TomyTec GMC TDH4512 Old Style Bus is the real deal

[bbussey]

Got my TomyTec GMC TDH4512 Buses today.  They are beautifully done, both tooling-wise and deco-wise.  The model consists of nine pieces: body, underframe, interior, four glass inserts, and two wheels/axle parts.  The axles snap into tabs in the underframe and rotate freely.  The glass parts inset into the body and include the window frames, which are painted black or silver accordingly.  The headlights and taillights are part of the front and rear glass inserts respectively. 

The paint mask separations are crisp, and the paint highlights are very fine.  The windshield wipers are molded as part of both the body and the windshield.  There is a gap in the wiper arms where the detail ends on the body and resumes on the windshield, but the silver paint minimizes the obviousness.  The GM rectangular logo is tamped on the front "chrome" trim.  The destination board is part of the front glass insert and possibly can have lettering added from the back rather than a decal over the front.  The ride height is perfect.

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My only peeve, and it's a minor one, is that the body was gated from the top instead of the bottom.  Apparently, Tomix felt it was easier to inject the plastic to fill the mold from the top.  So there are slight imperfections where the body was separated from the sprue in two spots.  Even with that minor flaw, the model is a home run. 

I have no use for the motorized functionality, but I hope the product line is very successful for Tomix so that they continue to release new models in the product line as well as additional schemes on this model.

[towl1996]

Yes, nicely done. Thanks for the pics. Going to have to make a purchase.

[wcfn100]

What are your thoughts on shortening it?  Is the center section of the body uniform enough to take out a section?

Jason

[wazzou]

Thank you for the photos and thoughts Bryan.

[bbussey]

What are your thoughts on shortening it?  Is the center section of the body uniform enough to take out a section?

You probably can remove the 3rd set of double-windows, but you would lose the access hatch on the passenger-doors side.  But for a shorter bus, I would start with the CMW model.

They do seem to be scarce though.  They came and went at MBK, but I'm guessing they will be able to restock because I don't see Walthers selling them out quickly at full MSRP coupled with inflated shipping charges.

[thomasjmdavis]

I'm gonna need CTA decals.  Circa mid 1950s.  I may need to repaint, to get more of a cream color, but that's life.  The CMW buses will be moved "upstage" into the background.

[wcfn100]

This is what I'm going for:



Looks like 4 windows/2 pairs past the front door and then a side door.  Would the CMW bus be a better start?

I should have a TomyTec coming today.  Wasn't even interested until I saw the above photo.  Got a power unit too, you know, for the kids. 

edit: more research would indicate that I need a GMC TDH-3501. So is this a good way to get there?

Jason

[Rasputen]

I think I can see the marks left on the roof in your images, from where the molded part was separated from the gates.  Also, the glazing looks pretty thick on the windshield and the back window, but maybe in person it isn't so noticeable.

[Lemosteam]

@peteski you finished with the lighted one yet?   

[peteski]

@peteski you finished with the lighted one yet?   

LOL!  You can now read minds John?  Yes mine is actually in the mail from MBK (as the matter of fact, to be delivered today according to the tracking info), to be added to many started projects on my workbench and all around the workshop.  Yes, working lights will be the goal. 

[bbussey]

Looks like 4 windows/2 pairs past the front door and then a side door.  Would the CMW bus be a better start?

I should have a TomyTec coming today.  Wasn't even interested until I saw the above photo.  Got a power unit too, you know, for the kids. 

edit: more research would indicate that I need a GMC TDH-3501. So is this a good way to get there?

Tough question.  I think the CDW TD-3610 might be too short to use ouutright.  The TDH-3501 is a later prototype than both the TomyTec and the CDW prototypes.  You have solid-model experience — I'd consider using the nose (up to the fender) and back of the TDH-4512 and RP the middle.  The TomyTec tooling is better than the CDW tooling.  I'm thinking of doing that for a TDM-4507, which I need for NetCo.

[bbussey]

I think I can see the marks left on the roof in your images, from where the molded part was separated from the gates.  Also, the glazing looks pretty thick on the windshield and the back window, but maybe in person it isn't so noticeable.

Two points on the roof.  Easy enough to smooth out and touch up with paint for those who have an issue with them.  They aren't that noticeable, to be honest.  I thought they were small vents at first, and they aren't as prominent on all of the ones I have.

@peteski you finished with the lighted one yet?   

LOL!  You can now read minds John?  Yes mine is actually in the mail from MBK (as the matter of fact, to be delivered today according to the tracking info), to be added to many started projects on my workbench and all around the workshop.  Yes, working lights will be the goal. 

Very easy to do.  The headlights and taillights are in place, and there's room in the interior to secure micro LEDs to light them.

[arbomambo]

Well...
I'll be getting a couple for Los Angeles service...would that be the orange and white?
Bruce

[C855B]

Two schemes for L.A. Orange, white and metallic tan, preceded by two-tone green.

Both visible in this pic: http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6077/6088577922_f0c22e128a_z.jpg

[peteski]

Very easy to do.  The headlights and taillights are in place, and there's room in the interior to secure micro LEDs to light them.

Geez, it already has working lights?  Where is the fun in that?   I guess it is a good thing - one less project to tackle.