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12 hours ago, sierraman said:

Tell us more about the shed it looks huge!

OK. Mrs SL used it to sway me when we first looked at the house and I wasn't otherwise hugely impressed - for some reason it didn't fully register with me. When she sees what's in there now I think she sometimes regrets her persuasion.....

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It's basically a 35x14' building at the bottom of the garden that was used by the previous owner as a joinery workshop. Mrs and Miss SL have the end bay of around 7' as a studio (simply because that's where the wall was before he extended it, not me being grossly unfair), the rest is what you see above.

Mrs SL reminded me the other day that we had a Scalextric track on the desks not so long ago, it looks like other stuff has moved out there since then......

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Forgot I had these two together the other day when I sorted the display unit out.

The question that nobody was asking, who does the best Escort Mk4 XR3i?

IMG_20210220_225843.thumb.jpg.6dbc6d16bd869e79936728513854d6c9.jpg

I've had this Whitebox version for a while. Basically this casting was the only choice you had if you wanted a 1/43 Mk4 XR3i. It's done the rounds under different makers and colours (grey by Whitebox, black by Triple 9 and a cheapie Ixo partwork version in white). Because of this, bargains are rare. I paid a smidge over £20 posted for this one. Looking on eBay, it still wasn't a bad result, the black and white versions go for even more.

It's been around a while, but it's still a good model. The casting is crisp and the paintwork is flawless with a good shine. The Matt black bits like the window surrounds, fuel cap and door handles are sharp, as are the thin red pinstripes. It does have a bit of an identity crisis in having an early front bumper but late rear spoiler and wheels, along with RS Turbo arches and skirts. Not unlike a lot of real life XR3is in period really...

IMG_20210220_225823.thumb.jpg.783e18f33799ca7c396ba1201c54a92c.jpg

The recently launched Corgi Vanguards XR3i is another well rendered version. Both cars have caught the shape well, though I think the door handles and the red pinstripes are tidier on the Whitebox. The Vanguards version scores on being completely bog stock and base, down to the factory wheel trims.

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The Whitebox suffers a bit at the front. The front leading edge of the bonnet seems to fall at too sharp an angle. The front bumper corners seem too angular too, all in all, a bit too 'square' at the front. Looks a bit weird for an XR3i not to have front spots as well, even though they were always an option.

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The Vanguards version seems a better shape at the front, spotlights are present and the car scores here by being a UK registered RHD version, with a decent stab at the number plate font. Shame about the bonnet sitting proud on the nearside, seems to be a problem with this casting, not just on my example.

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Nice detail on the Whitebox. The later rear spoiler looks good, the tiny bootlock is a seperately moulded item, the Ford badge looks good but the Escort logo looks more like a Mk6 Escort badge. Odd. Extra points though for the rear screen heating elements and the tail lights are good.

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Again the Vanguards captures the arse end well. Nice spoiler. Great rear badging in the right font for an early model. The bootlock though is just a painted raised bit on the tailgate, and the lack of heating elements on the screen makes it look a bit cheap compared to the Whitebox. The tail lights aren't nearly as good either. Surely Corgi could have come up with better lights, that don't show the locating pins as obviously as these?

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The difference in front end shapes is obvious here. I think the mirrors and wipers look better on the Vanguards too.

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I think it's a close run thing. The Vanguards version scores mainly on the shape, its glorious base-ness and the fact that we finally have a RHD MK4. For me Vanguards models rate highly in having a metal base which always gives a nice weighty feel when handling the car. But for a much older casting, the Whitebox still scores highly in fit and finish and detailing.

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10 hours ago, AndyW201 said:

Forgot I had these two together the other day when I sorted the display unit out.

The question that nobody was asking, who does the best Escort Mk4 XR3i?

IMG_20210220_225843.thumb.jpg.6dbc6d16bd869e79936728513854d6c9.jpg

I've had this Whitebox version for a while. Basically this casting was the only choice you had if you wanted a 1/43 Mk4 XR3i. It's done the rounds under different makers and colours (grey by Whitebox, black by Triple 9 and a cheapie Ixo partwork version in white). Because of this, bargains are rare. I paid a smidge over £20 posted for this one. Looking on eBay, it still wasn't a bad result, the black and white versions go for even more.

It's been around a while, but it's still a good model. The casting is crisp and the paintwork is flawless with a good shine. The Matt black bits like the window surrounds, fuel cap and door handles are sharp, as are the thin red pinstripes. It does have a bit of an identity crisis in having an early front bumper but late rear spoiler and wheels, along with RS Turbo arches and skirts. Not unlike a lot of real life XR3is in period really...

IMG_20210220_225823.thumb.jpg.783e18f33799ca7c396ba1201c54a92c.jpg

The recently launched Corgi Vanguards XR3i is another well rendered version. Both cars have caught the shape well, though I think the door handles and the red pinstripes are tidier on the Whitebox. The Vanguards version scores on being completely bog stock and base, down to the factory wheel trims.

IMG_20210220_230012.thumb.jpg.6ad75ac923a824fb4668db72271a663e.jpg

The Whitebox suffers a bit at the front. The front leading edge of the bonnet seems to fall at too sharp an angle. The front bumper corners seem too angular too, all in all, a bit too 'square' at the front. Looks a bit weird for an XR3i not to have front spots as well, even though they were always an option.

IMG_20210220_225957.thumb.jpg.4c3ad5ebfe431d04db7afa73b3eb9b36.jpg

The Vanguards version seems a better shape at the front, spotlights are present and the car scores here by being a UK registered RHD version, with a decent stab at the number plate font. Shame about the bonnet sitting proud on the nearside, seems to be a problem with this casting, not just on my example.

IMG_20210220_230034.thumb.jpg.2d4c7bccebdc10703da8c4b8261119c4.jpg

Nice detail on the Whitebox. The later rear spoiler looks good, the tiny bootlock is a seperately moulded item, the Ford badge looks good but the Escort logo looks more like a Mk6 Escort badge. Odd. Extra points though for the rear screen heating elements and the tail lights are good.

IMG_20210220_230054.thumb.jpg.3f8d37a0cb9571602d7c79bbde33cb60.jpg

Again the Vanguards captures the arse end well. Nice spoiler. Great rear badging in the right font for an early model. The bootlock though is just a painted raised bit on the tailgate, and the lack of heating elements on the screen makes it look a bit cheap compared to the Whitebox. The tail lights aren't nearly as good either. Surely Corgi could have come up with better lights, that don't show the locating pins as obviously as these?

IMG_20210220_230151.thumb.jpg.914b6d4b25998a8853848586589b7f8b.jpg

The difference in front end shapes is obvious here. I think the mirrors and wipers look better on the Vanguards too.

IMG_20210220_230825.thumb.jpg.bffb1e78c3f56028fbc00e8bd7fb27ac.jpg

IMG_20210220_230842.thumb.jpg.5cb4eba09bf8dd7a27a8e577192f9870.jpg

I think it's a close run thing. The Vanguards version scores mainly on the shape, its glorious base-ness and the fact that we finally have a RHD MK4. For me Vanguards models rate highly in having a metal base which always gives a nice weighty feel when handling the car. But for a much older casting, the Whitebox still scores highly in fit and finish and detailing.

That Vanguards model is gorgeous. If I didn't have a self-imposed ban on buying diecast, I'd be on ebay right now...

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Was in Tesco yesterday, but you can't buy any die cast,essential shopping only,which is disappointing as I want to find the new Plymouth Savoy casting,and the Golf recolour.

So I popped into the Range and it was much the same thing,the toy aisle was cordoned off, apart from the hot wheels display,so I managed to pick up the new Toyota AE86 casting.

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You like drifting Smoll Eddy?

"Been drifting all my life M8"

"Born dahn saaf,Moved Oop Norf,then settled in Ireland to be sure,I'd call that driftin' M8"

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On 2/21/2021 at 3:55 PM, eddyramrod said:

What I am particularly lacking is a green one for comparison.  If there's one kicking around the forum I would be most grateful.  Any condition will do as long as it's intact. 

 

On 2/21/2021 at 7:00 PM, bunglebus said:

I had two, but I think I sold the less-good one. I'll check the projects box next time I'm passing

Project box searched. Target acquired. Also a bloody Gus's Gulper which is annoying as I bought one to paint white...

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16 hours ago, eddyramrod said:

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I've bought these two to repaint.

However I need to remove the figures, especially as the Thunderbird is going to be the Thelma & Louise car and thus really needs two women in it rather than two men

It seems a shame to redo nice examples.  But I suppose that partwork playworns are a rare find

Please don't throw the figures away though, I could make use of them.

I assume this Hornet is at 1:43 ?

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7 minutes ago, flat4alfa said:

It seems a shame to redo nice examples.  But I suppose that partwork playworns are a rare find

Please don't throw the figures away though, I could make use of them.

I assume this Hornet is at 1:43 ?

I agree, but as you say, playworns are almost impossible to find.  I wasn't going to throw the figures, I throw nothing away!  Have you not learned that about me yet???

And yes, this Hornet is supposed to be 1/43; the whole partwork series was.

48 minutes ago, MarvinsMom said:

any MGB's?

I don't remember, but if I find any, how many would you like?

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4 hours ago, bunglebus said:

Project box searched. Target acquired. Also a bloody Gus's Gulper which is annoying as I bought one to paint white...

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If Eddy doesn't take the Mustang on I would like to...

I reckon the unearthed spare Gus's Gulper needs doing up in another, unique scheme!  I wondered about cloning the pre-production yellow/orange that sold for £380 in 2015

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Not sure the stickers would colour-match well though.  I thought might be better suited to the Milligan's set? - with the bonus of achieving anger/confusion amongst the staunch collectors when the photo of the finished article got out with swapped-stickers.  There would be gammon explosions all over the place.

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Also, I found out my spare Milligan's Mill if you fancy a recolour project alternative on that theme?  Will be sometime before I get near paints again as the garage is now all in boxes

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I reckoned blue like this real Pinto Funny Car would go well with the Gulper's swapped sticker set colours 

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Another I wanted to do was use a Gulper/Milligan base and fix the Mustang II body to it, as it's the right size and helps to complete the period funny-car track diorama set in my head.  It's almost as if that was the plan, as the scoop cut-out is already there in the casting

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As a second variation, there was this genuine trial colour too

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No I don't know why I'm filling both our heads with MORE project ideas, either.

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51 minutes ago, flat4alfa said:

I wondered about cloning the re-production yellow/orange that sold for £380 in 2015

Not sure the stickers would colour-match well though.  I thought might be better suited to the Milligan's set? - with the bonus of achieving anger/confusion amongst the staunch collectors when the photo of the finished article got out with swapped-stickers.  There would be gammon explosions all over the place.

Another I wanted to do was use a Gulper/Milligan base and fix the Mustang II body to it, as it's the right size and helps to complete the period funny-car track diorama set in my head.  It's almost as if that was the plan, as the scoop cut-out is already there in the casting

lesney-matchbox-speed-kings-60_1_0a86bab593afc5f0bfd3fe317aa2bfa4.jpg.2e6f69df17e72a411ad6666da27f50bf.jpg

Milligans Gulper? Gus's Mill?

Funny enough, you'll never guess what else I found in the project box...

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On 2/22/2021 at 1:15 PM, bunglebus said:

This arrived. Only has Made In China underneath but Googling seems to suggest this is a Lucky Toys 911? Has a working friction motor

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How did I miss this posting!  Only just noticed it, winding back through 007 Mustang postings by Eddy.

Looks like we both have the same 'fake' ones!  Probably all made just doors from each other anyhow...

For some reason I have a wayward extra sticker that's wandered off the boot/bonnet lid (I think!) and made itself at home permanently on a rear arch...  Got it for £3 a few weeks back, please don't tell me you did better!  I've had these seeking me out for over a year and always up at around a tenner or more.  Only grabbed it because it was up at offers and seller didn't know what they had

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It's a toy, but it tried to be 1:32 scale and is perfect* stable mate for the Scalextric 911 Turbo I've had since my 9th birthday, which has yellowed a bit looking at it right now on camera.  But still, miles better condition than me.

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Logo, trade name and No.3141 are stamped on a 'branded' Lucky base:

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You know all these Matchbox pre-productions that come out of the woodwork, I wonder how they’ve seen light of day, usually manufacturers retain and destroy things like that. Unless the draughtsmen and the model makers put them in a drawer and quietly hid them in a sandwich box and smuggled them home. Makes you wonder how many got binned when the factory wound up in ‘82?

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Well today I've had a fiddle...

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L-R: Felix's driver; Felix Leiter (Cec Linder); Sheriff JW Pepper (Clifton James); James Bond (Roger Moore) and behind them, the interiors of their respective cars.  The Thunderbird put up a bit of a fight but I can reassemble it, no problem.  The figures were all glued in place.  Bond and the Sheriff were glued at the hands as well as their bums.  And Bond's lower back.  A scalpel blade soon split them apart though.  All four are now sitting in a spare Cadillac interior; they won't be going back in the cars they came from.  I haven't decided where they will be going.  Ideally I now need a female driver and passenger for the Thunderbird.

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I made some figures by restyling a pack of Army men from the Pound shop. I figured I couldn't go wrong at 100 figures for a pound.

IMG_20210221_211531small.thumb.jpg.e6a1d788020da0008496ff2171cf2ce5.jpg

These chaps had an illegal rave/drinking session of more than two. Just look at the recklessness of the chap adding fuel to the fire. The only one with a bit of safety is the guy with his PPE safety cone on this head.

Edit: I fully blame lockdown fever for this.

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47 minutes ago, bunglebus said:

Hmm, thanks for that.  I've just bought two sets and I'm watching a third.  At least this means I'll have some people at my little car show now!

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Some years ago I got the Kamei Escort at the back from @mk2_craig on here. I don't think he'll mind me saying it wasn't built to the highest standard, with thick red brush paint and plenty of glue, on its own it would have been a challenging restoration project.

1:25 Revell Ford Escort kits

Knowing I had this kit, someone on another forum kindly offered me the XR3 version. It's missing a fair few parts, useful things like the chassis and much of the interior, but I should be able to make one road car out of the two, and use the remnants for a RWD converted short oval/autocross racer.

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