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 job to organise, purchase and apply aftermarket decoration to them all, but at least a start has been made. Above & Below: Before and after application of after market tobacco … Read more More Ciggie Signage & Biante Fixes
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 models look terrible. Yes, the finish is excellent. Yes, the decoration is fine. Yes, the interior is well detailed. And yes, even the underside looks ok. But the skinny-track wheels … Read more Fixing Biante’s VR/VS V8 Supercar
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 here, plus a black and gold Courage/Essex version. Both feature extensive use of mirror-like chrome. First impression is the model looks excellent; rich metallic blue paint with chrome and red. … Read more Lotus 88 ‘Twin Chassis’
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 recent Spark Formula One purchases have resulted in a little surprise when I went to unpack the models and put them in the display cabinet: a small plastic bag with … Read more F1 Ciggie Decals – JPS Lotus & Gitanes Ligier
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 fluro red panels, I decided to use the glossy decals from the kit rather than masking and spraying.
Trax made four racing versions of the Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth – two DJR Shell cars (Johnson #17 & Bowe #18, sold separately), a black Texaco #6 version (Bathurst ’87), plus this 1987 OXO Supercube version raced by Andrew Miedecke that was released in 1990. Above: The Trax Sierra’s came in a cardboard window box … Read more OXO Ford Sierra Enhancement (Trax 1:43)
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 car models. Do these changes now make them Code 3s?? Above: Brand new 2010 FG Falcon of Alex Davison from Classics. I didn’t notice the rear wheels drooping down when … Read more Fixing Damage & Errors
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 – this is the “You’re a pack of Arse Holes” Richards/Skaife winner that actually ended the race planted in the concrete. Summary: A nice model of another Bathurst winner.
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 they had been tarted up a bit. These models came with extra decoration that needed to be applied by the collector. The Castrol Commodore and Pirtek Falcon included a sheet … Read more Enhancing 3 Bricks – Before & After Pics
The subject for this Code 3 was Rodney Forbes’ 2001 Gibson Motorsport AU Falcon.
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, check them against the actual model! I bought these ones from Patto’s Place well over a year ago. When it was time to decal the model, I cut the first … Read more Paul Weel’s 2000 AU Falcon Conversion
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 as many call them!) range. Outside of the brilliant Tameo kits, it was difficult to source good quality modern F1 Ferraris – until now. Red Line Models now offer a … Read more Red Line’s F2007 Ferrari
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 selling fast. My XAs (I purchased both colours, which is unusual for me as I usually only purchase one of each new release) arrived safe and well, but I read … Read more Trax XA Opal Series
This is a 1:43 scale model of the 2000 Bathurst winning VT Holden Commodore driven by Jason Bargwanna and Garth Tander. It is by Classic Carlectables and was part of a Limited Edition run of 4000 pieces.
Above: This model starts out as the Scuderia-Veloce Dealer team EH Holden S4 of Spencer Martin/Brian Muir that raced in the 1963 Armstrong 500 (Bathurst) as modelled by Trax TR5E. The Task? Convert it into a representation of the car driven by Victorian David Price in the mid to late 1960s. Ironically, Price purchased the … Read more Holden EH S4, David Price Conversion (Trax 1:43)