Shite in Miniature II

[Tenmil Socket]

6 hours ago, Tenmil Socket said:

Does anyone know what the elemental composition of a generic die-cast body shell is?

I've got a Corgi, Matchbox and a Chinese no namer here that I intend to scan to see how they compare.

SCIENCE!

 

Well I was expecting the Chinese no namer to be some poor quality alloy but I’m surprised at the results:

Matchbox: 100% Zn

Corgi: 99.78% Zn & 0.22% Ti

No namer: 99.94% Zn & 0.06% Cu

 

[danthecapriman]

31 minutes ago, Tenmil Socket said:

Well I was expecting the Chinese no namer to be some poor quality alloy but I’m surprised at the results:

Matchbox: 100% Zn

Corgi: 99.78% Zn & 0.22% Ti

No namer: 99.94% Zn & 0.06% Cu

 

Just as long as there’s no silicone or lead in it! Or whatever it is that causes mazak rot.

[bunglebus]

A bit of extra detail on the Hot Wheels Jaguar

Bumpers and grille chromed (originally a sort of black chrome), although my Molotow pen doesn't seem to be working very well now.

Painted lights, mirrors, exhausts and all four fuel fillers in silver and added tail lights and no. plate.  Painted the interior black and added wood effect to the dash, that you'll never see...

I suppose I could paint the base white too, maybe later

[bunglebus]

Went to the Post Office to collect an unusual  Matchbox, but they've misplaced my parcel. However I found a different Matchbox in the charity shop next door

There was also a slightly tired Siku Passat, so I got that too

[danthecapriman]

1 hour ago, bunglebus said:

A bit of extra detail on the Hot Wheels Jaguar

Bumpers and grille chromed (originally a sort of black chrome), although my Molotow pen doesn't seem to be working very well now.

Painted lights, mirrors, exhausts and all four fuel fillers in silver and added tail lights and no. plate.  Painted the interior black and added wood effect to the dash, that you'll never see...

I suppose I could paint the base white too, maybe later

Nice job on that. That little extra always brings them to life a lot more.

As an aside, I’ve got a 1:43 sized spoiler for one of these if anyone wants it? 
It’s exact the same boot spoiler as fitter to this.

[Noel Tidybeard]

•      

  

  Hello Robert   In response to queries regarding our recent Whizzwheels / Graham Hill Cortina GXL marketing initiative, we can assure you that this was a genuine test conducted by the Corgi Model Club. In hindsight, we should have handled the way we executed this test much better. We sincerely apologise for any misunderstanding and confusion that it caused. All your comments have been noted and taken on board. We promise to improve the way we conduct this kind of market research test in the future.   The good news is that as a result of the overwhelming response we have received, we can announce that a Corgi Model Club Whizzwheels collection is now going ahead!    Although the Graham Hill GXL is not yet ready to be dispatched, it is in production and we will be back in touch once we have confirmed dates. Please be reassured that you will be given a chance to purchase it again at a special joining price. The new Whizzwheels collection will be run separately from the existing Corgi Model Club, with a unique set of 70s-era models. If post-1970 Corgi Toys aren’t your thing, rest assured that the current Club will continue as it is, run with as much dedication and care as we have since the very beginning. You will still receive a new 60s-era Corgi Toy replica every month and with all the benefits that being a Club member entails. There are so many iconic 1960s Corgi Toys we have yet to do, so the well is a long way from running dry! The new Whizzwheels collection will concentrate on post-1970 Corgi Toys. More information about the launch date, which will be in 2026, will be announced soon. There’s little doubt that these are exciting time for Corgi collectors of all eras!   Kind regards – and many thanks for your passion and the understanding you have shown – from all here at the Corgi Model Club.   PS. If you haven’t already received a refund for your Graham Hill Cortina GXL order (because the model isn’t yet in stock) you will do so very shortly.    Sincerest apologies, Corgi Model Club Team

  ---

[danthecapriman]

I’ve been working on a second Transit project, as well as the minibus conversion. The minibus is still having filler applied and rubbed down.

This one though started off as that odd Michelin IXO model. 
Why odd?? Well, because it’s completely wrong in dimensions.

Here it is with an IXO mk2 and Vanguards mk1. 
The cab front isn’t bad at all but the rest is way off.

 
Length - it’s not a long wheelbase (too short) or short wheelbase (too long!).  
Width - van body roof is too narrow. 
It also has no side doors.

    
 
 
Best use I can put it to is salvage the cab since that’s not bad, and then I’ll rob the rear double doors for the mk2 bus.   
So here’s the current state of it;

Which will, eventually become one of the big coach built parcel van versions.

I thought it’d be pretty easy to build but it’s actually significantly more complex than it looks. The bulk of the box body I’ve done from plastic card with internal reinforcement to make it stronger. The cab windscreen front was an absolute swine! It’s curved gently but the curves are much sharper at the outer edges where it meets the doors. It also reclines backwards slightly just to make it more difficult. 
I’ve had to swap the chassis as the original one is way too short but the wheels it comes on are completely wrong too. So it’s now using a modified partwork Russian GAZ Gazelle chassis and wheels. 
Loads to do still including the roof which I’ll do in thin aluminium same as the windscreen/bulkhead.

[eddyramrod]

@danthecapriman that's splendid!  I wish I had that level of patience!

Oh and Yes Please on the Jag spoiler, I have a Corgi in my Projects box...

[eddyramrod]

That tub I bought on the boot sale now looks like this...

If anything takes your fancy, shout up, it'll be cheap.  These are what I kept...

Note the Volvo?

As you can see, I already had one.  The new one's better though, so it's gone on display in place of the old one.  Now here's a little batch I picked up from @danthecapriman...

All Dinky, all 1950s, and three of the four painted as I might have done them 55 years ago.  Somehow the American Ford sedan has escaped the brush, but while it is quite nice, I don't think it's nice enough not to strip and respray.  The other three will absolutely be getting that treatment!  I thought I already had the Zephyr but apparently not; what I do have is the corresponding Consul, by Corgi, so it'll be nice to have them together.

[danthecapriman]

6 minutes ago, eddyramrod said:

That tub I bought on the boot sale now looks like this...

If anything takes your fancy, shout up, it'll be cheap.  These are what I kept...

Note the Volvo?

As you can see, I already had one.  The new one's better though, so it's gone on display in place of the old one.  Now here's a little batch I picked up from @danthecapriman...

All Dinky, all 1950s, and three of the four painted as I might have done them 55 years ago.  Somehow the American Ford sedan has escaped the brush, but while it is quite nice, I don't think it's nice enough not to strip and respray.  The other three will absolutely be getting that treatment!  I thought I already had the Zephyr but apparently not; what I do have is the corresponding Consul, by Corgi, so it'll be nice to have them together.

I must admit, I was on the fence with the American Ford when I had it - To paint or not to paint… that is the question😄 

I always found it just in that point of being pretty nice but not nice enough! 
It’s strange to think actually, those 50’s models are obviously way older than me, but I bet any money they’ve also been covered in Humbrol longer than my 40 years too! 
Im looking forward to see how they transform and become nice again after so long.

[bunglebus]

32 minutes ago, eddyramrod said:

Note the Volvo?

Blue glass?? Now I've got another version to find...

[eddyramrod]

I hadn't spotted that!  PM me...

[ETCHY]

14 hours ago, bunglebus said:

A bit of extra detail on the Hot Wheels Jaguar

Bumpers and grille chromed (originally a sort of black chrome), although my Molotow pen doesn't seem to be working very well now.

Painted lights, mirrors, exhausts and all four fuel fillers in silver and added tail lights and no. plate.  Painted the interior black and added wood effect to the dash, that you'll never see...

I suppose I could paint the base white too, maybe later

There so needs to be a Steeds Jag conversion done on this.

[ambassador84]

Anyone struggling to find Case N and in particular the Jaaaaguar Broadspeed might be wise to check out their local Aldi. My nearest branch has already gone through Cases L, M and now N in the space of a month. I'm sure I read somewhere Hot Wheels are literally one of the best selling lines at Aldi. Shame they can't sell Matchbox too, that would surely help transform the brand here in the UK!

[MAF260]

I'm heading to France this weekend - any tips on best places to find some Majorette/whatever 1/64 models please?

[Spottedlaurel]

24 minutes ago, MAF260 said:

I'm heading to France this weekend - any tips on best places to find some Majorette/whatever 1/64 models please?

Big supermarkets, but they can be variable. Otherwise JoueClub or King Jouet, which can be found on retail parks on the edge of town much like Smyths. JoueClub perhaps more likely to have a bit more, but it varies from town to town. One near us had a great range of 1/43 and 1/18.

Where are you heading to?

[ambassador84]

12 minutes ago, Spottedlaurel said:

Big supermarkets, but they can be variable. Otherwise JoueClub or King Jouet, which can be found on retail parks on the edge of town much like Smyths. JoueClub perhaps more likely to have a bit more, but it varies from town to town. One near us had a great range of 1/43 and 1/18.

Where are you heading to?

I'll second that. Try most supermarkets/hypermarkets even the same companies but in different towns as they can literally vary from branch to branch. E.leclerc and their Jouet off shoot are usually the most bountiful as well as big Auchan stores. Tedi and Action can be good for Matchbox and Hot Wheels and Stokomani for Majorette.

Basically France is light years ahead of the UK when it comes to diecast retailing!

[eddyramrod]

53 minutes ago, ambassador84 said:

Basically France is light years ahead of the UK when it comes to diecast retailing!

Are you suggesting there's a country that isn't??????

[ambassador84]

48 minutes ago, eddyramrod said:

Are you suggesting there's a country that isn't??????

😅😅😅 yeah. The UK is THE WORST country I've ever witnessed for finding a decent selection of diecasts in shops though in the interests of fairness it wasn't always that way.  I've been collecting since my childhood in the mid 80s and right up to the 2010s things were pretty good in terms of choice.

[Christine]

19 hours ago, danthecapriman said:

I’ve been working on a second Transit project, as well as the minibus conversion. The minibus is still having filler applied and rubbed down.

This one though started off as that odd Michelin IXO model. 
Why odd?? Well, because it’s completely wrong in dimensions.

Here it is with an IXO mk2 and Vanguards mk1. 
The cab front isn’t bad at all but the rest is way off.

 
Length - it’s not a long wheelbase (too short) or short wheelbase (too long!).  
Width - van body roof is too narrow. 
It also has no side doors.

    
 
 
Best use I can put it to is salvage the cab since that’s not bad, and then I’ll rob the rear double doors for the mk2 bus.   
So here’s the current state of it;

Which will, eventually become one of the big coach built parcel van versions.

I thought it’d be pretty easy to build but it’s actually significantly more complex than it looks. The bulk of the box body I’ve done from plastic card with internal reinforcement to make it stronger. The cab windscreen front was an absolute swine! It’s curved gently but the curves are much sharper at the outer edges where it meets the doors. It also reclines backwards slightly just to make it more difficult. 
I’ve had to swap the chassis as the original one is way too short but the wheels it comes on are completely wrong too. So it’s now using a modified partwork Russian GAZ Gazelle chassis and wheels. 
Loads to do still including the roof which I’ll do in thin aluminium same as the windscreen/bulkhead.

Err.. when i get round tuit , in your box , there's a white metal casting for converting to   that  tall transit front  ... Lol

[MAF260]

Brilliant, thank you all for the info. I’m quite excited to see what’s on offer, I’m sure my Mrs won’t be!

I’m going to Amiens and Le Touquet. Doubt I’ll find anything in the latter!

[Spottedlaurel]

18 minutes ago, MAF260 said:

Brilliant, thank you all for the info. I’m quite excited to see what’s on offer, I’m sure my Mrs won’t be!

I’m going to Amiens and Le Touquet. Doubt I’ll find anything in the latter!

Looks like it'll be just supermarkets in Le Touquet but Amiens appears to have a few options, even a Smyths - not yet visited a French one so don't know how they compare.

For secondhand look out for brocante fairs or shops (antiques/retro stuff) or vide greniers (tabletop/boot sales).

[danthecapriman]

1 hour ago, Christine said:

Err.. when i get round tuit , in your box , there's a white metal casting for converting to   that  tall transit front  ... Lol

😭 Fffffuu…..

Who made the whitemetal front end? I’ve never seen one.