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I would have loved that Mercedes Taxi but without the front grille it's pretty much useless as a display item. Unlike the grill-less Polistil Polo I got from DCs tat run just before lockdown, the Mercedes grille is probably too complicated a shape to replicate.

As anyone who has owned a Bburago or Polistil 1/24 knows, the metal body is indestructible but the body and interior fittings are very prone to falling off. 

I have a tolerance when it comes to these cars, a missing steering wheel, gearstick, rear light, spoiler, or hubcap is OK as you can't see these on display. Anything up front less so though.

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44 minutes ago, sierraman said:

I guess if it was a couple of quid it’s worth it as an old curio but a tenner is a bit steep as it’s broken. 

Speaking of curios, I want to try and visit the curiosity shop in Linlithgow again. He has lots of cars there and they are actually well priced. He's a Rover 75 fan too so I always have a blether.

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11 hours ago, Datsuncog said:

This is why you shouldn't mix crack and antiques, kids...

Very similar around here in the *affluent towns on the commuter belt, main examples being the locked glazed cupboards inside antique/retro halls at Hitchin/Berkhamsted/Welwyn, etc.

It's clear they are rented side-line areas of the store.  Nothing moves for many months but that's because it's a side-line for their day job.  Perhaps I should do the same with my collection?  What sells, sells; what doesn't, I take home and display for a while.  Rotation for the nation

I see the same in charity shops too.  Oxfam in Welwyn prices everything like it's a collector's and seller's market.  Where they get their values from I don't know .....ok yes I do, as they all respond with the same aloof, disdainful reasoning: "on eBay they go for".  It angers me (and others) because charity shops are no longer for the needy - the have became business models, run by affluent management employing sales consultants.  

Monday blues, sorry.

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14 minutes ago, flat4alfa said:

Very similar around here in the *affluent towns on the commuter belt, main examples being the locked glazed cupboards inside antique/retro halls at Hitchin/Berkhamsted/Welwyn, etc.

It's clear they are rented side-line areas of the store.  Nothing moves for many months but that's because it's a side-line for their day job.  Perhaps I should do the same with my collection?  What sells, sells; what doesn't I take home and display for a while.  Rotation for the nation

I see the same in charity shops too.  Oxfam in Welwyn prices everything like it's a collector's and seller's market.  Where they get their values from I don't know .....ok yes I do, as they all respond with the same disdainful reasoning: "on eBay they go for".  It angers me (and others) because charity shops are no longer for the needy - the have became business models, run by affluent management employing sales consultants.  

Monday blues, sorry.

I was in a charity shop on Saturday and spotted an old Corgi Lotus F1 car. I asked how much and the chap replied that a colleague said they should keep hold of it for now as it's probably worth some money. I shown him an eBay listing for one at 0.99p with no bids and he seemed quite surprised!

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‘Keep your kids away from those mate they’re collectors items!’

Car boots have got the same way a bit as well, there’s always some 50 stone bloke in his 60’s who can’t make up his mind how much to charge for the battered crap he’s got in a box. He’ll examine the item thoroughly, then pull off a figure akin to a Chicago telephone number. I’ve never known a hobby that attracts such weird people. 

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3 hours ago, Tenmil Socket said:

I was in a charity shop on Saturday and spotted an old Corgi Lotus F1 car. I asked how much and the chap replied that a colleague said they should keep hold of it for now as it's probably worth some money.

Yes same here.  Standing in the shop, cash donation ready (might even bump it up, because: charity); but refuse to sell it to me without consulting the 'expert' who 'won't be in until Tuesday'.  When pressing them, the expert is nothing more than the store manager looking up eBay listings.

Please don't get me wrong, what angers me is the charity 'industry' seems to have become corrupted.  Even ten years ago the NSPCC was being investigated as they were giving just 30% to the cause.  The rest swallowed by advertising (25%!), board/consultant salaries and the hefty legal bills protecting the brand from scrutiny (and there was plenty of that)

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Nothing interesting in my charity shop, but some interesting things waiting for me at home. Corgi 205 group B makes for a good comparison to the Hot Wheels from the other week

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Fire Chief version of the B1600 with the Playart - clearly the same casting but with less detail, plastic gun rack, number cast into the tailgate and interestingly only two rivets, so there must be some internal changes too

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lastly a couple more blackwalls

 

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28 minutes ago, bunglebus said:

Nothing interesting in my charity shop, but some interesting things waiting for me at home. Corgi 205 group B makes for a good comparison to the Hot Wheels from the other week

20200921_143421.thumb.jpg.7767f51946f5bfa32c259c1ab28dc540.jpg20200921_143503.thumb.jpg.3c42b5aafd7ee3b66e1d66029b7d20dd.jpg20200921_143519.thumb.jpg.c771d7220e4fcd3aad391a55f16e5719.jpg20200921_143437.thumb.jpg.7c9a703021462e3ae66e4640d2262f66.jpg

Fire Chief version of the B1600 with the Playart - clearly the same casting but with less detail, plastic gun rack, number cast into the tailgate and interestingly only two rivets, so there must be some internal changes too

20200921_143625.thumb.jpg.cf08dad4469d872a4b1447ebfadec3bf.jpg20200921_143805.thumb.jpg.54762e3b38a7c115b7485578c9fbd0dc.jpg20200921_143721.thumb.jpg.4bb4f6dd7227e354c7a2c760c0530b30.jpg20200921_143646.thumb.jpg.84ef209077ce605af996408ceafafb8f.jpg20200921_143655.thumb.jpg.46f80a11819822726c0433dad2ee5e3d.jpg20200921_143826.thumb.jpg.e60ffefe799e4923c6d37e0322523125.jpg

lastly a couple more blackwalls

 

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I've got a Bburago 205.

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19 minutes ago, bunglebus said:

You've also got the Majorette Range Rover that is always a different colour in photos to real life 

I'm pretty gutted with the RR as it was in really good condition when I bought it at the Toy Fair but the paint has chipped on the bonnet in 2 places from storage 🙄

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Here's my Ecurie Ecosse wagon getting some not-a-Dremel attention, because I really didn't want the cast-in lettering on the sides...

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The paint on this is proving very stubborn, even after several caustic baths.

Meanwhile, here are some finished restos595989187_DC042.thumb.jpg.9bba5fa2e7e7a9bcf219c69fdfe651ce.jpg..

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Merc, despite actually being a 1960s Matchbox King Size, has gone into my Bond cabinet as a nod to the one that appears briefly in Thunderball.  Bentley represents Jason King's car, but I suspect his was an S3 which would have four headlights.  Close enough.

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These trucks are all up for swopping.  Among the "wants:" Matchbox Ford D tractor unit with regular wheels; Dinky Singer Vogue, more or less intact (tyres and windows not a problem); Spot-On Humber Super Snipe estate (same applies); Vanguards A35 van and Marina 1.8 , both ready for painting (actually if they are the Hidden Treasures editions they won't need much painting at all!).  In fact any of the above can be screaming for paint, I'm perfectly happy to do that.  That isn't a comprehensive list but it'll keep me going for the moment.  Oh and I can also offer a Corgi Corvette Sting Ray (painted) and a Matchbox 1927 Bentley, plated, with no spare tyre.  Plus of course the remaining 1/18s in my sale thread.

 

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4 hours ago, eddyramrod said:

Among the "wants" .... Vanguards A35 van and Marina 1.8

I'll keep an eye on the Friday tat stall - a week or two back there was a ropey Atlas police Marina with its roof lights and mirrors bashed off; possibly some use to you? Unboxed A35 vans turn up from time to time too... will see what I can turn up!

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Thank you!  I remember that Marina.  Yes, I could have gone for that if the price was right, but ISTR it wasn't.  No rush.

Now then, let's have a look at some more film and TV cars.  What more?  Yes really.  TV is what started my love of American cars; first, paradoxically, with a very famous white Zephyr...

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...which apparently was actually yellow, because it showed up better on black and white telly.  I'm led to believe the number plates used were actually from retired police motorcycles.

Then there were all the clearly American cars used in the Gerry Anderson shows, and finally the best of the lot:

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This one really has it all to answer for.  Or I could just say, this one really has it all.  Both are equally true.

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And you can see how much I love that car!  One Hot Wheels, at the top; two Corgi Juniors going down, and a CJ batboat too.  To their left, a pair of Spectrum Patrol Cars from Captain Scarlet, then two Rolls Royces.  ~The blue one is Hudson, voiced by Gordon Jackson in Terrahawks; the pink one needs no introduction!  Below them, the two generations of Bluesmobile: the 1990 Ford from the second film, and the 1974 Dodge from the first.  I've used the MB Plymouth Gran Fury, which is 99% the same car anyway.  Below them, the 33 Ford is the eponymous California Kid, and the Hummer is there for CSI Miami, where they have a whole fleet of the things.  Down another step and we're into Dukes of Hazzard.  The white Charger stuck in my mind from an episode guest-starring Cale Yarborough, and the black Camaro was supposedly Uncle Jesse's last moonshine car, with which he had a race against Boss Hogg.  Daist's Jeep is familiar enough, and going down a step, so are all of these: the General himself; Hogg's Cadillac and Rosco's patrol car.

Down another level, and we have the late and early versions of Ironside's van.  The late one is the Corgi US Van modified, as I couldn't get a 1969 Ford Econoline at the time.  I don't know if I can even now actually.  The one at bottom-right is the MB41 Ambulance, converted into Petrocelli's camper.  Barry Newman, who played him, will crop up again...

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This subsection is Bond, obviously.  Top row is The Spy Who Loved Me, with wet and dry versions of the first Lotus, and the Taunus that chased it (actually the MB Cortina with a coat of black).  Coming down, we're in For Your Eyes Only, with the third, bronze, Lotus, and the 2CV.  Below that is the Alpine from Dr No (actually the Husky model), then the Ranchero and DB5 from Goldfinger.  Behind them you can see Virgil Tracy and Thunderbird 2, built long ago from a little kit; and who is the little guy hiding in the corner?  Only Mike Mercury, pilot of Supercar!  Bottom row of Bond cars is all OHMSS: we start with Blofeld on his bobsleigh.  I never had the other one, with Bond.  Then  there's his Aston and Tracy's Cougar, and finally her dad's Roller, which needed no modification from the original MB.  Well I suppose I could have tickled the colour palette a bit but it's good enough for me.

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And more Bond!  From the front, working away from the camera: Aston Martin Vanish from Die Another Day; Mustang from Diamonds Are Forever; Range Rover from Octopussy.  Ahead of those, three from A View To A Kill: the Silver Cloud, Renault Taxi and Bond's San Francisco rental car, a cheap Ford.  Ahead of those, we start with the 1961 Ford Fairlane copcar from the Andy Griffith Show, in which the star played a North Carolina sheriff and a very young Ron Howard played his son; the black Mercury from Hawaii 5-0; the green Audi S8 from Ronin.

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Next row is more fantasy: a Buick patrol car tied into the Superman movies; a little Bertone Runabout for Wonder Woman; and an AMC Gremlin from one of the Cars movies.  Ahead of those, the 57 Thunderbird is from Robert Urich's detective show Vegas; yellow Charger is from Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry; and the FWD Charger is from Hunter, normally driven by the title character's partner, detective Deedee.

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Kojak's Buick kicks off the next row, along with the white Challenger driven by Barry Newman (remember him?) in Vanishing Point, and a red Viper for Eddie Murphy's character in The Nutty Professor.  The Ferrari is wearing two hats: it could be the car Magnum uses, or it could also be one of Robert Wagner's cars in Hart To Hart, which is why there's a black RR convertible next to it.  And the red Roller comes from an episode of Lovejoy.

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We all know the yellow GTO by now: Two Lane Blacktop of course.  The Continental behind it is there for Frank Cannon, and the Cadillac limo for Crocodile Dundee.  Next row is Smokey And The Bandit, but the second film as the TA is a 1979/80 model and the Bonneville is the correct copcar for that film.

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Christine is next, obviously, with Dennis's blue Charger, and on the back row, two 1990 Fords.  Black one for Men In Black, silver for Dragnet.  Then we have the Pharoahs' Mercury from American Graffiti (actually I could have placed the 61 Ford with it, because that's what the copcar is in that film too), the Monkeemobile, and KITT.

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White Zephyr is for Z Cars but I bet you don't get the green Thames!  It's from an old Terence Stamp film called The Collector.  Citroen SM is driven by Burt Reynolds in The Mean Machine  The row ahead begins with an overlap into the next one, as we have both Mustang and Charger from Bullitt.  Then there's Starsky's Torino, and an oddball Husky coupe sold as a Man From UNCLE car.  I believe it was used in at least one episode, and was some sort of Italian coachbuilt jobbie.  Now then, SVM: do you know the two at the back? Red one was driven by Caroline Quentin in Jonathan Creek; blue one by David Jason in A Touch Of Frost.

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Barry Newman joins us again, to take the red Torino from Fear Is The Key; the green one is Clint's from Gran Torino.  Behind that is the Escort Glynis Barber drove in Dempsey And Makepeace.  Coming forward, two incarnations of The Saint: a Volvo for Roger Moore, and a Jensen for Simon Dutton who briefly played the part in about 1990.  Now why is there another Firebird here?  Read on...

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Ahead of the Firebird is a white SD1, which wears two hats.  Along with the Firebird, these are two of the cars used by the character of Taffin in the early-80s books I'm so fond of.  I have talked about them on other threads.  The SD1 could also represent Derek Martin's car in the short-lived King & Castle.  XJS and TR7 you will know from The New Avengers; yellow SD1 could also be with them but I've chosen to place it with the Capri and TR7 from The Professionals.  Apparently it was literally the same car anyway!  Front row is all Jag.  Arthur Daley gets a look-in here, as does The Equalizer.  I'm fairly sure his S3 was replaced with an XJ40 in the last season.  And finally, let's close with Dick Van Dyke's XK from Diagnosis Murder.

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Now we are in bigger scales.  You've already seen McGill's Imp; here it sits with Terry's Capri.  Next up is the Volga taxi abused by Matt Damon in the second Bourne film, then a blower Bentley to represent John Steed's car.  The yellow bus was issued as a Hi-De-Hi tie-in, but I'm pretty sure no such vehicle appeared.  Behind it, Rubber Duck's Mack, and behind that, a modified Ford unit representing the Kenworth used in BJ And The Bear.  And of course Corporal Jones's van from Dad's Army.

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Morse's Jag of course; next to that is Leslie Grantham's Saab from The Paradise Club.  A larger Monkeemobile, Captain Scarlet SPV, and SHADO mobile from UFO.  Orange Lambo is of course from The Italian Job, and then.... well a bit of an oddity I suppose.  Corgi modified their 1961 Oldsmobile casting as a Man From UNCLE car, except the show was Chrysler-sponsored, so our heroes usually drove a Dodge Monaco convertible, or Charger.  With a little thought, Corgi could have used a version of the Green Hornet car, that being an Imperial of the period.  Anyway... they issued the model in blue, and the blue one you can see is unrestored, despite missing its periscope.  Behind it there's a restored one, by me, and then something I only became aware of in my 20s or even 30s: the white variant.

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I might have mentioned this before... a couple of years ago I was in a charity shop in Ulverston, and spotted this garage.  It was on the brink of being thrown away, so I donated a quid and saved it.  I think it really suits these few remaining small-scale cars.

 

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Eddy Ram Rod writes a book, ready for the Xmas rush.  The Waterstone’s signing event lasts the weekend.  David Hasselhoff is in town and pops by for a photocall with Eddy.  TikTok dance videos from Joanna Lumley and Brian Blessed play on screens above. It just might happen!

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I have a dilemma. I have a Bazooka with a missing engine stack

 

 

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And I have a Bazooka with a missing exhaust tip

 

 

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So do I make one good one (but then it's not original anymore) or live with two almost complete ones?

 

Also one has clear glass and the other has yellow, which do you prefer?

 

 

20200916_135904

 

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3 hours ago, bunglebus said:

I have a dilemma. I have a Bazooka with a missing engine stack

20200528_181610

And I have a Bazooka with a missing exhaust tip

20200916_135920

So do I make one good one (but then it's not original anymore) or live with two almost complete ones?

Also one has clear glass and the other has yellow, which do you prefer?

20200916_135904

 

My dilemmas are similar.  I dwell on the possibilities too much and nothing gets finished. As has happened here!

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My suggestion to resolve your dilemma is keep the *authentic yellow glazing, swap the broken engine stack row, swap the seat section that holds the front and third row of pipes.

The stack rows are separate; the pipes are on two separate pieces

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Then paint the donor in an upscale similar homage

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Then realise the house can't fix itself, bag them up and forget about them 

 

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55 minutes ago, flat4alfa said:

My suggestion to resolve your dilemma is keep the *authentic yellow glazing, swap the broken engine stack row, swap the seat section that holds the front and third row of pipes.

I chose to go a slightly different route - left the engine attached to the body and swapped the interior and exhausts out of the donor, with the clear glass as it's more unusual. It has actually got a light orange tint so probably a production anomaly 

 

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It's annoying but I think Tesco were testing the waters selling Matchbox as the exclusive UK supplier. I would say it hasn't gone well, as lots get left in the box for ages, despite being cheaper than Hot Wheels. Part of the problem is there will be 4-6 of the same car in each case, rather than 2-3 with Hot Wheels, so once you've found your MK1 Golf or whatever, you're unlikely to buy 3 more. 

I think if someone like Smyths or Entertainer could sell them, they'd do well and maybe we'd start seeing the premium ones too. Tesco is a supermarket so other than us collectors, they're mainly going to sell the odd one to parents getting something to shut the kids up while they're shopping. 

I don't know what the terms of the Tesco contract are, maybe they will be more widely available in the future

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