Chicago, IL [Oct. 31, 1999] Our spy at the 1999 Hobby Show (held in conjunction with the Model Railroad Industry Association, or MRIA, show) the weekend of October 30-31, 1999 had many good things to report concerning the world of 1/87 scale vehicle modeling! We all thought last year's show was big; this year's show may turn out to have even bigger news! Special thanks go to Dan Goins who supplied this information.

First the "new kid on the block" or new manufacturer, Classic Metal Works. These folks have produced some very fine 1/25 scale die cast models of American muscle cars and classic prototypes. Their initial lineup for 1/87 scale, titled, "Mini Metals" will consist of:

1953 Ford Victoria
1970 Chevy Chevelle
1961 Chevy Impala
1950 Ford pickup
1948 Ford "Woody" panel
1941 Plymouth
1948 Ford convertible
1955 Chevy Belair

Features include rubber tires, two color paint schemes, plated parts where appropriate, opening hoods with engine detail. The models are assembled and we will definitely have more information as it becomes available!

Atlas indicated that they will soon be making a decision on what to do next in HO vehicle line as they are pleased with results of Ford pickup so far.

Boley announced a Navistar 9400 Eagle 3 axle tractor. Also they announced a wide variety of models based on the Navistar mid-range truck, the 4900 series. These vehicles include at least 6 new modern fire trucks utilizing the Navistar 4900 cab and this does include a crewcab version, at least 7 Navistar 4900 tractors in several colors and axle configurations, at least 9 straight trucks utilizing both regular and crewcab variations where appropriate for van, dump, MOW, lumber, and stake bodies in both 2 and 3 axle versions, at least 13 tractor-trailer combinations using Navistar 4900 cabs combined with assembled Trucks 'N Stuff trailers.

Don Mills Models, although not at show, had a new truck tractor on display at the Resin Unlimited booth. This model is a fine representation of the two axle Mack LJ model built from 1940-1953.

Ertl had the John Deere front end loader/backhoe on display which is scheduled for availability late this year. The Dodge Ram pickup is still officially due in December although no sample was displayed at Chicago.

GHQ, our new manufacturer from last year, builds on its 1/87 scale presence with a new 50 ton lowboy trailer on display. This is in addition to their Farmall tractor, implements, Bobcat loader, and utility trailer already released! Cast in pewter, these models are very finely detail kits. Scheduled for release over the next year are a medium sized front end loader (possibly a Caterpillar IT18F; will also be available in a log loader configuration), a vintage bulldozer (Caterpillar D8), and a forklift.

Matchbox Collectibles had an interesting set of 1950's tractor trailer combinations on display. Called the "Classic 50s Collection," they include 1939 Peterbilt (Michelin Tires), 1956 Mack B61 (Pennzoil), 1939 Peterbilt (Sinclair), 1956 Mack B61 (Champion Spark Plugs), 1939 Peterbilt (Pep Boys), and 1956 Mack B61 (Texaco). All of these are three axle tractors with single axle trailers. Announced but not on display at the show is the "Masters Of The Highway" collection (3 axle tractors with 2 axle van trailers) consisting of Ford Areomax (Consolidated Freightways), Ford Aeromax (Overnite), Ford Areomax (Roadway), and Mack CH600 (Yellow Freight). Each of the two collections are sold in complete sets only from select retailers or direct at 1-800-634-9207.

Model Power had samples of their upcoming Exxon and Sunoco tank trailers; the Exxon is awesome. They also had an early pilot model of the new HD wrecker. They are planning another tractor release but it is not known yet what that is.

NJ International had their two Pierce fire trucks that have been out of production for several years that were originally white metal that are now rendered in brass as an unpainted kit.

Noch had the new Ford Focus 2 door and 4 door on display.

On Trak Model Products, although not at show, had two versions of the 28' vintage trailer on display. 

Overland Models, the manufacturer and importer of brass railroad models, announced they will soon be announcing a series of MOW ("maintenance of way" for you non-railroad modelers) vehicles in brass.

Resin Unlimited had a three axle lowboy that features a laser cut deck with photo-etched outriggers and excellent spring and brake details. This kit will be utilizing Lonestar Models spoke wheels and Trucks 'N Stuff tires and axles.

The 1/87 Vehicle & Equipment Club welcomes Classic Metal Works to 1/87 scale! We feel that the growing membership of the club has had a very positive effect and provided an environment that is encouraging more manufacturers to enter the market. Your membership in the 1/87 Vehicle & Equipment Club benefits all of us who build or collect 1/87 scale models. If you are not a member we encourage you to join and participate in the exciting growth taking place. For current members, we appreciate your continued support and hope you realize the newsletter and web site exists to keep you informed of current "happenings" and to act as a catalyst for new members. Check back here during the coming weeks as we have more news from the show posted to the November 1999 New Products section.