BBR vs HOTWHEELS

I am no expert in 1:18 or diecast, and technology has improved massively over the 25 years I am collecting.

Its all a matter of personal preference and budget.
Personally, I think quality is superb nowadays, but personally I am a big fan of old school craftmanship and talent.

I rather buy 1 rarity, than 10 mass produced models, and I rate most 1:18's as mass produced.. (20 limited edition bbr's in different colors are a lot of models of the same car)
Allthough I like them, they are nice! I would never buy them.

In 1:43, I also think most models are mass-produced.
To me, BBR is no longer exclusive, they have made 1000's of Enzo's, 458's and alike.
At the moment they are remaking old cars that became very rare over time.
Prices are dropping like bricks in the air, which is good for new collectors and might attract new people to the hobby, but being a longtime collector its no good!

I am not going to open "pandora's box".
One should respect each other in what to collect, and everyone's opinions.

Hans

 

you are absolutely right Hans, your opinion about BBR is just to multiply the strength of interest-free versions they end up not décribiliser themselves! they should return to basics that were the basis for the creation of this company in 1984, however Hotwheels in terms of quality has certainly progressed is indisputable, but stay away from the overall quality of BBR that do not address the same customer

 

BBR is destroying its heritage and continuity in 1:43.

Moving production to China is a short-term solution to make production cheaper.
Increased production is downgrading the exclusivity and flooding the collectorsmarket.

Remaking rare old models is an insult to longtime loyal customers.
MR does the same with the Looksmart brand.
Its an easy way of making fast money..

The old-school builders are becoming more and more popular, for a good reason.

For new collectors this is great! But not for me..
I have cherished fantastic old models that spent 20 years in my showcase, recently they were remade.
It made me stop buying new models from bbr, and I used to buy quite a few over the years..

 

Anybody who is collecting scale models (either mass produced, or limited edition "handbuilts" made by BBR and such) as an investment is simply wrong. They are not an investment. A model company will ALWAYS re-issue something if there is money to be made, don't fool yourselves. Collect what you want for your ENJOYMENT. The only models that MIGHT be increasing in value over time are the ones made by builders as one of a kind models, and even that is not given.

 

The fun and passion of collecting is to find and have something special.
If the manufacturer makes another batch its not that special anymore..

If Ferrari would decide to make another series of Enzo's distingueshed only as a series 2,
series 1 owners wouldn't be happy..

Alex, your models are terrific, the craftmanship and personal touch make them special.
The fact you only make a few makes them even more unique.

Hans