Shite in Miniature II

[junkyarddog]

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=913542710498786&set=pcb.913542903832100

I saw this at a toy fair recently,didn't ask how much.

Thought it was a nice thing though.

[Spottedlaurel]

So nearly there with the Hiace:

 

 

 

Should be up for a weekend completion, then I can properly start on the next project or two.

[Richard_FM]

  On 24/01/2024 at 22:58, Spottedlaurel said:

So nearly there with the Hiace:

 

 

 

Should be up for a weekend completion, then I can properly start on the next project or two.

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Nice to see, I've not noticed many model projects from you recently!

[Split_Pin]

  On 24/01/2024 at 21:14, Datsuncog said:

Not only did I scuttle around sundry Belfast discount stores yesterday, but I also tried to keep my cool at the model shop in Smithfield... because it also stocks Matchbox and Hot Wheels.

As I've alluded to before, the proprietor is a bit of a weird cat. I know we collectors have a slight reputation for maybe being a little odd, but this lad's even further out than most.

He has some really good stock, but his pricing is... erratic.

Some items are quite a bit underpriced. I've had some surprisingly good finds here over the years.

Other prices are... optimistic. Very optimistic.

Which is why a lot of his stock hasn't shifted in years. And he never reduces anything.

In fact, he just tends to increase his prices on stuff that doesn't sell. Because they're old toys, and now he's had them on a shelf for ten years, they're even older - so obviously worth more.

It bothers me that he mostly writes the prices directly onto packaging with a permanent marker. Fair enough for recent Hot Wheels, but it seems kinda bizarre to take a Sharpie to the box of an otherwise as-new forty year old toy.

It bothers me that he's selling some items in clearly reproduction boxes (and not very good ones either - inkjet printer grade), but at the price point you'd expect for an excellent all-original. Sometimes, there are good originals of the same boxed model on another shelf, but for less than the shonky repros.

His manner is quite abrasive, and he's very abrupt. He also seems to get quite upset at customers browsing, continually asking them what they're looking for. If you happen to say something along the lines of "oh, I was just wondering if you had any Vanguards Mk3 Cortinas", he'll come straight back with, "no, I don't have any of those". Fair enough.

But if you continue browsing, he'll become more irate, repeating "I don't have any Cortinas, so you won't find any where you're looking". Like he expects me to turn and leave immediately, upon learning that he doesn't have the stuff I'm after.

It's not a very chill shop. 

Quite a few collectors are either barred from the shop following altercations with the owner, or else voluntarily boycott it. It's a recurring topic amongst the market regulars.

Which is all to say, I have to be in a certain frame of mind in order to step inside... And yet, I keep coming back. Like a moth to a flame.

Oh, and did I mention he gets very aerated at anyone trying to take photos?

There are, however, display cases outside the shop...

Quite an assortment here. Lone Star Ranchero is missing its tailgate, but isn't too bad for a tenner. But why the hell is he wasting his prime display space on unboxed Days Gone/ MoYs?

Lesney King Size Foden dump truck isn't bad value at a fiver, however.

And yet...

For some reason, £25 is the asking price on a so-so Lesney King Size Allis Chalmers grader, missing its springs. It's not all that rare, nor all that desirable.

Majorette Ford Econoline dayvan at the back looks kinda fun, though. Dunno how much he's looking on it.

I couldn't see a price on either of the Corgi Major Corgi Ford H-Series articulated trucks - but if he's looking £30 on the Corgi LaFrance fire ladder, then that gives me a broad indication...

Dinky Standard Vanguard looks to be a repaint; E-Type is a Matchbox Dinky. The £10 sticker seems to be on some sort of monster claw glove, not the Lesney Battle Kings half-track below it.

Dinky Ford D-Series snowplough was hand-painted, so possibly originally supplied as a kit - and not too outrageously priced at £10. Blue cones glued to the roof don't look original spec, though.

Playworn Corgi Prelude with a cracked screen at the front is no better than 50p box fodder - only he generally won't sell stuff individually at this price point, instead preferring to mix older stuff into a freezer bag along with a load of Days Gone and Chinese no-names, which he then staples shut and attempts to sell for £40.

With limited success, it seems.

The shop window is equally eclectic:

What price are the boxed Matchbox?

Fuck knows.

I've been ogling this Super Kings Volvo 245 for a long time now.

There's no visible price on it. I fear it's case of 'if you have to ask, you can't afford it'.

Corgis of a similar era, in similar condition, have prices of up to £100...

In a similar vein, this tidy Hot Wheels Rolls Royce Silver Shadow is a pretty desirable object... but how much? No idea.

The HW Steerable Rig below it is priced at £40 though, so... I'm gonna guess the Roller's not very cheap.

So I went in; I gritted my teeth through matey-boy's questioning; I established that there were no 2024 Hot Wheels releases on the pegs; and that there were no other items of any particular interest since I was last in, other than a so-so Corgi Cortina estate in the less common red, but for more than I fancied paying at £10.

And then I left.

Phew.

This is why I prefer St George's...

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The proprietor sounds like an absolute crackpot. 

I have that same HW steering rig, in very tidy condition which I think came from St Georges, if not definitely one of you lot for what can't have been more than a couple of quid. Jings.

[Spottedlaurel]

  On 24/01/2024 at 23:01, Richard_FM said:

Nice to see, I've not noticed many model projects from you recently!

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Thanks. I'll probably never top the completion rate of 2020, but I am still plodding away with a few. Got a Celsior and Fiat 131 Abarth to finish, and I've just started on a couple of Datsun 240ZGs.

[Datsuncog]

  On 24/01/2024 at 23:08, Split_Pin said:

I have that same HW steering rig, in very tidy condition which I think came from St Georges, if not definitely one of you lot for what can't have been more than a couple of quid. Jings.

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Yup, it was indeed from St George's - 50p each for the three HW cabs and the trailer, all the way back in December 2019.

There was another steerable trailer I'd picked up as part of my haul that day, but I'm still convinced someone pinched it from me - there was a bit of a scrum around this box, if memory serves.

The proprietor of the model shop is indeed something of a rum cove, or an absolute melter, to use local parlance...

[Split_Pin]

Crikey that was just after I started my current job after being made redundant. I can see a Majorette Saviem and Matchbox Leyland 'pipe truck' too, in addition to the two above steering rigs. 

[Datsuncog]

  On 24/01/2024 at 21:41, bunglebus said:

Looking closer the BMW 323 appears to be devoid of decals. Is it a Graffic Traffic?

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Not sure - there seems to be a cardboard box under it, resembling the US-release yellow with red grid patterning boxes. I think the Graffic Traffic sets were all blister-packs - though the big Charlie Mack book doesn't mention the MB39 BMW as appearing in that guise.

Might be this one, with the side tampo hidden behind the Model A?

Supposedly this variant was supplied as a two-pack alongside a boat and trailer for 1991 and 1992, but apparently things are pretty fluid in this place...

[Datsuncog]

  On 25/01/2024 at 06:59, Split_Pin said:

I can see a Majorette Saviem and Matchbox Leyland 'pipe truck' too, in addition to the two above steering rigs. 

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There were some rich pickings to be found in the 50p boxes, back in the day!

Majorettes seem to be really thin on the ground lately; can't figure out why.

[flat4alfa]

Talking of BMW

We are on page 

[flat4alfa]

Possibly the tiniest scale model of one would be the 1:87 Herpa

[MiniMinorMk3]

  On 24/01/2024 at 17:43, bunglebus said:

Correct, I mistitled it on Flickr.

Have a Politoys 1600 instead

 

 

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Anorak says no. Bullet turn signals again, early 1500 Squareback.

 

  On 24/01/2024 at 19:29, flat4alfa said:

Ideal* for patio games diorama with Airfix SRN4 hovercraft which is scale 1/144 then!

I'll go now.

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I built one of those when I was about 10 years old. I think the little cars were made of clear plastic.

[MiniMinorMk3]

  On 25/01/2024 at 10:46, flat4alfa said:

Talking of BMW

We are on page 

 

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Originally named 1600-2 for a few months, as modelled by MiniChamps.

[flat4alfa]

  On 25/01/2024 at 11:00, MiniMinorMk3 said:

I think the little cars were made of clear plastic.

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It seems they were, yes

Two of each, too

[MiniMinorMk3]

  On 24/01/2024 at 12:39, Datsuncog said:

I suspected it was a Vitesse, with that mirrored triangular section in the corner of the packaging... just seems a ludicrously over-large case! The Renault totem is quite a nice touch, though.

 

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Apart from a couple of twin set F1 Quartzos the only big box Vitesse that springs to mind is the promo DS that floated on water.

Norev did use mirrored boxes for both their own issues and various dealer issues.

They did a series of old Renaults using some of teh old plastic moulds.

And newer metal ones.

The 206 CC

With folding roof.

Nice old MG

 

[Datsuncog]

Quick zip through town yesterday lunchtime indicated that the local Poundland branch seems to be going back in time.

Yup, they've restocked with a load of 2022 Hot Wheels.

I guess it means that anyone who missed out on some of the motorbikes the first time round can do ok...

Also, I thought that the first release of the Volvo 240 drift wagon had violently yellow-tinted glazing, but this one seems much less bright.

I had about three of 'em, but sold them all on so can't even check.

No particularly interesting Matchbox - still just the early 2023 shiz restocked.

Surprised that Matchbox are 50p dearer than Hot Wheels in Poundland, while in Tesco it's 30p dearer the other way round.

Guess it's down to wholesaler offers, mebbe...

[MiniMinorMk3]

The postman has just been.

What's in the box under the packing peanuts?

A little white box.

With more peanuts!

Under the peanuts.

Lots of little plastic bags and some bubble wrap.

In the bubble wrap is a white metal body...

 

and floor with a vac-form window.

Photo-etch details and headlamps.

Chrome bits, wheel arches, roll cage etc etc.

Interior bits and tyres.

Decals.

Yes it does say Hot Wheels.

This is an SMTS kit that GPM (Grand Prix Models) have added some decals to...

to create the car driven by Bill Brack in 1968 Trans Am races.

I spotted this kit a year ago on their site, but the price was a little steep. When I ordered the Micro Sol they had it on sale at 10% off, I still did not bite. But then the other day I got an email and it had been reduced by another 10% so I could not resist. AT the moment it will be added to the other kits that are waiting, but with the decal projects getting my modelling bug restarted it might get built later this year.

 

[barrett]

It's overcast and miserable here today so not easy to take photographs, but here's some more detail of my top choice from the little job lot fo Politoys that was delivered the other day. They worked out at £15/car which I think is a proper bargain.

The Politoys Export Iso Grifo is Number 553 and, like others in the range, is a simple toy-like effort with only opening doors, but it's charming and carries quite a bit of weight

The proper Grifo wheels are a nice touch. I've never had the Corgi version, but I'd say this one is actually a touch less detailed  although the overall effect is very nice. If I could have picked a different colour I would've, but I can't complain about a near-mint Politoys at this price

[MiniMinorMk3]

By the way, if you want some decals for projects, you might want to check out the ALO site. They do stuff in 1/43, 1/24 and 1/18.

ALO Decals & Models

[danthecapriman]

Does anyone know of any 1:43 bulldozer models? 
I’ve got another project coming up but just looking around for a few things to make it up out of. I could do with a bulldozer or similar at 1:43, nothing too ‘toy’ like as the rest of the project is more towards the ‘model’ look. It needs to be roughly the right size to fit on a truck trailer as a realistic looking load. Anyone know of anything?

Also, what scale is the Dinky Euclid dumper truck? The one with the little handle on the side to wind the dumper up.

[Datsuncog]

  On 25/01/2024 at 11:23, MiniMinorMk3 said:

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Aha - that Norev looks to be the casting I'd mentioned while discussing Dan's Argentinian R18 estate.

A quick look online indicates that the models from this range are still pricey enough...

1/43 Renault 18 R18 Turbo Gris 1982 Norev ref: 7711224122 | eBay

No estates available that I can see!

[Christine]

[RoadworkUK]

  On 24/01/2024 at 22:58, Spottedlaurel said:

So nearly there with the Hiace:

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That is absolutely fabulous. 

[quicksilver]

  On 24/01/2024 at 23:08, Split_Pin said:

The proprietor sounds like an absolute crackpot. 

I have that same HW steering rig, in very tidy condition which I think came from St Georges, if not definitely one of you lot for what can't have been more than a couple of quid. Jings.

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Reading that tale of his bizarre business practices reminded me of Bernard Black from Black Books, someone who runs a shop despite obviously hating people and making no attempt to hide his contempt for his customers. I wonder if Dylan Moran ever visited that shop and took inspiration from him.

[MiniMinorMk3]

  On 25/01/2024 at 13:40, danthecapriman said:

Does anyone know of any 1:43 bulldozer models? 
I’ve got another project coming up but just looking around for a few things to make it up out of. I could do with a bulldozer or similar at 1:43, nothing too ‘toy’ like as the rest of the project is more towards the ‘model’ look. It needs to be roughly the right size to fit on a truck trailer as a realistic looking load. Anyone know of anything?

Also, what scale is the Dinky Euclid dumper truck? The one with the little handle on the side to wind the dumper up.

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NZG make all types of plant. Unfortunately it is in 1/32nd or the usual commercial vehicle scale of 1/50th. I've seen them in the flesh and they are works of art and thus they costs £s lots.

English - NZG-Modelle GmbH

JCB also sell some diggers, but again the are 1/32 and 1/50. I think these are rebranded Siku models.

JCB Die Cast Models | Die Cast Scale Models | JCB Explore

[Datsuncog]

Took the head staggers and unboxed the Premiums Escort RS1800 from last week.

It's a corker.

Fairly weighty, too.

For such a small model, the level of detail's fairly impressive.

I tend to think of these as quite pricey items at £9, but then again a new Oxford Diecast 1/72 model costs something similar these days...

I'm quite enjoying all the slightly more workaday British/ European/ Japanese vehicles coming from Mattel at present - for so long, their output seemed to be focused on European exotics and American muscle cars, and I've only got a certain level of enthusiasm available for them.

Mk2 Escorts prepped for tarmac rallying are something of a rural Ulster institution - it's amazing how many oul lads on hill farms way up in the Sperrins have something squat and square under a tarp in the corner of a barn... "Aye, she's Cosworth BDA engined... had a wee knock in her on one of the night stages on the Circuit of Ireland back in, lessee, must be '94 or '95... but I'll get her going again!"

Growing up, there were two brothers down the road who had sundry knackered performance Mk2s rotting away in their front garden, along with a few Mantas and (more unexpectedly) a Delta HF Integrale.

So, in a way, this feels like a very local model - and kinda special because of it.

Special enough to evict the Group 2 P6 from its trailer?

Maybe.

[Datsuncog]

Also took another stroll down memory lane earlier with this lovely arrival:

As-new and boxfresh Lesney No.12 Citroen CX estate, from the @outlaw118 attic-clearance sale on eBay.

This is one I can specifically remember drooling over down at the local newsagents when I was very smol.

I just love the boxes on this era of Matchbox - the illustrations are very evocative, somehow.

I never had a new CX, but I bought a used one for 50p off a kid from my class who'd brought it in to smash up in the playground.

I then let it go during the big pre-house move clearance of early 2022 - and then happened upon it again at the market a year later, along with more of my childhood toys.

So I bought it back, again for 50p.

Ideally, I'd like to have mint/boxed versions to have alongside some of my well-used originals, so this helps to kick off that process!

[ETCHY]

  On 25/01/2024 at 16:52, Datsuncog said:

Also took another stroll down memory lane earlier with this lovely arrival:

As-new and boxfresh Lesney No.12 Citroen CX estate, from the @outlaw118 attic-clearance sale on eBay.

This is one I can specifically remember drooling over down at the local newsagents when I was very smol.

I just love the boxes on this era of Matchbox - the illustrations are very evocative, somehow.

I never had a new CX, but I bought a used one for 50p off a kid from my class who'd brought it in to smash up in the playground.

I then let it go during the big pre-house move clearance of early 2022 - and then happened upon it again at the market a year later, along with more of my childhood toys.

So I bought it back, again for 50p.

Ideally, I'd like to have mint/boxed versions to have alongside some of my well-used originals, so this helps to kick off that process!

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Lovely CX estate, I had that one as a kid. Totally agree about the boxes, they are uber cool.
I wish I could find my toy cars again !

[Split_Pin]

  On 25/01/2024 at 16:52, Datsuncog said:

Also took another stroll down memory lane earlier with this lovely arrival:

As-new and boxfresh Lesney No.12 Citroen CX estate, from the @outlaw118 attic-clearance sale on eBay.

This is one I can specifically remember drooling over down at the local newsagents when I was very smol.

I just love the boxes on this era of Matchbox - the illustrations are very evocative, somehow.

I never had a new CX, but I bought a used one for 50p off a kid from my class who'd brought it in to smash up in the playground.

I then let it go during the big pre-house move clearance of early 2022 - and then happened upon it again at the market a year later, along with more of my childhood toys.

So I bought it back, again for 50p.

Ideally, I'd like to have mint/boxed versions to have alongside some of my well-used originals, so this helps to kick off that process!

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Ah one of my favourites from my own childhood too. I always thought it captured the presence of the real car remarkably well. The opening boot and tow hitch meant I could play at 'holidays' too. I love this era of Matchbox with the numberplates. 

[Spottedlaurel]

Another one here with a fondness for that CX. Mine came as a slightly unlikely inclusion in the Stunt Jump set, but in fairness it was faster than the overly-wide BMW CS with no suspension.

I think it may still be around in one of the boxes that master SL played with, but I've bought a couple more since in case it doesn't turn up....