1/18 news

GMP photos were very early stage, showing a rough sample - not really a good representation of final product.

 

Well here we go again..... The "brain trust" at Top Marques have decided that it is a good idea to jump on the bandwagon and produce some 1:18 models of the Dino 246 GT. I will give them credit for actually making surprisingly good 1:12th models of the Dino GT and GTS, but trying to maximize profits with their upcoming mediocre at best 1:18 is a big step down. Keep in mind that the Dino's have already been produced in the thousands by Anson, and later Mattel in the thousands, and then there was a very limited run of excellent models from Kyosho (red and yellow), and recently BBR has shown that they also have this coming out in the not too distant future, and it looks pretty good, and they will produce a lot of these in different colors, just as they always do. The Anson and Mattel models are the only ones with opening panels; these three others are all sealed resin, so they are all very much the same in basic static form, but not equal in quality, detail and accuracy. What amazes me is the blatant attempt to cash in with another so-so model. It wouldn't be quite as egregious if these TM Dino models were very good (which they are not) or if they were original (which they are not) or if they offered something new and unique (which they do not). The Top Marques models have too many flaws, and are another example of wasted resin. Initially you might think they don't look so bad, but when studying them, many of the flaws start to jump out. By the way, 3/4 view photos such as the ones here often hide or partially disguise flaws in body shape, etc.

There are so many cars not yet modeled that should be made, and would sell very well if made to a decent and accurate level, which they could do with a little effort....

Here are some pics of the Top Marques 1:18 Dino "model things."

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I posted a "wanted" ad in the classifieds, but thought I would tap into the expertise here...

I am looking for a 1:18 scale Maserati Granturismo Convertible (preferably in blue).

Anyone know who makes one and where to get it?

Thanks in advance!

 

Pedro, you will need to use the Elite, and add extra parts (if you can) to make it accurate, but overall the Elite is a good starting point.

 

The last few times I saw the real car in person, it was restored period correct. Interesting little fact (at least for me) is that the car was updated/corrected with details as it raced at Le Mans 1949, which was based on my research - photos I found in the Klemantaski archives, and subsequently asked Luigi Chinetti about to clarify what some of these details were. Chinetti was a big help, and then I went over all of that with Bob Baker who owned the car at that time, and he had all the corrections/revisions done.

 

Yes, red is/should be darker, and seats are tan. But note that the Elite is a cross between a Lusso and comp version. For the comp - LM car, the interior should all be painted body color except for the seats, and no carpeting.

 

I've spotted on Ebay several offers of the 250 P by BBR. did I miss the announcement of this model?

 

you missed it
BBR did it with black and white pics more than a year ago

 

I am looking for a 1972 365 GTC4 in 1;18 and also a 66/67 330GT 2+2 single headlight and a late 62/63 250GTE all in 1;18. If we can get someone to make some good quality models I am a buyer. I would also consider a 68/70 365GT 2+2.

Chuck

 

365 GTC 4

I would go for the Tecnomodel
KK wipers are horrible


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330 GT 2+2 not available now
you have to wait for BBR
when they have done the 4 HL to death, 2 years later they will start with the 2 HL

 

250 GTE MG model
the only one available

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365 GT Queen Mary
not available
a lot of owners and collectors are waiting for this model
this is only a question of time

 

The Tecnomodel 365 GTC/4 is not very good, many flaws, and those photos are not accurate - photo shop used again, and again by Tecnomodel. Wipers are photo etched, and only marginally better than KK. Other than that the KK model is much better, and happens to be bargain priced as well. Granted the KK is not perfect, but it is a better rendition of the car than the Tecnomodel piece.

 

KK models 275 GTS

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Any idea about which Schumacher 1:18 model and brand are the best?thank you

 

I have a Hot Wheels F2002 but it has no engine so I doubt if it would be an "Elite" model. Did Hot Wheels do an "Elite" F2002 or F2004 with a similar level of detail to, say, the Exoto F1 models? Or has anyone else?

 

As far as I remember in 1:18 the Schumacher models were Minichamps up to something like the 1997 or 1998 car. Then Hotwheels after that. I don't believe anyone else ever had the license and it was Schumacher making lots of money from licensing that switched Ferrari onto it. I have never seen a 1:18 Schumacher model (Ferrari or Benetton) with engine detail. Hotwheels did quite a lot of special editions relating to particular wins or whatever with the Schumacher figure in different poses or the car showing end of race dirt. I also have one with full Marlboro livery that I bought without actually noticing it had the Marlboro livery until I got it home!