1/22.5 Fire Engine

I've been looking for model fire engines on ebay (1910-ish) and have found loads in 1/24. I know that 1/24 is 1/2 inch to the foot and 1/22,5 is 13,5mm to the foot but what do they look like alongside each other. Any chance anybody could post a pic of a 1.24 car alongside a 1.22,5 train just to see if there is a big visible difference?. Yes i know i'm being an anorak (slightly!).

Mikey

Mikey, I don't have any pics of either kind, but it occurs to me that:

If we say that the vehicle is 6m in length, then at 1:24 the model is 25cm long. If you wanted to think of that as a vehicle at 1:22.5, then the model length scales back to 5.625m - ie it is shorter than 'real life' by 0.375m - in 1:22.5 that is just over 1.6cm shorter than it ought to be.

My own belief, for what it's worth, is that the difference in the scales is only really noticeable if you have comparable things in the two scales side by side. If you had a 1:24 coach next to an identical coach in 1:22.5, it's probably noticeable. If, however, you had a 1:24 car next to a 1:22.5 building or vice versa, it's not that obvious - not to me, anyway. I would say a 1:24 fire engine would look OK, especially when viewed from the prescribed distance with one eye closed!

Incidentally, where did you find these things on evil-Bay? I looked, but could find nothing!

Yes, thats a valid point Clive. What about putting a couple of figures sitting on the engine? that could be awkward (unless they are 1.24 figures, little pompiers!), especially as it will be you making them!!!!

mikey

Whoops forgot! french ebay under 1/24 maquettes or camions. there are also a few 'Franklin mint' cars but they are tooooo expensive!

mikey

mikeyh wrote:

What about putting a couple of figures sitting on the engine? that could be awkward (unless they are 1.24 figures, little pompiers!), especially as it will be you making them!!!!

Won't be a problem for me Mikey. Preiser do 1:24 figures anyway, I still have a couple still available. In any event, I am considering making the legs, bodies and arms from scratch, with maybe just Preiser heads/hands - the bits i can't do very well!

If I get to see some dimensions of the seat heights and foot-wells, that will give me a fighting chance of making a figure or figures that will definitely fit.

Might be a good idea if, once i've bought it, to send you the engine.

mikey

That would definitely be the preferred option for me Mikey!

Cant find anything at the price that wont need extensive hacking so I'm going to have a go at scratchbuilding it. At least it will be 1/22,5!!

mikey

I shall look forward to watching that develop!

So far its been a good excuse for clearing out the bits and pieces box! Pics in the morning.

mikey

Firstly, sorry this has turned into two threads about 'The Pompiers'. Perhaps Carl could add this thread to the original pompiers thread!

Heres a couple of not very good pictures to show the progress. as usual its made from recycled bits and pieces. the chassis is a cutdown playmobil chassis, the guard rails are luggage racks, the cupboards are blocks of wood , seats are lolly sticks, bonnet from liquid polish lid etc etc;





Mikey PS Please excuse the birdseed on the table. gotta keep the tits happy!!

Brilliant!

I don't think this needs merging with the other thread to be honest - it's about you making your own fire engine, which is separate and distinct from the making of some bodies to go on it!

Maybe rename the thread title to 'a scratch-built 1910 fire engine' or similar? If anything, some of the pics I posted on the pompiers thread could do with being moved here! Or maybe just provide a link to the other thread?

I find these progress pics really useful because they show up every detail you have missed!



I wish i could model a prototype accurately but it has the look of a 1910 fire engine so it will be fine!!

Mikey

sur le réseau MOMI à Châtellerault , tu verras des véhicules automobiles au 1/22° et 1/24° .
on the network (layout) MOMI to Châtellerault, you will see vehicles automobiles to the 1/22° and 1/24°

I like it, Mikey. It reminds me of a toy I had many years ago - a cast metal horse drawn fire engine. I can't wait to see it with Clive's mannequins aboard.

Just about finished now.Maybe a bit of weathering to tone the red down;





Mikey

I don't know the practice in France, but here in the USA, fire engines are generally kept spotlessly clean - I guess it gives the fire fighters something to do when not out fighting fires. Anyway, it looks great.