jahn3d

Just a couple days ago a friend pointed me to a 3D printing site that appears to offer a lot of HO scale vehicle options that haven't been available in the past -  http://www.jahn3d.de/1/87-batch-production-models - and I think there are some pickups there that'll work for you.  Then tonight, I noticed that they're mentioned in Ken Patterson's  "What's Neat This Week" column in the September MRH, including some great tips from Mike Budde on upgrading them.

These vehicles aren't cheap, but not a lot more than many top-of-the-line HO vehicles, and with a lot more ordinary models that many of us have been asking for (vs. the all too common Porsches, Audis, Ferraris, Mustangs, etc.).

Thank you

I only need a few around the engine house, so 2-3 won't be bad. I have an 80s Caprice Classic.

It depends on the year you are modeling.

The 1973 Chevy and GMC pick ups stayed with the same body from 1973-1985.  I think Ford had a similar production run without changing bodies.  In California and the Southwest, a lot of those trucks from the late 1970's and early 1980's are still in service even today.  A truck bought new in 1984 or 85  would probably stay in service at least until the end of the decade.

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3D Printing FTW!!!

Maybe

Take a close look at the surface finish and prices of the jahn3D vehicles before cheering 3D printing as the solution. The process gets you a vehicle that you wouldn't otherwise have, but most metal, plastic and resin vehicles are less expensive and better-finished. Do prices come down with volume production in 3D printing? Mike Budde's video shows that some time-consuming and precise work is needed.

Walthers did a late 60s Ford F100 with a short box, Roco had a nice Dodge, Trident did so-so Chevrolets.  Where are the molds for those, given the other old projects that are reappearing?

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It's here, it's now, and if you take the time to finish the models, you end up with the truck you want.

How else are you going to get a Newport?

Check here

There are some great models on this site, some fairly pricey, some not so much...

Dave

Dave, thanks very much for that link.  Lots of nice options for what appear to be high-quality HO models of more common prototypes.  Given some of the prices, I'm thankful I don't need many more, but I plan to return to that site and check it out in more detail.  I saw at least one pickup I could use.  Thanks again!

Great Site

Dave,

Thanks for that site...very interesting

needed vehicles

Something else needed badly, a Bulk-A-Matic trailer that transfers product from trailer to rail car or vice versa.

ALL scales need them. Perfect for sitting beside team tracks.

Also, mid 1970's Ford F-150 pick up trucks.

Terry Harrison

Executive do all for DT&I Northern Division

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You can get them off Shapeways.

Here's just one example, this designer has pretty much every bulk trailer you can imagine tooled up.

It's about the cost of a resin kit too.

http://www.shapeways.com/model/978781/ho-1-87-dry-bulk-trailer-01.html?li=search-results&materialId=6