I meant that the replies that we have seen from Database factory are anodyne rubbish and not the models! Sorry how easy it is to write ambiguous sentences.... I too reckon that your letter would have taken them some thought and effort and detail to answer so I suspect they have decided to ignore it. If I can be bothered I may send follow ups saying we could be bothered to comment but you really dont care about collectors do you......
I agree that the VAZ-2105 is going to be a good model - they have all the ingredients to make it so it would be tragic if they messed that up! Similarly it would take a complete lack of care to mess up the MB220D since they have the body shell most trim parts and just need to get wheels and printed detail correct! I am personally also looking forward to the Volga but I hope that they take time to sort through parts bin properly and set up correct printed badging. As a car centric I already have a nice Gaz Estate so the Bond needs to be a variant to justify its keep...
I dont see why they shouldn't take the time to nail the 450SEL after all it will be a mould they can re-use many times in the future - I bet some heads of state had them and MB collectors will be pleased to get an IXO if well done. The Lincoln - well I have a slight sinking feeling there - a unique body though attractive may not have so many re-use possibilities - it will either be re-done to match film which will be good from IXO or a botch up which will be a disappointment. The 1973 Bel Air will sell like hot cakes and have lots of resale opportunities like the Plaza Taxi so it is worth them getting it right.
I think a reply to your letter may take a little while longer, there aren't many UK/European businesses who answer snail mail within a few weeks. No doubt it's been put in the hands of someone who will have to 'ask around' to see if anybody can answer your questions with a bit of know how. Unfortunately if no-one can be found who is willing to help, you might just get a stock answer, even after some time.
On the GF Merc front I think the most annoying problem is the lack of whitewalls, easy to fix by changing the tyres, but you'll probably have to track down and buy a donor model car with the same tyre configuration. That means more unnecessary expense to correct IXO's rather obvious oversight.
Do IXO make all the models in 'La Route Bleu' series? I notice that some of the diorama bases in that range seem to have the same disparity in finish as the current JBCC models, as in the examples below - one's quite plain whilst the other's more detailed.
The Mercedes lack of whitewalls, spoilt what was a good model for me too,MovieCarFan.I wonder what reason this was down to,carelessness or penny pinching.There is no excuse,every picture of the car in the magazine had whitewalls!
I think you can only go by the licence plate on the model, 'NE 9641', which relates to a Merc with whitewalls in its clearest movie views, and unless I'm missing something the grilles either side of the radiator say it definitely isn't a 220. Personally I think it would be easiest to either try and ignore the baseplate caption, or for the purists amongst us (me included), change it to a Mercedes 180 or 190 - the correct font can be downloaded for free into 'Word' and a different caption printed off to stick over it. I haven't got the GF Merc yet, but if it's anything like the Del Prado version I used recently, whitewall tyres off the Dr No Alpine may well fit it. There's not much anyone can do about the magazine, but do many of us take much notice of the mags anyway? Mine very often arrive crumpled and almost unreadable!
I meant that the replies that we have seen from Database factory are anodyne rubbish and not the models! Sorry how easy it is to write ambiguous sentences.... I too reckon that your letter would have taken them some thought and effort and detail to answer so I suspect they have decided to ignore it. If I can be bothered I may send follow ups saying we could be bothered to comment but you really dont care about collectors do you......
Whoops!!! I would agree that they do have rather sorry customer service, though. Still, MovieCarFan does make a solid point. Snail-mail is generally responded to at a snail's pace, unfortunately. Still, didn't one of us wind up adding our email address in there? That should have tipped them off that we're open to a response in any form.
I agree that the VAZ-2105 is going to be a good model - they have all the ingredients to make it so it would be tragic if they messed that up! Similarly it would take a complete lack of care to mess up the MB220D since they have the body shell most trim parts and just need to get wheels and printed detail correct!
I agree with these. The USSR AvtoLegende VAZ-2105's lone defect was that the initial batch had front bumpers that often bent. Historically, this was accurate, but they were just all bending and breaking. It got so bad that issue had to be delayed. These were pretty quickly replaced with ones that had a black plastic lining just aft of the metal, which was a bit later in production (late 1980's-early 1990's) but certainly forgiveable, especially since they couldn't make the early ones correctly. I really hope they don't "discover" the original front bumpers and start sticking them on there. That's the only possible problem the VAZ-2105 could have.
The only problem I can see with the Mercedes-Benz 220D, aside from the slightly undersized but far from unacceptable wheels, is if they don't add on the side repeater lights that were exclusive to the Italian market. There seem to have been two versions of this car in the film, by the way. We see Locque approaching, for example, in a car with a plastic side mirror. But when the car actually chases Bond, the side mirror has turned to metal. The chains on the rear tires also appear and disappear, which leads me to believe two cars were used. Still, both had side repeater lights, although you could probably make these from orange pieces of plastic.
I am personally also looking forward to the Volga but I hope that they take time to sort through parts bin properly and set up correct printed badging. As a car centric I already have a nice Gaz Estate so the Bond needs to be a variant to justify its keep...
The Scaldia-Volga used is the base model M24, not the M24 Luxe as I'd previously thought (the differences are limited to the actual interior upholstery quality and I think there might be a slight difference with the gearbox, but that's it). Usually, the word "Volga" would appear in the Roman alphabet on the fenders and the trunk lid. You could, however, order bare fenders for whatever reason, though you still got the trunk lid badged the same way ("Volga" in the Roman alphabet and NOT Cyrillic). This is how the film car appears, though it's a little odd to see the car with a Soviet flag and (excellently) mocked up Nationale Volksarmee (East German Army) license plates. Still, the Scaldia-Volga is regarded as a bit of a strange bird in the former East Bloc. It was "that car made for export" and there have been more than a few attempts at making one on a small scale. I would expect Ixo to get this one right because their former East Bloc/East Bloc stuff that's appeared in this collection does seem to sell really well in the former East Bloc. I doubt they'd risk alienating that market, especially with expanding collections to Moldova and Bulgaria now, a 30-car extension to USSR AvtoLegende, an unknown extension to Kultowe Auta PRL-u, and a 40-car expansion to the Romanian Masini de Lagenda, which has thus far outstripped sales expectations by quite a bit. Still, the Scaldia-Volga just doesn't fit into those collections, even though it was well-remembered since many were re-imported by the USSR and Russia in the early 1990's (as well as other East Bloc countries that had bought Volgas). As such, I would expect the JBCC version to be the perfect vehicle to fill that market niche.
Also, which one do you mean by GAZ Estate? "Volga 22" or "Volga 24"? The Ist Models version of the GAZ-22 (badly flawed with regard to the grille, fenders, and headlights and probably the worst of the USSR AvtoLegende cars, as well, although I enjoy mine warts and all), the Neo Models version (if you have the blue/white/blue variant, the suspension is wrong/used by early Scaldia-Volga only...if Ixo limited themselves to that, I'd be okay, but I paid $75 for that car...fortunately, the all-tan Neo GAZ-22V and Neo-for-Ritmonexx GAZ-M22 [earlier one] in light green and dark green correct this error...you can also print out Dutch or Belgian decals for the license plates and have an accurate car), or do you mean the Radon Models/Agat Models GAZ-24-02 with opening doors, hood, and trunk (believe it or not, this is actually a superbly scaled replica of the real one, though you have to add some details to it) or VERY recent USSR AvtoLegende GAZ-24-02 (this is a really nice one...the Polish one is really screwed up in terms of color, but uses the same accurate mould)?
I dont see why they shouldn't take the time to nail the 450SEL after all it will be a mould they can re-use many times in the future - I bet some heads of state had them and MB collectors will be pleased to get an IXO if well done. The Lincoln - well I have a slight sinking feeling there - a unique body though attractive may not have so many re-use possibilities - it will either be re-done to match film which will be good from IXO or a botch up which will be a disappointment. The 1973 Bel Air will sell like hot cakes and have lots of resale opportunities like the Plaza Taxi so it is worth them getting it right.
Again, I would agree here. If they nail the 450SEL, they finally get something onto the market that competes with Minichamps' unfortunately ludicrously-overpriced 450SEL 6.9 (yes, different grille, but they were still both the first of the top of the line S-Class cars). Minichamps' original gunmetal gray version actually fits very well with the Bond version, the re-issued version in blue obviously doesn't, but M-B collectors both bought them up really fast for obvious reasons. This would be a real winner if they do it correctly, or it alternately could be the 280S that gets thrown off the cliff and does nothing else. The original mould was a nice 280S model, but we don't want a 280S.
My feelings on the '65 Lincoln Continental Lehmann-Peterson Type 53A Executive Limousine are a bit better than yours, if only because they could sell an upscale version to VVM Models of St. Petersburg and accurately recreate one of just a very, very few cars that still exists (even if damaged) that was imported to literally be stylistically copied for another Soviet car (in this case, the ZIL-114). The head of NAMI (the USSR's research body for cars) in the Latvian SSR later rode around in the car, I believe, so again, this one might have East Bloc appeal. If so, I'd be surprised if they screwed it up. Granted, there is a a HUGE continuity error: the '64 Lehmann-Peterson Continental that gets more screen time is the one the drives around, but look closely: the car Jacques Bouvar gets out of has the windows rolled down and features a 1965 trunk lid (it's NOT obvious, but look carefully at the trunk lid...it's curved a bit and flush with the body on the 1965 model, but is straight and not flush with the body on the 1964 model; if they had to re-shoot a scene, it's likely that the much-more-common 1965 model would have stood in for the '64, which is considered one of the rarest Lehmann-Peterson limousines in existence). Although I can't fathom why (re-shoot, since as mentioned, the '65 was more common?), the cars appear to be different. Because both limos get significant screen time, I'd be satisfied with either, one, honestly. Still, Ixo's Continental is a '67. They COULD more easily make it into a '65 (plus they get the East Bloc market if they do) than a '64, so that's why I'm guessing they try a '65.
I agree the '73 Bel Air will probably be done as well as possible and I'm willing to bet we see it in the colorful, red and white Louisiana State Police livery.
I think you can only go by the licence plate on the model, 'NE 9641'[...]
"NE 9641" appears as both a 180 at the very beginning and a 190 later on. The grilles do indeed tell us it's one or the other and is probably the most notable feature telling us it's not a 220S at any point (since the 220S never had these grilles). The wheels are the same mould if not the same color as the Del Prado model (also made by Ixo), so you'll have no problems fitting the whitewalls from the Sunbeam Alpine on there.
Do IXO make all the models in 'La Route Bleu' series?
Yes, but I know for a fact they did not do the figures. I'm not sure if they did the bases or not. Regarding the letter...I sure do hope that's the case!
Official 'Skyfall' pic of DC with the original DB5 in Scotland, judging by the scenery:
I'm guessing by the look of it, either he's broken down and getting a bit pi**ed off having to wait for Q to come out and fix it - or else he's been given the 1/8th partwork model to drive as a joke and isn't seeing the funny side.
There's certainly been a lot of those in the press lately, if EON aren't careful everybody's going to know all there is to know about 'Skyfall' long before it's released
On another note, I must thank all those who recommended buying the Octopussy Range Rover drop-head a while back. I received one of these last week and it is EXCELLENT - great detail and a brilliantly well done figure to go with it. I was just wondering if it might have been some sort of 'switch over' collaboration, as in IXO providing the model and UH providing the figure, before all production went to IXO??
I was just wondering if it might have been some sort of 'switch over' collaboration, as in IXO providing the model and UH providing the figure, before all production went to IXO??
Probably not. Ixo's figures are sculpted differently from the ones we see with the UH cars. Note especially the semi-gloss paint. Ixo can actually do solid figures, which is why I've no idea why they haven't done any since Issue 100 unless there's something wrong with rights to portrayal.
Looking at this model in the case I am really hoping that it is a trick of the light and we dont have a 2107 bulging add on grille in the centre there. On IMCDB the film vehicle had a 2105 full width grille all the web pics for 2105's have full width grilles. If IXO get this one wrong and Eaglemoss let them they really aren't taking anything other than the money seriously.
I am sure Dalkowski110 will be able to let us know if my fears are unfounded or correct.....
I was just wondering if it might have been some sort of 'switch over' collaboration, as in IXO providing the model and UH providing the figure, before all production went to IXO??
Probably not. Ixo's figures are sculpted differently from the ones we see with the UH cars. Note especially the semi-gloss paint. Ixo can actually do solid figures, which is why I've no idea why they haven't done any since Issue 100 unless there's something wrong with rights to portrayal.
Just checked out the Range Rover Convertible figure in more detail - it appears to be made of a hard plastic or resin rather than the soft vinyl of UH's figures. Extremely well sculpted and the skirt flowing over the seat and turned head are nice realistic touches, along with the fine accuracy of the hands on the steering wheel. I have no idea who the actress was (I saw Octopussy at the cinema when it was released and it became the one Bond movie I ended up hating, so I haven't seen it since) but I wouldn't mind betting the figure is a good likeness. Having seen this figure, I think it really makes it a double shame that we're not seeing figures made by IXO. The figures used in 'La Route Bleue' aren't scaled properly and are kind of 'clunky' so I assumed we weren't missing much judging by those! I just hope EMFabbri's promised inclusion of figures in future releases isn't an empty one.
Okay maz, I don't think we're going to get the wrong Lada. The name of the car is wrong, but an up-engined Lada Nova 1500 is still a distinct possibility as to what the car was, since we never actually saw the badging.
I decided to look at two cars that I've always viewed as radically different...the VAZ-2105 and VAZ-2107...and realized they look almost identical from the top. Almost, but not quite.
Look very, very carefully at the trunk lid of the car in the picture. The VAZ-2107 type had a smooth trunk lid. But the VAZ-2105 type had two metal depressions to save money (less metal). The photo is too blurry to make out the hood, but you CAN see the trunk lid. And it's not what you'd expect to find on a VAZ-2107. I submit, for your examination, a blue Lada Nova 2107 1300S from "Kultowe Auta PRL-u" and a red VAZ-2105 from "USSR AvtoLegende". Note the overhead shot...and then keep in mind that the Czechoslovakians also had big, wide license plates almost exactly the width of the grille...
Pretty hard to tell 'em apart, huh? But have a look at the trunk lids.
Here's the front of each car. The VAZ-2107-based Lada 2107 1300 is on the left, the VAZ-2105 is on the right.
Come to think of it, I think it IS the lighting. Why else would they radically alter the trunk?
EDIT: I also attempted to recreate the photo that he took from the angle he took it and was able to do it with both cars. Because of the dark blue color, it's almost impossible to tell the cars apart...the first two photos are mine, the last one is his...
Try and do it without enlarging my two images. Tough to tell, huh? I suggest someone with access to ebay.co.uk email him and ask for 2 things...
1) What's Issue 119?
2) Can you take a photo of the side of the car with a bit of the grille in it?
I was just wondering if it might have been some sort of 'switch over' collaboration, as in IXO providing the model and UH providing the figure, before all production went to IXO??
Probably not. Ixo's figures are sculpted differently from the ones we see with the UH cars. Note especially the semi-gloss paint. Ixo can actually do solid figures, which is why I've no idea why they haven't done any since Issue 100 unless there's something wrong with rights to portrayal.
Just checked out the Range Rover Convertible figure in more detail - it appears to be made of a hard plastic or resin rather than the soft vinyl of UH's figures. Extremely well sculpted and the skirt flowing over the seat and turned head are nice realistic touches, along with the fine accuracy of the hands on the steering wheel. I have no idea who the actress was (I saw Octopussy at the cinema when it was released and it became the one Bond movie I ended up hating, so I haven't seen it since) but I wouldn't mind betting the figure is a good likeness. Having seen this figure, I think it really makes it a double shame that we're not seeing figures made by IXO. The figures used in 'La Route Bleue' aren't scaled properly and are kind of 'clunky' so I assumed we weren't missing much judging by those! I just hope EMFabbri's promised inclusion of figures in future releases isn't an empty one.
For info - the actress who played Bianca in the Range Rover was Tina Hudson.
(Confirmed from my recent discovery of my Octopussy Special book of the film. by Marvel Comics Group 1983.
(with comic strip story.)
Probably not. Ixo's figures are sculpted differently from the ones we see with the UH cars. Note especially the semi-gloss paint. Ixo can actually do solid figures, which is why I've no idea why they haven't done any since Issue 100 unless there's something wrong with rights to portrayal.
Just checked out the Range Rover Convertible figure in more detail - it appears to be made of a hard plastic or resin rather than the soft vinyl of UH's figures. Extremely well sculpted and the skirt flowing over the seat and turned head are nice realistic touches, along with the fine accuracy of the hands on the steering wheel. I have no idea who the actress was (I saw Octopussy at the cinema when it was released and it became the one Bond movie I ended up hating, so I haven't seen it since) but I wouldn't mind betting the figure is a good likeness. Having seen this figure, I think it really makes it a double shame that we're not seeing figures made by IXO. The figures used in 'La Route Bleue' aren't scaled properly and are kind of 'clunky' so I assumed we weren't missing much judging by those! I just hope EMFabbri's promised inclusion of figures in future releases isn't an empty one.
For info - the actress who played Bianca in the Range Rover was Tina Hudson.
(Confirmed from my recent discovery of my Octopussy Special book of the film. by Marvel Comics Group 1983.
(with comic strip story.)
Bleuville.
Thanks for that I just Googled her using your info:
The figure looks a pretty lifelike little model of her to me - I'm sure if Ms. Hudson has a copy of this Range Rover model she must be very pleased with it!
For what it's worth, the Ford Crown Victoria's figure uses basically the same type of sculpting and material. And has anyone found out what issue 119 or the grille of the Lada Nova 1500 looks like?
For what it's worth, the Ford Crown Victoria's figure uses basically the same type of sculpting and material. And has anyone found out what issue 119 or the grille of the Lada Nova 1500 looks like?
The Ford Crown is another in the collection I don't have as yet so it's interesting to hear the figure is much the same. I wonder if the actor driving the car was actually credited or whether he was one of the stunt crew?
On the Lada I've emailed the seller and he's promised some photos later today -
The Ford Crown is another in the collection I don't have as yet so it's interesting to hear the figure is much the same. I wonder if the actor driving the car was actually credited or whether he was one of the stunt crew?
Not sure. Ixo's reported defense was that it was just some guy who happened to be wearing a Miami-Dade PD uniform, so it might not be as close as Ixo's sculpting of Tina Hudson. But then again, I'm convinced that's the figure that landed Fabbri in hot water.
On the Lada I've emailed the seller and he's promised some photos later today -
The seller very kindly sent a photo - unfortunately I'm not sure if it's clear enough to answer your questions, but.......wait for it, Bond and model-centrics.........THERE'S A FIGURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
.......oh, and a new 'brick paved' road from the look of it.....
I hadn't thought of the number plate holder bulging forward but it is certainly a possibilty so we may be in for a correct model - be glad of that! The new picture is so blurry when blown up it doesnt really answer the question though I don't think I can see the 2107 grille bulge but I cant be 100% sure. The figure was certainly a surprise but it just goes to show they are doing more than cars now even if I suspect they will just do them now and again when they already have the basic casting and can put a bit more effort into extras. I think we may find that where the casting is entirely new costs will force us back to that gravel road or similar and no figure.
Well all we can do is wait for the model to be more widely available on Ebay to see what we'll get.
We are in for a correct model, fortunately. Have a look at the larger gap between the trunk and trunk lid on the VAZ-2105 vs. the smaller gap on the VAZ-2107. The front end fore of the A-pillar is also unquestionably a VAZ-2105, plus it has the trunk lid "flutes" of a VAZ-2105. We even get engine displacement badges to tell you what kind of car it is, exactly. A nice effort, it looks like! Thanks for the pics, MovieCarFan, and nice to see a figure! By the way...does anyone know what Issue 119 is?
Thanks for the pics, MovieCarFan, and nice to see a figure! By the way...does anyone know what Issue 119 is?
You're welcome. The seller was offering the model together with its magazine in the factory sealed bag, so I didn't think it was fair to ask him to open it all up to find out what 119 is. I'm sure we'll find out very soon though. My money's on the second '68 Merc (FYEO), after that it's going to get even more interesting IMHO in terms of some new castings and figures hopefully - apart from the dreaded Moggy Minor drophead of course (come on Fabbri/Ixo, how about Oddjob's grey Merc in the forest setting instead of that one?).
here is a slightly better photo.....it will do until someone posts a better one.......and issue 119..???? LINCOLN CONTINENTAL from Thuderball..........wow!!
Comments
I agree that the VAZ-2105 is going to be a good model - they have all the ingredients to make it so it would be tragic if they messed that up! Similarly it would take a complete lack of care to mess up the MB220D since they have the body shell most trim parts and just need to get wheels and printed detail correct! I am personally also looking forward to the Volga but I hope that they take time to sort through parts bin properly and set up correct printed badging. As a car centric I already have a nice Gaz Estate so the Bond needs to be a variant to justify its keep...
I dont see why they shouldn't take the time to nail the 450SEL after all it will be a mould they can re-use many times in the future - I bet some heads of state had them and MB collectors will be pleased to get an IXO if well done. The Lincoln - well I have a slight sinking feeling there - a unique body though attractive may not have so many re-use possibilities - it will either be re-done to match film which will be good from IXO or a botch up which will be a disappointment. The 1973 Bel Air will sell like hot cakes and have lots of resale opportunities like the Plaza Taxi so it is worth them getting it right.
On the GF Merc front I think the most annoying problem is the lack of whitewalls, easy to fix by changing the tyres, but you'll probably have to track down and buy a donor model car with the same tyre configuration. That means more unnecessary expense to correct IXO's rather obvious oversight.
Do IXO make all the models in 'La Route Bleu' series? I notice that some of the diorama bases in that range seem to have the same disparity in finish as the current JBCC models, as in the examples below - one's quite plain whilst the other's more detailed.
Whoops!!! I would agree that they do have rather sorry customer service, though. Still, MovieCarFan does make a solid point. Snail-mail is generally responded to at a snail's pace, unfortunately. Still, didn't one of us wind up adding our email address in there? That should have tipped them off that we're open to a response in any form.
I agree with these. The USSR AvtoLegende VAZ-2105's lone defect was that the initial batch had front bumpers that often bent. Historically, this was accurate, but they were just all bending and breaking. It got so bad that issue had to be delayed. These were pretty quickly replaced with ones that had a black plastic lining just aft of the metal, which was a bit later in production (late 1980's-early 1990's) but certainly forgiveable, especially since they couldn't make the early ones correctly. I really hope they don't "discover" the original front bumpers and start sticking them on there. That's the only possible problem the VAZ-2105 could have.
The only problem I can see with the Mercedes-Benz 220D, aside from the slightly undersized but far from unacceptable wheels, is if they don't add on the side repeater lights that were exclusive to the Italian market. There seem to have been two versions of this car in the film, by the way. We see Locque approaching, for example, in a car with a plastic side mirror. But when the car actually chases Bond, the side mirror has turned to metal. The chains on the rear tires also appear and disappear, which leads me to believe two cars were used. Still, both had side repeater lights, although you could probably make these from orange pieces of plastic.
The Scaldia-Volga used is the base model M24, not the M24 Luxe as I'd previously thought (the differences are limited to the actual interior upholstery quality and I think there might be a slight difference with the gearbox, but that's it). Usually, the word "Volga" would appear in the Roman alphabet on the fenders and the trunk lid. You could, however, order bare fenders for whatever reason, though you still got the trunk lid badged the same way ("Volga" in the Roman alphabet and NOT Cyrillic). This is how the film car appears, though it's a little odd to see the car with a Soviet flag and (excellently) mocked up Nationale Volksarmee (East German Army) license plates. Still, the Scaldia-Volga is regarded as a bit of a strange bird in the former East Bloc. It was "that car made for export" and there have been more than a few attempts at making one on a small scale. I would expect Ixo to get this one right because their former East Bloc/East Bloc stuff that's appeared in this collection does seem to sell really well in the former East Bloc. I doubt they'd risk alienating that market, especially with expanding collections to Moldova and Bulgaria now, a 30-car extension to USSR AvtoLegende, an unknown extension to Kultowe Auta PRL-u, and a 40-car expansion to the Romanian Masini de Lagenda, which has thus far outstripped sales expectations by quite a bit. Still, the Scaldia-Volga just doesn't fit into those collections, even though it was well-remembered since many were re-imported by the USSR and Russia in the early 1990's (as well as other East Bloc countries that had bought Volgas). As such, I would expect the JBCC version to be the perfect vehicle to fill that market niche.
Also, which one do you mean by GAZ Estate? "Volga 22" or "Volga 24"? The Ist Models version of the GAZ-22 (badly flawed with regard to the grille, fenders, and headlights and probably the worst of the USSR AvtoLegende cars, as well, although I enjoy mine warts and all), the Neo Models version (if you have the blue/white/blue variant, the suspension is wrong/used by early Scaldia-Volga only...if Ixo limited themselves to that, I'd be okay, but I paid $75 for that car...fortunately, the all-tan Neo GAZ-22V and Neo-for-Ritmonexx GAZ-M22 [earlier one] in light green and dark green correct this error...you can also print out Dutch or Belgian decals for the license plates and have an accurate car), or do you mean the Radon Models/Agat Models GAZ-24-02 with opening doors, hood, and trunk (believe it or not, this is actually a superbly scaled replica of the real one, though you have to add some details to it) or VERY recent USSR AvtoLegende GAZ-24-02 (this is a really nice one...the Polish one is really screwed up in terms of color, but uses the same accurate mould)?
Again, I would agree here. If they nail the 450SEL, they finally get something onto the market that competes with Minichamps' unfortunately ludicrously-overpriced 450SEL 6.9 (yes, different grille, but they were still both the first of the top of the line S-Class cars). Minichamps' original gunmetal gray version actually fits very well with the Bond version, the re-issued version in blue obviously doesn't, but M-B collectors both bought them up really fast for obvious reasons. This would be a real winner if they do it correctly, or it alternately could be the 280S that gets thrown off the cliff and does nothing else. The original mould was a nice 280S model, but we don't want a 280S.
My feelings on the '65 Lincoln Continental Lehmann-Peterson Type 53A Executive Limousine are a bit better than yours, if only because they could sell an upscale version to VVM Models of St. Petersburg and accurately recreate one of just a very, very few cars that still exists (even if damaged) that was imported to literally be stylistically copied for another Soviet car (in this case, the ZIL-114). The head of NAMI (the USSR's research body for cars) in the Latvian SSR later rode around in the car, I believe, so again, this one might have East Bloc appeal. If so, I'd be surprised if they screwed it up. Granted, there is a a HUGE continuity error: the '64 Lehmann-Peterson Continental that gets more screen time is the one the drives around, but look closely: the car Jacques Bouvar gets out of has the windows rolled down and features a 1965 trunk lid (it's NOT obvious, but look carefully at the trunk lid...it's curved a bit and flush with the body on the 1965 model, but is straight and not flush with the body on the 1964 model; if they had to re-shoot a scene, it's likely that the much-more-common 1965 model would have stood in for the '64, which is considered one of the rarest Lehmann-Peterson limousines in existence). Although I can't fathom why (re-shoot, since as mentioned, the '65 was more common?), the cars appear to be different. Because both limos get significant screen time, I'd be satisfied with either, one, honestly. Still, Ixo's Continental is a '67. They COULD more easily make it into a '65 (plus they get the East Bloc market if they do) than a '64, so that's why I'm guessing they try a '65.
I agree the '73 Bel Air will probably be done as well as possible and I'm willing to bet we see it in the colorful, red and white Louisiana State Police livery.
"NE 9641" appears as both a 180 at the very beginning and a 190 later on. The grilles do indeed tell us it's one or the other and is probably the most notable feature telling us it's not a 220S at any point (since the 220S never had these grilles). The wheels are the same mould if not the same color as the Del Prado model (also made by Ixo), so you'll have no problems fitting the whitewalls from the Sunbeam Alpine on there.
Yes, but I know for a fact they did not do the figures. I'm not sure if they did the bases or not. Regarding the letter...I sure do hope that's the case!
I'm guessing by the look of it, either he's broken down and getting a bit pi**ed off having to wait for Q to come out and fix it - or else he's been given the 1/8th partwork model to drive as a joke and isn't seeing the funny side.
BRACE YOURSELF, SPOILERS ARE COMING
Looking at the ruins of what used to be Skyfall Lodge...
But that's just my wild guess, maybe he's waiting for M to get her bags
There's certainly been a lot of those in the press lately, if EON aren't careful everybody's going to know all there is to know about 'Skyfall' long before it's released
On another note, I must thank all those who recommended buying the Octopussy Range Rover drop-head a while back. I received one of these last week and it is EXCELLENT - great detail and a brilliantly well done figure to go with it. I was just wondering if it might have been some sort of 'switch over' collaboration, as in IXO providing the model and UH providing the figure, before all production went to IXO??
I'm guessing M isn't going to be arguing with DC's 'volatile' Bond quite so much in Skyfall if he gives her a lift in the Goldfinger DB5.
Probably not. Ixo's figures are sculpted differently from the ones we see with the UH cars. Note especially the semi-gloss paint. Ixo can actually do solid figures, which is why I've no idea why they haven't done any since Issue 100 unless there's something wrong with rights to portrayal.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320887707518
The diorama from above looks like it's simply a flat paving-effect base.
I am sure Dalkowski110 will be able to let us know if my fears are unfounded or correct.....
Anyway, can anyone email this guy and ask what issue 119 is?
Just checked out the Range Rover Convertible figure in more detail - it appears to be made of a hard plastic or resin rather than the soft vinyl of UH's figures. Extremely well sculpted and the skirt flowing over the seat and turned head are nice realistic touches, along with the fine accuracy of the hands on the steering wheel. I have no idea who the actress was (I saw Octopussy at the cinema when it was released and it became the one Bond movie I ended up hating, so I haven't seen it since) but I wouldn't mind betting the figure is a good likeness. Having seen this figure, I think it really makes it a double shame that we're not seeing figures made by IXO. The figures used in 'La Route Bleue' aren't scaled properly and are kind of 'clunky' so I assumed we weren't missing much judging by those! I just hope EMFabbri's promised inclusion of figures in future releases isn't an empty one.
I decided to look at two cars that I've always viewed as radically different...the VAZ-2105 and VAZ-2107...and realized they look almost identical from the top. Almost, but not quite.
Look very, very carefully at the trunk lid of the car in the picture. The VAZ-2107 type had a smooth trunk lid. But the VAZ-2105 type had two metal depressions to save money (less metal). The photo is too blurry to make out the hood, but you CAN see the trunk lid. And it's not what you'd expect to find on a VAZ-2107. I submit, for your examination, a blue Lada Nova 2107 1300S from "Kultowe Auta PRL-u" and a red VAZ-2105 from "USSR AvtoLegende". Note the overhead shot...and then keep in mind that the Czechoslovakians also had big, wide license plates almost exactly the width of the grille...
Pretty hard to tell 'em apart, huh? But have a look at the trunk lids.
Here's the front of each car. The VAZ-2107-based Lada 2107 1300 is on the left, the VAZ-2105 is on the right.
Come to think of it, I think it IS the lighting. Why else would they radically alter the trunk?
EDIT: I also attempted to recreate the photo that he took from the angle he took it and was able to do it with both cars. Because of the dark blue color, it's almost impossible to tell the cars apart...the first two photos are mine, the last one is his...
Try and do it without enlarging my two images. Tough to tell, huh? I suggest someone with access to ebay.co.uk email him and ask for 2 things...
1) What's Issue 119?
2) Can you take a photo of the side of the car with a bit of the grille in it?
For info - the actress who played Bianca in the Range Rover was Tina Hudson.
(Confirmed from my recent discovery of my Octopussy Special book of the film. by Marvel Comics Group 1983.
(with comic strip story.)
Bleuville.
Thanks for that
The figure looks a pretty lifelike little model of her to me - I'm sure if Ms. Hudson has a copy of this Range Rover model she must be very pleased with it!
The Ford Crown is another in the collection I don't have as yet so it's interesting to hear the figure is much the same. I wonder if the actor driving the car was actually credited or whether he was one of the stunt crew?
On the Lada I've emailed the seller and he's promised some photos later today -
Not sure. Ixo's reported defense was that it was just some guy who happened to be wearing a Miami-Dade PD uniform, so it might not be as close as Ixo's sculpting of Tina Hudson. But then again, I'm convinced that's the figure that landed Fabbri in hot water.
Thanks! I can hardly wait!
.......oh, and a new 'brick paved' road from the look of it.....
Well all we can do is wait for the model to be more widely available on Ebay to see what we'll get.
We are in for a correct model, fortunately. Have a look at the larger gap between the trunk and trunk lid on the VAZ-2105 vs. the smaller gap on the VAZ-2107. The front end fore of the A-pillar is also unquestionably a VAZ-2105, plus it has the trunk lid "flutes" of a VAZ-2105. We even get engine displacement badges to tell you what kind of car it is, exactly. A nice effort, it looks like! Thanks for the pics, MovieCarFan, and nice to see a figure! By the way...does anyone know what Issue 119 is?
You're welcome. The seller was offering the model together with its magazine in the factory sealed bag, so I didn't think it was fair to ask him to open it all up to find out what 119 is. I'm sure we'll find out very soon though. My money's on the second '68 Merc (FYEO), after that it's going to get even more interesting IMHO in terms of some new castings and figures hopefully - apart from the dreaded Moggy Minor drophead of course (come on Fabbri/Ixo, how about Oddjob's grey Merc in the forest setting instead of that one?).
{[]