By Maz Woolley
It has been sometime since we covered the N’Tastic range of 3D printed model made to 1:148 scale in the UK by Coppermine MIniatures. They produce 3D printed vehicle kits with basic interiors and no glazing and a whole range of figure sets to go with them though at this scale the figures are not highly detailed.
The range of of available UK N Scale (1:148) models is fairly limited with Oxford Diecast being the most common with their plastic bodies. Unfortunately Oxford has released fewer 1:148 models of late perhaps distracted by creating the TT Range for Hornby.
Please note that the photographs of the models have all been supplied by Coppermine Miniatures and they are of assembled unpainted kits.
During 2023 they have released the following 3D printed kits in 1:148 scale:
Horse Drawn – 4W Bin Cart
1952 – Shelvoke & Drewry – Freightlifter Forklift
1946 – Shelvoke & Drewry – W Type Bin Lorry
1984 – Dennis RS Water Tender
1965 – Hillman Super Imp car + Police version
1965 – Hillman Imp Californian car Kit
1965 – Hillman (Commer) Imp Van + AA van
They have also completed their first commission for a vehicle kit, a 1987 – Leyland Freighter – Pump Ladder FE. They have other commissions in design, and capacity for others in the new year.
November’s releases
1945 – Fordson E27N Major Tractor
1950s Farm trailers x4
WW2 British ¼ Ton service trailer with or with out load of flimsy fuel cans.
Coppermine Miniatures say that they have new models in development for early in 2024 including new subjects to expand the range.
Some of the models duplicate models already released by Oxford Diecast like the Imp Saloon and Freightlifter I wonder how much having alternative made up and well finished models easily available will depress sales of these items? Still having a kit will appeal to some as it means that you can finish the model as you like and not as the manufacturer dictates. The lack of glazing might put off inexperienced modellers as creating and fixing windows in this small scale can be a fiddly process.
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