F1 Tobacco Conversions
Spark’s classic F1 models generally have better fine detail than their Minichamps counterparts. They also usually include the tobacco decals for the collector to apply …
Classics’ 2012 Bathurst Cars
The Classic Carlectables range of 2012 Bathurst cars has been released, and I’ve bought all three. After hearing horror stories about their 1:18 offerings, it …
Russell Ingall “Magnatec” VT Commodore Conversion
Today I finished Russell Ingall’s Castrol VT Commodore that raced in this one-off “Magnatec” livery at Canberra’s GMC 400 in 2000. Build Diary below.
1983 Tyrrell Ford 011, Alboreto (FDS, 1/43)
This is the Tyrrell 011 that was used for most of the 1983 season. It arrived as a “gift” with another model I purchased off …
Tobacco Conversions on 3 x ATCC Cars
Some tobacco conversions on ATCC race cars: Above & Below: Gricey’s Craven Mild LH Torana from 1975 (Biante 1/43, aftermarket decals) Above & Below: Bathurst …
1951 Talbot Lago
Technically, this is a minor enhancement job, not a Code 3 build. The early Brumms, and I classify this as one of them, were pretty …
1992 Benetton B192 Ford, Brundle (Tamiya, 1:20)
I built this from the box. Tamiya’s 1:20 scale Grand Prix range is excellent and they build into outstanding models with little effort – however …
More Ciggie Signage & Biante Fixes
In time, I’d like all the models in my collection that are supposed to have tobacco markings, actually have them. It will be a big …
Fixing Biante’s VR/VS V8 Supercar
Who the hell at Biante signed these off as OK for final production?! When compared to the earlier VX/VY/VZ Commodore V8 Supercars, the Biante VR/VS …
Lotus 88 ‘Twin Chassis’
article updated Jan 2012 Minichamps released two versions of the ‘twin chassis’ Lotus 88 Formula One racer recently; the blue and red Essex version presented …
F1 Ciggie Decals – JPS Lotus & Gitanes Ligier
WARNING: Viewing of the following images might cause you to uncontrollably and against your will, partake in the smoking of cigarettes! A few of my …
McLaren MP4-7 Honda (Tamiya, 1:20)
The model is Tamiya’s 1:20 scale McLaren Honda MP4-7. The model was built straight from the box some time ago – around 1998? For the …
OXO Ford Sierra Enhancement (Trax 1:43)
Trax made four racing versions of the Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth – two DJR Shell cars (Johnson #17 & Bowe #18, sold separately), a black …
Fixing Damage & Errors
I’ve been able to spend some time working on models over the past few months, including fixing up some “issues” on a number of race …
Nissan Skyline GTR, Bathurst 1992
This is the 1992 Bathurst winner sold by Biante. The model is in 1:43 scale and was produced without Winfield cigarette decoration. Interesting Note – …
Enhancing 3 Bricks – Before & After Pics
These three early Classic Carlectable “bricks” (as they are often referred to due to their basic nature) were not going into my display cabinet until …
2001 Rodney Forbes AU Falcon Conversion
The subject for this Code 3 was Rodney Forbes’ 2001 Gibson Motorsport AU Falcon.
Paul Weel’s 2000 AU Falcon Conversion
Paul Weel’s KJ Thermal AU Falcon from the 2000 season was the subject for this conversion Here’s a tip – whenever you receive your decals, …
Red Line’s F2007 Ferrari
Ever since Minichamps lost the licence to produce contemporary F1 Ferrari models, collectors have suffered at the hands of Mattel’s Hot Wheels (or Cold Wheels …
Trax XA Opal Series
The XA GT is the first Opal Series Ford from Trax – and it’s a pretty good subject that looks nice and appears to be …