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Miniatures Adventure => Interwar => Topic started by: Christian on 16 February 2010, 06:44:43 AM

Title: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: Christian on 16 February 2010, 06:44:43 AM
I've just looking at - and admiring! - what people are using for their Interwar civilian vehicles, and it comes down to either Lledo Days Gone, and Matchbox Models of Yesteryear.

However, it appears that the Lledo ones are 1/60th and I'd say that's a bit small for 28mm (despite it being closer to 1/56th or O scale)... however the Matchbox ones are 1:43 (or was that 1:48) and this might be a tad big.

Needless to say, I'm confused!  o_o

Please help!

EDIT: This will also be put into the Scale-O-Matic thread so that it has some permanence!
Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: archangel1 on 16 February 2010, 07:17:53 AM
If it were my choice, I'd go with the Lledo.  Like you say, it's much closer to 1/56 than the others.  I really don't like the oversize look of the 1/48 scale models and the 1/43's are even worse.  (Just to 'clarify', European 'O' is 1/43, while in North America it's 1/48.)

If you look at the scales as lengths, you get a better idea of the difference.
1/56 - 1 inch = 4.66 feet
1/60 - 1 inch = 5 feet
1/48 - 1 inch = 4 feet
1/43 - 1 inch = 3.58 feet

You can see that the first two are only out by about 4'' while the others range from about 8'' to nearly 1.5 feet difference.  I would rather be slightly smaller than over large.  Of course, the choice is yours.
Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: traveller on 16 February 2010, 07:22:00 AM
From what I have seen the scales are not consistent. I use both Lledo and Matchbox happily beside my 28mm miniatures. There are also some Solido/Verem vehicles that can be useful. One of my favourites is a Citroen truck in 1/50.
Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: Christian on 16 February 2010, 07:25:06 AM
That's quite helpful! Aside form trawling some threads on here, I have also acquired a useful photo:

(http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8138/p1020557.jpg)

It's a Y11 1938 Lagonda Drophead coupe from Matchbox.

It does look a bit big, but when you see a similar car in real life:

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_v4v_ZISDi-M/SKvJLh7lZsI/AAAAAAAAGJY/TCnM3Ce8Vo8/s640/CIMG1816.JPG)

I assume the gent behind it quite close.

It's a big car!
Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: HerbyF on 16 February 2010, 08:21:25 AM
The photo appears that this car would be about 3X the mans height. The measure of the model would make it well over 3X. Maybe just a little big.
Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: scotty on 16 February 2010, 08:28:43 AM
I have a number of Lledo models in my collection and they fit in no problem with the 28mm figures. As for other makes, if it looks okay use it.

scotty
scottyswargaming.blogspot (http://scottyswargaming.blogspot)
Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: Christian on 16 February 2010, 11:54:07 AM
The photo appears that this car would be about 3X the mans height. The measure of the model would make it well over 3X. Maybe just a little big.

Might suit Chiltern then...  :)

I've just bid on a Lledo. I can see where this is going...  ::)
Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: Mr.Dodo on 16 February 2010, 11:56:30 AM
I'm just as confused.
Lledo do nice models but are really best for true 25mm.
The Yesteryear trucks work well as they are smaller due to Box-size variants.
 There's also Corgi to consider. I use their model T types.
Sloppy Jallopy and similar are right sized but so much dearer than diecast, and not as satisfying to turn to our dark art!
Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: fastolfrus on 16 February 2010, 07:17:26 PM
The height is usually the main thing - if a car is long it doesn't matter much, but that blue car in the photo only comes up to the pedestrian's elbow in height.

But I did find this list of Matchbox Models of Yesteryear (MoY) :

MoY in the range scale and time

Y-02-3      1914 PRINCE HENRY VAUXHALL      Scale 1:47

Y-03-2      1910 BENZ LIMOUSINE            Scale 1:54

Y-05-1      1929 LE MANS BENTLEY            Scale 1:55

Y-05-2      1929 4,5 LITRE BENTLEY            Scale 1:52

Y-05-4      1927 TALBOT VAN               Scale 1:47

Y-06-2      1926 TYPE 35 BUGATTI            Scale 1:48

Y-06-3      1913 CADILLAC               Scale 1:48

Y-06-4      1920 ROLLS ROYCE FIRE ENGINE      Scale 1:48

Y-07-2      1913 MERCER RACEABOUT TYPE 35J      Scale 1:46

Y-07-3      1912 ROLLS ROYCE            Scale 1:48

Y-08-1      1926 MORRIS COWLEY BULLNOSE      Scale 1:50

Y-08-3      1914 STUTZ TYPE 4E ROADSTER      Scale 1:48

Y-09-2      1912 SIMPLEX               Scale 1:48

Y-09-4      1936 LEYLAND CUB FIRE ENGINE FK-7   Scale 1:49

Y-10-1      1908 'GRAND PRIX' MERCEDES         Scale 1:54

Y-10-2      1928 MERCEDES BENZ 36-220         Scale 1:52

Y-10-3      1906 ROLLS ROYCE SILVER GHOST      Scale 1:51

Y-11-2      1912 PACKARD LANDAULET         Scale 1:50

Y-12-2      1909 THOMAS FLYABOUT         Scale 1:48

Y-13-3      1918 CROSSLEY               Scale 1:47

Y-14-2      1911 MAXWELL ROADSTER         Scale 1:49

Y-15-1      1907 ROLLS ROYCE SILVER GHOST      Scale 1:55

Y-15-2      1930 PACKARD VICTORIA         Scale 1:46

Y-26-1      1918 CROSSLEY DELIVERY LORRY      Scale 1:47

Y-29-1      1919 WALKER ELECTRIC VAN         Scale 1:51

Y-31-1      1931 MORRIS COURIER            Scale 1:59


Y-36-1      1926 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM I         Scale 1:46

Y-38-1      1920 ROLLS-ROYCE ARMOURED CAR      Scale 1:48

Y-61-1      1933 CADILLAC FIRE ENGINE         Scale 1:46

Y-62-1      1932 MODEL 'AA' FORD 1,5 TON TRUCK   Scale 1:46

Y-63-1      1939 BEDFORD TYPE 'KD' TRUCK      Scale 1:46

YFE-03   1933 CADILLAC V16 FIRE ENGINE      Scale 1:46

YFE-28    1932 FORD AA FOREST FIRE TRUCK      Scale 1:46
(YYM35190)

YGB-10   1927 TALBOT VAN 'SOUTH PACIFIC'      Scale 1:47
Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: Christian on 16 February 2010, 07:29:24 PM
Ah yes! The Russian site! I couldn't work it out yesterday, so thanks for extracting the useful information.

I'm going to get some Matchbox trucks too, just to see.
Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: white knight on 16 February 2010, 07:46:09 PM
I think the Lledo days gone diecast cars work well.

(http://wk.frothersunite.com/misc/pics/buy07195.jpg)

(http://wk.frothersunite.com/misc/pics/SP_A1057.jpg)
A size comparison with the spyglass zombie general:
(http://wk.frothersunite.com/misc/pics/SP_A1059.jpg)

Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: Bungle on 16 February 2010, 08:07:27 PM
The original Lledo models were bought from Matchbox, so they are both similar in style.

Both are made in "Fit the Box" size so scale can vary alot
Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: white knight on 16 February 2010, 08:12:12 PM
More scaleshots, all Lledo models:

with a copplestone and Pulp figures mini for scale reference.
(http://wk.frothersunite.com/misc/pics/cars1.jpg)

Test fit with an unpainted BAM figure:
(http://wk.frothersunite.com/misc/pics/car2.jpg)
Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: Whiskyrat on 16 February 2010, 11:51:26 PM
My preference is for the Lledo Days Gone vehicles.

They readily available and as a result can be picked up for a reasonable price  - so there is no need to "go mental" buying all you can consume.

I managed to pick up 20 for £10 last summer incl. P&P.
Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: 6milPhil on 17 February 2010, 02:27:23 AM
I'm happily using both. The one thing I have noticed is how the Matchbox ones seem to be better made, and better models.

That said both are still cheap and easily found.
Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: Christian on 17 February 2010, 04:15:01 AM
Cheers for the pictures, White Knight. I'll be putting them in the Scale-O-Matic with a few other reference pics soon.

It seems to be one of those questions that pops up repeatedly.
Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: HerbyF on 17 February 2010, 04:18:19 AM
I really don't pay much attention to brand names. Usually just see a toy car that looks about right & get it. I even have some Dollar store plastic toys that are just right size wise.
Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: carlos marighela on 17 February 2010, 04:24:12 AM
More a case of what ever size fitted the box. In my experience some of the ones which are nominally at the upper end of the scale from that list are actually better fits with 28mm figures. The nominally 1/47 scale Vauxhall makes an excellent staff car. The Bedford, Talbot and Ford AA look very good against the average Copplestone/ Brigade sized figure; the Model T's look ghastly ( there's a better Model T van made by a Dutch company as a promotional vehicle for Cornflakes, Branston pickle etc that one occasionally sees going cheaply second hand). At the other end of the spectrum the Rolls Royce Silver Ghost always looks to small (its the height and floor space that are the worry) the Simplex sufers similar problems IIRC. Alas the really big items that would have been useful like the Thorneycroft are 1:43 and are really just too big. oddly enough with some judicious chopping the Benz truck makes a suitable and in scale substitute even though it is nominally 1:72.

Always pays to examine the actual article unfortunately.

Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: Christian on 17 February 2010, 07:54:39 AM
On eBay it's a luxury not available.

But it doesn't stop me bugging people for photos next to rulers... then I put the miniature up to the monitor with the picture in scale to a real ruler  lol

EDIT: And having just posted that I found a store that sells Lledo through eBay that I'll be in the vicinity of tomorrow! Even more incentive to go to work ;P I'll be armed with a 28mm miniature.
Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: TadPortly on 17 February 2010, 10:13:14 AM
I'm just as confused.
Lledo do nice models but are really best for true 25mm.
The Yesteryear trucks work well as they are smaller due to Box-size variants.
 There's also Corgi to consider. I use their model T types.
Sloppy Jallopy and similar are right sized but so much dearer than diecast, and not as satisfying to turn to our dark art!

Don't forget old style Dinky - just the right scale and if you shop carefully you can pick them up for under a fiver.  As far as I've found the only source for non-luxury 30s big saloons like Riley, Triumph and Rover.  They also did a nice Armsrong-Siddely open top and a 20s Bullnose Morris Coupe.  The old Dinky military range is a good source for Bedford QLs.
Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: Mr.Dodo on 17 February 2010, 04:46:06 PM
Good point. I'll have to look into those. More competition from collectors mind! Has anyone had success with the Lledo people?
Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: Christian on 21 February 2010, 09:13:22 PM
I just got a Lledo in the mail today! It looks ace, just like the photos people have been posting up! :) Thanks guys!

(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg142/Intergalactic_photos/Scale-o-matic/DSC00140.jpg)

And here 'tis! Looks great :) I'll be getting some Matchbox trucks in the post also... update soon!
Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: TadPortly on 22 February 2010, 06:58:53 PM
Dinky Bedford QL:

(http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs147.snc3/17465_341284744534_692489534_4963247_2231473_n.jpg)

Dinky Riley (part way through repaint)

(http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs208.snc3/21565_330708094534_692489534_4920671_4143667_n.jpg)

Dinky Triumph (pre-stripping)

(http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs127.snc3/17465_341284769534_692489534_4963249_2478971_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: Christian on 01 March 2010, 08:07:08 AM
Bit of an update here... I received some Matchbox Yesteryear models in the post (as if by magic!) and I took a picture to compare them, alongside some 28mm figures from BTD, Copplestone etc.

(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg142/Intergalactic_photos/DSC00159.jpg)
Matchbox, Lledo and Lledo Taxi

(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg142/Intergalactic_photos/DSC00160.jpg)
Matchbox, Lledo from the pic above, and Matchbox

So, what's the verdict? Are they all in "scale" with the figures?

The middle one looks a bit small, but I've had trouble finding real life reference pictures...
Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: rob_the_robgoblin on 01 March 2010, 09:59:29 AM
To me, the middle one looks right and the other two too big!

Perhaps it depends what you base your models on. Yours looks right with the middle car, but anyone who bases on GW style bases might find it looks a little small...
Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: Christian on 01 March 2010, 12:11:54 PM
Firstly, I've got to say that every model car re-paint I've seen on here is awesome.

Here's some pics of real Model Ts @ http://oldcarandtruckpictures.com/ModelTFord/

Seeing as neither of the model cars I have really fits the miniatures anyway, I've come to the conclusion that I'm just going to use whatever I've got. It's annoying, but the Matchbox cars are too big for most 28mm stuff. A Model T's headlight should reach a person's hip... however I don't think this is going to dissuade anyone from using their slightly bigger model cars! (And I don't intend it to!)

Here's a cool video from the site I linked:
http://www.youtube.com/v/S4KrIMZpwCY&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1

I hope this has given some people an idea about cars!
Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: rob_the_robgoblin on 01 March 2010, 12:19:23 PM
Scale creep is silly isn't it.

People moaning whether 15mm fits with 18mm and all that naff.
Especially when it's fantasy/sci-fi!  ::)
Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: Christian on 01 March 2010, 12:25:29 PM
Hehe... it's just annoying. Does it get in the way of enjoying a good game or other hobby experience? I can't say I've really been playing enough games lately to find out!
Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: TadPortly on 01 March 2010, 05:53:22 PM
I just remember the 1/72 versus 1/76 argument for WW 2 stuff.  As long as it works then its fine...
Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: fastolfrus on 01 March 2010, 08:35:26 PM
I usually guage it by the size of the doors or the height of a pickup/truck back.

I'd rate the middle one as perfect, but the blue truck a bit too tall - you wouldn't want to load sacks onto the back of there.
Title: Re: Lledo vs. Matchbox - what's the go?
Post by: Christian on 01 March 2010, 10:43:20 PM
I usually guage it by the size of the doors or the height of a pickup/truck back.

I'd never really thought of it that way! Thanks!