Some new models

Its a tradeoff. Once you reach thousands of models in your collection, yeah, 1/43rds sound like the way to go, but detail is very limited in small scale models, unless you are willing to buy very expensive super-detailed handbuilts. Recent 1/18 scale models, especially from manufacturers like CMC and Exoto have stunning detail, but after you get like 300 of these you realize you need another house just for your models.

 

I don't really consider myself a "collector", though my wife and friends might disagree. I have a lot of 1:43s and 1:18s, though my preference is for the mid level 1:43s. Decent detail, nice to look at, easy to store/display. [for the record, I also have a gorgeous display cabinet full of 1:24 Fords, but the cabinet and models were inherited from a family friend who passed away last year.]

In your photo, there are two 312 F1 cars low in the right hand column - are either of these with the twin rear tires? I recently got that one and thought it was cool because I had never seen nor heard of that "experiment" before. Also, the red 250SWB in the background looks gorgeous - who makes that one? Leather covered base, too? Very nice!

You got a GREAT selection of models at that show - enjoy them!

gp

 

The six wheel car was a 312T and these are 312T4 and 312T5, so they could not be with six wheels.
Nice picture of nice score. Where in hell did you find Ixo journal models in US? Those were exclusive to the Italian market because of licensing issues.

 

What brand are the top 13 in the clear display cases? They look pretty nice....

gp

 

These are the ones I was referring to. They are made by Ixo actually, but also go under D'Agostini or Altya.
Because of the licensing issues with Mattel, Ixo had to shut down its Ferrari collection (La Storia somehow still runs) So because they could not market these models to compete with the Mattel 1:43, they pulled a clever trick and sell them to an Italian car magazine and which each magazine you purchase you get a "free" model. Some of them are really really nice, but they all come in blisters like on the picture and are exclusive for the Italian market. This is why they call them Journal Model or the Journal edition. This is also what sparked my interest, as these are pretty much an unknown in USA.

You can find them on the Italian e-bay for really decent prices. But then the shipping to US kills the deal.

 

hehe yup you're pretty much spot on there.

I collect mostly 1:18 and I'm getting close to 600 models in total (also some other scales), but it's getting spread now over 2 rooms as I'm running out of space!!!

 

They are partwork models, and available easily across the world, not limited to Italy. Someone with a decent digital camera could do a comparison on these models with similar 1:43 models - and I think interest in these from the forums as a collector's feature will fade.

These models are made and marketed to be in the medium price magazine market, they are low market collectables as stand alone, and in the numbers produced, only complete sets would be likely to hold value.

I am not saying you should not collect them, or not enjoy them - as I believe that is what they are made for - I believe everyone should have access to 1:43 models, so in general I think their existance is a great thing, it creates brand recognition and will inspire another generation of classic Ferrari enthusiasts.

I am against them being grouped together with 1:43 models targeted at enthusiasts and collectors. I do think it is responsible to let people on the site that may be tempted to in-bulk snap up aparent bargains on 1:43 scale Ferrari models online realise the quality is not in keeping with what is usually implied by 1:43 scale.

These are not substandard next to BBR models, they are substandard next to most models. Collectors familiar with the Bbugaro 1:43 series from the late 80s to early 90s should use these as a comparable guide for quality now.

 

Thanks for taking the time to put some pictures up.

 

Very cool collection! I recently got more into 1:43 scale when a friend gave me several. The thread is around here somewhere. I have a handful of 1:18 and the 1:24 that I've built, but I'm already out of room. My sister in law moves out of the hobby/Ferrari room on Sunday so that will clear a bit more space!

 

nice collection sir

 

Great collection! Love the mouse pad too.

 

I only have 10 1/18 and I'm already out of room!!! I'm thinking about adding a couple shelves but with 1/18 space is always a concern. I haven't looked much into 1/43 yet but I don't like them since you can't open them and the detail isn't amazing normally.

 

I can only agree with some of what is said.
Altho these models are not even trying to pretend to be at the BBR level, they are considerably above the Bburago 1:43 toys and they can hold their own next to a lot of established "collectible models".
The best part about them is that in that collection are some models that have never before been released in any scale, except in the form of some very crude resin models that by today standards do not hold up even next to the aforementioned Bburagos.
If someone wants a complete Ferrari F1 model collection for example, the only way to achieve it without selling your car and getting a second mortgage, would be through these guys.
I personally collect models for the way they look and the pleasure they give me. I could not care less who made them or how much they would be worth when I die. And frankly, when put next to some "vintage highly collectible models", read BBR, Provance Moulage etc., these cheapo journal models blow them out of the water.
And they are not readily available around the world. They are exclusive to a particular magazine targeting the italian market and usually come with a little foldout with the history of the car.

 

Collect what makes you happy!

Every collector with high end handbuilts started with affordable diecasts..

In time priorities change and the bar goes up!

 

When I was in Europe I found these every now and then in shops or markets, usually second hand. There was a similar series of "journal" Alfas at the discount stores in England that were very good, but piled up in the clearance bin and the covers were always dented. Great models that no one else made, so I bought a bunch.

I found an Aston DBR9 like this, and I swear it is a Minichamps (same base, same printing) and only cost seven pounds. Some of the Ferraris are IXO, but a car or paint scheme (racing 550s) not sold as IXO. Lots of 1/24 GP motorcycles out there at swap meets that are Onyx/Vitesse and packaged for a few dollars like these as Protar or Altaya.

On the other hand, there were some IXOs in the Rome Ferrari store not released in the US or on the IXO website (same box, but didn't say IXO). They had appropriate Ferrari Store price.

Lucky, you can find these on UK eBay also, and the shipping isn't too bad. Of all the ones I bought, they were all in England second hand.

PHC1, good score!

 

Thank you. I was trying to get a complete collection of all the F1 Ferraris since 1950. There are only 4 cars that stop me completing the collection from 1948-present. The four cars are all from this Journal series and my buddy has them waiting for me. Another friend is visiting there next month and will bring them back with him at end of August. I already started working on the display case for them, which will hang on the wall like a picture frame. It is basically a giant shadow box, that I have to make all the shelves from.
1973 Ferrari 312 B3 for 20 bucks? heck yes. No one ever made it except an old resin company, which looks like I chiseled it out of wood with my pocket knife.
1960 first rear engine Ferrari F1 for 9 Euro? Have to be crazy not to get it. Another models I have not heard of anyone ever making.
I have already also from them some '80s models that are rare. Namely Steffan Johanson's car from 1986. It rivals most minichamps easily.

 

Some of the Alfas and Ferrari 550. Very similar to Serge's original post cars. They even say officially licensed. The 550 is IXO, but the "team mate" car of the normal release with different number on car and drivers. The 550 has a hard plastic case, but the Alfas had just the black base. Langley's in Norwich is the place to go for anyone looking in the UK.
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Look forward to seeing that.

 

That 33 on top is absolutely stunning. I have been resisting the urge to start collecting Alfas too for a looong time.
Must resist! Must resist!