WARREN KERFOOT shows us how to add some variety and uniqueness to your collection.
With Gaugemaster taking on UK distribution rights for the superb Herpa vehicle range, I started to look at models in detail and see what unique items are available – at a remarkably low price really when considering the quality and ultra-fine detail they have.
The first thing that struck me was the selection of trailers. In my background as a railway modeller I am used to the Oxford Diecast models, and they offer a very good range of trucks in their own right, but there are obvious gaps which you, like me, would like to fill.
For instance, here I used the Oxford Diecast (OD76WHSCACAB) Scania 6x4 Tractor unit in plain white and married it up to two different Herpa trailers. The chrome bodied tanker (HA076456-002) and plain white cattle trailer (HA076333-002) are two impressive mouldings and married to the tractor unit, they really look the part.
These Herpa trailers are HO Scale, hooked up to a OO Scale truck; but given the nature of such vehicles, in manufacture they are often made to unique specification for the customer. Look at the amount of HiCube, aerodynamic and specific use bodies that appear on modern roads and the chrome skin tanker is a prolific example.
In the trailer range there are some other great examples as well and again, not produced elsewhere. Have a look at:
HA076036-002 - A tandem axle tipper trailer.
HA076241-002 - A tri-axle tipper.
HA076692 - A Schmitz chiller trailer.
HA075619-002 - A bulk trailer.
Here’s a Solstor Mercedes Actros deployed with a bulk tipper.
If you want to make modifications to the models it is straightforward and remarkably easy to work with the plastic - so if you did want to increase the width of the track, extend or shorten the chassis, raise drop axles or a myriad of other specifics you might want. There’s this set too - HA053860 - a set of forklifts for the back of your rigids or trailers.
And to detail and personalise your own fleet more:
HA050159 - A range of 40 yellow beacons.
HA051699 - A group of 6 emergency style lightbars.
HA053808 - A set of modern small body light pods (815 is a full width version).
For adding features to Oxford Diecast or similar lorries there are:
HA082983/HA082983 - A crisply moulded 5th wheel.
HA052825 - Air horns.
HA052214 - Aircon or fridge boxes.
HA053259/HA051927/HA052245/HA052740 - Spot lamp and brackets sets.
HA052764/HA052764 - Finely detailed mirror sets.
HA052467 - Nudge bar assembly.
And the list goes on. There’s plenty to look at - simply visit our website. There is a specific listing of Vehicle Detailing Accessories from a wide range of manufacturers. There are some fantastic items there to really enhance your road vehicles.