Shite in Miniature II

[Split_Pin]

Delivery from Mr Ramrod, cheers!

[quicksilver]

There's a new addition to my collection of shiters' cars in miniature after seeing the real thing last weekend. Oxford Diecast make a black XJS so all it needed was a change of numberplates to make @Zelandeth's car.

[flat4alfa]

1 hour ago, Datsuncog said:

tat-box detritus

While on the subject I should mention I'm looking for

- Pink Panther figure that sat in this 

[Dick Cheeseburger]

3 hours ago, bunglebus said:

I'm keeping it - but I do have a not-quite-as-good one I was about to put on eBay? £2.00 + P+P if you're interested 

Thanks for the offer but would be looking for one without much playwear ideally. Cheers anyway!

[bunglebus]

On 7/18/2020 at 1:42 PM, Crusty Sills said:

If anyone finds the Beetle pick up please grab it/1 for me. 

Is it the blue one?

[Datsuncog]

Having recently acquired a few late-60s Matchbox King Size models with less-than-ideal tyre to hub ratios, I'll soon be putting in an order for some replacement tyres...

...typically, they're all different sizes, so I'll be ordering up some 12mm, 16mm, 18mm and 22mm versions.

As the more tyres you order, the cheaper the unit price, is anyone else requiring any of the above sizes? Happy to order more quantities as needed, and add to existing tat boxes to minimise postage!

All of the above are suffering hub shrinkage to a greater or lesser extent; thinking about winding some fine cotton thread around each hub to see if that helps the tyres stay in place any better. I'd sooner not use glue if I can possibly avoid it!

Also looking to get some of my Corgis re-shod; eBay browsing seems to indicate that standard 50s/60s Corgi cars and vans use 15mm tyres, with 17mm ones on the Land Rover. Has anyone any more wisdom to share on that, or should a pack of 15mm ones fit the like of my East African Safari VW Beetle ok? These models were already missing their tyres by the time I found them, so I've nothing to measure against in order to check...

[bunglebus]

I need a load of different car tyres, and I'm thoroughly confused! I'm sure between us we can work it out.

I started writing a list of what I need to try and do a Steve Flowers order;

 

Corgi Superior Ambulance X4, Corgi Lincoln X4, Corgi Jeep FC 150 X12, Corgi Studebaker Golden Hawk X4

Dinky Cadillac Eldorado X1, Dinky DeTomaso Mangusta (Dinky Hollow fit over flange type) X4, Dinky Transit O/D 17mm treaded X1

Matchbox King Size Dodge Charger/Mercury Cougar X3 (hollow fit)

[Split_Pin]

I've been after a Vanguards MK5 Astra 5 door to add to my Vauxhall collection for a while and this one arrived today from Eddy.

I thought it was a Vanguards but when I opened the package it was an Atlas.

However when I took it out of the cardboard box it felt solid and heavy and on turning it over, I can see that Atlas have made less than even a token effort to remove the 'Vanguards' and 'Lledo'  from the base.

So being a Vanguards, the detail and quality is excellent apart from one annoying area, where the tampo for the window rubbers gives insufficient coverage and doesn't reach the edge of the window .

A seat back was rattling around inside so it needed to come apart anyway.

Off with the base

....and I glued the seat back on again.

I then disassembled it some more.

Much better.

I'm really pleased with this and now that I've thrown away the naff Atlas packaging, it's a Vanguards without the silly price tag.

 

[bunglebus]

I picked up a few boxed cars;

 

20200720_084451 by RS, on Flickr

20200720_084549 by RS, on Flickr

20200720_084653 by RS, on Flickr

20200720_084738 by RS, on Flickr

20200720_084807 by RS, on Flickr

 

I also found an original Monkeemobile, but...yeah

 

20200720_095806 by RS, on Flickr

 

[AndyW201]

Had a nice surprise in the post today.

Back at the start of lockdown, I had all the contents of the diecast cabinet out for a good clean. It was then I discovered I had lost a mirror from my Corgi/Modelzone XR3i 'Boy Racer'.

This is what I get for displaying models with the mirrors on instead of leaving them in the box...

So I put a quick enquiry on the Corgi spares site to see if they could do any replacements. I enquired about the Modelzone version in particular, but said ones from any of their XR3 variants would do. They replied back saying they would check but due to lockdown, they were all working from home and it would probably take a while.

A couple of days ago, I got a nice email apologising for the delay, and that my items were in the post.

Bless 'em, they sent two pairs F.O.C. A pair from the original release in black, and a pair in sunburst red, to suit the Boy Racer version. Which is weird as mine always had black mirrors (see pic above), and this is the only red version.

Still it looks nice now, (and the buggers are held in with a bit of blu tack so they can still be put back in the box)

And the other set of spares will do for the white XR3, if any of the mirrors get lost off that.

Which, knowing me, they will.

The Modelzone version is one of my faves. Not so keen on the 'Made in Essex' sunstrip, but the rest is well observed stuff.

The 'Stylistick' side graphics are authentic,

(as are the grey primer bonnet and transit primer wing, a la most XR3is around here circa 1992...)

Best bits for me are the backflash and the Ripspeed sticker,

A hint of Serck about the plate font too, perhaps?

[bunglebus]

ESX 130Y is a great plate, but either wasn't issued or has been scrapped, shame

[sierraman]

That looks like almost every XR3 I can remember, tired and in less than careful hands!

[flat4alfa]

There is a red one laid-up on a driveway around the corner that looks just like that

Might be a Mk4 though

[bunglebus]

Anything special about these Batmobiles?

 

20200720_091033 by RS, on Flickr

 

I put them on eBay last night and immediately got sent offers (normally don't allow them but eBay switches it on by default now). I got lost down a wormhole looking at a page listing all the detail changes over the years and it looks like they were made in 77 and 79 - not that rare surely?

[Datsuncog]

13 hours ago, bunglebus said:

I need a load of different car tyres, and I'm thoroughly confused! I'm sure between us we can work it out.

It's a bit of a minefield, isn't it!

Back in the day there used to be this fella who would turn up at local model fairs, with a clatter of tubs all full of tyres... you just used to tell him whatever cars you needed tyres for, and he'd pluck a handful of the right-sized tyres from one of his tubs and count you out however many you needed, quick as anything.

Problem is, I haven't seen him since about 1995...

I'm also preparing a list for various bits and pieces needed - tailgates, glazing, steering wheels - probably via Steve Flowers, though there's a fair few other suppliers on eBay and the like.

Fingers crossed!!

[MarvinsMom]

14 minutes ago, bunglebus said:

Anything special about these Batmobiles?

 

20200720_091033 by RS, on Flickr

 

I put them on eBay last night and immediately got sent offers (normally don't allow them but eBay switches it on by default now). I got lost down a wormhole looking at a page listing all the detail changes over the years and it looks like they were made in 77 and 79 - not that rare surely?

probably not - however the left one does have its coupla screens and siren/beacon thing in between them all in one piece.

and that is very unusual!

[bunglebus]

10 minutes ago, Datsuncog said:

It's a bit of a minefield, isn't it!

Back in the day there used to be this fella who would turn up at local model fairs, with a clatter of tubs all full of tyres... you just used to tell him whatever cars you needed tyres for, and he'd pluck a handful of the right-sized tyres from one of his tubs and count you out however many you needed, quick as anything.

Problem is, I haven't seen him since about 1995...

I'm also preparing a list for various bits and pieces needed - tailgates, glazing, steering wheels - probably via Steve Flowers, though there's a fair few other suppliers on eBay and the like.

Fingers crossed!!

I think several people are planning an order - wondering it it's worth ordering a load of tyres and selling the spares on through here? I really can't get my head around his website, I'm sure if you know what you're doing it's easy, but I've been spoilt by the likes of eBay and Amazon, a pic of the item and dimensions etc and "add to basket" would be great!

[DoctorRetro]

Not pretty, or very authentic, but it will do for littlun to play with, until I get the right paint... 

[andrew e]

@Datsuncog just throwing this out there, wholesale how much each are tyres/O rings? How many common sizes do you think - is there a ‘shitters market for £25 boxes of tyres? But I bet that’s crossed your mind already!

[andrew e]

I actually bought what I’m sure is a Steve Flowers casting at a £1 premium (!) off eBay because it was hassle free at the weekend. It’s in the post now!

[bunglebus]

 

Only the really old stuff has an o-ring, 60's-70's is a specific tyre

[flat4alfa]

On 11/5/2017 at 2:05 PM, junkyarddog said:

This poor thing has been half beaten to death.

It's a mini dinky,which I think are reasonably scarce.

I've never found one before,so bought it despite the condition.

Missing it's boot lid and a wheel.

Recently, I may have also achieved a similar achievement ?

On 11/8/2017 at 2:34 AM, Junkman said:

The elephant in the living room are those Mini Dinkys.

That's the stuff that separates the boys from the collectors.

You can't find that kind of shite even at toy fairs or on eBay.

Crikey! ?

On 5/6/2020 at 2:50 AM, Datsuncog said:

Another Hong Kong contractor took on production of the bulk of the Mini Dinky range in 1968

Sadly, poor metallurgy led to paint falling off very quickly, followed by an alarming propensity for chronic zinc pest and premature self-destruction of these toys. In the ensuing debacle, the entire range was killed off before full production was ever achieved.

I appear to have a bought a Mini-Dinky without much evidence of serious self-destruction ?

Not only that, it's nicely done considering the scale.  The Chevrolet Chevy II is a model not commonly seen, aside from an over-the-top custom by Hot Wheels

Proportions look great, detail is tidy, paint is good, glazing is very good.  One casting flaw on an A-pillar but not found much else.  I was expecting something nasty, but to be fair it's a quality item - it also appears to have turned, not cast, wheels and has separate tyres.

Ok, ok, the trunk lid on this is also missing, but it looked in the photos to have been a flat piece that should be straightforward to reproduce?  Might even have something already in spares tins that could be adapted to fit, I thought.   The paint wear isn't that bad considering it's 52 years old

So, I made a £3 BIN offer on it, just to give the brand a try.  Probably the best idea I had that day as I wasted plenty more than that in the pub later on.

Any more love for Mini-Dinky ?

I might seek out a few more of the series.  Perhaps they're not that expensive, not when I consider how much I've given the Royal Mail over the past year....    I've spotted two on the 'bay so please don't bid-war me on them, not for now ?

[bunglebus]

Anyone fancy trying to ID this little lorry? Just says Hong Kong underneath, was silver originally

 

20200720_094757 by RS, on Flickr

20200720_094803 by RS, on Flickr

20200720_094824 by RS, on Flickr

[DoctorRetro]

Stuck the rest of Dominic's Diecast playworns on ebay, feel free to peruse my other items and either bid or let me know if something you want has ended up on there. 

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53481-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5575378759&campid=5338273189&customid=&icep_item=143662495548&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229508&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg&toolid=11111

[Amishtat]

1 hour ago, flat4alfa said:

Recently, I may have also achieved a similar achievement ?

Crikey! ?

I appear to have a bought a Mini-Dinky without much evidence of serious self-destruction ?

Not only that, it's nicely done considering the scale.  The Chevrolet Chevy II is a model not commonly seen, aside from an over-the-top custom by Hot Wheels

Proportions look great, detail is tidy, paint is good, glazing is very good.  One casting flaw on an A-pillar but not found much else.  I was expecting something nasty, but to be fair it's a quality item - it also appears to have turned, not cast, wheels and has separate tyres.

Ok, ok, the trunk lid on this is also missing, but it looked in the photos to have been a flat piece that should be straightforward to reproduce?  Might even have something already in spares tins that could be adapted to fit, I thought.   The paint wear isn't that bad considering it's 52 years old

So, I made a £3 BIN offer on it, just to give the brand a try.  Probably the best idea I had that day as I wasted plenty more than that in the pub later on.

Any more love for Mini-Dinky ?

I might seek out a few more of the series.  Perhaps they're not that expensive, not when I consider how much I've given the Royal Mail over the past year....    I've spotted two on the 'bay so please don't bid-war me on them, not for now ?

I'm not going to bid against you, but I still regret not picking up a Mini Dinky Corsair with a missing bootlid at a boot sale last year. It was only a quid or two. 

[flat4alfa]

2 hours ago, bunglebus said:

Anyone fancy trying to ID this little lorry? Just says Hong Kong underneath, was silver originally

Similar looks of Toyoace range of the time

[bunglebus]

Finally got this back together, did the red weeks ago then life got in the way.

 

20200528_175917 by RS, on Flickr

 

Other than the ridiculous Rockets ride height it looks pretty good. Shame I forgot to detail the engine before I put it back together

 

[andrew e]

So another rummage through my stash, and next up is this Schabak Fiesta XR2. 1/25 in dealer packaging and even better right hand drive too! I think I’ve had this the wrong side of 20 years....

Now for a Schabak this is quite accurately proportioned - the similar era Scorpio is ace, the Sapphire is, er, what can I say “well intentioned”. (Some of the 1/43 Schabak are equally way off the mark too). Separate indicators and driving lights are a nice touch too.

You can get these in Radiant red, Mercury grey and oddly Gold too.

It’s got blue XR2 insets to a tee, and those 14” alloys look very generous compared to the real thing! It’s ace is opening features - everything bar the glovebox opens:

 

The baseplate is simple plastic, though plenty well detailed.

Anyway being an Essex boy, I thought I’d have a go at a @Jon style backdrop. I’ve a bloody long way to go to topple the master ?

I most definitely didn’t plonk the XR2 on an IPad and take a picture ?

On the strip....

Being hunted by a RS turbo

Being caught by the fuzz ?

 

 

[flat4alfa]

On the other end of the realism scale is this Summer Fiat 131 Abarth.   It looks to be near 1:50 and its dimensions and crude detail do try to make it recognisable as one

Bought from same seller as the Dinky Chevy II, after trawling through his other listing to make up the weight.  For some reason, poorer condition examples have sold well, having being outbid on a few in the past.  So grabbed this one as it was on BIN and cheap.  Slippery slope, but at least the Royal Mail only gets one charge off me and the 'want' box is ticked.

It has some sort of 'wheelie car' base, so more toy than model.

There is a wind-up motor in there.  Carlos Fandango rear wheel track improves the comedy.  Never had one of these so wondered what it did. 

Well it's daft - you wind it back, let it go and it rolls along .....until its last few inches when it raises up its front and performs a wheelie.  Which is the wrong way around.  A wheelie at the END of its run.  I ask you...

Perhaps destined for Who-Did-It-Worse comparison with the Polistil Fiat 131 Mirafiori 2-door, that is similar to my first car; but we know who will win that one.  Then remove base - toss base - put onto more realistic base and wheels.  Redo the decals.  Then wonder why I bothered.

[flat4alfa]

The Polistil Fiat 131 Mirafiori

Measures to 1:43, so Polistil were correct in their assumption.

Detail accuracy is pretty good for the size.  Panel fit is also a good representation of the real thing

Detail good underneath too.  Although the real thing would have had oversills welded home and the boot floor patched within its first few years

Why the gush?  My first car was a doom blue one of these 2-door Mirafioris.

It was only the bASe 1300 OHV, but went very well and handed well too.  Too well in fact, it gained a bit of infamy in the town, as it narked the 1600 Escort boys.  The short gearing helped. 

Much roomier than an Escort MkII as well, which helped when it came to the inevitable 'back seat action'

Question for the @Datsuncog encyclopedia:  What did 'Club 33' signify?