stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
|
Post by stanhas87 on Mar 16, 2004 4:12:46 GMT 1
Dear Sirs:
The first Maistos were packaged on Zee Toys cartons.Later,these had the 'MC toy' logo at their bases and the Maisto name was used from 1992 or so.Their first models were quite original and there are plenty of details.The latter are still present,but current 1/64 scale Maistos do not have interiors and are fitted with dark windows so one does not notice that.This company molded vehicles such as the Trabant,Citroen 2CV plus Peugeots,Mercedes,BMW,Volkswagen ( either the bug or the current Golf),Plymouth Prowler,Honda Civic,Toyota Celica and many others.Their SUV selection is a good one too-from Suburbans to the Ford Escape (I hope that I am not wrong when I state that this is the only model of this vehicle).Also,they were quite enthusiastic about (modern) show cars including the Saturn version that became the latter's SUV-and the Sky,plus two from Oldsmobile that never came to production since the make is extinct. Its founder its a Thai Gentleman who is a vehicle enthusiast as well.Cars were made in China or the Thai republic at times. Maisto's vehicles in other scales needs no introduction. Another interesting model molded by them was the Ford Jeep from second world war (Willys was not capable to manufacture the quantities required by the Armed Forces;hence Ford manufactured this vehicles as well,and these were identical to the Willys counterparts).
|
|
stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
|
Post by stanhas87 on Mar 16, 2004 16:59:33 GMT 1
Dear Sirs:
It was Zee,Zylmex or Zyll.Their cars were not that well made,yet they brought up some ineteresting models such as the Chevrolet Vega and Monza,Dodge Pick-Up,GMC pick-up and RV,1956 Ford Thunderbird and many others.By the 1990's,they were releasing several different models and by 1994,they ventured to the major scales and all of the 1/64 activities were frozen.I mean,one could find the older models at this scale but nothing was brand-new. The company added the Redbox logo and there were adresses from the US and UK.Some models of British cars were produced,but not in 1/64,and these are impossible to find now. As the new decade opened,the name was changed to Motormax,and new 1/64 models debuted: the PT Cruiser,Toyota Corolla and Celica,Nissan Skyline,1999 Pontiac Firebird,Toyota Camri ( only model of this car),Lincoln Navigator,Toyota Land Cruiser ( can be identified as a Lexus) and a very nicely done Chevrolet Suburban.Contrary to Maisto's practice,all of these have interiors and as everything else on today's toy market,these are well molded-and inexpensive.
|
|
stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
|
Post by stanhas87 on Mar 18, 2004 2:53:31 GMT 1
Dear Sirs:
This manufacturers impact over the toy and model industry was quite deep and for five decades it became a household word.Of course,I am refering to Matchbox. Its early history is quite well known;hence,I will not over these details.The first models were considered crude by today standards;yet,they were modeling-and with some accuracy-real,known cars.Some of these are also on the unique basis,like the Vauxhall sedan,1956 and 1959 Ford Wagon,1958 (?) Cadillac.These came from the 'regular wheels' period.These were better molded and again no many miniatures are found of them:1965 Ford Galaxie,1964 Chevrolet Impala 4-door,1968 Mercury Parklane.In all,thanks to their distribuition system,Matchbox was known globally by the mid-1960's and as I understood,one of the very few die-cast cars offered in the US. Of course,people were noticing.Siku converted to diecast because of that;Majorette numbered their cars as Matchbox and there were illegal copies of these.I have some from Hong Kong that are plastic copies of the first Matchbox models. By 1968,Hot Wheels appeared.As I can state,their car were more 'sporty' as opposed to buses,sedans or farm vehicles,and they could roll better than anything else in the market.Goes without saying that these are a legend themselves right now. Matchbox tried to compete by bringing the Superfast wheels to the market.Consequently,there were vehicles,by 1970,that had the 'regular' and 'superfast' wheels.Adittionally,the 'imaginary' vehicles,a 'la Hot Wheels appeared,but that almost buried Matchbox and no collector have much affection for these.Unique vehicles from this period includes the Holden pick-up (similar to the one which appeared in 'Mad Max') and the 1977 Mercury Cougar Villager Station Wagon ( the real car,as the most of the 4-door Cougars were produced for only one model year),circa 1989 Lincoln Town Car (not a limo,fortunately), the Mercury Sable Wagon ( Taurus relative) and of course,the 1986 Ford LTD Crown Vic police car. Is also known that by 1982 Universal from Hong Kong took over Matchbox.During this period,the number of toy ranges expanded and cars with extra details were offered as well and these will cost more than the 1-75 range.These,along with similar offerings from Majorette,paved the way for the 'Muscle Cars' from Racing Champions Ertl.The Super King Range include some 1/64 models of trucks and buses. By 1992,Tyco took over and the 'fancy painting' era started.By then,Matchbox were considered 'serious' models as opposed to Hot Wheels,but under Tyco,they were being thrown to the toy range again. One of their most sucessful models was the Dodge Challenger-from 1986 to around 1996 or so;two castings of this vehicle were made and the Tyco version had the 'fancy' colors of their usual models.No 'unique' cars came to be during this period but their 1997 Ford Crown Victoria was one of the first at this scale. And it was big news at the modeling world when Mattel bought Tyco and Consequently,Matchbox.This is a mega-company now,but rumor has that the former was concerned about the popularity of Playing Mantis/Johnny Lightning and Maisto.Again,except for the Pontiac Vibe and Checker Marathon ( the wheels of the latter suck!) not many unique models were offered.And,by now,65% of the Matchboxes are imaginary vehicles with wheels that...............Another reason of groaning from the collectors of the brand.Ironically,by the take-over,Mattel stated that Matchbox would offer 'real' cars,but............... There is no doubt that this brand created a big impact on the modeling world;after all,their products are known worldwide.But,in all,I just hope that Matchbox may have a future at all.Probably,just probably will return to be as it was before the superfast years..........................
|
|
stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
|
Post by stanhas87 on Mar 18, 2004 20:11:43 GMT 1
Dear Sirs:
In 1968,they appeared: Mattel's Hot Wheels series.Goes without saying that the diecast arena was ruled by Matchbox until then but the Hot Wheels had 'hot' designs and were considered the fastest cars of the world.Their first car was not a tractor,either,but a Camaro. The specialty of this company was the 'imaginary' cars.Some of them,like the Deora were based on showcars.Also the AMX II was offered (AMC did not had the resources to build this show car) and later versions had a different name.The first ones were built in the US,but by 1970 or so these will be molded in Hong Kong and the by the 1980's,Malasya.These are the main producers;Hot Wheels are also manufactured in Thailand,India,Mexico and in Brazil these were offered under a different name. Unique vehicles from this company includes the Dodge Aries (Station Wagon) and Mirada,Oldsmobile fastback (late 1970's),Cord,Duesenberg,AMC Gremlin and Pacer Wagon,Auburn,Stutz Blackhawk,Chevrolet Citation,1980's Chevrolet Malibu taxi,Talbot Lago and some others;the list is extensive.Thing is,most of these are 'costumised' (like the Gremlin Wagon: it has the engine at the rear) and it was said that collectors do not care much about the 'imaginary' models.To make things worst,they started in 2003 a range of 'tooned' cars,and as the name implys,the caricature of a car ( and interesting ones too such as a 1950's Oldsmobile-what a waste!) is molded. They bought Matchbox-their main competitor-by 1997,and the latter was reduced to the 'cartoon' and toy producer.Unreal police cars and taxis,limos,ambulances and so on.Their competitors,such as Playing Mantis/Johnny Lightning are,at least molding real and unique cars at all times.Some goes to Welly and Motormax.Maisto tried the 'imaginary' cars and these do not sell. Fact is,the few 'real' cars molded by this company-Aries,Bugatti,Duesenberg-are well executed and they have a more detailed set of vehicles that,despite their $7.00 retail price,sold good and models as the 1962 Plymouth,1948 Ford Wagon,Buick Riviera were included.SUV's include the Suburban,but this is from a separate series,as is their Saturn Ion,one of the few models from this make.Foreign cars from Peugeot (only one,the 604),Porsche,Mercedes,BMW were molded as well. Mega Company,indeed.But cut out the 'tooned' and 'imaginary' cars...............well,as I understand,in America,there are more collectors of Hot Wheels than Matchbox.
|
|
stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
|
Post by stanhas87 on Mar 20, 2004 3:45:23 GMT 1
Dear Sirs:
Anson Models are known for their 1/18 scale vehicles;some 1/43 scale cars were molded as well. In association with this company of Puerto Rico,a new series of 1/64 were introduced around 2001 or so.Mostly these were Volkswagen Vans with several liveries,but a Chevrolet Chevelle,Camaro,1966 Buick Riviera,1997 Ford F150 pick-up,1955 Chevrolet pick-up (described as a 1958,but this vehicle does not have 4 headlights as its prototypes) and a Porsche.Critics stated that the whells are their lower point;otherwise these are very well executed models.These vehicles are not found elsewhere;either at eBay or the Tiger Wheels site.Anson got bought;yet,the Tiger Wheels seem to be in business.A Ford Maverick just has been released and its roster included a Ford Ranchero from the 1970's,but it seems that will be a future release.The only model of this vehicle-but again,I never saw it-was,supposedly made by this company whose vehicles had lights thanks to an AAA size battery. These vehicles are.in all terms,very scarce.
|
|
stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
|
Post by stanhas87 on Mar 20, 2004 15:17:02 GMT 1
Dear Sirs:
Lindberg is a kit manufacturer that released the Mini-Lindy line of cars at the mid 1960's.These were a line of kits of 1/64 cars and the big majority were well done.Of course,the unrealistic thing about them is the fact that these were held togheter by screws.As a rail wagon in miniature,metal blocks were provided in order to give the vehicle the right weight.Another unique feature were the wheels:they resembled the ones from the real cars.Some of these are easy to find,as always will be the case;some others,like the Olds Vista Cruiser Wagon are not,and one may ask if the latter was ever done.1/64 vehicles included a 1960's Chevrolet Van (one of few models of it that I know),an MG,AMC Gremlin,Lincoln Continental,Chevrolet Monte Carlo and Vega,1930's Packard,Mercedes-Benz roadster,Volkswagen Bug and Kombi van,Jaguar XKE,circa 1972 Buick Roadmaster and above mentioned Olds Wagon (mentioned on listings,but I still looking for it).There is aseries of 1/87 and 1/100 scale compatible vehicles such as the GMC Scenicruiser.An update on the series by the 1990's included such cars as the Lamborghini Countach.A circa 1968 Chevrolet Camaro,Chevrolet Corvettes were offered as well.Not all cars look right,but fortunately,the big majority were well molded.The kits are relatively simple to assemble,and these are one of the vety few kits avaliable in this scale.
|
|
stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
|
Post by stanhas87 on Mar 21, 2004 4:32:16 GMT 1
Dear Sirs:
Since SUV's are hot items nowadays,a good amount of these can be found in miniature,especially in 1/64: Jeep models were made by Matchbox (Willys,Wrangler,1980's Cherokee,1990'S Gran Cherokee,Liberty)),Majorette (1980's Gran Cherokee,CJ5),Mattel (CJ5,Scrambler) Maisto (1990's Gran Cherokee),Fast Lane (1990's Gran Cherokee),Lindberg (Jeepster). Chevrolet's SUV's were made by Zylmex (circa 1972 Blazer) Matchbox (circa 1983 Blazer,1998 Suburban,1997 Tahoe),Motormax (circa 2000 Suburban),Maisto (Suburban,Trailblazer),Mattel (Suburban;special edition);Tahoe (Playing Mantis/Johnny Lightning).GMC Suburbans were offered by Code 3 (Fire Chiefs);the Yukon Denali is offered by Jada Toys and Welly. Ford vehicles include Bronco (Zee Toys),Bronco II (Matchbox,Chinese brand),circa 1967 Bronco Convertible (Aurora/fx),Explorer (Maisto;2 generations);Expedition (Jada Toys,Matchbox,Motormax,Welly) Explorer 2-door (Tootsetoy,Motormax).Lincoln Navigator is offered by Motormax. Chrysler offerings include the Ramcharger (Hartoy) and Durango (Maisto). International's Scout was molded by Matchbox (not accurate) and ERTL. The older Toyota Land Cruiser was molded by Tomica;the Current one is reproduced by Motormax;RAV 4's are offered by Majorette and Tomica. Nissan Pathfinder is offered by Matchbox;Majorette had the older type,2-door type. Land Rovers were ofered by Matchbox and Welly,Realtoy.Corgi had a Range Rover model. Honda CR-V was molded by Tomica. As it can be seen,there is a good amount of this vehicles in 1/64.
|
|
stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
|
Post by stanhas87 on Mar 22, 2004 2:39:19 GMT 1
Dear Sirs:
What is your passion? Mustang? Corvette? Camaro/Firebird? Charger? 240 Z and its variants? Celica? Hm. Let's see what is avaliable. The Chevrolet Corvette is well represented in virtually in all scales,including this pewter collection that modeled all the years from this car.Playing Mantis Johnny Lightning has a Corvette Collection and the significan ones were covered,including the Corvette Nomad Wagon and the Mako Shark.Motormax has the Mako Shark; Yatming did modeled the Aerovette and the 1958 model;Road Champs offered the 1963 Sting-Ray and Matchbox had the 1965 version.A circa 1975 models is offered by a company from Hong Kong;Matchbox offered the 1984 one,but called it a 1983 model (there were no Corvettes for 1983).The latter also offered a 1997 and 2000 version.And of course,anyone else has a good amount of these;the ones mentioned are the significant ones.Kidco did offered a 1953 model;quite nice. There is not a shortage of Camaros or Firebirds There.Good old Playing Mantis had a series of these,including the final ones.Zee Toys offered the circa 1971 model;and the First Hot Wheels was a Camaro.Lindberg had a kit of the 1968 one and Matchbox had the circa 1984 Iroc-Z version.Firebirds were molded by Mattel and Motormax has a terrific 1999 version,black on black.Majorette,Yatming did offered these as well.
There is no shortage of Mustang Models.Playing Mantis/Johnny Lightning went the extra mile and offered a show car that gave birth to the Mustang as we know it.One has the 1964 and 1965 models (Yatming),Mach I (Playing Mantis;had a Mustang collection as well),Mach III proto by Welly,Motormax;1979 version by Mattel;the unpopular 1974-1978 versions were molded by Tomy (there are knock-out copies of it,too).Mattel did also offered the circa 1967 Fastback version,and these can pass as a Shelby as well.The newer versions were made by anyone else,be it Majorette,Mattel,Matchbox,Welly,Motormax,et al,To be quite frank,as the 'Vette,there is no shortage of this models. Chargers are also avaliable in good numbers.The 1966-1967 version was reproduced by Mattel and Playing Mantis and the Dukes of Hazard 1969 one was done by ERTL,Mattel,Matchbox,Zee Toys. 1968 version (round tailights) was offered by Johnny Lightning.Also-and that is a unique one-the 1985 Shelby Charger was offered by ERTL.Scarce model now. Celicas are well represented too.Tomy reproduced the circa 1976 one,Mattel had a 1982 version.along with Yatming.The 1988 model was from Tomy again;current versions are offered by Jada Toys,Motormax,and Maisto. Datsun 240,260,280 was modeled by Playart,Zee Toys,Matchbox.
It can be said that most of the 1/64 modelers has at least one of these cars at their roster. What is your passion?
|
|
stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
|
Post by stanhas87 on Mar 23, 2004 6:41:48 GMT 1
Dear Sirs:
So far I know,it happened only twice in 1/64.Non 1/64 manufacturers tha did vehicles at this scale. Paul's models or Minichamps did some cars in this scale.There only two that I have: the Mclaren F1 coupe and the Fiat 600.High standards in modelling,to say the least and these follow scale. The biggest surprise arrived in 2002 and these were made by Auto Art.According to the 'Toy Cars and models' magazine,these models are like-quote: ........'like someone magically touched the 1/18 model in reduced it to 1/64. That good'. The Mistsubishi EVO,Subaru WRX sedan,Chrysler PT Cruiser,BMW's Mini Cooper,Mazda RX8 and others-including Porsche-are their current models;the latest one was the RX8.I am the type who do not remove these from their containers;so I can not tell how realistic they are.Otherwise,I support the magazine's comment about very good models and I waiting for a new one. This scale also have a good amount of 'temporary' models such the ones from Blue Box.Only two models in 1/64,and they have a 'clicking' sound as one rolls them.The Chevrolet Bel-Air and the Thunderbird were molded by them.This site have info about their 1/76 models. Another one is from Liberty Classics and a series of Crown Victorias police cars;the latter look like the ones that were made by Road Champs. Now and then,a manufacturer will venture to this scale and bring either the usual or very unusual models.
|
|
stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
|
Post by stanhas87 on Mar 23, 2004 18:27:22 GMT 1
Dear Sirs:
There is not many military vehicles in 1/64 due to any reason.The only ones that I know were avaliable from Lindberg,the model kit manufacturer and perhaps some that were used as cargo form the Gilbert/American flyer trains. Of course,the Jeep is well represented.The Willys version was offered by Matchbox;The Ford copy by Maisto. The Hummer is even better represented.Playing Mantis Johnny Lightning has the Hummer series-even the pick-up was modeled.Matchbox has one,so did Yatming and Maisto.Of course,as the Jeep,there are military and civilian versions avaliable. And that about that so far military vehicles are concerned.The biggest scales for these are 1/35 ( universal) and 1/87.
|
|
stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
|
Post by stanhas87 on Mar 24, 2004 7:50:22 GMT 1
Dear Bill:
Thank you for your list.Below,I list the 1/64 miniatures of the top US selling models:
1. Ford F-Series Matchbox,Welly 2. Chevrolet Silverado pickup Welly 3. Dodge Ram pickup Matchbox,Mattel,Welly,Maisto 4. Toyota Camry sedan/Solara coupe Motormax-sedan 5. Honda Accord sedan Yatming-1994 version 6. Ford Explorer SUV Maisto 7. Ford Taurus sedan avaliable mostly as a nascar racer 8. Honda Civic sedan Playing Mantis,Jada Toys,Maisto 9. Toyota Corolla sedan Motormax 10. Chevrolet Impala sedan Matchbox as a police version;Welly as a civilian version 11. Chevrolet TrailBlazer SUV Maisto 12. Chevrolet Cavalier sedan 13. Dodge Caravan minivan Yatming,Matchbox as a 1985 version 14. Ford Focus Matchbox,Mattel 15. Ford Ranger pickup Motormax,Stomper as a 1990 model 16. Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV Matchbox,Maisto,Fast Lane 17. Nissan Altima sedan 18. Chevrolet Tahoe SUV Matchbox,Playing Mantis 19. GMC Sierra pickup Boley 20. Ford Expedition SUV Matchbox,Motormax,Welly 21. Ford Escape SUV Maisto 22. Jeep Liberty SUV Matchbox,Maisto 23. Ford Econoline full-size van Matchbox for the recent one;Playing Mantis,Majorette and Yatming for the 1970's version 24. Pontiac Grand Am sedan 25. Toyota Tacoma pickup Motormax,Mattel as a racer 26. Honda Odyssey minivan Tomy 27. Honda CR-V SUV Tomy 28. Ford Mustang coupe/cabrio Motormax cabrio;Welly Coupe 29. Chevrolet S/T Pickup 30. Chevrolet C/K Suburban SUV Matchbox.Motormax,Maisto,Mattel 31. GMC Envoy SUV 32. Pontiac Grand Prix sedan avaliable mostly as a Nascar racer 33. Chevrolet Malibu sedan 34. Hyundai Elantra sedan 35. Chrysler Town & Country minivan 36. Toyota Highlander SUV 37. Dodge Neon sedan Mattel but as a 'cartoon' series;2-door 38. Volkswagen Jetta 39. Saturn Ion sedan Mattel 40. Buick LeSabre sedan Matchbox,Maisto 1988 2-door version 41. Ford Windstar minivan Realtoy 42. BMW 3-Series Matchbox 43. Dodge Dakota pickup Maisto 44. Toyota 4Runner SUV Majorette,Tomy.Road Champs Monster Truck 45. Dodge Durango SUV Maisto 46. Chrysler PT Cruiser Auto Art,Matchbox,Maisto,Motormax,Playing Mantis 47. Honda Pilot SUV 48. Toyota Sienna minivan Tomy 49. Chevrolet Express/Sportvan full-size van Maisto 50. Toyota Tundra pickup
As it can be seen,very few cars are not reproduced in this scale.
|
|
stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
|
Post by stanhas87 on Mar 27, 2004 3:58:50 GMT 1
Dear Sirs:
There were less models of Japanese cars around ten years or so ago.Only the sporty ones would be molded;the sedans and other types would be mostly ignored.Ebbro,the 1/43 manufacturer,did covered a spot in here or there. In 1/64,Tomy from Japan is the one which offers a good array of japanese vehicles.Incidentally,this manufacturer was not sucessful in the US due to two reasons: for one,since their models were very accurate it would cost around $1.70 (late 1970's dollars).Hence,most of the mothers would pass these.Also,a big amount of their lineage were japanese cars,and at that period these were not this venered. Hence,they were around from the mid-1970's to the late 1980's;then one could get these at the mail-order outlets and now,as everything else,at the Internet (read eBay). Today's modes are,as everything else,done in China for Japan ( and the collectors are hounding the japanese-made ones). Their non-japanese prototypes were extensive as well,from the Rolls-Royce to Volkswagen to the 1975 Dodge Coronet. Their japanese models are extensive.From Toyota one can find the Corolla,Land Cruiser.Crown and the current Megacruiser and Rav4.The Lexus brand is represented with the Toyota Celsior sedan;so is the Scion,with the sqarish wagon's model or Toyota bB. From Nissan,the Bluebird,Skyline,President and the current Micra is avaliable.So does the Infinity,as the Nissan Skyline sedan.An interesting item is the 1978 Datsun pick-up.In reality,this vehicle is similar to an El Camino,but it is a car with two seats and a pick-up bed. Suzuki is represented by a Micro MPV; Daihatsu Midget is modeled. Mazda models includes the RX7 and the current RX8 and Bongo van. Mistubishi has the Starion,Pajero and the current Lancer SVO.Subaru models includes the Legacy Wagon. Honda models includes the Accord,Civic,,the Vamos and the current CR-V.Accura is represented by NS-X sports cars.Isuzu models includes an Elf truck. Matchbox offeres a Nissan X-terra SUV;the Honda Element will be a 2004 model. Mattel offered the Suzulki SJ series (Samurai in the US),the Honda Civic and the Toyota Tacoma-as a racer version. Maisto has the Celica,Honda Accord. Motormax models the Corolla,Camri,Celica,Supra,Toyota Tacoma,Mazda MX5 Miata,Nissan Skyline.Its predecessor,Zee Toys,offered the Toyota Corolla from the 1970's,Toyota 2000,Datsun Pick-up and Station Wagon. Playart offered the Mazda Cosmo,Datsun 240Z,Toyota Celica 1600,Toyota Crown,Isuzu 117.. Yatming offered the Toyota Crown and a circa 1994 Honca Civic sedan. Yot from Taiwan modeled a Datsun 1500 sedan in racing version. Missing here is the Hino Sedan and no one modeled the Austin-type japanese cars or the ones from the late 1950's and early 1960's.Yet Tomica has a special edition of the First Toyota-1938 AA sedan.Also,the Datsun 1500 sedan has a limited edition model as well. Of course,this is only a sample of what is avaliable.There are many more japanese models,specially from Tomy.
|
|
stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
|
Post by stanhas87 on Mar 27, 2004 8:16:44 GMT 1
Dear Sirs:
Until 1997.Welly was a very unknown manufacturer.They existed since the 1980's,and even then the 'Welly' logo and a number was printed at the chassi.Around 1997, they offered a line of 1/43 scale Chevrolet Caprice Police cars that had a little motor.By 1998,their first 1/18 scale model range appeared and today this manufacturer offers vehicles in several scales,including the odd 1/36 and 1/40. Their 1/64 range is by all means interesting.There is a 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396,a 1950 Chevrolet 3100 pick-up (nice model),a Dodge Ram pickup,one of the very few GMC Yukon SUV models,a current Alfa Romeo Convertible and their masterpiece is,by all means,their 1965 Pontiac GTO.I mean,it is not as nice as the one from ERTL's Muscle Car series,but is good enough.They also molded a Peugeot 206,the new Bettle and a 1970's Buick and it does not stop here.A Land Rover discovery is also present,along with BMW X5 SUV,Mercedes A and S class,Lamborghini Diablo,Audi TT,BMW 3 series and the 2001 Chevrolet Impala. There are civilian and Police,Taxi models of the 1991 Chevrolet Caprice;and civilian and Police models of the 1999 Ford Crown Victoria and the latter is so nice that even has the Ford Oval at the front grille and at the rear. Their Porsche 356 convertible is also quite well molded. Models from the past includes the Chevrolet Pick-up, Porsche 911 and the Ford Sierra.;there are more,but these are not that nice.A good selection of Audis is avaliable and the unavoidable Corvette,Camaro,Firebird and a nice 1970 Mustang were modeled as well. Boley did distributed these brand and at eBay is not unusual to see Welly products under Boley's name.Contrary to Maisto's practice,their little cars have interiors.The police Vic has computer detail! Not bad for a 3 inch long car!
|
|
stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
|
Post by stanhas87 on Mar 28, 2004 3:34:19 GMT 1
Dear Sirs:
New 1/64 releases ( planned for 2004;real cars only).
Matchbox: Checker Marathon Honda Element
Mattel/Hot Wheels: 1964 Chevy Impala 1968 Chevrolet Nova 1948 Chevrolet Coupe
Welly: 2002 Chevrolet Camaro SS 2001 Chevrolet Suburban 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 2001 Chevrolet Impala 1968 Chevrolet Camaro 2001 Pontiac Firebird 1970 Buick GSX 2001 GMC Yukon Denaly 2001 Dodge Viper 1970 Ford Mustang Mercedes-Benz SL 500 Audi A4 Cabriolet Audi A2 2001 Volkswagen Passat Variant BMW Z4 1997 Peugeot 406 Coupe Peugeot 206 cc Opel Speedster Toyota SC430 convertible 2003 Lamborghini Murcielago 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Honda/Acura Integra Type R 2002 Toyota Celica 2003 Nissan Fairlady Z Mitsubishi Pajero 2-door
|
|
stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
|
Post by stanhas87 on Mar 28, 2004 19:07:05 GMT 1
Dear Sirs:
Besides a line of tractors in 1/64,ERTL also offered model cars at this scale and they were reasonably well done,in the 1980's. One could find a 1950 Chevy Fastback,1949 Ford Convertible,Ford Model A,1940 Ford Coupe,Rolls Royce Silver Shadow,1980 Chevrolet Caprice 2-door,Ferrarri 348,1982 Chevrolet Camaro,1949 Mercury Coupe,Rolls Royce Silver Shadow and at the mid-decade the Ford EXP,1985 Dodge Shelby Charger and the 1984 Corvette were offered.All that plus one of the very few Inernational Scout models made an interesting selection of cars. There were some 'movie models' as well,such as Cannonbal Run,but the van was wrong ( Ford Econoline instead of Dodge) and Chevrolet Caprice instead of Monte Carlo.The Ferrarri was about Right,along with the Rolls Royce. A Circa 1983 Maserati Quatroporte was Molded and that promoted one of the Rocky Movies.This was an impossible model to find then-and even more so now. A Chevrolet Citation was offered as well (I discovered that one at eBay) along the Dukes of Hazzard Cars ( Dodge Charger,Cadillac-with the Horn;Boss Hog's car-Convertible,the CJ Jeep and Cooter's Chevy Pick-up) .The latter were so popular that they were re-issued around 1999;the Charger at least,is still avaliable.Same thing for the GMC van from 'A Team' .Is still avaliablle,along with the Coyote of Harcastle and McCormick'. Another TV related vehicle was the Chevy Pick-up from 'Fall Guy',Contrary to the latter three,this one was not re-released. Their line of tractors included Ford,John Deere,Allis-Chalmers and many more.Even unusual makes of these vehicles were offered; thing is,tractors were the main specialty of ERTL and under Racing Champions, that is their main offering.
|
|