Die-Cast Promotions' 1:12 Harley-Davidson Motorcycles (aired
9/20/07) (Run Time 4:13, File Size 60.6 MB)
Overall: Git yer motor running and head out to the Highway. A
perfect blend of American icon and Die-Cast Promotions'
mass-manufactured model know-how makes these bikes an
unexpected pleasure, both in the hand and on the shelf. And you
don't have to use hand signals, either. * * * *
Precision Miniatures 1:18 1921 Ford Model T Hearse (Run
Time 6:25, File Size 45MB)
Overall: Hey, don't be scared. It's only a model - and a danged
interesting one, at that. In the tradition of the '38, '59 and '66
Cadillac hearses this company couldn't seem to make enough
of, this old sled has everything you'd expect from a top-shelf
maker's "professional car" line Sorry if we had a little
Halowe'en fun!. * * *
GMP 1:6 Scale 1967 Corvette Dashboard (Run Time:
5:33, File Size 29.8 MB)
Overall: If there's a more adventurous manufacturer
out there, I haven't yet met them. GMP takes a trip
inside the mind of the car guy - and the cockpit of a
true classic - to bring out this cool desk-top dash. And
did I mention that the gauges light up, too? * * *
Highway 61 1:6 Scale 1957 Chevrolet Corvette (Run Time
7:03, File Size 25.5MB)
Overall: No, you're not seeing things. At almost three feet long
and weighing close to twenty pounds, there isn't a single
angle on this giant that doesn't look real, real, real. The
world's largest manufactured diecast model is sure to be the
star of any collection - if you've got the room and the ready
cash. * * * *
CMC 1:18 1924 Bugatti T35 (Run Time 9:21, File Size
66.9MB)
Overall: It doesn't get better than this amazing,
museum-quality release. Noble materials,
impeccable assembly, and an ability to astound with
features like working brakes and a pressed-copper
body make this latest addition to CMC's storied lineup
worthy of this maker's history. * * * * *
Motorhead Miniatures 1:18 "Circuit Girls" (Run Time 4:04,
File Size 28.7MB)
Overall: Hommina hommina! There's nothing like a little
plastic pulchritude to add kick to a display. This latest line
from the "Fast Women" people is patterned after real, live car
show models. I need to get to more of those car shows! * * *
GMP 1:18 Pork Chop's Chop Shop "200 Proof" Dragster
(Run Time 5:25, File Size 38.7MB)
Overall: Pine Sap, Georgia - a town sprung from the minds
at GMP - is full of serious speed freaks, led by a fellow
named "Pork Chop". Just what does this righteous rat run
on, anyway? * * *
The Showroom is Sponsored by:
21st Century Toys' 1:18 TBM Avenger "Flight 19 " (Run Time 7:15, File Size 51.4 MB)
Overall: Bermuda Triangle fans might like the alien figure included in the box of this
highly detailed and full-featured memento, but those who view the loss of Flight 19 as
a more somber event will only see a great airplane model, especially at this price. * * *
GMP 1:18 1970 Plymouth Road Runner
(Run Time 8:05, File Size 55.8MB)
Overall: Fresh out of the box! This one's impeccable finish,
surprising weight, its hatful of gizmos, and detailing keep it
entertaining time after time. This latest GMP bird is one to keep in
the coop. * * * *
Meet Marshall Buck...
(Run Time 10:55, File Size 74.9MB)
Overall: Ever wonder where the real museum models come from? Well, you can stop
wondering. We spend a pleasant afternoon with Mr. Marshall Buck, head of Creative
Miniature Associates (CMA) and master modeler. With a client list that includes
hoteliers, software pioneers and late-night talk show hosts, Marshall's the man the
well-heeled mega-collectors go to for hand-built excellence.
Exoto 1:10 Ford GT40 (Run Time 12:29, File Size
89.5MB)
Overall: On the eve of its final production run, we look back
at the masterpiece that re-defined large scale
manufactured models - and cost like it did, too. As they
say, it may be lonely at the top - but the views are
spectacular. * * * *
BBR 1:18 Ferrari 375 Plus "Le Mans" (Run Time 8:34, File Size 61.1MB)
Overall: Wow - and wow again. Anyone who feared that the prancing horse
was being ill-used by the diecast industry should get a little hand-time in
with this sweet, neat release. Impeccable? Si. Desirable? Si, si! Cheap?
Umm, no! But the cost of entry quickly fades. Hey - it's a Ferrari, and it's
done beautifully. Enzo would be proud. * * * *
CMC 1:18 Mercedes Benz SLR 1955 Mille Miglia "Moss"
Overall: It takes around five seconds - maybe less - to
realize just how incredible this one is. As always, CMC
goes deep and takes you along for the ride. High tech
modeling, noble materials, and the CMC "show 'em
what you're made of " ethos bring another
museum-grade image to this scale. * * * *
Fumby Street Motors' 1:15
1957 White WC22
(Run Time 7:03, File Size 50.4MB)
Overall: Imagine that a sandbox Tonka "made nice" with a precision
model. This would be the result. Part rough, tough plaything and part
hyper-detailed showcase piece, this first offering form a startup
company with classic trucks on its mind is a great effort - and it ain't
cheap, either. Got room? * * *
SunStar 1:12 VW Samba
(Run Time 8:27, File Size 59.8 MB)
Overall: Holy Smokes! This is a SunStar? Unbelievable detail,
working features that include everything from a full-on
suspension to tires you can change - with the lugnuts - make this
big bus one of the coolest models to come in here this year. * * *
*
Highway 61 1:18 1970 Ford Mustang Mach I (Run
Time 7:30, File Size 53.5MB
Overall: Another hit from a team that delivers major
league bang for the buck - and always has. Big-time
working features and a high level of detail (not to
mention some very good choices, color wise) make
these new additions to the Highway 61 corrall worth
rounding up.
Yee hah! * * *
Yat Ming "Signature Series" 1:18 1962 Oldsmobile Starfire
(Run Time 8:32, File Size 61.2MB)
Overall: Well, well, well. It seems that someone's done my
Grampa's Oldsmobile - finally. Not all it could have been, frankly,
but as an offering from the top tier of Yat Ming's mass-retail
lineup, not too shabby for the bread, either.
Reviewed in pre-production, with some work still needed. Maybe
they'll put "Gramps" on the plates.* * *
RC2 "Authentics" 1:18 1969 Dodge Charger "General Lee" (Run Time
8:23, File Size 59.9MB)
Overall: Okay, so, there was a car in that show? All I remember was
Catherine Bach in those really short shorts. And didn't a bikini'd
someone named Simpson (no.. not him... her) wash this one in a
music video recently?
A really nicely done model of the star car is on deck here, and it's also
the closest we'll be getting to the Authentics '69 Chargers for a while.
* * *
HIghtower Collectibles' (With The Franklin Mint) 1:24
1957 Corvette "Santa's Corvette" (Run Time 6:50, File
Size 49.0MB)
Overall: Ho, ho, ho yourself. Sure, it's cute, and yeah, it's
got the whole Christmas thing going on. But under the
festive deco is a neat, detail-jammed model of a '57
"Fuelie" Corvette from The Franklin Mint.
Saint Nick must have a heavy right foot!
* * * *
Kyosho 1:18 Ferrari 365GTB/4 N.A.R.T 1973 Daytona
(Run time 7:16. File Size 51.3MB)
Overall: Kyosho's talent for clean, uncomplicated
excellence is all over this one, from lensing to livery. The
real car may have come in second(overall) at Daytona that
year, but this one's a real winner.* * *
Minichamps 1:18 1930 4.5 Litre
"Blower" Bentley Le Mans (Run Time 8:15, File Size 59.2MB)
Overall: Ettore Bugatti called the swift, stout Bentleys the fastest
trucks in the world. Pricey, precise, and put together beautifully, this
high-end replica for the upscale collector joins the Minichamps
Bentley stable with a flair all its own.
Classic car buffs who have loved this image for years can rejoice
now - and start saving up * * * *
GMP 1:12 1963 Shelby Cobra 289
"Dan Gurney" (Run Time 6:53, File Size 49.6MB)
Overall: What do you say to a big model of a Cobra? Wow
- that's what. With its removable wheels and a hatful of
working features - not to mention the Lillliputian included
hammer, helmet and goggles - this model of Gurney's
Sebring ride is a heavy hellion and a hands-on collecting
experience right from the moment you take it out of the
box. * * *
Franklin Mint 1:24 1970 Dodge Challenger Hemi (Run Time
8:13, File Size 56.8MB)
Overall: Yeah, baby, that's right. It's got a Hemi - and a whole lot
of finger fun, too.
The giggles start right after you pull the hang tag off the rear
axle, and this heavy, tight little model brings major bang for the
buck to the mid-scale table. And just what is it about purple
cars with white interiors that makes them so good looking?
* * * *
GMP 1:18 1968 Camaro "Lateral-G", Street Fighter Series (Run Time 9:03, File Size
62.6MB)
Overall: To all of those who have asked the question "Can the world ever have too
many Camaros?", the answer is, apparently, "No".
A cross-ram motor, a sweet, subtle new metallic color, and a whole new set of wheels
(all inspired by the good folks at lateral-G.net) makes GMP's 1967/8 Camaro mold set
look new - and really, really cool - again.* * *
Highway 61 1:18 1957 Chevy Bel Airs (Run Time 9:03, File Size 63MB)
Overall: Yep, these sure are purty, and boy golly, won't everyone want one. From the wired and piped "fuelie"
283 V8 to the poseable sun visors, the usual Highway 61 goodies are ready to rock. And, as these
production-ready samples show, there's no denying they bring to the table for not a lot of dough. * * *
Supercar Collectibles' 1:18 1968 Barracudas Sox & Martin / Montgomery / Werst
(Run Time 9:35, File Size 65MB)
Overall: Man, these guys get deep - and when you're talking classic drag machinery,
that's a very, very good thing. Supercar pulls out the stops - and not just a few hood
pins - to bring high detail and lots of hands-on fun to a trio of historic racers.
* * *
Franklin Mint 1:24 1956 Lincoln Mark II "WCF"(Run Time 9:43, File Size 67.8MB)
Overall: It's good to be the king! William Clay Ford had his personal Mark II sent to the shop for a
little sprucing up - and a little more horsepower, courtesy of a translpanted 460cid 1969 Lincoln
motor.
Not a bad way to leave a Mark!
* * *
Sword Models 1:50 Elliott Fuel and Lube / Peterbilt 357s (Run Time 8:13, File Size
55.6MB)
Overall: Look at those photos again - pretty big, huh? Truth is, the model's around six
inches long, but weighs and displays like a heavyweight. Our first - but certainly not last
- look into the world of tiny trucks packs lots of working features, and a high-end quality
build. This little Pete - and the 357 "Day Cab" truck it shares the review with - is a
winner.
* * * *
Sun Star 1:18 1955 Pontiac Star Chief convertible (Run
Time 8:19, File Size 57.8MB)
Overall: Okay... someone pinch me. SunStar's new
direction has never been more evident - and the promise
for this comany's future in 1:18 more on display - than it is
on this stunningly designed and built piece. Every bell and
whistle is here, and done with a definite eye for the little
details that make the model an absolute joy to own.
* * * *
GMP 1:12 1963 Cobra Street (Run Time 10:02, File Size 68.9 MB)
Overall: So, you want big? GMP delivers the goods in this riotous red roadster
(nothing like a little alliteration, I always say), done to look just like the car that had
Hollywood types and well-heeled wannabe racers lining up at Shelby's shop.
Killer working features, awesome paint and chrome and weight that matches its
substantial asking price make this one worthy of a few bows while passing. * * *
Sun Star 1:18 1958 Buick Limited Convertible(Run Time 9:27, File
Size 65.4MB)
Overall: As the follow up to the sweet, "reet" '58 hardtop that the Star
men gave us a few months back, this righteous yacht is built to wow
from the tiny floating squares in its grille to the funky jet-fighter vents in
its rear bumper. Full-frontal features, deep detailing,and inspired
modeling techniques are becoming the norm for these guys.* * * *
AUTOart 1:18 Porsche 917 L 1971 Le Mans "Siffert/Bell"
(Run Time 8:33, File Size 57.7MB)
Overall: It's pricey, and yeah, there's an awful lot pf plastic in its construct, but
boy, does this thing look
mean. AUTOart brings out the rocketship racer that was the long-tailed
Porsche in all its swoopy, fat-tired glory. Try to ignore that Gulf livery. Go ahead,
I dare you. * * *
Danbury Mint 1:24 1967 Corvette Coupe "FSO"
(Run Time 8:04, File Size 55.0MB)
Overall: Stow the gold watch, and pipe the retirement plan out the back window. For one
very lucky (and very hard working) salesman, Chevrolet said "thanks" by delivering a
Factory Shop Order Corvette. Danbury Mint's model is nothing short of jaw-dropping
good - and worth more than they're asking. Don't tell them I said that. * * * * *
Danbury Mint 1:12 1930 Cadillac V16 Roadster (Run Time
11:48, File Size 81.8MB)
Overall: Start the hoopla! If there's ever been a more thoroughly
entertaining, amazing- to-behold manufactured model in this scale, I'd like
to see it. Danbury has captured the elegance and sophistication of the
great Caddy V16, and then packed an incredible level of features and
gadgetry into it - all while keeping the vig to a very reasonable $500.00.
* * * * *
AUTOart 1:18 Porsche 908/3s (RUN TIME 7:35, File Size
55.7MB)
Overall: In the "so-ugly -'they're- beautiful" department, Porsche's
homely 908/3s weren't style queens - but more often that not, they got
to wear the banners home. AUTOart's latest Stuttgart-slanted tooling
has come out in three historic decos, and the detail under that
bottom-feeder bodywork is a lesson in tweaking styrene until it
screams.* * *
GMP 1:18 "So-Cal Special" '32 Ford Hi-Boy (Run Time 6:48, File
Size 45.4MB)
Overall: Classic is as classic does - and when it comes to classics,
you can't go wrong with a '32 Ford. Not so much a note-for-note
replication of the real deal as it is an interpretation of So-Cal's
modern aftermarket wondercar, this latest re-pop of GMP's wickedly
good mold set looks neat and reet wearing the red, white and black.
* * *
Sword Models 1:50 Peterbilt 357s: East Dump Trailer and
Superior Telestacker (Run Time 8:23, File Size 58MB)
Overall: Like trucks? Get your coveralls on and haul over to the
table. Sword Models and DHS Collectibles have sent in a kicking
pair of Petes - one hauling a big East dump trailer and the other
done up for Superior Industries, toting a Telestacker. Hint: it's not
a guitar.* * * *
GMP "Tom's Garage" 1:18 1966 Ford Fairlane GT Convertible (Run Time 5:13, File Size 53MB) Overall: GMP's much-loved Fairlane mold set goes topless but keeps every one of the cool features that make this model one of the best musclecars in scale, ever. Talk about your good times: Working suspension, rotating driveshaft, full-on engine detail, and a personal favorite - roll-up windows - will keep you busy between love sessions with the car's awesome paint and finish. * * * *
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GMP 1:18 1967 Ferrari 330 P4 (Run Time 9:53, File Size 65.7MB) Overall: Holy smokes! Can you say "home run" with me? Anyone who doubted that a nice bunch of boys from Georgia could work up an ultra-detailed model of a true racing classic can put those worries to bed. Sophisticated stampings, dynamite castings, and a parts count that usually gets put into models from some of those other three-letter model makers puts this one directly into the upper echelons of the scale.* * * *
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Sunstar 1:18 Henry J (Run Time 7:37, File Size 52.4 MB) Overall: Wowee, kids. Let's imagine for a moment that a popular, mass-retail kind of model company suddenly got really, really serious, and started making very detailed, extremely well-wrought models of some of the hippest, neatest, most fondly remembered American cars you could think of. This little Henry J just may be the most inspired of the bunch. * * * *
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Precision Miniatures 1:18 1959 Cadillac limousine (Run Time 8:43, File Size 60.1MB) Overall: To those of you who have been rubbing your lamps wishing for a Precision Miniatures '59 Caddy taken all the way, you can stop rubbing... it's here. With full-on opening panels - and even an available driver figure - you've got a classic tableau. * * * *
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