Out of interest... what's the official price of the DDR partwork models?
I think the cars are about 15 EUR each and the trucks are closer to closer to 20 EUR. You do indeed get what you pay for, though...they're top notch models and could easily pass for Ist.
Of course, I would expect trucks to be more expensive. And, for 20 Euro, I would expect quite a good model too! But JBCC models can be bought on eBay for 25-50% of the official price (with no mag and no guarantee it won't be faulty), so I suppose it may be the same with the DDR collection. Correct?
As a matter of fact, I almost always ask for a replacement when I receive a model with a fault.
How much slack do people on the forum generally give Fabbri when it comes to faulty models? I tend to accept some faults such as ill-fitting components (like rear screens sometimes projecting out for instance) on the assumption it's a problem they all have, whereas I won't stand for clumsy blobs of touch up paint where the model has been chipped.
What's the worst fault found? - and I wonder who's the fussiest amongst us? :v
There are various kinds of faults. Most of mine appear to have been sustained in transit - cracked cases, broken off bits, rattling seats. Usually if it's something I can fix without paint and too much glue I don't ask for a replacement. I'm not forgiving when it comes to what I consider faults that should have been caught by quality control - superglue stains, rubbed off chrome etc.
When I posted the pictures of the impala i genuinely believed it was a good model of the real car but having read the response it obviously isn't but generally I find the manufacturing quality of these acceptable with little or nothing to complain about.
I think when photos are posted, the model is displayed at such a large size it becomes easy (fairly or unfairly) to be much more critical of its shortcomings. Almost like you're looking at a 1.24 or even 1.18 scale model.
Quite often, when I've looked at photos of upcoming 1:43s for a while, I tend to forget how small it really is, and it sometimes comes as a bit of a shock when I receive the actual thing. Vanguards in particular always seem to throw me like that. Anything that bothered me about it before purchase seems equally reduced - unless I get the magnifying glass out!
Unfortunately Corgi's Triumph Herald Convertible is of the mid-late 60's version, which had a different front end to the version used in 1965's Thunderball.
Two options for a Code 3 in 1:43 that spring to mind:
1) use a Corgi Herald Convertible (like your Last Of The Summer Wine version - it was also sold in the Vanguards range in Damson Red, Ivory, Conifer Green, Royal Blue & Signal Red) and a Lledo/Corgi Vanguards Triumph Herald sedan (released in at least 18 different colours so far), which has the correct front end. Lop the roof off the sedan model and use the insides of the convertible model to replace those of the sedan.
2) buy the just-released James May's Triumph Herald 'yacht' from the Oxford Diecast Top Gear's Channel Crossing range and backward-convert it to roadgoing standard.
Regarding option 2 above, I got to see the Oxford Diecast/Top Gear Triumph Herald yacht "in the flesh" yesterday when visiting my importer/dealer and I can confirm that it is way smaller than 1/43, unfortunately. My dealer coincidentally had a Vanguards Herald sedan there as well to compare against, and I would guess that the Oxford Diecast model is about 1/55 scale.
The annoucement lists from Nuremburg at the start of this year all had these Top Gear vehicles as being 1/43, so it just goes to show that one can't always take marketing information at face value.
Oxford's web site and monthly mag have always made it clear that Top Gear models not to scale so not Oxford Marketing to blame more likely sloppy journalist and show reports making assumptions.
As far as Impala light faults are concerned the pics shown were I suspect pretty typical and if IXO launch this and repeat them in the Premium X range they would be crucified but for a £7.99 model they are not critical for a £25 plus resin model they would be a return to sender.
Did you request this or did GEfabbri send you this as a natural replacement??
cheers:)
It was the replacement for the FRWL saga..haven't contacted them about it for several months...so I assume they are starting to ship out the replacements now!!.... -{ :007)
so I suppose it may be the same with the DDR collection. Correct?
First off, there's a review of my two models I just got in the mail after this, so stay tuned. But to answer your question: Alas, no. To say that they appreciate on eBay (even in Germany!) is a triumph of understatement. I see them go on eBay for a minimum of 35 EUR. The discontinued ones...umm...at this point, I've seen two go for close to 100 EUR. The cars, depending on the model (like the Trabant P601 and Sachsenring P240 Luxury Sedan, which were alternately offered as collection "intros"), can be anywhere from about 20 EUR to 50 EUR. Then there's the "impossible" IFA F9 Kombi and Wartburg 313 Sport Coupe, which are going for closer to 60-70 EUR. Fortunately, if you like the latter, an Ist Model exists of it in a different color scheme that you should be able to get for about 30 EUR. The IFA F9 Kombi hasn't been moulded or announced as definite for any other collection yet, but I have a feeling it will show up on Kultowe Auta to knock it down at least a little (this happened with the IFA F8 and cut about 15 EUR off the value...but it also boosted the Kultowe Auta version's price!). There are rumors that Ist will make the trucks for the international market, which would knock the prices down, but I'm not able to get confirmation on this, the East Bloc guys I speak with don't think it will happen, and even if it does, there are huge doubts as to whether the more obscure models will be made again in any capacity (such as the recently released Robur bus [tie-in with James Bond: it's a Karl-Marx-Stadt city bus and probably dropped people off at the Octopussy Circus in said city... ] and Barkas B1000 SMH-3 Ambulance, especially since Ist has done SO many Barkas vans/trucks/pickups/others).
But now to my automotive reviews. The Ford Econoline is fantastic. Aside from the expected crooked headlights, it's downright breathtaking as a model. They did everything right...except for one big, BIG problem that has nothing to do with model quality itself. I looked at the hinges on the hood (bonnet) and remembered something: in 1971, they had this funky angle to them. On the model, they're straight as rails. Then I looked at the blinkers on the side...which are more rectangular than squared. The gas cap also looks a little different. So I flipped it around and...whoa! It's got the optional sliding door! That was a feature which didn't come into existence until 1972. There is VERY little difference between the 1971 and 1972 Ford Econolines except what I just outlined, including placement of badges (especially on the Club Wagon, since not many were sold to begin with and Ford figured it would just re-use the badges). In short, what we have is a PERFECT model of a 1972 Ford Econoline Club Wagon, though the movie featured a '71. The differences are pretty much "blink and you'll miss them" (the entire front grille assembly and chrome trim options are 100% identical), but so help me, it's a 1972 Ford Econoline Club Wagon.
Now onto 109. My headlights arrived, ahem, as expected, but the tail lights are fine. I do think that, having seen this car in real life (and ridden in my paternal grandmother's gorgeous '73 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale two-door hardtop...well, it's gorgeous IF you discount the fact that it's CANARY YELLOW), I'd be a fairly good judge of it. First off, the chassis is 100% correct. It really WAS that huge and the scale isn't wrong. I can tell you that because the Delta 88 Royale uses the same chassis. Also brilliantly done are the "disappearing" wiper blades, which are seperate pieces despite barely being able to see them. You can also visually tell it's got the Jetfire V8 from the dual tail pipes...nice attention to detail there from Ixo, since that is indeed what the movie car had. Ditto the option of the dopey little headrests that were billed as safety features, looked awful in real life, and were frankly not as good as GM said they were. They are faithfully recreated here. The interior isn't painted, but it is stained...that's correct, since the movie car (and most other Impala Custom Coupes I can think of) had all-black interiors. Badging and tampo-printing are done wonderfully on the example I have.
I thought the front bumper probably had issues, and they're not as bad I'd thought, but they are there. As I said, I'd need to see the car in real life to determine the error. Sure enough, the grille vents actually are not as bad as I thought they would be: the low outside corners (not low inside corners...sorry about that!) ARE correctly done. So what went wrong? Why did I misjudge that? Simple, because of another mistake. The following picture is NOT a picture of the Bond 73 Impala Custom Coupe...this is a picture of the "loaded" model with ALL options installed.
This is the actual postcard that Chevy gave you with one of these if you bought the real one. I know that because when my grandmother got her yellow Delta 88 Royale, SHE got the postcard for that car; even though she opted against buying fender skirts for that car, it still shows them. However, I ask you to take a look at the bumper overriders and underriders. See how they're slanted a bit? The bottom portion of the bumper, which on the model is almost even with the front bumper should slant inward to the point where the bottom of the grille slats should be almost (BUT NOT QUITE!) even with the actual grille itself. I'm certain that Ixo is going to make this one as part of their Premium X Series, and because the details are resin, you'll see a different bumper. If this really bugs you, you actually CAN buy spare parts from Ixo; I can't imagine the re-designed front bumper wouldn't interchange with the Bond Impala's front bumper. However, I'll end with two HUGE pieces of praise for this car. One that kept it remarkably faithful to the movie (i.e. Ixo doing something I'd not expect) and another that I made a big deal about.
First, the hubcaps and tires. Yeah, something everyone overlooks, but bear with me. The car in the film driven by the bad guy lacked the Chevrolet logos on the hubcaps plus the optional whitewalls. This WAS an option, but it was a pretty unpopular one, and also a strange one in conjunction with whitewall tires. However, to their credit, Ixo faithfully reproduced it. I would've been willing to bet money that they'd have just slapped on the Chevy logos because many more people remember the cars or see them with said logos. Finally, the best praise I can give it: they got the rear window right. Okay, so what? Well, I'll tell you what: in all the years I've seen plastic model kits of these, they're ALWAYS even with the trunk lid (boot lid). In real life, that would make it impossible to open the trunk. Oh, and the rear bumper also has a slight space between it and the trunk lid. Before you say that's shoddy quality control, it's actually 100% correct...that's how Chevy did it in real life (see here: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MiZ-UqDwf6c/TUjN0wsAq6I/AAAAAAAAH4g/VoY24XhAO2U/s1600/1973%2BChevrolet%2BImpala%2BCustom%2BCoupe%2BFormal%2BHardtop%2BChevy%2BFifth%2BGeneration%2BVinyl%2BTop%2B2.jpg and note the missing badge, unfortunately...you can also tell its got the six in it because of the single pipe)! Yet Ixo beat out AMT and Revell by not only allowing the correct clearance, but also pushing the window inward toward the center. THAT was a nice touch. Basically, I'd rate this one right around the Consul (again, we saw some VERY minor detail flaws there with the tail lights and missing badging on THAT model), but its pros heavily outweigh its cons. Its faithfulness to the film is also very impressive, considering Ixo made it. I can't wait to see the PremiumX versions of both of these!!!
I think when photos are posted, the model is displayed at such a large size it becomes easy (fairly or unfairly) to be much more critical of its shortcomings. Almost like you're looking at a 1.24 or even 1.18 scale model.
Quite often, when I've looked at photos of upcoming 1:43s for a while, I tend to forget how small it really is, and it sometimes comes as a bit of a shock when I receive the actual thing. Vanguards in particular always seem to throw me like that. Anything that bothered me about it before purchase seems equally reduced - unless I get the magnifying glass out!
I'm fairly sure you expected me to be the fussiest (with good reason...)...yet, perhaps I'm actually not? It's exactly like you say: we have to remember these cars are in 1/43 scale. Unless you're willing to pay literally over $75 (I'm thinking Neo or some of the hand-builts from the Ukraine [especially Vector Models]...which, by the way, are starting to branch out and build European cars and buses and even American cars and buses! Not just East Bloc cars! And these are quite well done, as you'd imagine...), you're not going to get the same kind of detail in ANY 1/43 scale model you will with 1/18 and 1/24. Beating up on the Turkey-Bird is fine because there WAS too little detail and there were actual problems with the model. Beating up on the Impala Custom Coupe because the headlights (which are easily fixed) are crooked or the lower portion on the front bumper isn't as bent inwardly as we want it to be is taking it a little too far.
I am curious how you're going to react to the Econoline Club Wagon, though...a perfect model of the '72 version, but not the '71 version. Bizarrely, Ixo's PremiumX preview photos show the 1971 version with twin opening doors, squared blinker lights, and angled hinges for the hood! I'm surprised they just didn't say "ah, forget it" and do the '72 version, since they did a really nice job on one here!
EDIT: By the way, I forgot to include a pic of the '72 Econoline Club Wagon. They're a bit tough to find due to being favorites of customizers, but here...
Note the sliding side door (which is actually pretty uncommon as an option) and the hinges for the hood. And the lights (I couldn't get a decent rear photo of a stock Club Wagon). As I said, there's virtually no difference, otherwise, between the 1971 and 1972 models.
I too received my replacement Dr. No Ford Anglia (issue 89) yesterday.
I had spoken to GEF on the phone a very long time ago about this, so I'm pleased they've honoured their promise and it has now finally arrived (as they said, 'in the New Year'!) )
The windscreen wiper rattling around the display box is easily reinserted into its hole.
I have just compared the two issues - still not convinced about the colour, or the other shortcomings ... in fact it appears to be exactly the same model as the original issue, except now stating the correct film title on the case. Definitely the same manufacturer. Even has the 007 sticker on the case, not seen one of those for a while!
Cheers,
Rhinoman B-)
PS I watched LALD on Tuesday evening - that Mini Moke (issue 24) at the harbour is only on the screen for a very few seconds!
I am assuming then all subscribers will get one sent to them. The anglia now has become one of these oddities. Especially on eBay . I wonder which will gain value more the error or the replacement.
Issues 106 and 107 arrived today. The Ford Consul is a very nice little model, though its ribbed headlights are crooked. The Rolls Silver Shadow is not as bad as a feared. Maybe because it was universally bagged here, but I expected something terrible. But it's not - even the mascot is straight this time. Of course, the colour could have been better. However, my car is missing the baseball bat, oops, I meant antenna on the boot lid. It did not come off in transit - it was literally never there. There is not a trace of glue in the hole. Now a real dilemma: should I request a replacement, even though I will probably end up making a better antenna myself? Or should I let it go? I have decided that this is clearly a case of very bad QC and will be asking for a replacement.
Great reviews. You know a lot about US cars. I know something, but your specific knowledge is very helpful.
One point about Neo - yes, they make good models. I have four of them, the four must-haves for me (1991 BMW M5, 1993 BMW M5, 1981 BMW M535i and VW Golf Rallye). There are others I would quite like, but only if I can find them for say 50% of RRP.
My point - even Neo makes mistakes. The E34 M5 has very few external differences to the rest of the E34 5 series range, so on a model it's obviously extremely important to get these differences right. One of the big giveaways is that the M5 has a black panel between the rear lights, and the other 5 series don't. Neo missed this; it's body colour. I very rarely modify my models, but on this occasion I felt compelled, and the cars look much better for it. So out of my 4 Neo models, I have had to modify two.
I won't bore people with specifics, but other manufacturers whose products I have had to modify include Minichamps, Spark, Premium Classixxs (yes it is spelled that way) and even BBR.
I think I know why some of these errors occur - bad research. I can imagine that the head of production is given photos of the cars from both ends, and they are actually different cars. This often results in one of my greatest annoyances, as it is so easy for them to get right, and they so often don't - cars with clear turn signals at one end and amber on the other. models of BMWs most often suffer from this, with Porsche as probably the runner up.
Manufacturers, please take note! Collectors notice these errors - these are not 99cent cars from Wal Mart!
Great reviews. You know a lot about US cars. I know something, but your specific knowledge is very helpful.
Thank you! I can also do this for East Bloc cars when they do come along in this collection (one of the reasons the ZIL-117 thrilled me so much, aside from its presence in the collection, was its incredible attention to detail, even though it had an antenna, spoked wheels, and solid black tires [the movie version was missing the antenna, had solid hubcaps, and whitewalls]...having seen pretty extensive photographic documentation of the ZIL-117 and spoken to people who've seen the real thing, as a car, it was probably the most realistic in the collection, missing only the hood ornament, which you can easily add with an aftermarket parts kit).
One point about Neo - yes, they make good models. I have four of them, the four must-haves for me (1991 BMW M5, 1993 BMW M5, 1981 BMW M535i and VW Golf Rallye). There are others I would quite like, but only if I can find them for say 50% of RRP.
My point - even Neo makes mistakes. The E34 M5 has very few external differences to the rest of the E34 5 series range, so on a model it's obviously extremely important to get these differences right. One of the big giveaways is that the M5 has a black panel between the rear lights, and the other 5 series don't. Neo missed this; it's body colour. I very rarely modify my models, but on this occasion I felt compelled, and the cars look much better for it. So out of my 4 Neo models, I have had to modify two.
Yes, Neo does indeed make mistakes, I've noticed they either get the first model of a given car right and the subsequent models (including derivatives of a given model) wrong or, if they screwed up the first model, then they actually do a really nice job on the subsequent models. The two respective examples of this, I would say, are the Volvo 164 (the original green model was terrific and it's sort of devolved from there...for example, the US version incorrectly has TWO SETS OF TURN SIGNALS instead of grille assemblies replacing the European turn signals) and the GAZ-22 Volga Station Wagon (the first one was done pretty much like an early Scaldia-Volga, but had the wrong ride height and wrong grille bars, plus the badging was the wrong font; the second one in beige corrected the ride height, but it was still a Scaldia-Volga with wrong font badging and still had issues with the grille bars, and whilst the third one [two-tone green] was FINALLY corrected regarding all issues, they only decided to sell it in Russia and the Ukraine).
I won't bore people with specifics, but other manufacturers whose products I have had to modify include Minichamps, Spark, Premium Classixxs (yes it is spelled that way) and even BBR.
If I could add some Bond-related ones, I can speak to two noticeable errors on Minichamps cars. Regarding the '71 Ford Mustang Mach I "Clydesdale", the front wheels are set back just a LITTLE bit too much. It's not a big deal, even for Minichamps, but it looks like the car is braking hard (I guess if you wanted a car coming to a halt in front of a headlight or just noticing a huge traffic jam, it would look pretty realistic). Also, for the Lotus Esprit, the front and rear tires are NOT the exact same size. As for Premium Classixxs, I've noticed they used to have a lot of issues with ride height, although they are straightening that out (look at some of their newest stuff). Spark's problems usually consist of misplaced and/or oversized badging. They also sometimes (but not always) have issues with ride height. For an example where they were forced to go back to the drawing board and finally released a model as close to perfect in 1/43 as you'll get, they spent three years RE-DESIGNING the 1959 Cadillac El Dorado Biarritz Convertible (basically, they wanted to do the ultimate '59 Caddy), and since that car was in the parking lot in DN, it does have a slight Bond connection.
I think I know why some of these errors occur - bad research. I can imagine that the head of production is given photos of the cars from both ends, and they are actually different cars. This often results in one of my greatest annoyances, as it is so easy for them to get right, and they so often don't - cars with clear turn signals at one end and amber on the other. models of BMWs most often suffer from this, with Porsche as probably the runner up.
Another big one I've noticed is bad angles if they shoot photos of the same car. I'd be willing to bet that that's why we saw the lower portion of the front bumper on the '73 Impala Custom Coupe the way we did. Sometimes when only one photo (or even one literal example) of a car is available, you actually wind up with a skewed-looking car. Brooklin's first model of the '54 Chevy 210 Handyman Station Wagon, for example, was totally wrong in its trim level. This was the tan one where it was deleted REALLY quickly (the green one is correct). As it turns out, they'd VERY faithfully recreated a restored 1954 Chevy 210 Handyman, but the car itself wasn't restored properly; for example, it lacked too much chrome. With that said, had they proper access to a correct car (which they eventually got), they would have done (and did do) the job correctly. But you're right about Neo, Minichamps, and Ixo: to wit, they sometimes can't find correct angles or get two seperate photos of cars and screw up. The Kultowe Auta (Ixo for Polish DeAgostini) Lada 2108 Samara was a really nice model...but it was missing the badging on the trunk lid because they didn't have access to any photos of the correct badging! I had to add a decal! Interestingly, when the five-door hatchback version came along, the Lada 2109 Samara, the badging was flawless.
Manufacturers, please take note! Collectors notice these errors - these are not 99cent cars from Wal Mart!
We do, of course, but it really depends on the circumstances of the error. For example, Brooklin's Chevy 210 Handyman error was not something I'm going to get on Brooklin for because they thought everything was right and even modelled off an actual car. Plus they corrected it really quickly. On the other hand, Minichamps giving the Lotus Esprit different-sized tires is quite a bit less forgiveable (and wouldn't you know it? Universal Hobbies made the EXACT SAME ERROR in the JBCC...I guess they bought the Minichamps model? Strangely, their Mustang Mach I is fine.). And sometimes, it sort of lies in a gray area in between...where a noticeable error is made but you can't really fault the manufacturer (DiP Models' GAZ-63 4x4 Truck seems to be an example of this regarding the thickness of the front of the hood because of a TINY calculation error when downsizing the plaster model that started out at 1/32 scale, although ever since a crane literally dropped the packing crate carrying them and destroyed about 75% of the production run, they've announced the error WILL be corrected on the re-manufactured model and they've even shown pre-production samples where it's been fixed). In those latter cases, the manufacturers DO take note, and sometimes even actively say "we know this is not quite right, we're sorry, and we're discounting the model" (Schuco has done this a few times by moving the models to their Schuco Junior line at the last moment). Context, in this case, is everything.
:sATTENTION : 110 ASSORTED JAMES BOND CARS FOR SALE. WILL TAKE 500 POUND FOR THE LOT. IF YOU WORK OUT THE PRICE OF EACH CAR £7.99 THIS IS A BARGAIN. THIS IS A SERIOUS OFFER. WHEN I SAY 110 THAT WILL BE WHEN I COLLECT CAR 110 IN A FEW WEEKS. LOOK FORWARD TO ALL THE OFFERS???????????????????????
Now a real dilemma: should I request a replacement, even though I will probably end up making a better antenna myself?
Ask for a replacement and keep it sealed in the box. The one you have? Make a replacement antenna for it out of very thin wire. I would recommend using very thin electrical wiring, stripping off the insulation, and then using Permanent Loctite, Gorilla Glue, or some other form of cyanoacrylate-based glue (Super Glue, Krazy Glue, etc.) to attach the antenna. I'll bet if you found a junked Solido 1/43 Corniche, you could also add infinitely better-looking wheels, too.
EDITED TO ADD (and MovieCarFan, I think you might be happy with this): Very strangely, Kultowe Auta PRL-u now has a Willys MB Jeep on their schedule. Yes, I know, the Polish Army got these from the Soviet Army, who in turn got them via Lend Lease, but we also see a completely new top (up as opposed to down) for the Ixo-designed Jeep. Granted, Kish was driving a Willys M38 in GF, but the two parts required to turn an MB into an M38 are, basically, a new windshield (a seperate part) and a new grille (also a seperate part). I find it VERY odd that they'd go out of their way to do so much work on a vehicle that could have simply been left "as-is" with the top down and the windshield being the only change by Ixo unless it were meant for another series.
That's really good advice about Solido Conriche (assuming the wheels are interchangeable) - thanks. Replicating the antenna won't be a big deal either...
Code 3'ing done by me. You have to use the Solido axles, BTW. That means you have to widen the axle channels, though not by much. I just used trial and error.
I think this actually correct. There is a tv programme on uk tv where they restore modern classics. This was a problem they encountered when restoring the real thing. I think it is only pertains to certain model/model years.
Unfortunately Corgi's Triumph Herald Convertible is of the mid-late 60's version, which had a different front end to the version used in 1965's Thunderball.
Two options for a Code 3 in 1:43 that spring to mind:
1) use a Corgi Herald Convertible (like your Last Of The Summer Wine version - it was also sold in the Vanguards range in Damson Red, Ivory, Conifer Green, Royal Blue & Signal Red) and a Lledo/Corgi Vanguards Triumph Herald sedan (released in at least 18 different colours so far), which has the correct front end. Lop the roof off the sedan model and use the insides of the convertible model to replace those of the sedan.
2) buy the just-released James May's Triumph Herald 'yacht' from the Oxford Diecast Top Gear's Channel Crossing range and backward-convert it to roadgoing standard.
Regarding option 2 above, I got to see the Oxford Diecast/Top Gear Triumph Herald yacht "in the flesh" yesterday when visiting my importer/dealer and I can confirm that it is way smaller than 1/43, unfortunately. My dealer coincidentally had a Vanguards Herald sedan there as well to compare against, and I would guess that the Oxford Diecast model is about 1/55 scale.
The annoucement lists from Nuremburg at the start of this year all had these Top Gear vehicles as being 1/43, so it just goes to show that one can't always take marketing information at face value.
It's a 13/60 featured but basically the same animal as a Herald. I was thinking if you took a Vanguards Herald and used the pics on this webpage as guidance, it should be possible to create a convertible version by lopping the roof off as suggested.
EDITED TO ADD (and MovieCarFan, I think you might be happy with this): Very strangely, Kultowe Auta PRL-u now has a Willys MB Jeep on their schedule. Yes, I know, the Polish Army got these from the Soviet Army, who in turn got them via Lend Lease, but we also see a completely new top (up as opposed to down) for the Ixo-designed Jeep. Granted, Kish was driving a Willys M38 in GF, but the two parts required to turn an MB into an M38 are, basically, a new windshield (a seperate part) and a new grille (also a seperate part). I find it VERY odd that they'd go out of their way to do so much work on a vehicle that could have simply been left "as-is" with the top down and the windshield being the only change by Ixo unless it were meant for another series.
Thanks for that - hopefully we might be seeing it in the JBCC then. If not, I for one am always interested to hear about Willys Jeeps, real ones or model ones. Actually, thinking about it (sorry, this is going off topic) a WW2 Willys Jeep in 1.8 scale would make a great partwork similar to the current DB5. Could you imagine all the weaponry, accessories, field equipment options that could go with it? No doubt even a working canvas hood!
I received the Osprey DAD hovercraft the other day (cherry picking again) and was surprised to find out that the propellor actually works when you blow on it. (I should add that I did this because of the same habit when buying model WW2 aircraft and idly blowing on the propellors to see if they spin!) Does anybody else know of any other JBCC models having hidden 'working features'?
EDITED TO ADD (and MovieCarFan, I think you might be happy with this): Very strangely, Kultowe Auta PRL-u now has a Willys MB Jeep on their schedule. Yes, I know, the Polish Army got these from the Soviet Army, who in turn got them via Lend Lease, but we also see a completely new top (up as opposed to down) for the Ixo-designed Jeep. Granted, Kish was driving a Willys M38 in GF, but the two parts required to turn an MB into an M38 are, basically, a new windshield (a seperate part) and a new grille (also a seperate part). I find it VERY odd that they'd go out of their way to do so much work on a vehicle that could have simply been left "as-is" with the top down and the windshield being the only change by Ixo unless it were meant for another series.
Thanks for that - always interested to hear about Willys Jeeps, real ones or model ones. Actually, thinking about it (sorry, this is going off topic) a WW2 Willys Jeep in 1.8 scale would make a great partwork similar to the current DB5. Could you imagine all the weaponry, accessories, field equipment options that could go with it? No doubt even a working canvas hood!
I received the Osprey DAD hovercraft the other day (cherry picking again) and was surprised to find out that the propellor actually works when you blow on it. (I should add that I did this because of the same habit when buying model WW2 aircraft and idly blowing on the propellors to see if they spin!) Does anybody else know of any other JBCC models having hidden 'working features'?
Oh, I blow on propellers too! I'm sure that the Hawk works the same. Apart from that I think the only other working fetures are the wheels - they actually turn on most cars! )
Oh, I blow on propellers too! I'm sure that the Hawk works the same. Apart from that I think the only other working fetures are the wheels - they actually turn on most cars!
You can add me to that group! Virtually all unbuilt 1/48 scale and 1/72 scale model airplanes with propellers are manufactured so that the builder winds up with turning props on his model.
Thanks for that - hopefully we might be seeing it in the JBCC then. If not, I for one am always interested to hear about Willys Jeeps, real ones or model ones.
No problem! Figured you'd like that. The only question in my mind, looking at the partwork schedules, is whether this one winds up in the JBCC or in Ixo Classic or Ixo Museum. Although I did make one error: the top is an existing (albeit obscure) mould. It appeared in the La Route Bleue series in the diorama with the US Army surplus Jeep. Still, Ixo's moulds, when re-used or even partially re-used, have a bit of a habit of coinciding with another release.
I think this actually correct. There is a tv programme on uk tv where they restore modern classics. This was a problem they encountered when restoring the real thing. I think it is only pertains to certain model/model years.
Very interesting. Do you know which model years? The film franchise has actually had three Esprits, not two. Bond's Esprits were 1976 (TSWLM, and I think this was the one Minichamps did), 1980 (his white one in FYEO), and 1981 (the red one that replaces the white one in FYEO).
I think this actually correct. There is a tv programme on uk tv where they restore modern classics. This was a problem they encountered when restoring the real thing. I think it is only pertains to certain model/model years.
Very interesting. Do you know which model years? The film franchise has actually had three Esprits, not two. Bond's Esprits were 1976 (TSWLM, and I think this was the one Minichamps did), 1980 (his white one in FYEO), and 1981 (the red one that replaces the white one in FYEO).
There never was an Esprit with smaller rear wheels. Some had larger wheels on the rear (15"/16" on the Turbo SE and 17"/18" on the V8's) but most had the same diameter front and rear (with the rear wheels always wider).
The Minichamps and Fabbri Esprit S1 look as if they have 15" front and 13" rear (I have not measured that, it's just the look). Not the best models from Fabbri and Minichamps.
The S1 had 195/70-14 front and 205/70-14 rear tyres. So the model could even have the same tyres all round (but not the wheels as the rear are much deeper) as 10 millimeters difference wouldn't really show in 1/43.
Both FYEO cars were very early Turbos having the 4-lug Compomotive wheels (very soon changed to 5-lug BBS). The white was a Lotus development car, I think the same is true for the bronze Turbo.
The Turbos used 195/60-15 and 235/60-15 so the rear tyres are much wider and also higher than the front. Again, the rear wheels are much deeper. The Fabbri Turbos use the same wheels and tyres front and rear while the Minichamps Turbo is correct here (and captures the shape of the car much better).
And regarding Neo: They have an Audi 200 (no. 43038) which could be of interest to some Bond collectors. I was particularly unhappy (back on page 79) with the TLD Audi as the model is more an Audi V8 than the Audi 200 Exclusiv. Neo have a model of the Audi 200 quattro 20V - in the same "Steingrau" (stone grey) as the 200 Exclusiv in TLD. That's a strange colour which changes between grey and a bronze tint in certain angles and lighting, and the model does exactly that (unlike the silver-grey of the Fabbri model). Pictures are from www.modelissimo.de:
Not a perfect match for the TLD Audi, as the 20V used the U.S. front bumper instead of the regular European 200 bumper to distinguish it from the less powerful versions. But otherwise the Neo model looks like a 200 and not like a V8 which is an improvement. The fender flares of the 20V were a little more prominent but in 1/43 they match the Exclusiv quite well. Flush door handles, side repeater lights and trunk lock are different from the TLD Audi as the 20V came after the 1988 facelift.
Wheels have to be changed to BBS spokes (but not from the Fabbri Audi as these are probably the worst wheels of the whole JBCC - a one-piece plastic wheel without separate tyre like a Matchbox Superfast or Corgi Whizzwheel), and the Neo 6-spoke wheels are perfect for a TLD Audi 200 Avant code 3 (using Minichamps' 100 Avant).
I have to say that I am not too impressed with the Neo's details. Sometimes less is more: The rear window frame and the chrome strips above the bumpers and side moulding are quite wobbly - a silver print would be much better than that. The rear window defroster wires are too obvious and look more like laser beams from some FYEO-inspired burglar protection system. Horrible: the rear emblems - crudely cut-out transparent film which seems to be one millimeter thick. I thought this was some sort of transport protection for the delicate chrome emblems but if you remove that film - gone is the delicate chrome emblem ;% uh, so what, the TLD Audi had a different text anyway ...
Rainer ... Yes you are correct the wheels on a lotus were larger on the back having not looked at my models closely I assumed that is what dalkwoski was meaning on the model also. The problem on the tv programme was tyre size fitting the rims.
There never was an Esprit with smaller rear wheels.
I'm not surprised (I'd think it would make for a rather lousy-feeling ride...), but I know so little about Lotus Esprits that I don't feel qualified to comment too terribly much about them.
I have to say that I am not too impressed with the Neo's details. Sometimes less is more: The rear window frame and the chrome strips above the bumpers and side moulding are quite wobbly - a silver print would be much better than that. The rear window defroster wires are too obvious and look more like laser beams from some FYEO-inspired burglar protection system. Horrible: the rear emblems - crudely cut-out transparent film which seems to be one millimeter thick. I thought this was some sort of transport protection for the delicate chrome emblems but if you remove that film - gone is the delicate chrome emblem uh, so what, the TLD Audi had a different text anyway ...
This, basically, is what I meant when I referred to the Volvo 164 where the first model issued was a really well done car and then they started modifying it with horrendous results (i.e. the US import version). The only thing I might disagree with are the defroster wires...I have the Audi 100 with the same rear window and can say for certain that modelissimo's photo doesn't do it justice. The Audi 200 Quattro 20V's mould started out as said Audi 100 Typ 44 mould. THAT was a nicely done car, which you can see here...
I have the taxi variant which I just thought looked really nice. The problem was that Neo decided to make its 200 mould on the 100. The side moulding, I guess, may look wobbly in the eye of the individual beholder, but as you can see, they did a nicer job with the rear window trim...the reason you're seeing wobbly-looking rear window trim on the 200 is because that mould started out as a 100 mould, which has *slightly* different trim. As for the "protective film", I completely agree. To be honest, it looks like they moulded over the Audi 100 badging! The reason the fender flaring is incorrect was because they literally added the flaring to the 100 mould! To be honest, I've yet to see awful badging like that on my Neo American cars, but if I do, well...I just hope I don't.
OK guys, here's some news. I have requested a list of models available in the extension (111-130) so that I could decide whether to keep my subscription or not. Bissett have been very helpful and obliging (as usual) and sent me the list. Of course, they explained that it is a planned list and subject to change. But no doubt that will give us all an idea... what do you think?
1965 Ford Thunderbird TB
1968 Mercedes Benz (W115) TMWTGG
VAZ 2106 Zhiguli – militsia police car GE
1974 Mercedes Benz 450 SEL FYEO
1975 Austin FX4 OP
1959 Austin A55 Cambridge Dr. No
1956 Mercedes Benz 220 S GF
1964 Lincoln Continental Stretched Limo TB
1986 Lada Niva VAZ-2121L TWINE
Lada VAZ-2105 TLD
1968 Mercedes Benz 200D FYEO
Volga M-24 OP
Dodge M-43 Ambulance – the laser carrying vehicle GF
1959 Plymouth Savoy – (Istanbul taxi) FRWL
1973 Chevrolet Bel Air LALD
1986 Dodge Ram LTK
1961 Chevrolet 30 Series 1-Ton truck FRWL
1964 Morris Minor Convertible Thunderball
1960 Ford Ranch Wagon FRWL
1986 Wales & Edward Rangemaster – milkfloat TLD
I have to say the list looks interesting, especially if the models are to be made by Ixo. But I'm not sure I will want them all... It also looks like Fabbri wants to cover all bases and did not include any models from next year's new production. I sense another extension! After so many I will be surprised if that was it...
OK guys, here's some news. I have requested a list of models available in the extension (111-130) so that I could decide whether to keep my subscription or not. Bissett have been very helpful and obliging (as usual) and sent me the list. Of course, they explained that it is a planned list and subject to change. But no doubt that will give us all an idea... what do you think?
1965 Ford Thunderbird TB
1968 Mercedes Benz (W115) TMWTGG
VAZ 2106 Zhiguli – militsia police car GE
1974 Mercedes Benz 450 SEL FYEO
1975 Austin FX4 OP
1959 Austin A55 Cambridge Dr. No
1956 Mercedes Benz 220 S GF
1964 Lincoln Continental Stretched Limo TB
1986 Lada Niva VAZ-2121L TWINE
Lada VAZ-2105 TLD
1968 Mercedes Benz 200D FYEO
Volga M-24 OP
Dodge M-43 Ambulance – the laser carrying vehicle GF
1959 Plymouth Savoy – (Istanbul taxi) FRWL
1973 Chevrolet Bel Air LALD
1986 Dodge Ram LTK
1961 Chevrolet 30 Series 1-Ton truck FRWL
1964 Morris Minor Convertible Thunderball
1960 Ford Ranch Wagon FRWL
1986 Wales & Edward Rangemaster – milkfloat TLD
I have to say the list looks interesting, especially if the models are to be made by Ixo. But I'm not sure I will want them all... It also looks like Fabbri wants to cover all bases and did not include any models from next year's new production. I sense another extension! After so many I will be surprised if that was it...
I WAS only joking about 'Christine' but a FRWL 59 Savoy is as near as dammit!! - I shall buy a second copy plus some red paint
I reckon the list is generally interesting with quite a few of our suggestions seemingly taken on board from the look of it (the milkfloat being a distinct example). I think personally the GF Merc should be the 180D, which would make more sense to accompany the 'about to crash' DB5. The LTK Ram would be good if they at least distress it to look like it's been burned. The stretched Lincoln would be brilliant. FRWL Ranch Wagon and Chevy Truck sound good as does the Dodge ambulance. Not so convinced about the '68 Mercs, 73 Bel Air or the London Taxi - could be a tad bland? As for the Minor drophead - surely Vanguards have done that to death haven't they? And where's my GF Willys Jeep??? X-(
D110 - when I googled (images) 'VAZ 2106 Zhiguli – militsia police car GE' it came up with almost a complete page of photos from your table-top collections!!!!
Comments
Of course, I would expect trucks to be more expensive. And, for 20 Euro, I would expect quite a good model too! But JBCC models can be bought on eBay for 25-50% of the official price (with no mag and no guarantee it won't be faulty), so I suppose it may be the same with the DDR collection. Correct?
There are various kinds of faults. Most of mine appear to have been sustained in transit - cracked cases, broken off bits, rattling seats. Usually if it's something I can fix without paint and too much glue I don't ask for a replacement. I'm not forgiving when it comes to what I consider faults that should have been caught by quality control - superglue stains, rubbed off chrome etc.
I think when photos are posted, the model is displayed at such a large size it becomes easy (fairly or unfairly) to be much more critical of its shortcomings. Almost like you're looking at a 1.24 or even 1.18 scale model.
Quite often, when I've looked at photos of upcoming 1:43s for a while, I tend to forget how small it really is, and it sometimes comes as a bit of a shock when I receive the actual thing. Vanguards in particular always seem to throw me like that. Anything that bothered me about it before purchase seems equally reduced - unless I get the magnifying glass out!
The annoucement lists from Nuremburg at the start of this year all had these Top Gear vehicles as being 1/43, so it just goes to show that one can't always take marketing information at face value.
As far as Impala light faults are concerned the pics shown were I suspect pretty typical and if IXO launch this and repeat them in the Premium X range they would be crucified but for a £7.99 model they are not critical for a £25 plus resin model they would be a return to sender.
Did you request this or did GEfabbri send you this as a natural replacement??
cheers:)
It was the replacement for the FRWL saga..haven't contacted them about it for several months...so I assume they are starting to ship out the replacements now!!.... -{ :007)
First off, there's a review of my two models I just got in the mail after this, so stay tuned. But to answer your question: Alas, no. To say that they appreciate on eBay (even in Germany!) is a triumph of understatement. I see them go on eBay for a minimum of 35 EUR. The discontinued ones...umm...at this point, I've seen two go for close to 100 EUR. The cars, depending on the model (like the Trabant P601 and Sachsenring P240 Luxury Sedan, which were alternately offered as collection "intros"), can be anywhere from about 20 EUR to 50 EUR. Then there's the "impossible" IFA F9 Kombi and Wartburg 313 Sport Coupe, which are going for closer to 60-70 EUR. Fortunately, if you like the latter, an Ist Model exists of it in a different color scheme that you should be able to get for about 30 EUR. The IFA F9 Kombi hasn't been moulded or announced as definite for any other collection yet, but I have a feeling it will show up on Kultowe Auta to knock it down at least a little (this happened with the IFA F8 and cut about 15 EUR off the value...but it also boosted the Kultowe Auta version's price!). There are rumors that Ist will make the trucks for the international market, which would knock the prices down, but I'm not able to get confirmation on this, the East Bloc guys I speak with don't think it will happen, and even if it does, there are huge doubts as to whether the more obscure models will be made again in any capacity (such as the recently released Robur bus [tie-in with James Bond: it's a Karl-Marx-Stadt city bus and probably dropped people off at the Octopussy Circus in said city...
But now to my automotive reviews. The Ford Econoline is fantastic. Aside from the expected crooked headlights, it's downright breathtaking as a model. They did everything right...except for one big, BIG problem that has nothing to do with model quality itself. I looked at the hinges on the hood (bonnet) and remembered something: in 1971, they had this funky angle to them. On the model, they're straight as rails. Then I looked at the blinkers on the side...which are more rectangular than squared. The gas cap also looks a little different. So I flipped it around and...whoa! It's got the optional sliding door! That was a feature which didn't come into existence until 1972. There is VERY little difference between the 1971 and 1972 Ford Econolines except what I just outlined, including placement of badges (especially on the Club Wagon, since not many were sold to begin with and Ford figured it would just re-use the badges). In short, what we have is a PERFECT model of a 1972 Ford Econoline Club Wagon, though the movie featured a '71. The differences are pretty much "blink and you'll miss them" (the entire front grille assembly and chrome trim options are 100% identical), but so help me, it's a 1972 Ford Econoline Club Wagon.
Now onto 109. My headlights arrived, ahem, as expected, but the tail lights are fine. I do think that, having seen this car in real life (and ridden in my paternal grandmother's gorgeous '73 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale two-door hardtop...well, it's gorgeous IF you discount the fact that it's CANARY YELLOW), I'd be a fairly good judge of it. First off, the chassis is 100% correct. It really WAS that huge and the scale isn't wrong. I can tell you that because the Delta 88 Royale uses the same chassis. Also brilliantly done are the "disappearing" wiper blades, which are seperate pieces despite barely being able to see them. You can also visually tell it's got the Jetfire V8 from the dual tail pipes...nice attention to detail there from Ixo, since that is indeed what the movie car had. Ditto the option of the dopey little headrests that were billed as safety features, looked awful in real life, and were frankly not as good as GM said they were. They are faithfully recreated here. The interior isn't painted, but it is stained...that's correct, since the movie car (and most other Impala Custom Coupes I can think of) had all-black interiors. Badging and tampo-printing are done wonderfully on the example I have.
I thought the front bumper probably had issues, and they're not as bad I'd thought, but they are there. As I said, I'd need to see the car in real life to determine the error. Sure enough, the grille vents actually are not as bad as I thought they would be: the low outside corners (not low inside corners...sorry about that!) ARE correctly done. So what went wrong? Why did I misjudge that? Simple, because of another mistake. The following picture is NOT a picture of the Bond 73 Impala Custom Coupe...this is a picture of the "loaded" model with ALL options installed.
http://www.mclellansautomotive.com/photos/B27731.jpg
This is the actual postcard that Chevy gave you with one of these if you bought the real one. I know that because when my grandmother got her yellow Delta 88 Royale, SHE got the postcard for that car; even though she opted against buying fender skirts for that car, it still shows them. However, I ask you to take a look at the bumper overriders and underriders. See how they're slanted a bit? The bottom portion of the bumper, which on the model is almost even with the front bumper should slant inward to the point where the bottom of the grille slats should be almost (BUT NOT QUITE!) even with the actual grille itself. I'm certain that Ixo is going to make this one as part of their Premium X Series, and because the details are resin, you'll see a different bumper. If this really bugs you, you actually CAN buy spare parts from Ixo; I can't imagine the re-designed front bumper wouldn't interchange with the Bond Impala's front bumper. However, I'll end with two HUGE pieces of praise for this car. One that kept it remarkably faithful to the movie (i.e. Ixo doing something I'd not expect) and another that I made a big deal about.
First, the hubcaps and tires. Yeah, something everyone overlooks, but bear with me. The car in the film driven by the bad guy lacked the Chevrolet logos on the hubcaps plus the optional whitewalls. This WAS an option, but it was a pretty unpopular one, and also a strange one in conjunction with whitewall tires. However, to their credit, Ixo faithfully reproduced it. I would've been willing to bet money that they'd have just slapped on the Chevy logos because many more people remember the cars or see them with said logos. Finally, the best praise I can give it: they got the rear window right. Okay, so what? Well, I'll tell you what: in all the years I've seen plastic model kits of these, they're ALWAYS even with the trunk lid (boot lid). In real life, that would make it impossible to open the trunk. Oh, and the rear bumper also has a slight space between it and the trunk lid. Before you say that's shoddy quality control, it's actually 100% correct...that's how Chevy did it in real life (see here: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MiZ-UqDwf6c/TUjN0wsAq6I/AAAAAAAAH4g/VoY24XhAO2U/s1600/1973%2BChevrolet%2BImpala%2BCustom%2BCoupe%2BFormal%2BHardtop%2BChevy%2BFifth%2BGeneration%2BVinyl%2BTop%2B2.jpg and note the missing badge, unfortunately...you can also tell its got the six in it because of the single pipe)! Yet Ixo beat out AMT and Revell by not only allowing the correct clearance, but also pushing the window inward toward the center. THAT was a nice touch. Basically, I'd rate this one right around the Consul (again, we saw some VERY minor detail flaws there with the tail lights and missing badging on THAT model), but its pros heavily outweigh its cons. Its faithfulness to the film is also very impressive, considering Ixo made it. I can't wait to see the PremiumX versions of both of these!!!
I'm fairly sure you expected me to be the fussiest (with good reason...)...yet, perhaps I'm actually not? It's exactly like you say: we have to remember these cars are in 1/43 scale. Unless you're willing to pay literally over $75 (I'm thinking Neo or some of the hand-builts from the Ukraine [especially Vector Models]...which, by the way, are starting to branch out and build European cars and buses and even American cars and buses! Not just East Bloc cars! And these are quite well done, as you'd imagine...), you're not going to get the same kind of detail in ANY 1/43 scale model you will with 1/18 and 1/24. Beating up on the Turkey-Bird is fine because there WAS too little detail and there were actual problems with the model. Beating up on the Impala Custom Coupe because the headlights (which are easily fixed) are crooked or the lower portion on the front bumper isn't as bent inwardly as we want it to be is taking it a little too far.
I am curious how you're going to react to the Econoline Club Wagon, though...a perfect model of the '72 version, but not the '71 version. Bizarrely, Ixo's PremiumX preview photos show the 1971 version with twin opening doors, squared blinker lights, and angled hinges for the hood! I'm surprised they just didn't say "ah, forget it" and do the '72 version, since they did a really nice job on one here!
EDIT: By the way, I forgot to include a pic of the '72 Econoline Club Wagon. They're a bit tough to find due to being favorites of customizers, but here...
http://www.starmanauctions.com/Past%20Auction/Grayson%20Flying%20Service/Grayson%20%20036.jpg
Note the sliding side door (which is actually pretty uncommon as an option) and the hinges for the hood. And the lights (I couldn't get a decent rear photo of a stock Club Wagon). As I said, there's virtually no difference, otherwise, between the 1971 and 1972 models.
I had spoken to GEF on the phone a very long time ago about this, so I'm pleased they've honoured their promise and it has now finally arrived (as they said, 'in the New Year'!)
The windscreen wiper rattling around the display box is easily reinserted into its hole.
I have just compared the two issues - still not convinced about the colour, or the other shortcomings ... in fact it appears to be exactly the same model as the original issue, except now stating the correct film title on the case. Definitely the same manufacturer. Even has the 007 sticker on the case, not seen one of those for a while!
Cheers,
Rhinoman B-)
PS I watched LALD on Tuesday evening - that Mini Moke (issue 24) at the harbour is only on the screen for a very few seconds!
Issues 106 and 107 arrived today. The Ford Consul is a very nice little model, though its ribbed headlights are crooked. The Rolls Silver Shadow is not as bad as a feared. Maybe because it was universally bagged here, but I expected something terrible. But it's not - even the mascot is straight this time. Of course, the colour could have been better. However, my car is missing the baseball bat, oops, I meant antenna on the boot lid. It did not come off in transit - it was literally never there. There is not a trace of glue in the hole. Now a real dilemma: should I request a replacement, even though I will probably end up making a better antenna myself? Or should I let it go? I have decided that this is clearly a case of very bad QC and will be asking for a replacement.
Great reviews. You know a lot about US cars. I know something, but your specific knowledge is very helpful.
One point about Neo - yes, they make good models. I have four of them, the four must-haves for me (1991 BMW M5, 1993 BMW M5, 1981 BMW M535i and VW Golf Rallye). There are others I would quite like, but only if I can find them for say 50% of RRP.
My point - even Neo makes mistakes. The E34 M5 has very few external differences to the rest of the E34 5 series range, so on a model it's obviously extremely important to get these differences right. One of the big giveaways is that the M5 has a black panel between the rear lights, and the other 5 series don't. Neo missed this; it's body colour. I very rarely modify my models, but on this occasion I felt compelled, and the cars look much better for it. So out of my 4 Neo models, I have had to modify two.
I won't bore people with specifics, but other manufacturers whose products I have had to modify include Minichamps, Spark, Premium Classixxs (yes it is spelled that way) and even BBR.
I think I know why some of these errors occur - bad research. I can imagine that the head of production is given photos of the cars from both ends, and they are actually different cars. This often results in one of my greatest annoyances, as it is so easy for them to get right, and they so often don't - cars with clear turn signals at one end and amber on the other. models of BMWs most often suffer from this, with Porsche as probably the runner up.
Manufacturers, please take note! Collectors notice these errors - these are not 99cent cars from Wal Mart!
Thank you! I can also do this for East Bloc cars when they do come along in this collection (one of the reasons the ZIL-117 thrilled me so much, aside from its presence in the collection, was its incredible attention to detail, even though it had an antenna, spoked wheels, and solid black tires [the movie version was missing the antenna, had solid hubcaps, and whitewalls]...having seen pretty extensive photographic documentation of the ZIL-117 and spoken to people who've seen the real thing, as a car, it was probably the most realistic in the collection, missing only the hood ornament, which you can easily add with an aftermarket parts kit).
Yes, Neo does indeed make mistakes, I've noticed they either get the first model of a given car right and the subsequent models (including derivatives of a given model) wrong or, if they screwed up the first model, then they actually do a really nice job on the subsequent models. The two respective examples of this, I would say, are the Volvo 164 (the original green model was terrific and it's sort of devolved from there...for example, the US version incorrectly has TWO SETS OF TURN SIGNALS instead of grille assemblies replacing the European turn signals) and the GAZ-22 Volga Station Wagon (the first one was done pretty much like an early Scaldia-Volga, but had the wrong ride height and wrong grille bars, plus the badging was the wrong font; the second one in beige corrected the ride height, but it was still a Scaldia-Volga with wrong font badging and still had issues with the grille bars, and whilst the third one [two-tone green] was FINALLY corrected regarding all issues, they only decided to sell it in Russia and the Ukraine).
If I could add some Bond-related ones, I can speak to two noticeable errors on Minichamps cars. Regarding the '71 Ford Mustang Mach I "Clydesdale", the front wheels are set back just a LITTLE bit too much. It's not a big deal, even for Minichamps, but it looks like the car is braking hard (I guess if you wanted a car coming to a halt in front of a headlight or just noticing a huge traffic jam, it would look pretty realistic). Also, for the Lotus Esprit, the front and rear tires are NOT the exact same size. As for Premium Classixxs, I've noticed they used to have a lot of issues with ride height, although they are straightening that out (look at some of their newest stuff). Spark's problems usually consist of misplaced and/or oversized badging. They also sometimes (but not always) have issues with ride height. For an example where they were forced to go back to the drawing board and finally released a model as close to perfect in 1/43 as you'll get, they spent three years RE-DESIGNING the 1959 Cadillac El Dorado Biarritz Convertible (basically, they wanted to do the ultimate '59 Caddy), and since that car was in the parking lot in DN, it does have a slight Bond connection.
Another big one I've noticed is bad angles if they shoot photos of the same car. I'd be willing to bet that that's why we saw the lower portion of the front bumper on the '73 Impala Custom Coupe the way we did. Sometimes when only one photo (or even one literal example) of a car is available, you actually wind up with a skewed-looking car. Brooklin's first model of the '54 Chevy 210 Handyman Station Wagon, for example, was totally wrong in its trim level. This was the tan one where it was deleted REALLY quickly (the green one is correct). As it turns out, they'd VERY faithfully recreated a restored 1954 Chevy 210 Handyman, but the car itself wasn't restored properly; for example, it lacked too much chrome. With that said, had they proper access to a correct car (which they eventually got), they would have done (and did do) the job correctly. But you're right about Neo, Minichamps, and Ixo: to wit, they sometimes can't find correct angles or get two seperate photos of cars and screw up. The Kultowe Auta (Ixo for Polish DeAgostini) Lada 2108 Samara was a really nice model...but it was missing the badging on the trunk lid because they didn't have access to any photos of the correct badging! I had to add a decal! Interestingly, when the five-door hatchback version came along, the Lada 2109 Samara, the badging was flawless.
We do, of course, but it really depends on the circumstances of the error. For example, Brooklin's Chevy 210 Handyman error was not something I'm going to get on Brooklin for because they thought everything was right and even modelled off an actual car. Plus they corrected it really quickly. On the other hand, Minichamps giving the Lotus Esprit different-sized tires is quite a bit less forgiveable (and wouldn't you know it? Universal Hobbies made the EXACT SAME ERROR in the JBCC...I guess they bought the Minichamps model? Strangely, their Mustang Mach I is fine.). And sometimes, it sort of lies in a gray area in between...where a noticeable error is made but you can't really fault the manufacturer (DiP Models' GAZ-63 4x4 Truck seems to be an example of this regarding the thickness of the front of the hood because of a TINY calculation error when downsizing the plaster model that started out at 1/32 scale, although ever since a crane literally dropped the packing crate carrying them and destroyed about 75% of the production run, they've announced the error WILL be corrected on the re-manufactured model and they've even shown pre-production samples where it's been fixed). In those latter cases, the manufacturers DO take note, and sometimes even actively say "we know this is not quite right, we're sorry, and we're discounting the model" (Schuco has done this a few times by moving the models to their Schuco Junior line at the last moment). Context, in this case, is everything.
Ask for a replacement and keep it sealed in the box. The one you have? Make a replacement antenna for it out of very thin wire. I would recommend using very thin electrical wiring, stripping off the insulation, and then using Permanent Loctite, Gorilla Glue, or some other form of cyanoacrylate-based glue (Super Glue, Krazy Glue, etc.) to attach the antenna. I'll bet if you found a junked Solido 1/43 Corniche, you could also add infinitely better-looking wheels, too.
EDITED TO ADD (and MovieCarFan, I think you might be happy with this): Very strangely, Kultowe Auta PRL-u now has a Willys MB Jeep on their schedule. Yes, I know, the Polish Army got these from the Soviet Army, who in turn got them via Lend Lease, but we also see a completely new top (up as opposed to down) for the Ixo-designed Jeep. Granted, Kish was driving a Willys M38 in GF, but the two parts required to turn an MB into an M38 are, basically, a new windshield (a seperate part) and a new grille (also a seperate part). I find it VERY odd that they'd go out of their way to do so much work on a vehicle that could have simply been left "as-is" with the top down and the windshield being the only change by Ixo unless it were meant for another series.
Oh, it works...
http://www.ajb007.co.uk/post/478501/#p478501
http://www.ajb007.co.uk/post/479397/#p479397
Code 3'ing done by me. You have to use the Solido axles, BTW. That means you have to widen the axle channels, though not by much. I just used trial and error.
I think this actually correct. There is a tv programme on uk tv where they restore modern classics. This was a problem they encountered when restoring the real thing. I think it is only pertains to certain model/model years.
This might be of interest:
http://www.spitfireg1.f9.co.uk/15-02-2005/conversion/hardway.htm
It's a 13/60 featured but basically the same animal as a Herald. I was thinking if you took a Vanguards Herald and used the pics on this webpage as guidance, it should be possible to create a convertible version by lopping the roof off as suggested.
Thanks for that - hopefully we might be seeing it in the JBCC then. If not, I for one am always interested to hear about Willys Jeeps, real ones or model ones. Actually, thinking about it (sorry, this is going off topic) a WW2 Willys Jeep in 1.8 scale would make a great partwork similar to the current DB5. Could you imagine all the weaponry, accessories, field equipment options that could go with it? No doubt even a working canvas hood!
I received the Osprey DAD hovercraft the other day (cherry picking again) and was surprised to find out that the propellor actually works when you blow on it. (I should add that I did this because of the same habit when buying model WW2 aircraft and idly blowing on the propellors to see if they spin!) Does anybody else know of any other JBCC models having hidden 'working features'?
Oh, I blow on propellers too! I'm sure that the Hawk works the same. Apart from that I think the only other working fetures are the wheels - they actually turn on most cars!
You can add me to that group! Virtually all unbuilt 1/48 scale and 1/72 scale model airplanes with propellers are manufactured so that the builder winds up with turning props on his model.
No problem! Figured you'd like that. The only question in my mind, looking at the partwork schedules, is whether this one winds up in the JBCC or in Ixo Classic or Ixo Museum. Although I did make one error: the top is an existing (albeit obscure) mould. It appeared in the La Route Bleue series in the diorama with the US Army surplus Jeep. Still, Ixo's moulds, when re-used or even partially re-used, have a bit of a habit of coinciding with another release.
Very interesting. Do you know which model years? The film franchise has actually had three Esprits, not two. Bond's Esprits were 1976 (TSWLM, and I think this was the one Minichamps did), 1980 (his white one in FYEO), and 1981 (the red one that replaces the white one in FYEO).
The Minichamps and Fabbri Esprit S1 look as if they have 15" front and 13" rear (I have not measured that, it's just the look). Not the best models from Fabbri and Minichamps.
The S1 had 195/70-14 front and 205/70-14 rear tyres. So the model could even have the same tyres all round (but not the wheels as the rear are much deeper) as 10 millimeters difference wouldn't really show in 1/43.
Both FYEO cars were very early Turbos having the 4-lug Compomotive wheels (very soon changed to 5-lug BBS). The white was a Lotus development car, I think the same is true for the bronze Turbo.
The Turbos used 195/60-15 and 235/60-15 so the rear tyres are much wider and also higher than the front. Again, the rear wheels are much deeper. The Fabbri Turbos use the same wheels and tyres front and rear while the Minichamps Turbo is correct here (and captures the shape of the car much better).
And regarding Neo: They have an Audi 200 (no. 43038) which could be of interest to some Bond collectors. I was particularly unhappy (back on page 79) with the TLD Audi as the model is more an Audi V8 than the Audi 200 Exclusiv. Neo have a model of the Audi 200 quattro 20V - in the same "Steingrau" (stone grey) as the 200 Exclusiv in TLD. That's a strange colour which changes between grey and a bronze tint in certain angles and lighting, and the model does exactly that (unlike the silver-grey of the Fabbri model). Pictures are from www.modelissimo.de:
Not a perfect match for the TLD Audi, as the 20V used the U.S. front bumper instead of the regular European 200 bumper to distinguish it from the less powerful versions. But otherwise the Neo model looks like a 200 and not like a V8 which is an improvement. The fender flares of the 20V were a little more prominent but in 1/43 they match the Exclusiv quite well. Flush door handles, side repeater lights and trunk lock are different from the TLD Audi as the 20V came after the 1988 facelift.
Wheels have to be changed to BBS spokes (but not from the Fabbri Audi as these are probably the worst wheels of the whole JBCC - a one-piece plastic wheel without separate tyre like a Matchbox Superfast or Corgi Whizzwheel), and the Neo 6-spoke wheels are perfect for a TLD Audi 200 Avant code 3 (using Minichamps' 100 Avant).
I have to say that I am not too impressed with the Neo's details. Sometimes less is more: The rear window frame and the chrome strips above the bumpers and side moulding are quite wobbly - a silver print would be much better than that. The rear window defroster wires are too obvious and look more like laser beams from some FYEO-inspired burglar protection system. Horrible: the rear emblems - crudely cut-out transparent film which seems to be one millimeter thick. I thought this was some sort of transport protection for the delicate chrome emblems but if you remove that film - gone is the delicate chrome emblem ;% uh, so what, the TLD Audi had a different text anyway ...
I'm not surprised (I'd think it would make for a rather lousy-feeling ride...), but I know so little about Lotus Esprits that I don't feel qualified to comment too terribly much about them.
This, basically, is what I meant when I referred to the Volvo 164 where the first model issued was a really well done car and then they started modifying it with horrendous results (i.e. the US import version). The only thing I might disagree with are the defroster wires...I have the Audi 100 with the same rear window and can say for certain that modelissimo's photo doesn't do it justice. The Audi 200 Quattro 20V's mould started out as said Audi 100 Typ 44 mould. THAT was a nicely done car, which you can see here...
http://www.modelissimo.de/Onlineshop/ModelissimoDetailansicht.php4?Ident=1296925948&Artikelnummer=32931
I have the taxi variant which I just thought looked really nice. The problem was that Neo decided to make its 200 mould on the 100. The side moulding, I guess, may look wobbly in the eye of the individual beholder, but as you can see, they did a nicer job with the rear window trim...the reason you're seeing wobbly-looking rear window trim on the 200 is because that mould started out as a 100 mould, which has *slightly* different trim. As for the "protective film", I completely agree. To be honest, it looks like they moulded over the Audi 100 badging! The reason the fender flaring is incorrect was because they literally added the flaring to the 100 mould! To be honest, I've yet to see awful badging like that on my Neo American cars, but if I do, well...I just hope I don't.
1965 Ford Thunderbird TB
1968 Mercedes Benz (W115) TMWTGG
VAZ 2106 Zhiguli – militsia police car GE
1974 Mercedes Benz 450 SEL FYEO
1975 Austin FX4 OP
1959 Austin A55 Cambridge Dr. No
1956 Mercedes Benz 220 S GF
1964 Lincoln Continental Stretched Limo TB
1986 Lada Niva VAZ-2121L TWINE
Lada VAZ-2105 TLD
1968 Mercedes Benz 200D FYEO
Volga M-24 OP
Dodge M-43 Ambulance – the laser carrying vehicle GF
1959 Plymouth Savoy – (Istanbul taxi) FRWL
1973 Chevrolet Bel Air LALD
1986 Dodge Ram LTK
1961 Chevrolet 30 Series 1-Ton truck FRWL
1964 Morris Minor Convertible Thunderball
1960 Ford Ranch Wagon FRWL
1986 Wales & Edward Rangemaster – milkfloat TLD
I have to say the list looks interesting, especially if the models are to be made by Ixo. But I'm not sure I will want them all... It also looks like Fabbri wants to cover all bases and did not include any models from next year's new production. I sense another extension! After so many I will be surprised if that was it...
www.justgiving.com/inMemoryOfLewisCollins
www.helpforheroes.org.uk
I WAS only joking about 'Christine' but a FRWL 59 Savoy is as near as dammit!! - I shall buy a second copy plus some red paint
I reckon the list is generally interesting with quite a few of our suggestions seemingly taken on board from the look of it (the milkfloat being a distinct example). I think personally the GF Merc should be the 180D, which would make more sense to accompany the 'about to crash' DB5. The LTK Ram would be good if they at least distress it to look like it's been burned. The stretched Lincoln would be brilliant. FRWL Ranch Wagon and Chevy Truck sound good as does the Dodge ambulance. Not so convinced about the '68 Mercs, 73 Bel Air or the London Taxi - could be a tad bland? As for the Minor drophead - surely Vanguards have done that to death haven't they? And where's my GF Willys Jeep??? X-(
D110 - when I googled (images) 'VAZ 2106 Zhiguli – militsia police car GE' it came up with almost a complete page of photos from your table-top collections!!!!