First, a Hong Kong tram. Diecast, freewheeling and basically a toy, it still has the look of the trams I travelled on in my day on Hong Kong island a couple of years ago. Weirdly, the photos of the model on the box, show it without adverts. I paid a quid for it on the second hand stall at Stafford show earlier this year.
Next, a Portuguese tram from Lisbon. Like the Hong Kong tram, it's diecast and free-wheeling, but a much better model and pretty close to HO scale by the look of it despite being a tourist piece. Probably a bit narrow as the track gauge is only just 16.5mm. Nice roof and interior detail. Not bad for a pound from the same second hand stall. I've always fancied seeing the real thing too.
Finally a French tram from the Atlas editions range. This one is diecast with plastic detail, properly HO scale, and yes, it does have moving wheels. An exquisite model, it was a bit pricier, costing £25 at the recent Crich model tram day. Mt Dad couldn't resist and I don't think he was daft to pick it up. It's one lovely little model. I just hope he doesn't feel the urge to complete the set!
Hi Phil,
ReplyDeleteThe Lisbon tram is narrow because the prototype is narrow gauge...90cm if I remember rightly.
Regards,
Simon Hargraves.
Ah yes. WHen I quickly looked at Wikipedia, it was the horse trams that were standard gauge. The electric ones are 90cm. That would explain it.
ReplyDeleteIn Lisbon they're for sale in many of the little tourist shops at ... 12 euros...
ReplyDelete