Jump to content

Shite in Miniature II


Recommended Posts

Posted
1 hour ago, bunglebus said:

Siku - one I'm still looking for

SIKU VW CADDY MADE IN GERMANY - 11607365165 - oficjalne archiwum Allegro

I have one, but it’s a complete wreck. I would really like to find one in decent condition.

Posted

Does this 'no-name' made in China thing actually have a name pls?

image.jpeg.b9585c2a72c756244f33e1e88ce08bee.jpeg

Posted
17 hours ago, flat4alfa said:

I’d love to fondle it for a while too, but it’s perhaps too valuable for the likes of me

Let’s see if you can get it working first - does the wheel on the back turn the black connector on the underside? If so then it’s worth finding out a pair elastic bands to fit.  One small one to the wheel and the other longer one to the underside that will twist to ‘wind-up’ and build the tension 

American collectors tend to insist on bright clear photos (if not, they will bug you to supply them), so list it with international postage on eBay's global shipping programme. Then we can watch it play out from the comfort of our lounges!

And why would they bug you?  Because Jettin' Vette is worth hundreds of Dollars over the water:  https://www.southtexasdiecast.com/hwguide/revvers.html

The wheels don't turn the mechanism which looks a bit distorted to me and the black hook is too close to the body to get an elastic band on to it so making it work was a let down!

15 hours ago, flat4alfa said:

Revvers page from a 1973 Mattel Trade Catalogue

p47(1).gif.6bb64d778db97402d8bd3e039031e464.gif

Oh look they did a Camper Set as well...

Revvers_Camper_29.JPG.webp.51818e15afdf17bf111c504a6050f867.webp

Which wasn't just a dragged trailer, it was also fitted with the Revver motor at the rear...

i9z7q2t7z5121.jpg.60a3b744ff53b9ade374bd02e53f09f8.jpg

Hey wait a minute...  haven't we...?

Ah yes, the previously discussed rear axle position on the current Drift Camper might have some Mattel history behind it after all.  Maybe.

PXL_20240802_0914358512.jpg.b6d71f58beff00a389774941d1deb76c.jpg.2c054935877592f0a3f53fe46786113c.jpg

That similarity between the caravans is very interesting.

14 hours ago, flat4alfa said:

The back of the Revver range card:

358427821_HotWheelsRevversInstructions.jpg.7be134aa4af76f469b5438673195c6c7.jpg.d0a1bf20b3dd498f1482028486c65fa1.jpg

RUB A LITTLE TALCUM isn't what I'm used to seeing associated with Hot Wheels, but there is always a first if you're that way inclined!

That's great, I didn't manage to find anything like that, thanks!

  • Like 2
Posted
18 hours ago, flat4alfa said:

That great, never seen one and they go for plenty when complete 

Approx how long and wide is it?

I'd never seen one either, it's about 165mm long by 65mm wide.

Posted

Here’s something I don’t think I was aware of:

IMG_1305.jpeg.04f18f2d57d6fc6982e67f4bb6faaae6.jpeg

IMG_1306.jpeg.faac43c01686891e7abb9a927c7948c4.jpeg

IMG_1307.jpeg.d7aeea08e7712e9ca408436e0a47d06d.jpeg

Presumably a US only release, and a final hurrah for the T2 Bay window casting? Interesting to see the card was printed in the US - did the casting head to the card for packing, or vice versa?

For any VW completionists, this is up for sale, with bidding starting at £25…

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/toys-models/die-casts/matchbox/1970/listing/4849564561

Same seller also has a carded Mk2 Escort in white, at a slightly more palatable £12.50.

  • Like 7
Posted
6 hours ago, bunglebus said:

Siku - one I'm still looking for

SIKU VW CADDY MADE IN GERMANY - 11607365165 - oficjalne archiwum Allegro

I've got one,no top for it though 🙁20240806_214553.jpg.040a55fbb2c0d2af7d14edd1426a1e83.jpg

  • Like 3
Posted
23 minutes ago, Jon said:

Here’s something I don’t think I was aware of:

IMG_1305.jpeg.04f18f2d57d6fc6982e67f4bb6faaae6.jpeg

IMG_1306.jpeg.faac43c01686891e7abb9a927c7948c4.jpeg

IMG_1307.jpeg.d7aeea08e7712e9ca408436e0a47d06d.jpeg

Presumably a US only release, and a final hurrah for the T2 Bay window casting? Interesting to see the card was printed in the US - did the casting head to the card for packing, or vice versa?

For any VW completionists, this is up for sale, with bidding starting at £25…

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/toys-models/die-casts/matchbox/1970/listing/4849564561

Same seller also has a carded Mk2 Escort in white, at a slightly more palatable £12.50.

Think the Pizza Van version saw out its days as a Bulgarian release

image.png.0d9af59c472276305f6465c72d91ff78.png

image.png.90e59a596eab528ac388d79e0db5185a.png

All with the pop top though - white one is the closed version like the military release from decades earlier

Posted

Whistle stop tour of Maldon. Some scrote has had the Porsche out of the Team Transport set - I let the lady checking stock know and had an interesting conversation about their delivery day

PXL_20240807_090212421.jpg.4966ef6368c3465c4c9aa63b6e7ea2b0.jpg

Poundstretcher don't have any Porsches, and the familiar mixes of long and short card Matchbox 

PXL_20240807_083445700.jpg.5b2ca40437e949e4709cf22e00c3ec34.jpgPXL_20240807_083435182.jpg.6d246a7f23215f8424e4163c18afaf8f.jpg

Several green Golfs and silver Moggies, the short cards aren't scanning still so it looks like I bought some sticky balls. I don't really need any extras at the current level of humidity 

Posted
13 hours ago, morrisoxide said:

I'd never seen one either, it's about 165mm long by 65mm wide.

Oooh that approximates to the one they did at 1:30 scale and I would like to buy it if possible, to build into slot car alongside the Airfix 1:32 420

Posted
19 hours ago, bunglebus said:

any Super Treasure Hunts are very likely going to vanish at the same time...

Find the warehouse location

Sweep location proximity on Marketplace and eBay

Find culprits

Arrange a ‘meeting’

Do a mafia-style infiltration of the operation

Dig holes in the nearby fields to dispose of culprits 

Then realise you’ve watched too many Scorsese movies and have a cup of tea instead

Posted
1 hour ago, flat4alfa said:

Oooh that approximates to the one they did at 1:30 scale and I would like to buy it if possible, to build into slot car alongside the Airfix 1:32 420

You want to cut up a Lucky 🤨

Sacrilege 

  • Confused 1
  • Agree 1
Posted

New stuffs in Smyths

5 pack

PXL_20240807_113858708.jpg.679d1c7ba796560bdb5e61d86bcbf7c2.jpg

Team Transports - all the Liberty Walk ones AWOL of course 

PXL_20240807_113833638.jpg.623cdadf83eb7b6c6cef15469eefc05f.jpg

And Slide Street premiums

PXL_20240807_113523850.jpg.11eab986fd8613cfb88d6992d0b8d2fc.jpg

 

  • Like 4
Posted

Probably should catch up a little on last week's Matchbox finds...

IMG_20240802_1445432.jpg.7b699c48bb71396baa47eee7a6a3273a.jpg

Both of these came via the model shop in Smithfield Market, which has always stocked a reasonable amount of Matchbox products across the ages (albeit at a price, and sometimes with rather dubious authenticity of boxes). It seems that the proprietor is sourcing increasing amounts of premium lines as well as mainlines - as these two 2024 releases indicate.

IMG_20240802_1534372.jpg.71054128e3b1f7f6be6e8315e2680a11.jpg

I was super-pleased to find the 1974 Toyota Celica GT Liftback on the Collectors Series peg - it's the one I'd been most interested in acquiring since I found out about this year's releases.

IMG_20240802_1534552.jpg.ab4dabcb5caf03a07e6faed399d36dcd.jpg

I've never seen another, and probably won't without resorting to eBay scalpers or the tender mercies of AliExpress.

I was slightly less pleased about the price, however - a rather salty £12 on this one. So - is it six times better than a boggo release?

Well, it has a bit more tampo decoration on it than your average mainline, true - although the black stripe between the wheels has a bit of a smudge on the offside, annoyingly.

It also boasts 'True Grip Tyres', which are indeed rubberised - but which otherwise look pretty much identical to the standard nylon wheels fitted to various mainlines. That said, they look about right for this era of car, and aren't as clunkily oversized as the unique wheels fitted to the Audi 100 Coupe.

IMG_20240802_1535052.jpg.4a0ea4c60223be58956dd8a5b8c8b2c2.jpg

The proportions also look a little off to my eye - am I imagining things, or is this thing a little short and humpy in profile? I'm no Celica buff, but these seemed to be quite lithe looking cars in real life.

IMG_20240802_1535282.jpg.4629d662649d249e6ddc2fba5601a7ef.jpg

The tip-up bonnet with a detailed engine bay beneath is very nicely rendered, though. And, unlike a few of the Moving Parts I've picked up, it does open properly.

Although, tragically, after only a couple of goes I became aware that the mechanism had taken the paint off the grille.

OH NOES MY INVESTMENT PIECE 

IMG_20240803_0954382.jpg.c997ce521393448ac721e69c5fcd6bff.jpg

Well, that's annoying.

Still, a surreptitious tickle with a black Sharpie had it looking presentable again. Phew.

Even so - bit of an oversight from the designers. Or are these things never meant to leave their protective packaging?

IMG_20240802_1535482.jpg.b0e117211fa3f52d25ca602530a35e67.jpg

The base is... functional. And plastic. It's nothing special.

Verdict: yes, I do like it. I really like it - BUT I think these Collector Series are wildly overpriced for what you get.

Other than the rubberised tyres - which are noticeably quieter than the plastic ones, should you ever find yourself rolling it across a tabletop - there's no real difference in detail or functionality compared to the Moving Parts range, which typically retail at half/ one-third the price of the Collector Series cars. I felt the same about the green TR6 I picked up last month too.

Love 'em or hate 'em, the Hot Wheels Premiums with unique wheels and metal bases do at least look and feel a bit more special in terms of finish and heft than the standard versions (even if the mid-price Silverlines can be very nearly as good, sometimes) - you wouldn't mistake one for a mainline. With this one... mmm, not sure.

Hinky paint on what's meant to be a high-end release for collectors isn't a great look - but then, I've heard a lot of anger online about slipping quality control standards on recent Vanguards releases too. And the finish wasn't great on that super-premium Matchbox BMW E30 rallye in the acrylic box profiled the other week...

But - if you kinda like it, what else can you do?

Posted
20 minutes ago, bunglebus said:

New stuffs in Smyths

PXL_20240807_113833638.jpg.623cdadf83eb7b6c6cef15469eefc05f.jpg

 

 

 

Hnnnnnggg! Gullwing  and Renntransporter!!!! Much want!

Posted
1 hour ago, AndyW201 said:

Hnnnnnggg! Gullwing  and Renntransporter!!!! Much want!

I can grab one this afternoon if you like?

Posted
4 hours ago, flat4alfa said:

Oooh that approximates to the one they did at 1:30 scale and I would like to buy it if possible, to build into slot car alongside the Airfix 1:32 420

That's two people on the "if I get bored of it list" a chap on faceache who had one as a kid, is after it as well.

Who would have thought? From the bottom of a rummage box of tat, to being wanted by all and sundry.

I'm going to try make the missing door handles and bumper half  then maybe send it his way... If I get bored of it that is. Probably not though. :grin:

Posted

I'd like it too but I'm sure one with appear out of the ether at some point 

  • Like 1
Posted

It seems like whenever I see minor celebrities, I find good diecasts. Not so much today though, four old E cases in Entertainer is all I get for photobombing a couple of fake looking Z list TV idiots

PXL_20240807_113240734.jpg.57d124a1ae55ff5cf5c45329656bf93b.jpg

PXL_20240807_140055905.jpg.affc84c75a6aa2f039abed0cdcb69600.jpg

But a few bits touched down at home today - starting with some older Hot Wheels, most of which I stumbled across on a FB sales page. 

Redline Ford J-Car isn't especially uncommon (still hunting for the rare "hidden hinge" version), but is a little unusual in that the body has clearly been prepped for Spectraflame paint and is very shiny where the white has chipped off

PXL_20240807_125349149.jpg.781ca94ab36e8f5697ba02a77bad1df1.jpgPXL_20240807_125420881.jpg.a29a0b602d021b978be946a5d89d3bcb.jpg

Lots of blackwalls including some Crack-Ups. Unfortunately my 3D print man has gone AWOL as the backs for the pickups was one of the things I'd planned to get reproduced

PXL_20240807_125331049.jpg.d1545fe912e83b4f702cc3e497a6aead.jpgPXL_20240807_125309258.jpg.daaecbdddc4165b45fc78a52c2197141.jpgPXL_20240807_125234441.jpg.86cde8492ffe224132e3fe7996194b0a.jpgPXL_20240807_125155696.jpg.fcb61e9f811e9dac5a84baf539440987.jpg

Brighter red Citation than the maroon ones I currently own

PXL_20240807_125135015.jpg.75bd54093e67a088b48cd7523ed8bea5.jpg

Real Riders equipped pickup is a good score

PXL_20240807_125114414.jpg.dd96b6ba88d0a420f66926d09e961a0d.jpgPXL_20240807_125117526.jpg.7fe28c6d2c7e707db6074b5990a23f05.jpgPXL_20240807_125052582.jpg.ff3d7bc1dddd8892b5281f0f35d58a82.jpg

Think this is a later release, Hot Ones or similar 

PXL_20240807_125023641.jpg.334930cd7e617432c9865d776410d1ca.jpg

Lintoy Merc included for comedy value of front leaf springs mostly

PXL_20240807_124958157.jpg.983638722fd3439feac1200635329d33.jpgPXL_20240807_125007195.jpg.dc51eb6b2eca88e02bf8aedd92ed6f7d.jpg

Spotted this Schuco Piccolo 911 the other day, it can be quite hard to date these as I think they had a long production run with few changes

PXL_20240807_123918546.jpg.6052d2a126e6ebe0523b82433d45ebab.jpgPXL_20240807_123949920.jpg.1306644eb45dcda2890bbe64e18f7c25.jpgPXL_20240807_123957415.jpg.4fe6d708c6f71b9af77d0c0caa84a0cd.jpg

2p for scale

PXL_20240807_124132146.jpg.cf1e32503e21a1e6b6bcc3729c96fd72.jpg

AliExpress is surprisingly expensive for these Matchbox Jaguars, but I found another supplier that wasn't horrendously pricey. Two purchased as this is crying out for some mods

PXL_20240807_123627931.jpg.9fe2457d4b134280ae1342c11f914b28.jpg

PXL_20240807_123821274.jpg

PXL_20240807_123827398.jpg

Posted

The other Friday find, then...

IMG_20240802_1536042.jpg.743c2ab4a66b4ff7c9f21f12a39b59f3.jpg

It's the Moving Parts 1970 AMC Javelin.

IMG_20240802_1536132.jpg.4b6c4b4d7d72f8f4a39ff4c96da39eba.jpg

And very nice it is too.

We may have already had this one profiled a few months back, so I'll not waste too many words pontificating - but the delicate striping and lettering are just lovely, as is the door handle detail.

IMG_20240802_1536222.jpg.e592b0519807cf6eaac7a2fd0493de02.jpg

Wheels are standard mainline items often put on older vehicles, and they look just right.

IMG_20240802_1536432.jpg.b70af749424bcffce832ef1799a53647.jpg

The engine also looks tasty, and has a fully-functional bonnet with no paint removal tendencies - but it's a bit of a pity that tampo print wasn't applied to the headlights and grille too, as they look pretty blank compared to the detail elsewhere.

IMG_20240802_1536552.jpg.c8b2f0818b04c4ae04c20e35e5c2e510.jpg

The base is good enough - maybe even a little more detailed than the Celica?

For less than half the price of the Collector Series cars, at £5.50 these aren't necessarily cheap - but are very pleasing.

IMG_20240802_1537082.jpg.43d581a7a2d63355d18f4f7ba4f859a3.jpg

  • Like 7
Posted

Job lot arrival. When is a Darda not a Darda?

PXL_20240807_175722291.jpg.e8423282ee10505299a3a4086f0e9ea3.jpgPXL_20240807_175726506.jpg.f884fe71cdba4da34be2f50afcce3b81.jpg

When it's a weird copy from a brand I don't recognise 

PXL_20240807_175734789.jpg.629a9dce372b14fb37b316a8591e69a3.jpg

Also in the box are the often lost bits from the Unimog and trailer set I remember having as a kid

PXL_20240807_180117329.jpg.b7c83d0faec847c83123ddc3aab14e2a.jpg

Fisher Price dude from 1974 - anyone recognise him?

PXL_20240807_180023239.jpg.89863471aef3bb37be33627e097f01f1.jpg

Unexpected bonus was the missing guy from the Volvo/240Z rally set, the other two live on my workbench and did a weird Power Rangers handshake thing when I put them together 

PXL_20240807_175918249.jpg.ff36c2d3bb4d60e37ab01d7383e0573b.jpg

Posted
16 hours ago, bunglebus said:

I can grab one this afternoon if you like?

Sorry Rich, have been stuck in an office doing CPC training most of the day. I'll have to check our local Smyth's, even though it'll probably be another waste of time. Cheers anyway.

My first AliExpress purchase has touched down. Didn't take as long as I expected. Thankfully, it was also packaged pretty well, so no damage.

IMG_20240805_200944.jpg.200c7741a9d9fe1287e6df8b4976f039.jpg

IMG_20240805_211717.jpg.6ce7c69ba65582bf7a050846f1b6ea2f.jpg

At last, I have one of the ill-fated Vanguards black Sapphires, I've been after one of these for years.

IMG_20240805_211747.jpg.61e905c8cff2207c552dc95d2f9dd269.jpg

One of the releases under the short- lived (2007-only) Corgi Drive-Time rebrand which now included the sub sections Modern Motors, Motorsport, Emergency Motors,  Road Traders (vans & trucks), and the Vanguards name being reduced to the sub section for older cars. Strange, the Sierra Sapphires being put in the Modern section, but I suppose 2007 was a long time ago...

IMG_20240805_211932.jpg.ab252e5bd71336febf1764875b43322e.jpg

So, the black GLS appeared in the 2007 catalogue, all 2.960 models were made, boxed up and were ready for release, but the whole batch failed QC because of paint defects, and the release was cancelled. These Sierras became much sought after among UK Vanguards collectors, and a few sneaked out through the back door, fetching big money. Then a few years ago, the bulk of them were apparently found in the Chinese factory, and now the remainder are slowly being sold on ebay and AliExpress.

IMG_20240805_212330.jpg.04bbea3282137f47fbf0a85f24ee9567.jpg

IMG_20240805_212434.jpg.a170e3c7183f13155fb916c462aefe2f.jpg

Its a nice variant, I've always liked the GLS, both the real car and in model form. I eventually got the red GLS version, which came later, but that one disappointed a bit, as, obviously with the top half being red, it didn't have the red stripes in the bumpers and side mouldings as they probably would have been tricky to do. And as any fan of sporty '80s Fords will know, back in the day, if your Ford didn't have red bumper strips, you were nowt!

IMG_20210313_192925.jpg.c0273af3e82901b86ed408b867355938.jpg

IMG_20240805_212130.jpg.b43899219064a8de7ce5c67618226a07.jpg

So yeah, on inspection, the paint flaws that did for the whole batch can be seen, here on the roof,

IMG_20240805_212213_edit_221299163090476.jpg.c24f8410ee710d341a8ab27643f862cb.jpg

And on the drivers' side panels. Shame, but to be honest, I've bought a few second  hand Vanguards and especially Minichamps models over the years, with similar flaws. Always seems to be black models that are the worst...

IMG_20240805_212519.jpg.9735a999fe1a908103e39fa6a75a8b62.jpg

Nice front and rear detail, especially for a 17+ year old casting,

IMG_20240805_212356.jpg.d1b041bf7bb5031e0a5d7b39b8ea078b.jpg

IMG_20240805_212808.jpg.d166aea56fd2f01aea89c492a2e981e9.jpg

So, expected paint flaws aside, I'm pretty pleased with it. It's nice to finally get hold of a model Ive been chasing after for many years. I might be a weirdo, but I've always prefeered mildly sporting versions of cars like this, as opposed to something like the Cosworths. All for the princely sum of £4.09... Posted!

IMG_20240805_212650.jpg.6df74bc195f63b5717f59cab49b00cf9.jpg

Posted
19 minutes ago, AndyW201 said:

Sorry Rich, have been stuck in an office doing CPC training most of the day. I'll have to check our local Smyth's, even though it'll probably be another waste of time. Cheers anyway.

My first AliExpress purchase has touched down. Didn't take as long as I expected. Thankfully, it was also packaged pretty well, so no damage.

IMG_20240805_200944.jpg.200c7741a9d9fe1287e6df8b4976f039.jpg

IMG_20240805_211717.jpg.6ce7c69ba65582bf7a050846f1b6ea2f.jpg

At last, I have one of the ill-fated Vanguards black Sapphires, I've been after one of these for years.

IMG_20240805_211747.jpg.61e905c8cff2207c552dc95d2f9dd269.jpg

One of the releases under the short- lived (2007-only) Corgi Drive-Time rebrand which now included the sub sections Modern Motors, Motorsport, Emergency Motors and Road Traders (vans & trucks), and the Vanguards name being reduced to the sub section for older cars. Strange, the Sierrea Sapphires being put in the Modern section, but I suppose 2007 was a long time ago...

IMG_20240805_211932.jpg.ab252e5bd71336febf1764875b43322e.jpg

So, the black GLS appeared in the 2007 catalogue, all 2.960 models were made, boxed up and were ready for release, but the whole batch failed QC because of paint defects, and the release was cancelled. These Sierras became much sought after among UK Vanguards collectors, and a few sneaked out through the back door, fetching big money. Then a few years ago, the bulk of them were apparently found in the Chinese factory, and now the remainder are slowly being sold on ebay and AliExpress.

IMG_20240805_212330.jpg.04bbea3282137f47fbf0a85f24ee9567.jpg

IMG_20240805_212434.jpg.a170e3c7183f13155fb916c462aefe2f.jpg

Its a nice variant, I've always liked the GLS version, both the real car and in model form. I eventually got the red GLS version, which came later, but that version disappointed a bit, as, obviously the top half being red, it didnt have the red stripes in the bumpers and side mouldings as they probably would have been tricky to do. And as any fan of sporty '80s Fords will know, back in the day, if your Ford didn't have red bumper strips, you were nowt!

IMG_20210313_192925.jpg.c0273af3e82901b86ed408b867355938.jpg

IMG_20240805_212130.jpg.b43899219064a8de7ce5c67618226a07.jpg

So yeah, on inspection, the paint flaws that did for the whole batch can be seen, here on the roof,

IMG_20240805_212213_edit_221299163090476.jpg.c24f8410ee710d341a8ab27643f862cb.jpg

And on the drivers' side panels. Shame, but to be honest, I've bought a few second  hand Vanguards and especially Minichamps models over the years, with similar flaws. Always seems to be black models that are the worst...

IMG_20240805_212519.jpg.9735a999fe1a908103e39fa6a75a8b62.jpg

Nice front and rear detail, especially for a 17+ year old casting,

IMG_20240805_212356.jpg.d1b041bf7bb5031e0a5d7b39b8ea078b.jpg

IMG_20240805_212808.jpg.d166aea56fd2f01aea89c492a2e981e9.jpg

So, expected paint flaws aside, Im pretty pleased with it. Its nice to finally get hold of a model Ive been chasing after for many years. I might be a weirdo, but I've always prefeered mildly sporting versions of cars like this, as opposed to something like the Cosworths. Especially for the princely sum of £4.09... Posted!

IMG_20240805_212650.jpg.6df74bc195f63b5717f59cab49b00cf9.jpg

 

I did wounder what the story was with the Black Sapphires. A mate bought be one a few months back. 

Posted
12 hours ago, bunglebus said:

You want to cut up a Lucky 🤨

Sacrilege 

@morrisoxide

No no.  There will be no cutting, as Lucky have screwed-home bases, not glued. Just remove the friction motor chassis.

Then I create or adapt off the shelf motorised chassis and mount the original body on top, leaving the body originality intact as a civilian as it is and just repair the broken bumper end and missing door handles.

Look at the layout.  In this case the rear axle line is behind and under the parcel shelf, so the seats would not need to be cut.  Just mount the contrate gear on the axle line and place the short can motor behind it, for added tail-out weight distribution excitement. Otherwise, mount the motor in-line with the axle instead, driving a flat gear at one axle end

IMG_0312.jpeg.e97f6d784cf410c4318870cee8c94b69.jpeg

So when it comes to it, the original friction motor chassis would be kept intact and stored, to be reattached back again in the future if need be

Posted
10 hours ago, AndyW201 said:

Sorry Rich, have been stuck in an office doing CPC training most of the day. I'll have to check our local Smyth's, even though it'll probably be another waste of time. Cheers anyway.

My first AliExpress purchase has touched down. Didn't take as long as I expected. Thankfully, it was also packaged pretty well, so no damage.

IMG_20240805_200944.jpg.200c7741a9d9fe1287e6df8b4976f039.jpg

IMG_20240805_211717.jpg.6ce7c69ba65582bf7a050846f1b6ea2f.jpg

At last, I have one of the ill-fated Vanguards black Sapphires, I've been after one of these for years.

IMG_20240805_211747.jpg.61e905c8cff2207c552dc95d2f9dd269.jpg

One of the releases under the short- lived (2007-only) Corgi Drive-Time rebrand which now included the sub sections Modern Motors, Motorsport, Emergency Motors,  Road Traders (vans & trucks), and the Vanguards name being reduced to the sub section for older cars. Strange, the Sierra Sapphires being put in the Modern section, but I suppose 2007 was a long time ago...

IMG_20240805_211932.jpg.ab252e5bd71336febf1764875b43322e.jpg

So, the black GLS appeared in the 2007 catalogue, all 2.960 models were made, boxed up and were ready for release, but the whole batch failed QC because of paint defects, and the release was cancelled. These Sierras became much sought after among UK Vanguards collectors, and a few sneaked out through the back door, fetching big money. Then a few years ago, the bulk of them were apparently found in the Chinese factory, and now the remainder are slowly being sold on ebay and AliExpress.

IMG_20240805_212330.jpg.04bbea3282137f47fbf0a85f24ee9567.jpg

IMG_20240805_212434.jpg.a170e3c7183f13155fb916c462aefe2f.jpg

Its a nice variant, I've always liked the GLS, both the real car and in model form. I eventually got the red GLS version, which came later, but that one disappointed a bit, as, obviously with the top half being red, it didn't have the red stripes in the bumpers and side mouldings as they probably would have been tricky to do. And as any fan of sporty '80s Fords will know, back in the day, if your Ford didn't have red bumper strips, you were nowt!

IMG_20210313_192925.jpg.c0273af3e82901b86ed408b867355938.jpg

IMG_20240805_212130.jpg.b43899219064a8de7ce5c67618226a07.jpg

So yeah, on inspection, the paint flaws that did for the whole batch can be seen, here on the roof,

IMG_20240805_212213_edit_221299163090476.jpg.c24f8410ee710d341a8ab27643f862cb.jpg

And on the drivers' side panels. Shame, but to be honest, I've bought a few second  hand Vanguards and especially Minichamps models over the years, with similar flaws. Always seems to be black models that are the worst...

IMG_20240805_212519.jpg.9735a999fe1a908103e39fa6a75a8b62.jpg

Nice front and rear detail, especially for a 17+ year old casting,

IMG_20240805_212356.jpg.d1b041bf7bb5031e0a5d7b39b8ea078b.jpg

IMG_20240805_212808.jpg.d166aea56fd2f01aea89c492a2e981e9.jpg

So, expected paint flaws aside, I'm pretty pleased with it. It's nice to finally get hold of a model Ive been chasing after for many years. I might be a weirdo, but I've always prefeered mildly sporting versions of cars like this, as opposed to something like the Cosworths. All for the princely sum of £4.09... Posted!

IMG_20240805_212650.jpg.6df74bc195f63b5717f59cab49b00cf9.jpg

I got the black Sapphire cheap from ebay in 2021, after seeing some of your close ups of a different example. I didn't know it had an interesting backstory!

Posted
12 hours ago, AndyW201 said:

Sorry Rich, have been stuck in an office doing CPC training most of the day. I'll have to check our local Smyth's, even though it'll probably be another waste of time. Cheers anyway.

My first AliExpress purchase has touched down. Didn't take as long as I expected. Thankfully, it was also packaged pretty well, so no damage.

IMG_20240805_200944.jpg.200c7741a9d9fe1287e6df8b4976f039.jpg

IMG_20240805_211717.jpg.6ce7c69ba65582bf7a050846f1b6ea2f.jpg

At last, I have one of the ill-fated Vanguards black Sapphires, I've been after one of these for years.

IMG_20240805_211747.jpg.61e905c8cff2207c552dc95d2f9dd269.jpg

One of the releases under the short- lived (2007-only) Corgi Drive-Time rebrand which now included the sub sections Modern Motors, Motorsport, Emergency Motors,  Road Traders (vans & trucks), and the Vanguards name being reduced to the sub section for older cars. Strange, the Sierra Sapphires being put in the Modern section, but I suppose 2007 was a long time ago...

IMG_20240805_211932.jpg.ab252e5bd71336febf1764875b43322e.jpg

So, the black GLS appeared in the 2007 catalogue, all 2.960 models were made, boxed up and were ready for release, but the whole batch failed QC because of paint defects, and the release was cancelled. These Sierras became much sought after among UK Vanguards collectors, and a few sneaked out through the back door, fetching big money. Then a few years ago, the bulk of them were apparently found in the Chinese factory, and now the remainder are slowly being sold on ebay and AliExpress.

IMG_20240805_212330.jpg.04bbea3282137f47fbf0a85f24ee9567.jpg

IMG_20240805_212434.jpg.a170e3c7183f13155fb916c462aefe2f.jpg

Its a nice variant, I've always liked the GLS, both the real car and in model form. I eventually got the red GLS version, which came later, but that one disappointed a bit, as, obviously with the top half being red, it didn't have the red stripes in the bumpers and side mouldings as they probably would have been tricky to do. And as any fan of sporty '80s Fords will know, back in the day, if your Ford didn't have red bumper strips, you were nowt!

IMG_20210313_192925.jpg.c0273af3e82901b86ed408b867355938.jpg

IMG_20240805_212130.jpg.b43899219064a8de7ce5c67618226a07.jpg

So yeah, on inspection, the paint flaws that did for the whole batch can be seen, here on the roof,

IMG_20240805_212213_edit_221299163090476.jpg.c24f8410ee710d341a8ab27643f862cb.jpg

And on the drivers' side panels. Shame, but to be honest, I've bought a few second  hand Vanguards and especially Minichamps models over the years, with similar flaws. Always seems to be black models that are the worst...

IMG_20240805_212519.jpg.9735a999fe1a908103e39fa6a75a8b62.jpg

Nice front and rear detail, especially for a 17+ year old casting,

IMG_20240805_212356.jpg.d1b041bf7bb5031e0a5d7b39b8ea078b.jpg

IMG_20240805_212808.jpg.d166aea56fd2f01aea89c492a2e981e9.jpg

So, expected paint flaws aside, I'm pretty pleased with it. It's nice to finally get hold of a model Ive been chasing after for many years. I might be a weirdo, but I've always prefeered mildly sporting versions of cars like this, as opposed to something like the Cosworths. All for the princely sum of £4.09... Posted!

IMG_20240805_212650.jpg.6df74bc195f63b5717f59cab49b00cf9.jpg

That is lovely! Shame about the paint defects but it’s not massively obvious. 
I’ve got a green Rover P5 here somewhere that’s got that same sort of paint defect. It almost looks like there’s rust under the paint but of course it can’t be!😄

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...