

I braved the could and wind and checked the glove box door on my 1976 F-250, and it had "Custom" on it.  So, in the 1970s the Custom cab pickups were the ones without any "extra" exterior trim.  And, my base model 1993 F-250 and 1994 F-150 pickups do have the XL trim level noted on the dash and side badges.  I also have a 1976 Midnight Blue F-250 with the Ranger package, and it has the aluminum trim between the marker lights.  It also has (or had for the most part) carpet on the floor rather than the much more durable vinyl mat.   

And yes, the wheels on the model are an injection molded single plastic piece, so these pickups should not have the "flat tire look" that is common on the Fairmonts and Explorers.  The angle of the rear view mirrors is also somewhat distracting, but I don't see an easy way to change that.  I don't think in real life the driver would be able to see anything on the road behind the pickup with the mirrors at that angle, but could easily spot a low flying airplane.   

[peteski]

Thanks Carter!  I didn't focus on the side-view mirrors until you mentioned it.     Looking at your photos again, aren't the headlights on the small side?

[wazzou]

How could the driver see anything in the side view mirror?  It's below the top door edge, out of line of sight.

[peteski]

How could the driver see anything in the side view mirror?  It's below the top door edge, out of line of sight.

All we do on this forum is complain, complain!  So much negativity!  Companies keep making all these wonderful N scale models, and all we do is find flaws in them! 

[Lemosteam]

Some original brochure info:

http://www.fordtruckfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26505

Unfortunately there are no images of two tones.

[DKS]

How could the driver see anything in the side view mirror?  It's below the top door edge, out of line of sight.

Not so much a problem on the driver's side--the driver's eyeline is well above the door; the real mirror is almost as low. But notice that the model has mirrors on both sides--on the real truck, there was no mirror on the passenger side...

[w neal]

Mirrors look fine for me!

[Mark5]

But notice that the model has mirrors on both sides--on the real truck, there was no mirror on the passenger side...

By 1974, Ford clearly was offering the mirrors (FWIW):

http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/FMC%20Trucks-Vans/1974%20Trucks/1974%20Ford%20Pickups%20Brochure%20(Rev)/n_1974%20Ford%20Pickups%20(Rev)-01.jpg

Mark

[wazzou]

By 1974, Ford clearly was offering the mirrors (FWIW):

Mark

And they can be viewed from the driver's side.   

[peteski]

I still say there is something odd about the nose/grille proportions on the model (besides the headlights which look too small to me).  A dark wash in the grille will help, but I don't know if that is all that's needed.

[Wutter]

I still say there is something odd about the nose/grille proportions on the model (besides the headlights which look too small to me).  A dark wash in the grille will help, but I don't know if that is all that's needed.

I think the entire grill looks a little squished in terms of proportions. And the hood isn't tall enough.