The best Herpa ever done

[Albert]

Is the Ferrari F40 the best Herpa ever done? Would you consider it as the best "diecast" 1/87 model?

[Christian]

All things considered, yes, I tend to say so. Herpa may even be doing better models now from a moldmaker's point of view, but the earlier models seem to have more life in them - they were not just industrial orders.

[stanhas87]

Dear Sirs:

I would go with the Ferrarri F40 and the Renault Alpine.Incidently,I do like the earlier models such as the Porsche 928 or the 1979 Ford Mustang ( these were my first ones).

[Christian]

Intriguing to see the Alpine mentioned, as it was also nominated one of the worst models...

[stanhas87]

Dear Christian:

I am the one who believe that the worst model is the one that was never done.Further,the so-called 'worst' models are the ones that will serve an example how to do a miniature right.Also,I am a fan of the AMC Matador sedan (it was an effective Police car;LAPD kept theirs for more than twenty years,and by american standards,that is a very long time ) and the only miniature of it was a very crude model made by the chinese.While no one will bother to do it,that toy will be something at least...............................

[Christian]

STANHAS87 said:

Also,I am a fan of the AMC Matador sedan (it was an effective Police car;LAPD kept theirs for more than twenty years,and by american standards,that is a very long time ) and the only miniature of it was a very crude model made by the chinese.

Very interesting! The Matador is one of my favourite American cars of the 1970s, too.
Any chance to see a photo of the model?

[stanhas87]

Dear Christian:

It skipped my mind:actually,two Matador Models were made.The first one was by Cox,about 1/16 scale,and it is an gas-powered car.Someone was selling it at eBay;I have photos from the auction.The other one I mentioned is a 1/64 scale toy and it is crude with no interior,but the front Grille is correct ( 1972 model) and so is the rear end;some of these were sold at eBay as well,but I did not printed the photo.Unfortunately,I do not have a camera or a scanner but I could send the eBay photos to a P.O. box or other postal adress.Just let me know.In between,I will see if I find some more of these models-the small one-at eBay.
Cox did some models in 1/87,such as a locomotive,tractor-trailers,tanks and construction equipment.

[Christian]

STANHAS87 said:

... The other one I mentioned is a 1/64 scale toy ...

Oh, I thought we were talking about 87th scale. I guess a 1/64 model cannot be converted to 1/87...

[stanhas87]

Dear Christian

No,unfortunately not.Trust me,I would be happy if that car had graduated to 1/87.Since I also collect 1/64's,I am glad that this is avaliable in that scale.Next time I will mention models,I will make sure to tell what scale that is in-and make sure that all of these are om 1/87.

By the way,how about the Brooklin Kaiser Manhattan? Is that a good model?

[Christian]

STANHAS87 said:

By the way,how about the Brooklin Kaiser Manhattan? Is that a good model?

I believe so. I have not had the model in my hands, but Brooklin is said to be famous for their outstanding quality.

[BillC]

STANHAS87 said:

Also, I am a fan of the AMC Matador sedan (it was an effective Police car; LAPD kept theirs for more than twenty years, and by American standards,that is a very long time)...

The Matador was a good police car, but it was only purchased for three years: 1972, 1973 and 1974. After some reliability problems with the redesigned, and heavier, 1974 Matadors, LAPD was back to Mopar by 1975 (Plymouth Furys). So that would mean LAPD was running the Matadors through 1994.

It's not uncommon for a retired line unit that's still in reasonable shape to be reassigned to other duties (detective, supervisor, narcotics), but twenty years is an awfully long lifetime for a 1970s-era car, especially one that had started as a patrol/pursuit vehicle. For one thing, parts become an issue after ten years (American manufacturers only stock parts for ten years from the end of the model year), for another, maintenance costs would start to be a real problem. It's not uncommon for an American patrol car to run up 40-50,000 miles a year.

Anyway, back to the actual thread, I liked the original PC Porsche 928. That was one beautiful model with detailing that way ahead of its time.

[skunk]

I don't know about the best, but one of Herpa's worst ideas was to produce the Honda Accord and the Alfa 155 only in racing versions.

I suppose that there might have been licensing issues, and in any case this leaves a great opportunity for great kitbashing projects.

[stanhas87]

Dear BillC:

If the memory do not fail,I remember seeing some green-colored,detective Matadors running during the time of the 1994 Earthquke.According to the Encyclopedia of American Police Cars,they WERE used for a long while-more than any newer cars-on the other assignements;at least,according to them,to the late 1980's.

Back to the thread,I did liked the Mercedes 500 that was done by Herpa.

[skunk]

BillC said:

I like the Herpa Maybach, but wish for two things:

1.) A model of the Maybach 62 (would that fit in a regular PC Box?)

2.) A model in the black and maroon of the Zepplin in the Mercedes-Benz collection.

The Maybach seems like an excellent representation (of an abhorrent car, I wonder how long before the "Maybach" label is put back to rest?

Here's an image of a Maybach Zeppelin built by a quite amazing guy in Hamburg. Check out his other stuff, too! Sadly he has already done a lot of things I meant to do myself...
galerie.hamburg-decals.de/umbautenpkw/maybach-zepp.jpg - I am not sure what this is, kit or scratchbuilt?

[stanhas87]

Dear Sirs:

I put the Maybach as my favorite Herpas;the model looks good.Another one is their Setra Highway bus from the late 1980's.There was a time when they were doing very interesting models

By the way,their rendition of the Buick Gran National is also superb.Perhaps it is just me..............