Vendors

Links to Industry Sites

 

Hobby Manufacturer's Assoc (HMA)
Hobby Merchandiser Magazine
iHobby Expo
Int. Miniature Aerobatic Club (IMAC)
Int. Miniature Aircraft Assoc (IMAA)
Int. Model Power Boat Assoc (IMPBA)
Int. RC Helicopter Assoc (IRCHA)
Kite Trade Association
Lionel Trains
Model Airplane News Magazine
Model Aviation Magazine
Model Retailer Magazine
Natl. Association of Rocketry (NAR)
Natl. Model Railroad Assoc (NMRA)
Nat. Retail Hobby Stores Asc (NRHSA)
Nat. Society of RC Aerobatics (NSRCA)
North American Model Boat Assoc (NAMBA)
O.S. Engines
Quiet Flyer Magazine
R/C Car Magazine
R/C Modeler Magazine
Radio Control Car Action Magazine
Remotely Operated AutoRacers(ROAR)
Revell Inc.
Scale Ship Modeler's Assoc of NA
Sport Flyer Magazine

What is Scale?
Scale is an important consideration for any model or replica. Scale refers to the fraction by which all dimensions of the real item are reduced in order to produce an accurate model. For instance, a truck that is 64 feet long in real life, will be 1 foot long if reproduced in 1/64th scale. Many collectors will choose to focus on one scale, so that all of their pieces will look correctly proportioned to each other. Model Railroads have always been built to scale and the concept is central to every part of the hobby. Model Railroads also refer to 'Gauge', which is the width of the track on which a train operates. There is direct relationship between gauge and scale, however they are distinct measurements.


Major Vendors of die cast toys and models

▪ Corgi Classics▪ aviation, military, and character pieces. Well known English brand, highly sought after by collectors.

▪ Dragon▪ Maker of mostly military model kits, now moving into the die cast realm with tanks and planes (both military and commercial)

▪ First Gear▪ makers of highly detailed trucks and construction equipment. Most trucks are custom produced for the collector market.

▪ Forces of Valor▪ AKA: Unimax - Maker of mostly military model kits, now moving into the die cast realm with tanks and planes

▪ Joal▪ Spanish company producing nicely detailed trucks and construction toy.

▪ Maisto▪ produces toy cars, trucks, airplanes, and motorcycles for mass-market and collector channels.

▪ Matchbox▪ expanding range of toys and collector items. Mainly sold through large retailers.

▪ Model Power▪ Long time producer of model railroad components and accessories. Many pieces are cast resin, none are for use as toys.

▪ New-Ray▪ produces a wide range of main stream die cast toys featuring 1/24th scale trucks and tractor trailer rigs.

▪ Norscot▪ producer of licensed promotional models for Caterpillar and others.

▪ NZG ▪ German company producing construction models and other vehicles.

Model Railroad - Train Shows
Toledo Weak Signals Show
Toy Industry Association
Toy Train Operating Society (TTOS)
Trains.com
Tx-R Transmitter Ready Home Page
World's Greatest Hobby (Model Trains)
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