I just love small scale replica buses! I created these pages because I was disappointed with the lack of detailed information about the different models that were available to the collector. The following pages contain a sampling of my collection with all relevant available information as well as some observation. Additional pages, information, models and variations will come in the following weeks and months.
I am primarily a fan of American die cast transit buses but also collect some intercity coaches and school buses too. There are a few exceptions to those as well, but I don't get into cast iron or tin plate buses too much. My favorite scale to collect is HO or 1:87th scale. HO scale provides an excellent mix of price, size and detail. Aside from the large variety of buses to collect there is an enormous variety of layout accessories available as well. Buildings, other vehicles, foliage, people and just about anything else can be purchased in this scale to create very detailed and accurate layouts.
Above: A small sampling of the more accurately scaled and highly detailed HO 1:87 scale models available. From left to right, Holland Oto - Vanhool Astro Mega Megabus, Classic Metal Works - Greyhound Scenicruiser GM PD-4501, CMW - Union Pacific GMC PD-4103, CMW - National Lines GM-3610 Old Look Transit Bus, Con-Cor - International Chasis Bluebird Body School Bus, Busch GMC TDH-5301 Santa Monica Fishbowl, Athearn - Flxible Visicoach Maine Central Transportation, American Precision Models - Trailways Flxible Clipper.
Due to the large variety and availability, a large portion of my collection is O gague or 1:50th scale. Many of the models available in this size are plastic bus banks. Though nice, these plastic bus banks are usually not as well detailed and fitted with oversized wheels suitable for childrens play. On the other extreme there are some very nice highly detailed cast buses available, mostly from Corgi. I was previously opposed to collecting N scale due to the limited variety and general equal price to HO scale models. However, more recently, I have enjoyed collecting the Wheels of Time coaches.
I have tried to provide decent high resolution pictures so you can really see the detail. Select any image in the list below to look through the different models and liveries produced by a particular manufacturer:
Toys and Models by Manufacturer:
Brand: Air Jet Advance Models
Scale: About 1:43
Brand: American Precision Models
Scale: 1:87 HO Gauge
Brand: Arcade
Scale: Various
Brand: Athearn
Scale: 1:87 HO Gauge & 1:160 N Scale
Brand: Authenticast - Comet Metal Products
Scale: Unknown
Brand: Buddy L
Scale: Unknown
Brand: Busch
Scale: 1:87
Brand: Classic Metal Works
Scale: 1:87 HO Gauge & 1:160 N Scale
Brand: Code 3 Kitbash
Scale: 1:64
Brand: Con-Cor
Scale: 1:87
Brand: Corgi
Scale: 1:43, 1:50, 1:64
Brand: Dinky
Scale: Various
Brand: Ertl
Scale: Various
Brand: Herpa
Scale: Various
Brand: Hong Kong Friction
Scale: Various
Brand: Holland Oto
Scale: 1:87
Brand: International Promotional Models
Scale: 1:50
Brand: Jimson
Scale: Around 1:50
Brand: Kintoy
Scale: 1:64
Brand: Lesney - Matchbox
Scale: Various
Brand: Lindberg Models
Scale: About HO 1:87
Brand: Lledo
Scale: Unknown
Brand: Majorette
Scale: 1:87
Brand: Mattel - Hot Wheels
Scale: Various
Brand: Playart
Scale: Various
Brand: Road Champs
Scale: 1:87 - HO Gauge
Brand: Royal Coach
Scale: Most around 1:50
Brand: Shing Fat - Toysmith
Scale: 1:64 S Gauge
Brand: Siku
Scale: Various
Brand: Superior - Sunnyside
Scale: 1:50 O Gauge & 1:64 S Gauge
Brand: Tin Toy Buses
Scale: Various
Brand: Tomica
Scale: Various
Brand: Tootsietoy
Scale: Various
Description: American made die-cast toy buses from the 1930's thru the 1970's.
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Brand: Wheels of Time
Scale: N Gauge
Description: Mack C49 plastic scale model railroad/collectors buses.
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Brand: Zylmex
Scale: Various
Description: Typical die-cast toy model buses.
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Belt Buckles
