Shite in Miniature II

[Split_Pin]

They are indeed the same bases, a massively frustrating and shonky effort by Corgi there. I had a late 1990s 'Cargo' and I thought it was just mine that had the grille upside down but it looks like a few of them did. Or did Corgi drop another bollock and actually make the indicators below the lights instead of above?!

I got rid of mine as the Siku one I have is far nicer in my eyes.

[quicksilver]

Ah, that explains why the Corgi Cargo had those weird massive foglights in the bumper. Anyone else notice Corgi put the grille upsidedown? The indicators should be above the headlights.

The smaller 'Truckers' range Cargo in 1/76 scale was much more accurate and can be made to look pretty good. This one's just had some better wheels, a bit of paint and transfers.

Funfair Ford by Adam Floyd, on Flickr

[Split_Pin]

I agree. Is the cab too big for a B-T models chassis?

[quicksilver]

That cab probably would fit on a B-T chassis. I've certainly seen B-T wheels used on them.

Here's a rare 6-wheel Cargo with the Corgi cab on an EFE chassis in a suitably shite colour:

Cargo conversion by Adam Floyd, on Flickr

[155V6]

A few to add to Bunglebus's Volkswagen comparisons

Siku Golf

 

Early & late Siku Beetles

 

Siku & Schuco T2s

[DoctorRetro]

Dominic turned up with this today... 

 

Plan is to de-police it, and repaint. 

[bunglebus]

I really like that casting ^

[Spottedlaurel]

Nearly there, should get it finished over this long weekend:

1:24 Tamiya Audi Quattro kit by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1:24 Tamiya Audi Quattro kit by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

[bunglebus]

Found this online - Matchbox VW deluxe with Dinky printed on the base

[Datsuncog]

 

11 hours ago, Split_Pin said:

They are indeed the same bases, a massively frustrating and shonky effort by Corgi there. I had a late 1990s 'Cargo' and I thought it was just mine that had the grille upside down but it looks like a few of them did. Or did Corgi drop another bollock and actually make the indicators below the lights instead of above?!

I got rid of mine as the Siku one I have is far nicer in my eyes.

Scene in the Corgi Boardroom, c.1985:

"Ah, come on - they're only kids' toys, It's not like anyone will notice if we use the same chassis for both the Mercedes and the Ford. Ray, give them the good news."

"Well, from my projections, we should save enough money to be able to get this room plastered by 1992, at the latest."

"I think that's unanimous, then."

 

Kids like us, on opening the Ford Cargo:

 

1 hour ago, bunglebus said:

Found this online - Matchbox VW deluxe with Dinky printed on the base

Crikey - is that a recent release? Wonder if that's just an admin exercise on Mattel's part just to keep the trademark ticking over, or if they've something in the works... I'd have through the Atlas reissues might have satisfied Intellectual Property requirements, but maybe not if they're sold as magazine partworks... intriguing!

[bunglebus]

5 minutes ago, Datsuncog said:

Crikey - is that a recent release?

2007 according to Wiki

[AndyW201]

Lovely post lady called today,

Ooh, a parcel for me!

Yes!! One of my holy grails.

In an incredibly kind gesture, our very own @Skizzer had offered me this Consul gratis after I'd mentioned in an earlier post that I've always wanted the super base Daytona yellow Consul, and I'm extremely grateful to Martin, it's a very welcome addition to the Vanguards collection.

This place...

I love this version, just for its sheer base-ness, the shape looks great without the usual Granada-bling. And it's Daytona yellow!

All the bits are right for an early Consul, the base grille and the body colour rear panel.

Only decoration being the 2000 badges on the wings. It's spanking new as well, the mirrors haven't even been fitted!

So, I got out all the MK1 Granny/Consul collection, see how it goes with them,

Only other Consul in the collection so far is the 3000GT, in I-cant-believe-its -not-Jack-Regan's spec and colour,

A bit of an odd one next, it's badged and labelled as a Granada, but the lack of body decoration and wheels make it look more like a Consul in my mind, it only needs the front auxiliary lights and it'd be more like a GT. M plate would be too early for the period when the Consul name was dropped and the base models were renamed Granada too I think?

Got to love this colour though, can't have too much purple velvet...

Going upmarket now,

The Onyx green 3.0 Ghia is a recent purchase, and was featured here, but the white Ghia goes back a  bit longer...

I had a couple of the original Vanguards models back in 1997, the 105e and a Consul Classic. This was my first purchase of the 'new' range that came out in the early 2000s with far better detailing, sprung suspension and a lot more interesting subjects. I was torn between this one, the Marina 1.8 Super and the Consul 3000GT rally version. This won, though I went back to the shop a few weeks later for the Marina... This ones in pretty good shape for a model that I've had for 20 years, and had on display. Need to get it apart though to clean the inside though, open windows aren't a great idea for models that get played with... er... put on display unboxed.

Interesting that this version has sunroof detail and the 3.0 and Ghia badges on the front wings but the Onyx green Ghia version from the same period doesn't.

And to finish on something a bit different,

The 3.0 Ghia also made it into the Hidden Treasures collection.

Yes, the 'patina' is a slight bit forced, and the 'Kevin & Tracey' sunstrip is a bit crass, but it's generally well observed stuff. The repairs on the sill ends and rear arches are good.

And get a load of the tiger-skin seat covers ?

So hopefully, a nice bit of variety out of the same casting. I've been having ideas about the base Consul however. The only  thing Ive ever found to nitpick is that Corgi/Lledo changed the wheels from the correct perforated wheels and hubcaps on the prototype to plain four-slot steelies as featured on their MK3 Zephyr casting, although the hubcaps fitted are correct for an early Consul. But looking at the GT type steelies on the purple Granada,

I don't really want to mess with the yellow 'un but I think it would look nice with the GT steelies. And they were a factory option on the whole range...

[Split_Pin]

Those look fantastic, I love the hidden treasures one. Might have to check those out online, I wish I had kept my red Vanguard one now.

[Datsuncog]

Well, 'tis Friday.

A day which once had a certain resonance for some of us on here, but alas not recently.

But, needs must... and from the enthusiasm generated by Tenmil Socket's eBay job lot yesterday, it seems there's something of a pent-up demand for smol diecast in a box.

Could I simply stand by and watch such needs go unmet?

No, I could not.

 

Are you ready for this?

I said, ARE YOU ALL READY FOR THIS?

Okay.

Drop the beat.

 

BOOM!

Okay, so it's not quite the Tat Stall of Dreams.

Since the shed is also crammed to the rafters with garden stuff at the minute (don't ask), it's not even a Tat Shed of Dreams today.

But in These Unprecendented Times... sometimes ya gotta make do with what ya have.

So!

Individual pics to follow, fear not!

Usual terms apply; happy to add to existing tat boxes or open new ones as necessary.

Individual prices will be placed on each item listed (not likely to be megabucks); postage is on top, but £3.00 second class standard will get up to 2kg of tat right to your doorstep, so that's enough for most here!

There's a postbox nearby that takes pre-paid parcels, so there's no difficulty in me printing postage labels at home and getting these sent out to anyone desperate for their tat fix.

If you currently have a box open and you're not quite sure what's in it, just ask!

There's a fair few shiters who have either fully paid or part-paid for their current tat box, so if you're ready to receive it, hit me up and I'll get it sorted.

No rush, mind - all currently allocated diecast are slotted very neatly into two boxes at the bottom of the wardrobe, so they're in no-one's way.

Are we good to go?

Well alright then.

Let's party like it's 1989...

[Datsuncog]

Board the First, then: 1970s Matchbox.

 

Monteverdi Hai, complete and in reasonable nick [**NOW SOLD!!!**] and a first release Dodge Challenger.

Lotus Super Seven with missing windscreen and wonky axles, plus a Freeman Commuter suffering from a similar wheel-related affliction.

Shonky late-issue BMC 1800 Farina with a missing dashboard (how??) and droopy doors.

Volks-Dragon minus its engine and with a minor glazing malfunction.

Rolls-Royce Corniche DHC with usual screen loss; also has the boot glued shut so may* contain diamonds or summat. Another red Challenger, because I really do love this casting in this colour (based on seeing the original HB Halicki Gone In 60 Seconds film at an impressionable age).

A pair of Ford Group 6s, with one somewhat better than t'other.

A Gruesome Twosome that's been demoted to a Lonesome Onesome **TAKEN!!**and an early Challenger III concept demonstrating exactly why the later versions gained a keeper tab at the base of the glazing unit. Both are in a wibbly wobbly world of their own, axle-wise.

Blue Shark **SOLD**, and its Rolamatics sibling the Turbo Fury.

Vauxhall Guildsman, looking pretty in pink. EDIT: But there is a glazing crack, I'm afraid. [SOLD!!]

Setra Coach and Merryweather Fire Tender bring up the rear of this board.

How much?

I'll try knocking these out at 50p each, three for £1.

If you're after stuff in quantity, then I'm sure a mutually agreeable deal can be reached.

More to follow!

[Datsuncog]

Board the Second: 1980s Matchbox and Majorette.

Matchbox Audi Quattro and slightly bubbly Mercedes 190E.

Vauxhall Astra GTE in STP Sphere Drake rally get-up; Superfast Lasers Pontiac Fiero with dem futuristic CD wheels.

Super GT Lotus Europa; and Majorette Ford Mustang III SVO (missing bootlid, sadly) **SOLD!!**

Majorette Volvo 740 **SOLD!!** and Renault Alpine A310 with non-functioning pull-back mechanism.

Late version of the Matchbox Rolamatics Range Rover in somewhat manky condition; Kelloggs freebie Ford Model A van.

Late-era Dodge Cattle Truck; Citroen Traction which is near-mint on one side...

...and very much the grange trouver, in terms of patina, on the other.

Chevrolet Blazer breakdown truck **SOLD!!!** and Ford Cargo skip truck without a skip.

Range Rover fire appliances - both lacking ladders, but one fully crewed **SOLD!!**

Saviem dropside **SOLD!!!**

50p each, as above!

[Split_Pin]

Brilliant Tim, we can rely on you! May I have dibs on the Superkings Leyland Roadrunner tractor unit, green Majorette Saviem and Majorette 740. 2 along from the Leyland is a larger American Cabover, looking forward to seeing another pic of that!

[Datsuncog]

Board the Third: 1970s Corgi (and a smattering of Husky)

 

Corgi Juniors GP Beach Buggy, with the engine but without the windscreen; Corgi Juniors Mercedes C111 with opening engine hatch.

Corgi Ford Transit Mk2 Pickup with chassis issues just like the real thing; Zetor tractor with just enough patina for realism.

Corgi Whizzwheels Austin Healey Sprite Le Mans; Corgi Whizzwheels Lotus Europa with the engine cover detached at the hinge but still clicks into place okay. **SOLD!!!**

Two Whizzwheels DeTomaso Mangustas; one with crap paint but mostly intact glazing; the other with decent paint but a smashed windscreen, but also a slight casting flaw on the o/s rear wheelarch, **SOLD!!**

These clearly made a big impression in the early 70s, with plenty of toymakers doing their own rendition.

The name sounds pretty exotic - until you anglicise it, when it translates as the Thompson Mongoose. And that sounds like a knock-off Raleigh Chopper, the kind your granny would order for you from the Grattans catalogue.

Very early Corgi Juniors Bedford TK Skip Truck, complete with load; annoyingly I bought the truck loadless, then had to buy the skip seperately when it turned up on the stall a few weeks later - for the same price again.

But I couldn't split them up again.

The knackered one is an uncommon transitional model, with the Husky branding erased but not yet featuring the Corgi Juniors name.

It's plainly fooked, so will be thrown in for free along with the good one.

Husky Vee-Dub loader cost me £2 a few months ago back at the market - hope no-one slams me for being a breadhead if I put it back up for the same again.

OMG DUBBER $C3N3 TAX SHOCKER

Ford Camper that's lost its camper back is still 50p, though.

Corgi Juniors Citroen Dyane; Juniors military Willys Jeep.

Corgi Juniors Ford D-series skip truck, also lacking a skip **SOLD!!!** ; Juniors Range Rover Vigilant in less-common Coastguard colours.

Again; all these bar the Husky Splittie are up for 50p each; and three for a quid.

[Datsuncog]

Board the Fourth - 1980s and 2000s Corgi, plus a coupla weirdos:

Two Mercedes 350SLs - one early Made in GB version, the other a late Made in China version. Hours of fun playing 'compare & contrast' beckon!

Corgi Chevrolet Bel Air cabrio (Made in Singapore, unusually); Juniors Buick Regal cop cruiser, with the roof lamp bouncing merrily round the interior as per usual.

Pair of Lotus Esprits, hastily adapted from the 007 underwater casting after Mettoy went under and lost the Bond licencing **BOTH SOLD!!**

Oh look, it's one of the 007 underwater Esprits too... bit of chipping, but otherwise intact. It's seen a fair few covert missions, it seems. Pontiac Firebird is plain and with a plastic base, but still kinda nice.

Corgi Fiat X1/9 in typical toybox fettle; Renault Trafic van minus its back axle. Trafic FREE to anyone who can make use of it.

Some weirdness now - some rather more modern tat, but both marked up as Corgi. Here's everyone's favourite garden ornament, the Mazda RX8, complete with some very dubious stickers **SOLD!!!** ; and a less boastful Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, this one with rubber tyres and a pull-back motor.

Into the oddballs and waifs, now...

Kinsmart MINI Cooper with pull-back motor; and a peculiar Hong Kong no-name Renault 17 key car with shonky axles, most probably heavily 'inspired' by the Matchbox version.

No-name Hong Kong Ford Econoline; yup it's THAT casting again; and a HO scale Praline Scania tractor unit - missing its mirrors but otherwise decent enough.

50p a go; three for a pound! How's that for value?

[bunglebus]

I need a Corgi Rockets for a wheel donor...and does the black van above ^ have a maker's name?

[Spottedlaurel]

Ooh, orange Majorette breakdown truck and Ford D-Series skip truck for me please if they're still available.

Son appears to have found my skip still intact for the latter just recently.

[Datsuncog]

Board the Fifth (hey, how often does a market stall look this well laid-out?) - odds 'n' sods, of highly variable quality:

Summer Volvo 164 in a fairly tatty state - part of a bumper's knocked off but someone might be able to do something with this; and a Lintoy Porsche 922 **BOTH SOLD!!**

The Porsche is actually a pretty good wee model; Lintoy were the Hong Kong company that Corgi subcontracted to make all their aircraft and military models in the 1970s. The hinge on the engine cover is broken, but it's all still present.

No-name laughable-yet-lovable Volvo 740, as discussed upthread a while back **SOLD!!** ; equally risable no-name Jaguar XJS.

For true connoisseurs of execrable diecast tat, these are surely without equal.

This no-name Chinese Chevrolet Impala (drawing rather heavily on Majorette's version, I'll wager) is also mega-shonky. The no-name 'Trans-Am' alongside bears closer scrutiny too...

I gave this a tickle with the toothbrush the other day, and beneath the mank revealed a Kelloggs logo and a little decal of the Rice Krispies' Pop character.

Looks like this was also some sort of breakfast cereal promotion, back in the day. Further investigation warranted here, I reckon.

Finishing up on the small stuff, we're now going even smaller, with a very petite no-name Ford Sierra XR4i; and a Benbros Fire Engine. **BOTH SOLD!!**

Another survivor from that muddled 1950s era when a number of other toymakers tried their luck at Matchbox-type toys.

I found out a bit about the Morestone stuff last year; and the Lone Star Tuf-Tots range, but I still know nothing about Benbros.

It's a nice wee casting, though - crisply done and well proportioned.

 

Moving on to the big league now...

Matchbox got a fair bit of use out of this trailer casting over the years; this one would originally have appeared with the Superkings Unimog, and the plastic insert of what appears to be root vegetables would have fitted into the back of the Merc.

Naturally, I had a matching Unimog for years, and only got shot of it recently.

Wonder if this number plate matches the Range Rover, as the trailer was also paired with it?

This Corgi Corvair has clearly led an exciting life...

Nicely detailed engine.

EDIT: now sold, and it'soon to be off on yet another adventure!

Corgi Whizzwheels variant of the Toyota 2000GT; which started out as a James Bond tie-in before gaining a Solarbrite finish for the 1970s **SOLD!!!**

Needs a windshield, but otherwise quite nice.

50p was paid; so 50p takes it on.

New Ray MGF in 1/43 scale - actually quite a decent version, despite the faintly rubbish wheels ***SOLD!!***

50p takes this one too.

Bbuarago BMW Z3, in a bit of a state ***SOLD!!***

Interior detail is surprisingly good.

Brave resto for 50p?

Lastly, another oddity - a plastic Bedford S-Type, by an unknown Hong Kong maker.

Some damage to the A-post and the rear, but otherwise quite a charming little thing.

All priced at 50p or three for £1 (subject to availability caveat at the top, of course!)

[Datsuncog]

7 minutes ago, bunglebus said:

I need a Corgi Rockets for a wheel donor...and does the black van above ^ have a maker's name?

None of these Corgis are actual Rockets - though I think the two Mangustas are Whizzwheels fitted with Rockets wheels.

Black van has no maker's name, but it does appear to be the same Econoline casting as the 'Dinky Toys' van under discussion a few days ago!

 

1 minute ago, Spottedlaurel said:

Ooh, orange Majorette breakdown truck and Ford D-Series skip truck for me please if they're still available.

Son appears to have found my skip still intact for the latter just recently.

I'll make a note!

I've been looking for a skip for the D-series for a while - that's great if you can match them up!

[flat4alfa]

1 hour ago, Datsuncog said:

Crikey - is that a recent release? Wonder if that's just an admin exercise on Mattel's part just to keep the trademark ticking over, or if they've something in the works... 

Also printed Dinky and dated 2007 on rear of card

[flat4alfa]

Crikey busy morning I'd better drop everything and get in quick

Lonesome Onesome please for its remaining motor

Majorette Range Rover with the zombie fire crew in the back

Majorette Chev Blazer wrecker

Healey Corgi Rocket for the chassis

Both Mangustas

Red Corgi Esprit, just because those wheels those wheels.  In fact, both Esprits.

Super Power RX8 for its wheels

That Ford(?) Pro Stocker with the Carlos Fandango set of wheels

Guildsman if screen not cracked

Blue Shark to replace the one my Mum gave away to neighbours kids, (without asking) c.1981

BMC Farina ransacked for its I-Drive installation 

[flat4alfa]

If available come what may:

Corgi Chev Monza with the extra-aircooled motor

Corgi Toyota 2000 that driven under a truck by Sheriff Buford T Justice

 

 

And let's not forget to clap for blokey

[Datsuncog]

Tray of wonders, then...

These are gonna be priced separately, though very likely less than what was paid!

Front row first, then:

Odd little Corgi 'fantasy' breakdown truck, in fairly good shape still.

50p on this one!

Matchbox Superkings DAFs - the bronzey-green one is the site building truck (without the building, more's the pity), the bright green one's the freight loader.

50p each! **SOLD!!!**

(Turns out they're basically duplicates - thought I'd sold my original version, but apparently not)

Thompson Mongoose, by Dinky. **SOLD!!**

Amazingly low-slung model, just a shame about the missing frunk lid.

Cracking detailing, too.

Leyland Roadrunner - **SOLD!!**

The trailer's not correct for this cab, but hey - it looks alright, I think.

Superkings Ford A-Series cab (the inflated Transit) - originally would have been paired with the powerboat trailer.

50p!

Big tinplate Buddy L, that's been customised with scratch-built rear wheel housing and the addition of clear glazing and a driver.

I think it's meant to be a Freightliner, maybe?

Bought from the Charity Stall at the same time as that fantastic silver Polistil VW Polo; think I paid £1 for it, any takers? **SOLD!!!**

Corgi Transporter trailer:

The drawbar on this has been literally hanging by a thread for years; right after I took these pics, it broke.

I know some of you diecast pervs quite like these as multi-tier display items, so any interest at 50p?

Matchbox Battle Kings APC:

A bit of toybox wear, and the plastic 'canvas' cover has gone AWOL, but the rubber tracks are present and correct - 50p adds this to your own batallion!

Mildly FUBAR'd Siku Mercedes 2232... **SOLD!!**

Some cab squashage, and the front window's been knocked out, but a brave resto project? Trailer hitch mechanism still works, and I pulled the most hideous lumps of hair and thread out of the axles, so you don't have to.

50p again!

Superkings Bedford TM skip truck, in Hales livery.

I gave this a scrub after taking the pics, so it looks a lot better now!

Once again, 50p takes this one.

Majorette Ford Cabover **SOLD!!**

Going by the remains of the spoiler sticker, I think this originally pulled a horsebox.

50p!

Late Superfast-era Superkings Dodge horse box:

Doors are intact but the top glazing has been knocked out, and there's been some damage to the base which has rendered it somewhat shonky.

50p takes this one, so you can stroke your chin and look at it too.

(I have the earlier version - NFS, but interesting to compare the two.)

And finally, though it probably should have a post all to itself - the Nacoral Fiat 500 from earlier in the year.

It's a lovely little thing, but just not a scale I go in for these days.

It's missing its rally decals, but otherwise is complete and in very nice shape.

I don't much wish to recall exactly what I spent on it, but it was bought in the spirit of helping out a new business, so I'm punting it on here for £10.

More to follow (maybe not straight away, though! I've a feeling I'm going to be collared to do some domestic duties...)

[flat4alfa]

Buddy L please

[flat4alfa]

'Thompson Mongoose' aka Dinky Tomaso Mangusta please I think depending on the outcome

[Datsuncog]

32 minutes ago, flat4alfa said:

Crikey busy morning I'd better drop everything and get in quick

Lonesome Onesome please for its remaining motor

Sure thing!

Majorette Range Rover with the zombie fire crew in the back

Can do!

Majorette Chev Blazer wrecker

Think Spotted Laurel already put his hand up for that one, sorry!

Healey Corgi Rocket for the chassis

Can get you that, but it's not a Rocket - just a later Whizzwheels

Both Mangustas

Can do, though same non-Rockets status applies!

Red Corgi Esprit, just because those wheels those wheels.  In fact, both Esprits.

Duly noted!

Super Power RX8 for its wheels

Totally!

That Ford(?) Pro Stocker with the Carlos Fandango set of wheels

Mustang SVO? Wish granted, though tailgate removed for MORE SPEED YO

Guildsman if screen not cracked

....it's cracked. Not a lot, but it's cracked.

Blue Shark to replace the one my Mum gave away to neighbours kids, without asking c1981

Sure! Nothing like a 39-yr grudge, I agree!

BMC Farina ransacked for its I-Drive installation 

Not a bother.