Skip to main content

I recently purchased 2 of the Menard's bi level auto carrier flatcars each with 6 of their brand of die cast vehicles.  My intentions were to replace the vehicles with ones from the early 1960's.  However I am unable to find die cast autos from that era in either 1/48th or 1/50th scales.  I am beginning to think that what Menard's (and others) use are 1/43rd scale vehicles.  If I am figuring correctly the difference between the two scales is 5 actual feet per 1 model foot.  Any thoughts on this? 

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Allegheny48 posted:

I recently purchased 2 of the Menard's bi level auto carrier flatcars each with 6 of their brand of die cast vehicles.  My intentions were to replace the vehicles with ones from the early 1960's.  However I am unable to find die cast autos from that era in either 1/48th or 1/50th scales.  I am beginning to think that what Menard's (and others) use are 1/43rd scale vehicles.  If I am figuring correctly the difference between the two scales is 5 actual feet per 1 model foot.  Any thoughts on this? 

If Menard's would put era-correct vehicles on these auto carriers, they'd probably sell a lot better.  I know I'd be a lot more inclined to buy more.  But that's just my opinion, what do I know about marketing?

On the other hand, I know quite a bit about consuming.  I'm heavily into that.

Or not.  

rattler21 posted:

The difference between 1:43 and 1:48 is a tad over 10%. John in Lansing, ILL

Oh, if that was only true!  Actually, a 1:43 model has 39% greater volume than a 1:48 model of the same thing.  When two vehicles sit side by side, this volume difference is striking.  The 1:43 model is 11.6% longer, 11.6% wider and 11.6% taller.

mikey posted:

Go to diecast Direct, they have 1/50 Cars of all descriptions.

Mikey

Mixed Freight posted:
Allegheny48 posted:

I recently purchased 2 of the Menard's bi level auto carrier flatcars each with 6 of their brand of die cast vehicles.  My intentions were to replace the vehicles with ones from the early 1960's.  However I am unable to find die cast autos from that era in either 1/48th or 1/50th scales.  I am beginning to think that what Menard's (and others) use are 1/43rd scale vehicles.  If I am figuring correctly the difference between the two scales is 5 actual feet per 1 model foot.  Any thoughts on this? 

If Menard's would put era-correct vehicles on these auto carriers, they'd probably sell a lot better.  I know I'd be a lot more inclined to buy more.  But that's just my opinion, what do I know about marketing?

On the other hand, I know quite a bit about consuming.  I'm heavily into that.

Or not.  

In my opinion Menard's is marketing their trains and buildings to the average model railroader and not so much to the O scale crowd.  However they have given the model train world a much needed shot-in-the-arm, so to speak, and I applaud them for that.  Many of their O scale freight cars can be tweaked to work and look well with the more expensive stuff.  I personally like their 50' flat cars.  They are nicely done and adapt well for custom loads.  Their O scale buildings are great and reasonably priced for all that they are.  One of the sales associates in the Mentor, OH store told me that Mr. Menard has a huge model train layout in his Wisconsin home. 

 

Add Reply

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×