Mini Collection models in 1/87

[h0collector]

Does anybody know where one can purchase Mini Collection models ? I have bought some at www.toyeast.com, but they only list a few of the models in the list at this wonderful web site.

[stanhas87]

Dear Bjarte:

If I am not wrong,ask Keroliver.He may guide to more sites of these models.

Nick K

[keroliver]

True.
There are a few models Mini Collection 87th scale still available in some department stores. Not so many actually compared to the complete catalogue. Send me your wishlist, and I will answer more in details.

[h0collector]

Thanks a lot, friends !
Here is my wish list of Mini Collection 1/87:

99012 Ford Mustang
99013 Lexus GS 400
99020 Pontiac Firebird
99026 Toyota Previa
99027 Subaru WRX
99028 Nissan Skyline GTR 34
99029 Subaru Impreza 555
99033 Honda S 2000
? Mitsubishi Lancer EVO IV

I prefer models of American and Japanese prototypes, and Mini Collection's are among the very few such modern vehicles available in 1/87. Most of their European models are available from other 1/87 manufacturers.

[keroliver]

I got your list.
I will pay attention in the future when I go shopping.
A very cute white Lexus GS 400 is waiting for skunk already.
To be continued.

[stanhas87]

Dear Keroliver:

Tomica's Gasophon-their small cars-what scale are these?I have the Mazda Cosmo and Isuzu 117 and they seem 1/87.

[keroliver]

I have tried this website:
www.neptune.jstar.ne.jp/~do3/tcollection/collection_e.html
It's the database for all Tomica models.
It's written Mazda Cosmo and Isuzu 117 are around 1/60: 1/60 and 1/62.
But I'm not sure they are what you are thinking about.

Correction:
No, it's not a database for ALL Tomica models, but the database of the webmaster's collection !!

[h0collector]

Dear keroliver
I really appreciate that you will look for 1/87 Mini Collection vehicles for me. In fact, I'm searching for all types of American and Asian models which are (or very near) 1/87 scale. If you get some, you can mail me directly at [e-mail]
The Lexus GS400 would be perfect together with Tomica Yujin's 1/87 scale Toyota Celsior/Lexus GS 430 (Tomica marks it as a Celsior, but this car is identical to the Lexus LS 430, only badging differs those two cars. I think this car is sold as Lexus in the United States and as Toyota in several other countries).

[h0collector]

I'm sorry for the confusing about Lexus GS/LS notation; the Mini Collection models a GS 400 (today GS 430) and is a smaller car (intermediate size) than the Lexus LS 430/Toyota Celsior (Tomica Yujin's 1/87 model)

[skunk]

LEXUS
(from biggest to smallest)

Saloons:
LS 400/430 = Celsior
GS 300/400/430 = Aristo (Crown based)
ES 250/300 = Camry, later Windom (still Camry based)
IS 200/300 = Altezza

Coupés / Cabrios:
SC 300/400/430 = Soarer

SUVs:
LX 450/470 = Land Cruiser 100
GX 470 = Land Cruiser Prado
RX 300/330 = Harrier

And then ther's Infiniti and Acura, with their own badging systems.

[stanhas87]

Dear Keroliver:

The Tomy models that I refered to are Tomy Jr.,similar to the Nissan Stagea.This series have a good amount of models now,and the Mazda Cosmo and Isuzu 117 from this series seem to approach the 1/84-1/87 range.I can say that they are very well done as most of Tomy's products.These sell at $2.00 as well.

[Christian]

STANHAS87 said:

The Tomy models that I refered to are Tomy Jr.,similar to the Nissan Stagea.This series have a good amount of models now,and the Mazda Cosmo and Isuzu 117 from this series seem to approach the 1/84-1/87 range.

Nick: from what I have heard of the Tomy Jr. series they seem to be closer to 1/100. How big (long) are the Mazda and Isuzu?

[stanhas87]

Dear Christian:

As soon I find these,I will measure them.To me,these particular models seem a bit larger that 1/100,but I could be wrong.Too bad that these are made on a variety of scales................

[stanhas87]

Dear Sirs:

Now is my turn,as I am waiting for the Mini Collection's Jaguar.As it arrives,I will comment on it.

[keroliver]

About Mini Collection:

I started last month, and it looks complete enough to be announced. So I am telling you I have spent some time to create a (free) webpage and show off models / photos from Mini Collection.
Here it is: members.lycos.co.uk/minicollection/
Enjoy it...

In order to better understand why these models are only (as far as I know) available in Japan, china, HK, SIngapore and Taiwan, I investigated a bit.

First of all, I am almost sure that Mini Collection has been started by one of the shareholders from AutoArt, who found some machines were not used. I have no idea if this person is Japanese (like www.87thscale.info/ mentions), German or Chinese.

Second, 'something unwanted' has happened there. That can explain the rarity of these models. I heard of a big fire in the main warehouse from 2 different people. And also a big fire in the distributor's warehouse in Taiwan. Do I have to remind everyone industrial fires are common in South East Asia ?

Third, there is no new models here. What is left is all the same, and once again all the same: VW Beetle, Mini Cooper, BMW and Benz...
No American or Japanese models.
.