Shite in Miniature II

[bunglebus]

8 hours ago, eddyramrod said:

I seem to have accrued a bunch of Renault Masters...

Think someone on here had this one off me

 

[bunglebus]

A few interesting oddities to look through today, Tonka Golf is one I've been eyeing up on eBay as a potential resto/custom

I have one of these Color FX sets somewhere, but the card is pretty tatty. This one's in good shape thankfully 

One bonus of plastic bodied cars is they continue to change colour indefinitely, unlike the painted metal ones

Zylmex Capri is a fairly hard one to track down

This is the most interesting to me though, Auto Pilen Adams Probe 16

It looks very similar to the Corgi...

Although it's not identical, particularly at the rear

There may have been an insert in the roof originally to match the louvre on the Corgi, who knows?

I presume the Spanish copied the Corgi, as I have a Joal too that's remarkably similar 

 

[bunglebus]

Here we go, louvre and rear light inserts

[barrett]

According to my notes, that's one of about half a dozen Pilens which originated as Corgi castings. As usual, it's quite a bit nicer than the original, although weirdly those round jewelled lamps are my favourite thing on the Corgi so it's a shame it lost those – quite an odd choice as I don't recall seeing a Probe with that style of rear end

[bunglebus]

Only other one I have is the Toronado, here with original and CMC Corgis

 

[Datsuncog]

Stroke of good fortune in the Hospice Shop on Saturday morning:

There's rarely much diecast to be found locally, especially not older stuff - so this was quite a discovery. 

Any bags of 'wee cars' are usually just cheapo no-name rubbish lumped together at less-than-bargainous prices, like all the others on the same shelf, so you can be sure I hot-footed it to the till sharpish. 

I came away with a Corgi Major Scammell Handyman (originally pulling a two or even three deck transporter), a Corgi Bedford TK (also lacking its trailer - possibly another transporter, or maybe the Chipperfields horse box?), a well-used but still complete Lesney GMC tipper, and an equally worn Superfast Road Dragster (the first effort by Matchbox at a fantasy car to rival those being turned out by new upstarts Hot Wheels).

Plus, for some reason, a plastic ladder. 

I've been looking for one of these Scammell prime movers for years, so this was a particularly enjoyable find. It's missing the spare wheel and has a few chips, but is still presentable enough. I'm pretty sure I have a couple of TKs already - a late horse box in metallic green, an earlier Karrimore transporter - so I'm not sure what to do with this one, other than enjoy it as-is. The Lesneys I already have in slightly better nick, so these two are both free to a good home, should anyone fancy them.

Also, the ladder is free to any home. 

[bunglebus]

30 minutes ago, Datsuncog said:

Road Dragster (the first effort by Matchbox at a fantasy car to rival those being turned out by new upstarts Hot Wheels).

I always assumed it was Mod Rod No.1, being number one. Both from 1971 anyway

[sierraman]

No photo as I need to root through the loft to find its correct tractor unit, but a Superkings Cargo Hauler purchased. 

[Datsuncog]

8 hours ago, bunglebus said:

I always assumed it was Mod Rod No.1, being number one. Both from 1971 anyway

Could be; I think there was a chapter in that Giles Chapman book 'Britain's Toy Car Wars' that went into a bit of detail about the development of the Road Dragster and its significance. Can't put my hand to it right now, but will try to look it up later. 

[eddyramrod]

@Datsuncog IIRC you're holding a little box for me?  If so, I'll be happy to rehome that ladder.  It's quite possible I might have a use for it.

[MVX11V]

This:

PC was selling off some factory stuff again. Lost out on a MB Porsche 959 colour trial in bids, my top price was exceeded at £125!

[bunglebus]

Today on The Daily Diecast, a Lone Star Taunus. I know I rattle on about them, but they deserved more success against Matchbox etc as they're just so nicely made

This one just piqued my interest in a cheap job lot, Saab Sonnet. No name on it, Yatming did a version so this is either a copy or a different brand

Boxed '57 Chevy was cheap

Flip front isn't a great fit

Rear bumper has lost its ends

But the worst is this - bad batch of plastic maybe? It's turned to dust (I was aware before buying)

This SuperKings Gran Fury has fared much better

[MVX11V]

Several models with chrome plated plastic are affected by this. It's like it gasses off in the box. Had it happen to exactly the same Chevy, in the same box. Peterbuilt truck cab too.

But yeah, I personally think it's a process/ material change issue, at a specific time. 

Including mine, this is the third one I've ever seen like this though.

[sierraman]

37 minutes ago, MVX11V said:

This:

PC was selling off some factory stuff again. Lost out on a MB Porsche 959 colour trial in bids, my top price was exceeded at £125!

I’m always a bit dubious about this pre production stuff. Seems a lot of it about. They must have been carrying fucking rucksacks full of them home every night. 

[FakeConcern]

On 08/01/2026 at 00:22, Datsuncog said:

Stroke of good fortune in the Hospice Shop on Saturday morning:

There's rarely much diecast to be found locally, especially not older stuff - so this was quite a discovery. 

Any bags of 'wee cars' are usually just cheapo no-name rubbish lumped together at less-than-bargainous prices, like all the others on the same shelf, so you can be sure I hot-footed it to the till sharpish. 

I came away with a Corgi Major Scammell Handyman (originally pulling a two or even three deck transporter), a Corgi Bedford TK (also lacking its trailer - possibly another transporter, or maybe the Chipperfields horse box?), a well-used but still complete Lesney GMC tipper, and an equally worn Superfast Road Dragster (the first effort by Matchbox at a fantasy car to rival those being turned out by new upstarts Hot Wheels).

Plus, for some reason, a plastic ladder. 

I've been looking for one of these Scammell prime movers for years, so this was a particularly enjoyable find. It's missing the spare wheel and has a few chips, but is still presentable enough. I'm pretty sure I have a couple of TKs already - a late horse box in metallic green, an earlier Karrimore transporter - so I'm not sure what to do with this one, other than enjoy it as-is. The Lesneys I already have in slightly better nick, so these two are both free to a good home, should anyone fancy them.

Also, the ladder is free to any home. 

Nice haul! I don't think I've ever found anything that good in a charity shop.

If the Scammell is red I think it would have had the two deck transporter as seen on the earlier Ford tilt cab.

@Datsuncog I have some spare wheels for it, let me know if you'd like one.

 

 

On 08/01/2026 at 16:01, bunglebus said:

Today on The Daily Diecast, a Lone Star Taunus. I know I rattle on about them, but they deserved more success against Matchbox etc as they're just so nicely made

This one just piqued my interest in a cheap job lot, Saab Sonnet. No name on it, Yatming did a version so this is either a copy or a different brand

Boxed '57 Chevy was cheap

Flip front isn't a great fit

Rear bumper has lost its ends

But the worst is this - bad batch of plastic maybe? It's turned to dust (I was aware before buying)

This SuperKings Gran Fury has fared much better

The orange Taunus is just like the one I had as a kid, I have got one in yellow, but yet to find that colour. I really like those King Size Gran Furys as well, I have one like that and I even like the Police versions.

I did find a Lone Star Fiat in the same colour as the one I had at the toy fair on Sunday

I've not seen the Corgi Rover in this livery before and never seen a King Size Rolls either

I have started making a bonnet for the Politoys Alfa Montreal, not usually my sort of thing, but my boss in the 80s had one (a real one I mean).

I found this interesting plastic Le Mans style 917 in a junk shop in Hastings for £1

Not seen one before and despite missing head light and tiny corner off the spoiler, it is really quite nice.

 

[bunglebus]

14 minutes ago, FakeConcern said:

never seen a King Size Rolls

That's a tough find with all its bits intact, one I keep an eye out for online

[bunglebus]

16 minutes ago, FakeConcern said:

The orange Taunus is just like the one I had as a kid, I have got one in yellow, but yet to find that colour

I've picked up a few, some with all the opening bits, some with the bonnet sealed shut 

That lilac one looks a little happier now, I should have found an opening bonnet one to customise though

 

[andrew e]

The Corgi SD1 is a“Bastos” livery hommage, is it a china made one, or did the SD1 never make it that far?

[FakeConcern]

21 minutes ago, andrew e said:

The Corgi SD1 is a“Bastos” livery hommage, is it a china made one, or did the SD1 never make it that far?

Made in GT. Britain.

[bunglebus]

Did the big Corgis get made in China?

[Tenmil Socket]

[Spottedlaurel]

Nice batch arrived this week thanks to the combined efforts of @andrew e (top row) and @bunglebus (bottom row):

Particularly pleasing to finally get the Accord after missing out on that 1:1 Aerodeck last year.

Not sure if the Forester is any different from a previous version but the new Lancer Evo Wagon is great.

[andrew e]

1 hour ago, bunglebus said:

Did the big Corgis get made in China?

I’ve got GB & PRC Renault 5 turbo in the same colour! The one that came late 90’s with the collectors* badge

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/236274198473?_skw=renault+5+corgi&itmmeta=01KEFS7THRKRRSK6XA4KHXDR9X&hash=item37030a27c9:g:QGYAAeSwg2Voox1H&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA8FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1dsWS4tu0A31Gg3DJ94kuU6NtUxkl%2BD64c0xuYJ6r%2Bw91hiCWFaxOMN0lOEyH%2FLCUV%2BtfYWEknCy0qledZ1htsMRudY9W1mvAIEPS1lil46hoJAzBoFo3fqC39Bm96g6PPnHpiA8ints6InjU6tn%2FVuqaIgGKHq5jaLhp6yTYIDfumSKGP4i9O%2BG3Yg%2BIF3AmIxCVYQMk2JesFekqtp58aZ7PadkcCN%2FwD5IeintKtaucLol%2BJbZr9SD7U2n5uoQ%2FKfNI67Y3cnH6EXsjfSgm5LEvWlegZ2jLPnVnTuQWsbag%3D%3D|tkp%3ABFBMlKmf-fNm

[Datsuncog]

10 hours ago, eddyramrod said:

@Datsuncog IIRC you're holding a little box for me?  If so, I'll be happy to rehome that ladder.  It's quite possible I might have a use for it.

Quite probably! I've really taken my eye off the ball lately; I do need to sort out what's what with everyone's tat boxes. 

I've that Ford wagon here for you Eddy, I remember that much! 

I'll pop the ladder in next to it, and have a hunt through the rest of the diecast hellscape that's in the back bedroom to see what else lurks... 

(If I'm holding anything for you and seem to have forgotten about it, please pipe up and remind me!) 

[eddyramrod]

Thank you kind sir   I'd forgotten the Ford!  TBH I've forgotten exactly who has what for me at the moment.  There's no rush for any of it, but if the total including postage gets up towards £30 that might be time to complete the transaction.

[Datsuncog]

On 07/01/2026 at 00:17, AndyW201 said:

This arrived today.

6 visits to Smyths so far, and still no sign of one of these on the pegs, so I've had to go the AliExpress route.

Are you on the AS MiniShite WhatsApp group? 

If not, you might want to get on the WhatsApp group - and if so, hit me up!

[Split_Pin]

I was the only bidder on this big ol' Anson Saab 900.

No box and (based on what happened to a BMW 2002 I used to have from the same manufacturer) something that looks a bit like zinc pest on the bootlid.

But for £30 posted I'm happy, these seem to go for a fair bit at times. Someone has burst at red one of these and there is a bootlid on ebay for under a tenner posted at the moment.

Can't wait till it arrives (hopefully in one piece)!

[Datsuncog]

Some decent finds myself today while out and about:

B&M's rediscovery of some very very old Hot Wheels cases netted me a 2024 issue BTTF DeLorean in flying mode, which pleases me in an indefinable way. 

No sign of a green racing Mini yet from the 2026 C Case, but a red and gold Lotus Cortina turned up in Smyths so they're out there. A Premium Toyota 4Runner also caught my eye. 

Poundland had a metric shit-tonne of Matchbox Rav4s on the pegs:

I didn't need six of them, though! 

One is plenty, and a Transit in a lovely shade of iridescent blue made up the two-for-three-quid offer - though there were plenty of new castings and recolours to choose from. 

I found a number of Hot Wheels Premium twin packs in Home Bargains, as detailed upthread, but they were unpriced and there were none I was especially keen on - so I left them. 

[Hertz]

Picked these up locally on marketplace. Genuine loft finds apparently.

 

[MVX11V]

16 hours ago, sierraman said:

I’m always a bit dubious about this pre production stuff. Seems a lot of it about. They must have been carrying fucking rucksacks full of them home every night. 

It is getting a bit silly now and I agree that something doesn't seem 100% legit.

Even just a few years back, pre production, colour trials and the like were available if you knew where to find them or got lucky at a boot sale, and they were all in generally rough shape where they had been used for the exact reasons they were created for. Even a well known dealer I have used for years, an ex employee, once explained how they were generally obtained out of the company bins/ skips, or found laying about and discarded. These recent waves of 'one offs' really are in immaculate condition, and they are easily available from several sellers, some who just seem to have come out of nowhere in the last couple of years. 

I got a particular colour trial once and was pretty pissed that it could have been made yesterday, even the resin holding the shell to the base has a glossy lick of paint on it.

More so, I have noticed these models with 'decals' applied and this is not a process I recall from the factory, (I may be wrong here), in my experience as a collector and from test runs and one offs,  they were crudely painted or printed, even pen was used. There were several produced too.

Decals are easily replicated. Given the decals applied some 30-40 years ago, they certainly have retained their lustre well. 

So knowing this information we look for such items matching this condition, there is a Porsche for sale right now for 3 hunnit. It's rough and looks like a 3 year old has dumped it in play doh, but the description is so vague by the seller who either has no idea what it is supposed to be, which doesn't warrant the price tag, or knows exactly what they are doing and leaving the ?'s for the buyer to fill in the blanks and convince themselves that it's a genuine piece. 

I have a strong feeling that if certain forums relating to this product were still going, participants would be calling bull shit on many, if not all of these 'one offs'. The vast experience on those forums were like a models 'customs boarder control' and you'd be hard pushed to get fakery through, the seller being publicly called out and discussed.

Notably, the 'one off' availability was no-where this abundant when those forums operated, and that is the sad fact.

I think as a rule of thumb, I will certainly be sticking to what I know and avoiding these decades old models which look like they were made yesterday.