Capital Diecast Garage

Hot Wheels racing in Canberra ?

2012-01-29T00:58:00.000-08:00

photo from this post on the Austin Diecast Drags

Is anyone in Canberra interested in racing their Hot Wheels cars ?

See this site Redline Derby Racing for info and ideas on racing tiny cars down a plastic track at low to moderate speeds.

I would like to form a Canberra based league - meeting semi-regularly, to race Hot Wheels and other small diecast cars down plastic tracks.

I'm thinking several different classes:

standard and modified Hot Wheels cars
Matchbox cars
vintage Superfast/Majorette/Corgi

Cars would be raced Round Robin style. I might even throw in some prizes for winners. This would be a good way to get kids involved in diecast collecting as well as having fun.

Email me or leave a comment here with contact details and I will organise a competition.

Summernats burnout pad

2012-01-26T19:08:00.000-08:00

Summernats is Canberras premier custom car show, held every year in the first week of january. (See my other blog On Four Wheels for more Summernats goodness). This year I noticed a clever piece of merchandise - which I snapped up. A mousemat disguised as The Summernats Burnout pad!

The real burnout pad is a marvel to watch - massively overpowered cars spin their tyres from one end of the track to the burnout pad, then start circling and pirouetting - generating massive clouds of smoke - until the tyres or engine blow. A double tyre blow is particularly prized. Clouds of tyre smoke waft over the crowd... This post captures one trip down the burnout pad.

Here we have Ernie emulating a burnout...

Sadly no tyres blown...

Golden Wheels M.A.N. BP Tanker

2012-01-26T01:37:00.000-08:00

On my way back from Melbourne late last year I stopped for LP Gas at a BP service station on the Hume Highway, and spotted this Matchbox Convoy sized diecast promotional model. It cost around nine dollars, from memory. It is a Golden Wheels model, with a diecast cab and tanker chassis, but the rest is plastic.

Well packed for transportation and display instore

The truck is apparently a MAN TGA XXL. I guess Golden Wheels have de-detailed it just enough to escape licencing it.

It is surprisingly detailed for a promotional model, with a little ladder, warning signs and a detailed tanker

Very little detail on the base - i'm not sure what scale this model is

This is toy like - no detail at all

Golden Wheels BP Tanker 2011 vs Matchbox BP tanker circa 1980's

I'm not a great collector of model trucks, but I do have a subset of petrol tankers, so I purchased it based on that alone. The quality is toylike and there is little detail - apart from on the tanker. The cab could be any generic truck, and there are no diesel tanks or a bull bar, or any detail like headlights picked out. The price was similar to what one pays for a Matchbox Real Working Rig, but the quality is definitely not there. It's not a bad looking model, but it lacks that 'X' factor.

To the rating:

Golden Wheels BP petrol tanker

Quality 5

Design 6

Colours 6

X-factor 5

Rating: 21/40

Low end diecast - XA Falcon and Charger ? Sadly not...

2012-01-10T05:38:00.000-08:00

As a person who looks high and low for diecast cars to fit into the collection I often come across what I like to term 'low end diecast'. recently while in Melbourne i ventured into a likely looking 'dollar' shop and saw an XA falcon and a Valiant Charger! SCORE upon closer inspection, sadly not. None of the low end diecast cars remotely resembled the two Aussie cars - or any of the classic iron on the blister!

Capital Diecast Garage Australian diecast forums - become a member today!

Motor Max - mutated Holden ute

2011-12-23T06:52:00.000-08:00

When is an homage an insult ? Perhaps when its an imitation that looks like it just doesn't quite carry it off. Thats the feeling I get when I look at the Motor Max utility. It has to be a Holden ute - but it just looks weird.

The Motor Max ute

5 strange cars for $5 - where I first saw the strange ute

I first saw the Motor Max ute when I was in Toys'r'Us looking for diecast. Normally I dont even look at the rows of Fastlane cars. They are generic and designed for kids to flog to death. They are dirt cheap as well. But the strange ute caught my eye. What was it ? I initially thought it might have been a Chev SSR. Was it a copy of the Matchbox Holden Ute ?

Big 'M' in the grille. Bizarre headlight styling.

I bit the bullet and forked out my $5 for the five car set and extracted the Motor Max ute. It was very light for a diecast, and the glass fitted very poorly, no interior either. The paint was pretty good though, and a nice colour too. Wheels are very over the top.

The base is surprisingly detailed

When you place it next to a Matchbox HSV utility the differences are obvious. While the general styling is the same, the Motor max ute is larger and more 'compressed'. It's as if the designers stretched it out and then pressed it back in with the body 'rising'. I dont even know what scale it could be - it is in the three inch category, but who knows.

It is clear that it is not a copy or replica of the Matchbox, Motor Max have actually created their own casting. For general kid play use, this car will be fine. For an adult collector, I'd say it will be overlooked or collected as an oddity. You couldn't really place it in a Holden collection, and it looks nothing like the Falcon utility.

Revolution Models Holden Torana GTR-X in white

2011-12-19T06:24:00.000-08:00

Revolution Models have just released their 1:43 scale Holden Torana GTR-X concept car in white. It is a very limited edition of 300, and 100 have already been sent to a UK supplier - so if you want one I suggest you contact Revolution Models quickly. I will be reviewing this model for the next edition of Detail, but thought I'd post a few photos now.

Attention to detail is as always - spot on.

Beautiful lines. This is not the same casting as the Models56 GTR-X from a few years ago.

Nice fliptop presentation case and certificate

You can contact Revolution Models by email anthonywhanna@hotmail.com or by phone 07 5522 4741.

See also:

A resin Revolution

Questions answered - Code 3 acquisition by a non-collector

Capital Diecast Garage Australian diecast forums - become a member today!

Questions answered - Code 3 acquisition by a non-collector

2011-12-09T20:11:00.000-08:00

Occasionally I receive emails from people with questions about models, so I've decided to post the odd one every now and then. The first one is from 'Sarah'.

Hi there,

I have been searching for ages for a model replica of the :
"CODE3 TRAX TR12B HOLDEN HZ PANEL VAN PETER BROCK RALLY SUPPORT VEHICLE 'MARLBORO' WITH BULL BAR AND ROOF RACK 1.43 SCALE"
And am hoping you might be able to help me.
I'm looking for it for my partner, and I myself do not know much about this sort of thing.
I look forward to hearing from you, if you have any questions please let me know.

Thanks,
Sarah

Hi Sarah,

That is a Code 3 model, which means its not an official Trax model, but one that a person has modified to be a Peter Brock support vehicle. The original Trax TR12B is a HZ Holden panel van in red with Ampol livery.

Trax TR12B Holden HZ panelvan in Ampol livery. Released in 1993

I'm not familiar with the Code 3 model in question, but in my experience Code 3 models vary in quality from amateurish to exceptional. My advice is to actually hold it in your hand and assess the quality with the naked eye before handing over your money. Even I have been fooled with photos of a code 3 model which looked great - and when the model arrived I then saw how poor it was.

cheers

Damien

A pair of 'Code 3' Trax TR13 Holden utes, modified to be 'Brock Support vehicles'.

A Resin Revolution - Revolution Models

'Detail' magazine Issue 2 - new online diecast model car magazine

Code 3 - A short guide to diecast car codes

A Resin Revolution – Revolution Models enters the market

2011-11-30T10:58:00.000-08:00

This was originally written for the second issue of 'Detail' magazine, but bumped due to inclusion of other articles (to be fair, there were three articles on Revolution model cars...).

Revolution Models Holden Hurricane and Torana GTR-X

Longtime collectors of Australian diecast cars are aware that compared to just a few years ago, production numbers of 1:18 and 1:43 cars are down considerably and few new castings are appearing. Where the diecast companies routinely churned out 10 thousand plus of any particular casting, that is not the case right now. Production numbers of new releases are often only a few thousand in 1:43 and less than a thousand for 1:18 scale cars. With low numbers like these, the business case for new model tooling isn’t there. Is there a solution?

Yes - there is still a market for new Australian market cars that can be fed by delivering new designs to the collector market place, but it requires the use of a material that has historically been used by model car builders – resin. Technology developed by European and Chinese model companies has recently been adopted by Australian model makers, and now we are seeing small runs of cars being produced that may never be produced in diecast form.

Taking advantage of the skills developed in crafting diecast models, the lower tooling costs for resin models, and the higher quality that resin models can deliver, several new companies have appeared offering limited edition cars, mainly in 1:43 scale, in resin only. Models56 and Trax (with their Select range) have now been joined by a new company with an experienced Australian model maker at its helm – Revolution Models.

Anthony Hanna, a freelance model maker who has been making models of Australian cars for many years, operates Revolution Models. If you own any Trax cars it’s likely that you already own some of his work. The first model he designed was the Dinkum Classics 1:43 VL Walkinshaw Commodore. He has also modelled several cars that have appeared under the Models56 range, but has now struck out on his own producing limited edition, highly detailed resin cars as ‘Revolution Models’.

Revolution Models offer very highly detailed models

Anthony started Revolution Models in late 2010 with the 1:43 Captain Nitrous FJ (reviewed in the last edition of Detail). He sells some cars through the Models56 website and appears at car shows selling his models. He plans to setup a website soon, and is also keen for retail outlets to contact him. Although Revolution is currently producing limited edition resin 1:43 models, Anthony would like to move into producing diecast cars, but wants distribution through retail outlets before that occurs.

When I asked Anthony if he felt that collectors would appreciate the high quality models, he said that initially collectors find the high price a bit of an issue, however, when they compare the much higher quality that can be achieved through resin, they appreciate the reason and can accept it. The models are marketed as premium items, in quality packaging and with detailed booklets and certificates reflecting that these are very limited edition (around 500 of each) models.

One thing that is certain is that Anthony wants Revolution Models to steer away from mainstream model cars, and offer unique premium models. Revolution are looking for the gaps in the Trax/Biante/Classics range and plan to fill them with small, limited edition high quality models. Anthony indicated that Revolution wasn’t just looking at Australian cars, but also overlooked cars from other parts of the world - especially specials and prototypes. Although these models will be in 1:43, Revolution is also planning to offer truck models in 1:50 scale.

This is a strategy that just might work. Cars currently in planning are the Tank Fairlane, the Buckle Mini Monaco, the Bristol 603 and one very desired and famous late 60’s Australian racing car – which I cannot reveal – but will definitely buy!

Revolution Models has just released the Torana GTR-X in its mid 80’s paint scheme, the Holden Hurricane in luscious red and a range of Clubsport, GTS and SV99 VT Commodores.

Prices and Production numbers

Torana GTR-X is $90 with only 500 pieces made

Hurricane is $120 with only 500 pieces made

Clubsport, GTS and SV99 Commodores $85 each with only 100 pieces of each car made

You can contact Revolution Models by email anthonywhanna@hotmail.com or by phone 07 5522 4741.

See also:
'Detail' magazine issue 2
Revolution Models HSV VT Commodore range
Sneak preview of 'Detail' issue 2' Holden Hurricane and Torana GTR-X

Detail magazine - issue 2

2011-11-24T05:15:00.000-08:00

Issue 2 of Detail magazine is out now. Go here to download or read online.

It is 170 pages of scale model car reviews and industry news. A real team effort, the whole thing is tied together by Matt Hansen. I have quite a few reviews of 1:43 and 1:64 scale cars in this issue, but I just write them and send them in - the editing process is quite time consuming and the finished product is exceptional. I hope you enjoy reading it.

The reviews I provided for issue 2 of Detail are:

1:64 DDA EH Holden Dragster and EH Holden road car
1:64 Three way Porsche Panamera comparison - Matchbox v Maisto v Siku
1:43 Revolution Models Holden Hurricane
1:43 Revolution Models Holden Torana GTR-X
1:43 Revolution Models VT Commodore range
1:43 Models56 FC Holden utility
1:43 Models56 Pete Geoghegan Ford Super Falcon

Hot Wheels Ford Falcon V8 Supercar 2011

2011-11-23T19:55:00.000-08:00

Hot Wheels shook up the Australian diecast collector community in 2009 by releasing the classic Ford Falcon XB Coupe. It has become a firm favourite of diecast collectors and members of the general public, and every version (five so far) has been eagerly snapped up. They look set to repeat this sales generating venture again – with a contemporary Australian car. New for 2012 is the Ford Falcon V8 Supercar.

The V8 Supercar racing series is Australia’s premier motor racing competition, with fierce rivalry between the teams, and great interest from motor racing fans. The annual Bathurst 1000 race is a holy day on the Australian sports calendar. Currently there are only two manufacturers with cars in the series – Ford and Holden. That rivalry is fierce.

Rear view - complete lack of detail

Front view

Although the cars look like the road going versions, apart from the fact that they are wearing elaborate wings and body kits and painted in garish team colours and sponsor decals – they are really silhouette racers. Under the body panels are custom designed, controlled chassis and running gear. Apart from the engines and body panels, almost all the cars are identical. These cars are at the peak of racing technology in Australia and can reach speeds of over 300kmh down the famous Conrod Straight at Mt Panorama.

Current releases of V8 Supercars in this scale from Biante and Classic Carlectables have slowed to a trickle recently – reflecting a recent sales slump across the general diecast industry. Investment in a car that may not sell more than a few hundred versions is not good business sense. That Hot Wheels have decided to make this model can only be a positive thing. Although this retails for a few dollars and the other 1:64 V8 Supercars retail closer to the 20 dollar mark (offering far greater detail, accurate liveries and higher quality packaging than the average Hot Wheels car), it may spark greater interest in this scale of cars overall.

A complete V8 Supercar interior roll cage and seats

The model itself looks like it should – it is a toy racecar with attitude. It comes packaged in the standard Hot Wheels blister pack for 2012, and has snuck into Australian retailers a little early and can be found now. It should be a very popular casting for Hot Wheels with collectors and customisers.

The body casting looks like a generic V8 Ford Falcon supercar, although it sits a little higher than a real one, and has no camber on the wheels at all! The proportions of the body are in typical Hot Wheels fashion, a little exaggerated. The wheel arches are massively larger than they would be on a true scale model of the car. Although they have the proper bonnet bulge, the rear wing is a little small. The B pillars are also a little bigger, and the C pillar a little narrower than they should be. The front windscreen is the biggest inaccuracy on this model – its straight at the bottom, not curved like the real thing. Hot Wheels have moulded in the NACA duct on the roof (for cabin ventilation) but have not added door mirrors.

This angle really shows how poor the applied paint is

The same angle, other side, same poor paint issues

The first offering of this model from Hot Wheels is in Ford racing blue, with a bold white racing livery. Ford logos appear on the car several times, as well as a few tiny Hot Wheels logos. It’s a two colour paint job only, with the white paint being laid down over the blue. Its not Hot Wheels finest paint either, with the blue visible through the white paint. There are serious paint issues with this model, and if you bought a 1:43 scale car with the same quality you would return it for a better example.

Tampo printing is miserly with no detail picked out at all. Headlights, taillights, vents – nothing. All you get with this car is the blue body and white racing stripes and logos. Oddly, there is a slightly different shade of blue used for a wide strip on the bonnet.

The glass is also problematic, while the front and rear windscreens are fine, the side glass does not sit flush. However, that’s only when picked up and examined closely. From a few feet away, it isn’t noticeable, and I’m sure when its racing down the orange track no one will care.

You can make out the excellent interior and also the very wrong front glass.

The interior is the real surprise with this model. It is in blue plastic and looks to be a fairly reasonable facsimile of the interior of a V8 super car, with elaborate roll cages and bracing in the cabin. You can also see a single drivers seat and a tiny gear stick and steering wheel. When they inevitably use this casting as a taxi, this will look odd. Right now, it looks great, and will no doubt appeal to customisers.

The black plastic base contains a small amount of detail, the most noticeable being the triple exhaust exiting from the passenger side. You can also make out adjustable rear suspension bars! The front part of the base is also used behind the central part of the front bumper to represent the lower radiator area, and looks good, especially as there is no other detail on the front area.

The wheels are a treat, being ten spoke wheels which look like those used on V8 Supercars. They are black plastic 10 spoke wheels, with the spokes picked out in white. This matches the white paint on the body. The wheels roll freely and although far larger than the real cars wheels do suit the casting.

Matchbox AU Falcon from a few years back, next to the Hot Wheels Falcon Supercar.

Rear view - the Matchbox car is far more accurate and of far higher quality.

Although I have been critical in some aspects of this car, it is a casting with great potential. In its first version, Hot Wheels have cemented the fact that it is a Ford racing car, and when flicking through the blister packs on the hangers, it won’t be mistaken for anything else. It is also a casting that has promotional potential. I can see DJR or another racing team ordering many thousands of these as give aways. Customisers will also welcome this model.

The 1:64 scale Hot Wheels Ford Falcon Race Car is available from retailers for around $2.20.

Positives

Nice to see another Aussie car in Hot Wheels line up

A casting with potential

Negatives

Hot Wheels exaggeration to body proportions

Paint quality is very average

2.5 out of 5 stars

Note: This article was originally written for Detail magazine, but not published. The rating system is for that magazine and not that used by me for this blog.

See also:

A boy and his toy cars on a sunny spring Canberra day

Dinkum Classics EF Ford Falcon Allan Moffat HO Special

Revolution VT HSV Commodore - Detail Magazine preview

2011-11-16T20:16:00.000-08:00

As one door closes another one opens, so when I enquired about the publishing date of the latest Detail Magazine (this Sunday) I was told my Hot Wheels FG Falcon Race Car article had been shelved, so I enquired whether there was time for an article on the Revolution VT Commodore range.... there was. I had one day to write that article! I present these images of Revolutions 1:43 resin VT Commodore range as a teaser. There are only 100 of each of these models - if you want one order it quickly as they will be snapped up. No one else will do these cars in this scale again.

Clubsport, GTS and SV99 Commodores $85 each with only 100 pieces of each car made.

If you would like to place an order, you can contact Revolution Models by email anthonywhanna@hotmail.com or by phone 07 5522 4741. Revolution are also looking for retail outlets to carry their range.

See also:
Revolution Models Torana GTR-X and Holden Hurricane
Hot Wheels FG Falcon V8 Supercar (coming soon)

Canberra model vehicle Collectors Club - Nov meeting - Diorama Night

2011-11-07T04:31:00.000-08:00

Tonight was the November meeting of the Canberra Model Vehicle Collectors Club, and it was an excellent turnout with over a dozen members - plus two new model collectors who came along (and may join). Held as usual, upstairs at the Eastlake Football Club in Kingston.

Its amazing how much time you can spend talking about Dinky restorations

I took along the latest Revolution Models resin cars - they were the topic of much discussion. these are a series of Commodores - Clubsports, SV99 etc.

Dinky restorations

Screwed baseplate of a repainted Dinky Morris Oxford

Much neater restoration, with replica rivets used

The quality of repaints/restos was another very popular discussion theme.

This months 'theme' was officially 'Dioramas'. Nice use of plastic railway buildings here. The buildings had LED lighting in them, and the Hotel sign had alternate flashing letters.

I like this Chrysler a lot. Tomica?

Star Wars diorama

and of course - the Capital Diecast Garage wrecking yard...

Biante, Classic Carlectable, Ixo Ebay auctions

2011-11-06T03:55:00.000-08:00

I have just updated my Trax/Biante/Classics 'for sale' and non-Aussie 1:43 diecast 'for sale' pages with seven surplus models from my diecast garage.

They are:

Classic Carlectable Russel Ingall Caltex XR8 Falcon V8 Supercar 2003 Mint. 1:43 $25.00
Classic Carlectable Dick Johnson Racing Sep 2000 Qld 500 race with Steven Johnson and Dick Johnson racing together. V8 Supercar Mint. 1:43 $25.00
Biante 888 racing John Bowe Falcon V8 Supercar 2002. Mint. 1:43 $25.00
Biante Brad Jones AU XR8 Falcon V8 Supercar 2002. Mint. 1:43 $25.00
IXO MG Metro 6R4 WRC racing car 1986 - Mint. 1:43 $20.00
IXO Le Mans 1992 3rd place - Peugeot 905 - Mint. 1:43 $20.00
IXO Le Mans 1990 Winner Jaguar XJR12 - Mint. 1:43 $20.00

These are also being auctioned on Ebay here. They are $5 per car cheaper direct from this site.

Matchbox - Toyota Land Cruiser

2011-11-06T03:13:00.000-08:00

The 1968 Toyota Land Cruiser has been in the Matchbox lineup since 2009, and I recently reviewed the Lesney Edition version of this casting from the 2011 Lesney Edition range. In this post, I am looking at the regular edition from the 2011 Matchbox line.

The 2011 regular edition is in an appealing dark metallic blue. The white roof which has been seen on all Matchbox Toyota Land Cruisers, is on this version. The paint is uniformly excellent, with no overspray or flaws.

The tampo printing has been generously applied to the grille, the headlights and front indicators. The rear has no tampo printing at all, rear taillights are in the blue body colour.

The casting is a very accurate representation of the short wheelbase Toyota Land Cruiser, and is still a very popular 4WD in Australia. Most Australian versions have a bull bar at the front, but this version is a regular factory version, although the wheels are a bit larger than they would have been in 1968.

The interior is fairly basic, through the slightly tinted window glass you can see distinct front and rear seats and a crude dashboard. This car has a plastic base and it is unremarkable with little detail, apart from leaf springs and two differentials, indicating it is a 4WD vehicle. The front and rear bumpers are part of the plastic base.

The packaging is an attractive but simple blister card, featuring the car on the card itself. This 2011 packaging is about to be replaced with a rather more garish packaging,as Matchbox heads back to a 'Hero City' era.

This car is an attractive little diecast, which at around two dollars is amazingly good value. It has no real flaws, apart from a lack of tampo printing on the rear, but it is quite generous at the front. A quick lick of the paintbrush could quickly add the detail missing, if you so desired.

Coming soon - Lesney Edition and Regular series '68 Toyota Land Cruiser - comparison.

The ratings:

Matchbox 1968 Toyota Land Cruiser

Quality 8

Design 7

Colours 8

X-factor 7

Rating: 30/40

Lesney Edition Toyota Land Cruiser

Lesney Edition v regular series Matchbox Toyota Land Cruiser (soon)

Classic Carlectable V8 Supercars for sale

2011-11-05T02:47:00.000-07:00

I have just updated my Biante/Classics 'for sale' page with five surplus models from my diecast garage. Sorry - these have sold (in less than 12 hours to a BIN on Ebay).

They are:

~~John Bowe Caterpillar V8 AU Falcon - V8 Supercar. Mint. $~~~~15.00~~
~~John Bowe - Dick Johnson Racing - Shell V8 EL Falcon - V8 Supercar. Mint. Some marks on box. $~~~~15.00~~
~~Mark Larkham - Mitre 10 - V8 AU Falcon - V8 Supercar. Mint. $~~~~15.00~~
~~Craig Lowndes 2004 FPR BA Falcon - V8 Supercar. Mint. $~~~~25.00~~
Garth Tander 2002 Valvoline Holden Commodore - V8 Supercar. Mint. $25.00

These are also being auctioned on Ebay here.

Lesney Edition - Toyota '68 Land Cruiser

2011-11-04T20:03:00.000-07:00

Matchbox/Mattel have announced that there will be no more Lesney Edition Matchbox cars in 2012. For the last few years mattel have released a limited range of cars using the Lesney Edition branding. The Lesney Edition cars are the same castings as used in the regular Matchbox range with the following differences.

They came in a blister pack with a small cardboard box, emulating the pre-blister card era.
The cars had metal bases and metal bodies, unlike the metal body and plastic base cars of today.
The Lesney editions had full tampo print detailing of headlights, taillights, numberplates etc.

These cars have been keenly sought after by collectors of Matchbox cars ,and even retailing at around three times the price of a regular Matchbox model, the majority of the range has been a sales success.

I thought that it would be a good idea to look at a Lesney Edition casting and compare it to the same car from the regular range. In this post I look at the Toyota Land Cruiser in its Lesney Edition guise. In the next post I will look at the regular edition Toyota Land Cruiser. In the final of this series, I will compare the two cars.

The 1968 Toyota Land Cruiser has been seen in many model versions. The Matchbox contribution to its model heritage first appeared in 2009, in a yellow version, with a white roof. It has made nine appearances since then, including this Lesney Edition. At approximately 1:58 scale, it is a nice looking casting that fits nicely into Matchbox's range.

The Lesney Edition has a metallic green paint job, with white roof and silver checker plate lower sides painted on.

The wheels are a standard Matchbox wheel type, and the same wheel as used in the 2009 regular series Matchbox Toyota Land Cruiser.

Tampo painting has been used well, picking out headlights, grille, TOYOTA grille badge, taillights, numberplates and door handles. Matchbox even paint their name on the sides.

The smokey glass looks good, and matches the light brown interior, which isn't too detailed. You can make out seats in the front and back.

The car looks very good. it is an accurate model of the fullsize car, and has the right stance. The wheels are too modern and wide for a genuine 1968 car, but this is a toy, and it may also be a customised version of the 1968 car, so the paint and wheels may reflect a more modernised version.

The metal base is not overly detailed, but does show the leaf suspension and differentials for the front and back, and model identification.

The Lesney Edition blisterpack is very different to the regular series blisterpack, and carries an old style logo, and a separate cardboard box for the model. It is an attractive package.

At three times the regular cost of a Matchbox car, you get a cardboard box, a metal base and extra tampo printing. it is a steep premium to pay on top of a matchbox regular series model, but has been well received. When assessing this model, I do take this into account.

The rating:

Matchbox Lesney Edition 1968 Toyota Land Cruiser

Quality 7

Design 7

Colours 7

X-factor 6

Rating: 27/40

Hot Wheels '77 Dodge Custom van - black with Flames!

Matchbox '68 Toyota Land Cruiser (soon)

Lesney Edition versus regular series Matchbox '68 Toyota Land Cruiser (soon)

Trax TR9S XR Ford Fairmont

2011-11-02T21:34:00.000-07:00

Top Gear on occasion offer special models for members of their various clubs, over the years. One of those examples is the car featured here. The TR9S XR Ford Fairmont in Black from 1994. This car was a special edition for Foundation members of the Trax Golden Age Club, and only 3500 were made.

The constant procession of late 60's Fords - especially GT's - from Australian diecast manufacturers means that there are few cars in any colour combination that have not been produced. In 1994, there was still no real competition for Trax, and this car reflects that. The body is a little inaccurate, especially around the front, and the rear. The turret looks OK, but the B pillars are too wide.

The wheels and tyres are typical of the early 90's era for Australian diecast. Far too narrow and not to scale at all. However, whoever designed the car in this livery had a good eye. The gloss black and whitewall tyres do work well.

There is a rare variant of this car with the tampo 'Fairmont' on the bootlid printed upside down, its not known how any of these exist.

The base of this car has very little detail.

The interior is colour coded to the rest of the cars theme, and is reasonably detailed. the seats are textured and the dash and instruments are represented.

Anyone who acquires this car and expects the quality of a 2011 produced car is deluding themselves. The accuracy and heavy detailing is reflective of an earlier era in diecast car design. Having said that, it is a scarce and attractive model which does actually look pretty good.

To the rating:

Trax TR9S XR Ford Fairmont

Quality 8

Design 6

Colours 8

X-factor 7

Rating: 29/40

Capital Diecast Garage Aussie Diecast Forums *NEW*

Online forum now available

2011-11-02T02:00:00.000-07:00

I post quite often to several online discussion forums that are diecast related. I have decided to set one up, linked to this blog.

The focus will be on Australian diecast and resin model car discussion, and of course small scale diecast from Hot Wheels, Matchbox and other brands.

Visitors will be able to read, but to post you must be registered.

Please visit the CapitalDiecastGarage online forum!

Pre-production shots from ARMCO/Models56 - Brock GTR-X, Ford Landau and Geoghegan Mustang

2011-11-02T00:14:00.000-07:00

While I was writing the reviews of the ARMCO FC Holden and GTHO Super Falcon for Detail magazine, I emailed a few questions to Models56. They shared with me some of their upcoming products - and have given me permission to post a few photos here.

This is a 1:43 resin Torana GTR-X in 'what if' brock bathurst livery. I believe its endorsed by the Brock Foundation. This is a test shot for the decals.

A more complete pre-production test example. With rear spoiler, racing wheels. This version will have an opening bonnet, and an engine. A first for 1:43 resin in Australia.

This is a resin test shot of the pattern for the Pete Geoghegan 67 Mustang. Note the open bonnet and highly detailed engine bay. I dont know how far away this model is.

A very early pattern of a 1:43 Ford Landau. Once again, I do not know how far away this car is from delivery, but am looking forward to it.

If you collect high quality 1:43 Australian cars, I'd recommend visiting the Models56 website.

See also:

Armco Models - FC Holden Station Wagon and McCormack racing Charger

Interview with John Pisani of Models56

Revolution Models Holden Hurricane and Torana GTR-X

Hot Wheels Dodge 77 Van - Black with flames!

2011-11-01T23:31:00.000-07:00

Yeah yeah, another black diecast car... but this one is different - it has flames on it! this little gem is a recent Hot Wheels release. The latest version of the Custom '77 Dodge Van, is definitely the best looking version of this casting that Hot Wheels have produced. Designed by Jun Imai, this car first appeared in 2008 and has appeared in no less than 15 different versions since then! In 2011 this version is available, as well as a burgundy version, with gold flames. Forget that one - this is the jam!

In a perfect satin black, with red, yellow and orange tampo print flames down the sides, this little van makes a statement. Im not a great fan of plastic bases, preferring metal/metal - but the gold plastic base really suits this car. Look at the gold grille and front air dam.

The generous tampo printing on the flame work means that features like rear taillights etc are absent. This is a model that could benefit from a little superdetailing by its owner.

The gold chrome 5 spoke wheels are also just right for this model, matching the rest of the gold plastic. While not as attractive as the new FTE wheels, they do suit this car.

The surprise feature of this car is the detailed interior. Completely visible through the clear plastic roof, you can see a well setup interior for the average shaggin wagon owner. I can see plenty of seats, but no mattresses! The interior is in red plastic, and matches the gold chrome and black satin paint well. A nice little car from Hot Wheels for the 2011 model year.

The rating:

Hot Wheels Custom '77 Dodge van - Black with flames

Quality 9

Design 9

Colours 9

X-factor 9

Rating: 36/40

Revolution Models Holden Hurricane and Torana GTR-X

2011-10-23T17:35:00.000-07:00

A sneak preview of the Revolution Models Holden Hurricane and Holden Torana GTR-X, in resin in 1:43 scale. My full reviews of both models will be in the next issue of Detail magazine. They are both available right now from Revolution Models.

Coming soon in Detail Magazine Issue 2

2011-10-21T12:35:00.000-07:00

A teaser for those who are waiting for the next issue of Detail. Two of the cars I have written reviews of in Issue 2.

Hot Wheels Ford Falcon Race Car

Revolution Models Holden Torana GTR-X (in 80's guise)

A boy and his toy cars on a sunny spring Canberra day

2011-09-24T03:14:00.000-07:00

Canberra is a beautiful city, and spring is one of the best times to experience it. While walking through Garema Place in Civic last week, I saw a young boy playing on one of the numerous pieces of public art, on a beautiful sunny spring day. He had his Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars out, and was intently focussing on their movements.

His mother was sitting close by so I asked if I could photograph her son. His name is Manu.

In his imagination they are going somewhere, all his cars are facing left.

I think they have all reached their destination...

Being a diecast collector I did have a look over his cars. All three inch, largely Hot Wheels and Maisto, with one or two Matchbox. There were none I needed for my collection. His mum was fine with me taking his photo, I don't know how she would have taken to me negotiating a swap for a required car! Even though they are being played with, they didn't look too playworn. Manu seems to care for his cars.

I guess its easy as an adult diecast collector to forget that once I was like this little boy playing with his toys and creating a whole world in his imagination.

Hot Wheels Ford Falcon XB Coupe triple treat

2011-08-07T12:56:00.000-07:00

Its no secret to anyone that knows me that I think that the XA-B-C Falcon Coupe is the best looking car ever made in Australia. When Hot Wheels introduced their version, I started collecting it and will continue as long as they keep making new versions! So far they have produced three versions -Yellow, then Blue and the Hot Wheels Garage version in Red.

Enjoy all three in this triple treat Hot Wheels XB Coupe photo essay!

Detail Magazine - Brand new diecast magazine

2011-07-28T01:46:00.000-07:00

Over the last few months a group of diecast tragics have managed to produce a brand new magazine called 'Detail' catering to hardcore diecast collectors. I am proud to say that I have contributed three reviews to the initial issue.

Largely the work of Matt Hansen, it is an excellent read and pulls no punches. If a model has flaws they are reported on honestly. There are no puff piece articles in this magazine.

I contributed three articles - reviews on the 1/43 Trax EH Sedan, the 1/43 Trax FB 'Golden Fleece' utility and the Models 56 'Captain Nitrous' drag car FJ. I'm amazed at what the production team have managed to do with my ordinary photography. Unlike a blog, I've been able to write expansively on each car - up to 2000 words in one instance.

Download it, read it and let us know what you like or dislike about it.

The magazine is called 'Detail' and can be downloaded from here.

Grell Melkus - the East German sports car

2011-07-28T01:30:00.000-07:00

As a collector of eastern bloc diecast cars Im always looking for new cars. I discovered a brand of cars several years ago coming out of Germany that were producing a large range of East German and iron curtain era cars. The brand was 'Grell'. They appeared to only sell cars in Germany and largely through bottle shops and the tourist trade.

The cars are diecast and in the 'three inch' or 1/64 scale range, although not always strictly to scale. The examples I have seen appear to be made in China by 'High Speed'. Id prefer commie made models, but as the rest of the world has shifted model car production to China, its not surprising that any new model of eastern bloc cars would come from there. The Grell range appears to be new designed models of iron curtain era cars and is pretty wide including Wartburgs, Tatras etc and trucks as well as cars.

One of my favourite Grell cars is the car featured here today, the 'Melkus'. Im not sure if the car is the Melkus RS 1000 or the Melkus RS 1600. The blister card is fairly scant with that info, and is in German, a language I cant read. As the only real difference is the engine size -both engines being retuned Wartburg engines it doesn't really matter.

Why? Because the real attraction to this car is that it is referred to as the 'Ferrari of the East'. Its curvy fibreglass body was designed in the late 60's and took all the styling cues of the era, mostly from the West. The sleek looks and low slung design also featured a pair of gullwing doors. Sadly, being located in Dresden saw the Melkus RS production run limited to only 101 cars from 1969 to 1979.

The little Grell car is a very nice model. I have only seen it in two colours, red and silver, but there may be others. I'm not aware of any other models of the Melkus in any scale, so it is an attractive car for the collection based on that fact alone. Detail on the casting is fairly limited. Its not a complex shape to model, but sadly the doors don't open in a gullwing style. The front and rear lights are picked out with a nice tampo paint, but even on the real car external detail was sparse.

The high chrome wheels are probably out of place, but as its a toy car, that can be excused. There is also a lack of any interior detail. The exterior paint is very good with no blemishes.

Maisto Trabant and Grell Melkus RS 1000

Contemporary cousins from each side of the German Iron Curtain - Corgi Porsche 917 and Grell Melkus RS 1000

Getting hold of the Melkus models was a challenge. Sadly ebay was my only choice and due to German Ebay rules nothing out of that country is cheap. Expect to pay at least 40 dollars for postage of a parcel containing only a few cars. The models themselves are fairly cheap, I didn't pay more than two or three euros per car.

One of the other surprises was the packaging. I didn't see the packaging until after the cars arrived. As Grell cars are given away at bottle shops as part of liquor promotions, some of the packaging is quite garish. I had to look twice at the packaging for the red Melkus RS1000 to be sure i wasn't seeing what I thought I was seeing! The cars sold at tourist stores appear to be a little less exciting in their packaging.

Melkus RS 1000

These Grell Melkus cars are nice little models. Its a rare car and unusual as well. It displays well on the shelf and complements the other fibreglass sports cars of the era.

Id like to find out more about the Grell company and its range of diecast cars. If you can help me out please contact me.

To the rating:

Grell Melkus RS1000

Quality 7

Design 7

Colours 7

X-factor 7

Rating: 28/40

See also:

IXO CLC030 - Tatra 603 1961

Siku and Matchbox Karmann Ghia comparison

Hot Wheels 1970 Heavyweight Tow Truck

2011-06-07T04:08:00.000-07:00

1970 Tow Truck and 1979 T-Totaller

Every diecast collector has a favourite model, and this is one of mine. Its the 1970 Hot Wheels Heavyweight series Tow Truck. This casting only appeared for 1970 and then disappeared from the Hot Wheels range until it was brought back in 2004 - 34 years after is only appearance! It was then used a few more times, but not since 2008.

1970 saw several releases in a new subrange called 'Heavyweights' which included some articulated models. They were all very similar to several Matchbox models. In fact the HotWheels Tow Truck is very similar to the Matchbox 'Toe Joe'.

Designed by Ira Gifford, the model appeared in the full range of Hot Wheels Spectraflame colours, all versions featuring the blue tint plastic window and a tiny 'Hot Wheels Tow Service' logo on the rear yellow plastic. Still part of the classic era, it features a metal base, a metal body and redline wheels.

The towing hook is quite interesting. Most toy tow trucks have plastic hooks, the Hot Wheels Tow Truck has a wire hook, which is attached to a plastic boom. Its really quite effective in its intended use of towing other Hot Wheels cars, indeed they do stay on the hook when being moved around. The wire hook also folds forward and nestles quite snugly in the rear plastic bed, tucked neatly and safely out of sight. To deploy the hook, you press down on the boom and the hook sort of 'pops' out enough for you to flip it over to use. I doubt that in todays more safety conscious era a bare wire hook would be permitted on a child's toy!

Although you could aim to collect one of each colour of the 13 original 1970 versions, sometimes you have to be happy with what you have. I am fortunate to own two nice examples in pleasing colours. The two shown here are Spectraflame Blue and Spectraflame Aqua. Mint loose versions are worth around US $60 each. Mint carded versions in Spectraflame Pink or Spectraflame Salmon are worth US $325. These values are relative of course. For a one year only casting scarcity itself makes the model collectible.

To the rating:

1970 Hot Wheels Tow Truck

Quality 7

Design 7

Colours 7

X-factor 7

Rating: 28/40

See also:

Badge engineering in 1/64 Hot Wheels and Happy Wheels

Where Hot Wheels cars are designed

VW 181 - Matchbox and Hot Wheels compete

Hot Wheels Garage Red Ford Falcon XB Coupe

2011-06-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

The popularity of the Hot Wheels Ford Falcon XB in Australia has been very high since its release in late 2009. With the yellow and blue versions being snapped up as soon as they hit the pegs, it was odd that this car, part of the Hot Wheels Garage series, was released - on the US market only in late 2010.

The difference between this car and the regular Hot Wheels cars is that it has a metal base, a metal body and different wheels with real rubber tyres. There is also a higher level of detail, as can be seen by the picked out headlights.

The paint job is a custom paint scheme, unlike the factory GT paint scheme used on the yellow and blue castings. This red paint scheme is very attractive with the bold black stripes radiating off the bonnet and ghost scallops starting on the front fenders.

Even though this casting is metal/metal and has extra detail and rubber tyres, there are a few anomalies - the rear brake ducts and fuel cap are painted over in body colour and once again the tampo paint machine has missed the rear lights.

This car is only available in the U.S. and even there sells at a premium, roughly the same as a Lesney Edition Matchbox car. It is an attractive car and essential for any Ford Falcon model car collector.

To the rating:

Hot Wheels Garage Red XB Falcon Coupe

Quality 7

Design 7

Colours 8

X-factor 8

Rating: 30/40

See also:

Hot Wheels Yellow Ford Falcon XB Coupe

Hot Wheels Blue Ford Falcon XB Coupe

Trio of Hot Wheels Ford Falcon XB Coupes (coming soon)

Blue Hot Wheels Ford Falcon XB Coupe

2011-06-05T09:26:00.000-07:00

Since late 2009 Hot Wheels have released three Ford Falcon XB Coupes in Yellow, Blue and Red. It has been an enormously popular casting for Hot Wheels and some very high prices were paid for them on Ebay, although that fervour has now died down.

The blue really suits the casting, and the same GT paint scheme as used on the yellow version has been applied here, although the contrasts are silver not back.

The same criticisms I mad in my initial review still apply. There are some inaccuracies and the tampo paint could have been used a little more wisely.

I can see this casting staying in the Hot Wheels range for many years to come, and the enormous popularity among collectors for both unmodified versions and code 3 custom versions remains strong.

To the rating:

Hot Wheels Blue XB Falcon Coupe

Quality 5

Design 7

Colours 7

X-factor 7

Rating: 26/40

See also:

Hot Wheels Yellow Ford Falcon XB Coupe

Hot Wheels Red Ford Falcon XB Coupe (coming soon)

Trio of Hot Wheels Ford Falcon XB Coupes (coming soon)

Inactivity and good news

2011-06-03T04:38:00.000-07:00

Hello to all the diecast fans that view my blog, and apologies for the lack of activity recently. I will be posting a series of articles over the next week or two, which I hope makes up for the lack of quantity over the last month or so.

Why the inactivity ? Its pretty simple - I mislaid my camera! I found it again about a month ago, and have just taken some more photos of diecast.

The good news

I have been writing some articles which will be in a new online based diecast magazine. The first issue is scheduled for the end of June and I will post details on this blog when it is available.

Canberra Model Vehicle Collectors Club March 2011 Meeting

2011-03-07T08:49:00.000-08:00

The March meeting of the Canberra Model Vehicle Collectors Club was held last night at its usual venue, the Eastlake Football Club in Kingston. This months theme was 'convertibles'.

Setting up displays is serious business

Louies Volkswagen convertibles

Very interesting Minichamps 1/43 of a rare Swiss VW custom convertible. The engine cover looks like a bonnet. This was an exquisite model.

I bought along 1/64 Hot Wheels and Matchbox VW 181's or Things. The red one is a Lesney Edition VW 181. I like both these castings. The tan VW was never available locally, and I bought it in the US.

Clive bought along this extremely interesting rubber model. US made with Auburn as the only ID mark underneath it. Rubber wheels, wire axles. Scale - about 1/24 but I doubt thats exact. This is a one piece rubber model, similar to a slush cast toy car. I did a bit of googling and found this article on Auburn rubber toys.

Del Prado 1/43's with a Corgi in the centre

Sam's display. That VW is umm an acquired taste. Sam had a display board, which he arrayed his cars on. Then looked at it, put the cars back in the cases, stacked them in a artistic manner and put his display board away! He had a 1/43 Bugeye Sprite which looked really nice.

1/43 Corvettes. I forget the maker.

There was a bit of trading going on last night, a few loose 1/43's, some Matchbox regular wheels and Superfasts, Hot Wheels, Yesteryears. I asked if the blue Matchbox cases were for sale, they weren't...

I sold a trio of Hot Wheels Falcons. The red Falcon is not available in Australia and was imported from the US. It's a nice model, metal base and body, rubber tyres on separate rims, unique paint. The Fimcar book wasn't for sale, I took it with me to show people.

After looking through the diecast treasures, I did buy these three Matchbox cars. The wrecker is in very good condition, its a transitional model - a regular wheel model with superfast wheels. The VW and the Porsche 935 are black Matchbox 1/75's and will fit neatly in my collection. I have almost completed my sub-collection of Matchbox wreckers, only a few to go. I bought these off Sam. I asked him about the garish paint job on the Porsche, and he told me its from a set of Chinese New Year cars, he had the other four cars in the set - but I didn't buy them.

The meeting was a lot of fun, with discussion on all sorts of subjects tangentially relating to model cars. If you are a model car collector in Canberra, its well worth coming along to the monthly meetings.

The Fimcar Story - Book Review

2011-03-06T21:07:00.000-08:00

Last year I published the history of the Leyland P76 in diecast and resin, in the P76 national magazine, published to coincide with the Leyland Clubs National meets every two years. I thought I had delivered a pretty comprehensive history and was satisfied that I had done my research. So imagine my surprise - pleasant surprise - when I received an email from Ged Fitzsimmons just before Xmas last year, informing me that I had overlooked his role in the Dinkum Classics Leyland P76. The Dinkum P76 was the next car to come out as a Fimcar before Ged threw the towel in and sold the moulds to Mike Stack of Dinkum Classics. I will cover this in an in-depth article for the Leyland magazine in the very near future.

Ged also told me in his email, that he had just published a book 'The Fimcar Story' with info on the P76 and all the other Fimcar models. I could hardly wait to get back to Canberra and meet him, and read his book. I did this last month, and will publish an interview with Ged soon.

'The Fimcar Story' is an excellent read, and you will find out a lot about the diecast scene in the 80's, early Australian diecasts - especially of Holdens - and a complete soul baring description of success and failure in the diecast trade, told in a very readable way.

The 'master' metal casting of the 1/43 Leyland P76 that was meant to be a Fimcar, but became the Dinkum Classics Leyland P76.

The book is a must read for anyone who is a collector of Australian model diecast cars. Ged was heavily involved in the diecast collecting scene in the 80's and into the 90's. He and his wife ran a business called 20th Century Models, buying and selling diecast cars. Later on he also ran the Sherrifs Mini-Cars diecast car shop in Canberra from 1992 to 1995. But at one point - he also decided to make and sell his own diecast white metal 1/43 scale cars - which he branded as Fimcars! Short for Fitzsimmons Model Cars.

Like his life, the book is really divided into several parts. It begins with a short rundown of Ged's life, including the fact that he was born right across the road from a Dinky subsidiary factory in England! His family migrated to Australia and later became involved in collecting and selling obsolete toy cars.

The first main part of the book then focuses on Holden toys and models from different manufacturers from the 50's through to the 70's. I found out more about these early miniatures from this book than I knew before. This alone makes the book a worthwhile purchase, especially if you are a collector of Holden diecast cars.

1/43 scale Fimcar FJ Holden utility, EK Holden sedan and EH Holden sedan

The rest of the book then examines the process of creating and marketing model after model, and the difficulties that small businessmen face, especially when they tackle something that is a bit different and a lot harder than it appears. The final part of the book lists all Fimcar models, colour variations and production numbers and even shows some fake Fimcars (which Ged sort of regards as a compliment, while not happy about it at the same time, and reckons he knows who is responsible...). There are plenty of illustrations throughout the book, with clear photos of all Fimcar models produced.

After reading Geds book, I can see why models of Australian cars are now made overseas. It is a combination of costs, rising quality and production volume. The Fimcars were in their day equal to other hand-built models available, but they were priced at a premium (and even then, it barely covered his costs) and compared to the quality and accuracy of a diecast car you could buy today from Biante, Trax or Classic Carlectables - it is doubtful that a small volume production run like Fimcar could ever compete. Fimcars were made using a form of diecast metal, remember - not resin. Ged discusses this with a reflective look at early Trax cars when John Easie was behind that innovative company. This book is as much a history of early Australian toy/model industry and personalities, as it is a Fimcar history.

1/43 scale Fimcar HR Holden sedan, Fimcar also made a 1/43 scale HR Station Wagon

Ged has been quite entrepreneurial with this book, he wrote it, edited and self-published the book. You can buy it from him directly or through eBay. He also made a video with more photos from the book and placed it on YouTube! The book costs $45 (free postage in Australia) and I recommend it to all serious collectors of Australian motoring toys and diecast models. Even if you have no interest in Fimcars themselves, the first part of the book, some 30 pages or so, on early Holden model diecasts is worth the price.

Contact Ged at g_fitzsimmons@bigpond.com to buy this book.

Trax TO05B Ford Falcon XB GT sedan

2011-02-16T02:30:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you open a box and look at a diecast model car and you just know you love it. That's the reaction I had when I opened the box this car came in. The Trax TO05B Ford Falcon XB GT sedan is a beautiful model - well executed, highly detailed, fantastic paint. Because of the opening parts, some of the fit between panels is a little heavy, but I think its a worthwhile tradeoff. The opening parts on this model are: doors, boot, bonnet.

However, you will note that all these photos are of the car on its display base. Thats because although its a beautiful model, and has attractive packaging it also has highly irritating wire ties that hold the car onto the display base. I fear that I cant untie the car, and then get it back on to the base. Its a detail thing that detracts from the overall high standard of presentation.

If I was to display the car somewhere and never use the box again, I would be likely to snip the wires, but if I was to sell this model (when the black version comes out) then it would be foolish to remove the car, as it would be difficult to place it back in and advertise as Mint.

Trax have produced a great model. The paint is just flawless and the decals and period markings are all captured accurately. factory painted bumpers really add to the period effect. Even the exhaust pipe ends are accurate. Every model that Trax puts out is incrementally better than the one before it.

It is my opinion that the XA-B-C series of Ford Falcons were the high point in Australian automotive design. I know the dynamics weren't great (as I own one) but for sheer excitement - the shape of the cars and sound of the 351 V8 have never been equalled. Trax have done a great job with this casting, neatly capturing the shape of the car and the stance.

As part of the Opal range, Trax have upped the detail and added opening doors, bonnets and boots. The interiors have been improved and engine bays added. This brings Trax back into competition with Biante and Classic Carlectables. Its not just the Opal range that shows improvements, you see this high level of detail trickling down into the regular Trax line.

Even underbonnet stampings are factory accurate.

Beautiful little 1:43 scae 351 cubic inch Cleveland V8 engine and detailed engine bay. The aerial may be a little thick, but its there, as are compliance plates on the firewall and a selection of period engine bay decals and stickers.

Boot opens, and it has the rubber mats, the filler pipe and accurate dimensions.

Trax have an accurate dash, with tiny instruments and a rimblow steering wheel. Door cards look good as well. I half expected the window winders to work!

If you don't remove the car from the wire and display it elsewhere, then this is how the model looks in the Trax packaging using the nice plastic box.

To the ratings. Trax have produced a very attractive model of the XB GT sedan and the level of detail in the Opal range is impressive. I do like the Opal packaging - apart from the wires. Trax - please find an alternative.

Ratings

Trax TO05B Ford Falcon XB GT sedan in Orange with Black interior 1/43 scale

Quality 8

Design 8

Colours 8

X-factor 8

Rating: 32/40

Granville Diecast Swapmeet February 2011

2011-02-11T08:43:00.000-08:00

Setting up

Steve Maher is a comrade of mine from the Leyland P76 movement and knowing that I am a diecast tragic, has long recommended that I make the journey from Canberra to Granville for the regular diecast swapmeet that the Sydney Model Auto Club run. So yesterday I decided to drive up today and have a look. The drive up from Canberra was actually quite pleasant for Sydney traffic, and took less time than anticipated. The swapmeet venue is at a Catholic school in Granville, using their hall as the main trading area with tables arrayed quite densely, and tables also available outside the main hall.

As I arrived early, I started spending money even before I went inside! Some of the vendors on the tables outside had cars I was looking for, and also cars I already have. I resisted, mostly... I wandered around the tables setup outside for a good 20 minutes before walking in - where an efficient but friendly gatekeeper arrested my passage and tapped his watch indicating I had a good 15 minutes to wait. This was OK, and I chatted to fellow diecast tragics also waiting.

I was genuinely surprised at the great range of cars arrayed. Everything from tinplate to the latest 1:18 Supercars. There were quite a few professional traders and also a lot of people with a small table selling spares or a few bits. I was really pleased to see that one vendor had a few boxes of spare dinky, corgi and matchbox tyres. Now I know - I can take a few samples and fit out some of my cars that are up on tiny diecast blocks.

Main area

Once inside it took me a good 90 minutes to make my way from the main entrance right around. You would be amazed how many tables and people you can pack into a school hall. I also went back to a few vendors a second time to pickup and scratch my chin and think about some cars I passed on earlier. The doors open at 6.45 PM, but all of the vendors arrive earlier, and I am in no doubt that collector/vendors probably swap or snap up a few choice cars before 6.45!

It was interesting to note that the Hot Wheels XB GT Falcons are readily available at the Granville swapmeet with prices ranging from $4 to $25. The market in Yellow XB's appears to have been satisfied, red XB's are still scarce but a few vendors had them. Saw a few Matchbox VE utes as well. In general - if you want Hot Wheels or Matchbox cars - go to Granville. New in blister pack Hot Wheels - a buck. Mint loose - from 50 cents. Many holes in my collection were filled. I doubt I will ever use Ebay to buy Hot Wheels ever again, if I cant find it at Granville i'd be surprised.

I didn't spend a great deal of money, but I did manage to pick up a few cars I had been after for some time, and also a few that I thought were bargains. There were cars I passed on due to the vendors price, but overall I would say that prices were reasonable with haggling welcome. As I have already mentioned the range of diecast on offer was extensive. There was also some odd items - such as a timplate Zeppelin about 5 feet long.

It was a really good educational experience as well, with lots of tiny cars that I was interested in and was able to pick up, have a close look, ask a vendor a question. They all knew their stuff. They would also ask what I was interested in. Surprisingly I managed to find some Fun Ho! and some Streamlux. As I am interested in 'pre-going broke and remade in the 80s/90's Fun Ho!' I found but passed on some others.

As I am also interested in getting a Canberra Swapmeet running, I spoke to a few vendors about that as well, they seemed quite keen - which is a good sign. One in particular spent quite some time explaining how he operates, what he likes, what he doesn't like etc. Every question I asked him he answered with a carefully considered view or opinion, based on years of experience. Exactly the info I need.

See those plastic boxes in the lower right corner... full of spare dinky/corgi/matchbox tyres!

There were also a few vendors from Canberra that I introduced myself to. Every one of them told me that Canberra used to have a swapmeet. I did forget to talk to a few vendors about it, usually they were in the middle of a transaction and I didn't want to interrupt them, or I got lost in a moment with a car trying to figure out if I had it already etc. If they read this I apologise to them for forgetting, it wasn't personal and I will try and speak to them about it next time. Or they can email me... capdiecast at gmail dot com

The only odd moment of the night for me was quite surreal.

I bought some cars off a vendor, he had older pre 1970ish diecast and good stuff too. We haggled and he knocked five bucks off two cars. A good deal I felt, not cheap but reasonably priced. I was chatting to him about my proposed Canberra swapmeet, he seemed interested - then I gave him my card and he looked at it, the cogs started whirring, and he remembered me - I had given him a neutral rating on an ebay transaction a few years ago and he was still furious! To say he went OFF would be an understatement. He gave me back my card, said I could insert it somewhere, he didn't want to talk to me, I wrote crap about Leylands etc. He was very emotional. I was quite taken aback. It all sort of poured out... I tried to reason with him, but it didn't help. Let me put this in perspective - I'm a qualified mediator - and I still couldn't even begin to reach a point where we could discuss the matter. Glad I didn't give him negative feedback!

Wow - I would have given neutral or negative feedback a handful of times. Seriously - very very few times. The incident he recalled quite clearly related to two Trax cars I bought from him - he did not mention in the ad that they had no boxes. They arrived. I was pissed off. I gave him a neutral feedback.

He still felt very raw about it, so I apologised to him. He refused to accept my apology, saying he had to live with that damaged reputation for a year on his feedback profile. As I said - he was quite emotional, it had really affected him. Then he walked off on me and went to talk to someone else.

When I got home I had a look through the emails relating to the transaction, and I must admit he has a point. I perhaps should have emailed him after I received the cars and discussed it with him. I can understand why he was and still is pissed off. I was fairly new to ebay at the time, so I probably acted far too hastily. I guess I have to be honest here and recall the key thing I have learnt on how to deal with people that I have found to be truly effective - treat people how you would like to be treated. In this instance, I didn't. I was in the wrong. What can I do? I have already apologised to him in person, in private, but perhaps it should be public - like Ebay feedback.

I publicly apologise to Bob Williamson for affecting his Ebay feedback score. I should have discussed the matter with him before posting the feedback that I did. I was wrong to act so hastily before discussing the transaction with him.

Apart from that, the rest of the evening was tremendous. I had a long yarn to Steve about Leyland matters (all car clubs have politics and gossip), but was slightly disappointed he didn't have the prototype of the 1:43 resin Leyland P76 London-Sydney 1973 Rally car with him.

The Sydney Model Auto Club organise and run the Swapmeet very efficiently. It had a good mix of professional stall holders and people selling off spares, with a great atmosphere. Everyone was knowledgeable and friendly, and really interested in what you collected when you talked to them. Its definitely worth the trip from Canberra. I wont bore you all with a detailed report on my trip back to Canberra in the XF V8 Panelvan in the rain with a wiper intermittently failing to wipe... but I did get back home in time to catch the Abu Dhabi V8 Supercar race on TV.

Trax TR81 Valiant AP6 Sedan

2011-02-11T06:54:00.000-08:00

There is no doubt that Trax castings and general quality improves incrementally. Although their recent Opal series has jumped up the quality table quite a few notches with opening doors, boots and bonnets, with detailed engine bays and undercarriages, their is still life in the regular Trax series.

This is Trax's latest Chrysler Valiant offering, the TR81 AP5 valiant sedan in dark Red with Maroon interior. The colour certainly suits it, and the paint quality is excellent. Flawless. Released in 2010, it is still available on Traxs website (as of Feb 2011).

Although is is a beautiful model, it still has some flaws, relating to previous Trax practices, which are gradually being updated on new castings. Example - the headlights: Trax are still using their old style headlamps on this car with obvious sprue right in the centre - Trax please work on your headlights. The door mirrors also appear to be a little oversized.

Grilles, badges and indicators are excellent. This model in real life featured a complex grille arrangement with body coloured panels and chrome, Trax have tackled this and executed it very well. Look at that boot badge! I also like the dealer number plate. A nice touch.

The interior has good detailing, with dash, seats, rear view mirror etc all looking accurate. The white steering wheel looks great. Like the door mirrors, the wiper also looks a little thick. Contrast this with the corner vent windows in the front doors, which are finely cast. Odd how Trax can be so careful in one area and not in another. The whitewall tyres and detailed hubcaps are a nice touch. Trax could have just used black tyres. I like this touch, it shows consideration.

Nice stance.Trax have got this absolutely right.

Clean base, with some detailing on the exhaust and sump. Trax are still using screws in their regular 1/43 line, which are much better than the infernal wires in the Opal series. I do like the current clear cases and screwed bases that Trax are using. The cars are secure for travel, easy to remove and look good on display with the clear case removed or left in place.

To the all important ratings.

I like this car, it doesn't have the X-factor of other cars, but Trax have presented a nicely detailed, and attractive offering. The Valiant had plenty of chrome and badges all over it to attract the higher end of the car buying market in 1965 and Trax chose a nice colour and variant to offer. Trax certainly haven't skimped on the chrome in this model - mirrors, grilles, bumpers, door handles, C pillar badges - plenty of tiny chrome pieces on display here! This model will please Chrysler fans and people who appreciate quality diecast cars in their collections. This car will stay in my collection.

Ratings

Trax TR81 AP5 Valiant Sedan in Dark red with Maroon interior 1/43 scale

Quality 8

Design 7

Colours 8

X-factor 6

Rating: 31/40

Hot Wheels XB GT Falcon 3 pack

2011-02-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

Sadly, this is fake.... but I thought it would look cool and I reckon Hot Wheels would shift THOUSANDS of these if it existed! The red one is only available in the U.S. but I have a few spare ones if people are interested - see my Hot Wheels For Sale page or my Ebay auctions.

Matchbox K7 Racing Transporter - Martini Racing

2011-02-09T03:43:00.000-08:00

The Matchbox Super King K7 Racing Transporter is without question my favourite Matchbox Super King casting, and one of my favourite models. It came out in two different liveries - yellow Team Matchbox, and white Martini Racing. The casting had minor changes, mainly to the cabin over the years, but the basic shape remained the same while it was produced from 1972 to about 1980.

Sadly I dont own a mint in box version of the white Martini racing version of the K7, but I did pick up this mint version last year. Its almost flawless, apart from some minor rubbing on the base and a minor blemish to one of the stickers. The rear glass has a minor crack, and all parts are present, and so are the stickers. I doubt this car has ever been used by a kid on his loungeroom carpet.

I have only a clear rear glass variant of the Martini Racing K7. The white and yellow K7's came out with clear and orange rear glass. You can tell if the glass came with the K7 you are looking at as the rear glass and cabin glass match. The major difference, apart from glass colour and paint, between the two versions is the roof castings. On the yellow K7's there are three horns, on the white K7's there is a strange spotlight arrangement that can be rotated and two horns, on a rectangle base, that fits on the K7 roof.

I've seen red rear ramps on Martini Racing K7's - this one is white.

Of course a racing car transporter needs a racing car to transport, and the Martini racing K7 came with a Matchbox Porsche in Martini livery.

The base of the K7 - it appears to be the same on all versions right through this castings run.

At some point I will post a complete listing of all the variations of the K7 that I am aware of. I've been collecting info on this casting for several years and tracked it through UK and US catalogues, and bought different versions that I come across if its a variant I haven't seen. I even bid for a 'cream' K7 only to find it was a yellow one that must have been bleached!

If you have a version of the K7 that isn't yellow or white, or if you have any pre-production versions - I would really like to see photos of them. Please email me at capdiecast at gmail dot com or leave a comment.

Ratings

Matchbox Super King K7 Racing Transporter - Martini Racing

Quality 9

Design 8

Colours 8

X-factor 9

Rating: 34/40

Dinkum Classics EF Ford Falcon Allan Moffat HO Special

2011-02-07T21:15:00.000-08:00

The EF Falcon is a largely under represented car in Australian diecast. It had a couple of contemporary releases, but few of late. Even this era of V8 Supercar racing and associated releases is a sparse area. One diecast company that did offer the EF Falcon was Dinkum Classics. And the version they offered is a rather curious choice - Its an Allan Moffat HO Special.

Dinkum was never big on over detailed cars, but for the time the detail was pretty good. HO and Ford badges are clear and distinct. Im pretty sure the Moffat HO's had vents on the bonnet, but they seem to be missing on the Dinkum Classics version.

Allan Moffat signature and HO Special badge look good, as do the special 17 inch rims, not common in the early 90's.

That rear wing was controversial and Australia hadnt seen anything like this on a road car before. Its not quite a Dodge Daytona wing, but it really makes this car.

Very sparse base

This is a low run for any diecast model. The HO Special was also offered in other colours.

The EF was the pinnacle of design for this particular body, although with the grille and bonnet being so aerodynamic, there were serious problems with under bonnet heat. The bonnet vents introduced on the GT's were soon seen on everything from the GT to taxis in an attempt to get the heat out of the engine bay.

The car that this is modelled on is a curious choice. Ford dropped the V8 in the XE model and it didn't return until the EB sedan. Many people had a go at turning out performance versions of the sedans that were used in Group C, group A and then V8 Supercar racing. Brock and HDT were the most successful. Dick Johnson also had a shot, as did Allan Moffat.

The first Moffat HO special was an EB and they came in supercharged six and supercharged V8 versions. Attention was paid to suspension and trim, but the main reason to select the Moffat HO was the name and the extra performance - which exceeded the XR options from the Blue Oval. It also came with 17 inch alloy wheels, high performance tyres, and a serious body kit: front spoilers, side valances, bonnet scoops and a rear wing. All aimed at making the ordinary Falcon into something approaching the racing version - at least to the eye! Sadly, very few of these cars were ever made - the run from EB to EF seeing perhaps as few as 15 sold in total.

I think it is important to assess all diecast cars in comparison to their contemporaries, and Dinkum Classics are no exception. This car is less toylike than the Trax of the day, and more of a collectors model. This car is nearly 20 years old and still looks good. Produced in Australia and nicely presented, this is an important car to have in your collection. Allan Moffatt was a major figure in Australian Motorsport, and small chapters in his motoring biography represented by this Dinkum Classics offering are nice place markers. It was a niche product then - with this being one of 20 produced - and is scarce now. Although its rating is not as high as other cars, this car will stay in my collection.

Ratings

Dinkum Classics Ford EF Falcon HO Moffat Special 1/43

Quality 7

Design 6

Colours 7

X-factor 6

Rating: 26/40

Canberra Model Vehicle Collectors Club - Feb 2011

2011-02-07T04:55:00.000-08:00

Im not sure if there was a January meeting, but this was the first Canberra Model Vehicle Collectors Club meeting I have attended this year, and tonights theme was 'colour'. It was a well attended meeting with over ten people present and lots of discussion about recent diecast bought or seen.

As well as cars on display, some trading took place and new cars were shown off. I have to remember to take three Hot Wheels falcons to the next meeting. Louie the Volkswagen tragic had a neat Wiking box set with three Volkswagen Beetles, some little plastic people and a round tobacco tin shaped garage, all in a nice presentation box - scale about 1:87. Another person had a lovely 1:43 Dinky Tucker Torpedo.

Hot Wheels 1:64 Plymouth Roadrunner Superbirds and Dodge Daytonas.

I thought about the theme and selected the Hot Wheels Winged Warriors as I knew they would make a colourful display. This year the winners wont be announced until the end of the year. So I dont know who won Februarys comp.

After my embarrassing displays last year, over the festivus period I created a base to display my diecast efforts on at the CMVCC meeting this year. Its a picture frame with the glass replaced with a sheet of MDF with sandpaper and railroad grass glued to it, and a white line painted between the sandpaper and grass. It's supposed to look like a road with a grass verge. I used the same grass on my diorama of the diecast wrecking yard. Although I thought this would be simple to make, it wasnt. but I am pleased with this result - although I may make a second improved version if I have some spare time.

Del Prado Ferraris in 1/43

Red Volkswagen Beetles in a range of scales

Green Dinkys and Corgis

Pink Corvettes

This is a Matchbox Corvette!

Discussing important diecast events like a car advertised as 1:43 is really only 1:42!

At this meeting the themes for the rest of the years displays were discussed. The themes I remember are:

Non-articulated trucks
unusual diecast
diorama
same car in a range of scales
less than four wheels
Australian cars.

Being February, dues were also due. I received a member ship card and a warm feeling. There were several recent diecast magazines to pore over while people chatted, and I also asked dumb questions which were answered well. I learn something new at every meeting.

The highlight of the evening for me was P76 related - I was given the details of the AFP constable shown standing next to the P76 used as a police car, in the photo used in Hal Moloneys book on the Leyland P76 several years ago. I plan to follow this up.

The next meeting will be at 7.30 PM on Monday 7 March at the Eastlakes Club in Kingston.

Fire trucks and Hummers for sale on Ebay this week!

2011-02-03T01:02:00.000-08:00

Currently I have some small bulk lots of Fire trucks on Ebay. Tomorrow night I will list Hummers in small bulk lots. The auctions will run for a week.

They are all three inch scale and a mixture of Welly, Maisto, Hongwell, Real Toy, Fast Lane brands pre 2002ish.

Have a look at the photos below, and then have a look at the listings. I can take better photos for you if you email me.

You can see all my current Ebay auctions here.

I have also placed better quality 1:64 diecasts on my 'for sale' pages, see Emergency Service vehicles here and 'other cars' including some taxi's, here.

I have thousands of Emergency Services Vehicles which I will be selling off this year. If there is something specific you are after - email me at capdiecast at gmail dot com

Hot Wheels Custom 62 Chev Pickup - Code 3 - Part 1

2011-01-30T04:09:00.000-08:00

According to the Hot Wheels Wiki:

The Custom '62 Chevy was designed by Hot Wheels Designer Rob Matthes for the 2008 New Models Series. This great casting features a chrome pick-up bed with a small slot in it to hold a surf board steady. Hot Wheels Collectors were blown away by Robs' design. The Custom '62 Chevy has become one of the most collected and sought after castings in 2008 and it's easy to see why.

I quite like the shape of this casting, and while not a big fan of pickups or utes, I do like flatbed towtrucks. I looked at the 62 Chev, looked at the Back Slider and a metaphorical incandescent light globe went off above my head. I would build a flatbed towtruck!

The donor casting, a Custom 62 Chev from the 2009 Rebel Rides series.

Here is the clean and tidy work area. Since this, I have built a dedicated workbench. I used a small saw to cut the bed off, in fact I had two attempts as I wasn't satisfied with attempt 1. Fortunately this proved to be beneficial as once I measured the flatbed - and the car the completed towtruck would carry (which shall remain a surprise for now) I realised this baby would need to be a 6 wheeler, lest it look foolish and just weird.

This helps to get cuts straight. I know I should use a dremel tool, but sometimes Im old school.

This is attempt 1, note the roof and cabin cuts aren't quite straight. To the wreckers yard!

Attempt 2 - much better. Reassembled with interior and partial base. In the upper right hand corner you can see the two rear wheel sets, carefully trimmed and glued together. The cabin and wheels are resting on a piece of paper I sketched the flatbed wraparound on, several times. I will cut it out and then transfer it to 0.5 mm plastic card when I am satisfied with the design, but thats a bit premature.

The flatbed towtruck tray, donated from a Hot Wheels Back Slider. It has been shortened slightly, to suit the car it will be moving around, and also so that the 62 Chev didn't look too ridiculous. Its going to be slammed low, so it doesn't need any more help.

Getting the wheelbase right took several attempts. I have carved a temporary chassis section in balsa wood. When I'm happy I will transfer the dimensions to plastic square tubing and make a pair of chassis rails to support the flatbed.

At the end of the first session I had separated the cab from the bed, cut down the Back Slider tray, figured out a wheelbase, joined the two rear wheel assemblies together and sketched up some rear wraparound designs.

Now I need to buy some paint and plastic sheet. Come back for Part Two soon.

Interview with Tony Hanna - Model Maker

2011-01-26T02:37:00.000-08:00

Last year I published an article on the history of the Leyland P76 in diecast, for the National P76 Magazine which is issued every two years to coincide with the P76 Nationals. The article was well received, and one of the most interesting aspects of preparing it was talking to Tony Hanna, the model maker who designed the model for Trax. With his permission, I am placing the interview on my blog for all people interested in diecast to get a feel of the process involved in delivering a car from concept to market, from the model makers perspective.

Tony Hanna Interview

How long have you been involved with diecast models ?

I’ve been a freelance model builder since the 1960’s. I've spent about 15 years with Trax. The first model I did for them was the 1:24 scale FJ Holden. My trade is as a hand letterer, so I suppose I am pretty good at making exact copys of things.

Recently I have been working with John Pisani (of Models 56) and if you saw the GTR-X, the FC Holden, the McCormack Charger and the Bartlett Camaro, those were mine. I’ve got my own company ‘Modelcraft Miniatures’ and I will be producing the ‘Captain Nitrous’ FJ Holden drag car, the Broadspeed Mini and the Holden Hurricane in the near future.

How did you become involved with the Trax Leyland P76 ?

Rob Hill (owner of Trax) said we would do the P76. We went over to Joe Greens house and measured his cars and took photos. I think Rob knew of Joe Green through their wives who both had an interest in art. Anyway we ended up over at Joe Greens one afternoon and used his cars as the reference for the P76.

(Joe Green is a major figure in the Leyland movement, and also owns the Force 7 that Trax based their 2010 resin release on)

P76 Super in Bold as Brass yellow

What is the process involved in creating a diecast model ?

Well you start by doing the research. Locating a car, or several taking lots of photos and making measurements. Then you rough it out by scaling the photos onto clear film. The three measurements I work from are 1:1, 1:21.5 and 1:43.

You make a rough body shape mould in1:21.5 scale out of Styrofoam and plastibond, as close as possible to the car you are working from. You go over and over and over, sanding it down and looking at it from every angle. I use typically 80-100 photos of the car from every angle. Slowly you work the rough mould down until you are happy.

The body shape mould then, in the case of the P76, went back and forth between Robert, Joe and myself until everyone was happy. Sometimes measurements aren’t perfect and a little bit of artistic licence is required.

The body shape mould is in 1:21.5 which is twice the size of the finished 1:43 model. It is a solid shape with door lines, windows etc. This mould then goes to China where it is copied in plastic in 1:21.5. This then comes back to Trax, where we can make corrections and compared with the body shape mould and photos. It then gets sent back to China when Trax are satisfied.

At the model factory in China it then gets pulled apart again and CAD Cammed using spark eroding equipment (basically measuered by lasers and fed into a computer) into whatever scale you want. For the Leyland it was 1:43.

These measurements in the computer are then used to make the moulds. One platen is made for the metal components, the body, bonnet, boot and doors and one for the plastic parts – the interior and the glass. Being in the computer, you can make the car in whatever scale you like now.

With the new moulds, a tooling run is done first, and these turn out a few cars which are assembled and measured. They can airfreight these things back to Trax overnight, and of course everything is email and digital photos these days as well. Once Trax are happy with the patterns, they are case hardened. These are the moulds which will be used in production.

When you are making a car, you have to book your slot in with the Chinese factory a few months in advance. Typically a car will take from 4 to 6 weeks to make, but sometimes it can take longer. Once the moulds are complete and the plastic and metal parts are being made, they are then fettled. This involves taking sprue and casting flash off. The parts are put into big barrels and tumbled to get the rough edges off. They are then painted and assembled in various phases. The Chinese also do all the packaging.

What happens when there are problems with a car, like an incorrect detail or trim etc?

Once Trax has signed off on a model, the cars that come back are 99% the same as what was signed off on. The Chinese do everything casting, fettling, painting and packaging. I do recall the 1:24 XA Falcon GT in Purple with white interior arrived at Trax with black door trims. They were all sent back to China and replaced with white door trims.

Have you ever visited the Chinese model factories?

No I had the opportunity to visit one of the factories, Hongwell, where they make the Cararama models a few years ago with Robert, but I didn’t go.

Is making diecst models a passion or a job ?

A passion! For stuff I like anyway! Sometimes its just a job, when I work on cars I don’t really like. Then again, when I started on the Trux buses they were just a job, but now I love them.

How do you go about making sure the really fine detail is captured when you are working in small scales such as 1:43 ?

I go to my photos and say it’s a badge, I will copy into Adobe Illustrator and blow it up 16 times. Then reduce it to the scale I need, first 1:21.5 and then 1:43. Those sorts of things are largely decals not cast parts.

When making a model, sometimes there has to be compromises between accuracy and human perspective. Were there any compromises on the P76 model ?

I don’t recall. I know it was a totally new model. When I did the HR and HD models, I did the HD first and got a few things wrong, mainly around the windows. When the HR came out using the same basic pattern, somehow the Chinese had got it wrong and it was slightly warped. The P76 is fine though.

Was it a conscious design decision to make the Trax model with a separate headlight grill part so that Trax could use the P76 pattern to build a Deluxe single headlight version in the future ?

Not by me, I think it was always going to be a twin headlight model.

Once the model is accepted by Trax, how much input do you have into colour selection ?

Colour selection is 60% me, 40% Trax. Robert selected the first three colours. I do all the artwork for them though. I know Robert doesn’t like letting the first cars go out with the best colours.

Advertisement in Trax catalogue from 2004 for the release of the first three P76 models from Trax. The same casting has been used as recently as 2010.

Did you work on the Targa Florios ?

I did the artwork for them yes.

What about the mag wheels ?

I don’t do wheels, the Chinese have a wheel guy. When I work on the master body mould, I usually just have four discs where the wheels go.

How did you feel when Trax proclaimed the P76 release a dud and dumped their stock of cars at firesale prices ?

What can I do! Its their stock. I think that the decision to do the Targa, and those were sold out I believe, justifys the decision by Trax to do the P76.

Do you still have any of the Trax P76’s ?

Yes I still have the first three cars and one of the Targas.

Thanks for your time Tony.

Talking to Tony Hanna was a fascinating experience, and his info helped me in researching the article published in the P76 National Magazine. That article will be published on this blog after a major revision, as some new information on the P76 diecast model history has only just come to light!

Aldi stocking Welly diecast sets

2011-01-25T07:44:00.000-08:00

Last week I wandered into Aldi and while buying some blue cheese, spotted two sets of diecast cars. I snapped a photo on my phone of the sets and emailed them off to a diecast tragic 'Russ' who specialises in the garishly decorated Chinese made end of the diecast collecting pool. He instantly identified them as Welly manufactured cars.

I decided to take a punt and have a look at the cars, and at $14.99 each for 20 cars, it seemed like a low cost bet. I know a few kids who will enjoy getting some new diecast to play with, less the ones I will add to the Capital Diecast Garage.

There were two sets for sale, each with 20 cars. One had a Yellow box, and the other has a Red box. The cars in each box are a mix of well executed 1:64 scale cars, with good paint and accurate representation of the real car - to bizarre caricatures and oddly presented cars loosely based on the real thing. In this review, I will only assess the diecast cars that look like the real thing, and how many are in each set.

The Yellow set has 13 cars that are well made and accurate representations of the real car. This means that 7 dont meet my high standards, and will be sent off to small children in Queanbeyan to punish.

Nice VW Kombi, a Ford Crown Victoria in Police livery, and a TV Van.

Mercedes Wagon, Astra, BMW and Audi TT

The Porsche is oddly out of scale, and after I took this photo I put it in the 'Queanbeyan Toy' pile. Welly have selected castings from different parts of their range to meet the Aldi price point. Some are nice, others a little crude.

Citreon convertible, New VW Convertible and a nice Porsche convertible.

BMW convertible, New Mini, Porsche 356 convertible and the discarded Porsche 935. Look how nice the 356 is, compared to the crude 935.

If you dont have these cars in your collection, then these sets are a quick way to add some well made representatives to your tiny car garage.

I do like this Kombi.

Apart from the chrome wheels, this is comparable to the Matchbox Kombi, and the Welly roof is one piece without that annoying plastic insert the Matchbox Kombi has.

The Porsche 356 is nice as well, easily comparable to Siku or Matchbox, apart from those wheels.

Front of the Red box.

The rear of each box is identical apart from the colour.

The Red box had ten cars I found acceptable.

Lamborghini Diablo, Mercedes Sedan, Opel Roadster, Renault convertible, Porsche Cayman, Mercedes Convertible, Ford Sedan, VW Golf, New VW Beetle sedan and a Lamborghini Countach.

The Lamborghini is out of scale compared to the other cars, but I think Welly are shooting for a total dimension size and all the cars do fit into the 'three inch' family of diecast cars.

This Mercedes convertible is beautiful. Even the wheels suit it. This car will not only stay in my collection, but will go on display.

I'm a sucker for Countach's so this car is a keeper as well. Not as well executed as the Matchbox version, but nice for its size.

Welly obviously dont need my advice on how to make and market their diecast cars, but I think if they focussed on better wheels that suited each car, instead of those atrocious blingy wheels on nearly everything - then they would become more collectible than they are now. Obviously these sets are marketed at kids and 99% of the sets sold will end up being flogged in sand pits and bedroom floors, but among the toys are a few little diecast gems. To a diecast collector, thats a win.

Overall, do I think I got $30 of value out of these two sets of cars ? Sure. I will keep about a third of the cars, give the rest to kids and sell the others. Welly cars are not always easy to find, even though they specialise in making cars for other brand and are experts in sets such as these - sometimes its hard to find specific car in a specific colour scheme. It was a pure fluke I saw these cars at Aldi, and knowing Aldi, they may not reappear.

Canberra Diecast Swapmeet 2011 ?

2011-01-20T21:23:00.000-08:00

I'm thinking of organising a diecast swapmeet in Canberra.

Any suggestions would be helpful, as i've not organised one before.

As a primarily small scale collector, that is what Im aiming for - and i'd also like genuine 'swapping' instead of just rows of professional stall holders. Im not sure how I arrange or encourage that. I think a mix would be best.

There were quite a few diecast stall holders at the car shows i've been to in the region, so there must be a space for a dedicated diecast swapmeet. I asked at the Canberra Model Vehicles Collector Club about swapmeets and they said that they held them to attract new members, and they weren't getting any new members, so they stopped.

Well, I collected for 20 plus years before I joined any club, and I think i'd like to organise one just so I can shake Canberra diecast collectors out of the tree and see if they want to trade their treasures.

If Canberra based readers read this - please share your thoughts.

Anyone else with swapmeet organising experience - I'm keen on your advice as well.

I'm not imagining i'd need to rent EPIC, but I was impressed by the model railroaders use of the Kaleen high school Gym for their swapmeet last year.

Diecast Wrecking Yard Diorama

2011-01-18T06:22:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd drop by the local diecast wreckers in my new matchbox Commodore VE Ute and see if I could find a grille for a 62 Chevy Pickup Ive been wrenching on.

I've heard these guys have a little bit of everything.

They just carted away an old van.

Thats way too much for a 40 year old Dodge.

That Lotus is nice, too bad its doors wont open.

Enrico is cutting off the front of that car with his gas axe.

Darren the owner, told me to look over there for the grille, and waved his hand in this direction...

Hey is that the grille on the roof of that Jag ?

I might ask Enrico to get that 9 inch out of the Galaxie when hes finished on that panel van.

Hey there's that grille! Looks like I'll be able to finish that Code 3 of the 62 Chev after all! It was on the bonnet of that sad old primered wreck.

Can you name all the cars and diecast manufacturers in this diorama ?

Matchbox Holden VE Commodore

2011-01-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

One of the most keenly awaited diecast models from Matchbox in 2010 was the VE Holden Commodore Ute SSV. It was announced back in 2009, but didn't appear on the pegs until very late in 2010. It has been almost as keenly anticipated as the Hot Wheels Falcon XB Coupe! Today I found it and indeed it is a car to acquire for your diecast garage. It is a beautiful casting, and the initial colour it has been released in is a lustrous metallic green. Even the wheels suit it.

From all angles this is an attractive model. Even the small vents behind the front wheel arches have been modelled.

Tampo printing is fairly good, with accurate lights, emblems and even a number plate. The rear taillight tampo painting doesn't quite wraparound, but its a small flaw.

The car has a nice stance and looks great. It will be interesting to see how many variants Matchbox squeeze out of this casting. They did a Holden ute back in the 70's which came in every shade and colour imaginable, and also with different loads like motorcycles etc in the tray. I believe they even did a monster truck version.

Blister pack front

Blister pack rear

This car is very popular and is already being sold in Ebay at prices above 40 dollars. I'd urge people to actually visit their local diecast supplier, and flip the pegs. It will appear to you at some point. I found three in Toys'r'Us today, right on the front of the pegs. The hunt for the elusive car is also part of the fun.

To the rating:

Matchbox 2008 Holden Commodore VE Ute SSV

Quality 9

Design 9

Colours 9

X-factor 9

Rating: 36/40

Update: I have two of these spare, which I will trade or sell. I am selling one on Ebay, but would trade it. See my wants list here.

$8000 for a Hot Wheels car!

2011-01-12T17:46:00.000-08:00

I cant imagine ever paying $8,000 for a hotwheels car - but someone has! This Ebay auction of a car from the Mike Strauss collection sold recently for that sum. The car was a Rodger Dodger from 1974. The photos are from the Ebay ad for the car.

The ad description talks a lot about the provenance of the car, the collection it is from and the fact that it was used as the model for the Tomarts price guide. The details of the actual condition are rather shorter than the schtick. It says"REDLINE FC BLUE RODGER DODGER BP. This car is SMOKIN nice!!!..The card is unpunched but has some wear. The bubble has a slit top rear as seen."

The Rodger Dodger model was designed at Hot Wheels by Larry Wood and debuted in the 1974 Hot Wheels Flying Colour range in a colour called Plum. it stayed in the range until 1979 and the casting was then retired. It was brought back in 1998 and is currently used in the Hot Wheels Military Rods line in Satin Olive Green and white tampo printing.

Interestingly, this variation was not listed in the Hot Wheels Wiki, but I did find it at my other favourite Hot Wheels info resource the South Texas Diecast Collectors Hot Wheels guide. They had its value at loose - $2200 and in card at $3500. It came out in two colours that year, Blue - as seen here, and Plum. The Plum variant is also scarce, and is listed at $70 for a loose version. This appear to be the only time the casting ever appeared in blue, plenty of pinks, blacks, chrome and gold, but only once in blue.

I do not know what the highest price paid for a single diecast car is, or what the highest price for a Hot Wheels has been, but you have to concede that $8000 is a lot for a car that can still be bought for a few dollars in its new guise, down at Toyworld. I cant see myself ever paying eight grand for a diecast car, especially since I have beaters in my 'wrecking yard' box of the same vintage as this car! Still, I'm glad that someone has placed a value on this car as it makes a diecast collection more than a hobby - its an investment portfolio!