Ok, here's the deal... This was a "must have" model for me (I love haulers and this one is a VERY FAITHFUL replica of a an actual 1:1) ...however it's "too specific" to really carry anything else. Of sure I can modify anything. I could "make" any load of vehicles work but the angle of these particular ramps, shape of the hauler sides, total length, etc... make it DIFFICULT to display much of anything else (without mods)..... other than the 2 GMC pickups (on the bottom) and the 2 GMC panels (on top).Â
The 1957 Ford Rancheros are probably my best bet.....buuuut they're Fords. Although dissimilar makes hauled competitor's vehicles (often seen) it would be a stretch to suggest this 1954 "Fleet Carrier" would one day actually haul 1957 Fords. The 1955 Cadillacs were my 1st choice but they're too large for this smaller size hauler.
A load of Corvairs or Corvettes might work but I need decent models.
By the way.... I did measure out the SCALE ACCUARACY of this 1/43 1954 GMC COE tractor and hauler. Overall it's very good, being only "a hair" too short and too narrow.
...and yes, I know Road Champs made 1/43 1954 Chevrolet Panels and 1953 Chevy pick-ups ...but they are cheapy/cheezy.
I would get the cheap Road Champs and just see how they fit. Maybe change out their wheels. You will not notice their details because you will be mesmerized by the truck details! If it does not work, no big deal since they are cheap! It would be very cool to replicate the photo, though!!!
I had the same problem finding display cars for the F-600. I started out with Continental Mkllls and ended up cramming in every little sports car I could find.
@karl Yeah, I'm kind of leaning in that direction... The ONLY 1/43 Road Champs 1953 Chevy truck I have on hand is that Good Humor release from "50 years ago." A test fit revealed that it's a bit "wide," that is, the front clip won't FULLY fit through the front of the trailer (as shown in the 1:1 pic). I'm hoping, however, that the other 1/43 RC's Panels & Pick-ups are different tooling (at least they appear to be). The plot thickens...............
I had the same problem finding display cars for the F-600. I started out with Continental Mkllls and ended up cramming in every little sports car I could find.
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Rich, that is such a great display piece. They (IXO) offers that Ford tractor separately.... I may pull the trigger one day, buy it and fashion my own American car-hauler trailer. Still though, this "down under" version is pretty nice!!
@chris OK, it can be done but the pickups I have have spare tires on the side of the bed and these would never permit the truck to be driven on to the lower deck. With this load the upper deck does not sit fully down but photographs OK. Can't imagine how that GMC COE could pull that much weight.Â
@chris OK, it can be done but the pickups I have have spare tires on the side of the bed and these would never permit the truck to be driven on to the lower deck. With this load the upper deck does not sit fully down but photographs OK. Can't imagine how that GMC COE could pull that much weight.Â
John, YOU'RE OH-SO-CLOSE!! That GMC COE could handle the weight but would take "forever" from a light. You'll note the pick-ups in the 1:1 photo:
The 1st one (your red) actually "pokes through" the trailer further than yours does. The 2nd (your green) would then have enough room to "back in" (as seen in the 1:1 photo). Then, MAYBE, that rear top ramp could come down (again, as seen in the 1:1 photo). Theoretically, this might ALL be possible if the side-spares were removed AND the pick-ups could be "lowered" to simulate them being chained down (as they undoubtedly were).
I'm sure you're not willing to disassemble those pick-ups. As for the top row, those "panels" look great but perhaps they're a wee-bit longer than those in the 1:1 photo? I'm not certain they would fit like the 1:1s even with ALL the pick-up modifications. Hmmm......?? 🤔Â
I'm NOT an expert on early GMC trucks, so you tell me.
OVERALL, I'M IMPRESSED!! Not really being a 1/43 guy, I have a small collection (less than 150 vehicles....I'm really a 1/18 guy...more than 150 vehicles...LOL) I DON'T EVEN KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT your truck models. Nothing! Are they Brooklins? Some one else? They're OBVIOUSLY not the "cheapy" Road Champs.
John, I got to hand it to you! THANK YOU for mocking this up and showing me some truck models I'm unaware of! Your pics ARE NOT ONLY COOL BUT INSPIRING!! I MUST do a "side by side" comparison!
