Jon

Shit a brick, get a load of this! Don't think I've ever seen a W reg 126. Glorious pre-2001 plate font and original trims, too. And a brown interior. Absolute 100% class. That said, looks like it's received rear parking sensors at some point - and I'd love to know what it tows! Excellent stuff. I've all but given up on my spotted thread, as they're hideously unpopular now it seems, so I appreciate your stalwart efforts in carrying on.

Britains toy catalogue 1980: Solid approach. New lines pushed, set in safe natural colours. A caged enclosure gets as much front cover space as a helicopter. Swirly 'Toy Catalogue' font adds a bit of class as a nod to parents and grand parents; this stuff is expensive but durable. Farms. 1982: Italicised Toy Catalogue 1982 has places to be in this modern day and age. As do the space ships (given a 'red planet' background to highlight their fantasy element). A triptych of differing subjects for opposing markets but the catalogue lineage between '80 & '82 is clear. 1981, however: Batshit crazy in comparison. '82's jazzy side rainbows began here. All the old catalogue design duffers were sacked and the New Wave ruled for a glorious year, burning brightly then fading out. Artwork I'd happily hang at home. As they say, if you can remember the 1981 Britains Toy Catalogue, you weren't really there.

These Matchbox Ford A Series vans seem plentiful enough to find a cheap one to hack about with, for an RB 4x4 recreation: Could even use part of the luton body for that very, erm, practical load setup. Indeed, the passenger cab is so agriculturally penned, you could probably use some left over luton body for that, too!

I know there's one or two of you on here that like a bit of unusual Matchbox and/or Sierra castings, so here's one I wasn't aware of: My First Matchbox/ELC(?) version. Yellow wheels on the yellow XR4x4 also, but they could be painted (especially as the spoiler looks to have come off the grey version). Made in China, apparently. Should this be some almighty holy grail item, these are on Trademe right now, so I can bid if anyone's keen. I'm guessing not, so posted here more for curio interest.

Glad that such an item exists but I do wonder how many people will shell out that much dosh for one. Also, the 3/4 views are not that convincing... A bit too squashed and overly square curves, by my eye. That said, I don't have one in my garage, so hard to reference. And those personally irking post-2001 plates, with odd spacing. I honestly think one of your 1:76(?) versions are far more convincing!

I've just sorted through my messy garage archives and pulled out this artefact: Given to my Dad, when my parents replaced the second hand family 145 with a second hand 245, I think in Germany (hence sticker top right - I have the matching keyring, somewhere). Despite being too young to witness the 145 and also too young to even remember the 245 before it was replaced with one of the very first Cavalier estates, I pored over this brochure, when given it some years later. (Tiny image sorry, as full image was displaying upside down, despite editing right way up) Anyway, this is a roundabout way to say I reckon the Volvo Experimental Safety Car was the influence to the front end styling. Yes, thats definitely the answer and not just clumsy casting by the PlayArt crew. Indeed, they even added extra massive wheels, presumably to keep pedestrians safe by driving entirely over them. Anyone have a ropey version to recreate a VESC?

Many may be aware already but for similar levels of research into a rival(ish) show of the time (I think their broadcast dates barely overlapped), the Knight Rider Historians channel on YouTube is worth a look. It's a laughably epic name for a channel, albeit rather accurate, as it's obvious that these guys are OBSESSED with anything Knight Rider. I liked KR as a kid (just too young to remember DoH) and it's fascinating to see the levels of research that the channel creators have taken to do their research of tracking the screen used vehicles and also the shooting locations, too. Do be warned though, that these 'geek out' levels often garner proficient use of the skip forward button.... That said, they were given a computer system used by the company that provided picture vehicles to KR and many other shows, which allowed them to track down one of the Knight Industries tractor units and also the original trailer within the last couple of years - both of which they're meticulously restoring, albeit with the trailer containing a version of the interior, which in reality was shot in a studio. Worth a look but there's loads of videos on there of varying interest, so be selective. And fast forward the rambling bits.

Well, everyday's a school day! I was about to scoff and say that journalism isn't what it used to be etc. as there was no way a cash-strapped Dinky would've been churning out the Ford D series sweeper as late as 1979 (days before the Liverpool factory closed?) but a quick search proved me wrong! ^^ Gratuitous internet image grab, to show the jazzy* colour scheme of the final version. The 1979 factory photo shows a black base, whereas the '77 image is not black, so presumably silver instead, as seen on the more common orange cab/metallic green body version. Therefore, these versions had a relatively short run. An eagle eye however may notice the cast shut doors, so cost measures were in place. And another 1/2p saved or whatever on one body colour, not two. But a portion of that shaved cost was splurged somewhat, after the 1:1 scale version got a new grille for 1978: Oosh! It's concurrently an accurate yet ham-fisted rendering of the real thing. These images are taken from a paint-faded but well documented version for sale on Ebay, by the way. I was curious to see if any other aspects had been chopped but it seems like the sweeping mechanism fully remained in these late examples (I'll presume the funnel attached to the side is just MIA, after 43+ years of existence). Anyway, a mild curiou from the dying days of Dinky. Does anyone have a facelift version?!

Reflecting on my outburst here last week, coveting the Politoys Maserati Quattroporte and its many opening parts, I remembered that although I didn't have a Dinky Ford Zodiac, I had the next best thing. One of these! As featured once in a 90's swimming pool, it's the Rolls Royce Silver Shadow. Like the Zodiac, this rendition is also a Dinky. Shown here in the ubiquitous Dinky Metallic Red of the late 60's onwards. And like the Quattroporte and Zodiac, it's opening parts are plentiful. The boot space swallows a generous load of buttons/currants/plasticine and other playtime detritus. Partly opened windows on all doors is a nice touch. Dash and steering wheel trump the Gama Consul effort but that's an unfeasibly low benchmark. Still, the scale and positioning of the steering wheel is likely quite accurate, I'd imagine. I'll award a healthy 7/10 for underbonnet rendition here, as the single piece casting has a lot of detail. Another added bit of play value is the steered front axle, albeit centrally pivoting, a la contemporary wooden go kart at the time this was new. Inevitably, this casting suffers from the 4 door opening trait, whereby the fronts need to be ajar before the rears can be opened. The RR is particularly susceptible, due to the chunkiness of the casting. A good stab was made at the imposing front end. The jewelled headlights really seal the deal, here. At the rear, the scales of design characteristics might be a little off in places but it's a solid execution for what is first and foremost a toy. Same goes for the side profile. I wonder if slightly more tyre wall might've helped in this case? Spun wheels work well, however. Anyway, this is a lovely bit of kit, which I picked up last year at a Sunday car boot sale, near York. Scored big the few times I visited, nabbing a few Corgis and Dinkies in the process. I've yet to find a suitable spot for the display I want to make (it's likely worth waiting for the influx of UK arrivals next month, first....), so much of my stuff like this is boxed up in storage. I'll admit though that this is a popular candidate for closer inspection, when I fancy a delve in the diecast archives. There's something just so tactile about it!

Got caught in some rain the other day, whilst replacing some fence palings and doing general boundary fence fixing. Just reward for this natural break in a rare bout of productivity meant that I allowed myself with a quick mini shite photo sesh, until it dried up. I hope @AndyW201 doesn't mind me doing a somewhat gratuitous reveal of this Vanguards Nova I'd almost forgotten I'd picked up for him: Thought a check backdrop was a fitting tribute to the seat inlays seen in the Chevette HS, a spiritual precursor to the Nova. Contents within. Panicked slightly at the presence of only 1 door mirror but then I remembered that passenger mirrors would've been optional in earlier Novas. Collector card present. Nice bit of info here on the factory Sport model. These had a reputation of being super lairy but 117bhp sounds a bit of a letdown. Only 2 theoretical bhp more than my Visa! I guess my Cav SRi is about the same power but 2 models bigger, so maybe it was a bit of a weapon, in hindsight. Brushed the hob off again to act as a studio, as I was inspired by my current screen saver on my phone: It's certainly a nicely rendered effort, for sure. I'm trying my darndest not to be irked by the post-2001 Charles Wright font plate but the displeasure force is strong, tbh. The decals are lovely and crisp and it's nice to see details like number plate lamps, which could've been easily overlooked. Here's my homage to Andy's Vanguards interior shots. Not easy to pick up freehand with a phone, whilst trying to light the interior! Maybe a bit monochrome but that slabby dash does remind me of my brother's old Nova 1.2, which seemed exceedingly fast for a 1200. Perhaps the 1300 Sport was gruff, then. Just shy of 100bhp/litre! I'm guessing this is an underslung spare, which the rally Nova didn't have of course, with its spare in the back. A hangover from other Nova castings, I guess. But you can't grumble in this instance of 1000 editions. Finally, a bit of artwank, for good measure: This should hopefully be with you early next year, Andy!

I was a (semi) regular at the York racecourse toy and train fair, circa 1994-97. On reflection, it was a good father/son bonding experience, as my Dad took me along and then decided he'd like to start collecting Mercedes (but only in black, his favourite Benz shade!) and Royal Mail stuff, for some reason (coincidentally, I became a driver for Royal Mail in York, a few years later). I sold almost all my diecast wares to emigrate in 2010 but last year, I rediscovered an often thought about but presumed sold item, languishing in my parents loft. It's now sitting on my living room bookshelf here in NZ and is well overdue some photos. If the fair is still being hosted on a Saturday, make sure to head to the car boot sale literally around the corner, behind the racecourse, as it's a bloody good'un (runs until late October). A few items from last year's car boots also came home with me and two are also on the bookshelf!

Oh my. Would swap Gama Consul coupe for Politoys Quattroporte. Thinking man's Dinky Zodiac. Fun fact: A friend over here bought an absolute basket case RHD one 6-7 years ago, for less than £500. Rumour was it was sold new in Australia and the naughty owner met his end in it, via the assistance of others. Grim.

We're just a few quotes short of completing the NorfolkNWeigh hardback issue of 'Expressions of distaste for the Siku Ford Granada'. A hearty tome, following on from the bestseller, 'Ways to Rid the World of Days Gone (By)'. Numerous authors.

I had a boxed Sintra bought cheap on Trademe (rather a niche item in NZ) and also a boxed Calibra in blue, which I sold last year. @Split_Pin ended up with the Sintra and possibly Calibra too but that may have gone to @AndyW201. I'm semi tempted by the Opel GT, as it's obviously a direct re-hash of the original casting - wobbly wheels 'n all. I'm sure I'll get round to making a decision, one day. I seem to have amassed quite a few Gama and Conrad VWs and BMWs of the 70's & 80's and also won a couple of other 80's castings a while back, the latter of which which I've yet to take photos of on the kitchen hob/my wife's yoga mat catalogue.

Mrs_Jon has just come back from a holiday to California, which gave me ample time to replace our flood damaged kitchen floor (chipboard makes terrible flooring - who'd have thought?!) and demolish the kitchen, ready for a new one. I also had chance to go to my favourite model shop in Auckland when I dropped her at the airport - but that's for another post... Today's subject was the result of an auction ending whilst I was carefully dismantling our pantry, to save the solid wood doors and framing for some as yet to be determined use. I like to think my nonchalant attitude to placing a bid in the dying couple of minutes and being so engrossed in another activity that I didn't care if I lost, meant that I ultimately ended up winning, instead. Or something. Anyway, a little box arrived, forthwith: It being a blue oval product, there was some tax involved but not at the average going rate, from what I can fathom. Prior to seeing this listing, I wasn't aware of this casting! Ooh! Aah! A Gama 1/43 Ford Consul coupe, in lovely nick. This era of subject and casting are RIGHT up my alley. It being a continental model, there's no vinyl roof (or gopping Ghia grille), so it looks a bit more Morris Marina than Granada coupe. I can live with that. Blue headlamps are a touch alternative but they break up the front end a bit, admittedly. 'Comically oversized yet correct font' rear badges are present. Indeed, it's overall quite a good stab at the rear end, which is one of the best bits of the Mk1 Granada/Consul. Side on, it works well and you can see that they were attempting some realism with the wheels. In 3/4 profile, theyre a bit too convex to look accurate, and the bits of flak left on some of the trims do no favours - but this is a 70's car modelled in the 70's, so that's period quality control, for better or worse. This is also what counts as a scale interior at the time - but it adds to the charm, from my perspective. Not sure if there's a clipped on bit of hose or something missing from this (4 cyl?) engine but with renditions this phoned in, I'll not lose any sleep over it. Of course, I had to see how it stacked up to my other period large German Fords: Front ends favour quite well, lined up. Safe to say that Gama put a lot more effort in to an accurate side profile, though. The scale obviously helps but then so does the price point, I'd imagine. Siku lost all interest in accurately portraying the wagon rear end, or pethaps mistook it for a Pinto wagon. That said, they did furnish the load space with a box containing 6 achingly small road cones, so bonus creativity points there. Anyway, very happy to have this in the fold. Although it seems Gama cast a Consul saloon, which looks arguably tastier.... It never ends, does it?

Yes please to the Corgi Juniors SIIA, @bunglebus. I think I'm in arrears on my tat account, so will be in touch!

I hope you don't see this as bubble bursting in any way; more the carte blanche opportunity to release the Sierra from it's casing for better perusal. I'm confident this has been unboxed before and put back nice and carefully. The telltale sign to me is the closed door, rather than it proudly left open, to show its play value. That's what the blue hump is there for, to ensure it stays safely open. I had one of these back in the day, as well as a first issue XR4i in white, which was revealed to have been UTTERLY ruined at the hands of myself and my brother some time in the early 90's, with the aid of Fimo modelling clay and Graffic Traffic permanent markers. Shame, as I really liked it and along with my red Corgi 1/36 Mini Metro (and yellow Corgi Juniors Sierra 2.3GL), it was a very memorable early addition to my toy box.

I reckon the later issue of the Mk1 Dinky Transit was the best looking one. Less play value than the earlier version but proportionally much more accurate. The Mk2 version is also good, just a smidge too chiselled at the front. Lovely stuff, regardless. Hope you got a fair deal, @bunglebus!

Word salad Ahoy! Strap in... When my dad was about 10 or 11, or thereabouts, he was on an overnight ferry and had taken a drawstring duffel bag of Lesney toys with him. He tells me that once they docked and landed, he remembered that he'd left the bag hanging on the hook on the back of the cabin door, so wanted to go and retrieve them. Apparently, my Grandad refused, saying it was a lesson to be learnt to look after his stuff, or something. More sympathetic aunts and suchlike heard of this and over time, he was plied with replacements, here and there. This also coincided with a time that his interest in them was waining, so consequently a lot of them have survived boxed, in very good condition. There aren't loads but crucially, one of them is very rare and as such, very sought after, with prices to match. Due to my interests, I'm down to inherit my Dad's toy collection but I'd be lying if I said I'd absolutely no intention to pass this one item on - or indeed, would much rather he did, so he could fully reap the benefit (and delicious irony) of the lesson he learnt. I'd happily keep it also but I think this one particular diecast would stand a chance of remaining accountable and could bring a lot of joy to collectors, especially if sold to someone who shares their collection with others. The story would still remain in the absence of the actual item, after all. Indeed, its sale could add a bit of spice to the yarn! Spicy tales stand more chance of remaining family folklore, I reckon. I think I'll broach the subject when they come out to visit (their suitcase contents should steer us in the right path...) and see what his thoughts are. All the rest I'd keep, however. Their ubiquity and moderate value mean it's the story and personal connection that make them valuable to me. Once I'm gone, their context is lost and they're just lumps of metal to be judged on their merit (or lack thereof) by future generations. And I'm totally fine with that.

Or get a Bulgarian one, if you want a more affordable yellow option. I've got one somewhere but don't think it has a red interior.

My funds can very easily stretch to £2! Certainly be very rude of me not to take it off your hands at that price. I'll be in touch!

Ooh, that's a lovely piece of kit - and excellent memory! Like you say, I doubt you've paid over the odds for such an unusual accessory but if it's OK, I'll have to pass. Do you have a Jeep to go with it? They're on the more ubiquitous/affordable scale and are a neat little model. I've had to stop myself bidding on numerous ones, for this reason, though I keep an eye out for a conveyor belt version. If you're at all feeling burdened with the purchase, then let's revisit in a couple of months, as my folks are bringing out many, many items with them, leaving them with criminally underweight baggage on the return flight, so I thought I'd do a for sale thread and get some stock exchanged. I may be able to fully/part swap!

I visited the U Drop Inn (aka Cars garage real life forebear) in Shamrock, Texas back in 2017. I even documented it on my now largely defunct spotting thread: Not one to blow my own trumpet, but it's fair to say that page 13 of that thread is packed with some heavy hitting shite offerings. Seems I made only passing remarks about it at the time but my abiding memory was of a lovingly restored building, with a pleasingly austere interior (muted bedford cord on the booth seating, instead of the expected red and white modern vinyl, for instance), not being used for very much. I think there was some tourist info inside and a pleasant lady offered us a not so pleasant pod coffee, which led us to stay a while and then inevitably buy a fridge magnet, to commemorate our visit. Very glad it was saved though!

Could you add the PlayArt truck (of course) and red van to my (eventual) parcel, please?

Had a delivery of another impulse buy item, yesterday: A Tomica Dandy Citroen H van. Being Japanese, it does of course have some English phrase decals. Some of which make less sense than others. The faded line above says "GOOD OLD DAYS TIN TOY" - the second reference to Tin Toys in relation to Tomica in mere hours, after@bunglebus's notes regarding knock-off Tomicas. But perhaps just coincidence, rather than a Tomica/Tin Toys link? You'll have to trust me here that this really does read "BEST QUALITY AMERICAN FREEZER". I'm imagining that's a Japanese company that sells honey(?) but the words are all too generic for me to find any reference to the real life firm. The base is screwed on these vans - and indeed on another Tomica Dandy I bought off Trademe a couple of weeks ago and have yet to photograph. Their casting dates are a bit of an unknown to me but judging by the box art I've seen, I'm imagining late 80's/early 90's. On the ragged edge of my interest period but nice to have a Japanese made 1/43. What I really like about these H vans is all the opening parts. Those sliding side doors are satisfyingly smooth to operate. I swear the channels must taper ever so slightly towards the end of the door travel, as they click in to place beautifully - and stay there! But if so, I can't see it. Perhaps Tomica may be able to meet Elon Musk's demands for 10 micron precision tolerances in the Cybertruck's stainless panels... Out back, more play admiration value. Admittedly, the bottom doors are a little floppy in comparison to the side and hatch doors. Note the screw in the roof - the rear box body beneath it is modular but you'd be hard pressed to worry about the join (I think general clunky H van design helps). It compares favourably to the door gaps of a Dinky MGB, for instance... Here's a couple of images nabbed from Ebay, showing the reasoning behind this. Not sure those graphics have aged that well! I do have a soft spot for food trucks and mobile grocers, purely for all the miniature detail. My Lesney canteen trailer is a great example and my Corgi Juniors Mercedes mobile shop was a notable addition to my toy box but I'll admit that the clunky hinge work and questionable decals somewhat mire this effort, so I doubt I'll be looking out for one. Then, as I was at a bit of a loose end yesterday, I popped off a couple of quick scene shots. Only taken on my phone, not my proper camera - need to get the mojo back a bit, on that front. That said, the other Tomica Dandy is a prime candidate for some archived backgrounds I have. Anyway, if this has inspired anyone to bag one of these, may I present the link below: https://www.diecast4u.co.uk/tomica-dandy-citroen-h-van-american-freezer-van-rare Check the ash tray for loose change and you should cobble together the mere £150 being asked!! Rest assured, I paid a tiny fraction of that.