stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Dec 4, 2007 4:26:53 GMT 1
Dear Acd:
Rumour has it the Dodge Diplomat and Chrysler T/C may do it to 1/87 scale. No word on the Aries/Reliant; a big perhaps may be in order. The three inchers look real good, as per Fresh Cherries items.
Nick K
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Dec 11, 2007 4:18:19 GMT 1
Dear All:
At first, there were the pick up trucks, now, the new series of 1/64 cars from Yat Ming are a series of Rodz Vehicles, which includes custom 1932, 1933, 1937 Ford Coupes and a 1939 Chevrolet Coupe.
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Dec 21, 2007 23:46:47 GMT 1
Dear All:
Score - literally!!! Well, I been looking for the Aries/Reliant and T & C Wagon since Wednesday, and nothing happened. Today, I went to the Wal Mart close to me and did not find any of the 1/60 scaled Fresh Cherries. So, I gave a look at the RC2/Johnny Lightning, and after a little search there they were - 1973 Chevrolet Caprice Station Wagon!!!.Managed to find two of them (so one goes loose) and that was that (no more in stock, I mean). The other surprise came at the paying counter: the cashier tells me that the computer can not find these (? - How is that possible? They were stocked!!) so one of the Associates in charge goes to investigate, for I waited a year to find these, that was the first store who had them so yes, I wanted them!! I waited for a bit, and when he came back, the second surprise: I was charged $2.49 for each (Johnny Lightning wares go at $4.44, 3.99 or close to that figure nowadays). What I assumed when I left the store is that the Individual who investigated about them decided to charge them as the Motormax American Graffiti - I do not know; my gain. After a year, I have them and even got a 40% discount on these wonderful items. Not bad.
I also got Malibu's 1/64 scale Alfa Romeo Sedan. Nice item, too.
Well, my Christmas shopping is done. I do not think the T & C will be out before this holiday season, so I am content with the Chevy. I also noticed the place which carries the Fresh Cherries did not had any of the 1/60 scaled ones; unless they gave up on it (but there were plenty of the HO sized ones) I assume that they are getting ready for the new batch of models (and hopely the HO hondas and Maverick).
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Dec 27, 2007 2:54:19 GMT 1
Dear All:
I will check by January, but it seems that I was right about why Toys R Us and my local Wal Mart did not had any of the (larger) Fresh Cherries around: the 1/24 scale Chrysler T & C Wagon is avaliable (appeared at eBay) and that suggests that its three inch counterpart is about to be offered as well. To be seen.
And a little supplement about the concern of conventional models at the Japanese Vehicles thread: the 1973 Caprice SW hit eBay; one of them is going at $16.00 plus and a red version, which is supposed to be a pre-production item, had an initial price of $1.99 and now reached the $56.00 plus bid. So, as is happening with Atlas Fairmont, these not so sporty items are also clearing the shelfs. I looked for further samples of the Wagon, but no, none around. I was truly lucky as is and it seems that the above eBay activity states that.
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Dec 30, 2007 4:41:51 GMT 1
Dear All:
They are out: Motormax 1981 Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant, 1981 Dodge Omni and Plymouth Horizon, 1983 Dodge Diplomat, 1979 Chrysler Town and Country Station Wagon. Photos of these at the MCCH site.
The Matchbox Volkswagen T2 Van and Citroen DS also been released. So are the Motormax Ford F-350 Harley-Davidson edition.
I may expect that newer HO models from Motormax may be avaliable as well. I would not know about that, however.
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perez
Junior Member
Posts: 113
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Post by perez on Jan 4, 2008 0:36:31 GMT 1
woohoo!! just got lucky! i went to k-b's toystore and i found the alfa romeo guilia and the bentley!!! wow i was happy! (still am!) how did these holidays went for u STANHAS? btw happy new years!! to everybody!!
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Jan 4, 2008 0:51:03 GMT 1
Dear Perez:
Happy new year for you, too.
Well, I came at the right time at one of my local Targets and got a white Alfa, the Bentley, the near Impossible to find (only one as of now, anyways) AEC Double Decker bus, the re-designed Chevrolet Van, the Volvo SC, Audi R8, some of the 2008 releases such as the Mercury Cougar and Ford F-100 Panel van and the one mentioned above, Chevrolet Caprice Station Wagon. These were spotted a week before Christmas; after that, I would face only empty shelves (Matchbox does sell nowadays). As stated, I want now the Dodge Diplomat, Omni, Aries and T & C Wagon.
Nick K
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Jan 7, 2008 5:31:20 GMT 1
Dear All:
Matchbox did it first, during the beggining of the Mattel era, and only lasted for two years; now Jada Toys released a similar model. While the model from Jada has id doors in shut position, the Model from Matchbox had a opened door. The Vehicle in question is the Postal Vehicle, the one which made by Grumman, and the first Generation of it. These are the only small scale models of it; there is another one in a larger scale.
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Jan 12, 2008 20:54:10 GMT 1
Dear All:
In the years past, Sav On Drugs would bring, prior to the Holidays, all of these 4-inchers which are powered and cheap (and some were just very breakable) but there were some interesting subjects in the mix, as a 1957 Ford Ranchero Pick Up, Chevrolet Astro Van and so on. An model of two in 1/64 scale would be made, such as the GMC TDH Newlook bus or GMC RTS (never saw the latter; its existence was confirmed via eBay). As Sav On became CVS, the automotive toy section was very reduced (almost nothing) and as of this Holiday, only selected stores bought the four inchers, and most were the ones I knew.
Yesterday, I got to the Rite Aid Pharmacy at the City of Encino (five miles from the Apartment) and they had a full shelf of these items and such models as a Trabant Station Wagon (alas, was the first thing the I saw) and a Stepvan and that was very similar to the one which is made by Masterpiece (and as an Ice Cream Vehicle) plus some other new castings which do not come to my mind now. Is interesting to notice that the Trabant is being noticed by toy manufacturers as well; besides the Herpa version, the sedan was also made in a 4 inch size (and I have it) and that one also comes from Hong Kong; Maisto also rendered it in 1/55 scale and now it seems it is the Wagon's turn. I was unable to get that, but I will be back to the particular location after I check the Rite Aids close to me (can happen that the Encino location may be the sole one carrying this miniatures). A small model was also avaliable and that was a new casting of the MCI E-Series Coach.
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Jan 27, 2008 17:59:52 GMT 1
Dear All:
I saw the models from 1-Bad-Ride in the shelf since at least 2005 and I did not paid much atention because to me it was another diecast company offering the usual (including a Custom Dodge Magnum). But lately I been paying more tention to them, and there are new castings such as the Shelby Concept, Shelby Mustang, 1969 Dodge Charger, Ford GT and some other castings. This is another of the Premium diecasts, so they cost more that $ .97, and they are bigger than 1/64 (I think that the Ford GT hits 1/48 scale) and they also are quite detailed, as are the Greenlights. Two series: cars (mostly custom) and pick up trucks (again, mostly custom).
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Jan 29, 2008 3:23:05 GMT 1
Dear All:
This was a wanted model by me because I heard of the real car when I was seven and used to cal it the '1936 Volkswagen' (known as VW30). I wanted this vehicle in miniature literally ever since (I used to say, Volkswagen miniatures are plenty, why not the 1936 one?). Makibu Furnished an HO scale sized one, and now they went foward an released a 1/64 scaled model of it. Excellent, going for the hunt, so I can add to the ovel and split window versions I already have (plus the many ones that are also avaliable in 1/64). Next to graduate, on my wish, could be the Brazilian 1968 Volkswagen 1600 4-door sedan, known as Ze do Caixao in there (The undertaker; supposedly, was an ugly car, but the cabbies used it a lot on its brief - 1968 - 1970 - production; one does appear - on a background shot - on a James Bond movie, Moonraker). Alas, Automodelli, a Brazilian Manufacturer which makes models in the common 1/24 and 1/43 scales, graduated to three inch and 1/87, and a Opala Coupe is offered; a normal model and a Silver Keychain is offered; nex a set of DKWS (4-door sedan and Wagon, as Silver Keychains only). Same layout for the HO offerings. Probably they may do the said Volkswagen; if I am not wrong, they did such vehicles as the Alfa Romeo 2000 sedan (known as FNM JK - honor to President Juscelino Kubistheck - in the past, 1/43 scale; again, if my memory serves, the Model 2150 - a variation on the 2000, seen in Brazil only and with a brief life as well - was also made).
Maisto also brought some interesting Volkswagens to life: the 1500 Notchback (the Brazilain 1600 4-door sedan, supposedly, was based upon that Model), the 1600 TL with opening rear hood, the Karmann-Ghia Coupe, and the Squareback, all Premium diecast.
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Jan 31, 2008 21:40:01 GMT 1
Dear All:
After a nearly two year gap, I finally saw the movie CARS (at the paid Channel Encore) and I considered a cute movie. I also should mention that one of the Race DJ's (in a lack of a better world) looks too much as 1978 Plymouth Fury (but in a two-door shape). Love the Hudson, the President of Race them (the Horned Caddilac) and mainly the Hudson; it is a pleasure to have the make remembered and Hudson's Racing Heritage. Be as it may, is a nice movie (also, I love the ideia to have three generation racers at the lead - the Superbird, what seems to be a c1985 Buick Regal and a modern - Rookie - racer); makes this an even interesting flick for me, specially the message about a past that been forgotten and is brought to life.
Models from the movie abound; new releases came out, including the Stanley Statue (quite like that), the Young Mater (in blue color; in the movie it has a cameo shot), some of the carachters which are seen at the movies (seen at the very end of the flick, such as Monster Trucks, Bug Volkswagen) and the Plymouth Fury/D.J. I just mentioned. The Hudson also come in a pair: as 'Doc Hudson and as a Racer, with the red tires. It would be interesting to see the older Dodges (the sedan and Van), which are the players from that antirust products, to also be molded (so this van, at least, graduates to 1/64; the sedan was done by Playing Mantis). I can not figure which make is the rusted sedan which always drops its bumper (AMC?). There are more, of course, but I only remeber these I just mentioned. I been getting some of these (either in sets or singles) and I have the 'infested' Military Jeep. I will get more and report accordingly. Alas, the blue Helicopter which gives a ride to Mater is also avaliable. Big Toy, and equally as nice. If there will be a CARS II, I will see that at the movies.
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Jan 31, 2008 23:19:04 GMT 1
Dear All:
It is perhaps what one may call Change of Attitude.
In the 1970's, Tomica debuted at the three inch scene, and for the period, their diecast was superior than everything else around. Before that, there was Mattel, with its toyish Customs, Matchbox (which was trying to outbid Mattel by adding Custom Models to their lineup, to the ewwww motion of its collectors) and the (perceived as cheap) diecasts from Hong Kong, mainly Zylmex, Playart and Yat Ming.
Consequently, Tomica's items had a higher price and had miniatures of Japanese Vehicles mostly (not so popular then) so the Mothers who bought Toys to their kids would pass them. By the late 1970's, specially in 1977, Video Games were the new plaything and they were to prevail on the next decades, as they would became more amd more sofisticated than a two-dot tennis play. Tomica did quit the U.S. Market by the mid 1980's, and the only way to get the new releases then was Mail-Order and a Tomica dealer located in New York City.
At end of the same decade - 1980's - Majorette made a gamble which also did not work: introduce a series of Premium Diecast, i.e., 1/64 scale Vehicles which had more details - and parts - than your average diecast and were priced at four times more than your average Matchbox. Their Rolls Royce Convertible stills awe me when I see all the detail put at that three-incher. Be as it may, it seems that Matchbox paid attention to that, and introduced its own line of Premium Diecast (albeit these had more details on them rather than more parts) and were at the $3.00 range; they were known as the Premiere Collection. Mattel, later on, would also bring such series of Miniatures.
Of course, the 1990's were a different environment at the diecast arena: video games and computers were what kids wanted (in a runaway pace since the 1980's) and there were the envorimentalist messages how damaging Motor Vehicles could be, so the Model Automotive Hobby was being supported and perceived by individuals from previous generations and these are types who were not paying attention to the super-cheap (and quickly reduced to rubble) Chinese Castings or three inch vehicles which just were made on the thought that since one collects as brand - say, such as Matchbox - would accept to buy even its ridiculous releases. Slowly, but factually, specially at this Century, this is not the case anymore. One thing that changed the rules of the Game was Playing Mantis. While Matchbox or Mattel would have is $ .97 range and Premium one, they only had Premium ranges (consequently, vehicles with more parts and details than your average Matchbox). In the 1990's, Playing Mantis and later RC2/ERTL were sticking by this concept.
The realities of this Century were that the previous generation were dying and diecast purchases were diminishing. Hence, no tolerance for the really toyish items; it is a fact that Mattel's Customs do not sell; Maisto also developed some, but no dice, they just stick at the shelves. Also, diecast consumers want the detail, so as of 2006. Motormax, which started with a line of regular casting, developed a range of Premium diecast; Maisto mostly concentrates now in this arena; Jada Toys were always premium; and new entries such 1-Badd-Ride and Greenlight are also on the $3.00 $4.00 range, and prices for Rc2/Johnny Lightning also went to the same realm, albeit the latter is being eclipsed by Greenlight.
It is also worth to mention that there is no tolerance for toyish item at $ .97, at least around the collectors. Mattel's 2004 fiasco with the Matchbox line been plenty reported several times; since the latter offers base models which are spetacular for the price, one sees only empty Matchbox shelves nowadays. Is a fact that even these base models are not this sought by children as are by mature collectors whoc grown with them. Yat Ming, one of the cheapies from the 1970's / 1980's, ahd a change of direction in the 1990's and offered models mostly at larger scales or horrendously cheap three-inchers; as of 2007, there was two series of premium models. Playart is no more, but are being sought by collectors and Zylmex is Motormax. Also, there is Kyosho, Konami and two other (but mostly unknown) which offer three inch diecast which are so detailed that resemble 1/18 models reduced to three inch; mostly unknown and only found on certain local markets. And some others, Norev and SIKU being the well known ones.
For 2008, a new company M2 Machines, with their Auto Thentics series, are molding c20-piece three inch models; true masterpieces, and models of the 1950's Pontiacs and Oldsmobiles that everyone were ignoring. Listing at the 1/64 models thread. Look for a 1955 Pontiac Star Chief and Olds 98 at this series of models.
In retrospect, even the three inchers are entering on the model range, mostly to the change of collecting perceptions and also due to the demands of the collectors who mostly are mature individuals.
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Feb 4, 2008 20:42:04 GMT 1
Dear All:
I put collecting of SIKU on side beacause of the difficulties of locating the brand. I was not paying attention to items larger than 1/64, with notable exceptions such as a very nice models. So, the items from Jada Toys (which are almost the same Vehicles as the competition) were ignored due to the fact just cited (the same items as anyone else - who need all these Camaros, Vipers, and Mustangs, anyways?) and they were big as well, some cars approaching 1/48 (O Gauge) Scale.
Well, at times, in the past, they would bring models such as the 1990's Town Car and Cadillac Brougham, 1939 Chevrolet 4-door sedan, Chevy Astro Van, 1957 Suburban among the miriad of of Castings done by everybody else but at the last three or so years, nothing really interesting showed up. As of now, however, there are two models which called my attention: an Escalade XL, similar to the HO Ricko model (and in the right size, if I may add) and a beautiful 1940 Cadillac Fleetwood series 75 (the 1/18 scale model is advertised as the car from The Godfather's Movie Boss, Leone or rather, never saw the movie). It appears in the usual Black color and 'On Sale' series (RC2 did something similar in 2000) as a rusted, ready to be restored Classic Vehicle. Other Classic Cadillacs include a 1963 (from the movie Scarface) Convertible and a Custom 1949 Fastback. Future hunts, specially the 1940 Type 75.It seems that their 1939 Chevrolet 4-door sedan been made as a stock vehicle as well (it appeared as a Custom only in the past), rear and front bumper missing, usual Black Color from the period. Well, again I will be paying attention to Jada's wares. I will also add the bigger cars to be around the issues of SIKU; nowadays, a lot of Manufacturers are offering a good amount of Vehicles (American) in 1/55 scale; so it adds to the European offerings from SIKU.
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Feb 8, 2008 2:58:55 GMT 1
Dear All:
Oh, what I can say. I saw the 1940 Cadillac Fleetwood, in the 'For Sale' Series. It is just a magnificent model; all that rust potraited and the sign at the window, indicating the vehicle status. No doubt, will look magnificent in the all black collor which is been done at as well.
It does not stop there; Jada also does offer a Dodge A-100 Pick Up (you know, the Van-based Pick-up) and the Ford Econoline pick up (1964 or 1965 model year), and a Nissan Altima (which, as I understand, is a pain to find); Mattel and Jada are offering a similar car, albeit in different sizes: 1964 Ford Falcon (the sporty version of). Matchbox newer tooling of the Citroen DS is also avaliable, but this one seems to be quickly swept as it even hit the shelves. And there is more, such as Yat Ming's 1939 and 1940 Chevrolet Coupes (and Hot Rod Version). Maisto's new basic Castings are also appearing, and the Good News are the fact that some sedans, such as the Lexus GS sedan do have interiors (no bad for a car that sells for $ .75 is found as a part of a double set). I hope that all the other new basic castings do follow this trend. Maisto is the only one to offer the New Toyota FJ in three inch and near 1/40 scale, but Mattel has a big-scale Remote Control of this SUV. And, after a quiet period, Realtoy molded a new (2008 model I was told) model of the Audi TT and Audi Q SUV.
On the Motormax front, I did not been able the Diplomat, Chrysler and Omni, but finally found a former casting, the Gremlin X. Also I have to mention that, since they Sponsor the Motormax thread from Hobby Talk Forum, they listen to what is posted in there. So, the 1976 Caprice which was labeled as 1977 was correcetd; now, the Pinto, which was labeled as a 1970, was correcetd as well. So, the current - and very much seen trend - of paying attention to the costumer is going on; now Maisto decided to give interiors to its base models.
Finally, a last one: Golden Wheel made a (copy of Matchbox?) model of a Renault 17 (previously made by Matchbox and Zylmex - the latter is, no doubt, a copy too). After Six Months, managed to find it. And, there is no traces of the 1973 Caprice Wagon from RC2 and Road Champs lives, but in three inch and is found at Rite Aid Pharmacies only.
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