Shite in Miniature II

[bunglebus]

Dammit

5 pack is just not quite interesting enough for £7

[Datsuncog]

So, what came back to Casa Datsuncog to make MrsDC roll her eyes this week?

Behold!

As far as requests go, the Van Hool in Blackpool's Seagull Coaches for @RoadworkUK is in good fettle, even if the box packaging looks a smidge sun-bleached.

There's a fair-to-middling chance this was originally sold by the model shop I used to work in, which would stack OOC and EFE buses in the window and let the cruel sunlight bleach the boxes... last time I happened to wander past, there were Vanguards and Oxford Diecast in the window with completely opaque glazing, due to UV degradation. This one was thankfully bought before it got too bad.

 

Moving on to the emergency vehicles, then, here's a nice pair of La France aerial ladders for @andrew e:

Open-cab version is marked for Chicago Fire Department, and appears to be a straight re-working of the long-running Corgi Toys version which lasted into the early 1980s.

Closed cab version wears Boston FD tampo prints on the doors, and other than the cab seems pretty much identical.

In common with everything this week, these are beyond foul.

I've no idea where these have been prior to arriving at the stall, but if I had to guess I'd assume above the fryers in a chip shop for a good decade or two.

But both main ladders are complete and working:

And both of them have their full complement of six auxiliary ladders, too.

So it's entirely up to you @andrew e- if you fancy both of them for £5 each, that's totally fine, or if you only want the open cab one then I'll offer the other out to whoever fancies it.

I did manage to grab the multi-wheel bogey unit for you for 50p, though.

 

Then, not quite a dibsed item - but I did think of @egg when I turned this one over, so I'll be giving him first refusal...

Mm-hmm, it's a Norev No.67 fire engine - all-plastic body and base, and apparently a Magirus ladder mechanism mounted on a Berliet chassis.

I'm not sure if this is actually old, or a modern repro - at first glance, I think the fine detailing (number plates, badges) suggests modern.

It has an incredibly fragile-feeling tiny plastic crank mechanism for the ladder...

But it did go up...

Though, of course, once I'd managed to get it up I then had terrible difficulty in persuading it to go back down again.

(No tittering at the back, please.)

It was ok in the end, though in all honesty if this were a toy, it wouldn't last two minutes.

No obligation, dude! But it's here for you at £5 until you advise otherwise.

 

Staying with toys-that-became-collectible-models, here's the old Corgi Toys Simon Snorkel on a Dennis chassis but with rather more adult-oriented detailing:

I've been sorta-looking for one of these recently to go with my other early-80s Corgis, but I hadn't realised it had received a later Collectables makeover.

Which is good, because the wheels and platforms look a lot better when passing kiddy-safety tests is no longer a factor.

It's filthy, and some bits are broken or missing, but even though I'm not much into fire appliances I do quite like this one.

So it'll be staying, for the time being anyway.

 

Next up, some (almost) local interest:

Two AECs, both wearing Dublin Fire Brigade insignia.

The ladders on the turntable are jammed; I'll need to clean them off to see what's stuck.

Interestingly, the ladders are the same as the La France ones, so that's another 1960s Corgi component that survived into the 1990s. Dr Frankenstein has nothing on Corgi's 1990s design team.

I'm not convinced the rigid ladders are in any way correct on the tender (they were the only possible ones out of all the broken bits in the box), but hey.

Unsure if I want to keep these or not - as I've said, I'm not majorly into fire service stuff, but these are really quite nice.

I might clean 'em up and see how I feel about them.

 

And then lastly...

A Corgi American Classics Mack B wrecker for Chicago Fire Dept... but if we look closer...

Well well well, I do believe this is a modification of the same rear bed and boom gantry fitted to the Corgi Toys Ford H-Series wrecker, from the late 1960s.

Again, a comparison is due later on, once de-mankification is complete.

So - apologies to those with limited interest in blue-light models, as there's not been a lot for you this week. But, once again, who knows what next week will bring?

Happy Tatmas!!

[Datsuncog]

47 minutes ago, Rover414 said:

If that Trent Barton Optare Delta is still around next time I'd be interested in that.

This one?

Will make a note for next week, fingers crossed!

[RoadworkUK]

I do love the ceaseless and unpredictable variety that Tat Friday brings without fail. After buses last week and a Fire Service Special this week, I'm going to stick my neck out and assume the stall to be full of miniature canal boats next week. 

[flat4alfa]

1 hour ago, Datsuncog said:

For those that take a prurient interest in such matters, last week's pastie had three holes in it...

Filthy habit...

[barrett]

Oh man, please can you clean those things and post the results? I can't imagine anything so satisfying as a nice sopay tit wank bath for those dusty buggers

[bunglebus]

[andrew e]

By Christ those engines are filthy! SOLD!!! But on the proviso they arrive in Essex just as manky so I can go OCD on them 😂

That Simon Snorkel is a winner too 👍

 

[flat4alfa]

POST LADY IS NOW A MAN IN SHORTS.  Shorts!  In this weather?  He's clearly not a soya consumer.

He delivered a box from Éire.  It contained a SEAT 131 Panorama from IXO 😎

So the FIAT 131 Mirafiori Special from Polistil popped over for a 1:43 who-did-it-worse party

The FIAT has opening things, while the SEAT has a roof basket.  Having a roof basket may clinch this one.

Far greater detailing on the modern take.  The SEAT wears a Barcelona plate ; the FIAT wears a Milano. 

The SEAT is modelled on the final series of the model lines, 1982-84 ; whereas the FIAT on the first, 1974–78.  Further Inane Fact: all the FIAT estate cars were built by SEAT in Spain.

Get down from there piggy!  We've got some over-weight hauling to get done, before siesta time

The FIAT is a clone of my very first car: a Doom-blue 2-door 1300 that used to go so well it could annoy the local 1600 Escort fanatics (the short gearing helped).  The 'Panorama' estate car version is a model I've wanted for many a year since, but so few are left now.  I doubt there is one left in the UK either on or off the road and the DVLA database lady confirms.  Therefore, having a model to fondle instead is a happy outcome 😊

Superb thanks go to @junkyarddog

[Datsuncog]

26 minutes ago, barrett said:

Oh man, please can you clean those things and post the results? I can't imagine anything so satisfying as a nice sopay tit wank bath for those dusty buggers

Heh, one of my favourite things from 'the before-times' was to sit myself down on a Friday evening, while MrsDC was away out with her group of Yarn Harpies, put something involving lots of police sirens on the DVD player like Vanishing Point, Convoy, Smokey & The Bandit or (the original) Gone In 60 Seconds; crack open a beer; and give the day's market purchases a good old scrub using a tub of warm soapy water, an old soft toothbrush and a towel.

Very, very satisfying.

You'd think the same logic would apply to washing the real cars outside, but nope. I hate washing actual cars.

These will be getting a bit of a bath in short order, although...

6 minutes ago, andrew e said:

By Christ those engines are filthy! SOLD!!! But on the proviso they arrive in Essex just as manky so I can go OCD on them 😂

Heh, fair enough! I'll stick 'em in some bubble wrap to try to preserve the, erm, 'patina' - but in turn, you gotta post pics of the transformation!

[eddyramrod]

1 hour ago, flat4alfa said:

POST LADY IS NOW A MAN IN SHORTS.  Shorts!  In this weather?  He's clearly not a soya consumer.

He delivered a box from Éire.  It contained a SEAT 131 Panorama from IXO 😎

So the FIAT 131 Mirafiori Special from Polistil popped over for a 1:43 who-did-it-worse party

The FIAT has opening things, while the SEAT has a roof basket.  Having a roof basket may clinch this one.

Far greater detailing on the modern take.  The SEAT wears a Barcelona plate ; the FIAT wears a Milano. 

The SEAT is modelled on the final series of the model lines, 1982-84 ; whereas the FIAT on the first, 1974–78.  Further Inane Fact: all the FIAT estate cars were built by SEAT in Spain.

Get down from there piggy!  We've got some over-weight hauling to get done, before siesta time

The FIAT is a clone of my very first car: a Doom-blue 2-door 1300 that used to go so well it could annoy the local 1600 Escort fanatics (the short gearing helped).  The 'Panorama' estate car version is a model I've wanted for many a year since, but so few are left now.  I doubt there is one left in the UK either on or off the road and the DVLA database lady confirms.  Therefore, having a model to fondle instead is a happy outcome 😊

Superb thanks go to @junkyarddog

Little known fact... in 1985 when I had my first Granada, I had a part-time need for an estate car.  I was actually offered a 131 estate as a swop but declined because it had a manual box.  A year later I did end up with a 131 saloon, also manual.

[junkyarddog]

2 hours ago, flat4alfa said:

POST LADY IS NOW A MAN IN SHORTS.  Shorts!  In this weather?  He's clearly not a soya consumer.

He delivered a box from Éire.  It contained a SEAT 131 Panorama from IXO 😎

So the FIAT 131 Mirafiori Special from Polistil popped over for a 1:43 who-did-it-worse party

The FIAT has opening things, while the SEAT has a roof basket.  Having a roof basket may clinch this one.

Far greater detailing on the modern take.  The SEAT wears a Barcelona plate ; the FIAT wears a Milano. 

The SEAT is modelled on the final series of the model lines, 1982-84 ; whereas the FIAT on the first, 1974–78.  Further Inane Fact: all the FIAT estate cars were built by SEAT in Spain.

Get down from there piggy!  We've got some over-weight hauling to get done, before siesta time

The FIAT is a clone of my very first car: a Doom-blue 2-door 1300 that used to go so well it could annoy the local 1600 Escort fanatics (the short gearing helped).  The 'Panorama' estate car version is a model I've wanted for many a year since, but so few are left now.  I doubt there is one left in the UK either on or off the road and the DVLA database lady confirms.  Therefore, having a model to fondle instead is a happy outcome 😊

Superb thanks go to @junkyarddog

That was quick!!

Glad it got there safe,Enjoy.

[egg]

4 hours ago, Datsuncog said:

Mm-hmm, it's a Norev No.67 fire engine - all-plastic body and base, and apparently a Magirus ladder mechanism mounted on a Berliet chassis.

Thanks, can I get back to you on it? First impressions is an update of the Berliet 97 originally released in 1969 that went through at least 9 iterations according to my Norev bible. It does mention a red wheel version, but stickers are normally Parisian flavour apparently. I'll have a dig. Cheers!

original vehicle

[Datsuncog]

9 minutes ago, egg said:

Thanks, can I get back to you on it? First impressions is an update of the Berliet 97 originally released in 1969 that went through at least 9 iterations according to my Norev bible. It does mention a red wheel version, but stickers are normally Parisian flavour apparently. I'll have a dig. Cheers!

original vehicle

Yup, not a bother - just didn't want to run the risk of leaving behind something that might be highly sought-after!

Have a look and let me know, sure - it's a lovely big thing, so I'm sure it'll find a good home soon enough.

[egg]

4 minutes ago, Datsuncog said:

Yup, not a bother - just didn't want to run the risk of leaving behind something that might be highly sought-after!

Have a look and let me know, sure - it's a lovely big thing, so I'm sure it'll find a good home soon enough.

It's definitely the most 'modern' version, here is another cleaner one!

[flat4alfa]

On 5/15/2021 at 5:52 PM, Datsuncog said:

OMG TK MAXX FLASH SALE YO

Any Hot Wheels addicts in the house looking for these limited edition anniversary jobs?

(Not wanting to look too overtly in @bunglebus' direction...)

£3 a throw for the HW

These are on the clearance shelf at mine

Thought about getting the Chev, but having a 52 on the side of a '55 played with my head

If anyone wants one though just shout as will be passing tomorrow

[bunglebus]

Here's my Tesco haul from this morning, displayed lovingly in my hotel room

 

[sierraman]

The delivery is timed for tomorrow at the selected Tesco and I’ll be there waiting to swoop on the poor bastard putting the toys out. 

[sheffcortinacentre]

I had that scalextric set but with the Maserati  & a green car think I still have them both somewhere.

[Datsuncog]

The last thing the luckless Saturday boy at Tesco will ever see...

[eddyramrod]

This is my haul from Tesco this week.

Two of the MR2s are unclaimed as yet, shout up if you want one.

[Datsuncog]

Gave some of the fire engines a bit of a rub-a-dub-dub this evening, as they were actually turning me a bit...

Much better, no question.

The AECs and the Berliet fair gleaming in the evening sunlight.

With all the mank and gack cleared away, it was easy to see that the rear of the old Holmes Wrecker had indeed been reincarnated with a Mack B series cab...

Yeah, the light and the winch mechanisms have been removed, but otherwise that's pretty conclusive.

Dunno why there's a slight notch taken out on the trailing edge of the Mack, though.

My own American La France Aerial Ladder is a darker shade of red to those picked up earlier, but otherwise the differences are few.

More realistic colours and the removal of the chunky mechanism to raise the ladder are the most obvious changes between the original, which ran from 1968 to 1980, and the Corgi Classics reinterpretation.

It's impressive how much use Corgi got from this casting, which involves a huge number of different parts.

While fire engines aren't totally my bag, I'm starting to see the appeal...

Oh, and rather fittingly - this was parked just outside the market when I was leaving earlier.

[bunglebus]

Never one to miss an opportunity, a breakdown in a small Scottish town means time to explore. Junk shop has many Days Gone and £10 buses if that's anyone's bag

There are a few interesting things, not quite sure I want to spend £5 on this boxed Land Rover set

Transporter and cargo are tidy but I didn't ask the price. Did find one item with no sticker and scored it for what I had in mind. I'll be here a little while if anyone sees anything they need...

[bunglebus]

So here's what I picked up for £3.00

[egg]

24 minutes ago, bunglebus said:

not quite sure I want to spend £5 on this boxed Land Rover set

Sold prices are £8 on ebay + postage, so could be a few coppers in it if you decide not to keep it...

[bunglebus]

Sod it then. I'm stuck here anyway

plastic looks hazy but I think it's mainly dirt.

Norevs, Corgi Ferarri and transporter are tempting but not enough to give them a new home

[junkyarddog]

Picked up this nice Matchbox Ford Zodiac down the market this morning. 

"Umm, you'd best take a look at this side M8"

Ah,shit!

😂

 

[flat4alfa]

Did a buy on the 'bay.  Shouldn't be doing that sort of thing.  Grr...  had been doing so well, too.  But was all chirped after winning that roffle for the 1:1 scale car lift.

So, this morning the nice POST MAN (I'm missing POST LADY I hope she is ok) delivered a box containing:

1) An Airfix HONDA RA273 slot car in its original 1960s box.  Lid is crumpled, but might respond to a bit of heat?  This car has eluded me for a couple of years now either the original Scalextric (pricey) or Airfix (even scarcer), so nabbed it as was listed as spares/repair.  The repair bit thankfully is just down to the MISSING HEAD.  But I have a RED HELMET HEAD in stock to match the car colour scheme.  These old Airfix cars have steering operated by the slot guide, so gr9 opposite lock effects.  Am pleased the mirrors, roll-bar, tail pipes etc are intact, as usually broken or lost.  If you can find one in the first place.  Should clean up well enough.

Ok it's toy, and not a great model - but so what, I've got a thing about the V12 RA Hondas.  They didn't do too well, but the sound they make is immense.

No.7 is the 1967 John Surtess number for the British GP, which is even better.  But Surtees wore a white helmet.  Oh dear.

 

2) also in the box to share the (free) postage offered by the vendor was this 1:23 (!) Polistil Porsche 924 Turbo.  I know @bunglebus had his eye on this so I made his mind up for him.  It's enormous, 1:23 being about right it seems.  Also stamped 1981.  Looks pretty tidy with stickers intact, and that red is a bit special.

Disappointed to find one tyre is missing.  Vendor did not show that side...  I've raised the point with him.

Not found if this was a genuine livery yet. 

[bunglebus]

1 minute ago, flat4alfa said:

I have a RED HELMET 

1 minute ago, flat4alfa said:

also in the box to share the (free) postage offered by the vendor was this 1:23 (!) Polistil Porsche 924 Turbo.  I know @bunglebus had his eye on this so I made his mind up for him.  It's enormous, 1:23 being about right it seems.  Also stamped 1981.  Looks pretty tidy with stickers intact, and that red is a bit special.

Disappointed to find one tyre is missing.  Vendor did not show that side...  I've raised the point with him.

Not found if this was a genuine livery yet. 

 

1: you can get ointment for that

2: yes I did have my eye on it - nice, hopefully a wheel will turn  up

[RoadworkUK]

Today's "why did I buy this?" episode is a strange one.

I was in a charity shop in Felixstowe, desperate for diecast, when I saw a silver Ford Galaxy glinting at me.

Quite a weird one.

It's a 1/64ish Mk1 Ford Galaxy by Realtoy, but fashioned into a keyring, and with an unfamiliar "Peterkin" logo on the roof.

Presume some kind of corporate promo thing along the lines of the once-ubiquitous fluffy bugs.

Anyway. It was a quid, so I bought it. Not the worst casting in the world, even if it does have orange headlights.

And if you want one, the shop in Felixstowe is amply stocked.

EDIT:

Mystery solved. Well, partly, anyway. Turns out that the rooftop logo on these Galaxies is the previous logo of Peterkin UK, a toy manufacturer and importer based in Leicester

Their website is currently under reconstruction. It appears that, among things, they import a fair amount of Chinese diecast rammle of the sort you see in seaside gift shops etc; (pull-back-and-go Citroen 2CVs, that kind of thing). Presumably Realtoy is / was one of the brands they deal with, and these keyrings were some kind of freebie they gave out as promo ware.

Quite how a dozen or so of them made it to a charity shop in Felixstowe is anybody's guess.