Bought two of these Dodge/Ram vans and kept one stock and modified one into a passenger van. Took two jeweler's saw blades and an electric drill, but I got the windows in. The diecast is hard stuff! Added some extra rows of seats and a fancy two tone color scheme but saved much of the red and the tampo printed badges.
You only lost two blades? For those who have not cut zamac with a jeweler's saw, it's slow arduous work. I lost a couple blades doing this one, and the cuts were simpler. Nice work John!
John, that passenger van is incredible.  Looks factory original. I wish Greenlight did one.  In fact, I didn’t realize Greenlight had done a panel van in 1:43. Greenlight seems to be issuing more in 1:64. I hope they don’t abandon 1:43.
David,  Yes, I too hope that Greenlight (and others) keep up the 43rd offerings.  But judging from the email advertisements I get from one of my suppliers in Kentucky there seems to be tidal wave of 64th scale items these days.  There can't be that many S gauge model railroaders buying all these offerings.
Nice work on the van. I have also wondered about the large number of 1/64 scale cars and trucks being produced today. Â As you said, there cannot be that many S scale train modelers buying them. Last year, I bought a few cars and one truck, definitely not enough to drive the market. Maybe the relatively low price for many and small space for a collection is generating a new group of collectors.
I have some 1/64 scale trucks and 1/72 military vehicles with amazing detail.
Nice work on the van. I have also wondered about the large number of 1/64 scale cars and trucks being produced today. Â As you said, there cannot be that many S scale train modelers buying them. Last year, I bought a few cars and one truck, definitely not enough to drive the market. Maybe the relatively low price for many and small space for a collection is generating a new group of collectors.
I have some 1/64 scale trucks and 1/72 military vehicles with amazing detail.
Without a doubt, there's no question that S-scale model RR's are benefitting handsomely from the plethora of 1/64 variety that has, and will continue, to flood the market but make no mistake, most 1/64 product goes straight into the hands of collectors who generally don't open packages. As for the ones that do, they purchase multiples, open one, then squirrel away the rest.
You only lost two blades? For those who have not cut zamac with a jeweler's saw, it's slow arduous work. I lost a couple blades doing this one, and the cuts were simpler. Nice work John!
The three most important tricks when cutting with a jeweler's saw are:
1) Find ways to keep all those micro particles out of you cutting path.
2) Keep the blade moving with the teeth always in the down position.
3) Keep the blade moving but turn the project piece when corners or curves are encountered.
I do "tons" of various diecast mods. I've cut out about 20 1/18 trunks. My last one (about a month ago) took about 7 minutes (honest) to cut out.... but another 3 days to complete the hinge work, trunk mats, etc...  Please note, this was a "C level" project, I just wanted an open trunk, not necessarily an "A level" replication.Â
Harve, your Fiat Gasser looks fantastic! Have any plans for decals/graphics?Â
@chris I had once planned to make decals, even bought the sheets for my printer plus a decal setting spray. But got distracted with other things, maybe someday.
@chris I had once planned to make decals, even bought the sheets for my printer plus a decal setting spray. But got distracted with other things, maybe someday.
