Shite in Miniature II

[Split_Pin]

Great to meet you Jon, I'm still enjoying my purchases nearly a month later!

[bunglebus]

Nice haul the @Jon, is that a Polistil Scirocco in the antipodean pic - along with a Corgi Juniors Dodge Magnum no less, surely not the one @andrew eacquired recently?

The Datsun 240Z in the other lot looks unusual, and I am rather jealous of your Dinky NSU RO80!

[sierraman]

19 minutes ago, Jon said:

Hi everyone, I'm back home!

After 6 weeks of travelling about the UK (and returning my brother's car to him with around 100 miles left on the agreed miles policy) and meeting/dealing with many shiters on here, I can now give you a brief update of my wares that have flown across the globe with me:

 

First up, a couple of tempting AMT models, procured from @eddyramrod from a meet-up at Lakeland Motor Museum. I'd previously tried to make a slightly earlier Impala but cocked up the spray job, so there's unfinished business here. Some day in the distant future...

 

Then a small selection of smalls - artistically representing their new home down under and nothing to do with the fact that this image is upside down for some unfathomable reason.

 

But here's the main event:

Many further updates to come but check this lot out - didn't I do well! Some of these are the pickings of direct trades from @bunglebus, @andrew e, @eddyramrod and @sierraman and the rest was bought from two excellent car boot sales in York.

I also met up with @Split_Pin and @AndyW201, to drop off wares from NZ (and in one case, return to pick up items I'd left behind!), so a very, very successful mini shite adventure.

The best bit though is that barring swaps, the purchase of everything above was bankrolled by the sale of these:

 

Of which I'll be ever thankful for the services of @AndyW201, who dealt with the sale of the Fiesta and 205 on Ebay, for a nice fat profit. Indeed, I've still got diecast spending money left over!

And if anyone's wondering, we had 1.9kg and 1kg left in our baggage allowances, not helped also by our equally rich haul of charity shop/boot sale Hornsea pottery...

And finally, as requested, here's a quick shot of the former @sierraman's Neue Klasse BMW in its new home.

I've got so, so much gardening to do....

Love it! That BMW has gone from a car boot sale in Mansfield, to my wardrobe then on to a retirement on the other side of the world!

[Jon]

16 minutes ago, bunglebus said:

Nice haul the @Jon, is that a Polistil Scirocco in the antipodean pic - along with a Corgi Juniors Dodge Magnum no less, surely not the one @andrew eacquired recently?

The Datsun 240Z in the other lot looks unusual, and I am rather jealous of your Dinky NSU RO80!

It's a Yatming Scirocco, with slightly broken front suspension, sadly. But I had money burning a hole in my wallet, so it came back with me. Such a neat little piece.

The Ro80 was a fiver, which I think was quite fair for its condition. Paid the same for the blue Mercedes, to complete the trifecta of overly dumpy Dinky renderings, to house the AA batteries required to power the lights. Not tested any of them yet, mind...

And that snot green thing is I think a Maserati. Not in great shape but it's rather more 'exotic' than others, and for £1 I couldn't say no. I'll post more photos in good time.

9 minutes ago, sierraman said:

Love it! That BMW has gone from a car boot sale in Mansfield, to my wardrobe then on to a retirement on the other side of the world!

Indeed! It tickles me that I found these bits of Hornsea in rummage boxes at a car boot sale last Saturday - and within 5 days of buying, the tea pot has served tea on both sides of the world.

(once again, the image is upside down for no reason. Which doesn't help with tea retention)

[Datsuncog]

On 10/24/2022 at 10:38 PM, barrett said:

Can one of you PLEASE buy this?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/185627142162

Ooo fuck.

[eddyramrod]

6 hours ago, eddyramrod said:

You know what, that's not a bad idea.  If I go ahead, you're at the head of the queue for the Herald.  I'd probably end up keeping the Zeph but the Imp could be rehomed as I already have that one in MIB spec.

 

Bugger.  As so often, I wasn't quick enough deciding I wanted these, and they've sold.  But Mr @barrett, thank you for the tipoff anyway.

[MiniMinorMk3]

As promised here's some more Matchbox Collectibles. These all used old Vitesse castings, but are much better detailed and feel better built.

1959 Impala

1947 Chrysler Town and Country

1958 Buick Special

1956 Ford Fairlane

1953 Cadillac Eldorado

1948 Desoto

 

1955 Chevrolet Bel-Air

 

[bunglebus]

Found a weird 10 pack yesterday. All 10 packs have an exclusive colour car on the top right, and a random selection of 9 other cars out of about 20 or so.

I had seen the green exclusive Camaro set before but spotted a blue Corvette Sting Ray that I know isn't coming out as a mainline, so I bought it

Here's another I saw today, showing the Corvette as an exclusive 

A bit niche I know but I've never seen an exclusive version in the "normal" area of a 10 pack before so I got double bubble I suppose. I opened the pack as it was tatty and I'll pass on the cars that don't interest me

[barrett]

22 hours ago, Jon said:

First up, a couple of tempting AMT models, procured from @eddyramrod from a meet-up at Lakeland Motor Museum. I'd previously tried to make a slightly earlier Impala but cocked up the spray job, so there's unfinished business here. Some day in the distant future...

That's funny, of the very small number of kits I built as a kid I had both of those (although the Impala was just the bone-stock version). The Fairlaine was the first non-Airfix kit I built. The Impala was the last kit I built, I think, and definitely my best job (still brush-painted Humbrol, though). Both ended up in the bin a couple of years ago when I was having a severe cull. Please update us if/when you build those!

[AndyW201]

On 28/10/2022 at 21:28, Jon said:

Hi everyone, I'm back home!

After 6 weeks of travelling about the UK (and returning my brother's car to him with around 100 miles left on the agreed miles policy) and meeting/dealing with many shiters on here, I can now give you a brief update of my wares that have flown across the globe with me:

 

First up, a couple of tempting AMT models, procured from @eddyramrod from a meet-up at Lakeland Motor Museum. I'd previously tried to make a slightly earlier Impala but cocked up the spray job, so there's unfinished business here. Some day in the distant future...

 

Then a small selection of smalls - artistically representing their new home down under and nothing to do with the fact that this image is upside down for some unfathomable reason.

 

But here's the main event:

Many further updates to come but check this lot out - didn't I do well! Some of these are the pickings of direct trades from @bunglebus, @andrew e, @eddyramrod and @sierraman and the rest was bought from two excellent car boot sales in York.

I also met up with @Split_Pin and @AndyW201, to drop off wares from NZ (and in one case, return to pick up items I'd left behind!), so a very, very successful mini shite adventure.

The best bit though is that barring swaps, the purchase of everything above was bankrolled by the sale of these:

 

Of which I'll be ever thankful for the services of @AndyW201, who dealt with the sale of the Fiesta and 205 on Ebay, for a nice fat profit. Indeed, I've still got diecast spending money left over!

And if anyone's wondering, we had 1.9kg and 1kg left in our baggage allowances, not helped also by our equally rich haul of charity shop/boot sale Hornsea pottery...

And finally, as requested, here's a quick shot of the former @sierraman's Neue Klasse BMW in its new home.

I've got so, so much gardening to do....

Was a pleasure to meet up, albeit a flying visit! Was a mutually beneficial arrangement as I have swelled my Vanguards collection for somewhat less than eBay prices. And seeing the pictures of your lovely diecast haul, I'm glad to have played a part in financing it... 🤣

[AndyW201]

Well, as predicted, my "cutting down on buying diecast" was measured in, erm, hours I think.

But on one of the FB diecast pages appeared a listing, from a guy selling over 250 boxed Vanguards models. Mostly the early yellow box ones from the proper Lledo made in England era.  But in amongst them, I spotted a couple that interested me,

So this is from a lot later when Corgi briefly went back to the old style yellow boxes with the slide-off lid. Ah, bliss. No pissing about with several differently sized tiny screws holding the model to the plinth just to remove it (half of which disappear into the rug never to be seen again.) Just slide off the top lid and....

There we go. Take the model out of the plastic insert and enjoy...

Chrysler/Talbot Sunbeams are among the rarest Vanguards to come up for sale. There were comparitvely few variants made, with one Ti, two Lotuses, two police versions and I think three Motorsport versions. I've been lucky enough to get hold of the green Ti version, one of my all time favourite models. Ordinarily I don't go for rally models, but I couldn't really pass up a chance of a mint & boxed Vanguards Sunbeam for a tenner, especially one as nice as this.

The Colin McRae and Richard Burns Sunbeams go for crazy money now, but this is a nice variant all the same. WRW 29S and 30S were pre production Sunbeam 1.6Ss given to Chrysler's competition department. WRW 30S apparently was used for the development of the  Group 4 Sunbeam-Lotus rally car and WRW 29S was used to showcase the Sunbeam 1.6 as a Group 1 rally car for club rallyists wanting to replace their Avengers with something similar mechanically but small and nimble. It was driven in several rallies by ace Rootes/Chrysler competition driver Bernard Unett.

That car is captured nicely here. Love the futuristic 70s style lettering and the detail on the spotlights.

Early Vanguards Motorsport variants were just literally standard models with a paintjob and different wheels. This comes from the time when Corgi started to put a bit of effort in, with proper rally seats, and a roll cage.

Nice rear strut brace and spare wheel on show.

Even a proper motorsport steering wheel.

[Split_Pin]

That's really nice. The detail on that is perfectly neat with no tampo blemishes and everything to the correct scale (and not slightly oversized to make it easier to render). I had an IXO rally Lotus version but I sold it some years ago, I should have kept it!

Rover 75s excepted, until you started taking detailed pictures of Vanguards I hadn't bought or been given any for some ten years or more. Since then I personally blame you for the purchase of my Sierra Sapphire and Cavalier Turbo, albeit,  thankfully at greatly discounted prices! To try and curb future purchases I think I'll get some of my later ones back down from the loft such as my Cortina MK3 and 4, Marina and a couple of Landcrabs.

[bunglebus]

Anyone recognise this Ritmo/Strada?

[eddyramrod]

55 minutes ago, Split_Pin said:

That's really nice. The detail on that is perfectly neat with no tampo blemishes and everything to the correct scale (and not slightly oversized to make it easier to render). I had an IXO rally Lotus version but I sold it some years ago, I should have kept it!

Rover 75s excepted, until you started taking detailed pictures of Vanguards I hadn't bought or been given any for some ten years or more. Since then I personally blame you for the purchase of my Sierra Sapphire and Cavalier Turbo, albeit,  thankfully at greatly discounted prices! To try and curb future purchases I think I'll get some of my later ones back down from the loft such as my Cortina MK3 and 4, Marina and a couple of Landcrabs.

Haha, that won't work!  I have few of those Vanguards you mention (which is a damn shame, because I really need both a 75 and a ZT; I'll put up with them both being post-facelift).  I'm still buying.  Among others in a parcel I am expecting from @AndyW201 are a scrap mk2 Cortina and a Hidden Treasures Marina, neither of which I have yet owned in any form.  The Marina is the dead spit of one I had in 1986, and the Cortina will become the last new car my dad bought, a four-door 1967 model.

[Split_Pin]

23 minutes ago, bunglebus said:

Anyone recognise this Ritmo/Strada?

Mebetoys. I hope you bought it.

[Split_Pin]

20 minutes ago, eddyramrod said:

Haha, that won't work!  I have few of those Vanguards you mention (which is a damn shame, because I really need both a 75 and a ZT; I'll put up with them both being post-facelift).  I'm still buying.  Among others in a parcel I am expecting from @AndyW201 are a scrap mk2 Cortina and a Hidden Treasures Marina, neither of which I have yet owned in any form.  The Marina is the dead spit of one I had in 1986, and the Cortina will become the last new car my dad bought, a four-door 1967 model.

Yeah it will probably just pique my interest even more!

I need to have a good rummage in my loft as there's a few Norevs and Solidos that haven't seen the light of day for a very long  time. I'm interested in those again after my parcel from Jon contained a 4 European 1/43s from the 70s and 80s.

[bunglebus]

4 minutes ago, Split_Pin said:

Mebetoys. I hope you bought it.

Not yet...

[Split_Pin]

If its not your thing, I'd be interested in it.

[bunglebus]

Oh I'm on it now, I like Mebetoys. Just didn't recognise that one

[Justwatching]

1975 Plymouth Fury wearing Osage Country (Oklahoma) Sheriff livery. I've shot it with a '77 Plymouth Fury (light blue) and '77 Dodge Monaco (LAPD) to illustrate subtle light and grill differences. 

 

[paulplom]

Just scored these five for a quid at a charity shop.

[paulplom]

Any good to anyone?

[sierraman]

Jaffa Mobile! 

[andy18s]

10 hours ago, AndyW201 said:

Well, as predicted, my "cutting down on buying diecast" was measured in, erm, hours I think.

But on one of the FB diecast pages appeared a listing, from a guy selling over 250 boxed Vanguards models. Mostly the early yellow box ones from the proper Lledo made in England era.  But in amongst them, I spotted a couple that interested me,

So this is from a lot later when Corgi briefly went back to the old style yellow boxes with the slide-off lid. Ah, bliss. No pissing about with several differently sized tiny screws holding the model to the plinth just to remove it (half of which disappear into the rug never to be seen again.) Just slide off the top lid and....

There we go. Take the model out of the plastic insert and enjoy...

Chrysler/Talbot Sunbeams are among the rarest Vanguards to come up for sale. There were comparitvely few variants made, with one Ti, two Lotuses, two police versions and I think three Motorsport versions. I've been lucky enough to get hold of the green Ti version, one of my all time favourite models. Ordinarily I don't go for rally models, but I couldn't really pass up a chance of a mint & boxed Vanguards Sunbeam for a tenner, especially one as nice as this.

The Colin McRae and Richard Burns Sunbeams go for crazy money now, but this is a nice variant all the same. WRW 29S and 30S were pre production Sunbeam 1.6Ss given to Chrysler's competition department. WRW 30S apparently was used for the development of the  Group 4 Sunbeam-Lotus rally car and WRW 29S was used to showcase the Sunbeam 1.6 as a Group 1 rally car for club rallyists wanting to replace their Avengers with something similar mechanically but small and nimble. It was driven in several rallies by ace Rootes/Chrysler competition driver Bernard Unett.

That car is captured nicely here. Love the futuristic 70s style lettering and the detail on the spotlights.

Early Vanguards Motorsport variants were just literally standard models with a paintjob and different wheels. This comes from the time when Corgi started to put a bit of effort in, with proper rally seats, and a roll cage.

Nice rear strut brace and spare wheel on show.

Even a proper motorsport steering wheel.

If you decide to pass it on I have a spot for it here..lol

[AndyW201]

So, the other FB purchase was this,

Another one from the re introduced yellow box era, and another  "Hidden Treasure" that wasn't marketed as one.

There was a white (ish) Transit in the original Vanguards Hidden Treasures collection, (Transit, Mk1 Granada, Allegro, Marina, Minor pick-up, Landcrab, Victor F-type and Reliant supervan) which was an early flat front petrol version. The early releases came in a special diorama box.

Later came more releases (Triumph Stag, Rover P6, Dolomite, Land Rover S3 pick-up, Sunbeam Alpine and A35 van). These just came in the then-standard acrylic case and plinth with a half arsed Hidden Treasures sticker on the clear case.

Four more weathered models came later with no reference at all to the Hidden Treasures collection. These are also pretty much the hardest to find/most expensive; The 'restoration progress' Minor 1000 with detachable cat-piss tarp, the "pig snout" diesel Transit, the Mini Mk1 which I managed to get last year, and the unicorn shit-rare Truman Beers Morris J van which out of a production  run of 1000, 100 got weathered at the factory.

So, getting hold of this one was a bit of luck. They rarely come up on eBay and when they do they normally have a ridiculous £40-£50 price tag. So £9 for this one was a done deal! It got much the same treatment as the original flat-front release, with dirt and humourous* slogans written in the dirt...

(The funny thing is, when our vans at work come back to the depot dirty, the idiot factory lads still do stuff like this to them...)

Sadly, one thing this version lacks from the earlier one is the tiny copy of The Sun on the dashboard,

Which was a brilliant bit of detail I thought.

So, that's both versions of the dirty Transit together at last, and the whole Hidden Treasures collection is complete. (Never going to find the Truman Beers van so that is  the lot as far as I'm concerned...)

[MiniMinorMk3]

5 hours ago, bunglebus said:

Anyone recognise this Ritmo/Strada?

 

It's a Mebetoys by Mattle A119 Ritmo.

[MiniMinorMk3]

As we have a bit of a Vanguards theme going here's some I've had recently

Quattro 20V

Mk1 XR2

Duke of Bedford Sierra Cossie

MkIII Tina GXL. Oddly has an E badge on the c-pillar

[inconsistant]

I hope this is the right thread for showing off my loft find. I found these Matchbox cars hidden in a box, all of which which I bought when I was probably about 10-12, so early 1980s?

I remember playing with some of these but quite a few must have been bought and squirrelled away judging by the condition, I tended to play with stuff to destruction!

[MiniMinorMk3]

Nice collection. Some of those may surprise as per values.

[AndyW201]

8 hours ago, Split_Pin said:

That's really nice. The detail on that is perfectly neat with no tampo blemishes and everything to the correct scale (and not slightly oversized to make it easier to render). I had an IXO rally Lotus version but I sold it some years ago, I should have kept it!

Rover 75s excepted, until you started taking detailed pictures of Vanguards I hadn't bought or been given any for some ten years or more. Since then I personally blame you for the purchase of my Sierra Sapphire and Cavalier Turbo, albeit,  thankfully at greatly discounted prices! To try and curb future purchases I think I'll get some of my later ones back down from the loft such as my Cortina MK3 and 4, Marina and a couple of Landcrabs.

They are my weakness I'm afraid! I have interest in a lot of other areas of mini shite, '70s -'80s Matchbox Superfast, Corgi 1/36, 1/24 Polistil & Bburago for example, but whenever I feel like buying something, it often ends up being a Vanguards or Minichamps model. I think it's just down to the subject matter, they do all the cars that I am interested in the real versions of and 99% of the time, they do it very well.