Masterpiece Step Van question

[JM82]

I realize that the Masterpiece step van is modeled after several different types of step vans, that's it's not officially a Chevy, a Grumman or whatever. But out of curiosity, which manufactuer/model does it resemble the closest? I'm not big into step vans so I figured I'd let some experts weigh in on it.

Thanks for the help!

[JM82]

I did see a UPS truck outside of a store today that looked almost identical to the Masterpiece step van, but I couldn't make out a make or model. The turn signals were round, like on the Masterpiece van, but located below the headlights.

[BillC]

The front of the Masterpiece van was designed to be different than any van on the market. We went back about thirty years to make sure we didn't step on anyone's toes. As for anything else, a box is a box is a box...

The size is approximate for vans from Grumman and Utilimaster. And, yes, they really are that big. Some are even bigger.

[JM82]

No, I said I'm not big into step vans, meaning that there are others out there more knowledgable about them than I am.

I realize that they really are that big and that there are some that are even bigger.

[BillC]

jm82 said:

I realize that they really are that big and that there are some that are even bigger.

Then you are miles ahead of a lot of people who keep asking me if the van is really 1/87 scale.

[hovehicle]

Bill,

I realize that this is a longshot, but can Masterpiece please consider offering for sale the mirrors as a set? I can really use them for the TinsToys vans and Johnny Lightning vans of a few years ago.

I compared the size of the TinsToys vans with the Walk-In step van and and they looked good with each other! Mind you, I'm only talking about size here. I would love to see the Masterpiece van with a roll-up door too.

Vito L.

[BillC]

Look at some of the accessory mirror sets offered by Herpa/Promotex. There should be some that will work for your vans.

[Cor_DutchArt]

You might use a set from Plano. www.planomodelproducts.com

[JM82]

I got this model yesterday in the mail, along with the red Jeep, from Burbank House of Hobbies. Both very nice models!

[hovehicle]

One thing that amazes me is when people have no sense of an HO vehicle being in scale or not. I believe this is a real problem over here in the US, simply because we're seeing some models for the very first time. The Masterpiece step van is the first assembled, plastic HO van on the market and perhaps this is why people are confused. They have nothing to compare it to, and the average model railroader doesn't have a clue about Tins toys and Johnny Lightning making diecast versions. I hope this doesn't mean that the vans from Masterpiece aren't doing as well as targeted because they are really nice. The only thing that I don't like is the rear lens on the side panel painted orange when it should be red.

I still say a USPS version with an Atlas Post Office would make for a great combination! Yes, I'll take about 15 then!

Vito L.

P.S. Model railroaders should be puting this van on their layouts and in quite a few different places because they are everywhere in urban and suburban America.

[BillC]

The vans are sold out at the distributor level (don't worry; more are coming). In fact, Walthers is sold out of the vans, the Jeeps and the Airflows. Horizon Hobby still has some of the vans, and the green and white Jeeps, but they are sold out of the red Jeep and all the Airflows.

The rear lens issue will be corrected in future production.

We're discussing a USPS version, but the license is quite expensive. As a way to spread things out a bit, I have proposed a model of the Jeep DJ-5 Dispatcher that could be used for the recent USPS white and the older USPO blue and white with red stripe, but no decision has been made.

[RAOlson]

Ooooo... Keep talking Jeeps Bill! The DJ would be neat (as would the modern delivery car/van thing). I'm still glad I did the conversion of the ROCO Jeep.

Back on the subject, The USPS delivery van is a great thought. I got one of the undecorated vans, but can't decide what to do with it, too many ideas! Any future plans on generic Police and Fire Department trucks? That will help me make a choice.

Richard O.

[BillC]

A generic police "special operations" van is coming early in 2008 along with the 1968 Plymouth sheriff and 1970 Ford police cars.

[ponyman]

Bill:

Yes please keep the jeep versions coming. I would definately be able to use USPS,FedEx, and FedEx ground versions of the vans not only for the layout but the wife owns a shipping store that is authorized and branded by all the carriers and is one of only a few that are actually a official post office as well, so she would be able to sell these at her store and give them as give a ways.

[JM82]

As far as my question as to what model and make of step van is the Masterpiece step van modeled after, the closest (not exact!) thing to it that I saw after doing some online investigating was a picture of a 2006 Workhorse. Again, not the exact thing but very similar, as far as the grille and the round headlights, but the turn signals were in a slightly different place. Here's where I found it:

cars.overstock.com/detail.php?vid=782061 - 17k

I would like to see a generic Fire Department 'Water Rescue' or 'Dive Team' step van.