Hmm. The DBS looks pretty decent. Would have been better if they would have re-used the Alfa diorama, that way it would have been more spectacular looking, but this will do. I think, with UH's reputation, we didn't expect anything mutch better than this
The ZIL. Looks the part, and a nice rare car, but WHY? The ONLY thing this car is memorable for, is for obanno and the guard in the back and thát's the thing that is not there. I'll put this model together with the GT40 and Daimler on the lowest shelve in the back of my display cabinet as far as the bond-connection is concerned. To be completely honest, i'm a bit let-down by this model.
"To be completely honest, i'm a bit let-down by this model."
Are you more let down by the model's design or the existence of the model? I can certainly understand the latter (although I will say in its defense that it is a FAR better model than the horrific GT40 or Daimler), but really, I don't think anyone expected an open trunk with an Obanno figure. It was clear from relatively early on that the moulds would be shared with USSR AvtoLegende once Ixo came on the scene.
"but WHY?"
Initially, I was going to answer "to buy time for Ixo," but then I remembered that this was going to be a U.H. model as well. I suspect the U.H. model, had it existed, would have come with an open trunk, but no figure (in keeping with U.H.'s odd "no figures from the Craig era" policy). In my mind, this would have been even worse because it would limit the car's appeal to other collectors (just like what happened with the Lincoln Continental from GF, in other words). It ultimately hung in there to indeed buy time for Ixo and frankly, it succeeded in at least some markets (likely the East Bloc collectors such as myself). Whatever you want to say about it, I've not seen EIGHT MODELS sell out completely in under two days at all, and not seen it happen in just over two days since Ixo rolled out the La Salle Miller Combination Coach hearse from DN.
"I wonder if the Zil will be available this wednesday (23/3/11)from the newsagent?I shall call in and check."
Thanks very much!! I would imagine they're there since one guy has been able to provide a photo of the actual car and magazine. If you could call in and try and get some idea what Issue 105 is going to be, as well, I would appreciate that (since even though I ordered two models, I also won't be seeing them for about two to three weeks knowing US customs).
A pretty busy day with pictures of two new releases at the same time - but I find the DBS very disappointing. The "damage" is not much more than a missing door. I wouldn't be surprised if we see a DBS with opening doors in UH's own range. In principle the "damage" seen here is the same as an opening door on a toy car, with the door just not fitted. I had expected some dents like UH had done superbly on the 2CV or Cougar.
The missing driver is painful to the eye with the open door. Why not reuse the cobblestone base from the CR DBS and set the scene in Siena instead of the tunnel? Then at least we could see a picture of Craig standing in the background. But then the car would have to be much dirtier which UH has obviously avoided.
... continues the bizarre UH trend of figureless Daniel Craig-era cars
... in keeping with U.H.'s odd "no figures from the Craig era" policy
This is not UH's fault. It's pretty obvious that the rights for figures and dolls of the two Columbia era Bonds were sold exclusively to Corgi. We have 1/36 CR and QoS Astons with Bond figures, we have a 1/55 Showcase CR set with figures of Bond and Vesper, but we don't have anything else. No figures from Sideshow, no figures from Fabbri. Although Icon figures (a Corgi brand) were announced but cancelled eventually. Could be that even Corgi lost the rights for the figures (but the 2009 released QoS DBS and repackaged CR cars still include the Craig figures) or - my opinion - the rights still lie with Corgi but they have decided to produce no more Icon figures for other reasons. Although some Icons fetch high prices on the second-hand market, they may not have been very profitable for Corgi when new.
The only figure other than those from Corgi is the driver of Fabbri's Miami-Dade police car. But this is just a figure of a police officer, not meant to be an accurate figure of the film character or the actor. Exclusivity rights surely are for the main characters like Craig's Bond, Dench's M, Green's Vesper etc. but would not include some extra driving a car for a few seconds.
If it's going to be made without a figure, yet so obviously needs one, can I make a suggestion? Perhaps someone on this forum (or a casual reader) might want to think about supplying a figure kit specially for it, painted or unpainted. This could be done with a 'buy it now' purchase link to eBay or by some other contact detail. I don't know how many people worldwide collect this series but I'm guessing an awful lot would want this model to have a figure in it.
If the rights for figures and dolls of the Craig films are exclusive, then marketing a Craig driver figures on Ebay is getting pretty close into "S.T. Dupont-cufflinks" territory ... Of course, making selfmade figures available to friends - and aren't we all friends here on ajb? - should not be a problem.
Regarding the Zil, that one I like a lot. I like the American flavour of the Russian limousines like the Chaika and Zil, the reason why I even suggested the Zil way back a few years ago (when I still thought they could add some figures to the diorama). So - as Fabbri have been reading here - I may be charged guilty that this car was included in the collection. {:)
I find the DBS very disappointing. The "damage" is not much more than a missing door. I wouldn't be surprised if we see a DBS with opening doors in UH's own range. I had expected some dents like UH had done superbly on the 2CV or Cougar.
The missing driver is painful to the eye with the open door. Why not reuse the cobblestone base from the CR DBS and set the scene in Siena instead of the tunnel? Then at least we could see a picture of Craig standing in the background. But then the car would have to be much dirtier which UH has obviously avoided.
I have to agree, while I’m lucky to have one of minigeffs excellent custom DBS's, the diorama lets this one down completely.
Putting the car in a parked position as mentioned would have enhanced the model 100%.
I’m going to get another of the DBS's from CR & swop the bases over, as I need to use the DBS in my other collection.
I feel now that the collection has slowed down to tooth pulling crawl, my enthusiasm has long waned. I for one cannot wait for it to finish. I’m only here now to finish the set.
Id like to add here that no other member seems to have so much information regarding 1/43 models as Dalkowski110. Your post's amuse & amaze me. Keep them coming.
"A pretty busy day with pictures of two new releases at the same time - but I find the DBS very disappointing. The "damage" is not much more than a missing door. I wouldn't be surprised if we see a DBS with opening doors in UH's own range. In principle the "damage" seen here is the same as an opening door on a toy car, with the door just not fitted. I had expected some dents like UH had done superbly on the 2CV or Cougar."
Upon reflection...I agree. The reason I was impressed at first was the weathering on the side of the car. However, the hubcaps are starting to look out of place, for one, for two, the damage seems to be too "neatly" applied (the almost perfectly straight line of damage horizontal on top above the fenders was something we didn't see on the movie car), and for three, the door seems to a bit too neatly pulled off, rather than sheered off/ground off as was the case with the film.
"This is not UH's fault. It's pretty obvious that the rights for figures and dolls of the two Columbia era Bonds were sold exclusively to Corgi."
In that case, I apologize to UH...for once.
"Regarding the Zil, that one I like a lot. I like the American flavour of the Russian limousines like the Chaika and Zil, the reason why I even suggested the Zil way back a few years ago (when I still thought they could add some figures to the diorama). So - as Fabbri have been reading here - I may be charged guilty that this car was included in the collection."
In that case, RW, the 1/43 East Bloc Model Car Collectors of the World are in your debt! :007) -{ B-) )
"Id like to add here that no other member seems to have so much information regarding 1/43 models as Dalkowski110. Your post's amuse & amaze me. Keep them coming."
Thanks very much! I must say I'm honored and humbled! And thus is the result of blowing a good amount of your paychecks on model cars. )
I think they are both a little disappointing:
Zil - added nothing to storyline, except as a place to hide the bodies;
DBS - We already have one, and unless it is more damaged and with a figure of DC, it is not really worth it.
East Coast Aus subscribers should be getting 96/97 today as they were sent out on Thursday. Fingers crossed for no breakages X-(
"Zil - added nothing to storyline, except as a place to hide the bodies"
Shaping up as seperating the "wow, that car is awesome!" types like myself from the "but it's not Bondian enough!" types and possibly one of the most polarizing cars in the collection since the Land Rover Lightweight, which you could argue it's the diametric opposite of. The car-centric people went crazy that despite its large role, the car itself, in the film, was a monstrosity; a cobbled-together "propmobile" that was meant to represent an UAZ-469 and failed horribly at doing so. The Bond-centric people were perfectly happy because, hey, it was in the film and played a big role.
Now, with the ZIL-117, we're getting the car-centric collectors with "wow, that's one heck of a nice model and a rare car to boot!" and the Bond-centric collectors with "you barely even saw half the car visible at its most shown point in the movie!"
Of course, the very presence of Ixo should indicate to people that the collection is becoming car-centric. They've made all of two cars with figures and their dioramas are pretty lackluster. Yet, the quality of the cars themselves are beginning to far surpass U.H., even at its peak (save perhaps, and by no means NOT coincidentally, the Bondola).
The trashed DBS is the only one left in the series that I've personally been looking forward to with any great enthusiasm apart from maybe the Country Squire. If it's going to be made without a figure, yet so obviously needs one, can I make a suggestion? Perhaps someone on this forum (or a casual reader) might want to think about supplying a figure kit specially for it, painted or unpainted. This could be done with a 'buy it now' purchase link to eBay or by some other contact detail. I don't know how many people worldwide collect this series but I'm guessing an awful lot would want this model to have a figure in it.
I purchased the issue#1 DB5 (because it was cheap) on back issue and used the Connery figure in it for my customised doorless DBS. I did do some remodelling of the figure like changing the position of the arms as well as repainting the suit and hair colour but it seemed to work ok.
"If the rights for figures and dolls of the Craig films are exclusive, then marketing a Craig driver figures on Ebay is getting pretty close into "S.T. Dupont-cufflinks" territory ... Of course, making selfmade figures available to friends - and aren't we all friends here on ajb? - should not be a problem."
I'm sure it could be sold as a generic 1/43 driver figure for die-cast model cars rather than referring to any licenced names/companies/products. Anybody on this forum would know exactly where they could use such a figure. In fact it would be nice to see a range of custom enhancement figures available for all the models i.e. Goldfinger for the GF Roller, divers for the Lotus sub etc.
"I purchased the issue#1 DB5 (because it was cheap) on back issue and used the Connery figure in it for my customised doorless DBS. I did do some remodelling of the figure like changing the position of the arms as well as repainting the suit and hair colour but it seemed to work ok."
Thanks for that - I have a spare GF DB5 from when people were practically giving them away so it's a possible solution if 'ready-mades' don't crop up
Hi guys just joined up, I have spoke GE fabbri twice. They stated it would be the end of the month /start of the next month in Feb. Called again and they were awaiting supply for the suppliers should have in by the end of the week 2 weeks ago.. grrr X-(
Now, with the ZIL-117, we're getting the car-centric collectors with "wow, that's one heck of a nice model and a rare car to boot!" and the Bond-centric collectors with "you barely even saw half the car visible at its most shown point in the movie!"
With that in mind, it makes me wish that GE Fabbri had also been reading (listening) when some of us said we'd like to see the Ford Escort Mk.VI from TWINE (the one being wheel-clamped in London when the Q Boat drenches it) in the collection ... the thinking being that if we were down to the bit-player cars, this model would have made both Bond-centrics and car-centrics (as Dalkowski calls them) happy, as it was a very popular vehicle in "real life" (and would therefore be a popular model) and no-one to my knowledge has made the Mk.VI in 1:43 (not to be confused with the Mk.V RS Cosworth version which has been done by Vitesse, Ixo, Minichamps and probably some others as well).
Whilst not knocking those who find Eastern Bloc cars interesting, I would take a mainstream West European model over an Eastern any day. I must admit the only time I really notice Eastern Bloc cars is when Clarkson & Co find a new way to terminate one!
With the Escort the manufacturer of the mould would have had a range of possibilities for releasing the model commercially outside of this collection. I don't see the same possibilities for the Zil. But, as in many things in life, expediency seems to dictate the choices and, as this Zil is being shared with another partwork, there will be no Escort (or Mondeo or Mercedes 450 SEL or ... ). C'est la vie.
Yes, the E-Type is a classic. I think Jaguar was approached but they wouldn't lend a car for filming - so the producers asked Aston Martin (who weren't too enthusiastic either ...).
I classic sports car of the sixties is the 1963-67 Corvette Sting Ray. For Goldfinger a Corvette was impossible with the Ford connection, but it's a pity that in LALD with its Chevy product placement they only used full-size cars. Instead of the Impala convertible a nice '73 Stingray convertible or T-top would have been possible.
With that in mind, it makes me wish that GE Fabbri had also been reading (listening) when some of us said we'd like to see the Ford Escort Mk.VI from TWINE (the one being wheel-clamped in London when the Q Boat drenches it) in the collection ... the thinking being that if we were down to the bit-player cars, this model would have made both Bond-centrics and car-centrics (as Dalkowski calls them) happy, as it was a very popular vehicle in "real life" (and would therefore be a popular model) and no-one to my knowledge has made the Mk.VI in 1:43 (not to be confused with the Mk.V RS Cosworth version which has been done by Vitesse, Ixo, Minichamps and probably some others as well).
Whilst not knocking those who find Eastern Bloc cars interesting, I would take a mainstream West European model over an Eastern any day. I must admit the only time I really notice Eastern Bloc cars is when Clarkson & Co find a new way to terminate one!
With the Escort the manufacturer of the mould would have had a range of possibilities for releasing the model commercially outside of this collection. I don't see the same possibilities for the Zil. But, as in many things in life, expediency seems to dictate the choices and, as this Zil is being shared with another partwork, there will be no Escort (or Mondeo or Mercedes 450 SEL or ... ). C'est la vie.
Au contrare with regards to limited possibilities for the ZIL, as I'll demonstrate. Your self-professed lack of knowledge of East Bloc cars REALLY shows here. In fact, comparing an admittedly-neglected Ford Escort Mk. VI to the East Bloc motoring legend that is the ZIL-117 is something akin to saying that the Wartburg 1.3 Sedan (the one with the second grille facelift and four-stroke engine and something admittedly neglected) is being "neglected" in favor of a 1955 Chevy Bel Air Four-Door Sedan (arguably the first truly modern General Motors four-door sedan, which incredibly still does not have a 1/43 scale model!).
Here's the thing: Ixo, right now, actually makes just as much money in the former East Bloc as it does in Western Europe. It also speaks volumes that Ixo's most desirable products in its Classic Series are the Lada 1200 and the GAZ-M21 Volga. The ZIL-117 is by no means limited in any way, shape, or form; I'd be shocked if it didn't show up in at least THREE (possibly SIX) other partworks and quite possibly a joint venture with Hongwell. On the other hand, the Escort ironically would be pretty limited...you could put it in Ixo Classic, maybe make a race car out of it and put it in Ixo Rallye and...well...what else? Ixo's claim to fame is making oddball cars and older cars (as well as rallye cars, so I suppose they could've gotten some use out of the Escort Mk. VI there). Not modern stuff. It's been my experience that newer cars tend get made either when a company determines that they're no longer newer or when a company sees immense marketing potential. I would say Kyosho, Vitesse, and Minichamps are good examples of this. Ixo? Not so much.
Also, keep in mind many of the "car-centrics" in the JBCC are in it for exactly the kind of stuff that Ixo makes: older stuff and oddball stuff. Unless you're a British Ford Escort collector (and I will grant that there are probably a number of them), you're probably going to buy the Ford Escort Mk. VI and then you'll have one in your collection. Regardless of the mould possibilities, it's just not an exciting-enough car to merit buying more than one for most people. I mean sure, my 2004 Ford Taurus (which I do indeed enjoy) would neat to have in 1/43 scale, but I guarantee it would wind up on a shelf and collecting dust simply because it doesn't fit with my other models. Let's contrast this with the ZIL-117. Say you're subscribed to the following...
-James Bond Car Collection
-USSR AvtoLegende
-Kultowe Auta PRL-u
-Kultovni Auta CSSR
-Retroautok a Keleti Blokkbol (Hungary)
USSR AvtoLegende is also available in Byelorussian and Ukrainian editions with different magazines, but we'll ignore those for now. So you've got the ZIL-117 from the Bond diorama. Okay. Then you're going to get one in USSR AvtoLegende come June. That's pretty nice, seeing as the ZIL-117 was THE car used by politicians (lower-level Party bosses, not the high-ups) throughout, as well as high-level military and KGB officers. Seeing as how they were genuinely used extensively in Poland, I can't see how Kultowe Auta PRL-u would exclude the car. They also saw relatively heavy use in Czechoslovakia, filling the space between the Tatra T613-series luxury sedans and the big ZIL-115/ZIL-4104 limos. Again, a Czech collector would logically want one of these in his collection. Hungary also wound up with a ton of them, as did East Germany (although that would likely fall under the aegis of Kultowe Auta PRL-u, since it is sold in the former DDR; plus Atlas Verlag DDR Auto-Kollektion seems to be avoiding foreign cars of all types). Nash Avtoprom, which is basically Russian Ixo with some (surprisingly high quality) Hongwell cars also marketed, would also likely take advantage of the ubquitous ZIL-117 sooner or later (although they're rather behind schedule and have yet to release a number of models, so we'll see). And then of course, there's also Ist Models, which has announced that it will be making a ZIL-117 at some point.
On Russian and other ex-Soviet forums, it consistently made top ten lists of "neglected" Soviet automobile models until it was announced. It still makes "neglected" top ten lists on the Polish forums, at least. I'm not exactly seeing that with the Ford Escort Mk. VI on a western equivalent forum (ironically, what I am seeing are iconic American designs from the 1960's-1970's that have been largely ignored ranging from the Ford Torino Talladega to the AMC Gremlin [and no, Polistil does not count]...). Given the level of detail on the ZIL-117 and the former East Bloc's love of customizing models (I guarantee that once this thing is released via USSR AvtoLegende, you're going to get from ICV or Vector Models Project Zero the following conversions: the parade cabriolet version, the hearse version, the party boss ambulance version, and the ZIL-41041), this car has an infinitely larger profit potential than the Escort Mk. VI.
"or Mercedes 450 SEL"
Available from Minichamps in the same color and same year as Emile Locque's, in dark blue, and in light blue. As for the Mondeo, there is one already out in 1/18 scale, I believe (or will be this upcoming year). 1/43 scale models can't be far behind. Also, while people wanted a Mercedes-Benz 450SEL, who REALLY wanted the Mondeo?
"this model would have made both Bond-centrics and car-centrics (as Dalkowski calls them) happy"
Don't be too sure. Remember, the ZIL-117 does at least serve as a repository for Obanno's dead body. And it's also the car of a major bad guy (Le Chiffre). But what does the Escort Mk. VI do in relation to Bond, other than getting splashed? Does it belong to a baddie? Does it do anything other than get wheel-clamped? Regardless of your thoughts on the collection, the ZIL-117 played a larger role than the Escort Mk. VI did in their respective films. Also, how many times have we heard from people in this collection, "oh, I know it had a really small role, but I really like this one because it's so [old or oddball]." The Ford Escort Mk. VI is neglected, as mentioned. With that said, it is neither old nor oddball. The cars that have played very minor roles that have been accepted best are either the older cars or the oddities. Heck, we had people complaining about the Ford Edge, the Ford Ka, and the Daimler Limousine, and not for reasons of detail, either! Also, even with Ixo's terrific Miami-Dade Ford Crown Victoria Police Car, we saw those selling on eBay for about 10 GBP and not many selling, period. With regard to the ZIL-117, one seller has sold TWELVE in a period of three days via eBay and another who just put one up at half the price WITH a poor feedback rating is selling out. Do you really, honestly think an Escort Mk. VI would sell like that?
"Broncos wheels dont touch the ground - its just floating"
So is the ZIL-117...
Interesting that Ixo did another model with a gray base. Also, before anyone says anything about the height of the roof, the real one was like that, too.
EDIT: I'd also like to say Привет и спасибо ("hello and thank you") to those posters at rcforum.ru...a forum I visit every day...following this thread for more information about the ZIL-117. My Russian language skills are awful, so I don't post at rcforum.ru, but I really, really enjoy your forum (although sometimes, I admit I use Google Translator to help me through posts) and the insights of your posters! Seeing some of you following my posts here is an honor!
I read some where that the Jenson Interceptor was going to be the next choice if all else failed with the Aston Martin for Goldfinger, but they wanted the Aston so bad.
I wonder if the Jenson would have had the same following as the Aston if it had been chosen?
What car should have been ,but wasn't a bond car!!!....I reckon this for a contender....
In my humble opinion Bond and Aston Martin are so closely linked they're almost the same product, and the movie combination has been perfect for decades. But if I was going to suggest 'extra' vehicles that should have been given screen time, I'd dismiss American cars (much as I love them, they're not 'Bond'!) and suggest the following Euro classics:
Connery/ Lazenby era: Jaguar XK150
Moore/ Dalton era: Lamborghini Countach
Brosnan/ Craig era: Maserati Cabrio
Well, if Santa refuses to bring me a DB5 I'd be happy with one of these!
have many of you guys received your bondollas/ ford bronco yet? i feel a stiff phone call to GE Fabbri coming on
See post 2,487 before you fone.....-{ :007)
Cheers for the heads up. as it transpired, my delivery arrived today but i still rang them - as you can see, it seems as though im the only one who's bronco's wheels touch the ground.....(including the spare!)
Cheers for the heads up. as it transpired, my delivery arrived today but i still rang them - as you can see, it seems as though im the only one who's bronco's wheels touch the ground.....(including the spare!)
Ouch! For some reason, it looks like the screw wasn't fully screwed in. Quite odd and sorry it had to happen to you.
"Moore/ Dalton era: Lamborghini Countach"
The Jaguar and the Maserati look like pretty solid Bond cars, but I absolutely cannot picture James Bond in a Lamborghini (but then, it still beats the Saab 900 Turbo of John Gardner's novels in terms of being "Bondian").
Cheers for the heads up. as it transpired, my delivery arrived today but i still rang them - as you can see, it seems as though im the only one who's bronco's wheels touch the ground.....(including the spare!)
Ouch! For some reason, it looks like the screw wasn't fully screwed in. Quite odd and sorry it had to happen to you.
"Moore/ Dalton era: Lamborghini Countach"
The Jaguar and the Maserati look like pretty solid Bond cars, but I absolutely cannot picture James Bond in a Lamborghini (but then, it still beats the Saab 900 Turbo of John Gardner's novels in terms of being "Bondian").
Saab 900 Turbos were driven by retired dentists in the UK
On a similar 'Bond transport' note, how about this as a new 'Q-boat' ?
Comments
The ZIL. Looks the part, and a nice rare car, but WHY? The ONLY thing this car is memorable for, is for obanno and the guard in the back and thát's the thing that is not there. I'll put this model together with the GT40 and Daimler on the lowest shelve in the back of my display cabinet as far as the bond-connection is concerned. To be completely honest, i'm a bit let-down by this model.
Cool? Indeed. But Bond....?
Are you more let down by the model's design or the existence of the model? I can certainly understand the latter (although I will say in its defense that it is a FAR better model than the horrific GT40 or Daimler), but really, I don't think anyone expected an open trunk with an Obanno figure. It was clear from relatively early on that the moulds would be shared with USSR AvtoLegende once Ixo came on the scene.
"but WHY?"
Initially, I was going to answer "to buy time for Ixo," but then I remembered that this was going to be a U.H. model as well. I suspect the U.H. model, had it existed, would have come with an open trunk, but no figure (in keeping with U.H.'s odd "no figures from the Craig era" policy). In my mind, this would have been even worse because it would limit the car's appeal to other collectors (just like what happened with the Lincoln Continental from GF, in other words). It ultimately hung in there to indeed buy time for Ixo and frankly, it succeeded in at least some markets (likely the East Bloc collectors such as myself). Whatever you want to say about it, I've not seen EIGHT MODELS sell out completely in under two days at all, and not seen it happen in just over two days since Ixo rolled out the La Salle Miller Combination Coach hearse from DN.
"I wonder if the Zil will be available this wednesday (23/3/11)from the newsagent?I shall call in and check."
Thanks very much!! I would imagine they're there since one guy has been able to provide a photo of the actual car and magazine. If you could call in and try and get some idea what Issue 105 is going to be, as well, I would appreciate that (since even though I ordered two models, I also won't be seeing them for about two to three weeks knowing US customs).
The missing driver is painful to the eye with the open door. Why not reuse the cobblestone base from the CR DBS and set the scene in Siena instead of the tunnel? Then at least we could see a picture of Craig standing in the background. But then the car would have to be much dirtier which UH has obviously avoided.
This is not UH's fault. It's pretty obvious that the rights for figures and dolls of the two Columbia era Bonds were sold exclusively to Corgi. We have 1/36 CR and QoS Astons with Bond figures, we have a 1/55 Showcase CR set with figures of Bond and Vesper, but we don't have anything else. No figures from Sideshow, no figures from Fabbri. Although Icon figures (a Corgi brand) were announced but cancelled eventually. Could be that even Corgi lost the rights for the figures (but the 2009 released QoS DBS and repackaged CR cars still include the Craig figures) or - my opinion - the rights still lie with Corgi but they have decided to produce no more Icon figures for other reasons. Although some Icons fetch high prices on the second-hand market, they may not have been very profitable for Corgi when new.
The only figure other than those from Corgi is the driver of Fabbri's Miami-Dade police car. But this is just a figure of a police officer, not meant to be an accurate figure of the film character or the actor. Exclusivity rights surely are for the main characters like Craig's Bond, Dench's M, Green's Vesper etc. but would not include some extra driving a car for a few seconds.
If the rights for figures and dolls of the Craig films are exclusive, then marketing a Craig driver figures on Ebay is getting pretty close into "S.T. Dupont-cufflinks" territory ... Of course, making selfmade figures available to friends - and aren't we all friends here on ajb? - should not be a problem.
Regarding the Zil, that one I like a lot. I like the American flavour of the Russian limousines like the Chaika and Zil, the reason why I even suggested the Zil way back a few years ago (when I still thought they could add some figures to the diorama). So - as Fabbri have been reading here - I may be charged guilty that this car was included in the collection. {:)
I have to agree, while I’m lucky to have one of minigeffs excellent custom DBS's, the diorama lets this one down completely.
Putting the car in a parked position as mentioned would have enhanced the model 100%.
I’m going to get another of the DBS's from CR & swop the bases over, as I need to use the DBS in my other collection.
I feel now that the collection has slowed down to tooth pulling crawl, my enthusiasm has long waned. I for one cannot wait for it to finish. I’m only here now to finish the set.
Id like to add here that no other member seems to have so much information regarding 1/43 models as Dalkowski110. Your post's amuse & amaze me. Keep them coming.
Upon reflection...I agree. The reason I was impressed at first was the weathering on the side of the car. However, the hubcaps are starting to look out of place, for one, for two, the damage seems to be too "neatly" applied (the almost perfectly straight line of damage horizontal on top above the fenders was something we didn't see on the movie car), and for three, the door seems to a bit too neatly pulled off, rather than sheered off/ground off as was the case with the film.
"This is not UH's fault. It's pretty obvious that the rights for figures and dolls of the two Columbia era Bonds were sold exclusively to Corgi."
In that case, I apologize to UH...for once.
"Regarding the Zil, that one I like a lot. I like the American flavour of the Russian limousines like the Chaika and Zil, the reason why I even suggested the Zil way back a few years ago (when I still thought they could add some figures to the diorama). So - as Fabbri have been reading here - I may be charged guilty that this car was included in the collection."
In that case, RW, the 1/43 East Bloc Model Car Collectors of the World are in your debt! :007) -{ B-)
"Id like to add here that no other member seems to have so much information regarding 1/43 models as Dalkowski110. Your post's amuse & amaze me. Keep them coming."
Thanks very much! I must say I'm honored and humbled!
Zil - added nothing to storyline, except as a place to hide the bodies;
DBS - We already have one, and unless it is more damaged and with a figure of DC, it is not really worth it.
East Coast Aus subscribers should be getting 96/97 today as they were sent out on Thursday. Fingers crossed for no breakages X-(
Shaping up as seperating the "wow, that car is awesome!" types like myself from the "but it's not Bondian enough!" types and possibly one of the most polarizing cars in the collection since the Land Rover Lightweight, which you could argue it's the diametric opposite of. The car-centric people went crazy that despite its large role, the car itself, in the film, was a monstrosity; a cobbled-together "propmobile" that was meant to represent an UAZ-469 and failed horribly at doing so. The Bond-centric people were perfectly happy because, hey, it was in the film and played a big role.
Now, with the ZIL-117, we're getting the car-centric collectors with "wow, that's one heck of a nice model and a rare car to boot!" and the Bond-centric collectors with "you barely even saw half the car visible at its most shown point in the movie!"
Of course, the very presence of Ixo should indicate to people that the collection is becoming car-centric. They've made all of two cars with figures and their dioramas are pretty lackluster. Yet, the quality of the cars themselves are beginning to far surpass U.H., even at its peak (save perhaps, and by no means NOT coincidentally, the Bondola).
I purchased the issue#1 DB5 (because it was cheap) on back issue and used the Connery figure in it for my customised doorless DBS. I did do some remodelling of the figure like changing the position of the arms as well as repainting the suit and hair colour but it seemed to work ok.
I'm sure it could be sold as a generic 1/43 driver figure for die-cast model cars rather than referring to any licenced names/companies/products. Anybody on this forum would know exactly where they could use such a figure.
"I purchased the issue#1 DB5 (because it was cheap) on back issue and used the Connery figure in it for my customised doorless DBS. I did do some remodelling of the figure like changing the position of the arms as well as repainting the suit and hair colour but it seemed to work ok."
Thanks for that - I have a spare GF DB5 from when people were practically giving them away so it's a possible solution if 'ready-mades' don't crop up
With that in mind, it makes me wish that GE Fabbri had also been reading (listening) when some of us said we'd like to see the Ford Escort Mk.VI from TWINE (the one being wheel-clamped in London when the Q Boat drenches it) in the collection ... the thinking being that if we were down to the bit-player cars, this model would have made both Bond-centrics and car-centrics (as Dalkowski calls them) happy, as it was a very popular vehicle in "real life" (and would therefore be a popular model) and no-one to my knowledge has made the Mk.VI in 1:43 (not to be confused with the Mk.V RS Cosworth version which has been done by Vitesse, Ixo, Minichamps and probably some others as well).
Whilst not knocking those who find Eastern Bloc cars interesting, I would take a mainstream West European model over an Eastern any day. I must admit the only time I really notice Eastern Bloc cars is when Clarkson & Co find a new way to terminate one!
With the Escort the manufacturer of the mould would have had a range of possibilities for releasing the model commercially outside of this collection. I don't see the same possibilities for the Zil. But, as in many things in life, expediency seems to dictate the choices and, as this Zil is being shared with another partwork, there will be no Escort (or Mondeo or Mercedes 450 SEL or ... ). C'est la vie.
the Bondola aint too bad except Sir Rog aint in it and the Broncos wheels dont touch the ground - its just floating !!!!!
See post 2,487 before you fone.....-{ :007)
I classic sports car of the sixties is the 1963-67 Corvette Sting Ray. For Goldfinger a Corvette was impossible with the Ford connection, but it's a pity that in LALD with its Chevy product placement they only used full-size cars. Instead of the Impala convertible a nice '73 Stingray convertible or T-top would have been possible.
Au contrare with regards to limited possibilities for the ZIL, as I'll demonstrate. Your self-professed lack of knowledge of East Bloc cars REALLY shows here. In fact, comparing an admittedly-neglected Ford Escort Mk. VI to the East Bloc motoring legend that is the ZIL-117 is something akin to saying that the Wartburg 1.3 Sedan (the one with the second grille facelift and four-stroke engine and something admittedly neglected) is being "neglected" in favor of a 1955 Chevy Bel Air Four-Door Sedan (arguably the first truly modern General Motors four-door sedan, which incredibly still does not have a 1/43 scale model!).
Here's the thing: Ixo, right now, actually makes just as much money in the former East Bloc as it does in Western Europe. It also speaks volumes that Ixo's most desirable products in its Classic Series are the Lada 1200 and the GAZ-M21 Volga. The ZIL-117 is by no means limited in any way, shape, or form; I'd be shocked if it didn't show up in at least THREE (possibly SIX) other partworks and quite possibly a joint venture with Hongwell. On the other hand, the Escort ironically would be pretty limited...you could put it in Ixo Classic, maybe make a race car out of it and put it in Ixo Rallye and...well...what else? Ixo's claim to fame is making oddball cars and older cars (as well as rallye cars, so I suppose they could've gotten some use out of the Escort Mk. VI there). Not modern stuff. It's been my experience that newer cars tend get made either when a company determines that they're no longer newer or when a company sees immense marketing potential. I would say Kyosho, Vitesse, and Minichamps are good examples of this. Ixo? Not so much.
Also, keep in mind many of the "car-centrics" in the JBCC are in it for exactly the kind of stuff that Ixo makes: older stuff and oddball stuff. Unless you're a British Ford Escort collector (and I will grant that there are probably a number of them), you're probably going to buy the Ford Escort Mk. VI and then you'll have one in your collection. Regardless of the mould possibilities, it's just not an exciting-enough car to merit buying more than one for most people. I mean sure, my 2004 Ford Taurus (which I do indeed enjoy) would neat to have in 1/43 scale, but I guarantee it would wind up on a shelf and collecting dust simply because it doesn't fit with my other models. Let's contrast this with the ZIL-117. Say you're subscribed to the following...
-James Bond Car Collection
-USSR AvtoLegende
-Kultowe Auta PRL-u
-Kultovni Auta CSSR
-Retroautok a Keleti Blokkbol (Hungary)
USSR AvtoLegende is also available in Byelorussian and Ukrainian editions with different magazines, but we'll ignore those for now. So you've got the ZIL-117 from the Bond diorama. Okay. Then you're going to get one in USSR AvtoLegende come June. That's pretty nice, seeing as the ZIL-117 was THE car used by politicians (lower-level Party bosses, not the high-ups) throughout, as well as high-level military and KGB officers. Seeing as how they were genuinely used extensively in Poland, I can't see how Kultowe Auta PRL-u would exclude the car. They also saw relatively heavy use in Czechoslovakia, filling the space between the Tatra T613-series luxury sedans and the big ZIL-115/ZIL-4104 limos. Again, a Czech collector would logically want one of these in his collection. Hungary also wound up with a ton of them, as did East Germany (although that would likely fall under the aegis of Kultowe Auta PRL-u, since it is sold in the former DDR; plus Atlas Verlag DDR Auto-Kollektion seems to be avoiding foreign cars of all types). Nash Avtoprom, which is basically Russian Ixo with some (surprisingly high quality) Hongwell cars also marketed, would also likely take advantage of the ubquitous ZIL-117 sooner or later (although they're rather behind schedule and have yet to release a number of models, so we'll see). And then of course, there's also Ist Models, which has announced that it will be making a ZIL-117 at some point.
On Russian and other ex-Soviet forums, it consistently made top ten lists of "neglected" Soviet automobile models until it was announced. It still makes "neglected" top ten lists on the Polish forums, at least. I'm not exactly seeing that with the Ford Escort Mk. VI on a western equivalent forum (ironically, what I am seeing are iconic American designs from the 1960's-1970's that have been largely ignored ranging from the Ford Torino Talladega to the AMC Gremlin [and no, Polistil does not count]...). Given the level of detail on the ZIL-117 and the former East Bloc's love of customizing models (I guarantee that once this thing is released via USSR AvtoLegende, you're going to get from ICV or Vector Models Project Zero the following conversions: the parade cabriolet version, the hearse version, the party boss ambulance version, and the ZIL-41041), this car has an infinitely larger profit potential than the Escort Mk. VI.
"or Mercedes 450 SEL"
Available from Minichamps in the same color and same year as Emile Locque's, in dark blue, and in light blue. As for the Mondeo, there is one already out in 1/18 scale, I believe (or will be this upcoming year). 1/43 scale models can't be far behind. Also, while people wanted a Mercedes-Benz 450SEL, who REALLY wanted the Mondeo?
"this model would have made both Bond-centrics and car-centrics (as Dalkowski calls them) happy"
Don't be too sure. Remember, the ZIL-117 does at least serve as a repository for Obanno's dead body. And it's also the car of a major bad guy (Le Chiffre). But what does the Escort Mk. VI do in relation to Bond, other than getting splashed? Does it belong to a baddie? Does it do anything other than get wheel-clamped? Regardless of your thoughts on the collection, the ZIL-117 played a larger role than the Escort Mk. VI did in their respective films. Also, how many times have we heard from people in this collection, "oh, I know it had a really small role, but I really like this one because it's so [old or oddball]." The Ford Escort Mk. VI is neglected, as mentioned. With that said, it is neither old nor oddball. The cars that have played very minor roles that have been accepted best are either the older cars or the oddities. Heck, we had people complaining about the Ford Edge, the Ford Ka, and the Daimler Limousine, and not for reasons of detail, either! Also, even with Ixo's terrific Miami-Dade Ford Crown Victoria Police Car, we saw those selling on eBay for about 10 GBP and not many selling, period. With regard to the ZIL-117, one seller has sold TWELVE in a period of three days via eBay and another who just put one up at half the price WITH a poor feedback rating is selling out. Do you really, honestly think an Escort Mk. VI would sell like that?
"Broncos wheels dont touch the ground - its just floating"
So is the ZIL-117...
Interesting that Ixo did another model with a gray base. Also, before anyone says anything about the height of the roof, the real one was like that, too.
EDIT: I'd also like to say Привет и спасибо ("hello and thank you") to those posters at rcforum.ru...a forum I visit every day...following this thread for more information about the ZIL-117. My Russian language skills are awful, so I don't post at rcforum.ru, but I really, really enjoy your forum (although sometimes, I admit I use Google Translator to help me through posts) and the insights of your posters! Seeing some of you following my posts here is an honor!
Easy: A Bentley Continental R-Type with H.J. Mulliner & Co. body, at least early on in the Connery era. In Battleship Grey.
I'd say that would work. Especially in YOLT.
"Nah, the R-Type is a car for a pensioner"
Or a villain, if you make it black AND also make it a Flying Spur (4-door).
I read some where that the Jenson Interceptor was going to be the next choice if all else failed with the Aston Martin for Goldfinger, but they wanted the Aston so bad.
I wonder if the Jenson would have had the same following as the Aston if it had been chosen?
In my humble opinion Bond and Aston Martin are so closely linked they're almost the same product, and the movie combination has been perfect for decades. But if I was going to suggest 'extra' vehicles that should have been given screen time, I'd dismiss American cars (much as I love them, they're not 'Bond'!) and suggest the following Euro classics:
Connery/ Lazenby era: Jaguar XK150
Moore/ Dalton era: Lamborghini Countach
Brosnan/ Craig era: Maserati Cabrio
Well, if Santa refuses to bring me a DB5 I'd be happy with one of these!
Cheers for the heads up. as it transpired, my delivery arrived today but i still rang them - as you can see, it seems as though im the only one who's bronco's wheels touch the ground.....(including the spare!)
Ouch! For some reason, it looks like the screw wasn't fully screwed in. Quite odd and sorry it had to happen to you.
"Moore/ Dalton era: Lamborghini Countach"
The Jaguar and the Maserati look like pretty solid Bond cars, but I absolutely cannot picture James Bond in a Lamborghini (but then, it still beats the Saab 900 Turbo of John Gardner's novels in terms of being "Bondian").
Thanks
Saab 900 Turbos were driven by retired dentists in the UK
On a similar 'Bond transport' note, how about this as a new 'Q-boat' ?