Ok quicker than expected here is a reply from Eaglemoss today
Thank you for your lovely e-mail and for your kind feed-back.
I can confirm that the collection has been extended to issue 135 and I think we will soon release some models from the latest James Bond movies.
Sadly I do not have any information at ths point about any special edition. However, if one is to be released we will inform al our subscribers a month before release to givetime to opt in or out.
As for the Minor, I wouldn't call it "very poor", though I would call it middling. The UH Rolls-Royce is a notch below the Minor, which at the very least is formed correctly. The UH Continental is horrible; I won't be getting either one of the UH models. The Continental almost appears to have a reworked windshield from another car in the collection; it's not even close to any factory Lincoln pictures.
I agree that the Minor is the best of these three models; I still judge it as "very poor" - I added "Still think this car has no place in this collection", and that's the only way I judge these models - in the context of the "James Bond Car Collection" and the earlier issues. Within the JBCC this Morris Minor, without figures, as seen for a few seconds in TB, is a very poor model, be it the very best 1/43 Minor ever or not. Other cars like the OP Alfa GTV or the Toyota 2000 GT are not the greatest 1/43 cars (just compare to the Minichamps versions) but in the context of the JBCC, with their figures and dioramas, make very good JBCC issues. If some random car fits a collection otherwise, then fine, but as a JBCC model the Minor, the London Taxi, the Consul and others remain poor issues.
Regarding the Ranch Wagon: My comment that "the rest are again very poor" was followed by "be it the MR Rolls, Continental convertible or the Minor" - I wasn't even thinking of the Ford when I wrote of "the very poor rest". Yet on first glance I knew that these "fender thingies" weren't there in the film. Well, they are - sort of - but on the model they are so oversized that they could fit a 1/12 model. The "baseball bat" antenna on the LTK Silver Shadow looks delicate compared to this. This is just a detail but like the wheels on the Silver Shadows or W115 Mercedes one that immediately prevents me from judging this as a very good model.
So actually they look ok considering the size of the model. Anything bigger would look out of scale
On the film cars the 2-door seems to have smaller fender ornaments, while the 4-door does have a larger one, on the right side which must be the parking marker. But still, I'd say it looks pretty much out of scale already when it can be confused with a rearview mirror.
Regarding the colour I agree with Dal 110 as in the magazine the two pictures are clearly day and night so would give a reasonable explanation of the contrasting colours. Another explanation would be continuity in the 60's might not have been as high on the agenda when FRWL was made . As some of the scenes were at night and in a different country it was highly likely to save on cost they thought they could get away with it having two different cars with light shades albeit one white and one pale blue. Lets face it most of the cinema audience would not notice anyway , its only diecast collectors who would notice something like that anyway. The pale blue one is actually foor door as per magazine photo of film shot. maybe three cars were used ??
Wrong number of doors, not sure where this is coming from as the car is a four door station wagon as seen in the movie???
I always thought the car was light blue (also the only model car available, from Johnny Lightning, was painted light blue) but after watching the DVD again I think both cars were off-white. At the gypsy camp it sometimes has a blue tint. I think this comes from the "let's film a night scene in broad daylight" way of filmmaking, with a blue filter on the lens and the aperture closed two notches, plus studio shooting with blue spotlights.
On the railway crossing, the 2-door may be pale blue but I suspect that they have "pulled on the colour curves" for the DVD to make the sky more blue.
As for continuity errors: I agree that things like the two different cars have never been noticed in the cinema. It's only since VHS and DVD, that these became apparent. And I didn't say that the 4-door is wrong, just that I find the 2-door the more interesting choice for a model.
Looking forward to both models but not looking forward to uh models to come. I'll nail my colors to the mast ixo are better than uh and we will see that as the series dies off.
And I repeat that I don't think that Ixo made the better JBCC models and can't agree with the "Ixo = good, UH = bad" attitude. There have been many very good issues from UH and some from Ixo; and there have been poor and mediocre ones, including many UH as well as Ixo models. Some of which could have been very good JBCC models when adding figures and better dioramas (like the Chevy C30), others hopeless cases - the Lincoln stretch limo even competes with the Volante and Audi for being the ugliest model in the whole series.
but on the model they are so oversized that they could fit a 1/12 model.
Not really. Again, file down each side, drill a hole in the center, and they will look quite different. It's the lack of flatness (which by the way will be corrected on the ironically-pale blue Premium X model due to having photoetched detail parts) of the parking markers that hurts them.
while the 4-door does have a larger one, on the right side which must be the parking marker.
It has two. Freeze the frame just as it's about to cut away from the car when it pulls into the Gypsy camp. It's got another one. The second pan shot (leaving the camp) obscures the entire front of the car while the first (arriving) is set against lighting that makes the left parking marker difficult to see. You only get a clear view of it as it's about to cut inside.
(just compare to the Minichamps versions)
Thanks! I'd asked you earlier which Toyota 2000GT you had and it must have been missed. I personally like the Ebbro the best (it actually costs a little less than the Minichamps, if you can find the right dealer, you have to put the correct license plates on, but they literally worked off the original blueprints) and if I could recommend any Code 3 involving a diorama, it would be to take the figures out of the JBCC model, put them in the Ebbro, grind down the UH "square hole" base, and then screw in the Ebbro using a regular screw and washer.
the Lincoln stretch limo even competes with the Volante and Audi for being the ugliest model in the whole series.
Despite our differences on Ixo vs. UH, I do agree with you here. Though I'll nominate the Ford Falcon Ranchero as the worst in the entire series, in spite of its diorama (but even there, the cargo/fake Lincoln should have been muted in color at least somewhat, too). Sadly, we never got to see Ixo redeem themselves with their forthcoming '64 Continental Convertible...which we'll fortunately see in the Premium X Diecast series...and from what I have heard, this will be an excellent model/they're out to compete with the FM '63 Continental with it. What people forget is that fore of the B2-pillar, the limo was actually a good model and used parts developed for the Premium X version (such as the grille). Aft of it? Utter disaster.
Hi everyone,
I know this GREAT collection of models cannot go on forever and upto now, the series is going upto 135. Wikipedia have the following entries...
130 Wales & Edwards Rangemaster milk float (Ixo) The Living Daylights
131 Chevrolet Bel Air police car (Ixo) Live And Let Die
132 Lincoln Continental convertible (UH) Goldfinger
133 Aston Martin DB5 (UH) Skyfall
134 Land Rover Discovery 4 (Ixo) Skyfall
135 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow (UH) Moonraker
We can all keep naming vehicles from the films, but surely, this collection cannot end without adding at least the following three examples...
The San Monique Double-Decker Bus from 'Live & Let Die'
The Kenworth Tanker from 'Licence To Kill' and
the Ford Mondeo from 'Casino Royale'
Heres hoping Eaglemoss can come through once again for us and add these examples to the collection. Fingers, Toes, Eyes and everything else crossed...
but on the model they are so oversized that they could fit a 1/12 model.
Not really. Again, file down each side, drill a hole in the center, and they will look quite different. It's the lack of flatness (which by the way will be corrected on the ironically-pale blue Premium X model due to having photoetched detail parts) of the parking markers that hurts them.
Well, maybe I have exaggerated a bit but I think they are about 4x as large. So 1/12 would be adequate.
while the 4-door does have a larger one, on the right side which must be the parking marker.
It has two. Freeze the frame just as it's about to cut away from the car when it pulls into the Gypsy camp. It's got another one. The second pan shot (leaving the camp) obscures the entire front of the car while the first (arriving) is set against lighting that makes the left parking marker difficult to see. You only get a clear view of it as it's about to cut inside.
It has one - the smaller size ornament like the 2-door - on the driver's side, and the second on the passenger side is the larger one.
Thanks! I'd asked you earlier which Toyota 2000GT you had and it must have been missed. I personally like the Ebbro the best (it actually costs a little less than the Minichamps, if you can find the right dealer, you have to put the correct license plates on, but they literally worked off the original blueprints)
I haven't missed it and actually started a comparison but I only had the JBCC and Minichamps available and my Ebbro and Kyosho somewhere tucked away, and I was too lazy to look for them. And I wanted to wait till I have a HPI which I think is the best model. I did compare to Ebay photos, and I found the website http://www.2000gt.net/ - I think every photo available on the net can be found under Galleries -> Spider (with photos of the - not 100% faithfully - restored original convertible in the Toyota museum) and James Bond -> Le film / Le voiture. And a complete model section (where I found a Make Up Co. high-end James Bond Toyota in 1/43 which I haven't seen before. Another thing to look for 8-) )
Ad hoc I remember that I found the Ebbro convertible to be one of the weaker models. The main problem is the windshield which is far too low (although very nicely done in body colour with a narrow chrome frame) and the wheels which look more like turbine-style alloys than wire spokes. I think a more thorough comparison with photos will have to wait till after the JBCC has ended.
Despite our differences on Ixo vs. UH, I do agree with you here. Though I'll nominate the Ford Falcon Ranchero as the worst in the entire series, in spite of its diorama (but even there, the cargo/fake Lincoln should have been muted in color at least somewhat, too). Sadly, we never got to see Ixo redeem themselves with their forthcoming '64 Continental Convertible...which we'll fortunately see in the Premium X Diecast series...and from what I have heard, this will be an excellent model/they're out to compete with the FM '63 Continental with it. What people forget is that fore of the B2-pillar, the limo was actually a good model and used parts developed for the Premium X version (such as the grille). Aft of it? Utter disaster.
Woohoo, we agree ) Yes, when viewed from the front, the Lincoln looks good (no numberplates here, too - ERROR, ERROR!!! ) but once you turn it to the side and get to the rear ... it really is like the Volante (UH at least gave us a Dalton figure and numberplates).
Well, I am looking forward to a Lincoln from Premium X. I don't think one can call this "compete" with Franklin Mint as their model is 20 years old and not available in any shop now. (I think it was a '61 if I remember correctly, first year.) Those who have the FM will also add the Premium X, and those who want a FM will still try to get it for its opening parts, so no competition here. The Premium X will be the only contemporary version of this car. There have been white-metal versions from Minimarque 43 ('64) and Century/AMR ('65) but like the FM are more than twenty years old and poor by today's standards.
I don't find the Ranchero that bad. You are right, the cab is ridiculously oversized but that was a memorable moment of the film, and I can't help but find the model in its diorama setting quite nice.
We can all keep naming vehicles from the films, but surely, this collection cannot end without adding at least the following three examples...
The only problems are...
1) Ixo has left the building. They won't be doing any models past 131. The Land Rover is a Defender 110 and will be re-used from a UH casting.
2) UH's contract, as I understand it, STILL prohibits them from doing anything NOT based on their existing moulds. I have NO idea why. That means they could in theory probably do about five more models (you actually could get really nice models of the yellow Moke and Aston-Martin Vantage, but beyond that, it gets awfully thin) and then they'll run out.
The main problem is the windshield which is far too low (although very nicely done in body colour with a narrow chrome frame) and the wheels which look more like turbine-style alloys than wire spokes
Going to agree with one thing strongly and proclaim I don't have enough info to either agree or disagree with the other. There's no question the windshield is too low upon looking at it a second time. When you compare it to the coupe, which is actually very nicely done, you can tell where they went wrong, though. Instead of taking the windshield and cutting it down, they fitted an entirely new windshield (necessary because the trim on the coupe is actually made up of three seperate pieces: the metal roof and extensions of the side windows [you have to look almost with a magnifying glass to be able to to tell, but they are seperate parts]). Unfortunately, it seems they just stuck new trim on the existing windshield, making it undersized BOTH from side to side AND top-to-bottom, rather than starting from scratch. Still I do prefer the look of the body on this one to the Minichamps variant.
However, regarding the wheels, either they re-issued the car or someone's been correcting them. The wheels on the original release (shown on the website) are taken from the 1965 prototype, which, by the way, is a brilliant model (but also NOT even close to the one Aki and Bond use). However, a few with altered wheels closer to these, but all silver...
...can also be found. Note that no, that's not the Bond car. I know one dealer had a couple of these on eBay and sold out pretty quickly about a year ago. Perhaps he modified them himself?
It has one - the smaller size ornament like the 2-door - on the driver's side, and the second on the passenger side is the larger one.
Unless they literally broke one off and ordered an incorrect replacement (doubtful), it's forced perspection.
Also, no, it wouldn't come out to 1/12 scale if you modified it as I prescribed if you presume 1/43 scale. By that I mean filing back, but you also won't be altering the diameter...either way, I'll have the results up when I get the car.
The DB5 is dropdead gorgeous and the SF cars we've discussed do not disappoint. My son's car appeared in an early scene and one of my cars was full screen a few minutes later, so well chuffed! (well, identical cars to them anyway) We both now officially have Bond cars.
I can look at all the damn spoilers for this movie now!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congrats MCF! Can hardly wait to see this film myself...even though I looked at every spoiler available and literally could give you a detailed plot synopsis right up to and including the end. )
Ok quicker than expected here is a reply from Eaglemoss today
Thank you for your lovely e-mail and for your kind feed-back.
I can confirm that the collection has been extended to issue 135 and I think we will soon release some models from the latest James Bond movies.
Sadly I do not have any information at ths point about any special edition. However, if one is to be released we will inform al our subscribers a month before release to givetime to opt in or out.
Kind regards
Eaglemoss
I think this was overlooked , have i accidentally stumbled upon a planned release beyond 135. Surely if this was not the case the reply would have said there are no specials planned.
You never know ixo might be tempted back to the table and indeed an extension will be announced . There are six more issues over three months. A lot can happen in 25% of year.
Surely if this was not the case the reply would have said there are no specials planned.
Not really. I've dealt with various companies' customer service regarding partworks and future issues and they're saying it because they often have no idea and are usually kept in the dark to a surprising degree. A friend who works with Polish DeAgostini said this was to help prevent leaks (when they started up Kultowe Auta PRL-u, they had a guy that leaked something like 20 of the first models). "Not at this time, but we'll tell you if/when we do" means "No, but until we've officially exhausted the entire partwork, we can't really confirm or deny anything." A definitive "no" is a true rarity unless it actually goes against the bounds of the partwork (for example, if you'd asked them "Do you plan to change to 1/18 scale models?" they would have said "no"). Likewise, when they're absolutely sure of something and there is a TON of proof out there, they're instructed to give out a definitive "yes".
Ask them what color the Lincoln Continental will be. It's the wrong color as-is (black, should be blue), is a future issue, and I guarantee they'll either say "blue" (it would surprise me; though if you email them specifying that you've seen the model on lists someone might dig it up on IMCDB) or more likely "we don't have that information at this time."
Surely if this was not the case the reply would have said there are no specials planned.
Not really. I've dealt with various companies' customer service regarding partworks and future issues and they're saying it because they often have no idea and are usually kept in the dark to a surprising degree. A friend who works with Polish DeAgostini said this was to help prevent leaks (when they started up Kultowe Auta PRL-u, they had a guy that leaked something like 20 of the first models). "Not at this time, but we'll tell you if/when we do" means "No, but until we've officially exhausted the entire partwork, we can't really confirm or deny anything." A definitive "no" is a true rarity unless it actually goes against the bounds of the partwork (for example, if you'd asked them "Do you plan to change to 1/18 scale models?" they would have said "no"). Likewise, when they're absolutely sure of something and there is a TON of proof out there, they're instructed to give out a definitive "yes".
Ask them what color the Lincoln Continental will be. It's the wrong color as-is (black, should be blue), is a future issue, and I guarantee they'll either say "blue" (it would surprise me; though if you email them specifying that you've seen the model on lists someone might dig it up on IMCDB) or more likely "we don't have that information at this time."
Fair points, though what surprised me was the email came from Eaglemoss not DB factory ? Who knows , its fun speculating!
And I repeat that I don't think that Ixo made the better JBCC models and can't agree with the "Ixo = good, UH = bad" attitude. There have been many very good issues from UH and some from Ixo; and there have been poor and mediocre ones, including many UH as well as Ixo models. Some of which could have been very good JBCC models when adding figures and better dioramas (like the Chevy C30), others hopeless cases - the Lincoln stretch limo even competes with the Volante and Audi for being the ugliest model in the whole series.
I tend to agree with that. Had the collection been the other way around i.e. started off with the presentation standard of the Ixo issues (i.e. car, base, background, figures), the customer response on the whole probably would have been lukewarm in comparison - nice models but rather bland from the diorama and figure point of view. I don't think they would have gotten much further than the very famous vehicles so perhaps 40 before subscribers/ Bond fans would have lost interest.
As for which die-cast car manufacturer is the best, IMHO it's hard to tell. There have been LOTS of gems from both of them and there have also been a few clunkers from both (the Ranchero and the Lincoln Limo as highlighted) BUT, given more money, more time, would some of the errors have been avoided?
As someone who works in a 'creative' profession, I well understand what an ENORMOUS difference fair payment and more realistic timeframes can make. If you are given a tight budget and a tight deadline, the results can be sometimes be less than spectacular and mistakes are almost inevitable, simply due to pressure.
In the UK the price of each issue is almost nonsensical - £7.99 each including free postage, so actually nearer £5.99 - a price held since 2007. I reckon Fabbri/Emoss could have raised the price per issue at least £1-£2 in the UK without much complaint, and given more time and money, I think Ixo could have raised their game considerably in terms of dioramas/figures.
Sadly I suspect all we will be doing now is speculating.. If Fabbri/Eaglemoss have lost UH (I think they are unenthusiatically supplying due to the nature of the contract they had) and IXO there are not too many options left. Oxford - contrary to previous post - do do part works and contract die-casting but are heavily tied up with Atlas planes collection and I don't think they have any surplus capacity since their model launches have slipped considerably this year. Corgi have been struggling to find anyone to cast their models so are irrelevant. Norev are a maybe but probably not without a hike in the price. Starline and all the others actually seem to use IXO anyway.
I think that we will shortly get a "That's all folks". I certainly don't want more parts if it means more re-used UH - with the honorable exception of the yellow Moke that last Rolls looks such a let down.....
I think that we will shortly get a "That's all folks". I certainly don't want more parts if it means more re-used UH - with the honorable exception of the yellow Moke that last Rolls looks such a let down.....
If it IS wrapping up with a few strays coming from UH's moulds, I would really like to see the YOLT yellow Mini Moke and the standard (no gadgets showing) LD Aston Martin V8 Vantage tacked on the end. That would make it 137 issues, an odd number to end on I know, but I doubt anybody's counting. And the Vantage is a classy enough famous Bond beauty to end on, IMHO.
As you were so polite about some of my unofficial JBCC cars a few weeks ago, I thought I'd post pictures of some more that I've done.
I managed to pick up over a dozen early issues a couple of weeks ago for about 30 quid(!), so I've got a few bases to play around with.
Anyway here goes..........(please note that some are still work in progress)
CR (1967)
A Bentley blower and Lotus 'Formula 3' . Not exactly the right models, but close enough for me (and lets be honet the JBCC has not always been accurate when it comes to their own models). There's also the Bedford milkfloat.
NSNA
The Bentley and the Peugeot 505
DAF
One of the models that I picked up was the OHMSS DBS which appears briefly in DAF. So (and this really is work in progress) I'm going to produce a sort of Q's workshop - but this is the interim.....
GoldenEye
There were also 2 DB5s in the batch of second hand issues, so I've 're-registered' one an labelled it GE. I also had to have a replacement Chevy C-30 as the model had been bashed about, which meant that at long last the T55 could be mounted onto something decent.
Yes, I too did the The Vanish gag - slightly different label to the previous poster though!
Finally, I tried something a little different...remember the Bentley Mark II from Thunderball? Or the TR3 from Goldfinger? No? Well I've thrown together a couple of models from Flemings novels ...........enjoy
Well ,I'm off to see Skyfall tonight..........can't wait!!!!
Great models SWJ! Perhaps you could start running your own JBCC series part 2 for us to buy if this one's coming to an end and Emoss are all going off to the Jobcentre (!)
Good to see the poor old tank in a box at last and the 505 looks like you've simply pulled it out of the JBCC, it's that convincing. I trust we will be seeing some Skyfall models from you once you've seen the movie...........
The 1960 Ford wagon features fender ornaments. They were standard on all full size 1960 Fords. All cars had one on each side, and they are all the same size. They are not related to parking - they are ornamental only. The ornaments on the model appear too large as they look more like the ones found in 1/25 scale plastic kits and promos made by AMT in 1960.
External rear view mirrors did vary in size, placement, and quantity installed on each car. This model does not appear to have any external rear view mirrors.
All cars had one on each side, and they are all the same size.
The latter is not true. From model to model, they did vary in both size and shape. Here, for example, are the examples found on the Ford Thunderbird...
Also, the former IS true. All three RHD examples of the 1960 Ford Galaxie I examined featured one fender ornament broken off. They were different cars, however. I have since been able to find two more RHD examples with both fender ornaments intact.
Regarding parking aids, I was indeed incorrect. Under certain light conditions, in fact, the pre-1960 models made the vehicle more difficult to park. Hollowing it out for 1960 was supposed to help reduce this problem, though whether it did or not is unlikely; that was merely Ford's marketing department at work.
Have a look at some of the unrestored 1960 Country Squires and Galaxies, in particular. They can't all have had the "spikes" broken off the central hole...including photographs of then-brand-new cars.
Here is a 1960 Ford Fairlane, correctly restored, with NOS fender ornaments...
I had just another look at the DVD. Now it seems to me that the 4-door has the one on the driver's side broken off, there is a reflection but I think this is from the stem.
On the passenger side it is like those found on this convertible (photo from wikipedia; same size as those from DC007, you can compare with Diecast007's photo as it's almost the same angle):
I get the feeling that my "1/12 scale" isn't far off ... Brooklin left the fender ornaments off their 1960 Sunliner, and that was the better option.
And the 2-door, I am not sure - does this have two different "thingies"? On the driver's side could be the same as on the convertible, but on the passenger side you should see through. It seems smaller but solid to me. Again, one broken off and replaced with a different ornament? The cars were a few years old already.
I don't know if there were different sizes for export or trim level - but I have the feeling that once photos of Ixo's latest masterpiece are posted on the Grumpy Old Men Forum I will have fun reading the reactions!
And David C - welcome to the forum! Are you a Ford guy or do you collect the James Bond cars?
Brooklin left the thingies off on their 1960 Sunliner, and that was the better option.
Doubtful, unless it applies only to Brooklin. Brooklin was working with white metal; you simply can't work with parts that small and white metal details. On the other hand, try some of Neo and Spark's detailing (or at the very least, if those are totally beneath you, then Brooklin's customizers who often work with different types of metal). Also, the "1/12 scale" thing is getting repetitive, probably not accurate, and the more likely 1/24 scale figure is something easily rectified with a file and small drillbit.
Have a look at ebay auction number 221130685455 (a completed auction). It shows a brand new set of fender ornaments as well as a list of the vehicles the set fits. At the least it gives a nice close view of how they are supposed to look.
Thanks for the welcome. I get some of the Bond cars, usually American sedans and wagons.
It looks as though IMCDb may be using some form of dynamic addressing for images nowadays, possibly to prevent hotlinking - anyways, the intended photo is the main one of the FRWL Ford Ranch Wagon page at IMCDb (the 2-door at the level crossing): http://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_18804-Ford-Ranch-Wagon-1960.html
Seems to me the solution to this over-size ornament issue is not to file them to size but rather to file them off )
Comments
Thank you for your lovely e-mail and for your kind feed-back.
I can confirm that the collection has been extended to issue 135 and I think we will soon release some models from the latest James Bond movies.
Sadly I do not have any information at ths point about any special edition. However, if one is to be released we will inform al our subscribers a month before release to givetime to opt in or out.
Kind regards
Eaglemoss
Regarding the Ranch Wagon: My comment that "the rest are again very poor" was followed by "be it the MR Rolls, Continental convertible or the Minor" - I wasn't even thinking of the Ford when I wrote of "the very poor rest". Yet on first glance I knew that these "fender thingies" weren't there in the film. Well, they are - sort of - but on the model they are so oversized that they could fit a 1/12 model. The "baseball bat" antenna on the LTK Silver Shadow looks delicate compared to this. This is just a detail but like the wheels on the Silver Shadows or W115 Mercedes one that immediately prevents me from judging this as a very good model.
On the film cars the 2-door seems to have smaller fender ornaments, while the 4-door does have a larger one, on the right side which must be the parking marker. But still, I'd say it looks pretty much out of scale already when it can be confused with a rearview mirror. I always thought the car was light blue (also the only model car available, from Johnny Lightning, was painted light blue) but after watching the DVD again I think both cars were off-white. At the gypsy camp it sometimes has a blue tint. I think this comes from the "let's film a night scene in broad daylight" way of filmmaking, with a blue filter on the lens and the aperture closed two notches, plus studio shooting with blue spotlights.
On the railway crossing, the 2-door may be pale blue but I suspect that they have "pulled on the colour curves" for the DVD to make the sky more blue.
As for continuity errors: I agree that things like the two different cars have never been noticed in the cinema. It's only since VHS and DVD, that these became apparent. And I didn't say that the 4-door is wrong, just that I find the 2-door the more interesting choice for a model.
And I repeat that I don't think that Ixo made the better JBCC models and can't agree with the "Ixo = good, UH = bad" attitude. There have been many very good issues from UH and some from Ixo; and there have been poor and mediocre ones, including many UH as well as Ixo models. Some of which could have been very good JBCC models when adding figures and better dioramas (like the Chevy C30), others hopeless cases - the Lincoln stretch limo even competes with the Volante and Audi for being the ugliest model in the whole series.
Not really. Again, file down each side, drill a hole in the center, and they will look quite different. It's the lack of flatness (which by the way will be corrected on the ironically-pale blue Premium X model due to having photoetched detail parts) of the parking markers that hurts them.
It has two. Freeze the frame just as it's about to cut away from the car when it pulls into the Gypsy camp. It's got another one. The second pan shot (leaving the camp) obscures the entire front of the car while the first (arriving) is set against lighting that makes the left parking marker difficult to see. You only get a clear view of it as it's about to cut inside.
Thanks! I'd asked you earlier which Toyota 2000GT you had and it must have been missed. I personally like the Ebbro the best (it actually costs a little less than the Minichamps, if you can find the right dealer, you have to put the correct license plates on, but they literally worked off the original blueprints) and if I could recommend any Code 3 involving a diorama, it would be to take the figures out of the JBCC model, put them in the Ebbro, grind down the UH "square hole" base, and then screw in the Ebbro using a regular screw and washer.
Despite our differences on Ixo vs. UH, I do agree with you here. Though I'll nominate the Ford Falcon Ranchero as the worst in the entire series, in spite of its diorama (but even there, the cargo/fake Lincoln should have been muted in color at least somewhat, too). Sadly, we never got to see Ixo redeem themselves with their forthcoming '64 Continental Convertible...which we'll fortunately see in the Premium X Diecast series...and from what I have heard, this will be an excellent model/they're out to compete with the FM '63 Continental with it. What people forget is that fore of the B2-pillar, the limo was actually a good model and used parts developed for the Premium X version (such as the grille). Aft of it? Utter disaster.
I know this GREAT collection of models cannot go on forever and upto now, the series is going upto 135. Wikipedia have the following entries...
130 Wales & Edwards Rangemaster milk float (Ixo) The Living Daylights
131 Chevrolet Bel Air police car (Ixo) Live And Let Die
132 Lincoln Continental convertible (UH) Goldfinger
133 Aston Martin DB5 (UH) Skyfall
134 Land Rover Discovery 4 (Ixo) Skyfall
135 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow (UH) Moonraker
We can all keep naming vehicles from the films, but surely, this collection cannot end without adding at least the following three examples...
The San Monique Double-Decker Bus from 'Live & Let Die'
The Kenworth Tanker from 'Licence To Kill' and
the Ford Mondeo from 'Casino Royale'
Heres hoping Eaglemoss can come through once again for us and add these examples to the collection. Fingers, Toes, Eyes and everything else crossed...
It has one - the smaller size ornament like the 2-door - on the driver's side, and the second on the passenger side is the larger one.
I haven't missed it and actually started a comparison but I only had the JBCC and Minichamps available and my Ebbro and Kyosho somewhere tucked away, and I was too lazy to look for them. And I wanted to wait till I have a HPI which I think is the best model. I did compare to Ebay photos, and I found the website http://www.2000gt.net/ - I think every photo available on the net can be found under Galleries -> Spider (with photos of the - not 100% faithfully - restored original convertible in the Toyota museum) and James Bond -> Le film / Le voiture. And a complete model section (where I found a Make Up Co. high-end James Bond Toyota in 1/43 which I haven't seen before. Another thing to look for 8-) )
Ad hoc I remember that I found the Ebbro convertible to be one of the weaker models. The main problem is the windshield which is far too low (although very nicely done in body colour with a narrow chrome frame) and the wheels which look more like turbine-style alloys than wire spokes. I think a more thorough comparison with photos will have to wait till after the JBCC has ended.
Woohoo, we agree
Well, I am looking forward to a Lincoln from Premium X. I don't think one can call this "compete" with Franklin Mint as their model is 20 years old and not available in any shop now. (I think it was a '61 if I remember correctly, first year.) Those who have the FM will also add the Premium X, and those who want a FM will still try to get it for its opening parts, so no competition here. The Premium X will be the only contemporary version of this car. There have been white-metal versions from Minimarque 43 ('64) and Century/AMR ('65) but like the FM are more than twenty years old and poor by today's standards.
I don't find the Ranchero that bad. You are right, the cab is ridiculously oversized but that was a memorable moment of the film, and I can't help but find the model in its diorama setting quite nice.
No, the last one wouldn't be on my list ...
Better change it quick to "Ford Escort from OHMSS"!
The only problems are...
1) Ixo has left the building. They won't be doing any models past 131. The Land Rover is a Defender 110 and will be re-used from a UH casting.
2) UH's contract, as I understand it, STILL prohibits them from doing anything NOT based on their existing moulds. I have NO idea why. That means they could in theory probably do about five more models (you actually could get really nice models of the yellow Moke and Aston-Martin Vantage, but beyond that, it gets awfully thin) and then they'll run out.
Going to agree with one thing strongly and proclaim I don't have enough info to either agree or disagree with the other. There's no question the windshield is too low upon looking at it a second time. When you compare it to the coupe, which is actually very nicely done, you can tell where they went wrong, though. Instead of taking the windshield and cutting it down, they fitted an entirely new windshield (necessary because the trim on the coupe is actually made up of three seperate pieces: the metal roof and extensions of the side windows [you have to look almost with a magnifying glass to be able to to tell, but they are seperate parts]). Unfortunately, it seems they just stuck new trim on the existing windshield, making it undersized BOTH from side to side AND top-to-bottom, rather than starting from scratch. Still I do prefer the look of the body on this one to the Minichamps variant.
However, regarding the wheels, either they re-issued the car or someone's been correcting them. The wheels on the original release (shown on the website) are taken from the 1965 prototype, which, by the way, is a brilliant model (but also NOT even close to the one Aki and Bond use). However, a few with altered wheels closer to these, but all silver...
http://www.2000gt.net/Toys/Ebbro43/Ebbro43_4_25.jpg
...can also be found. Note that no, that's not the Bond car. I know one dealer had a couple of these on eBay and sold out pretty quickly about a year ago. Perhaps he modified them himself?
Unless they literally broke one off and ordered an incorrect replacement (doubtful), it's forced perspection.
Also, no, it wouldn't come out to 1/12 scale if you modified it as I prescribed if you presume 1/43 scale. By that I mean filing back, but you also won't be altering the diameter...either way, I'll have the results up when I get the car.
The DB5 is dropdead gorgeous and the SF cars we've discussed do not disappoint. My son's car appeared in an early scene and one of my cars was full screen a few minutes later, so well chuffed! (well, identical cars to them anyway) We both now officially have Bond cars.
I can look at all the damn spoilers for this movie now!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think this was overlooked , have i accidentally stumbled upon a planned release beyond 135. Surely if this was not the case the reply would have said there are no specials planned.
You never know ixo might be tempted back to the table and indeed an extension will be announced . There are six more issues over three months. A lot can happen in 25% of year.
Not really. I've dealt with various companies' customer service regarding partworks and future issues and they're saying it because they often have no idea and are usually kept in the dark to a surprising degree. A friend who works with Polish DeAgostini said this was to help prevent leaks (when they started up Kultowe Auta PRL-u, they had a guy that leaked something like 20 of the first models). "Not at this time, but we'll tell you if/when we do" means "No, but until we've officially exhausted the entire partwork, we can't really confirm or deny anything." A definitive "no" is a true rarity unless it actually goes against the bounds of the partwork (for example, if you'd asked them "Do you plan to change to 1/18 scale models?" they would have said "no"). Likewise, when they're absolutely sure of something and there is a TON of proof out there, they're instructed to give out a definitive "yes".
Ask them what color the Lincoln Continental will be. It's the wrong color as-is (black, should be blue), is a future issue, and I guarantee they'll either say "blue" (it would surprise me; though if you email them specifying that you've seen the model on lists someone might dig it up on IMCDB) or more likely "we don't have that information at this time."
Fair points, though what surprised me was the email came from Eaglemoss not DB factory ? Who knows , its fun speculating!
I tend to agree with that. Had the collection been the other way around i.e. started off with the presentation standard of the Ixo issues (i.e. car, base, background, figures), the customer response on the whole probably would have been lukewarm in comparison - nice models but rather bland from the diorama and figure point of view. I don't think they would have gotten much further than the very famous vehicles so perhaps 40 before subscribers/ Bond fans would have lost interest.
As for which die-cast car manufacturer is the best, IMHO it's hard to tell. There have been LOTS of gems from both of them and there have also been a few clunkers from both (the Ranchero and the Lincoln Limo as highlighted) BUT, given more money, more time, would some of the errors have been avoided?
As someone who works in a 'creative' profession, I well understand what an ENORMOUS difference fair payment and more realistic timeframes can make. If you are given a tight budget and a tight deadline, the results can be sometimes be less than spectacular and mistakes are almost inevitable, simply due to pressure.
In the UK the price of each issue is almost nonsensical - £7.99 each including free postage, so actually nearer £5.99 - a price held since 2007. I reckon Fabbri/Emoss could have raised the price per issue at least £1-£2 in the UK without much complaint, and given more time and money, I think Ixo could have raised their game considerably in terms of dioramas/figures.
I think that we will shortly get a "That's all folks". I certainly don't want more parts if it means more re-used UH - with the honorable exception of the yellow Moke that last Rolls looks such a let down.....
If it IS wrapping up with a few strays coming from UH's moulds, I would really like to see the YOLT yellow Mini Moke and the standard (no gadgets showing) LD Aston Martin V8 Vantage tacked on the end. That would make it 137 issues, an odd number to end on I know, but I doubt anybody's counting. And the Vantage is a classy enough famous Bond beauty to end on, IMHO.
As you were so polite about some of my unofficial JBCC cars a few weeks ago, I thought I'd post pictures of some more that I've done.
I managed to pick up over a dozen early issues a couple of weeks ago for about 30 quid(!), so I've got a few bases to play around with.
Anyway here goes..........(please note that some are still work in progress)
CR (1967)
A Bentley blower and Lotus 'Formula 3' . Not exactly the right models, but close enough for me (and lets be honet the JBCC has not always been accurate when it comes to their own models). There's also the Bedford milkfloat.
NSNA
The Bentley and the Peugeot 505
DAF
One of the models that I picked up was the OHMSS DBS which appears briefly in DAF. So (and this really is work in progress) I'm going to produce a sort of Q's workshop - but this is the interim.....
GoldenEye
There were also 2 DB5s in the batch of second hand issues, so I've 're-registered' one an labelled it GE. I also had to have a replacement Chevy C-30 as the model had been bashed about, which meant that at long last the T55 could be mounted onto something decent.
Yes, I too did the The Vanish gag - slightly different label to the previous poster though!
Finally, I tried something a little different...remember the Bentley Mark II from Thunderball? Or the TR3 from Goldfinger? No? Well I've thrown together a couple of models from Flemings novels ...........enjoy
Well ,I'm off to see Skyfall tonight..........can't wait!!!!
Good to see the poor old tank in a box at last and the 505 looks like you've simply pulled it out of the JBCC, it's that convincing. I trust we will be seeing some Skyfall models from you once you've seen the movie...........
External rear view mirrors did vary in size, placement, and quantity installed on each car. This model does not appear to have any external rear view mirrors.
The latter is not true. From model to model, they did vary in both size and shape. Here, for example, are the examples found on the Ford Thunderbird...
http://thumbs3.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mAyshmBuC2j-V9MyNHX8VoA.jpg
Here is one from a 1960 Ford Fairlane...
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/1960-FORD-NOS-FRONT-FENDER-ORNAMENT-LEFT-SIDE-ONLY-/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/$T2eC16FHJHYE9nzpcC-LBQVheM)71Q~~60_35.JPG
Here are the type of ornaments found on an unrestored 1960 Ford Country Squire (at the time technically part of the Galaxie 500 series)...
http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4009/4372284870_e1ff492aa6.jpg
Also, the former IS true. All three RHD examples of the 1960 Ford Galaxie I examined featured one fender ornament broken off. They were different cars, however. I have since been able to find two more RHD examples with both fender ornaments intact.
Regarding parking aids, I was indeed incorrect. Under certain light conditions, in fact, the pre-1960 models made the vehicle more difficult to park. Hollowing it out for 1960 was supposed to help reduce this problem, though whether it did or not is unlikely; that was merely Ford's marketing department at work.
Thunderbirds were completely different as were the compact Falcon series.
Here is a 1960 Ford Fairlane, correctly restored, with NOS fender ornaments...
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/1960_Ford_Fairlane_500.jpg
Here's another one...
http://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_393934-Ford-Fairlane-1960.html
Granted, it's a TV car, but is also brand new and stationary.
There were minor differences in the fender ornaments.
On the passenger side it is like those found on this convertible (photo from wikipedia; same size as those from DC007, you can compare with Diecast007's photo as it's almost the same angle):
I get the feeling that my "1/12 scale" isn't far off ... Brooklin left the fender ornaments off their 1960 Sunliner, and that was the better option.
And the 2-door, I am not sure - does this have two different "thingies"? On the driver's side could be the same as on the convertible, but on the passenger side you should see through. It seems smaller but solid to me. Again, one broken off and replaced with a different ornament? The cars were a few years old already.
I don't know if there were different sizes for export or trim level - but I have the feeling that once photos of Ixo's latest masterpiece are posted on the Grumpy Old Men Forum I will have fun reading the reactions!
And David C - welcome to the forum! Are you a Ford guy or do you collect the James Bond cars?
Doubtful, unless it applies only to Brooklin. Brooklin was working with white metal; you simply can't work with parts that small and white metal details. On the other hand, try some of Neo and Spark's detailing (or at the very least, if those are totally beneath you, then Brooklin's customizers who often work with different types of metal). Also, the "1/12 scale" thing is getting repetitive, probably not accurate, and the more likely 1/24 scale figure is something easily rectified with a file and small drillbit.
Well, everyone has to get their jollies somehow... 8-)
Thanks for the welcome. I get some of the Bond cars, usually American sedans and wagons.
Those are repros, albeit good ones. The second link in post 5213 is a (single, but it's not THAT hard to imagine two of them) NOS Ford part.
Also, which American sedans and wagons?
http://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_18804-Ford-Ranch-Wagon-1960.html
Seems to me the solution to this over-size ornament issue is not to file them to size but rather to file them off