Japanese Cars and Small Trucks

[bill937ca]

When I first came into the hobby in April 2007 it was very hard to source Japanese cars or small trucks which are about the same size as cars).  Wikipedia has a history of the small car (Kei car) regulations.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kei_car  Kei trucks also have an article.   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kei_truck

 

Tomix had a line of cars with numbers in the 3500s. They were 3 to a pack, details were relatively crude and they had been on the market for who knows how long. probably since the 1990s. I've added photos of some sets I held onto.

 

Kato's offerings were very slim also.  Until 2011-2012 Kato only had few sets of vehicles. The longest running were the 1990s Toyota autos and the Toyota Crown Autos. 

https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10014247

https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10003190

 

In 2005 Kato added a couple of sets in the Diotown line.

https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10046136

https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10043200

 

Tomytec Car Collection sets appeared in 2004 (1), 2005 (4) 2006 (1), 2007 (1) and 2008 (5) but with a very high drop price (about $40 US)  on a set of 12 and you could not get all models in a single box.  There also were mystery items that were not divulged until after the release.

 

https://www.tomytec.co.jp/diocolle/lineup/car/carcolle01.html

 

Edited May 22, 2021 by bill937ca

[bill937ca]

Tomix Vehicle Sets

For the record these were the vehicle item numbers.

Discontinued with the 2008-2009 Tomix catalog with the exception of 3508 and perhaps 3598.

3501-Mitsubishi Fuso Bus
3502-Isuzu 2t lorry (set of 3)
3503-Nissan Cedric (set of 3)
3504-Toyota van (set of 3)
3506-Mitsubishi 4t Lorry (set of 3)
3507-Mitsubishi 11t Lorry (with containers)
3508-Container forklift
3509-Crown Saloon (set of 3)
3510-Toyota Crown Estate Car (set of 3)
3511-Toyota Crown Taxi (set of 3)
3512-Subaru bus (set of 2)
3513-Mitsubishi bus (set of 2)
3514-Toyota Celsior (set of 3)
3515-Nissan Skyline (set of 3)
3516-Mercedes-Benz (set of 3)
3598-Mitsubishi bus kit with decals x4.
3599-Subaru bus kit with decals x4.
 

[bill937ca]

This is a Pro-Hobby pewter Light Truck.  It scales out as larger than Tomytec but with more detail, in this case windshield wipers.  There are a fair number of Pro Hobby cars and light trucks on Hobby Search.

 

https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10283357

Edited May 22, 2021 by bill937ca

[bill937ca]

Tsugawa (TGW) also offers a good range of white metal cars, trucks and Showa era three wheelers. TGW is the only source I know the little blue garbage trucks found in Tokyo and other cities. The last photo shows a Kato postal van alongside several TGW three wheelers.

 

https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/search?typ1_c=104&cat=rail&target=make&searchkey=TGW+(Tsugawa)&spage=1&ItemSeries=Accessories+(Car)

Edited May 22, 2021 by bill937ca

[Szdfan]

I just looked at HS and a lot of the vehicles they are offering are non-Japanese prototypes from Classic Metal Works and Oxford Diecast. 😕

[bill937ca]

10 minutes ago, Szdfan said:

I just looked at HS and a lot of the vehicles they are offering are non-Japanese prototypes from Classic Metal Works and Oxford Diecast. 😕

They do import cars and trains for the Japanese market. Years ago Model Railroader had an article about a Tokyo New York Central layout. Duh!

[Dinosbacsi]

I suppose this is a good thread to start sharing my Kobaru zokutto cars. Got these two today, MV-09 and MV-18.

 

The paint layer on the white one looks a bit ugly, but other than that they're pretty good. Though I still find their 1400 yen price way too high, but well it is what it is. Now I have 3, with two more on the way, so my N scale tuner car collection is slowly growing.

Edited June 2, 2021 by Dinosbacsi

[mags_minibuilds]

Are any of these vehicles available anywhere, they seem to be all out of stock. Would like to get my hands on the 1960s/Showa retro vans/cars. Has it always been this difficult to source them?

[Dinosbacsi]

15 hours ago, ZandT said:

Are any of these vehicles available anywhere, they seem to be all out of stock. Would like to get my hands on the 1960s/Showa retro vans/cars. Has it always been this difficult to source them?

I believe there are a few of them available on HobbySearch still, and you can also try Yahoo Japan Auctions via FromJapan or Buyee or any of those proxy sites.

 

But your best bet would be these guys:

https://shopsakatsu.com/shopbrand/ct254/

Go to page 2 and most of these cars will be there. And some more on later pages. The site is all japanese, but if you write them an email, they answer in english and help you make your order. I got this red Toyota Cressida and purple Toyota Celica from them. They are still on the site, so I suppose they still should have them on stock.

 

So anyway, with these two, here is my collection now.