Exoto Ferrari 500 F2 questions

When Exoto delivered their first models of the 500 F2 a number of quality issues arose. Paint or decals and suspension parts were coming off. Have Exoto addressed these issues? Also Exoto claims to have improved the details on their latest 500 F2 models. For example a rear undertray and better cockpit. Which models have benefitted from these improvements?

I'm trying to determine which version to buy so please specify which race and driver versions have the quality issues and which ones have the improved details. Thanks.

Best, Peter

p.s. Allthough they look nice I'm not interested in the yellow, blue or green version.

 

I should go for the longnose. The thing is this one drove more then the shortnose. It's not about the quality, because Exoto builds proper models. But still as I said before, I should go for the longnose.

 

I hope the decals aren't coming off because they are tampo printed. I wonder what other issues there are that aren't.

 

I only have this from other collectors and sellers on a scale model forum. There was something wrong with the packaging that caused the paint and decals to come off. I simply don't want to take any risks with a € 200+ model.

 

You take no chances when you buy your Exoto from a reputable Exoto dealer. I suggest one of the sponsors here on this site. Be careful what you read on forums. It could be a cabal. Or a nit wit like me.

 

I've looked it up again. The problems were with items GPC97193 and GPC97194. Models were damaged and decals (race#s) got glued to the wrapping material when being packaged too soon. These batches were sent back to Exoto. This was around August last year so I assume there are no risks anymore in ordering these items.

 

IMO, all the Exoto Ferraris will be hard to find and the prices will now raise since Exoto will not be producing anymore 1:18 scale Ferraris. I think they're now done with Ferrari, so get them while you're able too.

 

So, definately no 126 C2???

 

I'm waiting for the Nurnberg Toy Fair that wil start this week to see what's new about the license issue. Just to be safe I've ordered the remaining Kyoshos I wanted (yellow F40 and Carrefour Daytona) and want to buy the Exoto 500 F2. I'm not going to pre-order any cars until i't clear what Mattel is going to do. I sincerely hope Kyosho and BBR will continue producing Ferraris in 1/18 scale. I really want the BBR 512 BB/LM.

 

Well at this point, it doesn’t look to good for Exoto. I heard that Ferrari had enough of Exoto non-licensing crap and they sent out their lawyers to halt all productions of Exoto 1:18 Ferraris which is the reason that Exoto’s website has no available 1:18 Ferraris to sell. It’s too bad that Exoto couldn’t play by the rules, since they produce some great Ferraris in the past years.

 

Here's what I think about the Ferrari troubles for Exoto. Ferrari didn't care until the 500. Mattel didn't care. Who knows, maybe they have something in common. Ferrari never cared, Mattell never cared. Mattel cared about Schumacher. But CMC cared because Exoto was winning in the battle of the 500. Way winning. And their subsequent and inevitable second round - the one where they put the driver versions. Ascari, Taruffi, Farina was going to be the final nail in CMC 500 coffin. And CMC put up the dough for the 500 and Exoto didn't. And CMC don't want their 500 to be out to pasture and a forgotten model in a sea of colorful and interesting Exoto versions that were coming over the years. So stop Exoto. And perhaps rightly so. Also, Exoto was getting ready to do the same thing with the 246 of Mike Hawthorne.

Speculation from a nit wit.

 

I also think the reason why most model companies buy licensing is because they want to stop the competition- who is often better-er than they are. BBR did so in '96 to stop Tameo- that's all. That lasted a little while, then it only served to make Tameo kits more expensive because now they had to fork out the dough too. and also bring attension to something that had previously not existed. Mattel did so because they wanted Schumi rights and wanted to keep Minichamps out. Ferrari could have cared less and still don't care. Not deep in their hearty hearts.

I'm just trying to start trouble because I am a grumpy cuss today over this. I am sure- absolutely no doubt, in fact, that this pain in the pattoot will be worked out in the longer run, but today is making me pop off. I like Exoto products, you see. They are more fun than the other guys to me. Other products- while being very nice are a screaming bore. A personal thing, of course.

Whining ended now. such a baby I am. And they all lived happily ever after.

 

Yeah... I have to agree with your statements. I like Exoto Ferraris too....

 

You know not too long ago Exoto ran a 50% off sale and I called on a Sunday to order two 500F2 cars that I did not have, with the little hope that someone would answer the phone. Well, it was answered and I belive that it was the owner of the company and I ended up having a very long and great conversation with him. Learned a lot and it also made me see aspects of making models that I never thought of before.
Anyway, he mentioned something back then that I did not pay much attention to. He asked me what would I think about 1;16 models and then we discussed the pluses and minuses of the idea. Now a couple of months later when the licensing problems became public, I remembered what he asked me and the way he did it. So I think there may be hope for Exoto fans. See, Mattel have exclusive rights only for 1:18 and 1:43 scale die cast. So if Exoto produces a model in 1:16 scale Mattel can't say anything. Besides the bigger the model the better the detail. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

 

OH, I almost forgeot. We can't have a thread about beautiful models without pictures.
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My personal favorite got to be the #18 short nose.
Here are the main 3 reasons:
The red with the white on the nose is dramatic
When watching legenda e passione on TV every monday, this is the car sitting in the factory.
The egg crate grille is an absolute piece of art by itself.

 

Did the owner say anything about the other three 1:18 scale Ferraris (126 C2, 156 F1, and 312T2) they were going to release? Like myself, I think many of us was hoping that Exoto was going to released the 126 C2 Ferrari soon and instead of the 500 coming out first... I rather have the 126 C2 instead!

 

I had the same hopes, but I guess they had to beat CMC to it. He also mentioned that pretty much no one knows how to make quality diecast other than the chinese. Not the whole model, but as I understand it all the detail parts. According to him all companies (Kyosho, Tamiya, CMC, Exoto) have their little details, like bolts wheels, different moldings, made in China. However their are dealing with constantly rising prices as there are more and more people who don't want to deal with it as it is much easier and rewarding to make things like household items (door knobs, cabinet door handles etc.) This is why Exoto's factory moved. His philosophy is that when changing suppliers and going into new factory with pwople who have no experience, Exoto would need to produce at least two models before it could get to their previous quality. This why there were some issues with the 500F2. In a way it is the guinea pig and this is why we can see constant improvement and evolution. It is the perfect model for the purpose as it has so many variations/liveries that could be made. In contrast teh 126 could be made in pretty much 4 configurations.

He did not say anything about the 312T2, but I asked him about the 126 and the 246. He said that they would become available at the same time . I am not sure but I think he said 3rd quarter. I may be wrong. However he said that the remaining 2 500F2s (blue and green) will be available the first corner. Also he said that once the new factory is up to speed, their goal would be to release one ferrari every year and one model (not necessary an F-car) every quarter.