Shite in Miniature II

[w00dy]

4 minutes ago, flat4alfa said:

Last time I went big Asda they had nothing!

Will have to look into this.  Didn't know about that DS.  Are there other classics in the current range?    *goes off to have a look*

They only had about 7 cars, can't remember what else,  but nothing that interested me. There were a few tlorries and also some 4x4s and trailers. 

[Split_Pin]

@Datsuncog I like how you always set up the perfect Segway into the afternoon with 'ah well, home time....but I didn't leave empty handed'. 

The only thing that will be missing to end the day (started by the Japanese acer) is the day's haul laid out in a the carrel at your office!

[flat4alfa]

44 minutes ago, Jon said:

Here's a question for those in the know (mostly @AndyW201, I'm imagining!) - is this a sought after version of a Vanguards Nova?

Should it attract no bids, the start price is under £20 and ends this weekend.

https://www.trademe.co.nz/4184012493

I know its been answered, but this was the sole UK sale on eBay this year so it could be classed as a scarce find I think

However, it is the very same #44, back up for sale with no bids at £44.74 start (inc carr.), ending the following morning UK time.  So no takers so far.

As you know your $43.50 NZ inc carriage is £21 GBP

[Datsuncog]

17 minutes ago, Split_Pin said:

@Datsuncog I like how you always set up the perfect Segway into the afternoon with 'ah well, home time....but I didn't leave empty handed'. 

The only thing that will be missing to end the day (started by the Japanese acer) is the day's haul laid out in a the carrel at your office!

Cheers dude!

And fear not - there's still more to come...

😉

[Datsuncog]

Surprisingly, it was indeed worth my while dragging my lazy arse out of bed this morning.

Because I found this beauty nestled amid the MoYs and Atlas stuff.

I've really wanted a civilian SD1 for quite a while - I was fortunate to receive a police spec version a few Christmases ago, but I also kinda hankered after one more representative of the sort I'd have seen on the road when I was younger.

This X-reg 3500SE in Cashmere Gold fitted the bill nicely.

I'm really pleased with this for £10.

Definite keeper.

CERTIFIED YO

Colin from the other stall had asked conversationally if I'd bought anything off Market Blokey this morning - and he laughed when I showed him the Rover, as the price stickers indicated that he'd originally sold this one when it was new, all the way back in 2006 or so.

I bought quite a few Vanguards off Colin around this same time - and yes, £12 was about the going rate back then for new releases (equivalent to £19.35 at today's prices).

I can appreciate that Vanguards detail levels have undeniably gone up a bit in recent years, especially the interiors - but are they really twice as good now, to justify twice the price?

Answers on a postcard to the usual address...

Around 2006/2007 he was also selling quite a few older range and decertified models from the Vanguards range for a bargainous £6.50 - I still have the price stickers on my examples from this era.

I asked if he knew any more about how these decertifications came about, but he didn't - just that every now and then Corgi would offer retail customers limited quantities of certain models really cheaply on a first-come, first-served basis, and he'd generally order a few of them up because they tended to shift alright at Ards Market on a Saturday (which is where I went to buy them, back then).

And so, I also bought this off Colin:

I quite like the colour, graphics and wheels combo on this one - moreso than the mainline orange 'Rabbit' release from a few years back, or the Polizei version.

The rear deck's maybe a bit plain and unfinished for a semi-premium release, but overall I dig it.

And since I couldn't resist a final spin around the stalls before leaving, just in case a big box o'Lesney had suddenly appeared... 

Oopsies. I've gone done bought mahself a Days Gone.

I owned a pale blue version of this from new - and I'd been VERY excited pick it up on the week of release, maybe around 1993 or '94? Then I sold it on a few years ago during the Great Liquidation Sale.

But it's not actually all that bad a rendering of the Mk1 Mini; a bit lumpy round the back end maybe (aren't we all?), but certainly a damn sight better than the (rather more pricey) Corgi Classics effort at the Cooper around the same time, which from memory was so poorly received by collectors that it caused a minor riot in the local model shop.

I think the Vanguards Days Gone comes in at rather less than 1/43 scale, annoyingly - but still, for only £3...

Yeah, good enough.

It reminds me a bit of Jean Hopkirk's Mini out of Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased).

What else can I say? My willpower was low.

So there we have it!

Maybe not a vintage week to resound through the ages of mini-tat, BUT it just goes to show there's sometimes diamonds in the rough, if you look closely enough...

A very happy Friday to you all, kids.

[Split_Pin]

I don't understand how the Mini is so difficult for model producers to get right, it's not like they didn't make millions of the real car to get measurements from. 

Even a so-called high end producer like Kyosho ballsed it up with cheap looking plastic door frames. Weirdly, it's my Bburago 1/18 scale and Welly 1/30-ish Innocenti version that look the most accurate. I recall having a 1/43 Vitesse example which wasn't bad either. The Lledo effort looks very nice indeed, it's suitably wide and short like the real car. Unlike the Corgi Classics version which is too long and narrow with an absurdly large windscreen and basic interior. I can't think of any late 80s or early 90s Corgi Classic that missed the mark so how did they balls up one of their most eagerly anticipated models?

I still think that as far as Minis go, the oldies are the goodies. The original 1959 Corgi releases capture the proportions of the real car very well, and the intricate Manifique is the most fun.

Thanks again for bringing us Tat Friday Tim, even in the face of a very flaky Autoshite server which looked to have scuppered everything at 8am, right on the button!

[NorfolkNWeigh]

23 hours ago, danthecapriman said:

Parcel today bringing a little trip down memory lane for me!

These are both toys I had as a kid, ones I really liked and they got played with to death. I think both finished their days out in the garden before disappearing for good somewhere or other.

These are both really nice condition though and definitely not going to be getting ruined!

Majorette Renault Master tipper. Hours of fun was had with my old one filling the back with rocks and dirt in my garden building site!😆

Majorette Range Rover. My old one was a different colour to this but this one’s is nicer. My old one was last seen off reading in the mud out in the garden. Pretty sure the axles ended up rusting through and snapping off in the end.

At first I thought someone had modelled a Monteverdi Safari, maybe it’s the wheels.

[bunglebus]

2 hours ago, Datsuncog said:

Wouldn't mind those if you see them again...

[MiniMinorMk3]

52 minutes ago, Datsuncog said:

 

And since I couldn't resist a final spin around the stalls before leaving, just in case a big box o'Lesney had suddenly appeared... 

Oopsies. I've gone done bought mahself a Days Gone.

I owned a pale blue version of this from new - and I'd been VERY excited pick it up on the week of release, maybe around 1993 or '94? Then I sold it on a few years ago during the Great Liquidation Sale.

I think the Vanguards Days Gone comes in at rather less than 1/43 scale, annoyingly - but still, for only £3...

 

I think they still use that casting today. Here's the last Mini to be released, VA01318, Austin Mini RAF Police. This is the 18th Austin Mini by Vanguards.

Front grille is the same, but headlamps have changed

The rea is still the same, but with some tampo detailing

Wheels still look the same

The windscreen has changed now that they fit photo etch wipers

Interior moulding also looks the same

If you go to the Corgi site they are still selling the last few of these off, the price is a stagering £35.99. I got this on in a lot from Vectis and have listed it on Ebay this week with a starting price of £4.99. I'll let you know what it makes next weekend.

[Datsuncog]

1 hour ago, bunglebus said:

Wouldn't mind those if you see them again...

I'll see what I can turn up next week, sure!

He also had a modernish BMW Polizei car in silver, which I didn't bother my arse photographing... any interest in that too, or is it just the four classic models in the pic you'd be wanting?

[bunglebus]

It's Volkswagen day! I've not been on eBay very much lately as I've been pretty busy, and I prefer the fun of finding stuff at boot sales. However this minty Whizzwheels Beetle caught my eye - I have a lovely one already but couldn't resist 

Next up, a bit of a rarity in the form of an Edocar (MC Toys/Maisto) MK1 Golf.

I've not found any of the new Majorette releases so had to pay a premium for the T3 Camper 

Last but not least, is this Matchbox Dinky Karmann Ghia

It's outside of my normal range of interests, but doesn't seem to be very common. I had the Beetle, 57 Chevy and 59 Caddy when I was in my early teens. I suppose they're in an odd no-man's-land of not a toy but not quite a model either. Still, it's nicely done and I don't have a lot of KG stuff, Beetles and type 2s seem to get most of the attention 

[bunglebus]

2 minutes ago, Datsuncog said:

I'll see what I can turn up next week, sure!

He also had a modernish BMW Polizei car in silver, which I didn't bother my arse photographing... any interest in that too, or is it just the four classic models in the pic you'd be wanting?

See sig - no modernz thanks! 

[MiniMinorMk3]

18 hours ago, flat4alfa said:

Never knew about these either.  Matchbox Kingsize prototypes!

Not put my finger on what that was supposed to be.  I see elements of a few cars 

 

Another two candidates

Maserati Khamsin

and closest yet in side profile

Maserati Indy

[TheOtherStu]

@bunglebusthat Karmann Ghia is lovely. Must look out for one of those.

@Datsuncogthank you for the effort.
Fortunately, I've been mega busy today in meetings and preparing for another, so I didn't miss much.
Although if you do come across one of those Mk1 Golfs, they do look great.

[flat4alfa]

FRIDAY FUN FACT

Remember the Matchbox '70 Pontiac GTO produced 1996-2009 ?  It always seemed a bit stunted to me.  But still glad they did it.

However, back in the early days of Superfast, there was a resin prototype for a '69 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

The proportions went the other way, looking too long.  Still, it's a shame it never got past prototype stage.

[flat4alfa]

13 minutes ago, MiniMinorMk3 said:

Another two candidates

Yes I considered all of those and some Gandini and Paolo Martin prototypes.  But nothing fitted

When the Vectis auction had it, they didn't mention any paperwork/drawing came with it like they have done for other Matchbox prototypes.  The just listed it as 'Prototype Model of a 1970s Italian Sports Car'

[barrett]

When I saw that image I thought 'Oh, I know exactly what that is' but it turns out I actually don't. I mean, I had a vague idea of what it would be but I can't actually find the thing I'm thinking of. I thought it was one of the Tjaarda de Tomaso one-offs like the Mustela

But that's obviously not right. I'm sure there is a car with that unusual rear side window design which sort-of tapers over the rear arch like that but I can't for the life of me remember it. The Tjaarda Serenissima is sort of close, but obviously too wedgy

Maybe it is just a fantasy design but heavily influenced by Tjaarda...

[Datsuncog]

1 hour ago, MiniMinorMk3 said:

I think they still use that casting today. Here's the last Mini to be released, VA01318, Austin Mini RAF Police. This is the 18th Austin Mini by Vanguards.

Ah, now that's something of a revelation... you're right, it does indeed same to be the same basic casting, with a few tweaks - presumably now approaching thirty years old.

I had the Days Gone Vanguards Minor Traveller (with no windows, perplexingly), as well as the Minor Van, VW Beetle, Bedford O Series van, and Morris LD150 van from the same range - and they were all wildly differing scales, which annoyed me no end. But they all appeared quite a bit smaller than Corgi Classics, which I soon came to prefer over the Lledos.

I'd assumed the Mini was sub-1/43, but then looking at it against the Rover SD1 suggests it's probably about right...

I'll try a side-by-side comparison later of this Lledo Vanguards Mini with my Corgi Vanguards Clubman!

 

2 hours ago, Split_Pin said:

I don't understand how the Mini is so difficult for model producers to get right, it's not like they didn't make millions of the real car to get measurements from. 

Even a so-called high end producer like Kyosho ballsed it up with cheap looking plastic door frames. Weirdly, it's my Bburago 1/18 scale and Welly 1/30-ish Innocenti version that look the most accurate. I recall having a 1/43 Vitesse example which wasn't bad either. The Lledo effort looks very nice indeed, it's suitably wide and short like the real car. Unlike the Corgi Classics version which is too long and narrow with an absurdly large windscreen and basic interior. I can't think of any late 80s or early 90s Corgi Classic that missed the mark so how did they balls up one of their most eagerly anticipated models?

I still think that as far as Minis go, the oldies are the goodies. The original 1959 Corgi releases capture the proportions of the real car very well, and the intricate Manifique is the most fun.

Thanks again for bringing us Tat Friday Tim, even in the face of a very flaky Autoshite server which looked to have scuppered everything at 8am, right on the button!

I had a Hongwell Cararama Mk1 Mini which was broadly ok in terms of proportions, but had rather large gaps around the opening doors which spoiled the overall look a bit.

I wonder if it's a combination of the large number of curves across quite a small body which is hard to get right, together with the shape being so very familiar that it's obvious when it's a bit off?

The Corgi Classics Mini Cooper was an absolute abomination, though. For me, it was the over-thick headlight bezels and bumpers sticking out a mile at either end which accentuated the already over-long body, and the massively bulky dashboard (on a car which didn't really have much in the way of a dash) which really spoiled it.

I can remember seeing the prototype Mini Cooper shown in the Corgi Classics catalogue and thinking it looked very wrong, but then reminding myself that prototypes often looked a bit rough compared to the finished article. And then it was launched, and it was even worse looking.  And in so many different versions! Road versions, Italian Job sets, Monte Carlo Rally replicas... all bloody awful. I don't know quite what happened, but it shouldn't have done.

Still - glad we were all able to have another Tat Friday, despite technical hitches! Like the Pony Express, it always gets through...

 

[quicksilver]

10 minutes ago, Datsuncog said:

Ah, now that's something of a revelation... you're right, it does indeed same to be the same basic casting, with a few tweaks - presumably now approaching thirty years old.

I had the Days Gone Vanguards Minor Traveller (with no windows, perplexingly), as well as the Minor Van, VW Beetle, Bedford O Series van, and Morris LD150 van from the same range - and they were all wildly differing scales, which annoyed me no end. But they all appeared quite a bit smaller than Corgi Classics, which I soon came to prefer over the Lledos.

I'd assumed the Mini was sub-1/43, but then looking at it against the Rover SD1 suggests it's probably about right...

I'll try a side-by-side comparison later of this Lledo Vanguards Mini with my Corgi Vanguards Clubman!

 

I had a Hongwell Cararama Mk1 Mini which was broadly ok in terms of proportions, but had rather large gaps around the opening doors which spoiled the overall look a bit.

I wonder if it's a combination of the large number of curves across quite a small body which is hard to get right, together with the shape being so very familiar that it's obvious when it's a bit off?

The Corgi Classics Mini Cooper was an absolute abomination, though. For me, it was the over-thick headlight bezels and bumpers sticking out a mile at either end which accentuated the already over-long body, and the massively bulky dashboard (on a car which didn't really have much in the way of a dash) which really spoiled it.

I can remember seeing the prototype Mini Cooper shown in the Corgi Classics catalogue and thinking it looked very wrong, but then reminding myself that prototypes often looked a bit rough compared to the finished article. And then it was launched, and it was even worse looking.  And in so many different versions! Road versions, Italian Job sets, Monte Carlo Rally replicas... all bloody awful. I don't know quite what happened, but it shouldn't have done.

Still - glad we were all able to have another Tat Friday, despite technical hitches! Like the Pony Express, it always gets through...

 

I think it's something to do with the Mini being such a small car that there isn't much tolerance for dimensional errors. Even if something is only slightly out from where it should be it has a knock-on effect that makes the whole car look wrong. I agree that Corgi is an abomination and even Chinese no-name brands who have never actually seen a Mini with their own eyes have done a better job.

[Split_Pin]

2 hours ago, MiniMinorMk3 said:

I think they still use that casting today. Here's the last Mini to be released, VA01318, Austin Mini RAF Police. This is the 18th Austin Mini by Vanguards.

Front grille is the same, but headlamps have changed

The rea is still the same, but with some tampo detailing

Wheels still look the same

The windscreen has changed now that they fit photo etch wipers

Interior moulding also looks the same

If you go to the Corgi site they are still selling the last few of these off, the price is a stagering £35.99. I got this on in a lot from Vectis and have listed it on Ebay this week with a starting price of £4.99. I'll let you know what it makes next weekend.

That's definitely the same casting, look how the side windows are slightly unequal in length, whereas on the real car they are broadly the same length.

It's galling to think that the red one was £3 and the latest Vanguard is nearly 12 times the price, yet they are the same casting. Granted the Corgi has a few more upgrades. At least they shitcanned the awful Classics issue.

[Remspoor]

7 hours ago, TheOtherStu said:

Why do I feel strangely excited?

Is that because you search for hot cougars after being told not to?

[flat4alfa]

2 hours ago, barrett said:

I'm sure there is a car with that unusual rear side window design which sort-of tapers over the rear arch like that but I can't for the life of me remember it

Maybe it is just a fantasy design but heavily influenced by Tjaarda...

Yes I felt convinced I knew or should know, but in the end thought I'd come to the same conclusion - a fantasy effort !

Then popped it up on here just in case

The wheels were something I thought a unique design too.

[NorfolkNWeigh]

I keep thinking I’ve seen that window line before , but then realised all late 60’s early 70’s coupes are very similar.

Anyway it’s not a Bertone E Type or Owen Sedanca , neither of which are Italian, but I thought looked more like it than they actually do !

 

[AndyW201]

It is ridiculous about that Vanguards Mini, like. It's why on the Corgi site, the Vanguards Minis and Minors never sell as the castings are as old as the hills and yet retail at the same price as the more modern, far better detailed models in the range. The Jamaica yellow one that was produced for Corgis 60th anniversary is still cluttering up the warehouse, even at the lower price point of £14.99 which the anniversary models came at. They were even trying to give them away recently with orders over £50!

And yet, in the very limited new releases for May - September, what do we have? The Minor in white at £35.99! They never learn....

[danthecapriman]

Found these two little gems recently. Both Lone Star models.

Really like these. The Foden has a really nice look about it and I’ve never seen one before. 
Transit is also great looking and a nice shape (shame they didn’t do it as a standard panel van!) and will replace a rougher one I’ve already got.

 

[MiniMinorMk3]

1 hour ago, flat4alfa said:

Yes I felt convinced I knew or should know, but in the end thought I'd come to the same conclusion - a fantasy effort !

Then popped it up on here just in caseThe wheels were something I thought a unique design too.

The other thing it is close, which has the waistline indent, is the Matra Bagheera. It also has the pop up lights and an open grille.

[sierraman]

I would have really gone for this...

[FakeConcern]

Hmm, I've been looking for a Matchbox King Size Charger (thanks @danthecapriman!) and have a seller offer of £20 on this one

However with £4.69 p&p it gets a bit pricey, should I snap it up or wait?

Never seen one at any Toy fair or Boot Sale

Ebay link

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/334913348758

[danthecapriman]

1 hour ago, FakeConcern said:

Hmm, I've been looking for a Matchbox King Size Charger (thanks @danthecapriman!) and have a seller offer of £20 on this one

However with £4.69 p&p it gets a bit pricey, should I snap it up or wait?

Never seen one at any Toy fair or Boot Sale

Ebay link

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/334913348758

It does look nice, but it’s also quite pricey. 
Depends how much you want one I suppose? I don’t mind paying a bit more for odd things I really want. 
 

But, the last couple of those I’ve sold on were probably similar condition and I didn’t ask even half that for them. I’d feel a bit of a chancer doing so I think!😆

If you wait I’m bound to turn up more of these any time, I seem to attract them like flies to… you know!

[danthecapriman]

This one’s nice, and a bit cheaper with no bids. Though it is restored.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/185944633261?hash=item2b4b29efad:g:VjEAAOSw6lBkjNiQ&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwDFS0k48va7ws9Mwksi5jnFARI1tHrv8TCvYU%2Fq8gngpswRPNJFzONoozkWha7A9icY3TDb5bCopnzDQKVsk9TsrS9Gzr2MOD0ZQVkANV1bGgiG3BLK2kf8V1NWECJX1vSxKkvEjxSWtkU5R89gNDzPHC%2FhU6ARaaASPRxzkv9Y7B9x9ykeuuh%2FZ3cukgfqE49As0hKP02yt%2FLLHkb1tZ8oklOtiVVMqDJ9kKWZ8i%2FnLAzQ%2FFo8GhpXpKI%2B9p4u4Qg%3D%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR6qz-p6dYg