Large Scale Central

1:18 Diecast that's closer to 1:20.3

Modeling
#1

Not wanting to hijack or otherwise detract from Mike’s thread on his very interesting rail truck, I wanted to ask a related question that it brought up …

Mike states that the truck he used as the “donor” for that vehicle was supposed to be 1:18 scale, but was really more like 1:20.

Are there other known varieties of this? Perhaps a whole company that makes their 1:18 vehicles too small on a regular basis? I could use some more “modern” 1:20.3 vehicles, at least more modern than the commonly available Model T’s and so forth … possibly even prototypes built after I was born, which compared to the trains is considerably “modern” …

In any case, if there are any known scale deviants, it’d be interesting to see what was out there.

Matthew (OV)

#2

Yes , many and varied .
Do what we do and find the true size yourself and work it out .

#3

Message received. Shutting up, going away.

#4

Not exactly what I meant .

#5

Matt, Take a look at the Solido brand trucks. Not quite as modern as you like, but newer than a model T! Theoretically they’re 1:19. Here’s one for comparison:

Left to right - A 1:19 Ford Pickup (Solido), a 1:20 person, a 1:20 Ford (Hubley), a 1:22.5 person, and a 1:24 vechicle.

#6

I think , Matthew , that you may now see what I meant . If you didn’t , well , there are three good examples there , and I can tell you that none of them are to the claimed scale .
I am not going to rubbish anyone’s collection by pointing , that also leads to upsets .
Let me just say I have well into three figures of diecasts --I have been gathering them for some time --and must have every scale from 1/14(claimed 1/16) to 1/25 (claimed 1/32 in one case ) . I might add that some of the worst offenders are sold as mint models .
So , the only solution is to find one you fancy , then work it out . Nothing offensive in that , is there ?
Mike

#7

Mike, Hard to trash a collection that has such a wide diversity of scales! I’d be interested to hear what the real scales are. I’m leaning more towards 1:20, but haven’t really bothered with the research necessary to figure out what they really are. I do know that some of these things don’t look quite right in close proximity:

This is a 1:20 guy in a 1:24 car. Not really acceptable. I’m afraid I go for what looks right in my mind, but I’ve been backing off a bit lately. I have a number of Hubley kits (nominally some scale), but just haven’t been as interested in vehicles on the layout lately. More interested in operations…

#8

Mike,

I should never try to dispatch and post. You read what you’re hearing from the public on the phone into what you’re reading from the normal (!) people … my fault entirely. Unbristled, and much chagrined, we return you to your regular broadcast.

All others … well, yes. That photo of the engineman in the little car might work if you put a rail between the wheels and a ticket booth, but not really otherwise.

What I’d love to discover is that there’s a line of pickup trucks and everyday ordinary cars from 1950 or so to present that were supposed to be 1:18 that were really 1:19.5 or 1:20, or some 1:24 stuff that was really more like 1:21 …

I found an ambulance … but it has the Ghostbusters stuff all over it … and while I ain’t afraid of no ghost, I don’t know that it’d look right on the streets of Midway (for lack of a better working title.)

#9

It’s 0220 here , too hot to sleep , I blame global warmimg . Might as well , it’s blamed for everything else .
From memory , the Hubley one is the most accurate scaling out at the correct length (give or take 1/8") and slightly narrow .
The Solido Ford is interesting , Ford used the same cab pattern on several offerings , making it a difficult one to scale–but an ideaal one to use , because it can represent a full sized truck cab in 1/22,or a pick-up in 1/20 .It is accurate all round to 3/16" +/-a coat of paint to the scale stated on the casting which I think was 1/19 . Engineer the grill a bit , and you have a very good Chevy cab ,
The 1/24 is 1/25 ,I have seen the same body casting by different companies–I think they lend the moulds to each other , or even make them for each other .
Whatever , my philosophy is --if it looks right , don’t knock it . The thickness of paint affects accuracy if you are determined to measure with vernier gauges . What I do not advocate is putting 1/24 with 1/19 , unless there is a large separation between them ,The differing scales can be used to force perspective,and remember too that if you stick a model partly in a garage or similar , its overall impression (thus scale ) is lost , tending to make it look more at home ,and incidentally more interesting .
Another point with diecasts , the paint can be too good , drawing the eye away from the overall scene . Look at Martyn’s MOW Ford , and you will note that it does not have the hard gloss finish of the "out of the box " item ,he stripped it back to bare metal and used semi gloss paint . Scale paint is not as gloss as full size , look at a real car at a distance compared with one close up–the distant one does not look as shiny . Also , it’s colout is not as colourful . For well recognised colours , Martyn and I invariably add a touch of white–a touch !! --to get a better scale appearance . If you want to prove this for youself , have a look at a line of identical coloured items ,the further ones appear more pale .It’s called colour perspective .A master at that effect is your late Bob Ross ,whatever you think of his paintings overall , he makes some great observations ,and uses paint not to copy , but make impressions . Lovely chap .
Blimey , this lecture has finally put me to sleep , see you all tomorrow ,
Mike
ps -Matthew , the ghostbuster ambulance is a very good model , if it’s the one I think ,and should be available as end of line stuff cheap enough for you to strip it of its unnecessary bits , strip paint off , and give it a new coat of semi matt . This can be good fun , and you will be pleased with your efforts . Believe me , you will .

1015 local–the only ghostbuster I can find would make a super conversion , very easy too , into a hearse.Spray it matt black , and abandon it in a yard somewhere --it adds interest .

#10

After reading this post yesterday afternoon, I was heading back out to the job and had a fertilizer truck coming down the road toward me. Now these things are monsterous and are really only legal on the road in a rural or agricultural environment. With this post fresh on my mind, my analysis of the truck was closer than normal. It was basicly a normal over the road style truck frame with extreme oversize tires and extra wide flared fenders. The grill, doors and all other parts were standard equipment, but the monster truck tires created the need for an attached ladder to get up to the cab.

I also wish there was a standard group of vehicles we could purchase or build up from a kit that would fit the need. I’m afraid our demand is just not strong enough for that to happen. I think, if you start with a figure that is going to occupy the cab or stand near the vehicle and then find the vehicle that matches size, you get the best result.

Looking at Bruces’s photos, your eye shows you what looks right and what doesn’t. Maybe what we need to ask is instead of “Does this look right?” The question should be “Why does this look wrong and what needs to be changed to make it look right?”

Many people laugh at my little 5 foot 1 inch wife climbing in to our big van, but I wouldn’t challenge her when she is sitting behind the wheel. :wink:

#11

Ric .
Seems like you saw a real “Bigfoot” , so they do exist then ! Interesting vehicles , it amazes me how the steering arms take the extra leverage .
I agree with your "put it right " remark , some of the 1/18 models will never look quite right unless toned down a little . Ignoring the size scale issue ,the chrome effect on a lot (most ) of them is too bright . Thinned semi gloss
varnish can help , but needs testing on a hidden part because some of the chromes can be stripped by paint thinner . We sometimes strip the chrome deliberately using a spray-on oven cleaner .We usually remove the chrome part from the model first , they generally are screwed construction which makes it easier . The oven cleaner can mar the paint in some cases ,so be careful . The silver effect is restored by using bare metal foil ,as an example-very good stuff , that .Comes in chrome (black and silver ) copper , brass , aluminium , and being real metal , is more restrained . Some chrome paints are also effective .
The other issue is tyres . They are often shiny , even showroom shine is not as reflective as on the models .So we also paint the tyres with matt black with a touch of white in it --tyres are grey , not black–or even use matt varnish straight on the shiny black It blends the model into the scenery a bit , a bit of dirt on the tyres does not come amiss either ,makes it look like it’s part of the ground . Shiny stuff in a diorama does not look right .
A lot can be learned from some of the military diorama people . Not all of them .
Yes , Ric , a good point , the tricks of putting things right are manifold but worth doing . Mike

#12

Another alternative to repainting to achieve a more realistic look is to just leave it outdoors. In the photo below, compare the two black pickups. The one on the bridge has been left out two summers. The PU in front of the store only comes out on occasions. If you notice, the weathered truck does have the aforementioned “white” look. The plastic “chrome” has also toned down its appearance. Rust has not been a problem, even though the bridge truck stayed out 24 months continuously. Spider webs or ants ARE a problem on anything left out : vehicles, train cars, or structures.

One other thing to notice: The Green/white '55 Ford is 1/25th scale. All other vehicles shown are 1/24th scale. JimC.

#13

That looks nice , Jim . Fun to operate as well I should think .
Mike

#14

You guys do know that mixing different scales and going by what may look right to you , will bring the scale police down upon you …and you will be made to suffer : )

#15

Jim Carter said:

One other thing to notice: The Green/white '55 Ford is 1/25th scale. All other vehicles shown are 1/24th scale. JimC.

Good heavens, Jim. You mix 1:25 with 1:24? Perish the thought! And, I suppose the trains are 1:20? What is this world coming to? Other than that, very nice looking work. SteveF

#16

Whilst not being an adherent to 1/20. I have asked myself, and decided that 1/32 trucks and auto’s are closer to 1/29(my chosen scale) than 1/24. Also following Mike Morgans premise, not all of the stated scales are correct. measure and make a choice.
Oh BTW, hi everybody, this is my first post over here.
Rod F.