How close is close enough

[skunk]

Maybe I was mainly thinking of the N360 rather than the Civic. And you are right, most of their prototypes are so obscure that I can't help but love them despite their overall wonkiness. The '83 Bluebird SSS Turbo ranks as one of my favorite things ever, despite the fact that it is no taller than a Lotus Europa. The wheel barrow wheels on the Cherry are actually kind of cute.

I think I am going to start a thread for "Most Frustrating Model". It's nice to vent every so often.

[DavidJohnson]

skunk said:

The proportions are everything. Any detail work that's wrong or missing can be fixed. What I hate about the WalMart vehicles is all of the chrome parts and frills that just don't fit. If they had spent that effort perfecting proportions instead and given me a correctly shaped, no-frills minature, I would buy them by the boatload. Separate chrome bumpers and grilles on a model that has the wrong shape only serve to highlight the problem areas. Of course, the main market for these cars is kids, who supposedly prefer lots of extra "features" over the right shape.

In the case of the Fresh Cherries, the prototype vehicles of the 70's had chrome bumpers that were way out of proportion. Fresh Cherries capture that well. Where appropriate I purchase an extra for backdating to a 1970 model, before the US government mandated bumper design.

The wheels on some models are bad, and the web page photos of the Tempo look awful. But for the rest I am happy, especially at the price.

[DavidJohnson]

dutchart said:

Lately I saw a picture of a scale vehicle next to a Matchbox. And it didn't look too bad.
Can anyone make a list of matching diecast models???
The we can fix it with better details and other wheels uo to a real model!
Like the Tuf Tots Stingray for example.

Cor.

Cor,
For the Matchbox you probably know already of the listing on the main site Manufacturers section, having estimated scales of the models. I have many of the US prototypes listed and mostly agree. Two exceptions are: #44c GMC Refrigerator truck is much closer to 1/87 than listed; #54 S+S Cadillac Ambulance is more like 1/80. If you get the Pontiac convertible ( 1/85 by my measurement) be sure to get a Busch 1959 Cadillac as a parts car. This messageboard has at least one thread dedicated to Matchbox.

I think you asked about other toys that are near 1/87, and I too would like to see such a list.

Dave

[stanhas87]

davidjohnson said:

Cor,
This messageboard has at least one thread dedicated to Matchbox.

I think you asked about other toys that are near 1/87, and I too would like to see such a list.

Dave

Dear All:

There is a Matchbox thread,on the Off-Topic section,and I keep it updated with the new releases.

Info about near HO vehicles made by 'toy' manufacturers is avaliable at the 1/87 vehicles made by non-HO manufacturers thread.Examples are given,such as the Scania Transit bus made by Playart,and their ALF Fire Trucks,which were offered as Model Powers as well,plus many other data,such as Zylmex amd Matchbox c1/87 scale Jeep M series.

Is interesting the statement I read from Peter (only87) about the Kyosho 1/64.series.Hm.That makes me feel I am not the only one who feels 1/64 at times brings models no one will mold in 1/87,and is worth to get them.

I use eBay as a research center as well,in order to capture photos (to be in my files) and one of the latest additions was the above mentioned Honda 1972,besides other Furutas I found in several auctions (and on my files already;good photos of the items). To me the Honda looks good,I will not mind having that (as of now,I have only three Furutas).

It is getting to what I stated earlier:if the model of a unique version exists (let's face it,Corvettes,Camaros,Mustangs,BMW and Mercedes will always be molded),grab it; if one has the talent,modify it accordingly.Hey,as I read on the diecast forums,modification of items is popular among these collectors,too (so much for the toy look after these are customized). Further,Malibu,as Motormax,wants to enter in contact with the collectors,and the Former has a discussion group where one,such as this group,can point what is wrong with model X and Y.Not only that,they are offering this service to collectors of my two favorite scales,and by doing that,I stick to their releases for,to my book,I consider that they are going for extra mile,and making efforts to also bring real 1/64 models,which to me,is a very great effort and may make others to follow.