Another "gem" from Round2/CMW

[peteski]

The latest issue of the N-Scale Magazine had photos of new N scale vahicle from CMW: 1974 Buick Estate Wagon.  The prototype choice is very desirable, both the era and the type of vehicle (station wagon). There aren't many models of station wagons in N scale, especially of Anerican prototypes.

But the photos instantly curbed my excitement.  The execution of that model is not very good (and MSRP is about $10 per vehicle).  Body and wheel details are very soft, and the paint seems to be more like someone dipped the model in honey.  Disappointing to say the least.  And while I think that metal is not the best material for N scale automobiles, I have several N scale locomotives with metal shells and they have very fine and crisp detailing (just as good as plastic moldings).



This model reminds me more of the Micro-Machines toys than a quality scale model.



This is a photo of the H0 scale version.  The detail is a little sharper, but the paint still seems overly thick.  The windshield fit is terrible too, but the main reason I posted this photo here is to show that CMW didn't bother to properly model the curved back side windows. They did render them in H0, but not in N version.

Time and time again, CMW vehicles are a disappointment (at least to me).

[DKS]

...while I think that metal is not the best material for N scale automobiles, I have several N scale locomotives with metal shells and they have very fine and crisp detailing (just as good as plastic moldings)...

Pretty sure CMW has abandoned making their vehicles in metal quite some time ago, and are using plastic. Their Facebook page shows test shots of this model, and they don't look like metal to me.

Still, I agree that their products are disappointing. Given their apparent success, I suspect they've found they make a sufficient ROI on low-fi models, and therefore have no incentive to make proper scale models.

[Mark5]

Thanks Pete. I haven't bought any CMW in ages, and my fears were realized in this release. I am done with CMW.

Mark

[Rasputen]

I think it would have been better to just mold the roof rack right into the roof, rather than try and make a separate piece.
The A-pillar looks a lot thicker on the N scale version too.  I don't think you should see any body color around the wheel openings either.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

But... hasn't CMW always been like this?

I don't remember any of their earlier stuff being particularly sharp either.

[DKS]

Reference image:



Curiously, this seems to be a very popular vehicle to model. Here's a 1:18 resin kit from BoS models for a mere $170.00:



https://www.legacydiecast.com/1974-buick-estate-wagon-light-green-by-bos-models

American Excellence 1:43 diecast:



https://www.diecastxmagazine.com/wagon-ho/

And an Auto World 1:64 diecast:



https://www.ebay.com/itm/1974-74-BUICK-ESTATE-WAGON-RARE-1-64-SCALE-LIMITED-COLLECTIBLE-DIECAST-MODEL-CAR-/323429997517

[DKS]

But... hasn't CMW always been like this?

I don't remember any of their earlier stuff being particularly sharp either.

True. Maybe it's just perpetual disappointment that leads some to think they're getting worse. Also, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect improvement rather than status quo.

[Missaberoad]

But... hasn't CMW always been like this?

I don't remember any of their earlier stuff being particularly sharp either.

This... They have always been a little "chunky" in the details.

Besides the goofy roof rack this looks no worse then their original offerings.

[thomasjmdavis]

But... hasn't CMW always been like this?

I don't remember any of their earlier stuff being particularly sharp either.

I think they got away with some less than spectacular molding when they were doing mostly 40s and 50s stuff because the styles of the times were gently curved designs.  The sheet metal work of cars in the 60s and later have sharper corners. The "cleaner" sheet metal makes errors of dimension or proportion more obvious.  Also, the number of current customer for models who actually owned and drove cars of the 70s, and saw them on the road, is much larger than the number of us who had a 40s or 50s car.  I will notice a lot more errors on a 70s or 80s Ford than I will on a 1950 Dodge sedan.

[wazzou]

At the time they came out, there was very little else available for equipping a Model Railroad with a good variety of vehicles.
I mean, let’s not forget how many folks had Micro-Machines on their layouts and modules or those 1:144 vehicles.
While I agree there are a lot more viable options today, it can’t be denied that these once filled a pretty big void in the hobby.
At first glance of this wagon, I thought there was an inflated rubber raft on the roof.

[peteski]

But... hasn't CMW always been like this?

I don't remember any of their earlier stuff being particularly sharp either.

I have several of their earlier vehicles and I realize that CMW vehicles always were a bit on a chunky/clunky side, but like it has been mentioned by others, one hopes that with time, the new releases would have improved. Especially since they have been acquired by another company (Round2).  But I guess they will just continue releasing the same quality models as they have all along.

[tehachapifan]

I'll probably be getting one. All it needs now is some luggage and Aunt Edna on the roof.

[Steveruger45]

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I'll probably be getting one. All it needs now is some luggage and Aunt Edna on the roof.

Beat me to it. 😀

[Philip H]

A couple of those wagons can make rusty weedy yard fodder as is.
The lowboy however is a real disappointment,  I was going to be in for a couple of sets but now . . .

And I am worried about the fire truck.

[Mark5]

But... hasn't CMW always been like this?

Yes and no. The 1967 Ford was better than this (for example).