Shite in Miniature II

[FakeConcern]

10 minutes ago, sheffcortinacentre said:

The plt is a Dagenham reg & may be from one of the preairflow works cars.

Thanks for that!

Why had I never thought to look?

 

[eddyramrod]

2 hours ago, FakeConcern said:

does anyone know if you can get rectangular jeweled lights like on the Capri, I can't see them on the Model Supplies website?

I've been looking too, haven't been able to find any yet.  If I do I'll lay in an extra set.

[Datsuncog]

3 hours ago, Spottedlaurel said:

Stuff from a boot sale visit on Sunday:

Favourite/best buy is probably the Escort Cabriolet, in really nice condition and just 20p.

The Siku T2 crew cab is delightful - one of my absolute favourite castings. I found one in a rummage box at an autojumble in about 1990 and I've had it ever since!

[bunglebus]

A shop full of RC stuff - not my bag unfortunately 

[bunglebus]

Found a few old diecast in an antique shop - that AMC works out at £14.26 if anyone's interested....

[bunglebus]

New CMC list - I have to say I have absolutely no interest in the Yellow Submarine, or the ice cream van that's very similar to the introductory version

[sierraman]

1 hour ago, bunglebus said:

New CMC list - I have to say I have absolutely no interest in the Yellow Submarine, or the ice cream van that's very similar to the introductory version

I’d like to think one day they’ll reproduce the late 70’s early 80’s range. 

[Tenmil Socket]

19 hours ago, Spottedlaurel said:

Stuff from a boot sale visit on Sunday:

Favourite/best buy is probably the Escort Cabriolet, in really nice condition and just 20p.

Just opened my recent eBay auction win and this was the first I dug out… 2p postage! 
 

[AndyW201]

AliExpress arrival,

Packaging not too bad,

Aye, seems to have survived alright. No cracked case anyhow.

My 1/43 collection has pretty much all centred around cars of my childhood, stuff I grew up with, i.e '70s/'80s. However, when it comes to bread-and-butter street furniture of that era,  Vanguards ends up as my default choice, and, there are only so many Mk1 & 2 Escorts, Capris and  Mk3 Cortinas a guy can have really. (Especially with the two Mk2 Capris I had on pre-order unfortunately getting released one after the other). So I've recently found myself being drawn to models of cars from earlier on in my driving days before marriage, mortgage, kids, etc. 

This Saxo fits into that era perfectly. I've always liked small hot-hatches and back in the '90s/early'00s, I was fully into the Max Power/Fast Car/Revs car & cruise scene. I did fancy a Saxo at one point, and back in 2002, I nearly ended up with a new VTR when the local Citröen dealer was doing them cheap. Sadly, even back then, I wasnt exactly the size and shape for a Saxo, so I ended up at the Vauxhall dealer next door and an Irmscher kitted Corsa C SXi, which I could fit comfotably into, weirdly. (Was the last brand new car I bought that, common sense took over, after).

Having recently got the Solido Peugeot 106 Rallye, and been thoroughly impressed with it, I fancied an example of its close cousin. For a car that was so ubiquitous, and that so many ageing ex-boy racers remember so fondly, its quite hard to find a sporty Saxo in miniature (barring the cheap rally part work versions). Universal Hobbies did a lovely phase 1 VTR, (£££££££), Paradcar offered a built-up kit version (£££££££), the most common is this Norev phase 2, but you're still talking expensive over here in Rip-Off Britain. Step forward AliExpress, The white and black versions were already sold out, but there were a few Mauritius blue ones available and taking advantage of a weekend sale on there, with tax and shipping, it still ended up costing about a third of what they cost over here...

Detail is pretty good, this casting has been out for quite a while now (I think this is one of about six colourways released), and does show its age a bit.

Good interior detail too.

The typical VTR wheels are done very nicely. Strangely its badged as a VTS but Im sure that the phase 2 VTS had bigger 5 spoke alloys and a 16V badge on the rear quarter. Mind, it wasnt unknown back in the day for those badges to be swapped out. (A mate had a Furio which was a 1.4 with VTR bodykit and suspension, and the first thing he did to it was to put a pair of VTR badges on it...)

All in all, a good model of a car that was beloved by so many young lads wanting a cheap quick fling-around car, but now, all of a sudden, virtually extinct.

 

[Datsuncog]

11 hours ago, bunglebus said:

New CMC list - I have to say I have absolutely no interest in the Yellow Submarine, or the ice cream van that's very similar to the introductory version

Mmm, yeah... not really all that brilliant in terms of forthcoming releases.

I've already skipped the #447 Anglia Ice Cream Van for exactly the same reason; although the subsequent Olds Toronado with Golden Jacks appeals to me, as does the Batmobile. But it's all downhill from there... rally Mini, Chev Impala Police, Olds 88 and Bentley are all just previously issued castings in different colours and yeah - I'm not really sure that I want a Yellow Submarine either...

[flat4alfa]

Sorry to say, I cancelled from release #7

I could see it was just repeating what was already here, in some form or another

 

[bunglebus]

I don't mind some recolours as that's exactly what Corgi did anyway - I definitely wanted the African safari Beetle as well as the Polizei version. There's no way they could keep making new castings forever. I'm just not especially excited about the Thames ice cream van, I'm sure if you either had it as a kid or coveted it but didn't get your hands on one it would be appealing, just not for me. 

It's not an easy decision to deliberately create gaps in a collection but these aren't £1.79 Hot Wheels 

[Tenmil Socket]

On 01/09/2024 at 11:55, Datsuncog said:

£5 for loose Days Gone?

Some nice recent Matchbox items, but hard to see someone paying those prices when they're cheaper new and boxed...

He was selling an old red Ever Ready square battery for a fiver 😂

[MiniMinorMk3]

On 03/09/2024 at 19:38, FakeConcern said:

You may be wondereng why I didn't put a C or D number plate on the later Airflow large grill Mk1, well the book I had as a kid and still have shows this plate which I didn't understand as a kid and still don't. However I always think of it so put it on

 

 

 

On 03/09/2024 at 21:27, sheffcortinacentre said:

The plt is a Dagenham reg & may be from one of the preairflow works cars.

Airflow Lotus Cortina production started in August 1964. 784 BOO was a press car and maybe Ford still had some allocated three-number three-letter plates to use up. The car was featured on the original Airflow Lotus Cortina brochure.

Lotus Cortina Information – Mk 1 Press Cars

 

 

[MiniMinorMk3]

On 03/09/2024 at 19:38, FakeConcern said:

 

Lastly does anyone know if you can get rectangular jeweled lights like on the Capri, I can't see them on the Model Supplies website?

 

On 03/09/2024 at 22:26, eddyramrod said:

I've been looking too, haven't been able to find any yet.  If I do I'll lay in an extra set.

Have you tried searching for oblong crystals or rhinestones on the interwebs. I purchased packs of round ones to replace jewelled lights, but have never needed oblong ones.

[Datsuncog]

Market day down the town... and Colin's back.

Turns out he's only here every other week.

See, the stock he keeps at St George's isn't the same as the stock he keeps in the van, which is for regional market days.

Which is why that OOC Plaxton Panther in Centenary Livery only seemed to show up at Ards or Carrick markets.

It was probably at Lisburn, Ballynahinch and Nutts Corner markets too, but I don't tend to roam that far afield.

Well, it's here with me now...

Maybe as many miles on it as the real thing?!

[RoadworkUK]

Yay! / Bugger!

(I might actually display this one somewhere, because massive sad-act)

[Tenmil Socket]

Here’s the remainder of my £3 eBay auction win. They forgot to include a Corgi catalogue. The Ferrari looks like it’s got spatulas on top of the engine.

 

[MiniMinorMk3]

38 minutes ago, Tenmil Socket said:

Here’s the remainder of my £3 eBay auction win. They forgot to include a Corgi catalogue. The Ferrari looks like it’s got spatulas on top of the engine.

 

It's a good attempt at getting the intercooler detail.

Herpa did an excellent high detail plastic 1/43rd scale one back in the early 1990's

[sierraman]

3 hours ago, Tenmil Socket said:

Here’s the remainder of my £3 eBay auction win. They forgot to include a Corgi catalogue. The Ferrari looks like it’s got spatulas on top of the engine.

 

The trains always fascinated me in the range, they seemed to have sold really well but they’re now not so sought after, yet to ever find one but they did a track set with a crossing and a station. 

[danthecapriman]

33 minutes ago, sierraman said:

The trains always fascinated me in the range, they seemed to have sold really well but they’re now not so sought after, yet to ever find one but they did a track set with a crossing and a station. 

I had that! Pretty sure the track was black plastic sections that clipped together.

I had a red and a green steam locomotive and a yellow and a green diesel. A couple of coaches went with the steam locomotives and some little yellow and red side tipping wagons with the diesels, and a few plain black flat wagons.

They do seem to turn up quite often so must have been popular enough. The track was the first thing to disappear from mine though. I don’t remember it being particularly well made so probably didn’t ever last very long.

[Lord Sterling]

Right, so after all that garage-door and air-con malarkey over the last few days as alluded to in the news 24 thread, I woke quite late today but still had enough time to go and visit a place I've always wanted to visit. 

Mini Europe. I haven't been here since I was about 8. I'm now 41. 

Thankfully it was a bit overcast today so there wasn't many people about and those that were were mainly adults so I was able to get in some good photos.

Of course, the real reason I went was because of the diecast cars they use, I've always been interested and intrigued to what cars/makes they use, they just interest me.

A lot of the cars are unsurprisingly 1/24 scale. Unfortunately, a lot of them are looking tired and very weathered, it's a shame they don't clean them up and repair them, it's certainly something I'd love to do.

Anyway. Mini-Europe is located next to the Atomium.

Anyway, let's look at cars;

Didn't realise this Volvos were nice looking, I think this is next on my shopping list.

Hello, what's this I spot?

Ah, Schabak Escort (there are 2 of them)

I wonder who makes these model Merc Sprinter Vans, again, they are 1/24 scale despite looking a little "Siku"

Oh dear....

Aye aye, whats this VW? More on this later...

The refuse truck actually "drives" around the roads.

Ah! VW...

Yep, another one to add to my shopping list.

OK, what's going on here...

Oh dear, always a BMW eh?

That other Escort again. I'd have loved to taken this home with me, alas its not to be, besides, I think I actually have one.

Les pompiers...

Stolen Merc to be shipped abroad...

This was a German set, so of course they'll have a Mercedes G Wagon on display. 

Trabant on a 'Luxembourg' bridge.

Holidays ain't coming....

European Shite collection?

Range Rover aappears to have lost a rear wheel ☹️

Road works (there are LOADS here in Belgium) but not enough detail.

Peugeot appears to have almost given up ☹️

I must admit, I did kind of enjoy myself after getting through the "weird bloke on his own" anxiety, which is why it was good to go on a slightly overcast day in the week rather than a sunny weekend.

That's another one ticked off my box.

[danthecapriman]

That’s fantastic @Lord Sterling
Really cool thing to see, and make for us saddo’s!!

It’s a pity the windows have all started yellowing from the weather and sunlight but probably not much you can do about that. Some lovely model making on the buildings etc too.

[sierraman]

Babbacombe model village had a few Diecast there last time I looked. 1/18 I think was the scale. 

[Lord Sterling]

13 minutes ago, sierraman said:

Babbacombe model village had a few Diecast there last time I looked. 1/18 I think was the scale. 

Yes, I am a subscriber on their Farcebook page. I liked when I saw them using the Rastar 1/20 Peugeot 407. 

[bunglebus]

Seems there's lots of us mini tat hunters roaming around Europe at the moment. Found naff all in Oslo, and didn't find anything at my stop in Sweden earlier this afternoon. 

Barreled straight through Denmark and onto a 45 minute ferry to Fehmarn (tiny island at the top of Germany). Ferry had nothing to offer but Motor Max Big Rigs

However where I'm staying tonight is right on the main street with half a dozen supermarkets, none of which had much of interest other than a knock-off Lego Barkas

But one of the many surf shops actually had die casts! Joy

Mostly tourist tat but with a fair selection of Sikus and some Majorettes - don't recall these bigger Sikus

[bunglebus]

All I bought was this Majorette split

And a shite calender for next year

[sierraman]

1 hour ago, Lord Sterling said:

Yes, I am a subscriber on their Farcebook page. I liked when I saw them using the Rastar 1/20 Peugeot 407. 

It’s a good day out, I liked it more than the kids.

[Split_Pin]

2 hours ago, Lord Sterling said:

Yes, I am a subscriber on their Farcebook page. I liked when I saw them using the Rastar 1/20 Peugeot 407. 

I've got a Rastar 407 but it's about 1/12 or so. Very impressive.

[Lord Sterling]

2 hours ago, Split_Pin said:

I've got a Rastar 407 but it's about 1/12 or so. Very impressive.

I think I remember you showing it on email if you're ever moving it on. I'll have first dibs?

Tried to buy one a few times, but sellers are either all out of stock, one took money but refunded it soon after with no explanation, I then found out he was also out of stock.