Tractor Units and Semi-Trailers for Containers
by Friedhelm Weidelich
There are suitable tractor units and semi-trailers in high quality for the road transportation of containers in gauge 1:32. A report with 52 photos.
Remote-controlled Articulated Truck from Siku
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Remote-controlled tractors make up the Siku Control range. But there is also a tractor unit for semi-trailers that is suitable for 1-gauge models. How good is the Volvo model?
New Schuco Vehicle Models
by Friedhelm Weidelich
For a long time there were hardly any novelties at Schuco, because the company structure has changed. Now some vehicle models were announced again, which fit to the gauge 1.
Unimog U1600 from Schuco
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Epoch IV has been gaining importance in Gauge 1 for quite some time. Now there is one more suitable vehicle from Schuco, the Mercedes-Benz Unimog U1600.
Modern Trucks and Tractors from MarGe Models
by Friedhelm Weidelich
MarGe Models is shipping some new trucks and tractors for the current epoch VI to fit gauge 1 models.
New Trucks and Tractors from Diecast Masters
by Friedhelm Weidelich
There will soon be attractive new commercial vehicles for the slowly growing number of gauge 1 railroaders who prefer current models.
2022 1 Gauge Novelties from Schuco
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Schuco has also this year a large and interesting range of vehicles for gauge 1.
DHL Trailer from MarGe Models
by Friedhelm Weidelich
MarGe Models from the Netherlands is constantly developing new modern truck models in 1/32nd scale. With two trucks, hurry is the order of the day.
Schuco Novelties 2021
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Schuco again has an extensive program in 1/32nd scale for 2021, and there are two surprises.
MO-Miniatur announces RORO Cars
by Friedhelm Weidelich
MO-Miniatur is expanding its small assortment for rail-bound vehicles and announces Roll on/Roll off Cars. There is also a novelty for the depot.
Toy Fair 2020: ICM
by Friedhelm Weidelich
In the obscure world of military model making there are sometimes useful accessories for civilian purposes. Besides the traditional 1:35 scale, there are also models in 1:32 scale, matching the 1-gauge.
Toy Fair 2020: MarGe Models
by Friedhelm Weidelich
MarGe Models has new modern trucks in the pipeline - and really long trailers that are shaping the 21st century's roads.
Volvo FH16 6x2 from MarGe Models for Gauge 1
by Friedhelm Weidelich
Modern railways are no longer a pure niche topic for gauge 1. Modern commercial vehicles are needed as cargo and for road scenes. The Volvo FH16 750 truck from MarGe Models is the first in 1:32. 34 pictures of a fine truck model.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter from MarGe Models
by Friedhelm Weidelich
MarGe Model in Zwolle, the Netherlands, has manufactured a 1:32 scale Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van in China. The model comes in a glossy black box and has a Daimler license, but no specific designation. On the rear side 316 CDI can be read under the magnifying glass. It must be the W 906 built between 2006 and 2013. It is also available as Dodge Sprinter with a slightly modified radiator grille.
The almost 19 cm model has a die-cast body and a plastic chassis. The headlights, rear lights and vents are also made of plastic, as are the interior fittings of the driver's cab. The steering wheel rotates against the direction of travel of the steering axle. The buttons and knobs on the dashboard are delicately printed. The rubber tyres are finely profiled.
All doors are movable. The sliding door can be opened with a handle under the car floor. For the four doors with a minimal gap, a kind of plastic crowbar is included to open the doors. With this aid it is easier to reach into the door handles than with your fingernails. The hinges of the rear doors are somewhat coarser than on the original - this is the only way with injection moulding.
The loading space is painted from the inside and invites to loading scenes. The mirrors are equipped with mirror foil, the side fenders are plastic parts. A spare wheel is mounted under the floor of the car. The step can be replaced by an enclosed towing hook. License plates for ten European countries are also included.
I can highly recommend this model. In silver, black and white, the Sprinter costs 67 €, with Veenhuis, Nooteboom or Claas printing € 69,95.
The high-gloss finish was a particular challenge when photographing. Of course, everything is reflected, you have to work with large light shapers like automobiles. And if you move the flash units, there will be differences like in pictures 6 and 7. This slightly cloudy varnish is also found in the products of the automotive industry, but the effect is greatly increased on the model. The railway industry paints locomotives, multiple units and coaches glossy. But I now understand that the model railway industry prefers to use matt to semi-matt paints. As the Sprinter model demonstrates, even the smallest dust particles and fingerprints become visible. They are easy to remove, but they are not fun to photograph, clean or digitally edit.