Shite in Miniature II

[Datsuncog]

5 hours ago, MiniMinorMk3 said:

By the way, none of the modern Matchbox or HotWheels stuff will ever command the prices of the original issue stuff. Too many people buy them thinking if they keep them in a darkened room for 30 years they will be worth a mint. The thing is, too many people have got the same idea, just like they did 30 year ago with the Days Gone stuff.

They'll be worth something for as long as there's a consensus that they must be worth something - but yes, once a cohort passes on, then the things they valued tends to crash through the floor.

The trick behind 'survivor investing' is to not be the last one standing holding the goods, as by that point their notional value evaporates.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_fool_theory?wprov=sfla1

I've waxed lyrical on this before, but I think Billy Bunter memorabilia was one of the first mass-media collectables to gain traction as very valuable, with first-edition books and original copies of Magnet comic selling for ££££ because some wealthy old guys had such positive associations between Frank Richards' stories and their teenage youth in the 1920s and 30s, that they were happy to partake in bidding wars beyond what was sensible to acquire certain rarities.

Once this particular generation had passed, the values of the items cratered because, as you say, supply suddenly outstripped demand. To put it bluntly, no-one cared anymore.

And the same could well happen with Mattel products - or any collectible, really.

These days, I just keep the things I actively like and punt the rest on, regardless of whether they look like 'investments' - because in the long-term they probably won't be...

[egg]

There are Lledo catalogues here, a look at 1989 and 2001 reveals many model T vans, proving those vanguard castings to be the outliers.

https://sites.google.com/site/lledomodelsdiecast/catalogues

[egg]

Cor look, I could have a Herne Bay Lledo!

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/209033495479857/

[MiniMinorMk3]

When I stuck these on Ebay a few years ago some of these made over £20, and some did not. Two made over £50.

[flat4alfa]

At Big Car Boot Romanesc yesterday, I saw hundred or so Lledo laid out tidily on a tarp, all at £3 MIB.  I went back near closing time and not one had been sold.

The only one that stood out for me was a white Mini with a saltire on the roof.  I toyed with the idea of buying it, thinking it scarce, but put it down again, out of principle.

[TheOtherStu]

1 hour ago, flat4alfa said:

At Big Car Boot Romanesc yesterday, I saw hundred or so Lledo laid out tidily on a tarp, all at £3 MIB.  I went back near closing time and not one had been sold.

The only one that stood out for me was a white Mini with a saltire on the roof.  I toyed with the idea of buying it, thinking it scarce, but put it down again, out of principle.

Educate me please.
Is there something inherently wrong with Lledo models or was it the car boot that was the issue?
Said Car Boot wasn't the one at the back of Linslade, home of the Great Diesel Spillage?

[bunglebus]

This arrived this morning 

I was slightly mystified at first, then I remembered my dad saying he'd won some Hot Wheels 

Nice.

A couple of other packages turned up later, containing this 

One of the very last Lone Star busses made, with only the side doors opening.

Came in a lot with some others I'm not so interested in

Lastly, a mint on card Sand Digger

The blister is a bit cracked and loose - but that means I could free it for better pics

[flat4alfa]

1 hour ago, TheOtherStu said:

Is there something inherently wrong with Lledo models

Yes, they fare poorly in a vice.

Quote

Said Car Boot wasn't the one at the back of Linslade

No, the one at Herts Showground.

[TheOtherStu]

1 hour ago, flat4alfa said:

Yes, they fare poorly in a vice.

No, the one at Herts Showground.

Ah, the travellers that don't travel from the Three Cherry Trees Site.
I used to work opposite them. I have many stories.....
10,000 litres of red diesel went missing one night from our place. They literally broke in the back gates, drove a tanker in and emptied the generator.

On another occasion, there had been a number of motorhomes go missing locally. Said park had a number where the registrations had been swapped with regular transits and the transits had all been requested change of chassis type with the DVLA.
The Police also found £200,000 in cash, a whole container full of stolen tools and loads of other stuff. Apparently, they solved a massive amount of crime in one night - something like 80% of the last 3 months burglaries and break-ins.

[bunglebus]

56 minutes ago, TheOtherStu said:

The Police solved a massive amount of crime in one night - something like 80% of the last 3 months burglaries and break-ins.

The police actually did something about pikeys?

[bunglebus]

Managed to pin my semi-tame Lone Star parts guy down and order a few pairs of side doors for my needier buses.

Typically he doesn't yet do the bonnet for the Taunus but sent me this pic of his stock - probably more Firenza spares than there are cars left!

Hopefully the quality will be the same as the boom he made for the transit, proper heavy metal not that wibbly white metal stuff most replacement bits seem to be made of 

[RoadworkUK]

One particular "DO NOT INVEST" Black area is, I suspect, 1:18 cars. Yes, some are quite desirable; certain AUTOart models get hankered after some time after their production run comes to an end. And there are extra super-duper models by the likes of CMC, which start at £several and will probably forever be worth £several. 

The models at the Bburago end of the market, though, are pretty much the same as Days Gone, but extra inconvenient because of their greater size. 

My first 1:18 Bburago, the inevitable Jaguar E-Type, was a gift from my parents for Christmas 1988. Later that day, when the second round of presents was dished out, I got a second, identical model, from my Grandparents, so I decided to keep one boxed up in the attic as a future collectible. My thinking must have been the same as for several million other kids, because eBay is crammed full of Bburago cars from the last 20 years or so, and they're lucky to sell at anything above initial bid, if they sell at all. Today, being that they're not especially sophisticated models by modern standards, they can only possibly sell on the basis of nostalgia.

Certain Maisto models have actually found themselves getting desirable on the back of the popularity of the prototype. The Honda S2000, frixample, hasn't been modelled well by many companies, and it tends to change hands for several dozen quid on eBay. Same is true of Gate's rendition of the first-gen Mazda MX-5, as well as their Peugeot 406 Coupé; those who are eccentric enough to own examples of the latter are also eccentric enough to want a model of same.

I just buy stuff because I like it, and have to grin and bear the fact that I'm wholly unlikely to ever see my money back, even if I could be bothered to put myself through the rigmorale of attempting to sell them on.

 

[TheOtherStu]

1 hour ago, bunglebus said:

The police actually did something about pikeys?

Apparently, there were 6 cars and a meat wagon.
But too be fair, these were fairly tame. They live in a Caravan park.

I mean, you can't call them travellers, because they don't go anywhere. So yes, they're pikeys.

[bunglebus]

1 hour ago, RoadworkUK said:

I just buy stuff because I like it

This is the only worthwhile reason to do it. I have a couple of things worth several tens of pounds maybe, but the value to me is just having them to look at

[danthecapriman]

48 minutes ago, bunglebus said:

This is the only worthwhile reason to do it. I have a couple of things worth several tens of pounds maybe, but the value to me is just having them to look at

Definitely. 
I tend to buy the specific things I like, or things I remember having years ago but since lost. Some are things my dad remembers having so I’ve got my own ones now since his are long gone.

As far as worth and value are concerned, meh!! If I like it I’ll try to get it. I don’t buy as investments and I’m not bothered if I over pay, if I like it. 
Likewise I’m not really a true ‘Collector’ as in I don’t attempt to get the complete set or every number from a certain years catalog etc. if I like it…

Same with my real cars I suppose! I just get what I like, bollocks to all the other stuff and not letting your heart rule your head or being sensible. 
 

It’d be nice to think these things would be treasured by my family after I’ve shuffled off but it’ll be out of my hands by then. And if they aren’t then the ungrateful bastards can enjoy taking it all to the tip!😆

[Jon]

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.

[danthecapriman]

14 minutes ago, Jon said:

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.

You can’t just leave us hanging after that!!

Whats the item in question!?😆 I’m nosey you see!

[sheffcortinacentre]

3 hours ago, bunglebus said:

The police actually did something about pikeys?

Don't be silly the police are scared of upsetting pikeys on so many levels.

[Metal Guru]

11 hours ago, MiniMinorMk3 said:

When I stuck these on Ebay a few years ago some of these made over £20, and some did not. Two made over £50.

I like the sound of “Wapping beers”!

[Split_Pin]

At the moment, in my opinion, the toys that are a good investment are 1970s and early 1980s 1:24 Bburagos and Polistils, especially models of contemporary everyday cars. Forget the Ferraris and Lamborghinis.

Everyone had at least a few as kids, but they were just out of pocket money reach and were consequently bought only as birthday or Christmas gifts.

They all instantly fell to bits with even light play and for all the above reasons are quite rare in mint and boxed condition. They are crude by todays standards but the nostalgia is strong.

The children who played with them are now in their 40s and 50s and some may have disposable income to re-purchase items from their childhood. 

A quick look on ebay shows good boxed items, especially early 'HAT' (Hobbies and Toys) branded cars are fetching strong money, often upwards of £70.

Something like a Renault 14 or Fiat Regata is a good bet, I am sure of it.

[sierraman]

I have a 1/24 Regatta, I remember buying it in a toy shop in Filey in about 1990. The back lights have fell out and one wheel won’t turn but it’s a memory for me I guess! There’s little bits that I added to it over the years like some ‘speakers’ on the parcel shelf made from those rubber stick on feet you got with small appliances. I’ll have to look it up somewhere, I’m sure it’s in the loft. 
 

Out of all the 80’s Burago it seems one of the most scarce ones along with the Alfa 33. 

[flat4alfa]

The rarest Bburagos still out-live most of the the real things

There is Bburago 1:24 Alfa 33 here but as the forum search is borked I can't bore you with a photo

[Datsuncog]

I think anything modelling a vehicle which was 'contemporary in period' is more likely to be sought after/ hold its value than a recreation of an older vehicle - so a mint in box 1/24 Bburago Renault 14 or Fiat Regatta (for example) from the late 70s/ early 80s, despite being much less glamorous, will probably fetch a higher price these days than a Mercedes SSK or Bugatti Type 55 Roadster.

As ever, nostalgia seems to be a big factor and people appear more likely to break out their wallet for a toy the same as one they had as a kid, or indeed a model of a real-life car they owned.

I know I've a bit of a yearning for a replacement brown Hot Wheels branded Fiat Uno, which lived in my toy box and was played with to death when I was seven or eight...

...but considerably less affection now for the Bburago Ferrari Testarossa that lived on a shelf around the same time, and was a lot more fragile.

It'd cost me quite a bit more to acquire a MIB Uno these days than the Ferrari... though admittedly, the number of people who would have bought and carefully stored away a Renault 14 (or Fiat Uno) is probably a lot less than those who did the same for a Ferrari.

Funny how 'specialness' can get turned on its head. 

[MiniMinorMk3]

Continuing my mini series of posts regarding the UT catalogues here is the first UT exclusive catalogue from 1996. All 16 pages are reproduced in glorious colour for your enjoyment.

Contents. As can be seen the range has lost the DTM cars, but has gained the 007 Z3, Ferrari F355 and newly announced Chevrolet Caprice. Tin Tin has also gone.

Road version of Z3

E36 3-Series Saloon

E36 3-Series Coupe

Jeep

Ferrari, Caprice and Cossie

Interesting to note that they are still distributed by Paul's Model Art. Also the eagle eyed would have noticed that the model numbers are in the same style as Minichamps models.

[Datsuncog]

Just to circle on back to Friday and the weekend, then... fun* with DIY prevented me from responding to notes 'n' queries in a timely manner!

On 9/8/2023 at 9:44 AM, flat4alfa said:

Just went across to Corgi website and saw the blue Jaguar,  red Volvo and Goldstang are £22 inc shipping

So what's happened there then?  Are they overstocked and selling off some in bulk at the Tuesday auction? 

No idea, dude.

And I think they're £22 plus shipping from the Hornby Hobbies online shop, unless you buy more than one (free shipping over £30).

I note also that the blue E-Type is showing as out of stock, too.

RT33501 Jaguar 4.2 litre E Type, Blue (corgi.co.uk)

At a guess, maybe someone bought a load as an investment, then ended up having to punt them off at auction and took a haircut on them?

Or... maybe AliExpress is doing them for cheaps out the back door of the factory?

 

On 9/8/2023 at 10:42 AM, andrew e said:

I will stick my hand up for bargain gold Mustangs in future!

Duly noted! Will see what's still there on Friday.

I very nearly did nab a Mustang, but ended up putting it back as I felt it'd be hard to justify. The colour looks much better than the white sports racer version though, I reckon.

 

On 9/8/2023 at 10:53 AM, bunglebus said:

Those Superwheels would be very cool if they weren't buses - were you tempted by the Corgi Merc bus on its card? 

Yeah, it's a pity it's the fairly humdrum buses which seem to turn up - a Toyota camper like the one shown on the packaging would be really good!

I was tempted by the yellow Mercedes minibus - though I managed to get this minty metallic blue one only a few weeks ago...

...which I think HAD been still in its blister card when I first encountered this selection back in April (top row):

But subsequently lost it. Still, it was a fiver while on the card but only £2 loose, so... swings and roundabouts?

 

On 9/8/2023 at 11:44 AM, MiniMinorMk3 said:

The 9 is just the 6 decal placed upside down.

The two rare versions are the one with red wheels...

and the yellow painted version.

Annoyingly, I did have a red wheel example of the Ford GT, which cost me £3 on the Tat Stall back in July 2021 - but I think I managed to lose track of it during the house move, and it ended up getting job-lotted back to Market Blokey in early 2022 to save my sanity/ marriage.

[Datsuncog]

Went to post a letter at lunchtime, and was a bit miffed to discover the nearest postbox to the office (relatively speaking) now boasts a last collection time of 9 a.m.

Yes, so anything posted within office hours now won't even get picked up until the following day.

Some might be forgiven for suspecting that this is, in fact, the only collection that now takes place.

This was a most unsatisfactory state of affairs, so I hoofed it across the city centre to the main Post Office to deposit my urgent missive.

And, in a way it was good that I did - since my route took me past Cash Converters.

Oooweee.

A veritable wall of seventies Lesney products.

Now, closer inspection showed that some weren't exactly in brilliant nick - not trashed, exactly, but they've certainly been enjoyed over their lifespan.

Also, some confusion seems to have crept in: the No.33 Datsun 128X shouldn't be paired with a No.40 Guildsman box...

...and that ain't no Dodge Charger III. Hell, that's not even a Matchbox.

OMG FACTORY MEGA ERROR £££££

Some quite nice Scalextric cars were also evident:

Road and track versions of the Aussie Falcon XW/XY.

Worth £40 a go? Maybe. I genuinely don't know.

But how much were the Lesneys? I couldn't see a price on any of the boxes.

Which was maybe just as well, since at least that meant no-one had slapped a catastrophically sticky label onto the delicate, 50 year old cardboard.

A quick peek into the cabinet with an equally confused member of staff revealed... the barcode labels had been placed inside the boxes, still with the backing paper in place.

Well, how sensible for a change.

And the price was... £5 each.

Apparently, some lad had brought a whole suitcase full of these into the shop last week. This was just the remainder left.

I tried not to think too hard about this.

But it still left me with a difficult decision to make.

Hnnnnng...

[flat4alfa]

Beetle good £5 buy I reckon

[flat4alfa]

3 hours ago, Datsuncog said:

And I think they're £22 plus shipping from the Hornby Hobbies online shop, unless you buy more than one (free shipping over £30).

Ah ok, I misread.  Likely in my excitement / rush I put a few into the online basket ...!

But still, were down to £15 and no they are not on Ali Express, unlike the French Dinky run

Quote

I note also that the blue E-Type is showing as out of stock, too.

Gah!  I sat there thinking 'no, but yes it's a nice colour and unusual, but no, I don't need it, but yes, I want it really but, oh no, that'll be another £15 down the marriage swannee'.

So if one is still there this week...

[Datsuncog]

Yeah, well... I felt it'd be rude not to.

VW 1500 is still very shiny, though has taken a few knocks to the extremities.

I hadn't clocked that the glazing was cracked until after I'd bought it, either.

Annoying.

But hey - to be honest, it's the box artwork that takes me to the fair.

ZOOM!! SPEED!!

It's pretty awesome.

Some evidence of patina in the foxed edges, but largely tidy.

The Racing Mini has had a hard paper round too.

It's lost its stickers, and has more than a few knocks to the paint.

But even so - and despite its daft proportions - it still has a lot of charm.

So - not some items I'd expected to come home with today, but sometimes you find the tat, and sometimes the tat finds you...

The best bit is that these come with a 12 month warranty, which is significantly more than I've ever received with a real car...

[Spottedlaurel]

I suppose it's because they were what I saw in toy shops as child of that decade, but I do find the early-mid '70s box art and colouring to be very attractive. Just seeing your photos of them in a window display is pleasing.