stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Aug 11, 2007 2:42:23 GMT 1
Dear All:
As I stated, I am glad - and twice as happy - that the New Challenger (I liked the looks of the Concept; I hope that they do not mess with the final, official product) and since I collect in two scales, I do not mess with Bill's Routines when he can not state about new announcements. Mattel did the Challenger and Camaro Concepts, and these, on my inventory are classified as Concept Cars. The upcoming Challenger will be the model as sold to the public, so in the end I have two different items at the Collection.
Also, I hope that some items, such as Motormax Mercury Bobcat,Ford Tempo and RPS Edge do get molded in 1/64 scale; is an avenue of two ways for me and one of the few times (seriously, Viva 2007) that an 1/87 model is not represented in a large scale. Oh, yes, same for the Fairmonts, but the two door version exists in three inch for more than twenty years now.
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Aug 18, 2007 19:56:15 GMT 1
Dear All:
Perhaps is Mattel's way to comemorate 30 years of the Smokey and the Bandit trilogy: Pontiac Firebird (but is the one which was driven by Jim Rockford and yeah, does not look so good) with Scum Bum (sorry) merkings at its rear. Personally, I would like to see the 1977 Le mans Police Cruiser and 1983 Bonneville which were used by T. Justice at this movie (before demolishing). Close to thirty year ago,ERTL did the 1980 Bonneville, which was retooled at the beggining of this Century.
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Aug 19, 2007 15:18:46 GMT 1
Dear All:
Went to Target Yesterday nght and had a pleasant surprise: they are stocking the Greenlight series now, at $3.99 a shot. I got their Barret-Jackson series Shelby Mustang (with a little story how well the real car did in auction), da Thing,as I say, their 1965 Dodge Coronet, plus a 1964 Plymouth Fury,Chrysler 300 J, Dodge Charger 1971,current Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger Concept. As I stated, I refuse categoricaly to call these toys; they are extremelly well done models, on my view one of the best Chrysler Miniatures I own. I also found Matchbox Crown Vic in Black Color, Austin Mini Van. Well, there goes piggy again (fortunatelly,the one I have opens, I do not need to break it). At Kmart, got two of the Shelby (as of now, Shelby does 1/1 and miniature cars; their items ara avaliable at rhe big K) miniatures and some more of the boxed Norscots.
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Aug 24, 2007 6:04:57 GMT 1
Dear All:
At that time (around 2001) this was the only way to get the Ford F-150 Crew Cab pick up: an 1/18 scale model, with Harley-Davidson markings in it (I got that plus the extended cab version.
By 2003, Motormax did itroduced their crew cab model, in 1/64 scale. It was unique by then. Now, they went a tad further and made a more detailed version, this time with the Harley Davidson markings (and selected package promoting it). As I heard, it can be found at Wal Mart. I saw pictures of it; very detailed item. They score again!!
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Aug 24, 2007 21:23:14 GMT 1
Dear All: Well, this is an off-topic section. Caught me by surprise - enormous one. See below: www.animatedideas.net/model_homes.htm It seems to me that 1/64 is being perceived as a model scale after all. I already sent a reply to Jack; some of these could populate our coming S Gauge railway.
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Aug 24, 2007 21:41:50 GMT 1
Dear All: I just can not help myself. It is about 1/64 scale and Police cars. Very nice shows here (there are some errors at the first one, but it can be stated at the comments which are part of the screening). The first Police Wagon (1970's) is a Ford Product; they forgot the Matchbox Plymouth Gran Fury and Dodge Monaco 1974 from Playing Mantis for the 1970's entry.No problems,tough. See below: www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMIG8OlrLWAwww.youtube.com/watch?v=1OF58_Ujd0k
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Aug 30, 2007 6:15:44 GMT 1
Dear All:
They are quite hefty: weigh near a pound, and are 17 inches long, but are nice miniatures. They are the NABI 80BRT Articulated buses from LACMTA and Foothill transit (c1/50 scale) and are avaliable as of now. However, the accordion part is part of the casting; these vehicles do not bend.
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Aug 31, 2007 7:24:25 GMT 1
Dear All:
P.S. to the entry above: The miniature artic buses which is being sold with LACMTA and Foothill Transit has the front wheel covered a la Nash. Well, the picture I saw from the new 65 footer artic that will be running at the Orange Line also has, in real life, the front wheels covered. Hm. An early promo model, perhpas? And these 65 footer were only approved for LACMTA. Questions, questions.
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Sept 1, 2007 23:01:52 GMT 1
Dear All:
Motormax sponsors a thread with same name at the Hobby Talk forum. It been complimented for all the efforts to produce models for the Auto Fest event (even by taking pictures of the models which are specially made fot this encounter; they also conviced Greenlight to particpate at this Show, as a parner, not competitor). It also seems that they are listening to the collector feedback at the that particular thread.
On their American Graffiti series, a 1976 Caprice was marked as a 1977 model, and of course, people spoke about that. Today, I went to Toys R Us, and knew,based on the info from Hobby Talk, that the American Graffiti Series received new packaging. Surely, I found the vehicles from that series with new pack, and to my enormous surprise, that Caprice is now marked as a 1976 model. Not bad, eh?? Working feedback here.
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Sept 2, 2007 21:07:33 GMT 1
Dear All:
Tomica was by itself as the main Japanese diecast manufacturer. However, came this Century and competitors such as Kyosho (whose 1/64 scale renditions I refuse to call toys) and Konami were offering models whose level of detail put them at the model, not toy world.
Hence, Tomica created their high detailed models, some of which is known as the classic series. Some interesting models were developed, such as the Hino Contessa and the Isuzu (Hillman) Minx.
Some Commercial vehicles were also part of the series. The latest is a 1/64 Hino RB10 City Bus, which,literally, is unlike any other 1/64 scale commercial vehicle )perhaps like the models of Penjoy or Code 3 Fire apparatus miniatures). There are double wheels at the rear of the Vehicle, and the wheels themselves (the rims seem to be plastic) are as the ones from the real vehicle. The model numver,LV-23 suggest Tomica Longs models which in the past were miniatures on c1/100 scale, but the box indicates that this is an 1/64 scale bus. They came in different liveries and shapes (as far as the doors are concerned). Very nice Bus models.
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Sept 7, 2007 7:27:43 GMT 1
Dear All:
Matchbox announced an original Ford Bronco model, and now is out: in high 4x4 form, tow hook and partially covered. However (how one calls that - split window) the little front window which open to allow air in is painted in body collor; that is a cheap shot (some other makers such as Playing Mantis also did that on occasion; the cheap diecast does that often). Is my only criticism of it.
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Sept 9, 2007 21:03:10 GMT 1
Dear All:
The Motormax Fresh Cherries Chrysler Le Baron SW is out. Another station Wagon model. Now is Rc2/Johnny Lightning turn, with their 1973 Chevrolet Caprice Wagon.
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Sept 11, 2007 5:49:02 GMT 1
Dear All:
This time Motormax did it: made may hearh to almost miss a beat,due to their announcements of the new 1/64 Fresh Cherries.
The T & C Wagon and Reliant are known, but it does not stop there. A 1982 Aries and get this,that one who nade me dizzy due to the awe of the notice - Dodge Diplomat, in sedan and Police Version. Sorry, but all riiiiiiiiiight!!!!!!! Yeah!!!!
The Administrator from the site who gave these news (and pictures) called them as lemons and I will write of my hapiness in hearing this event. Alas, my Aries is still kicking and Diplomats were approved by the CHP and NYPD (I repent I did not bought one instead of the Aries, but I do not have appreciation for the Civilain models).
I know, I know: breathe!!!!!
And of course,I wish all these four in HO. (If I hear that, something may happen to me - too many desirable items avaliable!!!! ).
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Sept 17, 2007 0:07:40 GMT 1
Dear All:
I had a walk to Target another day and this time I paid attention. Mattel not only has its Hot Wheels (in several series) but a bunch of other series as well, including a series of models made exclusively for Target. Also, if one will, Nostalgic models, (1968 on models) which has replicas which resemble the red line wheel era (albeit there are some cars with white line wheels). I could see at least five different series of cars; some are larger models, but unfortunately, these fall at the c1/45 - 1/48 scale rather than 1/43. There also the superdetailed cars and motorized version (re - launching of a similar series made in the 1960's).
Despite that, not all is rosy for Mattel. Some state that Brazil is the second big market for Hot Wheels; some say third, after Mexico. Either way. Due to the safety problems that many of Mattel's toys were suffering, Brazil cut out the Import of the products of this Manufacturer until these worries can be resolved on a satisfactory level. Is to be noted that the Chinese are eager to colaborate on these issues, but they state that this problem is not their sole problem.
Things are not static on the diecast world. Majorette has a host of interesting models including the Nissan Murano plus a host of other French Cars.
Kyosho will release the Audi series now.
I already reported that there are 1/64 house miniatures. Motormax upped the ante by introducing in 2008 a series of 1/64 scale dioramas; a gas station and Mechanic shop is what is known. Houses also will be interesting. Alas, there is an event called the Autofest, which was effective on September 9th. Maurice Chan, Motormax's Chairman showed up and distributed the models of the Diplomat, Aries/Reliant and Chrysler SW for the atendees plus of course, it was avaliable for questions and so on. This company, to my view, has many possibilities due to the fact they are interacting with the collector and bringing out wanted and unique models.
The efforts of Norev and Greenlight are not to be duly noted; their models are top range. Under RC2, Johnny Lightning may be reduced to a lower series of models, yet some just satisfy as the better than Golden Wheel 1950 Oldsmobile Coupe and the Highway Patrol Fox- Platform Mustang (got that - excellent three inch item!!).
Not many comments about Matchbox, but is to be noted that some items, as their AEC Routemaster Bus is a no-show at the stores of my necks of the woods (and that is in its second coloring); same as the Hearse, Original Bronco and Alfa Romeo. Desirable models sells; goes without saying.
P.S. - addition: Maisto had for a while a Volkswagen series which featured the Van,Bug,Karmann Ghia Coupe and Volkswagen 1500 Notchback (surprise, and a good adittion to 1/64). New additon to the range includes the original Squareback wagon (a.k.a. as Variant) and 1600 TL.
Grell is known in some circles as a producer of 1/87 'Beer Trucks'. Well, fine, but that is not all.
I was told that these three inchers were made by Golden Wheel. They make models that otherwise will be avaliable only in 1/43 or 1/87 scales (but the Barkas Van was made in 1/25 and I have a Wartburg Miniature in c1/40 scale) in 1/64 scale. The first batch included the known East German cars; later, the not so known ones, including (to my delight) the Barkas van. They also added Russian Vehicles such as Moskvitch. Lada and Zaphorozets. To me, this are the good news - goes without saying that articles such as EMW are very obscure (there is another which starts with the letter S, but I can not spell it on the top of my head; sedan and station wagon versions); the same goes to the Zaphorozets coupes. The bad news is that these are a challenge to find, and not avaliable in the US (if found with an eBay dealer which ships to here, the $enormous shipping/handling will apply). Alas, Trabants and Wartburgs were made on an wide array of models. And these are still coming, but not to here.
More news at they happen.
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Sept 18, 2007 17:47:54 GMT 1
Dear All:
This is the toy store that survived:it sells toys and costumes (many horror-based props here) and been around since I came to Los Angeles. Is located in Hollywood, and thru the ages I found many interesting items here,including the ERTL 1/64 cars, in the very early 1980's and Bachmann's (as I would find out 10 years after I saw it) Dodge Monaco R/C. Up to 2005, it was a source of obsolete diecast (Playing Mantis being the most seen) but as of yesterday that section has thinned but they had a good amount of the Maisto's Transit Authority, and I managed to find the Model of the yellow Ford Tonka (based on the Ford F-350, but the rear door is suicidal type; item look like 1/87 scale) but no Pontiac G6.
I also saw two new items which seems to be done by ERTL: a Ford E-350 Ambulance, in 1/64 (only one livery) and an International School Bus (c1/80 scale). I hope they develop more non-John Deere models; there were plenty of the latter in there. I also found one of Maisto's footbal (as soccer) buses; to my happines, these are 1/64 (I thought they were smaller) but I can not tell what the prototype is. No matter; never seen these before so I also grabbed it, for Buses are my main theme. My hopes to see that R/C Monaco (the only Dodge Monaco 1977/1978 model I do not have) are still not met. Someday/
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