I was going through Wal-Mart and was browsing the toy and model car isle and found a bunch of WWII tanks from the U.S. and Germany. I bought 5 U.S. tanks. 3 M4 Shermans and 2 M18 Hellcats. 4 for a small train and an extra for display or a diorama. All are 1:144 scale, so they are a bit on the big side. But for $1.97, this is as close as it is gonna get! All I need is the flatcars!! Now some pics of glory and detail!!! All 5 set up for pictures. One of the M18 Hellcats still in the box. One of the M4 Shermans out to show the detail. Extra info: Manufactured by New Millenium Toys. They're also called Classic Armor. Distributed by Wal-Mart and $1.97 will buy you one. [ April 02, 2006, 10:20 PM: Message edited by: Mr_NScale ]
Jon: A couple of other possibles: Dragon Models makes a line called CanDo, again listed as 1:144. Some of this stuff measures out almost perfect for N Scale, though I've only checked the modern stuff. Other sources: Lineside Models (http://hometown.aol.com/yvelmd/lsm.html) Father Nature (http://www.fathernaturetrees.com/FNMILITARY.html)
Yup those tanks are awesome...the measurement between 1/144 and 1/160 on small items is not worth worrying about. Put those on some flats and VOILA! Sure beats the hell out of paying some of those guys $56 per WW II flat car load huh?!
Okay here's a question. Why do manufacturer's use 1:144 as a scale? That is 90% of N scale. What else is there in 1:144? Why not make it in 1:160 and incorporate the N scale market too?
I believe the really don't care about the few N-scalers that would buy a few models compared to the model community that is adjusted to 1:32, 1:48, 1:72, 1:144, 1:200, etc.
I returned the Hellcats and bought three more Shermans. Thos way I can have a nice military train as soon as I get a few flatcars. All around one the shelves were 1:64 and 1:87 vehicles. Some of the 1:87 scale vehicle would make a HO scaler cry because they're perfect.
I'm surprised GHQ doesn't make decent Tanks for N scale. As I recall from my wargamer days they made quite a nice selection of military stuff for table top gaming. I just googled them... http://www.ghqmodels.com/store/n-scale-model-railroad.html err... I think you scored dude. Check GHQs prices. OUCH!
There is a huge wargamer society out there, using 1:144 (amongst others) scale. There are a number of manufacturers for 1:144 vehicles, most of them white metal kits with amazing detail (and sometimes amazing prices). Here are some companies you might want to look for: Pendraken http://www.pendraken.co.uk/20thcentury.htm Perrin http://www.rock-con.com/Perrin/Perrinminiatures.html Minifig http://www.minifigs.com/catalog/ Wargames-South http://www.wargames-south.com/ There is tons of suitable vehicles and armor out there! Have Fun Dirk
Minfigs makes true 1:160 military vehicles and soldiers from different eras. Here is their N Scale US M4A3 76mm Sherman w/Weld Hull: http://www.minifigs.com (under "brands" select Minifigs)
GHQ did make Shermans and M1A's and they were a lot better looking than the Minifigs. They also cost more but they were 1:160. I picked up as many as I could when Alan came out with the DODX flat. The M1A1 is still listed in their catalogue but not the Sherman.
