Shite in Miniature II

26,894 · July 9

That Polio is lovely. Fiesta is a nice little thing too.

59,048 · July 9

56 minutes ago, Split_Pin said:

Gosh, that Polo! I have one with a missing front.

I keep buying them. Tatty

Lovely

Small

42,393 · July 9

A few pics of one of my recent arrivals:

It's the Corgi Ferrari 308GTS, first introduced in May 1982 but still available in the lineup well into the 1990s.

Although I'm not overly familiar with the real thing, it does look pretty good.

A bit odd that Corgi chose to fit this one with a towbar, especially considering the slightly later Volvo 760 didn't have one.

But - opening bits! Good engine detail there, for the era and price point.

And poppy-uppy bits!

The opening headlights function via the small lever underneath is priceless.

And the interior's pretty detailed too - the contrasting tan upholstery against the black really pops.

I bought one of these as a gift for my brother c.1991, but I don't know what became of it.

It had different, later wheels that weren't brilliant, though - these have the earlier 'disc' type and look better to my eye.

Some early versions of this model were sold with a Magnum P.I. header card on the box, to tie in with the US series of the same name where the eponymous Private Investigator swanned around Hawaii in a Ferrari.

Sadly, unlike many of Corgi's other TV tie-ins there was no little plastic figurine of Tom Selleck supplied - you had to just use your imagination with this one.

33,405 · July 9

That's one of the few 1/36s that have escaped me, what a great model, I love the seats!

40,641 · July 9

I had that one, I think later on it had an Italian flag on the bonnet. Cannot recall it being in any other colour that red though.

59,048 · July 9

I've got one, not quite as nice - but it has square headlights!

Actually it looks like I had another one before that too

26,894 · July 9

One of you lot had one from my sales thread. Can’t remember who.

Pretty sure that one had square lights.

July 9

Why pay £9 for a Hot Wheels premium when the likes of MSZ do pretty much the same but for a third less!

Also managed to grab a new recolour of my all time favourite Tomica never seen the streets of London Bus.

42,393 · July 9

15 hours ago, Datsuncog said:

It had different, later wheels that weren't brilliant, though - these have the earlier 'disc' type and look better to my eye.

^^ That's the same type as my brother had - not a fan of those cheap-looking four-pointed wheels so much, but yes I did like the PMO47 numberplates - added just a touch more realism.

15 hours ago, bunglebus said:

I've got one, not quite as nice - but it has square headlights!

I think the later version must have come with those sprayed-silver rectangular lights, as that's what was on the one I bought in '91 - I was pleased and surprised that my newly arrived one seems to have circular, mirrored plastic discs stuck on.

I'm guessing, but that strikes me as a pricier assembly option, so probably hails from the dog days of the Mettoy era when there was still a prevailing belief that quality and innovation was what sold their toys, rather than just the price alone.

I've just noticed that the later version had darker seats too - they look a bit more more brown than tan.

15 hours ago, sierraman said:

I had that one, I think later on it had an Italian flag on the bonnet. Cannot recall it being in any other colour that red though.

Think that would be the Mattel-baiting mid-1990s example:

Complete with a 'collectable' badge which somehow legally defined it as an adult scale model, not a toy, and so meant that Corgi Classics Ltd weren't breaching the terms of their management-led buyout from Mattel, which barred them from making toys again until 2000.

I'd never seen these in any other colour but red either, but seemingly a few early ones appeared in black...

While some later ones also appeared in a rather lairy yellow:

And then there was the 'Little 'n' Large' twin pack, supplied with the Juniors version alongside:

22,796 · July 9

That reminds me of the pop-up headlights of the Corgi Toyota Celica Supra from the same era. I owned a mint and boxed example from childhood and I always like idea that a quick push on the front end of the model popped up the headlights.

There's no trace of my model anywhere now though... I have a feeling I foolishly sold it at a fleamarket along with a few other diecast models in the mid 1990s, no doubt for peanuts. Shame, as they're silly money now - are they particularly rare or something? Mine was identical to this:

https://ebay.us/m/h4I6hi

42,393 · July 9

13 hours ago, Dick Cheeseburger said:

are they particularly rare or something?

I understand they're not terribly common - seemingly only available in the Corgi range for one year (1985) before being dropped due to poorer-than-expected sales and general company cost-cutting. It had a lot of opening and moving bits, so probably wasn't cheap to make!

The eBay one linked above seems to be in a slightly unusual box with the acetate window at the top stretching back further than normal on those '85-on blue boxes - might explain the premium price?

I bought a clean boxed one online about six years ago as I'd never even seen one, but not at that price - the casting's great, but the somewhat ambitious two-tone navy over silver paintwork (with red stripe) wasn't terribly well-executed from the factory, annoyingly.

More pics and waffle here:

5,389 · July 9

Some new arrivals,

From Ana on Facebook,

Due to an administrative oversight, and local Morrisons being absolute twunts, (long story), I found myself needing another one of these. Typically, they can't be had for love nor money in the shops, so luckily, Ana saved the day. I love this release, so I had to have another one.

One I couldnt get hold of when it came out (I counted myself lucky to get the Metro). I've got most of the Carrera mainlines, but the premium treatment really lifts it up a notch.

I do love the whale tail with narrow body treatment on these early Carrera, not to mention those graphics.

Another one I missed when new, and the prices of them went a bit silly just after they disappeared from the shelves. Luckily Ana did a pretty good price on it.

Another one I've got quite a few of in mainline form, but not a premium. Looks nice with the factory dark cladding and the wheels look a bit like period Borbets or Azevs.

I've been umming and ahhing about getting one of these. Yes, it is a bit weird proportion wise, and a bit large in the wheel department , but it makes a nice change from all the TA22 coupes. The later liftbacks dont seem to have been modelled as much. AFAIK this is the only Matchbox version so far too.

Front detail is a bit sparse but it has the GT badge in place and it looks like I might have to get this one out as it appears to have an opening bonnet...

And from AliExpress, because I have no chance of ever finding one of these in the wild,

This is brilliant! Peak '90s exec saloon.

Again, perhaps a tiny bit over-wheeled, but the wheels are lovely, with real rubber 'True Grip' tyres

59,048 · July 10

Maybe a brighter colour would have appealed to kids more, although I think the black/tan suits it well

5,203 · July 10

15 hours ago, sierraman said:

I had that one, I think later on it had an Italian flag on the bonnet. Cannot recall it being in any other colour that red though.

There’s black ones too 👍
Edit to say phone refreshed and black one in post above 😆

28,605 · July 10

4 hours ago, bunglebus said:

Maybe a brighter colour would have appealed to kids more, although I think the black/tan suits it well

I picked up a black one some months ago in a charity shop, for a whole One Pound. Lovely red interior too, in fact the whole thing is in pretty nice condition. It's one I never had from new so I thought I couldn't walk past it at that price.

5,767 · July 10

The post of the paper car reminded me of this if anyone want's to attempt to make their own paper Escort.

59,048 · July 10

1 hour ago, eddyramrod said:

I picked up a black one some months ago in a charity shop, for a whole One Pound. Lovely red interior too, in fact the whole thing is in pretty nice condition. It's one I never had from new so I thought I couldn't walk past it at that price.

Ooh yeah, I'm a big fan of a red interior in a black/white/silver car. Still trying to convince the Mrs it's the way though

59,048 · July 10

Popped into Smyths earlier and found a new set of Circuit Leg ends cars, I bought the two Porsches in the series

That ^ will sit very nicely with the 1:43 version that came out recently. This one, although perhaps slightly modern for my tastes, is really nicely done

Carbon effect and roll cage really make it, and I'll always buy Gulf livery cars.

Packages were collected on the way home

Nothing to see here

This however, is just fantastic. Some time ago, I wandered down an internet rabbit hole and discovered that Tins' Toys made a knock-off of the Dinky Volkswagen Deluxe. I never thought I'd find one, but here it is

Admire the lethal looking flash around the windscreen aperture!

No opening boot or bonnet, but it does appear to mimic the tilting seats of the original

Here it is with a genuine one

Although perhaps the later version would be a fairer comparison, with its plastic rostyle type wheels

The interior is located exactly the same way around this peg

A part of me really wants to open this and look at the base, the acetone is calling me! I can see it appears to be detailed just like the Dinky

59,048 · July 10

Thanks to @Zie for finding the elusive Boulevards for me

Your Espace is en route as they say in France

13,989 · July 10

Must keep a lookout for the Datsun. I'm hoping to drop into one or two shops tomorrow.....

26,894 · July 10

As if I need another project to start at the moment!
I found my soldering irons and bits the other day after moving. They must have been packed away for going on 3 years.

So why on earth would I need soldering irons for anything?
Well, because I’ve been planning something in my head for a while now and think it’d be best made with the structure in metal for strength, which means brass section and soldering it together.

First task - chassis. Brass I beam with a notch cut out and a bend at the ass end. Soldered back together after.

Loads of measuring and looking at photos etc and the basic chassis is assembled.

Any idea what I’m doing!?
How about now?

That’s right, I’m making a car transporter! A Hoynor to be exact. Dinky did one but I’m not sure how accurate they are and it’s a bit toy like for my purposes so I decided to try.

There seem to be loads of different styles and sizes of this design so I gave up trying to go for 100% accuracy to one specific type and just went for a generic look based on the original.

Still loads to do but the metal bits are almost finished. I’ll use plastic for the cosmetic bits and decks but decided against using plastic for everything as 4 or 5 diecast cars might be a bit heavy for it!
Im out of brass tube though so stuck now for making the axle tube.
It won’t be a functioning one unfortunately as it’s testing my sanity as it is. I’ve also found some modern solder is absolutely shit as it just blobs and makes a mess. The stuff I’ve been using mostly is probably older than I am which was from my grandad, but it solders absolutely beautifully.

22,796 · July 10

4 hours ago, eddyramrod said:

I picked up a black one some months ago in a charity shop, for a whole One Pound. Lovely red interior too, in fact the whole thing is in pretty nice condition. It's one I never had from new so I thought I couldn't walk past it at that price.

Nice. If you're interested in a trade for anything Eddie, let me know!

5,767 · July 10

35 minutes ago, danthecapriman said:

As if I need another project to start at the moment!
I found my soldering irons and bits the other day after moving. They must have been packed away for going on 3 years.

So why on earth would I need soldering irons for anything?
Well, because I’ve been planning something in my head for a while now and think it’d be best made with the structure in metal for strength, which means brass section and soldering it together.

First task - chassis. Brass I beam with a notch cut out and a bend at the ass end. Soldered back together after.

Loads of measuring and looking at photos etc and the basic chassis is assembled.

Any idea what I’m doing!?
How about now?

That’s right, I’m making a car transporter! A Hoynor to be exact. Dinky did one but I’m not sure how accurate they are and it’s a bit toy like for my purposes so I decided to try.

There seem to be loads of different styles and sizes of this design so I gave up trying to go for 100% accuracy to one specific type and just went for a generic look based on the original.

Still loads to do but the metal bits are almost finished. I’ll use plastic for the cosmetic bits and decks but decided against using plastic for everything as 4 or 5 diecast cars might be a bit heavy for it!
Im out of brass tube though so stuck now for making the axle tube.
It won’t be a functioning one unfortunately as it’s testing my sanity as it is. I’ve also found some modern solder is absolutely shit as it just blobs and makes a mess. The stuff I’ve been using mostly is probably older than I am which was from my grandad, but it solders absolutely beautifully.

That’s simply fantastic, well done mate 👍🏻

33,405 · July 10

52 minutes ago, danthecapriman said:

As if I need another project to start at the moment!
I found my soldering irons and bits the other day after moving. They must have been packed away for going on 3 years.

So why on earth would I need soldering irons for anything?
Well, because I’ve been planning something in my head for a while now and think it’d be best made with the structure in metal for strength, which means brass section and soldering it together.

First task - chassis. Brass I beam with a notch cut out and a bend at the ass end. Soldered back together after.

Loads of measuring and looking at photos etc and the basic chassis is assembled.

Any idea what I’m doing!?
How about now?

That’s right, I’m making a car transporter! A Hoynor to be exact. Dinky did one but I’m not sure how accurate they are and it’s a bit toy like for my purposes so I decided to try.

There seem to be loads of different styles and sizes of this design so I gave up trying to go for 100% accuracy to one specific type and just went for a generic look based on the original.

Still loads to do but the metal bits are almost finished. I’ll use plastic for the cosmetic bits and decks but decided against using plastic for everything as 4 or 5 diecast cars might be a bit heavy for it!
Im out of brass tube though so stuck now for making the axle tube.
It won’t be a functioning one unfortunately as it’s testing my sanity as it is. I’ve also found some modern solder is absolutely shit as it just blobs and makes a mess. The stuff I’ve been using mostly is probably older than I am which was from my grandad, but it solders absolutely beautifully.

Hoy-yoy-yooyy that's amazeballs! That's gonna look tip-top with some prime chod on the decks!

July 10

1 hour ago, bunglebus said:

Thanks to @Zie for finding the elusive Boulevards for me.

No problem, I enjoy the hunt.

12,119 · July 10

6 hours ago, Tenmil Socket said:

The post of the paper car reminded me of this if anyone want's to attempt to make their own paper Escort.

I drew that along with a whole load more. You can find them on my Doesn’t fit anywhere else thread.

6,680 · July 10

Picked up this Polistil Alfasud yesterday

12,119 · July 10

1 hour ago, 500tops said:

Picked up this Polistil Alfasud yesterday

That’s really nice, I think I have a blue one I got from @flat4alfa

42,393 · July 10

Another one for Kiddies' Corner:

Yup, the Matchbox Action Drivers delirium continues, for now.

This Ferry Port Playset arrived from the US in just a plain plastic mailing bag with no padding, so the box was lightly crushed and had been punched out along the perforations. Generally, I prefer to open them along the glued edge, but hey - no biggie.

There's quite a few pieces to this set, but it all fits together very easily.

It's an unusual one in the range, because the other Action Drivers sets are designed to clip together from all four sides to make a sort of townscape - but this one, by its nature, only has two clippable sides.

The automatic moving parts here are largely confined to the barrier and security guard:

When a vehicle's wheels push down on the yellow bump, the barrier goes up and the guard emerges from the little cabin with a cheery wave.

The other automatic moving feature is the bridge between the arrival dock and the exit lane, which opens and closes a barrier whenever it's raised or lowered:

Just like that.

The speed bumps are plentiful and quite accurately shaped, just as you'd expect with this sort of infrastructure:

REALISM YO

But the ro-ro ferry is kind of the star of the show, loading up at the barrier entrance...

And off out into the deep blue sea...

And unloading again at the arrivals dock.

Not massively detailed, it's true, and it won't actually float - but despite this, it's very likeable.

I'd still like to find one of the early 70s Lesney ferry sets, mind...

Like the set itself, this Nissan NV van in Harbor Ferry Transport livery was a 2023 release:

Seems like it would have been more appropriate as the vehicle included in the set than the blue Land Rover Defender, which had already appeared as a mainline.

To be honest, having the van was kind of what made me want to have the play set too.

But I particularly like the little details moulded in, such as the crab on the kerb and the gull on the roof of the security cabin.

Why do I like these so much? Maybe because I know I'd have loved them as a kid.

Sad in a way that Mattel seem to have slowed down a lot in releasing these - but also good, as I'm running out of space...

9,192 · July 10

I just wish they were still branded as Motorcity.

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