Looks like IXO will be releasing a number of the cars for JBCC in their Premium X range. Pics of Econoline in two colours, Bronco II with mirrors etc, and Country Squire in two other colours have been shown on an Australian web site.
Considering PremiumX is resin, that should be pretty interesting and also gives them room to tweak the moulds. Can't wait for either the Econoline or the Country Squire! And also the non-Bond-related AMC Pacer.
Thanks, Dalkowski. Remember, this is a rather purely academic discussion only, and I do not make any claim for inerrancy – and I suppose no-one else does either. But it’s nice to exchange opinions, see how other people think and what motivates them. Your knowledge, experience, common sense as well as the US collector’s perspective are appreciated.
There are indeed many “standard” scales, from 1/87 to 1/18. Some people only collect one scale, others will collect any. It depends what the unifying factor of your collection is – if you have one. In the case of the 1/8 DB5 the main attraction is not so much the size/scale itself, but the degree of detail that the large size allows. This could not be (and has not been) matched by any other DB5 releases so far (007 or otherwise). The Danbury Mint model is simply too small. The AutoArt is too much toy-like, especially when you look under the bonnet. Even if you try to code 3 those models heavily, I doubt you will be able to achieve the realism of the Fabbri model. Of course, some will prefer hundreds of tiny models, as it allows for variety, others will prefer only a few larger ones to allow for detail. It’s a matter of preference, not right and wrong.
Regardless of scale, models that come in large numbers fetch lower prices, while rarer models achieve higher values. This is why just about any manufacturer will print “special edition” on their packaging – it makes your product look like it’s more valuable, even if it often isn’t. A niche in the market is something that’s good for manufacturers. If you find such a niche then you can expect your products to sell in higher numbers. But you can also carve your own. In fact, the DB5 is not the only 1/8 car model out there, so such a niche already exists, however small it is. And Fabbri is thinking about releasing further movie car models in the same scale. Will they succeed? I don’t know, but I think that they have selected the best model they could to test the waters.
I don’t know much about Revell 1/32 biplanes – were they plastic kits or diecast models? Maybe they failed, but when I searched eBay for “1/32 Revell biplane” I got no results. So it doesn’t look like they lost value and now you can get them for next to nothing...
You are asking: "why are even the best-built examples going for the same as the ones that were shoddily built?". Well, I can’t say without seeing examples. However, if I were after an already built kit model and saw a few at similar prices, I would definitely go for the one that is best finished. Maybe some buyers can’t tell the difference?
Putting your unique touches on the DB5? Please check www.partworkmodels.co.uk and if you go to the DB5 forum there, you will find a number of build diaries, complete with photos, showing how far some will go to personalise their car. This includes bullet holes, weathering, and the like. Some are scratch-building real timber steering wheels with real brass studs, motorising the engine fan, upholstering seats with real leather, even replacing the plastic wheel spokes with real chrome metal ones. You name it! It is a real community of true enthusiasts, and who knows, perhaps this is just the beginning of a new niche you mentioned. And gradually even aftermarket parts are becoming to crop up aimed at this niche – I saw acorn nuts for the engine and wire piping for the seats advertised particularly for the DB5 collectors. This is just the beginning... And in the end, it is the final result and effect that counts. Whether you screw, paint glue, scratch build or mix and match is not as important, as it is only a means to an end (unless you are a snob, which you and I are not). So when I said that there is no reason that all DB5 should not look identical, I was only referring to standard-built models in order to emphasise that even if built without any modifications the car should look great. Obviously, there is more than ample room for modification. In fact, the waiting time between instalments actually inspires and encourages modifications. There is also a page on Facebook dedicated to the purpose of modifying this model (though not exclusively), which grows in number every week. Great pictures there as well, including printable label to stick on your windscreen washer bottle, tax dics, VIN plate and the like.
Diamond Cars produces a few 1/8 car models, including the 007 DB5 with working gadgets (either manually or remotely operated). I can hardly imagine anyone actually “collecting” their models, given their prices though. Most buyers probably can afford one – just because it has a particular appeal to them. Their products do look great and are hand-built (not mass-produced like Fabbri), but when it comes to the final effect (and I can only judge from photographs) I simply do not think that Diamond DB5 looks better than Fabbri’s, certainly not when it comes to the interior, which on the Diamond model looks rather crude and lacks detail.
I searched eBay for Pocher 1/8 kits and although I found one on sale for less than $300 (plus postage), most are much more expensive, and some sellers are even asking for well over $3,000. Most models cannot be found for less than $500, contrary to what you said. Of course, if you build a Goldfinger DB5 then you will not probably want to re-build it, but who knows? Maybe someone will come up with a “transkit” idea to make a Goldeneye DB5 instead? It will all depend on what the market wants. As I think we both agree that the Fabbri model will have a limited appeal, therefore there is a chance may effectively turn out to be a super-limited production run too. Which can be a good or bad thing – depends how you look at it.
Seriously, if you are a car-centric (and not Bond-centric) and are after a DB5, are you likely to search for a car that has all the Goldfinger gadgets (and pay more for it)? Or would you just go for a cheaper non-Bond version, as long as it looks good? I do not think that another, more detailed Goldfinger DB5 in 1/18 would attract too many car-centrics. “Nah, I already have an ERTL/AutoArt one, so why bother and wait so many weeks to build one” is the comment I would expect (and fully understand) from car-centrics. And Fabbri could not make it any clearer that they aim their model at Bond-centrics alone, not car-centrics. Maybe their choice of the scale was even an extra clue!
Of course, rarity does not have to equal appreciation – but it can, and is usually a pre-requisite. I fully agree that it is not possible to “create” a collectible. Only time can create one. And this is precisely why I subscribed not to get rich but to build and display a nicely detailed model of “The Most Famous Car in the World”. If it does appreciate in value then it will only be an added bonus. Therefore, if the Fabbri model totally flops and is never re-issued with all the moulds lost or destroyed, I will not complain!
By the way, are there any partwork model kits/collections released on the US market? If not, then why not?
Thanks, Dalkowski. Remember, this is a rather purely academic discussion only, and I do not make any claim for inerrancy – and I suppose no-one else does either. But it’s nice to exchange opinions, see how other people think and what motivates them. Your knowledge, experience, common sense as well as the US collector’s perspective are appreciated.
There are indeed many “standard” scales, from 1/87 to 1/18. Some people only collect one scale, others will collect any. It depends what the unifying factor of your collection is – if you have one. In the case of the 1/8 DB5 the main attraction is not so much the size/scale itself, but the degree of detail that the large size allows. This could not be (and has not been) matched by any other DB5 releases so far (007 or otherwise). The Danbury Mint model is simply too small. The AutoArt is too much toy-like, especially when you look under the bonnet. Even if you try to code 3 those models heavily, I doubt you will be able to achieve the realism of the Fabbri model. Of course, some will prefer hundreds of tiny models, as it allows for variety, others will prefer only a few larger ones to allow for detail. It’s a matter of preference, not right and wrong.
Regardless of scale, models that come in large numbers fetch lower prices, while rarer models achieve higher values. This is why just about any manufacturer will print “special edition” on their packaging – it makes your product look like it’s more valuable, even if it often isn’t. A niche in the market is something that’s good for manufacturers. If you find such a niche then you can expect your products to sell in higher numbers. But you can also carve your own. In fact, the DB5 is not the only 1/8 car model out there, so such a niche already exists, however small it is. And Fabbri is thinking about releasing further movie car models in the same scale. Will they succeed? I don’t know, but I think that they have selected the best model they could to test the waters.
I don’t know much about Revell 1/32 biplanes – were they plastic kits or diecast models? Maybe they failed, but when I searched eBay for “1/32 Revell biplane” I got no results. So it doesn’t look like they lost value and now you can get them for next to nothing...
You are asking: "why are even the best-built examples going for the same as the ones that were shoddily built?". Well, I can’t say without seeing examples. However, if I were after an already built kit model and saw a few at similar prices, I would definitely go for the one that is best finished. Maybe some buyers can’t tell the difference?
Putting your unique touches on the DB5? Please check www.partworkmodels.co.uk and if you go to the DB5 forum there, you will find a number of build diaries, complete with photos, showing how far some will go to personalise their car. This includes bullet holes, weathering, and the like. Some are scratch-building real timber steering wheels with real brass studs, motorising the engine fan, upholstering seats with real leather, even replacing the plastic wheel spokes with real chrome metal ones. You name it! It is a real community of true enthusiasts, and who knows, perhaps this is just the beginning of a new niche you mentioned. And gradually even aftermarket parts are becoming to crop up aimed at this niche – I saw acorn nuts for the engine and wire piping for the seats advertised particularly for the DB5 collectors. This is just the beginning... And in the end, it is the final result and effect that counts. Whether you screw, paint glue, scratch build or mix and match is not as important, as it is only a means to an end (unless you are a snob, which you and I are not). So when I said that there is no reason that all DB5 should not look identical, I was only referring to standard-built models in order to emphasise that even if built without any modifications the car should look great. Obviously, there is more than ample room for modification. In fact, the waiting time between instalments actually inspires and encourages modifications. There is also a page on Facebook dedicated to the purpose of modifying this model (though not exclusively), which grows in number every week. Great pictures there as well, including printable label to stick on your windscreen washer bottle, tax dics, VIN plate and the like.
Diamond Cars produces a few 1/8 car models, including the 007 DB5 with working gadgets (either manually or remotely operated). I can hardly imagine anyone actually “collecting” their models, given their prices though. Most buyers probably can afford one – just because it has a particular appeal to them. Their products do look great and are hand-built (not mass-produced like Fabbri), but when it comes to the final effect (and I can only judge from photographs) I simply do not think that Diamond DB5 looks better than Fabbri’s, certainly not when it comes to the interior, which on the Diamond model looks rather crude and lacks detail.
I searched eBay for Pocher 1/8 kits and although I found one on sale for less than $300 (plus postage), most are much more expensive, and some sellers are even asking for well over $3,000. Most models cannot be found for less than $500, contrary to what you said. Of course, if you build a Goldfinger DB5 then you will not probably want to re-build it, but who knows? Maybe someone will come up with a “transkit” idea to make a Goldeneye DB5 instead? It will all depend on what the market wants. As I think we both agree that the Fabbri model will have a limited appeal, therefore there is a chance may effectively turn out to be a super-limited production run too. Which can be a good or bad thing – depends how you look at it.
Seriously, if you are a car-centric (and not Bond-centric) and are after a DB5, are you likely to search for a car that has all the Goldfinger gadgets (and pay more for it)? Or would you just go for a cheaper non-Bond version, as long as it looks good? I do not think that another, more detailed Goldfinger DB5 in 1/18 would attract too many car-centrics. “Nah, I already have an ERTL/AutoArt one, so why bother and wait so many weeks to build one” is the comment I would expect (and fully understand) from car-centrics. And Fabbri could not make it any clearer that they aim their model at Bond-centrics alone, not car-centrics. Maybe their choice of the scale was even an extra clue!
Of course, rarity does not have to equal appreciation – but it can, and is usually a pre-requisite. I fully agree that it is not possible to “create” a collectible. Only time can create one. And this is precisely why I subscribed not to get rich but to build and display a nicely detailed model of “The Most Famous Car in the World”. If it does appreciate in value then it will only be an added bonus. Therefore, if the Fabbri model totally flops and is never re-issued with all the moulds lost or destroyed, I will not complain!
By the way, are there any partwork model kits/collections released on the US market? If not, then why not?
Discuss ? LOL , nearly as long as our friend across the pond. You've nearly convinced me to subscribe. )
Some very interesting posts of late, thank you.
One point though Dalkowski : "Of course the bigger the car, the more the detail...but then, why do 1/43-only collectors (and indeed, the legions of 1/87-only collectors in Germany) exist in the first place if they have space for stuff like 1/24 and 1/18 scale? "
The reason I started collecting in 1:43 is because of the range of cars available, much more than because of space constraints. Space is of course a factor, but if you collect say concept cars as I do, or Eastern Bloc cars as you do, or James Bond cars as we all do (three examples, there are many others) we would have fairly small collections if we collected in anything other than 1:43 scale.
As a very coarse generalisation, I have felt that 1:24 is good for American cars and some European road cars, 1:18 is good for mostly modern road cars and cult classic road cars, as well as Formula 1, and motorbikes, and 1:87 is good for mostly European road cars. 1:12 and 1:8 are pretty niche, though I have the Bond Z8 and the non-Bond Vanquish, a Dodge Viper, McLaren F1 and 1960 Corvette in 1:12 scale and a nice 1:8 scale Pocher Ferrari F40 I have owned for almost 20 years. Most 1:8 cars are made by Amalgam and cost literally thousands of pounds each. The F40 (built perfectly from a kit by someone else) was a lot less than that (about £700 in today's money and is a very very good model). If the F40 is anything to go by, the 1:8th DB5 will be quite a talking point when anyone who has one shows people round their collection - it's going to be rather large. I am not buying it however (because of a combination of space constraints and my general model car buying getting a bit out of hand of late - I must slow down at least a bit for all the usual reasons - but there are SO many great models coming out at the moment. I think this will be seen as a golden age of model car production).
As far as I can see 1:43 satisfies almost any sub-section of automotive collecting, apart from there being very few motorcycles, so that's the scale of 90+% of my collection.
Go for it, Diecast007 - now I'm about to ask Fabbri for my commission!
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I Knew it , you are sales rep!:) As much as I would like to I am going to stick with 1.43. Variety and all that.
Thanks, Dalkowski. Remember, this is a rather purely academic discussion only, and I do not make any claim for inerrancy – and I suppose no-one else does either. But it’s nice to exchange opinions, see how other people think and what motivates them. Your knowledge, experience, common sense as well as the US collector’s perspective are appreciated.
I appreciate that Jag, and I appreciate your views very much as well. I think we've pretty much stated our views, but I'd like to clear up a few things (I'm actually having quite a bit of good fun regarding this academic discussion here).
There are indeed many “standard” scales, from 1/87 to 1/18. Some people only collect one scale, others will collect any. It depends what the unifying factor of your collection is – if you have one.
As myhandle mentions below, most of the car-centrics or the Bond-centrics with car-centric tendencies do have that unifying factor. Generally, once a collector gets started on any scale...be it 1/18 or 1/87...they tend to stay down that road unless there's a model they simply can't live without (for example, aside from the vintage Dinkys, Corgis, etc., I *do* have a 1/24 scale model of a 1960's-1970's First Automobile Works Hongqi CA770JG Open-Top Parade Car because of my complete inability to find one in 1/43 [though they do exist] and similarly plan on purchasing a 1958 CA71 Dongfeng Jinlong Luxury Sedan; again it's available in 1/43, but best of luck finding one! Even then, they serve as placeholders for the less common [and more expensive] 1/43 scale models.). But generally, uniformity in scale allows for much easier and frankly much nicer-looking display of models. Face it: unless you're making a display of solely one type of vehicle where you want to show off the same car in all of its glory from as many different perspectives (including scale) as possible, you're probably going to want to stick to one scale. And upon thinking on this, I suppose the former scenario is where the DB5's real value lies.
In the case of the 1/8 DB5 the main attraction is not so much the size/scale itself, but the degree of detail that the large size allows.
I don't see 1/18 being prohibitive of such detail. Would it be slightly more detailed? Yes. Almost no matter what, with an increase in scale comes an increase in detail. But play your cards right and ultimately, you could get a superb 1/18 DB5 partwork kit.
Regardless of scale, models that come in large numbers fetch lower prices, while rarer models achieve higher values. This is why just about any manufacturer will print “special edition” on their packaging – it makes your product look like it’s more valuable, even if it often isn’t.
Well, obviously...:)
A niche in the market is something that’s good for manufacturers. If you find such a niche then you can expect your products to sell in higher numbers. But you can also carve your own. In fact, the DB5 is not the only 1/8 car model out there, so such a niche already exists, however small it is.
And Fabbri is thinking about releasing further movie car models in the same scale. Will they succeed? I don’t know, but I think that they have selected the best model they could to test the waters.
Okay, I don't think this is a very good idea. The DB5 I can see succeeding in its sales, of course, due to the Bond-centrics. But if they try and do something like the Mustang from Bullitt, I could NOT see that succeeding. In the US, the Ford Mustang, as a series, has to be one of the most widely made and widely collected cars, period. Such variety and such numbers obviously allows for huge numbers of Code 3'ers to produce models (especially in 1/18) the quality of which I have difficulty believing almost any factory could match. The other thing here is that, assuming they do a Bullitt Mustang, it's one of the most tried Code 3's that I know of. Many, MANY people get it into their heads that because they made Steve McQueen's car with weathering, once he had his rear window shot out, etc., that their model will never have an equal in their eyes. If Fabbri is reading, I would advise them to avoid this car or at least place it pretty far down the list (especially considering the best Code 3's, perhaps unsurprisingly, come out of the US where people actually have access to very similar cars (1968 Ford Mustang GT 2+2 Fastbacks). Plus, they know about the subtle modifications made to the real car, which do show on the outside (the suspension being a big one). Actually, if they wanted a unique car that would fly off the shelves in the US, it would be Bill Hickman's Dodge Charger 440 R/T from the same film. There is a LOT of demand for that car, and as far as I know, no "Bullitt version" exists of it. You do see plenty of Code 3's...some really good, some not really good...when you go to hobby shows, though.
I don’t know much about Revell 1/32 biplanes – were they plastic kits or diecast models? Maybe they failed, but when I searched eBay for “1/32 Revell biplane” I got no results. So it doesn’t look like they lost value and now you can get them for next to nothing...
Ah, herein lies a tale, and frankly, I think I should have been more clear in that the line failed really before it could get off the ground. They planned to launch with a Grumman F3F-3 (often incorrectly referred to as the "Gulfhawk") with moving parts and then offering a white metal detail kit. Basically, they wanted to satisfy everybody: from ages 10-100, skills 3 (thereabouts) to off-the-charts. They planned on following this up with (I think) the famed Fokker Dr. I, but it wasn't to be. The problem was that they were "caught inbetween": for a less advanced modeller, the kit was VERY compex. For the really advanced modeller, it wasn't detailed enough and to make things worse, the white metal parts never arrived (you'll get different stories as to why, depending on who you ask). The result, in an uncommon scale for between-the-Wars modellers, was a disaster. You can find them for as little as $15 if you play your cards right. Of course, the irony is that they did wind up succeeding once a bunch of companies started producing new wings (where most of the detail seemed a bit lacking), resin cockpits, photoetched parts, etc. Oh, and to add to Revell's marketing blunders, they were competing with THIS model...
You are asking: "why are even the best-built examples going for the same as the ones that were shoddily built?". Well, I can’t say without seeing examples. However, if I were after an already built kit model and saw a few at similar prices, I would definitely go for the one that is best finished. Maybe some buyers can’t tell the difference?
To tell you the truth, I'm not sure myself, though I do believe I have an explanation that's at least highly possible. I do know that a lot of modellers, from levels expert on down to beginner, tend to have reservations about buying a built model online unless they really know who they're dealing with. They want to examine that model, usually, or at least ask for something on order of 20-30 pictures of individual parts that they don't believe are shown well enough (one guy buying a built and detailed Hasegawa 1/48 Messerschmitt Bf-109 Dora asked for fifty photos of it...). I find this to be very possible as to why even the really nice kits aren't appreciating in value.
Putting your unique touches on the DB5? Please check www.partworkmodels.co.uk and if you go to the DB5 forum there, you will find a number of build diaries, complete with photos, showing how far some will go to personalise their car. This includes bullet holes, weathering, and the like. Some are scratch-building real timber steering wheels with real brass studs, motorising the engine fan, upholstering seats with real leather, even replacing the plastic wheel spokes with real chrome metal ones. You name it! It is a real community of true enthusiasts, and who knows, perhaps this is just the beginning of a new niche you mentioned. And gradually even aftermarket parts are becoming to crop up aimed at this niche – I saw acorn nuts for the engine and wire piping for the seats advertised particularly for the DB5 collectors. This is just the beginning... And in the end, it is the final result and effect that counts. Whether you screw, paint glue, scratch build or mix and match is not as important, as it is only a means to an end (unless you are a snob, which you and I are not). So when I said that there is no reason that all DB5 should not look identical, I was only referring to standard-built models in order to emphasise that even if built without any modifications the car should look great. Obviously, there is more than ample room for modification. In fact, the waiting time between instalments actually inspires and encourages modifications. There is also a page on Facebook dedicated to the purpose of modifying this model (though not exclusively), which grows in number every week. Great pictures there as well, including printable label to stick on your windscreen washer bottle, tax dics, VIN plate and the like.
On further review, I do agree with this.
I searched eBay for Pocher 1/8 kits and although I found one on sale for less than $300 (plus postage), most are much more expensive, and some sellers are even asking for well over $3,000. Most models cannot be found for less than $500, contrary to what you said.
You can buy factory new for $300-$500, though you did demonstrate why Pocher appreciates...they only make a few of each kit.
Of course, if you build a Goldfinger DB5 then you will not probably want to re-build it, but who knows? Maybe someone will come up with a “transkit” idea to make a Goldeneye DB5 instead? It will all depend on what the market wants. As I think we both agree that the Fabbri model will have a limited appeal, therefore there is a chance may effectively turn out to be a super-limited production run too. Which can be a good or bad thing – depends how you look at it.
Again, I agree, although I think the Pocher guys might be a little disappointed at the lack of (to use my old friend's term) "modularity" of the model's construction. He had TWO Pocher Ferraris (well, three, but he didn't really screw around with the third one). But he managed to get 20+ variants out of them. He'd just get tired of one model, buy a transkit, rebuild the car, and that really seems to be one of Pocher's attractive points. Again, while I said some Pocher buyers might be attracted to the DB5, I don't think a majority would.
Seriously, if you are a car-centric (and not Bond-centric) and are after a DB5, are you likely to search for a car that has all the Goldfinger gadgets (and pay more for it)? Or would you just go for a cheaper non-Bond version, as long as it looks good? I do not think that another, more detailed Goldfinger DB5 in 1/18 would attract too many car-centrics. “Nah, I already have an ERTL/AutoArt one, so why bother and wait so many weeks to build one” is the comment I would expect (and fully understand) from car-centrics. And Fabbri could not make it any clearer that they aim their model at Bond-centrics alone, not car-centrics. Maybe their choice of the scale was even an extra clue!
I can understand the last bit about Fabbri aiming for Bond-centrics, but the problem with your guess is what I like to call the Tin Wizard/Franklin Mint Detail Law. Say you have two identical 1/43 models...say 1950 Nash Ramblers...from Tin Wizard and Franklin Mint. The guy already has the Franklin Mint model. Having both models myself, I can say it actually is really nice. But I guarantee you that, if priced reasonably (around $150-$200), the guy will spring for the same, relatively obscure car, even if the same color, because it was made by Tin Wizard with all the details and because they make a terrific sales pitch. It almost never fails. Even with Spark vs. Minichamps, I see tons of guys going for the same model by Spark, or with Minichamps vs. Ixo, someone will go for Minichamps. Again, all about the detail. Yet, the models are in the same scale. Frankly, I don't think a car-centric would react the way in which you describe simply because of what I've observed in terms of Tin Wizard vs. Franklin Mint or even Brooklin, Spark vs. Minichamps, or Minichamps vs. Ixo.
Of course, rarity does not have to equal appreciation – but it can, and is usually a pre-requisite. I fully agree that it is not possible to “create” a collectible. Only time can create one. And this is precisely why I subscribed not to get rich but to build and display a nicely detailed model of “The Most Famous Car in the World”. If it does appreciate in value then it will only be an added bonus. Therefore, if the Fabbri model totally flops and is never re-issued with all the moulds lost or destroyed, I will not complain!
Again, I find myself in agreement. Sometimes, time isn't the only thing that can creat a collectible. Look at (from the former East Bloc market) the DiP Models (that's Spark, basically) GAZ-63 4x4 Army Truck. In a freak accident, a majority of the models were destroyed when a crane dropped the shipping container they were in!!! DiP Models, of course, now has to go back and rebuild all of the GAZ-63's, which they will, unaltered. However, because not all of the originals were destroyed, yet all of the originals came with numbered certificates of authenticity (the new ones will not simply because the originals were shipped skip-numbered) and the display stands will be different stating a different production run, I believe that the "pre-container destruction" variant will become a true collectable. Another thing in favor of this that DiP Models changed their display boxes from having a punch-out window with perforations to having a more conventional display window. The new run of GAZ-63's will NOT have the punch-out window...which most people indeed punched out.
By the way, are there any partwork model kits/collections released on the US market? If not, then why not?
There have been some model ships and to a much lesser degree, model airplanes, but that's it. With regards to cars, the average US hobbyist (such as myself) likes to pick and choose. I'd say a good compromise is DeAgostini's East Bloc model approach: you CAN'T subscribe, but your hobby dealer is literally obligated to carry the latest issues if they want to stock any Ixo models at all and also has to have a release schedule. That way, you get to pick and choose, but you can still collect the entire series if you want. I wouldn't mind that approach one bit.
More 1/8 kits. Fabbri would be mad to try it. It may work for the DB5 but who would have room and cash for more at that size. Think they would end up losing a lot on pretty much anything else at that kind of price. Would also like to see how many subscribers there are to the 1/8 compared to the JBCC.
There is a survey on the 007db5.com website ("What do you think?") where they ask if there is interest in similar kits of other cars. One suggestion is indeed the Bullitt Mustang, the two others are the Back to the Future DeLorean and the Casino Royale DBS. You can also suggest a different car (my choice would be the TSWLM Esprit).
However, I think that 1/12 would have been the better choice for Fabbri as there are already the Kyoshos, not only the two Bond cars but also Countach, F40 etc. I can imagine that there could be interest for a BTTF DeLorean in 1/8 - but I think that making the more interesting Bond cars (DB5, TSWLM Esprit, TLD Vantage, CR/QoS DBS) to complement the Kyosho Vanquish and Z8 in 1/12 would have been more successful than the 1/8 models. Of course the 1/12 could also be done in fewer parts, meaning both a lower price and not such a long wait to complete the model (it should not take longer than a year, so 50 issues per car).
They could never recreate the car correctly. I say this because they had/have access to the actual DB5, but the Bullitt Mustang (actually, there were two of them) was purchased by some guy in Kentucky who keeps it in his garage and doesn't let anyone see it (several people have tried negotiating with him). The other was scrapped. Both cars were up-engined in order to keep up with the Dodge Charger 440 R/T (which was MUCH faster, despite being kept in stock configuration), had a new suspension installed, and featured differences in the brakes from the stock '68 GT 2+2 Fastback. Is this a huge deal on a 1/43 scale car where you can't really see the brakes and the hood doesn't open? Not really. Is it a huge deal on a model where you actually install the brakes and engine? It sure is! Fabbri, if you're reading, I'm telling ya, this is not a model ya want to do.
"the Back to the Future DeLorean and the Casino Royale DBS"
They already have the Bond-Centric market, so if they MUST keep on making 1/8 scale cars, why not stick to the DBS? Opening up a new market for Back to the Future would be basically opening up a can of worms. Also, put it this way....there's a reason that stock DeLoreans tend to sell really well while the BTTF ones sit on the shelves; sometimes literally for years. Unlike the DB5, the DeLorean lacks elegance in the film series and is simply TOO gadget-laden. Car-centrics have little interest in them as a result and unlike the Bond film franchise, the BTTF film franchise is no more. It will not be getting too terribly many new fans. I just do NOT see the BTTF DeLorean selling.
"However, I think that 1/12 would have been the better choice for Fabbri as there are already the Kyoshos, not only the two Bond cars but also Countach, F40 etc."
True, but Kyosho's market for the 1/12 cars is exactly the kind Jag was talking about when he said that more than one or two cars would be cost-prohibitive and space-prohibitive. You just couldn't make a huge line of them all that successfully. If you scaled back to 1/18, okay, I could see that, since there are tons of 1/18 cars, but look at my example of the failed attempt to market a GAZ-12 ZIM Limousine in 1/12 in Russia by a pretty good Chinese firm.
"Of course the 1/12 could also be done in fewer parts, meaning both a lower price and not such a long wait to complete the model (it should not take longer than a year, so 50 issues per car)."
But then, scaling back the number of parts also almost certainly means scaling back the detail. You can still have tons and tons of parts for a 1/12 or 1/18 scale car and get tremendous detail.
Tell me about scale as a unifying factor… I started off with Corgi models, which are about 1/34, and then collected non-Corgis in comparable scales, then I added 1/43 and 1/24, simply because some cars were only available in one scale. As my collection grew and I was moving around the world I decided to scale down to save space and restricted myself to 1/24 scale (more details than 1/43, less space needed than 1/18). So I sold off everything else. Strangely, some of my models fetched really good prices, so I certainly did not lose any money there. Then JBCC came along, and now I will have 110 cars in 1/43 soon! I will be keeping them for while, but eventually may consider selling/swapping some of the more obscure ones.
Of course you can have a superb 1/18 or even 1/24 007 DB5 (or any other car) partwork. But let’s face it, would it be an attractive proposition for a publisher like Fabbri? Not so sure. You certainly could not have 85 issues at $19,90 each. With a bit of stretch you might have 20-30 issues at $5-7 at most. And that would still seem expensive to many buyers, and might not be economically viable to the publisher. So I can understand why Fabbri decided to take a gamble with 1/8 scale. Will they succeed? No idea. Time will tell. I tend to agree with you that few people will be interested in any other movie cars though. I know I won’t, the 007 DB5 will suffice for me, and part from that I will keep to my usual 1/24 scale. So even if Fabbri release further Bond cars in this scale, I’m out.
Your story of Revell biplanes is interesting. If anything, it tells me that model manufacturing is not an exact science and no matter how well established a company is, you can’t always predict everything.
Looks like the more we exchange opinions, the more in agreement we are!
In terms of a 1/8 scale partwork, the Bullitt Mustang would be a huge mistake (yes, I know I use it as an avatar and it's one of my favourite all time movie vehicles) But I doubt its popularity would come anywhere near that of the JB DB5. Mr D has a point in as much what engine do you put in it? Most movie cars are 'faked' to some extent i.e. the Bond DB5 didn't really have extending tyre slashers, that scene was basically a DB5 rear wing and spinning wheel rigged up against a bluescreen background with a metal tube pushed out through the wheel by a prop-man. And as for machine guns in the front wheel-wells not interfering with the wheels and steering....ermm??? The Bullitt Mustang was meant to be taken ultra seriously so there's a dilemma in how faithfully do you follow the rigged car or the story?
The obvious contender to me would be the classic TV Batmobile. That has recently been released in 1/18 scale and has been a huge success. Like the DB5, a 1/8 version would go into the intracacies of the gadgets in great detail and could go mad on the (faked) jet engine. And like the DB5, it has world-wide fame with a similar fan base.
In general though, if a partwork producer could get through the mire of licencing issues, a series of 1/43 movie cars and figures would be terrific - Bullitt Mustang and Charger, Ecto 1, BTF DeLoreans, Mad Max vehicles, Bat-tumbler, all the way to the obscure: Speed bus, Kelly's Heroes Jeep - you name it!
In terms of a 1/8 scale partwork, the Bullitt Mustang would be a huge mistake (yes, I know I use it as an avatar and it's one of my favourite all time movie vehicles) But I doubt its popularity would come anywhere near that of the JB DB5. Mr D has a point in as much what engine do you put in it? Most movie cars are 'faked' to some extent i.e. the Bond DB5 didn't really have extending tyre slashers, that scene was basically a DB5 rear wing and spinning wheel rigged up against a bluescreen background with a metal tube pushed out through the wheel by a prop-man. And as for machine guns in the front wheel-wells not interfering with the wheels and steering....ermm??? The Bullitt Mustang was meant to be taken ultra seriously so there's a dilemma in how faithfully do you follow the rigged car or the story?
The obvious contender to me would be the classic TV Batmobile. That has recently been released in 1/18 scale and has been a huge success. Like the DB5, a 1/8 version would go into the intracacies of the gadgets in great detail and could go mad on the (faked) jet engine. And like the DB5, it has world-wide fame with a similar fan base.
In general though, if a partwork producer could get through the mire of licencing issues, a series of 1/43 movie cars and figures would be terrific - Bullitt Mustang and Charger, Ecto 1, BTF DeLoreans, Mad Max vehicles, Bat-tumbler, all the way to the obscure: Speed bus, Kelly's Heroes Jeep - you name it!
You're right, MovieCarFan, more than that - there was never a "Goldfinger" DB5! If you watch the movie closely, there were at least a couple used - the one used in close-ups usually has side wing indicators, while the one used in driving scenes does not... So we are really building an imaginary vehicle anyway. I guess a similar licence could be taken when reproducing the Bullitt vehicle. I do not think there is a scene in the movie showing what's under the bonnet. But, like you, I do not think there would be too many collectors interested in building this car.
Apart from Bond I also collect 1/18th scale film and tv cars - not all that are available, only the ones I like (I have the General Lee, various Batmobiles, the Magnum, p.i. Ferrari 308 GTS, Knight Rider's K.I.T.T. and K.A.R.R., the Ford FAB 1 from the live-action Thunderbirds film, and pre-orders for the GMC A-Team Vandura and Ghostbusters Cadillac Ecto-1 coming out later this year), so I really like the idea of the '66 Batmobile (or the '89 for that matter!) in 1/8th scale, although if they actually would produce it I'd have to think really, really hard whether or not the model is worth spending so much money on (I'm still a Bond fan at heart, being a film car fan comes in second place).
"Tell me about scale as a unifying factor… I started off with Corgi models, which are about 1/34, and then collected non-Corgis in comparable scales, then I added 1/43 and 1/24, simply because some cars were only available in one scale. As my collection grew and I was moving around the world I decided to scale down to save space and restricted myself to 1/24 scale (more details than 1/43, less space needed than 1/18). So I sold off everything else. Strangely, some of my models fetched really good prices, so I certainly did not lose any money there. Then JBCC came along, and now I will have 110 cars in 1/43 soon! I will be keeping them for while, but eventually may consider selling/swapping some of the more obscure ones."
I was pretty much 1/43 all the way except getting vintage Matchbox cars when I was doing Dublo gauge. My HO layouts never really had any cars and while I did go through a phase of collecting Siku 1/55 when I was much younger, that passed pretty quickly.
"Of course you can have a superb 1/18 or even 1/24 007 DB5 (or any other car) partwork. But let’s face it, would it be an attractive proposition for a publisher like Fabbri? Not so sure. You certainly could not have 85 issues at $19,90 each. With a bit of stretch you might have 20-30 issues at $5-7 at most. And that would still seem expensive to many buyers, and might not be economically viable to the publisher. So I can understand why Fabbri decided to take a gamble with 1/8 scale. Will they succeed? No idea. Time will tell. I tend to agree with you that few people will be interested in any other movie cars though. I know I won’t, the 007 DB5 will suffice for me, and part from that I will keep to my usual 1/24 scale. So even if Fabbri release further Bond cars in this scale, I’m out."
I can definitely see why you'd not want to make a car 1/18 scale from THIS perspective. To be honest, though, if I wanted to do follow-up cars, I would do them in 1/18, having attracted a market that might be more forgiving. As I said, you can still super-detail a car in 1/18 and I think it would be easier on your repeat subscribers' wallets. Also, trust me, from what I've seen of 1/18 scale Code 3'ing, I do think you could get away with about 40 issues worth of parts. Would it be excessively detailed? You bet! But that works both ways and I think it could work.
"Your story of Revell biplanes is interesting. If anything, it tells me that model manufacturing is not an exact science and no matter how well established a company is, you can’t always predict everything."
Yes, I thought that one was interesting when I heard it. Granted, it came from a guy who did some consulting for Classic Airframes, but they had to keep up with what they saw as potential competition, especially at a lower price. I'm not really sure what went on at Revell that caused the internal failures (like never delivering the white metal parts and the minor detail flaws in the wings)...ask half a dozen people, get half a dozen answers...although it is clear to me that something was going on where I don't think they did proper market research (Just my personal opinion: they released the F3F BEFORE the Dr. I because a bunch of people had done Dr. I's, plus the F3F gave you more moving parts; thing is, if they'd done a guy like Erich Loewenhardt or Hermann Goering, I think they would have generated more interest in the Dr. I than the countless Richthofen Dr. I's).
"Looks like the more we exchange opinions, the more in agreement we are!"
I would certainly say so!
"The Bullitt Mustang was meant to be taken ultra seriously so there's a dilemma in how faithfully do you follow the rigged car or the story?"
You nailed it. The DB5 was supposed to be taken as the car everybody wanted, but nobody could really have. But if you wanted, in 1968, you could go out and buy what was supposed to be the exact same car as the Bullitt Mustang; the GT 2+2 Fastback in Highland Green. Were there multiple DB5's? Yes, of course, but again, we're not really supposed to use the kind of suspension of disbelief on the Mustang (or Charger 440 R/T...ironically MY favorite car in that film) as we are on the DB5. If we were, why would Bullitt's car chase be so consistently billed as the most realistic and plausible car chase in the history of film? But here's the problem: go and watch Bullitt, or at least the chase scene. Now go watch virtually any other film with a stock '68 Mustang in it. The differences with regard to the suspension are not only obvious, but also VERY difficult to correctly recreate on any model (hence the large number of Code 3's in all scales regarding the Bullitt Mustang trying to get the height of the suspension correct). You're not doing it with the assistance of EON Productions telling you what they did to the Aston Martin DB5, even if they can't produce the real deal. Steve McQueen, Bud Elkins, and Bill Hickman were all familiarized with the car's modifications (Hickman, who drove the Charger, asked to do so to better to able to simulate the chase scene) and unless Fabbri is consulting with a medium, I don't think they can just go and ask them, either, as they've all passed away. Instead, what you're relying on is the chase down the San Francisco streets and literally getting your measurements "by eyeball."
"In general though, if a partwork producer could get through the mire of licencing issues, a series of 1/43 movie cars and figures would be terrific"
Corgi tried this and it worked to varying degrees of success. You had the Blues Brothers 1974 Dodge Monaco on the higher end (despite the coloring error regarding the letters and lack of spotlight [the latter is easily made], the mould looked great...and yes, the car is 1/43, despite its huge size! The Monaco was just flat out immense.) and then something like the FRWL 1961 Chevy 1-Ton Pickup on the low end. Incidentally, two of the Australian manufacturers (Biante and Classic Carlectables, though I'd not be shocked if Trax decided to do their own version) do Mad Max stuff in multiple scales, and it does sell well.
"I guess a similar licence could be taken when reproducing the Bullitt vehicle."
I doubt it. Most of the US Collectors that have opening hoods try and upgrade the engine and as I mentioned, you get a ton of Code 3'd suspensions. And several other things...
-Painted over "GT" badging and even the removal of the word "Mustang."
-Nixing the running pony on the grille
-Taking the driving lights off
-Modifying the wheels to be the chromed ones from American Racing.
For more info on the Bullitt Mustang, incidentally (and MovieCarFan, I'm sure you've seen this), you can go here...
I am sticking to 1:43 scale models or smaller for storage reasons.
I have about 6 boxes of toy cars collected over the years and then
with the JBCC (got them all so far) I am on my 5th plastic storage crate which hold
24 vehicles each (3 layers of 8). (so 4 crates is 96 vehicles.)
The 1:8 DB5 is too big for me, takes too long and is a crazy total of over £500.
So is the McLaren F1 car for similar reasons-size and high cost.
Bleuville. "Mrs. Bond. Shut. Up. and don't eat it all at once!"
"He loves me... Instinctively....Infuriatingly......In-Intensely...In-In-Indubitably !"
"The 1:8 DB5 is too big for me, takes too long and is a crazy total of over £500.
So is the McLaren F1 car for similar reasons-size and high cost."
Serious question: I wonder how many Bond-centrics (and I can tell that you are one from your posting history) will be turned off by the kit for the same reasons as yourself; i.e. parts and space? It's a question I can't answer until the DB5 partwork finishes up. As for 1/43 scale cars, I would suggest keep on going the Code 3 route if you want to continue the collection. I have a number of suggestions I've been thinking about that are much more difficult and played smaller roles in the films, but are still very doable.
The problem with a partwork kit is that Fabbri will probably never tell us how many people subscribed to the collection. And then again, even they will not know how many people who subscribed will actually build the model. But it would be interesting to have some figures. It appears that in Australia the model is still not available country-wide but only in SA.
On another note, I received issues 102/103 yesterday. The Ford Bronco is OK. Not great though, IXO are certainly capable of doing better things. I was really curious about the Bondola, having read mostly criticism on this forum and elsewhere. My first impression – what a great model! It really is nicely detailed, even the ropes are made of thread and not plastic. The lack of figure does not worry me, I really think IXO did a great job on this model. The only problem – the scale! People said before that it was the wrong scale, so I imagined that it would be slightly smaller – say 1/50 or so. But it is actually 1/72!!!!! That is totally not what the JBCC promotional materials promised, so I feel like writing to Bissett to ask for my money back. This model simply does not belong in this collection because of the scale.
Got 102/103 today. I agree with you Jag, the Bronco isn't very good. Mine is of the ground and the dirt is silver! The Bondola is good, although my case is cracked as usual. Have any of the Aus subscribers email Bissett about the Anglia replacement?
Surprisingly, no cracks this time. Interestingly, UK subscribers appear to receive their deliveries in boxes, not plastic pouches as I do. My Bronco is not too bad, although one front wheel is above the ground, the dirt is strange colour that I can’t even name, but not too unrealistic. Perhaps I should ask them about the Anglia when I complain about the Bondola!
The problem with a partwork kit is that Fabbri will probably never tell us how many people subscribed to the collection. And then again, even they will not know how many people who subscribed will actually build the model. But it would be interesting to have some figures. It appears that in Australia the model is still not available country-wide but only in SA.
On another note, I received issues 102/103 yesterday. The Ford Bronco is OK. Not great though, IXO are certainly capable of doing better things. I was really curious about the Bondola, having read mostly criticism on this forum and elsewhere. My first impression – what a great model! It really is nicely detailed, even the ropes are made of thread and not plastic. The lack of figure does not worry me, I really think IXO did a great job on this model. The only problem – the scale! People said before that it was the wrong scale, so I imagined that it would be slightly smaller – say 1/50 or so. But it is actually 1/72!!!!! That is totally not what the JBCC promotional materials promised, so I feel like writing to Bissett to ask for my money back. This model simply does not belong in this collection because of the scale.
I think you should. It's just wrong. It's in my attic, not displayed, because of the scale.
"the dirt is strange colour that I can’t even name"
It was supposed to be drying (but not completely dry) mud, which is rather tough to simulate. Also, for those who don't like the Bronco model itself, keep in mind that it was one of the last cars sold in the US with the side mirrors as optional. I agree that it looks a bit lacking in detail sans side mirrors, but that's how it appeared in the film. On the other hand, I think the diorama is pretty lousy. The only knock on it I could see would be the detailing of the roof rack, but the model itself doesn't really bother me.
I had a good look at my mud. Yes, it looks muddy. Looks quite dry. I may be able to improve on the wet look, but will wait until I watch the movie again.
"Cheers. I found a crack at the back, so I've sent for a replacement anyway."
Do you mean a crack in the plastic for the spare tire rack? If so, that unfortunately seems to be endemic among these models. I have no idea why, either.
"I had a good look at my mud. Yes, it looks muddy. Looks quite dry. I may be able to improve on the wet look, but will wait until I watch the movie again."
Well-worded! ) But seriously, if you want to improve the "not quite dry" look, mix in some semi-gloss (NOT GLOSS, but also not matte/flat, either) dark brown paint. Also, since you're not going for a complete repaint and actually WANT your model to look "streaky", I wouldn't rule out using Tamiya water-based acrylic paint, either. Just be extra careful with regard to it adhering.
The only part they left out is that "Joe" is somewhere in Kentucky.
Thanks for the link Mr D, I'd read some of the info before but hadn't seen that particular webpage up until your posting - fascinating stuff. What's really interesting about the Bullitt chase is just how many Bond fans refer to it and appreciate it. I guess the fact is that there has never been a Bond chase that could be taken quite so seriously, with the same degrees of dramatic intensity ramping up bit by bit from the first vehicle encounter to the final (in Bullitt's case) fireball wipe-out. Now we have a 'serious' Bond, it would be great to see an equally 'serious' car chase, perhaps directed by the likes of Michael Mann of 'Heat' fame, who really knows how 'ramp-up' dramatic tension in action scenes. I thought the AM and Alfa chase in QOS was on the right track, but it seemed to be over as soon as it started, kind of like we'd missed the first two thirds of the chase! However, because it was more credible than most Bond chases (and despite its shortness), I personally think that makes it one of the more important Bond vehicle sequences and I for one am looking forward to issue 110 for that reason.
The only part they left out is that "Joe" is somewhere in Kentucky.
Thanks for the link Mr D, I'd read some of the info before but hadn't seen that particular webpage up until your posting - fascinating stuff. What's really interesting about the Bullitt chase is just how many Bond fans refer to it and appreciate it. I guess the fact is that there has never been a Bond chase that could be taken quite so seriously, with the same degrees of dramatic intensity ramping up bit by bit from the first vehicle encounter to the final (in Bullitt's case) fireball wipe-out. Now we have a 'serious' Bond, it would be great to see an equally 'serious' car chase, perhaps directed by the likes of Michael Mann of 'Heat' fame, who really knows how 'ramp-up' dramatic tension in action scenes. I thought the AM and Alfa chase in QOS was on the right track, but it seemed to be over as soon as it started, kind of like we'd missed the first two thirds of the chase! However, because it was more credible than most Bond chases (and despite its shortness), I personally think that makes it one of the more important Bond vehicle sequences and I for one am looking forward to issue 110 for that reason.
I agree but the model itself does not do the scene any justice and i maintain it looks unfinished not damaged. Therefore does not conclude the collection appropriately !
The only part they left out is that "Joe" is somewhere in Kentucky.
Thanks for the link Mr D, I'd read some of the info before but hadn't seen that particular webpage up until your posting - fascinating stuff. What's really interesting about the Bullitt chase is just how many Bond fans refer to it and appreciate it. I guess the fact is that there has never been a Bond chase that could be taken quite so seriously, with the same degrees of dramatic intensity ramping up bit by bit from the first vehicle encounter to the final (in Bullitt's case) fireball wipe-out. Now we have a 'serious' Bond, it would be great to see an equally 'serious' car chase, perhaps directed by the likes of Michael Mann of 'Heat' fame, who really knows how 'ramp-up' dramatic tension in action scenes. I thought the AM and Alfa chase in QOS was on the right track, but it seemed to be over as soon as it started, kind of like we'd missed the first two thirds of the chase! However, because it was more credible than most Bond chases (and despite its shortness), I personally think that makes it one of the more important Bond vehicle sequences and I for one am looking forward to issue 110 for that reason.
I agree but the model itself does not do the scene any justice and i maintain it looks unfinished not damaged. Therefore does not conclude the collection appropriately !
I actually agree it's hardly 'the most spectacular firework saved for the end of the show' and could have at least been better presented. Instead of using the same tunnel diorama as the earlier version, possibly a diorama using the quarry, or the ancient street where Bond finally parked up would have done it more justice. But it is still noteworthy imho.
As a non-subscriber I have no right to complain on the end model issue, but I do support the feelings of those who have subscribed and feel let down. I seem to remember that when the series was first advertised on TV and in the UK media, the inference was that 'specials' would be released to subscribers during the full course of the series, not just the first few months. I suppose Fabbri would argue that the original series number was 40 and specials were released during that period. Had I been a subscriber though, and shelled out for 109 issues, I think I would have expected a pretty spectacular special to finish on - maybe the SWLM Lotus launching its rocket attack on Naomi's helicopter for instance
Thanks for the link Mr D, I'd read some of the info before but hadn't seen that particular webpage up until your posting - fascinating stuff. What's really interesting about the Bullitt chase is just how many Bond fans refer to it and appreciate it. I guess the fact is that there has never been a Bond chase that could be taken quite so seriously, with the same degrees of dramatic intensity ramping up bit by bit from the first vehicle encounter to the final (in Bullitt's case) fireball wipe-out. Now we have a 'serious' Bond, it would be great to see an equally 'serious' car chase, perhaps directed by the likes of Michael Mann of 'Heat' fame, who really knows how 'ramp-up' dramatic tension in action scenes. I thought the AM and Alfa chase in QOS was on the right track, but it seemed to be over as soon as it started, kind of like we'd missed the first two thirds of the chase! However, because it was more credible than most Bond chases (and despite its shortness), I personally think that makes it one of the more important Bond vehicle sequences and I for one am looking forward to issue 110 for that reason.
I agree but the model itself does not do the scene any justice and i maintain it looks unfinished not damaged. Therefore does not conclude the collection appropriately !
I actually agree it's hardly 'the most spectacular firework saved for the end of the show' and could have at least been better presented. Instead of using the same tunnel diorama as the earlier version, possibly a diorama using the quarry, or the ancient street where Bond finally parked up would have done it more justice. But it is still noteworthy imho.
As a non-subscriber I have no right to complain on the end model issue, but I do support the feelings of those who have subscribed and feel let down. I seem to remember that when the series was first advertised on TV and in the UK media, the inference was that 'specials' would be released to subscribers during the full course of the series, not just the first few months. I suppose Fabbri would argue that the original series number was 40 and specials were released during that period. Had I been a subscriber though, and shelled out for 109 issues, I think I would have expected a pretty spectacular special to finish on - maybe the SWLM Lotus launching its rocket attack on Naomi's helicopter for instance
The SWLM lotus attacking the helicopter would be superb, I am glad somebody else remembers the original adverts. Yes the collection has extended 3 or 4 times but we have had not had the specials and therefore GEF have not fulfilled the agreement to those that signed up. I welcomed the extra regular issues but I was also looking forward to more specials in the same vain as the tank and Nelly. These would have been the jewels in the crown. I think GEF have missed a trick and possibly put alot of subscribers off collecting a similar product. Maybe a call to trading standards is necessary
as having spent £7.99 for each of the last 105 issues I think GEF need to consider they have sold a product under false pretences to all of us who subscribed.
I actually agree it's hardly 'the most spectacular firework saved for the end of the show' and could have at least been better presented. Instead of using the same tunnel diorama as the earlier version, possibly a diorama using the quarry, or the ancient street where Bond finally parked up would have done it more justice. But it is still noteworthy imho.
The diorama base of the Citroen Traction Avant was cobbled (Istanbul) and could easily have been used for a road scene in Siena. So either a lack of imagination there, or they just couldn't be bothered.
Comments
Considering PremiumX is resin, that should be pretty interesting and also gives them room to tweak the moulds. Can't wait for either the Econoline or the Country Squire! And also the non-Bond-related AMC Pacer.
There are indeed many “standard” scales, from 1/87 to 1/18. Some people only collect one scale, others will collect any. It depends what the unifying factor of your collection is – if you have one. In the case of the 1/8 DB5 the main attraction is not so much the size/scale itself, but the degree of detail that the large size allows. This could not be (and has not been) matched by any other DB5 releases so far (007 or otherwise). The Danbury Mint model is simply too small. The AutoArt is too much toy-like, especially when you look under the bonnet. Even if you try to code 3 those models heavily, I doubt you will be able to achieve the realism of the Fabbri model. Of course, some will prefer hundreds of tiny models, as it allows for variety, others will prefer only a few larger ones to allow for detail. It’s a matter of preference, not right and wrong.
Regardless of scale, models that come in large numbers fetch lower prices, while rarer models achieve higher values. This is why just about any manufacturer will print “special edition” on their packaging – it makes your product look like it’s more valuable, even if it often isn’t. A niche in the market is something that’s good for manufacturers. If you find such a niche then you can expect your products to sell in higher numbers. But you can also carve your own. In fact, the DB5 is not the only 1/8 car model out there, so such a niche already exists, however small it is. And Fabbri is thinking about releasing further movie car models in the same scale. Will they succeed? I don’t know, but I think that they have selected the best model they could to test the waters.
I don’t know much about Revell 1/32 biplanes – were they plastic kits or diecast models? Maybe they failed, but when I searched eBay for “1/32 Revell biplane” I got no results. So it doesn’t look like they lost value and now you can get them for next to nothing...
You are asking: "why are even the best-built examples going for the same as the ones that were shoddily built?". Well, I can’t say without seeing examples. However, if I were after an already built kit model and saw a few at similar prices, I would definitely go for the one that is best finished. Maybe some buyers can’t tell the difference?
Putting your unique touches on the DB5? Please check www.partworkmodels.co.uk and if you go to the DB5 forum there, you will find a number of build diaries, complete with photos, showing how far some will go to personalise their car. This includes bullet holes, weathering, and the like. Some are scratch-building real timber steering wheels with real brass studs, motorising the engine fan, upholstering seats with real leather, even replacing the plastic wheel spokes with real chrome metal ones. You name it! It is a real community of true enthusiasts, and who knows, perhaps this is just the beginning of a new niche you mentioned. And gradually even aftermarket parts are becoming to crop up aimed at this niche – I saw acorn nuts for the engine and wire piping for the seats advertised particularly for the DB5 collectors. This is just the beginning... And in the end, it is the final result and effect that counts. Whether you screw, paint glue, scratch build or mix and match is not as important, as it is only a means to an end (unless you are a snob, which you and I are not). So when I said that there is no reason that all DB5 should not look identical, I was only referring to standard-built models in order to emphasise that even if built without any modifications the car should look great. Obviously, there is more than ample room for modification. In fact, the waiting time between instalments actually inspires and encourages modifications. There is also a page on Facebook dedicated to the purpose of modifying this model (though not exclusively), which grows in number every week. Great pictures there as well, including printable label to stick on your windscreen washer bottle, tax dics, VIN plate and the like.
Diamond Cars produces a few 1/8 car models, including the 007 DB5 with working gadgets (either manually or remotely operated). I can hardly imagine anyone actually “collecting” their models, given their prices though. Most buyers probably can afford one – just because it has a particular appeal to them. Their products do look great and are hand-built (not mass-produced like Fabbri), but when it comes to the final effect (and I can only judge from photographs) I simply do not think that Diamond DB5 looks better than Fabbri’s, certainly not when it comes to the interior, which on the Diamond model looks rather crude and lacks detail.
I searched eBay for Pocher 1/8 kits and although I found one on sale for less than $300 (plus postage), most are much more expensive, and some sellers are even asking for well over $3,000. Most models cannot be found for less than $500, contrary to what you said. Of course, if you build a Goldfinger DB5 then you will not probably want to re-build it, but who knows? Maybe someone will come up with a “transkit” idea to make a Goldeneye DB5 instead? It will all depend on what the market wants. As I think we both agree that the Fabbri model will have a limited appeal, therefore there is a chance may effectively turn out to be a super-limited production run too. Which can be a good or bad thing – depends how you look at it.
Seriously, if you are a car-centric (and not Bond-centric) and are after a DB5, are you likely to search for a car that has all the Goldfinger gadgets (and pay more for it)? Or would you just go for a cheaper non-Bond version, as long as it looks good? I do not think that another, more detailed Goldfinger DB5 in 1/18 would attract too many car-centrics. “Nah, I already have an ERTL/AutoArt one, so why bother and wait so many weeks to build one” is the comment I would expect (and fully understand) from car-centrics. And Fabbri could not make it any clearer that they aim their model at Bond-centrics alone, not car-centrics. Maybe their choice of the scale was even an extra clue!
Of course, rarity does not have to equal appreciation – but it can, and is usually a pre-requisite. I fully agree that it is not possible to “create” a collectible. Only time can create one. And this is precisely why I subscribed not to get rich but to build and display a nicely detailed model of “The Most Famous Car in the World”. If it does appreciate in value then it will only be an added bonus. Therefore, if the Fabbri model totally flops and is never re-issued with all the moulds lost or destroyed, I will not complain!
By the way, are there any partwork model kits/collections released on the US market? If not, then why not?
Discuss ? LOL , nearly as long as our friend across the pond. You've nearly convinced me to subscribe.
One point though Dalkowski : "Of course the bigger the car, the more the detail...but then, why do 1/43-only collectors (and indeed, the legions of 1/87-only collectors in Germany) exist in the first place if they have space for stuff like 1/24 and 1/18 scale? "
The reason I started collecting in 1:43 is because of the range of cars available, much more than because of space constraints. Space is of course a factor, but if you collect say concept cars as I do, or Eastern Bloc cars as you do, or James Bond cars as we all do (three examples, there are many others) we would have fairly small collections if we collected in anything other than 1:43 scale.
As a very coarse generalisation, I have felt that 1:24 is good for American cars and some European road cars, 1:18 is good for mostly modern road cars and cult classic road cars, as well as Formula 1, and motorbikes, and 1:87 is good for mostly European road cars. 1:12 and 1:8 are pretty niche, though I have the Bond Z8 and the non-Bond Vanquish, a Dodge Viper, McLaren F1 and 1960 Corvette in 1:12 scale and a nice 1:8 scale Pocher Ferrari F40 I have owned for almost 20 years. Most 1:8 cars are made by Amalgam and cost literally thousands of pounds each. The F40 (built perfectly from a kit by someone else) was a lot less than that (about £700 in today's money and is a very very good model). If the F40 is anything to go by, the 1:8th DB5 will be quite a talking point when anyone who has one shows people round their collection - it's going to be rather large. I am not buying it however (because of a combination of space constraints and my general model car buying getting a bit out of hand of late - I must slow down at least a bit for all the usual reasons - but there are SO many great models coming out at the moment. I think this will be seen as a golden age of model car production).
As far as I can see 1:43 satisfies almost any sub-section of automotive collecting, apart from there being very few motorcycles, so that's the scale of 90+% of my collection.
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I Knew it , you are sales rep!:) As much as I would like to I am going to stick with 1.43. Variety and all that.
I appreciate that Jag, and I appreciate your views very much as well. I think we've pretty much stated our views, but I'd like to clear up a few things (I'm actually having quite a bit of good fun regarding this academic discussion here).
As myhandle mentions below, most of the car-centrics or the Bond-centrics with car-centric tendencies do have that unifying factor. Generally, once a collector gets started on any scale...be it 1/18 or 1/87...they tend to stay down that road unless there's a model they simply can't live without (for example, aside from the vintage Dinkys, Corgis, etc., I *do* have a 1/24 scale model of a 1960's-1970's First Automobile Works Hongqi CA770JG Open-Top Parade Car because of my complete inability to find one in 1/43 [though they do exist] and similarly plan on purchasing a 1958 CA71 Dongfeng Jinlong Luxury Sedan; again it's available in 1/43, but best of luck finding one! Even then, they serve as placeholders for the less common [and more expensive] 1/43 scale models.). But generally, uniformity in scale allows for much easier and frankly much nicer-looking display of models. Face it: unless you're making a display of solely one type of vehicle where you want to show off the same car in all of its glory from as many different perspectives (including scale) as possible, you're probably going to want to stick to one scale. And upon thinking on this, I suppose the former scenario is where the DB5's real value lies.
I don't see 1/18 being prohibitive of such detail. Would it be slightly more detailed? Yes. Almost no matter what, with an increase in scale comes an increase in detail. But play your cards right and ultimately, you could get a superb 1/18 DB5 partwork kit.
Well, obviously...:)
Okay, I don't think this is a very good idea. The DB5 I can see succeeding in its sales, of course, due to the Bond-centrics. But if they try and do something like the Mustang from Bullitt, I could NOT see that succeeding. In the US, the Ford Mustang, as a series, has to be one of the most widely made and widely collected cars, period. Such variety and such numbers obviously allows for huge numbers of Code 3'ers to produce models (especially in 1/18) the quality of which I have difficulty believing almost any factory could match. The other thing here is that, assuming they do a Bullitt Mustang, it's one of the most tried Code 3's that I know of. Many, MANY people get it into their heads that because they made Steve McQueen's car with weathering, once he had his rear window shot out, etc., that their model will never have an equal in their eyes. If Fabbri is reading, I would advise them to avoid this car or at least place it pretty far down the list (especially considering the best Code 3's, perhaps unsurprisingly, come out of the US where people actually have access to very similar cars (1968 Ford Mustang GT 2+2 Fastbacks). Plus, they know about the subtle modifications made to the real car, which do show on the outside (the suspension being a big one). Actually, if they wanted a unique car that would fly off the shelves in the US, it would be Bill Hickman's Dodge Charger 440 R/T from the same film. There is a LOT of demand for that car, and as far as I know, no "Bullitt version" exists of it. You do see plenty of Code 3's...some really good, some not really good...when you go to hobby shows, though.
Ah, herein lies a tale, and frankly, I think I should have been more clear in that the line failed really before it could get off the ground. They planned to launch with a Grumman F3F-3 (often incorrectly referred to as the "Gulfhawk") with moving parts and then offering a white metal detail kit. Basically, they wanted to satisfy everybody: from ages 10-100, skills 3 (thereabouts) to off-the-charts. They planned on following this up with (I think) the famed Fokker Dr. I, but it wasn't to be. The problem was that they were "caught inbetween": for a less advanced modeller, the kit was VERY compex. For the really advanced modeller, it wasn't detailed enough and to make things worse, the white metal parts never arrived (you'll get different stories as to why, depending on who you ask). The result, in an uncommon scale for between-the-Wars modellers, was a disaster. You can find them for as little as $15 if you play your cards right. Of course, the irony is that they did wind up succeeding once a bunch of companies started producing new wings (where most of the detail seemed a bit lacking), resin cockpits, photoetched parts, etc. Oh, and to add to Revell's marketing blunders, they were competing with THIS model...
http://modelingmadness.com/reviews/preww2/cleaverf3f2.htm
To tell you the truth, I'm not sure myself, though I do believe I have an explanation that's at least highly possible. I do know that a lot of modellers, from levels expert on down to beginner, tend to have reservations about buying a built model online unless they really know who they're dealing with. They want to examine that model, usually, or at least ask for something on order of 20-30 pictures of individual parts that they don't believe are shown well enough (one guy buying a built and detailed Hasegawa 1/48 Messerschmitt Bf-109 Dora asked for fifty photos of it...). I find this to be very possible as to why even the really nice kits aren't appreciating in value.
On further review, I do agree with this.
You can buy factory new for $300-$500, though you did demonstrate why Pocher appreciates...they only make a few of each kit.
Again, I agree, although I think the Pocher guys might be a little disappointed at the lack of (to use my old friend's term) "modularity" of the model's construction. He had TWO Pocher Ferraris (well, three, but he didn't really screw around with the third one). But he managed to get 20+ variants out of them. He'd just get tired of one model, buy a transkit, rebuild the car, and that really seems to be one of Pocher's attractive points. Again, while I said some Pocher buyers might be attracted to the DB5, I don't think a majority would.
I can understand the last bit about Fabbri aiming for Bond-centrics, but the problem with your guess is what I like to call the Tin Wizard/Franklin Mint Detail Law. Say you have two identical 1/43 models...say 1950 Nash Ramblers...from Tin Wizard and Franklin Mint. The guy already has the Franklin Mint model. Having both models myself, I can say it actually is really nice. But I guarantee you that, if priced reasonably (around $150-$200), the guy will spring for the same, relatively obscure car, even if the same color, because it was made by Tin Wizard with all the details and because they make a terrific sales pitch. It almost never fails. Even with Spark vs. Minichamps, I see tons of guys going for the same model by Spark, or with Minichamps vs. Ixo, someone will go for Minichamps. Again, all about the detail. Yet, the models are in the same scale. Frankly, I don't think a car-centric would react the way in which you describe simply because of what I've observed in terms of Tin Wizard vs. Franklin Mint or even Brooklin, Spark vs. Minichamps, or Minichamps vs. Ixo.
Again, I find myself in agreement. Sometimes, time isn't the only thing that can creat a collectible. Look at (from the former East Bloc market) the DiP Models (that's Spark, basically) GAZ-63 4x4 Army Truck. In a freak accident, a majority of the models were destroyed when a crane dropped the shipping container they were in!!! DiP Models, of course, now has to go back and rebuild all of the GAZ-63's, which they will, unaltered. However, because not all of the originals were destroyed, yet all of the originals came with numbered certificates of authenticity (the new ones will not simply because the originals were shipped skip-numbered) and the display stands will be different stating a different production run, I believe that the "pre-container destruction" variant will become a true collectable. Another thing in favor of this that DiP Models changed their display boxes from having a punch-out window with perforations to having a more conventional display window. The new run of GAZ-63's will NOT have the punch-out window...which most people indeed punched out.
There have been some model ships and to a much lesser degree, model airplanes, but that's it. With regards to cars, the average US hobbyist (such as myself) likes to pick and choose. I'd say a good compromise is DeAgostini's East Bloc model approach: you CAN'T subscribe, but your hobby dealer is literally obligated to carry the latest issues if they want to stock any Ixo models at all and also has to have a release schedule. That way, you get to pick and choose, but you can still collect the entire series if you want. I wouldn't mind that approach one bit.
However, I think that 1/12 would have been the better choice for Fabbri as there are already the Kyoshos, not only the two Bond cars but also Countach, F40 etc. I can imagine that there could be interest for a BTTF DeLorean in 1/8 - but I think that making the more interesting Bond cars (DB5, TSWLM Esprit, TLD Vantage, CR/QoS DBS) to complement the Kyosho Vanquish and Z8 in 1/12 would have been more successful than the 1/8 models. Of course the 1/12 could also be done in fewer parts, meaning both a lower price and not such a long wait to complete the model (it should not take longer than a year, so 50 issues per car).
Agreed 100% after thinking on it.
"One suggestion is indeed the Bullitt Mustang"
They could never recreate the car correctly. I say this because they had/have access to the actual DB5, but the Bullitt Mustang (actually, there were two of them) was purchased by some guy in Kentucky who keeps it in his garage and doesn't let anyone see it (several people have tried negotiating with him). The other was scrapped. Both cars were up-engined in order to keep up with the Dodge Charger 440 R/T (which was MUCH faster, despite being kept in stock configuration), had a new suspension installed, and featured differences in the brakes from the stock '68 GT 2+2 Fastback. Is this a huge deal on a 1/43 scale car where you can't really see the brakes and the hood doesn't open? Not really. Is it a huge deal on a model where you actually install the brakes and engine? It sure is! Fabbri, if you're reading, I'm telling ya, this is not a model ya want to do.
"the Back to the Future DeLorean and the Casino Royale DBS"
They already have the Bond-Centric market, so if they MUST keep on making 1/8 scale cars, why not stick to the DBS? Opening up a new market for Back to the Future would be basically opening up a can of worms. Also, put it this way....there's a reason that stock DeLoreans tend to sell really well while the BTTF ones sit on the shelves; sometimes literally for years. Unlike the DB5, the DeLorean lacks elegance in the film series and is simply TOO gadget-laden. Car-centrics have little interest in them as a result and unlike the Bond film franchise, the BTTF film franchise is no more. It will not be getting too terribly many new fans. I just do NOT see the BTTF DeLorean selling.
"However, I think that 1/12 would have been the better choice for Fabbri as there are already the Kyoshos, not only the two Bond cars but also Countach, F40 etc."
True, but Kyosho's market for the 1/12 cars is exactly the kind Jag was talking about when he said that more than one or two cars would be cost-prohibitive and space-prohibitive. You just couldn't make a huge line of them all that successfully. If you scaled back to 1/18, okay, I could see that, since there are tons of 1/18 cars, but look at my example of the failed attempt to market a GAZ-12 ZIM Limousine in 1/12 in Russia by a pretty good Chinese firm.
"Of course the 1/12 could also be done in fewer parts, meaning both a lower price and not such a long wait to complete the model (it should not take longer than a year, so 50 issues per car)."
But then, scaling back the number of parts also almost certainly means scaling back the detail. You can still have tons and tons of parts for a 1/12 or 1/18 scale car and get tremendous detail.
Tell me about scale as a unifying factor… I started off with Corgi models, which are about 1/34, and then collected non-Corgis in comparable scales, then I added 1/43 and 1/24, simply because some cars were only available in one scale. As my collection grew and I was moving around the world I decided to scale down to save space and restricted myself to 1/24 scale (more details than 1/43, less space needed than 1/18). So I sold off everything else. Strangely, some of my models fetched really good prices, so I certainly did not lose any money there. Then JBCC came along, and now I will have 110 cars in 1/43 soon! I will be keeping them for while, but eventually may consider selling/swapping some of the more obscure ones.
Of course you can have a superb 1/18 or even 1/24 007 DB5 (or any other car) partwork. But let’s face it, would it be an attractive proposition for a publisher like Fabbri? Not so sure. You certainly could not have 85 issues at $19,90 each. With a bit of stretch you might have 20-30 issues at $5-7 at most. And that would still seem expensive to many buyers, and might not be economically viable to the publisher. So I can understand why Fabbri decided to take a gamble with 1/8 scale. Will they succeed? No idea. Time will tell. I tend to agree with you that few people will be interested in any other movie cars though. I know I won’t, the 007 DB5 will suffice for me, and part from that I will keep to my usual 1/24 scale. So even if Fabbri release further Bond cars in this scale, I’m out.
Your story of Revell biplanes is interesting. If anything, it tells me that model manufacturing is not an exact science and no matter how well established a company is, you can’t always predict everything.
Looks like the more we exchange opinions, the more in agreement we are!
The obvious contender to me would be the classic TV Batmobile. That has recently been released in 1/18 scale and has been a huge success. Like the DB5, a 1/8 version would go into the intracacies of the gadgets in great detail and could go mad on the (faked) jet engine. And like the DB5, it has world-wide fame with a similar fan base.
In general though, if a partwork producer could get through the mire of licencing issues, a series of 1/43 movie cars and figures would be terrific - Bullitt Mustang and Charger, Ecto 1, BTF DeLoreans, Mad Max vehicles, Bat-tumbler, all the way to the obscure: Speed bus, Kelly's Heroes Jeep - you name it!
You're right, MovieCarFan, more than that - there was never a "Goldfinger" DB5! If you watch the movie closely, there were at least a couple used - the one used in close-ups usually has side wing indicators, while the one used in driving scenes does not... So we are really building an imaginary vehicle anyway. I guess a similar licence could be taken when reproducing the Bullitt vehicle. I do not think there is a scene in the movie showing what's under the bonnet. But, like you, I do not think there would be too many collectors interested in building this car.
Great to hear.
"Tell me about scale as a unifying factor… I started off with Corgi models, which are about 1/34, and then collected non-Corgis in comparable scales, then I added 1/43 and 1/24, simply because some cars were only available in one scale. As my collection grew and I was moving around the world I decided to scale down to save space and restricted myself to 1/24 scale (more details than 1/43, less space needed than 1/18). So I sold off everything else. Strangely, some of my models fetched really good prices, so I certainly did not lose any money there. Then JBCC came along, and now I will have 110 cars in 1/43 soon! I will be keeping them for while, but eventually may consider selling/swapping some of the more obscure ones."
I was pretty much 1/43 all the way except getting vintage Matchbox cars when I was doing Dublo gauge. My HO layouts never really had any cars and while I did go through a phase of collecting Siku 1/55 when I was much younger, that passed pretty quickly.
"Of course you can have a superb 1/18 or even 1/24 007 DB5 (or any other car) partwork. But let’s face it, would it be an attractive proposition for a publisher like Fabbri? Not so sure. You certainly could not have 85 issues at $19,90 each. With a bit of stretch you might have 20-30 issues at $5-7 at most. And that would still seem expensive to many buyers, and might not be economically viable to the publisher. So I can understand why Fabbri decided to take a gamble with 1/8 scale. Will they succeed? No idea. Time will tell. I tend to agree with you that few people will be interested in any other movie cars though. I know I won’t, the 007 DB5 will suffice for me, and part from that I will keep to my usual 1/24 scale. So even if Fabbri release further Bond cars in this scale, I’m out."
I can definitely see why you'd not want to make a car 1/18 scale from THIS perspective. To be honest, though, if I wanted to do follow-up cars, I would do them in 1/18, having attracted a market that might be more forgiving. As I said, you can still super-detail a car in 1/18 and I think it would be easier on your repeat subscribers' wallets. Also, trust me, from what I've seen of 1/18 scale Code 3'ing, I do think you could get away with about 40 issues worth of parts. Would it be excessively detailed? You bet! But that works both ways and I think it could work.
"Your story of Revell biplanes is interesting. If anything, it tells me that model manufacturing is not an exact science and no matter how well established a company is, you can’t always predict everything."
Yes, I thought that one was interesting when I heard it. Granted, it came from a guy who did some consulting for Classic Airframes, but they had to keep up with what they saw as potential competition, especially at a lower price. I'm not really sure what went on at Revell that caused the internal failures (like never delivering the white metal parts and the minor detail flaws in the wings)...ask half a dozen people, get half a dozen answers...although it is clear to me that something was going on where I don't think they did proper market research (Just my personal opinion: they released the F3F BEFORE the Dr. I because a bunch of people had done Dr. I's, plus the F3F gave you more moving parts; thing is, if they'd done a guy like Erich Loewenhardt or Hermann Goering, I think they would have generated more interest in the Dr. I than the countless Richthofen Dr. I's).
"Looks like the more we exchange opinions, the more in agreement we are!"
I would certainly say so!
"The Bullitt Mustang was meant to be taken ultra seriously so there's a dilemma in how faithfully do you follow the rigged car or the story?"
You nailed it. The DB5 was supposed to be taken as the car everybody wanted, but nobody could really have. But if you wanted, in 1968, you could go out and buy what was supposed to be the exact same car as the Bullitt Mustang; the GT 2+2 Fastback in Highland Green. Were there multiple DB5's? Yes, of course, but again, we're not really supposed to use the kind of suspension of disbelief on the Mustang (or Charger 440 R/T...ironically MY favorite car in that film) as we are on the DB5. If we were, why would Bullitt's car chase be so consistently billed as the most realistic and plausible car chase in the history of film? But here's the problem: go and watch Bullitt, or at least the chase scene. Now go watch virtually any other film with a stock '68 Mustang in it. The differences with regard to the suspension are not only obvious, but also VERY difficult to correctly recreate on any model (hence the large number of Code 3's in all scales regarding the Bullitt Mustang trying to get the height of the suspension correct). You're not doing it with the assistance of EON Productions telling you what they did to the Aston Martin DB5, even if they can't produce the real deal. Steve McQueen, Bud Elkins, and Bill Hickman were all familiarized with the car's modifications (Hickman, who drove the Charger, asked to do so to better to able to simulate the chase scene) and unless Fabbri is consulting with a medium, I don't think they can just go and ask them, either, as they've all passed away. Instead, what you're relying on is the chase down the San Francisco streets and literally getting your measurements "by eyeball."
"In general though, if a partwork producer could get through the mire of licencing issues, a series of 1/43 movie cars and figures would be terrific"
Corgi tried this and it worked to varying degrees of success. You had the Blues Brothers 1974 Dodge Monaco on the higher end (despite the coloring error regarding the letters and lack of spotlight [the latter is easily made], the mould looked great...and yes, the car is 1/43, despite its huge size! The Monaco was just flat out immense.) and then something like the FRWL 1961 Chevy 1-Ton Pickup on the low end. Incidentally, two of the Australian manufacturers (Biante and Classic Carlectables, though I'd not be shocked if Trax decided to do their own version) do Mad Max stuff in multiple scales, and it does sell well.
"I guess a similar licence could be taken when reproducing the Bullitt vehicle."
I doubt it. Most of the US Collectors that have opening hoods try and upgrade the engine and as I mentioned, you get a ton of Code 3'd suspensions. And several other things...
-Painted over "GT" badging and even the removal of the word "Mustang."
-Nixing the running pony on the grille
-Taking the driving lights off
-Modifying the wheels to be the chromed ones from American Racing.
For more info on the Bullitt Mustang, incidentally (and MovieCarFan, I'm sure you've seen this), you can go here...
http://www.mustangspecs.com/bullitt.shtml
The only part they left out is that "Joe" is somewhere in Kentucky.
I have about 6 boxes of toy cars collected over the years and then
with the JBCC (got them all so far) I am on my 5th plastic storage crate which hold
24 vehicles each (3 layers of 8). (so 4 crates is 96 vehicles.)
The 1:8 DB5 is too big for me, takes too long and is a crazy total of over £500.
So is the McLaren F1 car for similar reasons-size and high cost.
Bleuville. "Mrs. Bond. Shut. Up. and don't eat it all at once!"
"He loves me... Instinctively....Infuriatingly......In-Intensely...In-In-Indubitably !"
So is the McLaren F1 car for similar reasons-size and high cost."
Serious question: I wonder how many Bond-centrics (and I can tell that you are one from your posting history) will be turned off by the kit for the same reasons as yourself; i.e. parts and space? It's a question I can't answer until the DB5 partwork finishes up. As for 1/43 scale cars, I would suggest keep on going the Code 3 route if you want to continue the collection. I have a number of suggestions I've been thinking about that are much more difficult and played smaller roles in the films, but are still very doable.
On another note, I received issues 102/103 yesterday. The Ford Bronco is OK. Not great though, IXO are certainly capable of doing better things. I was really curious about the Bondola, having read mostly criticism on this forum and elsewhere. My first impression – what a great model! It really is nicely detailed, even the ropes are made of thread and not plastic. The lack of figure does not worry me, I really think IXO did a great job on this model. The only problem – the scale! People said before that it was the wrong scale, so I imagined that it would be slightly smaller – say 1/50 or so. But it is actually 1/72!!!!! That is totally not what the JBCC promotional materials promised, so I feel like writing to Bissett to ask for my money back. This model simply does not belong in this collection because of the scale.
I think you should. It's just wrong. It's in my attic, not displayed, because of the scale.
That's a defective model. I'd ask for another.
"the dirt is strange colour that I can’t even name"
It was supposed to be drying (but not completely dry) mud, which is rather tough to simulate. Also, for those who don't like the Bronco model itself, keep in mind that it was one of the last cars sold in the US with the side mirrors as optional. I agree that it looks a bit lacking in detail sans side mirrors, but that's how it appeared in the film. On the other hand, I think the diorama is pretty lousy. The only knock on it I could see would be the detailing of the roof rack, but the model itself doesn't really bother me.
It seems all Aus collectors will be on the same issue soon. Only 3 weeks til the next consignment for east coast:
"All States (except WA): Issues 102-103 were despatched on June 7th. Issues 104-105 are scheduled for July 1st.
WA Only: Issue 104 was despatched on May 24th. Issue 105 is scheduled for June 24th."
I had a good look at my mud. Yes, it looks muddy. Looks quite dry. I may be able to improve on the wet look, but will wait until I watch the movie again.
Do you mean a crack in the plastic for the spare tire rack? If so, that unfortunately seems to be endemic among these models. I have no idea why, either.
"I had a good look at my mud. Yes, it looks muddy. Looks quite dry. I may be able to improve on the wet look, but will wait until I watch the movie again."
Well-worded!
Thanks for the link Mr D, I'd read some of the info before but hadn't seen that particular webpage up until your posting - fascinating stuff. What's really interesting about the Bullitt chase is just how many Bond fans refer to it and appreciate it. I guess the fact is that there has never been a Bond chase that could be taken quite so seriously, with the same degrees of dramatic intensity ramping up bit by bit from the first vehicle encounter to the final (in Bullitt's case) fireball wipe-out. Now we have a 'serious' Bond, it would be great to see an equally 'serious' car chase, perhaps directed by the likes of Michael Mann of 'Heat' fame, who really knows how 'ramp-up' dramatic tension in action scenes. I thought the AM and Alfa chase in QOS was on the right track, but it seemed to be over as soon as it started, kind of like we'd missed the first two thirds of the chase! However, because it was more credible than most Bond chases (and despite its shortness), I personally think that makes it one of the more important Bond vehicle sequences and I for one am looking forward to issue 110 for that reason.
I agree but the model itself does not do the scene any justice and i maintain it looks unfinished not damaged. Therefore does not conclude the collection appropriately !
I actually agree it's hardly 'the most spectacular firework saved for the end of the show' and could have at least been better presented. Instead of using the same tunnel diorama as the earlier version, possibly a diorama using the quarry, or the ancient street where Bond finally parked up would have done it more justice. But it is still noteworthy imho.
As a non-subscriber I have no right to complain on the end model issue, but I do support the feelings of those who have subscribed and feel let down. I seem to remember that when the series was first advertised on TV and in the UK media, the inference was that 'specials' would be released to subscribers during the full course of the series, not just the first few months. I suppose Fabbri would argue that the original series number was 40 and specials were released during that period. Had I been a subscriber though, and shelled out for 109 issues, I think I would have expected a pretty spectacular special to finish on - maybe the SWLM Lotus launching its rocket attack on Naomi's helicopter for instance
The SWLM lotus attacking the helicopter would be superb, I am glad somebody else remembers the original adverts. Yes the collection has extended 3 or 4 times but we have had not had the specials and therefore GEF have not fulfilled the agreement to those that signed up. I welcomed the extra regular issues but I was also looking forward to more specials in the same vain as the tank and Nelly. These would have been the jewels in the crown. I think GEF have missed a trick and possibly put alot of subscribers off collecting a similar product. Maybe a call to trading standards is necessary
as having spent £7.99 for each of the last 105 issues I think GEF need to consider they have sold a product under false pretences to all of us who subscribed.
The diorama base of the Citroen Traction Avant was cobbled (Istanbul) and could easily have been used for a road scene in Siena. So either a lack of imagination there, or they just couldn't be bothered.