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
Ok guys had time to look at the list properly. Not many gems as I expected, the Dodge M-43 and Milkfloat stand out as highlights and the blunderbird as we have seen plus the Morris Minor are also ran. The Morris Minor is an iconic car but has been so overproduced by diecast manufacturers in the UK. I am a diecast enthusiast and also a classic car enthusiast and this is one of my least favourite cars both in reality and as a model. Its that popular look up classic car in a UK dictionary and you may see the definition as a Morris Minor ...i jest of course.
It would be a pity if all the issues above are missing figures and have dioramas of lesser standard. However overall the list is not bad and I will happily continue my subscription.
I think this is a Velox. The PA Cresta's were normally two tone. I have a Corgi/Vanguard 'Velox' in the same green as in your jpeg above.
Depends on if you're looking through "Bond-centric" or "car-centric" glasses. I'm not entirely clear on which simply because you criticize the Morris Minor, which actually did have a decent-sized role in TB (at least as big as that relatively car-thin film had) and sorta have a car-centric bent to your post. I'd have preferred the Triumph Herald (nice reprise of the Dinky hardtop coupe, which is desirable and iconic among Dinky Toys collecting circles) or even another '65 Lincoln Continental (because Virgil Exner could basically do no wrong when it came to the Continental...I say that only half-kiddingly).
If you're looking for vehicles that "span" car-centrism and Bond-centrism, I think the best five choices were the Dodge M43 (like I said, they just picked another La Salle/Miller Hearse), the Chevrolet 1-Ton Pickup, the Wales & Edwards Rangemaster, the Dodge Ram Pickup, and the Mercedes-Benz 220S "Oddjob", in that order. BTW, I'm NOT criticizing you...PLEASE don't think I am...but I am curious as to what angle you're coming from/am not quite clear.
However, with regard to the last part of the last sentence here only, I think you're reading it wrong: being a Bond-fan and being an extreme car-centric are not mutually exclusive. If they were, then I wouldn't be posting here.
As I posted just before, I think we're probably made up of different balances of the two sides and probably not even consistently. The first I knew of James Bond as a small child was Corgi's all singing all dancing DB5, long before I understood the movies, at a time when I just loved cars.
As I grew up I began to appreciate the movies, sometimes more than the cars, and vice-versa. This is reflected in cherry picking the JBCC, I'll have anything from GF because I love the movie, whereas other choices are a bit of a paradox - I hate OP but really like the Alfa and the Merc on rails.
No, what I was commenting on was the likely puzzling at Fabbri trying to figure out exactly where the target market for the JBCC currently lies - Bond fans or car nuts. Clearly it isn't as simple as that!
Depends on if you're looking through "Bond-centric" or "car-centric" glasses. I'm not entirely clear on which simply because you criticize the Morris Minor, which actually did have a decent-sized role in TB (at least as big as that relatively car-thin film had) and sorta have a car-centric bent to your post. I'd have preferred the Triumph Herald (nice reprise of the Dinky hardtop coupe, which is desirable and iconic among Dinky Toys collecting circles) or even another '65 Lincoln Continental (because Virgil Exner could basically do no wrong when it came to the Continental...I say that only half-kiddingly).
If you're looking for vehicles that "span" car-centrism and Bond-centrism, I think the best five choices were the Dodge M43 (like I said, they just picked another La Salle/Miller Hearse), the Chevrolet 1-Ton Pickup, the Wales & Edwards Rangemaster, the Dodge Ram Pickup, and the Mercedes-Benz 220S "Oddjob", in that order. BTW, I'm NOT criticizing you...PLEASE don't think I am...but I am curious as to what angle you're coming from/am not quite clear.
Yep, it's a PA Velox. The chrome trim level and hubcaps are also different from the Velox to the Cresta.
I think there may be an 'over the pond' thing going on here. Like diecast007 I couldn't care less about a Morris Minor. In my case because of seeing too many around here in the UK, not liking them (the very worst car I ever drove was a borrowed Minor), sitting in traffic queues caused by them, and I had a brand new car 'hit and run' by one once. That sort of thing colours your opinion even if one of the things has been in a Bond movie. And they are painfully over modelled already. But I'm a sucker for US cars as are many other collectors in the UK, and I bet the same thing applies - there's probably many vehicles over there that you guys hate but are fascinating to us in the UK or Europe.
(I'm just waiting for the Morris Minor Owners Club hate-mail now!)
No, what I was commenting on was the likely puzzling at Fabbri trying to figure out exactly where the target market for the JBCC currently lies - Bond fans or car nuts. Clearly it isn't as simple as that!
Sorry, I get ya. In that case, I would say they're probably going for casual Bond fans (or, in some cases like me, real, genuine Bond fans who've even read Ian Fleming...) who happen to be absolute car nuts.
I think there may be an 'over the pond' thing going on here. Like diecast007 I couldn't care less about a Morris Minor. In my case because of seeing too many around here in the UK, not liking them (the very worst car I ever drove was a borrowed Minor), sitting in traffic queues caused by them, and I had a brand new car 'hit and run' by one once. That sort of thing colours your opinion even if one of the things has been in a Bond movie. And they are painfully over modelled already. But I'm a sucker for US cars as are many other collectors in the UK, and I bet the same thing applies - there's probably many vehicles over there that you guys hate but are fascinating to us in the UK or Europe.
I actually aimed that post not just toward the Minor and can actually understand that, but also things where they were not mentioned as gems and I'm not sure why (the '61 Chevrolet 1-Ton Truck, the Mercedes-Benz 450SEL [not only Locque's car, but also remember that it was the top of the line of the first REAL S-Class], Mercedes-Benz 220S, and the Dodge Ram Pickup come to mind).
The only Minor 1000 (I'll get to that distinction in a moment) models I've liked are the basic model from Corgi's first release as well as the two that were featured in the Corgi Vanguards "Hidden Treasures" Series...where one was rusting to powder and the other was undergoing a complete rebuild. I also liked one other Minor model enough to get it, but that's been it (although some of the vans appeal to me ONLY because of the products they advertise).
If you're curious if in the US we have a model like this...it depends. Some people will tell you the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, but without exception it's "because they can't get it right" and the real '57 Bel Air is one of the most iconic cars in American history. Amazingly, the DN 1957 Chevy Bel Air actually GOT IT RIGHT. Therefore, despite being modelled so often, this is actually one of my favorite models in the entire collection for the reason that they got it right! Likewise the '59 Cadillac, although Spark's new 1/43 scale model seems to be passing the "let's go over it with a jeweler's loupe" test, so that model may finally be embraced (most people I know also like the Franklin Mint model, though good luck finding one that isn't overpriced).
Most of the models I keep thinking of are condemned not because they were awful in real life, but because they were repeatedly butchered by the model companies making them. Even things like the AMC Pacer are getting a warm reception (that one having just been released by Neo and even though you hated the real thing, you just can't help but love the model). Heck, even the Japanese imports of the mid-1970's or Code 3'd Yugo 45's from Kultowe Auta are generally looked at as "nostalgic pieces of junk." But there is ONE model I can think of where the real deal isn't that well liked and neither are most models: the Volkswagen Beetle.
Now, I'm not talking about obscure variants like the just-post-War version with fender skirts, the Wehrmacht models put out by Vitesse/Victoria (in fact, these sell VERY well), the Hebmueller Cabriolets, the Volkswagen-TAS 1200J's made for Yugoslavia and (briefly) exported to Romania and Poland to become "The Communist Volkswagen", or even the MexiBeetle since it was generally perceived as weird. Polizei Beetles and Beetle Taxis (so long as they're clearly based on real cars) also don't really bother people. I'm talking about your late '50's through mid '70's Bugs. I along with many modellists I know have this opinion of that car, plus we tend to believe it's been absolutely done to death (although I'd love to see a Hebmueller Cabriolet with the optional fender skirts...but that's a whole different car). So I guess we sort of have a parellel to the Beetle.
But then, and again, this is a parallel, I imagine you probably don't absolutely hate the Morris Minor MM, which was the one made from 1948-1953 or Minor Series II made from 1954-1956, and neither look anything like the 1000 (though admittedly, they combined for just over half a million cars produced). Likewise, if anyone ever modelled the Durable Car Minor still built in Sri Lanka that's gotten a few facelifts and looks truly bizarre, you might at least pick that up and take a look at it.
But there is ONE model I can think of where the real deal isn't that well liked and neither are most models: the Volkswagen Beetle.
In all the years I've been driving, I've only ever been hit by two cars - one was a Morris Minor, guess what what the other one was? Yep, a 70s Beetle. Dented my front quarter panel, totally trashed his steering and front near-side suspension. I still like the OHMSS Beetle diorama though.....!
Do you have any links to the Sri Lankan Minor? I'd be curious to see it -
Most seem to be externally based on the MM Minors rather than the Minor 1000's. However, they apparently incorporate a mixture of newly-built parts, original MM parts, and the familiar Minor 1000 parts. Note that while we get a split screen, the wipers seem pretty different from an MM. Also, it could just be me, but I thought the MM had wheels colored to match the body (whereas here, you see wheels that are seemingly cream-colored or not painted). Enjoy Sri Lanka's interpretation of the Minor! )
I think any rivalry between Hornby and Oxford is exaggerated. Oxford supply the whole Hornby 1/76 Skaledale models range which many thought would be terminated when Corgi was bought and brought with them their trackside range. In fact Trackside has had few new models since the takeover and skaledale keeps releasing new models from Oxford. Hornby has no production facilities and sub-contracts all model manufacturing so it may be that IXO actually do building for the Corgi range so Hornby can avoid cost of developing its own moulds. My impression is that Hornby was keener on the aircraft side of Corgi's business than the cars - they certainly have developed only a limited number of moulds in 1/43 and 1/76 in last two years.
I imagine Hornby would be happy to get any revenue out of old moulds. The whole toyfair market here is awash with Corgi models made a couple of years ago that have never been sold so there is no point whatsoever in trying to release them again in their own range. I will be keeping an eye open for that Velox at the next NEC toyfair. The Tourer they did for the Lovejoy (UK TV detective series for Overseas readers) tie-in was quite good and with a few tweaks would be better than some of the UH JBCC models.
UK Minor 1000 was often fitted with White/Cream painted wheels rather than body colour from memory.
I agree though for UK buyers Morris Minor and FX4 have been done to death, but nicely done with even marginal Bond connection I am sure that they will sell.
Still waiting for my econoline - wonder if they are waiting for a second run after newstrade orders cleared them out?
the Database Factory said that for Brits the back issues will available up until three months after the whole thing eventually finishes
Unless, of course, you're missing issues 75 to 80, as Database Factory have sold out of those (for some reason) and will never be getting any more.
I see today that issue 76 (Ranchero) is available again as a back order in the UK. I'm fairly sure that the others in that range (except possibly #75) will also become available again as stock makes its way back from markets like South Africa and New Zealand where those issues were just recently issued.
I think any rivalry between Hornby and Oxford is exaggerated. Oxford supply the whole Hornby 1/76 Skaledale models range which many thought would be terminated when Corgi was bought and brought with them their trackside range. In fact Trackside has had few new models since the takeover and skaledale keeps releasing new models from Oxford. Hornby has no production facilities and sub-contracts all model manufacturing so it may be that IXO actually do building for the Corgi range so Hornby can avoid cost of developing its own moulds. My impression is that Hornby was keener on the aircraft side of Corgi's business than the cars - they certainly have developed only a limited number of moulds in 1/43 and 1/76 in last two years.
I really don't know what the deal is regarding Corgi vs. Oxford. The only thing I can tell you with any deal of knowledge is that Ixo does want to compete against Oxford's 1/43 line using a combination of Ixo Museum and a new line called PremiumX Diecast (which I know for a fact we're going to be seeing a lot more of since this is how they plan to launch a ton of the JBCC models...it's supposedly going to be on par with Ist [thus far Ixo's most detail-intensive line] and likely even more detailed...all the details and not just the wiper blades will supposedly be photoetched). PremiumX Diecast WILL probably kill off Ixo Classic, for what that's worth, or at least turn it in a radically different direction.
I imagine Hornby would be happy to get any revenue out of old moulds. The whole toyfair market here is awash with Corgi models made a couple of years ago that have never been sold so there is no point whatsoever in trying to release them again in their own range. I will be keeping an eye open for that Velox at the next NEC toyfair. The Tourer they did for the Lovejoy (UK TV detective series for Overseas readers) tie-in was quite good and with a few tweaks would be better than some of the UH JBCC models.
It would be nice to see Ixo buying up Corgi's moulds and doing their own take on them (read: PremiumX). However, in regard to that particular Velox, for some reason, it's VERY difficult to find. In the last six months on eBay, I've seen THREE: two in the UK and one in Australia. One was sold at auction, the other two were BIN's (one of which, the one in the UK, sold within a day of being listed). The one in Oz might still be listed, though.
UK Minor 1000 was often fitted with White/Cream painted wheels rather than body colour from memory.
Sorry, I didn't put that very well. I meant the MM's that seem to be prevalent in Sri Lanka, not the 1000's (which I know had white or cream wheels). Maybe they're using 1000 wheels to build them? Wouldn't be too hard to imagine and would almost certainly be cheaper.
I agree though for UK buyers Morris Minor and FX4 have been done to death, but nicely done with even marginal Bond connection I am sure that they will sell.
Regarding the FX4 mould by Ixo, you probably saw the London version in Altaya's Taxis of the World partwork and it was pretty bad for Ixo. It had the early '60's tail lights, the rear windows lacked chrome, and the hubcaps were too small. Later on in the series, they did re-use the mould for Dublin and they corrected the windows and tail lights to produce an overall nice model, but I believe it still had issues with the hubcaps, so I'm hoping Ixo gets that one right.
Still waiting for my econoline - wonder if they are waiting for a second run after newstrade orders cleared them out?
That's probably it. It sold very well in the US and the dealers kept going back to the suppliers for more. Like I said, it's a terrific model of the '72 Econoline...although what we saw in the film was a '71 (not that there's much difference between the two, as I explained in a prior post...Ixo will keep the sliding door and hood hinges, plus all of the '72 details regarding lights and badging [since badging was the same on the Club Wagons]). The really funny thing is that from what I'm hearing, Ixo isn't even sure whether to package their PremiumX Diecast model (you'll see that later this year, since it's done in two paint schemes...you'll also see at least one Ford Bronco II and possibly up to THREE Ford Country Squires, though they will stagger the release of these) as a '71 or a '72!
Good luck to IXO competing with Oxford. To do that they will need to pull their current prices right down. At present Museum range is nearly £30 GBP and Oxford max is about £21. They are closer to Minichamps/Norev in price and sales in that market place are really tough.
I really can't see them shifting large numbers of ex-Bond Collection cars here - even if nicely upgraded - if prices are significantly higher. Apart from the fact that many will already have the models the market place for cars above £20 in the UK is limited, those spending more tend to gravitate towards Brooklin, Neo and now Silas Models.
I agree with the above but initially am disappointed that IXO are just adapting existing models of East European or American trucks or 4x4s and then a Morris Minor and a London Taxi. To us British these lack any novelty, although they might appeal to Americans, just as I like the old American cars because they're classics.
The few ones with a Bond "Novelty" factor are the Lincoln Continental, the GF Laser Ambulance and the Milkfloat!
The others seem like relatively dull cars. An Austin Cambridge is ordinary-and obscure in Bond film terms.
I would still wish for Draco's blue Rolls Royce convertible, but perhaps they don't have one in the IXO back catalogue!
I have to decide whether to reject some, or collect just for completion reasons.
I am both a Bond fan since 1968, and a car design enthusiast.
Bleuville. "one chance-where can I find Ernst Stavro Blofeld?" DAF
I'm suprised by our Pommy friends' lack of enthusiasm for the London Taxi. Unlike the VW Beetle or Morris Minor, I can't say that it has been done to death. Apart from the AutoArt 1/18 and Welly 1/24 scale models, Corgi did it a long time ago in what is close to 1/43 scale, but it was a very early version. And that's about it, until the Altaya 1/43 model! From the next extension it is the Taxi and the milkfloat that I'm certainly going to get, with all the others I'm not so sure.
Apologies in advance for the slightly off-topic nature of this....
I saw figures somewhere not so long ago on the expected life of a diecast mould (as opposed to a resin mould) and they are good for about half-a-million pressings, if I remember correctly.
Some of Corgi's 1/43 moulds have certainly seen a lot of service - like two of the old Lledo-sourced moulds (i.e. 1996/7 vintage) for the Mini Cooper and the Ford Anglia 307E Van. One contract that Corgi did, under the Lledo Promotionals brand in the mid-2000s, was for 65,000 units of the Anglia Van for the Hilti company.
I just don't see Corgi selling off any of these old moulds. The way I see it, the more moulds a company has in its "arsenal" the better placed it is to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. In Corgi's case, their vast range of Days Gone, Haulers, Omnibus and old Vanguards moulds are available for company promotional sales which, as in the case of Hilti mentioned above, can be high-unit sales.
Corgi is currently doing a run of models for the GPO (red vans) at 5,000 items per van, and also doing a "UK police car" series for Atlas which probably runs to even higher figures on the initial models - the first of which was the Jaguar Mk.II from its 1988-vintage mould. In an article I saw on the Zindart factory near Hong Kong (where most of Corgi's production is done) the storeroom for Corgi moulds was shown, where each mould is neatly boxed along with its accessory moulds and instructions.
As for Corgi vs. Oxford, I would say that Corgi has advanced a decade in its current focus (as far as 1/43 goes) and is now producing mostly models of the 70s & 80s, whereas Oxford appears to be more focussed on the 50s & 60s.
Some of Corgi's current 1/43 models have been determined by its Colin McRae Collection (e.g. Subaru Impreza, who would have thought 4 years ago that would appear as a Vanguards?), but now that that series is coming to an end, it will be interesting to see what direction the company is taking when the next catalogue is released in January 2012. A surprise of the August 2011 announcements was the 1990s-era Peugeot 205 ... the thinking APPEARS to be that if the 1:1 sold well and certain models were extremely popular, then it will make it into the model range. Maybe I'm going to get my Ford Escort Mk.VI after all
Good luck to IXO competing with Oxford. To do that they will need to pull their current prices right down.
Seeing as their MSRP in the United States is $34.95 for PremiumX Diecast and Museum is closer to $29.95, that's almost exactly 21 GBP and 19 GBP, respectively. If they move their British prices down to the equivalent of US prices, it's certainly doable.
The few ones with a Bond "Novelty" factor are the Lincoln Continental, the GF Laser Ambulance and the Milkfloat!
What about Locque's 450SEL? I can't think of FYEO without thinking of that car. Or Bond dodging helicopter-launched grenades in FRWL in the Chevrolet 1-Ton Pickup (which practically got blown up)? That was one heck of a chase scene! Both cars actually appeared much longer on screen than the Lincoln Continental Lehmann-Peterson Executive Limousine.
I would still wish for Draco's blue Rolls Royce convertible, but perhaps they don't have one in the IXO back catalogue!
Ixo will do any 1/43 car that they can reproduce. If Rolls-Royce said they could distribute the car elsewhere, they'd do it in a heartbeat. The problem is that RR is SUPER-finicky about who it lets make Rolls-Royce models. Schuco (but only as TrueScale Miniatures), Minichamps, and Solido are the only three companies to my knowledge aside from the Chinese resin modelmakers that can make Rollers in 1/43.
I saw figures somewhere not so long ago on the expected life of a diecast mould (as opposed to a resin mould) and they are good for about half-a-million pressings, if I remember correctly.
Completely correct, but here's the thing: that's counting maintenance performed on said mould. When I spoke of a mould being damaged, I didn't mean "no longer capable of moulding cars." What I meant was that work had to be done so that sharp corners don't start becoming too rounded or developing mould flash. The infamous Lada 1200 mould was actually flawed to begin with, I believe, and did literally break so that is a bad example. However, the GAZ-M21 Volga and Mercedes-Benz W111 moulds were certainly not flawed from the start and merely produced "less-sharp" models rather than broke. Both underwent tremendous wear and had to have repair work done to both of them before each model could be re-launched.
I had thought I had heard that Corgi and Zindart had a significant bust up over Corgi failing to pay for work prior to Hornby takeover and Corgi had to move production elsewhere. Of course such rumours may not be true and I do not have actual proof that this is the case....
Dalko no-one ever reduces UK prices to US levels the market isn't big enough to bear it. If IXO did sell at round the £20 mark clearly they would be a challenge to Oxford but I just can't see it. But as they say "we will see"
As far as the FX4 is concerned Welly also did a 1/43 about 2 years ago and it is a very good model too of later FX4. I have it so I am less concerned about the Taxi but expect I will still get one.
I'm suprised by our Pommy friends' lack of enthusiasm for the London Taxi. Unlike the VW Beetle or Morris Minor, I can't say that it has been done to death. Apart from the AutoArt 1/18 and Welly 1/24 scale models, Corgi did it a long time ago in what is close to 1/43 scale, but it was a very early version. And that's about it, until the Altaya 1/43 model! From the next extension it is the Taxi and the milkfloat that I'm certainly going to get, with all the others I'm not so sure.
For Brits, the London taxi is a bit like giving French people model Eiffel Towers. Corgi produced said taxi for YEARS in 1.36 scale and you couldn't move for the things. From classy model stores to supermarkets, retail stores and fleamarkets, they were everywhere - especially anywhere an unsuspecting visitor to our shores might tread. They usually appeared in some sort of combination souvenir set with a London bus and an incredibly bad Concorde model, but also in other kitsch versions too.
True, this one will be in 1.43 scale but it just means a smaller yawn really. The smashed LALD bus would be much better.
I'm suprised by our Pommy friends' lack of enthusiasm for the London Taxi. Unlike the VW Beetle or Morris Minor, I can't say that it has been done to death. Apart from the AutoArt 1/18 and Welly 1/24 scale models, Corgi did it a long time ago in what is close to 1/43 scale, but it was a very early version. And that's about it, until the Altaya 1/43 model! From the next extension it is the Taxi and the milkfloat that I'm certainly going to get, with all the others I'm not so sure.
For Brits, the London taxi is a bit like giving French people model Eiffel Towers. Corgi produced said taxi for YEARS in 1.36 scale and you couldn't move for the things. From classy model stores to supermarkets, retail stores and fleamarkets, they were everywhere - especially anywhere an unsuspecting visitor to our shores might tread. They usually appeared in some sort of combination souvenir set with a London bus and an incredibly bad Concorde model, but also in other kitsch versions too.
True, this one will be in 1.43 scale but it just means a smaller yawn really. The smashed LALD bus would be much better.
Of course, missed the Corgi 1/36 - even though I had one! It was great as a toy, but not so good as a model - form instance, front and rear lights were only painted - something that today is hard to accept even in 1/43 scale. There were also little Matchbox taxis and a number of cheap Chinese versions, but as a really good model the London Taxi has been strangely underrepresented. Maybe model manufacturers thought that the market was too saturated with toy versions? Your comparison to the Eiffel Tower is very accurate! Plenty of tacky versions all over Paris, but good luck finding a nice model of it...
Dalko no-one ever reduces UK prices to US levels the market isn't big enough to bear it. If IXO did sell at round the £20 mark clearly they would be a challenge to Oxford but I just can't see it. But as they say "we will see"
That may be...all I know is that Ixo wants a piece of the action in the UK and expect to compete with Oxford, not Corgi.
MovieCarFan...I would imagine the exception to that would be if someone did a model of the old FX3. We often gloss over what's familiar not only to us by geographic region, but very often by age, as well. I also bet the Dublin taxi or Altaya's Singapore taxi are curiosities, even though they're FX4's. I was born in Manhattan and have no interest in NYC Checker cabs (not counting the late 1940's ones, and you can get a great model by Brooklin of one, and I do love the Sun Models DeSoto Skyview cabs, which, although a tad low-end for white metal, absolutely nail the paint scheme, unlike Vitesse). The two on my layout I got for a grand total of $5 back around 1995. Yet, I'm fascinated with Checker A12 Marathon Sedans.
Hi guys. Totally confused with the issue numbers and release dates to subscribers in the UK now. To date, 2/9/11, the last two issues i had delivered were 106 and 107. Seems like an age ago. Any UK subscribers had 108 and 109 yet? And, dare i mention it, the elusive Anglia? Will it just turn up or will i have to rant?
Hi guys. Totally confused with the issue numbers and release dates to subscribers in the UK now. To date, 2/9/11, the last two issues i had delivered were 106 and 107. Seems like an age ago. Any UK subscribers had 108 and 109 yet? And, dare i mention it, the elusive Anglia? Will it just turn up or will i have to rant?
Hi, Had 108 and 109 some 3 weeks ago. But no sign of the Anglia but when I spoke to one Kate at DB Factory and when she checked with her boss I was informed as to it will be included in the same delivery as 108 and 109. Spoke to a senior manager afer getting the delivery and it was not she also said that they had been told that they were going out with 108 and 109 and would chase it up with the despatch department. Unfortunately no reply fro DB Factory and the desparch dept is only 5 miles away from me but they will not recieve any visitors!!!X-(
RE : "Schuco (but only as TrueScale Miniatures), Minichamps, and Solido are the only three companies to my knowledge aside from the Chinese resin modelmakers that can make Rollers in 1/43."
Matchbox made a Silver Ghost armoured car in about 1:43 scale. Also Eligor made a Silver Shadow, and there is a company called something like FYP that made a range of expensive Rolls Royces and Bentleys in 1:43 scale. Some interesting subjects, but the trim must be attached only by water tension as the trim pieces fall off very, very easily even if you don't open the box. I have a few of these - Phantom 1, Phantom VI, the Queen's Phantom VI, a Bentley Azure, and something called a Bentley Azur (sic - no "E" at the end) - that was a coachbuilt Turbo R 2 door convertible. Most of them have had to be partially reassembled in the 15-20 years I have had them, as they simply aren't glued together properly, despite the high (original) price - I managed to get them slightly discounted. Don't buy one unless it's a type of car you really must have.
I have also bought two of the Chinese resin Rolls Royces, a Phantom Limousine and a 101EX Phantom Coupe prototype. For about £45 - £60 (I shopped around and did not buy the first one I saw) they are good models. Not all of the Chinese resin cars are. Some get the shape totally wrong. Good ones are the BMW Gran Turismo 7 series coupe concept and the Ferrari P4/5 Enzo based special, the 1993 Aston Martin Virage Volante (weird aftermarket alloys aside), the Shelby Supercars Ultimate Aero TT (this is an EXCELLENT model, up there with MR and BBR), and the Covini C6W six wheeled supercar. Over the last 3 years of looking around for these and being a collector who will try very hard to get what I want, but who is at the same time fundamentally value-driven (accountant by training - yes, an accountant who works in IT and likes Bond films and collects model cars, how's that for a stereotype!) I have found these again for about £45 - £60 rather than the £100+ they are usually available for, and I give them all a favourable review.
My advice on the Chinese resin cars is look very carefully at them / pictures of them prior to purchase, as they vary very heavily in standard, proportions and value. Also beware of the fake Neo models, principally the Jaguar XJ saloon Series III and the Porsche 911 / 930 Turbo SE Flatnose / Flachbau.
Matchbox made a Silver Ghost armoured car in about 1:43 scale. Also Eligor made a Silver Shadow, and there is a company called something like FYP that made a range of expensive Rolls Royces and Bentleys in 1:43 scale.
Forgot about Matchbox, although there is another company (the name of which I can't recall) that does make white metal Rolls-Royce armored cars. They have a range of early 1920's cars, but no civilian Rolls-Royces are included in that range. Perhaps the armored cars are "special cases"? Regarding FYP, I know next to nothing about them, but I thought they were sort of glorified Chinese resin, though I thought a French company owned them.
Two Chinese resin models with no brand (i.e. not Dorlop, which is superb in everything they do) that are quite well done of Chinese cars are the Hongqi HQD Concept Limousine and Shanghai SH760B Sedan (usually sold as an SH760A; note that the SH760B's are slightly too large at about 1/41 scale, but all details you'd expect are there and the cars is scale to itself, if you know what I mean).
Also beware of the fake Neo models, principally the Jaguar XJ saloon Series III and the Porsche 911 / 930 Turbo SE Flatnose / Flachbau.
To clarify what myhandle is saying for those who don't know, very often a Chinese resin modelmaker will make a knock-off (sometimes an INCREDIBLY crude knock-off in the wrong color...one example posted online just said "NEO" on the bottom) of a Neo Models car thought to be in high demand. Ironically, they pay solid attention to the plinths. The perspex cases are REAL Neo, as are the boxes. But you may be wondering...what do they do with the real cars? Some are sold locally for big markups, but the others? Well, I know of a guy who worked it like this (because this happened to the same friend of mine who used to collect Pocher 1/8 scale): you pay your standard $65, plus $15 shipping (basically the universal price and shipping rate to the US). Then you get a fake model. You do the obvious thing, complain that you got a fake, he says how sorry he is and once you ship it back to him with your money, he'll say he's SO sorry that he'll ship the real model to you EMS for a "mere" $50. Beware: EMS should only cost about $25 if you request it unless the package is super-heavy. My friend got the right car, in his case a Porsche, but was basically swindled out of $25, plus had to pay quite a bit extra for the shipping back to Hong Kong. Remember I said "worked it like this"? Well, he was banned from eBay, eventually. I DO know of an honest seller that has had fake stuff, though, and just has NO business sense. I got a fake Minichamps M-B from him which is ironically a solid model, but also a fake. He paid for return shipping and although he couldn't find the real item, he gave me a suitable replacement shipped free. He felt terrible. If you want to know who that is (he does get a ton of stuff in early and it is real), I will PM you with the name.
Hi guys. Totally confused with the issue numbers and release dates to subscribers in the UK now. To date, 2/9/11, the last two issues i had delivered were 106 and 107. Seems like an age ago. Any UK subscribers had 108 and 109 yet? And, dare i mention it, the elusive Anglia? Will it just turn up or will i have to rant?
Since going monthly my account's all messed up, 104 & 105 over a month late, last delivery was 108 & 109 two weeks ago, yet still waiting for 106 & 107 (billed for four issues begining August) looks like i've been placed on the back order system.
No Ford Anglia, does anyone know if UK subscribers automatically get replacements or whether you have to request one.
Delivery problems.......... I always order via back orders and they sent 109 out with a bit of paper saying 108 to folllow. Never been the slickest of organisations but suspect that they order a certain number and then if newstrade order higher than usual they are cleared out and they have to order more from China which leads to a delay for some.
Reading above it seems some of those who got 108/109 got an anglia but not all and the ones that didnt didnt say they got a slip of paper or anything saying "coming later". If I were you I would phone and ask why the anglia is not in your 108/109 and asking where 106/107 are since I have had both on back order - the Consul twice. Be interesting to hear the excuses/reasons they give.
Hi guys. Totally confused with the issue numbers and release dates to subscribers in the UK now. To date, 2/9/11, the last two issues i had delivered were 106 and 107. Seems like an age ago. Any UK subscribers had 108 and 109 yet? And, dare i mention it, the elusive Anglia? Will it just turn up or will i have to rant?
Since going monthly my account's all messed up, 104 & 105 over a month late, last delivery was 108 & 109 two weeks ago, yet still waiting for 106 & 107 (billed for four issues begining August) looks like i've been placed on the back order system.
No Ford Anglia, does anyone know if UK subscribers automatically get replacements or whether you have to request one.
Replacement was automatic...Fone them on Monday. -{ :007)
Tracked down a Vanguards Velox in Almond green as seen in Dr. No. May now "Bondify it" I can't read number plate in imcdb anyone happen to know what it is? Apart from the Vanguards having wheel embellishers when car in movie doesn't it is quite a good match. When searching ebay etc you need to remember it was made before Corgi took over so it is a Lledo and looks like it may have been made for Vauxhall rather than as a standard Vanguards model.
Comments
Ok guys had time to look at the list properly. Not many gems as I expected, the Dodge M-43 and Milkfloat stand out as highlights and the blunderbird as we have seen plus the Morris Minor are also ran. The Morris Minor is an iconic car but has been so overproduced by diecast manufacturers in the UK. I am a diecast enthusiast and also a classic car enthusiast and this is one of my least favourite cars both in reality and as a model. Its that popular look up classic car in a UK dictionary and you may see the definition as a Morris Minor ...i jest of course.
It would be a pity if all the issues above are missing figures and have dioramas of lesser standard. However overall the list is not bad and I will happily continue my subscription.
I think this is a Velox. The PA Cresta's were normally two tone. I have a Corgi/Vanguard 'Velox' in the same green as in your jpeg above.
Depends on if you're looking through "Bond-centric" or "car-centric" glasses. I'm not entirely clear on which simply because you criticize the Morris Minor, which actually did have a decent-sized role in TB (at least as big as that relatively car-thin film had) and sorta have a car-centric bent to your post. I'd have preferred the Triumph Herald (nice reprise of the Dinky hardtop coupe, which is desirable and iconic among Dinky Toys collecting circles) or even another '65 Lincoln Continental (because Virgil Exner could basically do no wrong when it came to the Continental...I say that only half-kiddingly).
If you're looking for vehicles that "span" car-centrism and Bond-centrism, I think the best five choices were the Dodge M43 (like I said, they just picked another La Salle/Miller Hearse), the Chevrolet 1-Ton Pickup, the Wales & Edwards Rangemaster, the Dodge Ram Pickup, and the Mercedes-Benz 220S "Oddjob", in that order. BTW, I'm NOT criticizing you...PLEASE don't think I am...but I am curious as to what angle you're coming from/am not quite clear.
Yep, it's a PA Velox. The chrome trim level and hubcaps are also different from the Velox to the Cresta.
As I posted just before, I think we're probably made up of different balances of the two sides and probably not even consistently. The first I knew of James Bond as a small child was Corgi's all singing all dancing DB5, long before I understood the movies, at a time when I just loved cars.
As I grew up I began to appreciate the movies, sometimes more than the cars, and vice-versa. This is reflected in cherry picking the JBCC, I'll have anything from GF because I love the movie, whereas other choices are a bit of a paradox - I hate OP but really like the Alfa and the Merc on rails.
No, what I was commenting on was the likely puzzling at Fabbri trying to figure out exactly where the target market for the JBCC currently lies - Bond fans or car nuts. Clearly it isn't as simple as that!
I think there may be an 'over the pond' thing going on here. Like diecast007 I couldn't care less about a Morris Minor. In my case because of seeing too many around here in the UK, not liking them (the very worst car I ever drove was a borrowed Minor), sitting in traffic queues caused by them, and I had a brand new car 'hit and run' by one once. That sort of thing colours your opinion even if one of the things has been in a Bond movie. And they are painfully over modelled already. But I'm a sucker for US cars as are many other collectors in the UK, and I bet the same thing applies - there's probably many vehicles over there that you guys hate but are fascinating to us in the UK or Europe.
(I'm just waiting for the Morris Minor Owners Club hate-mail now!)
Wouldn't be difficult for them to do an OHMSS version, would it?
Sorry, I get ya. In that case, I would say they're probably going for casual Bond fans (or, in some cases like me, real, genuine Bond fans who've even read Ian Fleming...) who happen to be absolute car nuts.
I actually aimed that post not just toward the Minor and can actually understand that, but also things where they were not mentioned as gems and I'm not sure why (the '61 Chevrolet 1-Ton Truck, the Mercedes-Benz 450SEL [not only Locque's car, but also remember that it was the top of the line of the first REAL S-Class], Mercedes-Benz 220S, and the Dodge Ram Pickup come to mind).
The only Minor 1000 (I'll get to that distinction in a moment) models I've liked are the basic model from Corgi's first release as well as the two that were featured in the Corgi Vanguards "Hidden Treasures" Series...where one was rusting to powder and the other was undergoing a complete rebuild. I also liked one other Minor model enough to get it, but that's been it (although some of the vans appeal to me ONLY because of the products they advertise).
If you're curious if in the US we have a model like this...it depends. Some people will tell you the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, but without exception it's "because they can't get it right" and the real '57 Bel Air is one of the most iconic cars in American history. Amazingly, the DN 1957 Chevy Bel Air actually GOT IT RIGHT. Therefore, despite being modelled so often, this is actually one of my favorite models in the entire collection for the reason that they got it right! Likewise the '59 Cadillac, although Spark's new 1/43 scale model seems to be passing the "let's go over it with a jeweler's loupe" test, so that model may finally be embraced (most people I know also like the Franklin Mint model, though good luck finding one that isn't overpriced).
Most of the models I keep thinking of are condemned not because they were awful in real life, but because they were repeatedly butchered by the model companies making them. Even things like the AMC Pacer are getting a warm reception (that one having just been released by Neo and even though you hated the real thing, you just can't help but love the model). Heck, even the Japanese imports of the mid-1970's or Code 3'd Yugo 45's from Kultowe Auta are generally looked at as "nostalgic pieces of junk." But there is ONE model I can think of where the real deal isn't that well liked and neither are most models: the Volkswagen Beetle.
Now, I'm not talking about obscure variants like the just-post-War version with fender skirts, the Wehrmacht models put out by Vitesse/Victoria (in fact, these sell VERY well), the Hebmueller Cabriolets, the Volkswagen-TAS 1200J's made for Yugoslavia and (briefly) exported to Romania and Poland to become "The Communist Volkswagen", or even the MexiBeetle since it was generally perceived as weird. Polizei Beetles and Beetle Taxis (so long as they're clearly based on real cars) also don't really bother people. I'm talking about your late '50's through mid '70's Bugs. I along with many modellists I know have this opinion of that car, plus we tend to believe it's been absolutely done to death (although I'd love to see a Hebmueller Cabriolet with the optional fender skirts...but that's a whole different car). So I guess we sort of have a parellel to the Beetle.
But then, and again, this is a parallel, I imagine you probably don't absolutely hate the Morris Minor MM, which was the one made from 1948-1953 or Minor Series II made from 1954-1956, and neither look anything like the 1000 (though admittedly, they combined for just over half a million cars produced). Likewise, if anyone ever modelled the Durable Car Minor still built in Sri Lanka that's gotten a few facelifts and looks truly bizarre, you might at least pick that up and take a look at it.
In all the years I've been driving, I've only ever been hit by two cars - one was a Morris Minor, guess what what the other one was? Yep, a 70s Beetle. Dented my front quarter panel, totally trashed his steering and front near-side suspension. I still like the OHMSS Beetle diorama though.....!
Do you have any links to the Sri Lankan Minor? I'd be curious to see it -
http://www.motorbase.com/uploads/2006/08/05/fs_dsc02605.jpg
Also...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/imp1/3357942498/
And...
http://riyasewana.com/uploads/662603dsc08370.jpg
Most seem to be externally based on the MM Minors rather than the Minor 1000's. However, they apparently incorporate a mixture of newly-built parts, original MM parts, and the familiar Minor 1000 parts. Note that while we get a split screen, the wipers seem pretty different from an MM. Also, it could just be me, but I thought the MM had wheels colored to match the body (whereas here, you see wheels that are seemingly cream-colored or not painted). Enjoy Sri Lanka's interpretation of the Minor!
I imagine Hornby would be happy to get any revenue out of old moulds. The whole toyfair market here is awash with Corgi models made a couple of years ago that have never been sold so there is no point whatsoever in trying to release them again in their own range. I will be keeping an eye open for that Velox at the next NEC toyfair. The Tourer they did for the Lovejoy (UK TV detective series for Overseas readers) tie-in was quite good and with a few tweaks would be better than some of the UH JBCC models.
UK Minor 1000 was often fitted with White/Cream painted wheels rather than body colour from memory.
I agree though for UK buyers Morris Minor and FX4 have been done to death, but nicely done with even marginal Bond connection I am sure that they will sell.
Still waiting for my econoline - wonder if they are waiting for a second run after newstrade orders cleared them out?
I really don't know what the deal is regarding Corgi vs. Oxford. The only thing I can tell you with any deal of knowledge is that Ixo does want to compete against Oxford's 1/43 line using a combination of Ixo Museum and a new line called PremiumX Diecast (which I know for a fact we're going to be seeing a lot more of since this is how they plan to launch a ton of the JBCC models...it's supposedly going to be on par with Ist [thus far Ixo's most detail-intensive line] and likely even more detailed...all the details and not just the wiper blades will supposedly be photoetched). PremiumX Diecast WILL probably kill off Ixo Classic, for what that's worth, or at least turn it in a radically different direction.
It would be nice to see Ixo buying up Corgi's moulds and doing their own take on them (read: PremiumX). However, in regard to that particular Velox, for some reason, it's VERY difficult to find. In the last six months on eBay, I've seen THREE: two in the UK and one in Australia. One was sold at auction, the other two were BIN's (one of which, the one in the UK, sold within a day of being listed). The one in Oz might still be listed, though.
Sorry, I didn't put that very well. I meant the MM's that seem to be prevalent in Sri Lanka, not the 1000's (which I know had white or cream wheels). Maybe they're using 1000 wheels to build them? Wouldn't be too hard to imagine and would almost certainly be cheaper.
Regarding the FX4 mould by Ixo, you probably saw the London version in Altaya's Taxis of the World partwork and it was pretty bad for Ixo. It had the early '60's tail lights, the rear windows lacked chrome, and the hubcaps were too small. Later on in the series, they did re-use the mould for Dublin and they corrected the windows and tail lights to produce an overall nice model, but I believe it still had issues with the hubcaps, so I'm hoping Ixo gets that one right.
That's probably it. It sold very well in the US and the dealers kept going back to the suppliers for more. Like I said, it's a terrific model of the '72 Econoline...although what we saw in the film was a '71 (not that there's much difference between the two, as I explained in a prior post...Ixo will keep the sliding door and hood hinges, plus all of the '72 details regarding lights and badging [since badging was the same on the Club Wagons]). The really funny thing is that from what I'm hearing, Ixo isn't even sure whether to package their PremiumX Diecast model (you'll see that later this year, since it's done in two paint schemes...you'll also see at least one Ford Bronco II and possibly up to THREE Ford Country Squires, though they will stagger the release of these) as a '71 or a '72!
I really can't see them shifting large numbers of ex-Bond Collection cars here - even if nicely upgraded - if prices are significantly higher. Apart from the fact that many will already have the models the market place for cars above £20 in the UK is limited, those spending more tend to gravitate towards Brooklin, Neo and now Silas Models.
The few ones with a Bond "Novelty" factor are the Lincoln Continental, the GF Laser Ambulance and the Milkfloat!
The others seem like relatively dull cars. An Austin Cambridge is ordinary-and obscure in Bond film terms.
I would still wish for Draco's blue Rolls Royce convertible, but perhaps they don't have one in the IXO back catalogue!
I have to decide whether to reject some, or collect just for completion reasons.
I am both a Bond fan since 1968, and a car design enthusiast.
Bleuville. "one chance-where can I find Ernst Stavro Blofeld?" DAF
I saw figures somewhere not so long ago on the expected life of a diecast mould (as opposed to a resin mould) and they are good for about half-a-million pressings, if I remember correctly.
Some of Corgi's 1/43 moulds have certainly seen a lot of service - like two of the old Lledo-sourced moulds (i.e. 1996/7 vintage) for the Mini Cooper and the Ford Anglia 307E Van. One contract that Corgi did, under the Lledo Promotionals brand in the mid-2000s, was for 65,000 units of the Anglia Van for the Hilti company.
I just don't see Corgi selling off any of these old moulds. The way I see it, the more moulds a company has in its "arsenal" the better placed it is to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. In Corgi's case, their vast range of Days Gone, Haulers, Omnibus and old Vanguards moulds are available for company promotional sales which, as in the case of Hilti mentioned above, can be high-unit sales.
Corgi is currently doing a run of models for the GPO (red vans) at 5,000 items per van, and also doing a "UK police car" series for Atlas which probably runs to even higher figures on the initial models - the first of which was the Jaguar Mk.II from its 1988-vintage mould. In an article I saw on the Zindart factory near Hong Kong (where most of Corgi's production is done) the storeroom for Corgi moulds was shown, where each mould is neatly boxed along with its accessory moulds and instructions.
As for Corgi vs. Oxford, I would say that Corgi has advanced a decade in its current focus (as far as 1/43 goes) and is now producing mostly models of the 70s & 80s, whereas Oxford appears to be more focussed on the 50s & 60s.
Some of Corgi's current 1/43 models have been determined by its Colin McRae Collection (e.g. Subaru Impreza, who would have thought 4 years ago that would appear as a Vanguards?), but now that that series is coming to an end, it will be interesting to see what direction the company is taking when the next catalogue is released in January 2012. A surprise of the August 2011 announcements was the 1990s-era Peugeot 205 ... the thinking APPEARS to be that if the 1:1 sold well and certain models were extremely popular, then it will make it into the model range. Maybe I'm going to get my Ford Escort Mk.VI after all
Seeing as their MSRP in the United States is $34.95 for PremiumX Diecast and Museum is closer to $29.95, that's almost exactly 21 GBP and 19 GBP, respectively. If they move their British prices down to the equivalent of US prices, it's certainly doable.
Such as...? The Chevrolet 1-Ton Pickup and Dodge Ram Pickup are completely new moulds.
What about Locque's 450SEL? I can't think of FYEO without thinking of that car. Or Bond dodging helicopter-launched grenades in FRWL in the Chevrolet 1-Ton Pickup (which practically got blown up)? That was one heck of a chase scene! Both cars actually appeared much longer on screen than the Lincoln Continental Lehmann-Peterson Executive Limousine.
Ixo will do any 1/43 car that they can reproduce. If Rolls-Royce said they could distribute the car elsewhere, they'd do it in a heartbeat. The problem is that RR is SUPER-finicky about who it lets make Rolls-Royce models. Schuco (but only as TrueScale Miniatures), Minichamps, and Solido are the only three companies to my knowledge aside from the Chinese resin modelmakers that can make Rollers in 1/43.
Completely correct, but here's the thing: that's counting maintenance performed on said mould. When I spoke of a mould being damaged, I didn't mean "no longer capable of moulding cars." What I meant was that work had to be done so that sharp corners don't start becoming too rounded or developing mould flash. The infamous Lada 1200 mould was actually flawed to begin with, I believe, and did literally break so that is a bad example. However, the GAZ-M21 Volga and Mercedes-Benz W111 moulds were certainly not flawed from the start and merely produced "less-sharp" models rather than broke. Both underwent tremendous wear and had to have repair work done to both of them before each model could be re-launched.
Dalko no-one ever reduces UK prices to US levels the market isn't big enough to bear it. If IXO did sell at round the £20 mark clearly they would be a challenge to Oxford but I just can't see it. But as they say "we will see"
As far as the FX4 is concerned Welly also did a 1/43 about 2 years ago and it is a very good model too of later FX4. I have it so I am less concerned about the Taxi but expect I will still get one.
For Brits, the London taxi is a bit like giving French people model Eiffel Towers. Corgi produced said taxi for YEARS in 1.36 scale and you couldn't move for the things. From classy model stores to supermarkets, retail stores and fleamarkets, they were everywhere - especially anywhere an unsuspecting visitor to our shores might tread. They usually appeared in some sort of combination souvenir set with a London bus and an incredibly bad Concorde model, but also in other kitsch versions too.
True, this one will be in 1.43 scale but it just means a smaller yawn really. The smashed LALD bus would be much better.
Of course, missed the Corgi 1/36 - even though I had one! It was great as a toy, but not so good as a model - form instance, front and rear lights were only painted - something that today is hard to accept even in 1/43 scale. There were also little Matchbox taxis and a number of cheap Chinese versions, but as a really good model the London Taxi has been strangely underrepresented. Maybe model manufacturers thought that the market was too saturated with toy versions? Your comparison to the Eiffel Tower is very accurate! Plenty of tacky versions all over Paris, but good luck finding a nice model of it...
That may be...all I know is that Ixo wants a piece of the action in the UK and expect to compete with Oxford, not Corgi.
MovieCarFan...I would imagine the exception to that would be if someone did a model of the old FX3. We often gloss over what's familiar not only to us by geographic region, but very often by age, as well. I also bet the Dublin taxi or Altaya's Singapore taxi are curiosities, even though they're FX4's. I was born in Manhattan and have no interest in NYC Checker cabs (not counting the late 1940's ones, and you can get a great model by Brooklin of one, and I do love the Sun Models DeSoto Skyview cabs, which, although a tad low-end for white metal, absolutely nail the paint scheme, unlike Vitesse). The two on my layout I got for a grand total of $5 back around 1995. Yet, I'm fascinated with Checker A12 Marathon Sedans.
Hi, Had 108 and 109 some 3 weeks ago. But no sign of the Anglia but when I spoke to one Kate at DB Factory and when she checked with her boss I was informed as to it will be included in the same delivery as 108 and 109. Spoke to a senior manager afer getting the delivery and it was not she also said that they had been told that they were going out with 108 and 109 and would chase it up with the despatch department. Unfortunately no reply fro DB Factory and the desparch dept is only 5 miles away from me but they will not recieve any visitors!!!X-(
UPDATE: The Anglia has FINALLY ARRIVED!!!
Matchbox made a Silver Ghost armoured car in about 1:43 scale. Also Eligor made a Silver Shadow, and there is a company called something like FYP that made a range of expensive Rolls Royces and Bentleys in 1:43 scale. Some interesting subjects, but the trim must be attached only by water tension as the trim pieces fall off very, very easily even if you don't open the box. I have a few of these - Phantom 1, Phantom VI, the Queen's Phantom VI, a Bentley Azure, and something called a Bentley Azur (sic - no "E" at the end) - that was a coachbuilt Turbo R 2 door convertible. Most of them have had to be partially reassembled in the 15-20 years I have had them, as they simply aren't glued together properly, despite the high (original) price - I managed to get them slightly discounted. Don't buy one unless it's a type of car you really must have.
I have also bought two of the Chinese resin Rolls Royces, a Phantom Limousine and a 101EX Phantom Coupe prototype. For about £45 - £60 (I shopped around and did not buy the first one I saw) they are good models. Not all of the Chinese resin cars are. Some get the shape totally wrong. Good ones are the BMW Gran Turismo 7 series coupe concept and the Ferrari P4/5 Enzo based special, the 1993 Aston Martin Virage Volante (weird aftermarket alloys aside), the Shelby Supercars Ultimate Aero TT (this is an EXCELLENT model, up there with MR and BBR), and the Covini C6W six wheeled supercar. Over the last 3 years of looking around for these and being a collector who will try very hard to get what I want, but who is at the same time fundamentally value-driven (accountant by training - yes, an accountant who works in IT and likes Bond films and collects model cars, how's that for a stereotype!) I have found these again for about £45 - £60 rather than the £100+ they are usually available for, and I give them all a favourable review.
My advice on the Chinese resin cars is look very carefully at them / pictures of them prior to purchase, as they vary very heavily in standard, proportions and value. Also beware of the fake Neo models, principally the Jaguar XJ saloon Series III and the Porsche 911 / 930 Turbo SE Flatnose / Flachbau.
It surely won't be a surprise to anyone, but Bissett just emailed me saying that there will be NO MORE free subscribers' gifts in the series.
Forgot about Matchbox, although there is another company (the name of which I can't recall) that does make white metal Rolls-Royce armored cars. They have a range of early 1920's cars, but no civilian Rolls-Royces are included in that range. Perhaps the armored cars are "special cases"? Regarding FYP, I know next to nothing about them, but I thought they were sort of glorified Chinese resin, though I thought a French company owned them.
Two Chinese resin models with no brand (i.e. not Dorlop, which is superb in everything they do) that are quite well done of Chinese cars are the Hongqi HQD Concept Limousine and Shanghai SH760B Sedan (usually sold as an SH760A; note that the SH760B's are slightly too large at about 1/41 scale, but all details you'd expect are there and the cars is scale to itself, if you know what I mean).
To clarify what myhandle is saying for those who don't know, very often a Chinese resin modelmaker will make a knock-off (sometimes an INCREDIBLY crude knock-off in the wrong color...one example posted online just said "NEO" on the bottom) of a Neo Models car thought to be in high demand. Ironically, they pay solid attention to the plinths. The perspex cases are REAL Neo, as are the boxes. But you may be wondering...what do they do with the real cars? Some are sold locally for big markups, but the others? Well, I know of a guy who worked it like this (because this happened to the same friend of mine who used to collect Pocher 1/8 scale): you pay your standard $65, plus $15 shipping (basically the universal price and shipping rate to the US). Then you get a fake model. You do the obvious thing, complain that you got a fake, he says how sorry he is and once you ship it back to him with your money, he'll say he's SO sorry that he'll ship the real model to you EMS for a "mere" $50. Beware: EMS should only cost about $25 if you request it unless the package is super-heavy. My friend got the right car, in his case a Porsche, but was basically swindled out of $25, plus had to pay quite a bit extra for the shipping back to Hong Kong. Remember I said "worked it like this"? Well, he was banned from eBay, eventually. I DO know of an honest seller that has had fake stuff, though, and just has NO business sense. I got a fake Minichamps M-B from him which is ironically a solid model, but also a fake. He paid for return shipping and although he couldn't find the real item, he gave me a suitable replacement shipped free. He felt terrible. If you want to know who that is (he does get a ton of stuff in early and it is real), I will PM you with the name.
I consult for sports blogs and sports books. The STATISTICAL side. You call YOURSELF a stereotype?
As you said Jag, unfortunately, I'm not surprised.
Since going monthly my account's all messed up, 104 & 105 over a month late, last delivery was 108 & 109 two weeks ago, yet still waiting for 106 & 107 (billed for four issues begining August) looks like i've been placed on the back order system.
No Ford Anglia, does anyone know if UK subscribers automatically get replacements or whether you have to request one.
Reading above it seems some of those who got 108/109 got an anglia but not all and the ones that didnt didnt say they got a slip of paper or anything saying "coming later". If I were you I would phone and ask why the anglia is not in your 108/109 and asking where 106/107 are since I have had both on back order - the Consul twice. Be interesting to hear the excuses/reasons they give.
Replacement was automatic...Fone them on Monday. -{ :007)
Now challenge is making a suitable backdrop.....