Dr. Austin and other die cast collectors look here!!!!!

[pink69]

This will be the moment we have all been waiting for. I was browsing on trax models when i saw both Bentley EXP models posted on their list!! for £20.99 each!!!!!!! Needless to say, I've pre ordered both, so everyone better do the same, or risk missing out altogether, because these things aren't gonna be around for long!!

[Dr. Austin]

I don't have the Trax web address. Could you please post a link? The Bentley is sure to sell out, so i will probably buy a couple just in case one of my friends misses out. That can backfire, though. I still have four of the Visteon Panoz!

I just got my Minichamps Crocodile Audi and it is beautiful. I also recieved my IXO Ford MK IV and Spark Motorola Cadillac. Anyone care to see a photo?

[Es Nes]

you need to ask

[iucrmh]

Very well spotted, I hadn't spotted this anywhere else. May be a while though, lots of other mouth-watering cars on the list from Ixo too come. BTW, the Spark Caddys haven't arrived in the UK yet, how do they measure up?

Mike

[pink69]

www.trax-models.co.uk is the address

[Dr. Austin]

Sorry it took so long to get back. My camera batteries were dead!

Here is the spark Cadillac. It is very well done and about as good as most people could build it from a kit. They have gone to a new display case that looks like something a handbuilt would come in. I paid $25 US for mine and it is worth every penny. It's $15 cheaper than a kit and I didn't have to build it! Spark has been building nice models fo awhile, but they have stepped it up yet another notch with this one. I feel like this one is a must have. Spark also does the 2001 factory Cadillacs and the 2001 cars.

[Dr. Austin]

And here is the minichamps Crocodile Audi R8. It is also very well done, but I might send this one off to Bob Davault to have it clearcoated. While the finish is really good, it just doesn't have that killer shine that I like, and the clear will really bring out the colors on this model. Amazingly, I think this model was decalled (!) instead of Tampo graphics, so the clear will protect them.


It is just like the previous minichamp R8's, except this on has the additional nose fins, which I think is very sexy.


All in all, it is very nice. Very. But I will have to reserve final judgement until I see the IXO version of the car. With the 2000 LeMans R-8's, the minichamps was a litle nicer, but IXO has raised their game recently and I expect their Crocodile car to be really good.

With two excellent manufacturers to choose from, we aren't ever going to have it this good again.

[Dr. Austin]

And, of course, the famous Ford MK IV. I have a Starter factory build of this model and I think it is really a toss up between the two. The engine is better in the Starter, but the IXO has better wheels and head/tail lights. Take your pick, but the IXO is $25 and the Starter is $75.


So, those are the latest models I have acquired. I am pleased with all of them, but I am also depressed that my handbuilts aren't much better. The diecast companies are really taking a bite out of the handbuilt market and the professional builders are feeling the heat. The kit business is also suffering because who wants to pay more for a kit when the diecast is built almost a well?

Sure, there will never be anything better than a handbuilt model, but are they $150 worth of better? It's all in how much quality you demand. For me, I demand that my own building be spottless (and I always fail), but I am willing to collect diecasts as long as they are as nice as the current crop. How long they can keep it up at these obscenely low prices is another question. I say buy now.

[powermite]

Ive ordered a Bentley,signed by the Andy Wallace crew.Bit steep at £150 for a 1;43 scale but i thought it would be worth it.
I would like the Nissan 300ZX that raced in 94?or95? in the IMSA class. any ideas???
PM

[Dr. Austin]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by powermite

I would like the Nissan 300ZX that raced in 94?or95? in the IMSA class. any ideas???"


I don't believe anyone has made that in diecast and the Starter kits are probably long gone. You might find one of the Rennisannse kits though at gpma.com

[cybersdorf]

Here is one you won't find in any catalogue:

http://www.fastdetails.com/dkphantom.htm