I suggest you also try this partwork building forum, it was very active during the DB5 run and there is a dedicated section for this model which is still generating posts: http://www.partworkmodels.co.uk/phpBB3/viewforum.php?f=16
Don't feel bad. It's horrifically out of scale (including with itself!) and has literally no interior. It's one of the worst resin models I've ever seen as far as staying true to the original.
Just came across this on eBay - apparently made by IXO, possibly a new version of the JB Savoy taxi (?)
From the French partwork Taxis du Monde II (Taxis of the World II). Good model of an Atlanta Taxi and yes it uses the same mold. By the way, they'll also be releasing an Austin FX3 Taxi and a 1920's Citroen. They already did a Renault KZ11 from the 1930's that I highly recommend. Their DeSoto Custom S-11 is well-done despite I believe being a replica of an NYC taxi (I believe it appeared in one of the three Godfather films). Check out the images here. If there's no photo available of a model, I can get you one...
As you can see, the FX3 is rather bizarrely not a London taxi and has a four-door body. I was able to find FX3's from Belfast and Glasgow with this body arrangement, but absolutely none in London. I wonder why they picked a Belfast or Glasgow taxi to model?
By the way, are you gonna eat that?
Thunderbird 2East of Cardiff, Wales.Posts: 2,778MI6 Agent
Don't feel bad. It's horrifically out of scale (including with itself!) and has literally no interior. It's one of the worst resin models I've ever seen as far as staying true to the original.
Just came across this on eBay - apparently made by IXO, possibly a new version of the JB Savoy taxi (?)
From the French partwork Taxis du Monde II (Taxis of the World II). Good model of an Atlanta Taxi and yes it uses the same mold. By the way, they'll also be releasing an Austin FX3 Taxi and a 1920's Citroen. They already did a Renault KZ11 from the 1930's that I highly recommend. Their DeSoto Custom S-11 is well-done despite I believe being a replica of an NYC taxi (I believe it appeared in one of the three Godfather films). Check out the images here. If there's no photo available of a model, I can get you one...
As you can see, the FX3 is rather bizarrely not a London taxi and has a four-door body. I was able to find FX3's from Belfast and Glasgow with this body arrangement, but absolutely none in London. I wonder why they picked a Belfast or Glasgow taxi to model?
Cheaper cab fares maybe?
I was interestrd to read about the Resin Christine car. I may have to consder a RR model along those lines for FAB1. Is resin more complicated than diecast metal? I know its a heavier material in sci fi modeling.
This is Thunderbird 2, how can I be of assistance?
Don't feel bad. It's horrifically out of scale (including with itself!) and has literally no interior. It's one of the worst resin models I've ever seen as far as staying true to the original.
Just came across this on eBay - apparently made by IXO, possibly a new version of the JB Savoy taxi (?)
From the French partwork Taxis du Monde II (Taxis of the World II). Good model of an Atlanta Taxi and yes it uses the same mold. By the way, they'll also be releasing an Austin FX3 Taxi and a 1920's Citroen. They already did a Renault KZ11 from the 1930's that I highly recommend. Their DeSoto Custom S-11 is well-done despite I believe being a replica of an NYC taxi (I believe it appeared in one of the three Godfather films). Check out the images here. If there's no photo available of a model, I can get you one...
As you can see, the FX3 is rather bizarrely not a London taxi and has a four-door body. I was able to find FX3's from Belfast and Glasgow with this body arrangement, but absolutely none in London. I wonder why they picked a Belfast or Glasgow taxi to model?
Apparently Manchester had 4 door FX3s but most, if not all, in London were the classic open style 3 door versions. Bit of a shame, but looking through the rest I'm definitely liking the '47 Fordor and the '46 De Soto very much - both of them have that classic atmospheric black and white Humphrey Bogart type movie feel about them.
I kind of had a bad feeling about the resin 'Christine' and had noticed on one or two examples the chrome appears to be peeling away in addition to your comments. I really hope IXO might have a go at this car or at least a 'Christine-style' Belvedere. Or Vitesse maybe, since they're already into a bit of movie/tv licencing.
Anybody fancy doing a Code3 Octopussy Pullman? (I can't remember now if I've suggested this before or if someone's already done it)
Here's the screenshot:
...and this is Vitesse's Pullman (on eBay) which looks pretty damn close to me:
I kind of had a bad feeling about the resin 'Christine' and had noticed on one or two examples the chrome appears to be peeling away in addition to your comments. I really hope IXO might have a go at this car or at least a 'Christine-style' Belvedere. Or Vitesse maybe, since they're already into a bit of movie/tv licencing.
Would you believe that ANOTHER company is apparently giving a 1/43 Christine a go in resin with the black windows and all, but also with opening doors? Apparently, the first company doing it was trying to cash in on the second, delayed company's product (which still hasn't been released yet and the reason I'm not going to name the company is because I'm not sure which one it is! Both companies are REALLY confusing!)
...and this is Vitesse's Pullman (on eBay) which looks pretty damn close to me
It's actually Ixo's Pullman and is probably one of Ixo's best models, period. As for Vitesse, they're currently operated by SunStar. I know PCT/Ixo bought up a ton of their moulds (the majority, in fact) when they changed ownership, but SunStar actually controls the brand. For example, Ixo has re-issued the Ford Fairlane almost unaltered. The BMW 328 they did at the bitter end was also reissued. The DeSoto Custom S-11 that Ixo offers is a heavily-reworked Vitesse Chrysler Windsor.
Apparently Manchester had 4 door FX3s but most, if not all, in London were the classic open style 3 door versions. Bit of a shame, but looking through the rest I'm definitely liking the '47 Fordor and the '46 De Soto very much - both of them have that classic atmospheric black and white Humphrey Bogart type movie feel about them.
Make sure you have a Disneyworld set to go with the Ford Fordor. It's a perfect recreation of a car that was literally built from the ground up (well, sort of...the body shell is original) as a Disneyworld tour car. Otherwise, with the exception of the 1936 Buick Special (based on a movie taxi that was in turn based on a real life taxi and the car had apparently started life as a real taxi), the rest are real.
It's actually Ixo's Pullman and is probably one of Ixo's best models, period.
Whoa! Yet another Ixo 'Bond' is revealed! If Ixo already had the mould for this one, it presumably could have been included in the JBCC and no doubt would have been one of the best models of the series. Up until now I thought the Carabinieri Alfa 156 from Quantum was the most striking 'ready made' Ixo to not be included but the Pullman beats it by a mile, I reckon.
Make sure you have a Disneyworld set to go with the Ford Fordor. It's a perfect recreation of a car that was literally built from the ground up (well, sort of...the body shell is original) as a Disneyworld tour car.
Is that bad taxi livery research by the series' producers or were they hoping to sell the model in huge numbers to Disneyworld as visitor souvenirs? Either way, to my mind as a Brit fascinated by classic American cars and Hollywood movies, the Disney connection actually lends this model extra appeal!
Is that bad taxi livery research by the series' producers
Alas, yes, they thought it was an NYC taxi. We can't get the partwork here and I have to buy it through eBay.
Either way, to my mind as a Brit fascinated by classic American cars and Hollywood movies, the Disney connection actually lends this model extra appeal!
In that case, you'll have to get the recently-released 1936 Buick Special. It appeared in the The Phantom from 1996 and was probably the single-most important car in the film. The livery is based on a real livery called Arcade Taxi Company, which was a privately owned firm in the Bronx that operated from the 1930's to the 1970's. Said firm really did operate 1936 Buick Specials at one point, so this could have begun life as one. Arcade lacked a crest, the original had black lettering on the side, a black band separating the yellow bottom from the white top, and a far more toned-down taxi sign that simply said "TAXI" on it.
Whoa! Yet another Ixo 'Bond' is revealed! If Ixo already had the mould for this one, it presumably could have been included in the JBCC and no doubt would have been one of the best models of the series. Up until now I thought the Carabinieri Alfa 156 from Quantum was the most striking 'ready made' Ixo to not be included but the Pullman beats it by a mile, I reckon.
The kicker is that its release actually pre-dated the end of the JBCC.
Anybody fancy doing a Code3 Octopussy Pullman? (I can't remember now if I've suggested this before or if someone's already done it)
Here's the screenshot:
Thanks for the reminder DD, I checked back to 6079 and remember it now. I thought I'd seen the Pullman 'Code3'd' but without going through all of the dozens of photos everyone's posted this year, I couldn't be sure! It's good to see this particular model included anyway {[]
In that case, you'll have to get the recently-released 1936 Buick Special. It appeared in the The Phantom from 1996 and was probably the single-most important car in the film.
I had noticed the '36 Buick, it is a nice looking model. I'm one of the few people who's seen the movie too!
The VB Lada 2104 Kombi is too late a model to portray the one in TLD. However, you can buy a VAZ-2102 or Lada 1200 Kombi and have that customized. I know there is a firm called AVM-M in Russia that will make one for you. They'll also make the VB Lada 1200 that appeared in the film as well as the Lada 1600.
Don't see how the Premium X Chicago PD '73 Chevy fits, although the taxi from the same range is literally nothing more than one of the taxis driving around the background in LALD during the Harlem sequences.
Also surprised that no one has mentioned the Minichamps CR DB5 with LHD and Bahamas license plates.
Also, MovieCarFan, while that Moke would be great to convert, it's also pretty rare, even by Vitesse's standards. You might want to think twice before converting that one based on sheer value.
MovieCarFan, although it's OT, Greenlight (which is pretty high quality at a great value) announced they're doing all the major cars for The Fast & The Furious-series of films in 1/43 (including the Escort RS2000) in addition to a 1/43 Checker Marathon NYC Taxi. Apparently, more TV-show-related and movie-related cars will follow, some of which will re-use the existing moulds from the F&F series. The stuff we'll get possibly includes The Blues Brothers (the '74 Monaco as well as the later model Royal Monacos used by the Illinois State Police and CPD...which, by the way, were real Illinois State Police and CPD cars), NCIS (1970 Dodge Challenger [would be a re-used mould] and 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT 8), Charlie's Angels (a 1976 Ford Mustang Cobra II, better known by Mustang enthusiasts as the "Pintostang"), the Smokey and the Bandit Pontiac TransAm, the I Dream of Jeannie '67 GTO Convertible, the '69 Dodge Charger Daytona from Joe Dirt (re-used mould and they did it 1/64), the '68 Charger R/T from Bullitt (partially re-used mould), the '68 Mustang from Bullitt (partially re-used mould), the '87 Mustang from Ghost, and for the most part, we've not really seen those cars (PLEASE let them make a '67 GTO convertible! We don't have any remotely affordable early GTO's in 1/43!). As for the F&F cars that I'm interested in and I think you will be too...
-1970 Dodge Charger R/T with blower (I have this model and it's very nicely done)
-1972 Ford Gran Torino Sport (Also have this one; nicely done with the exception of the headlights, which they should have put some kind of clear, dark-tinted plastic over; a couple other brands of comparable sale price [such as Ixo, Schuco, and Hongwell] have done this just fine)
-1970 Dodge Charger (Without a blown engine in gray primer without hubcaps.)
-1969 Chevy Camaro (Depicts a well-done blue Yenko SC repro, so I have high hopes for this one.)
-1970 Dodge Challenger R/T (Apparently will be due in January; one of the few with a definite release date and a preview photo up. Also possibly the only more or less bone stock car in the series. Since they managed to get one with a 426 Hemi and also avoided trashing it, I'm not exactly surprised.)
-1967 Ford Mustang (Due out relatively soon, apparently. Customized and is red with white stripes.)
-1970 Chevy Chevelle SS (Doesn't say if it's the stock one that does apparently appear early on in red [please?!?] or the customized-out-the-wazoo version in gunmetal gray. They're apparently given more or less equal screen time, though not having seen any of the films, I wouldn't know.)
-1974 Ford Escort RS2000 Mk. I (The next model in line to be released; they have a preview photo up on 3000toys.com)
-1969 Dodge Charger Daytona (Made for the movie as a '69 Charger with a bunch of Plymouth Superbird bits stuck on, so I wonder how they'll handle that. Fortunately, if it turns out less than spectacular, there's always the UH Eagle's Race version, which is one of my favorite cars UH ever did!)
Also, MovieCarFan, while that Moke would be great to convert, it's also pretty rare, even by Vitesse's standards. You might want to think twice before converting that one based on sheer value.
Don't worry, no valuable or rare model will be harmed in the MCF workshop! (Actually, I think if I was going to tackle the YOLT Moke I'd re-work and re-spray the LALD version with some donor hubcaps. But it's a tad too small for me, to be honest. 1.43 scale is tricky enough to work on without the added complication of the real thing being tiny before it's been scaled down) The real point of these photos/mentions is to suggest what could still be done in the way of reasonably easy Code3s, which brings me to:
Also surprised that no one has mentioned the Minichamps CR DB5 with LHD and Bahamas license plates.
Good idea, the Minichamps version is ready made and can be displayed in a JBCC style diorama box without any damage to the model. Did any other manufacturer make a LHD DB5?
MovieCarFan, although it's OT, Greenlight (which is pretty high quality at a great value) announced they're doing all the major cars for The Fast & The Furious-series of films in 1/43 (including the Escort RS2000) in addition to a 1/43 Checker Marathon NYC Taxi. Apparently, more TV-show-related and movie-related cars will follow, some of which will re-use the existing moulds from the F&F series. The stuff we'll get possibly includes The Blues Brothers (the '74 Monaco as well as the later model Royal Monacos used by the Illinois State Police and CPD...which, by the way, were real Illinois State Police and CPD cars), NCIS (1970 Dodge Challenger [would be a re-used mould] and 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT 8), Charlie's Angels (a 1976 Ford Mustang Cobra II, better known by Mustang enthusiasts as the "Pintostang"), the Smokey and the Bandit Pontiac TransAm, the I Dream of Jeannie '67 GTO Convertible, the '69 Dodge Charger Daytona from Joe Dirt (re-used mould and they did it 1/64), the '68 Charger R/T from Bullitt (partially re-used mould), the '68 Mustang from Bullitt (partially re-used mould), the '87 Mustang from Ghost, and for the most part, we've not really seen those cars (PLEASE let them make a '67 GTO convertible! We don't have any remotely affordable early GTO's in 1/43!). As for the F&F cars that I'm interested in and I think you will be too...
-1970 Dodge Charger R/T with blower (I have this model and it's very nicely done)
-1972 Ford Gran Torino Sport (Also have this one; nicely done with the exception of the headlights, which they should have put some kind of clear, dark-tinted plastic over; a couple other brands of comparable sale price [such as Ixo, Schuco, and Hongwell] have done this just fine)
-1970 Dodge Charger (Without a blown engine in gray primer without hubcaps.)
-1969 Chevy Camaro (Depicts a well-done blue Yenko SC repro, so I have high hopes for this one.)
-1970 Dodge Challenger R/T (Apparently will be due in January; one of the few with a definite release date and a preview photo up. Also possibly the only more or less bone stock car in the series. Since they managed to get one with a 426 Hemi and also avoided trashing it, I'm not exactly surprised.)
-1967 Ford Mustang (Due out relatively soon, apparently. Customized and is red with white stripes.)
-1970 Chevy Chevelle SS (Doesn't say if it's the stock one that does apparently appear early on in red [please?!?] or the customized-out-the-wazoo version in gunmetal gray. They're apparently given more or less equal screen time, though not having seen any of the films, I wouldn't know.)
-1974 Ford Escort RS2000 Mk. I (The next model in line to be released; they have a preview photo up on 3000toys.com)
-1969 Dodge Charger Daytona (Made for the movie as a '69 Charger with a bunch of Plymouth Superbird bits stuck on, so I wonder how they'll handle that. Fortunately, if it turns out less than spectacular, there's always the UH Eagle's Race version, which is one of my favorite cars UH ever did!)
What can I say? Wow. Thank you so much for all of this, it's like a dream come true for someone like me who loves movies and American cars. All in 1.43 too, which is unusual these days. I'm going to be looking out for these like a kid waiting for Santa to call, I reckon!
You know what's really interesting is how many times you see the main character in newer movies being routinely given a classic car to drive rather than a modern alternative - including Bond's DB5 in Skyfall (You could even say Eve was in a 'classic' vehicle, albeit a still current Land Rover). We're not just talking high-end classics like the Chevelle SS in 'Jack Reacher' for instance, but even the beaten up Mini in 'The Bourne Identity' or Camille's old Beetle in QOS (There's another Code3 possibility) It makes you wonder what might turn up in the next Bond movie.
With three manufacturers now making a 1/43 1972 Ford Gran Torino, one has to wonder why not one of the three is doing the Gran Torino Gran Torino - or at least a dark green one without having to obtain a licence for the film ...
Mattel (Hot Wheels) has also announced a Fast & Furious 1970 Charger for 2014, along with a Rallye Monte-Carlo Herbie and - now the on-topic part! - the GF DB5 (yawn) in 1/43 and 1/18.
Pre-order prices I have seen are hefty £69.99 for the 1/43 and £169.99 for the 1/18. Item nos. HWBLY26 (1/43) and HWBLY20. The Hot Wheels Elite cars are very nice - but honestly, £70 for a China-made mass-produced diecast? (And still I will buy it ... 8-)) http://www.leighsdiary.com/2013/10/11/mattel%E2%80%99s-2014-announcements-now-online/
@RW, unfortunately, Greenlight signed a deal with Universal Studios/NBC. Gran Torino was released by Warner Brothers, which if I understand correctly, is somewhat more difficult to get a license from.
A few weeks back on the French "preview" blog they showed a sky blue (non-taxi) version of the Plymouth Savoy. This weekend they have the Greenlight F&F Gran Torino Sport - looks neat: http://leblog43.over-blog.com/
I'll be putting that F&F Escort Mk1 on my wish list, looking forward to seeing how they do that one.
I had to smile about the mention of the Gran Torino in "Gran Torino", it plays such a small role in a movie which revolves around it!
My JBCC collection is coming along, up to Issue 120 with Issue 121 to be added this coming week.
A guy on a Facebook forum I belong to recently bought a job lot of JBCC models (no price disclosed) so out of curiosity I did a quick trawl through the Sold listings on eBay UK to get some idea of current secondhand prices. Individual model prices seem to be all over the place, but mostly below £5, even for mint boxed models. As for job lots, one sale had Issues 1 - 81 which went for £236 or £2.91 per car. Another sold Issues 1 - 114 for £400 (£3.51 per model). Also Issues 1 - 54 for £102 (£1.88 per model) as well as Issues 1 - 83 for £200 (£2.41 per model).
I did notice some late editions that went for £20+ though - those in the final 10 issues or so.
Bottom line is that the majority of these models are no longer worth half of their original cost as secondhand items, as many of us suspected would be the case!
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Model Car World (wish I were! )) and by clicking the link I will not receive any money at all.
I've bought models from this company and also ck-modelcars, another German internet retailer, and have always had great service from both. The model has always been absolutely mint including whatever case/card casing it comes in, the packaging is great (not just 'wrapped' in cardboard) - usually well protected in a big box, and best of all, for UK buyers they're often cheaper than our own dealers!
I'm not affiliated with these companies either, just thought it was worth adding my two pence in recommending them!
A few weeks back on the French "preview" blog they showed a sky blue (non-taxi) version of the Plymouth Savoy. This weekend they have the Greenlight F&F Gran Torino Sport - looks neat: http://leblog43.over-blog.com/
I'll be putting that F&F Escort Mk1 on my wish list, looking forward to seeing how they do that one.
I had to smile about the mention of the Gran Torino in "Gran Torino", it plays such a small role in a movie which revolves around it!
My JBCC collection is coming along, up to Issue 120 with Issue 121 to be added this coming week.
A guy on a Facebook forum I belong to recently bought a job lot of JBCC models (no price disclosed) so out of curiosity I did a quick trawl through the Sold listings on eBay UK to get some idea of current secondhand prices. Individual model prices seem to be all over the place, but mostly below £5, even for mint boxed models. As for job lots, one sale had Issues 1 - 81 which went for £236 or £2.91 per car. Another sold Issues 1 - 114 for £400 (£3.51 per model). Also Issues 1 - 54 for £102 (£1.88 per model) as well as Issues 1 - 83 for £200 (£2.41 per model).
I did notice some late editions that went for £20+ though - those in the final 10 issues or so.
Bottom line is that the majority of these models are no longer worth half of their original cost as secondhand items, as many of us suspected would be the case!
That F&F Torino looks really good, as does the pale blue Ixo Plymouth Savoy. It seems there may be a few different colour Savoys to choose from, just found this:
Regarding JBCC values (in the UK), we have just had a re-think by Royal Mail on their ridiculous decision earlier this year to charge £5.20 for sending a typical size 'die-cast model' box (shoe box size) within the UK, up from the previous £2.20 price. (This was all the more insane because eBay sellers like me were able to send the same size box to anywhere in the United States by AIRMAIL via Royal Mail for £4.50!!) They've now revised their charge back down to £2.60, so I think the values of individual die-cast models (including JBCC) on eBay UK may start to rise again if postage within the UK is back at a sensible level.
My work has become very busy and my free time is very limited and I have not progressed at all with the Code 3 list . Maybe somebody else should take the mantle as I cant see me looking at this properly until the new year as work is stacking up .
I hope to have news regarding the second run of Vanish models for those who might be interested by the end of this year or early 2014.
I will dip in and out of the forum when I can and hopefully back to normal in the new year where I can participate as normal.
All the best
Diecast007
Thunderbird 2East of Cardiff, Wales.Posts: 2,778MI6 Agent
Diecast I would not worry about it, with Christmas rapidly approaching and budgets tight, I think we are all in a similar boat! I know I am, I have had to put the brakes on my own car collecting till the New Year too.
This is Thunderbird 2, how can I be of assistance?
Well, time to resurrect this thread. After doing some research, that one blue 1959 Plymouth is a custom. It's a VERY good custom, but still a custom; the production model will be red and white. The 1960 Fords are, however, going to be released in the next group of Premium X Diecast (I think the '59 Savoy is one release off). If you missed the boat on this one, that means you get a second chance. I believe the fender ornaments are P/E, as well, which means even though they're not going to be smaller in terms of physical size of the circular "aperture", they will be least be thinner. You could probably improve the JBCC model a little bit by transferring the P/E parts, if that's your thing. By the way, the Ford Escort RS2000 by Greenlight isn't out yet, though you should see it shortly.
"Bottom line is that the majority of these models are no longer worth half of their original cost as secondhand items, as many of us suspected would be the case!"
Bingo. The prices on some of the later Ixo models are still up there, but most of the earlier Universal Hobbies models (as in, not the Rolls-Royce Phantom III Sedanca de Ville just yet, nor the Skyfall DB5) and the pre-120 Ixo models save the two hearses and also the '89 Ford Bronco II, VAZ-2106 St. Petersburg Militsiya GAI, Lada Niva 1600L, and ZIL-117 seem to be dropping precipitously.
I have recently purchased 1-107 locally for a very good price £180 the lot. I have put almost half of them into the personal collection, and sold on about third so far on ebay. I have pretty much covered the original cost, so i have about 70 of them for free!!!! Still plenty to sell, but those are the less sort after ones.
I would like to say though, i have read through approx 130 + pages last week, and the previous 100 or so when it was current, before i bought the collection, and it has been a fascinating read continuously.
It has been interesting to see what models were thought to be which order, and which were guessed correctly........... you all know what you had said over the years, so i wont repeat anything )
I was looking through the FYEO Lotus and noticed the pictures inside the magazine were different to the official release. Can someone confirm who had the original pre-mock up design of this, as it is LOADS more accurate?
However, on a more personal note, i am a genuine fan of the JB franchise, and models in general. Yes, i have sold, and plan to sell more of them, but those are the stuff im really not interested in, but there are some amazing ones i have been wanting for years, and am glad i bought the bulk when i did for the price!!!!!
I am after about 5-10 of the remaining 27 i think it is that was to come after, but i personally refuse to pay top price individually after i bought the bulk haha (nothing against anyone who has done so when bought at the time)!!!
My only wish was they made the Kenworth tankers, but sadly that isnt to be!!!!!!
Comments
Regards,
Brian
And on the same theme, a 1.43 'Christine' :
Resin rather than die-cast and WELL over the UK's paltry £15 import allowance from the States, unfortunately.
Don't feel bad. It's horrifically out of scale (including with itself!) and has literally no interior. It's one of the worst resin models I've ever seen as far as staying true to the original.
From the French partwork Taxis du Monde II (Taxis of the World II). Good model of an Atlanta Taxi and yes it uses the same mold. By the way, they'll also be releasing an Austin FX3 Taxi and a 1920's Citroen. They already did a Renault KZ11 from the 1930's that I highly recommend. Their DeSoto Custom S-11 is well-done despite I believe being a replica of an NYC taxi (I believe it appeared in one of the three Godfather films). Check out the images here. If there's no photo available of a model, I can get you one...
http://www.altaya.fr/coleccionable/taxis-du-monde.html
As you can see, the FX3 is rather bizarrely not a London taxi and has a four-door body. I was able to find FX3's from Belfast and Glasgow with this body arrangement, but absolutely none in London. I wonder why they picked a Belfast or Glasgow taxi to model?
Cheaper cab fares maybe?
I was interestrd to read about the Resin Christine car. I may have to consder a RR model along those lines for FAB1. Is resin more complicated than diecast metal? I know its a heavier material in sci fi modeling.
Yes, because it's harder to get things to adhere properly, but...
1) It's cheaper and...
2) You can put more detailing on.
Apparently Manchester had 4 door FX3s but most, if not all, in London were the classic open style 3 door versions. Bit of a shame, but looking through the rest I'm definitely liking the '47 Fordor and the '46 De Soto very much - both of them have that classic atmospheric black and white Humphrey Bogart type movie feel about them.
I kind of had a bad feeling about the resin 'Christine' and had noticed on one or two examples the chrome appears to be peeling away in addition to your comments. I really hope IXO might have a go at this car or at least a 'Christine-style' Belvedere. Or Vitesse maybe, since they're already into a bit of movie/tv licencing.
Here's the screenshot:
...and this is Vitesse's Pullman (on eBay) which looks pretty damn close to me:
Would you believe that ANOTHER company is apparently giving a 1/43 Christine a go in resin with the black windows and all, but also with opening doors? Apparently, the first company doing it was trying to cash in on the second, delayed company's product (which still hasn't been released yet and the reason I'm not going to name the company is because I'm not sure which one it is! Both companies are REALLY confusing!)
It's actually Ixo's Pullman and is probably one of Ixo's best models, period. As for Vitesse, they're currently operated by SunStar. I know PCT/Ixo bought up a ton of their moulds (the majority, in fact) when they changed ownership, but SunStar actually controls the brand. For example, Ixo has re-issued the Ford Fairlane almost unaltered. The BMW 328 they did at the bitter end was also reissued. The DeSoto Custom S-11 that Ixo offers is a heavily-reworked Vitesse Chrysler Windsor.
Make sure you have a Disneyworld set to go with the Ford Fordor. It's a perfect recreation of a car that was literally built from the ground up (well, sort of...the body shell is original) as a Disneyworld tour car. Otherwise, with the exception of the 1936 Buick Special (based on a movie taxi that was in turn based on a real life taxi and the car had apparently started life as a real taxi), the rest are real.
Whoa! Yet another Ixo 'Bond' is revealed! If Ixo already had the mould for this one, it presumably could have been included in the JBCC and no doubt would have been one of the best models of the series. Up until now I thought the Carabinieri Alfa 156 from Quantum was the most striking 'ready made' Ixo to not be included but the Pullman beats it by a mile, I reckon.
Is that bad taxi livery research by the series' producers or were they hoping to sell the model in huge numbers to Disneyworld as visitor souvenirs? Either way, to my mind as a Brit fascinated by classic American cars and Hollywood movies, the Disney connection actually lends this model extra appeal!
Alas, yes, they thought it was an NYC taxi. We can't get the partwork here and I have to buy it through eBay.
In that case, you'll have to get the recently-released 1936 Buick Special. It appeared in the The Phantom from 1996 and was probably the single-most important car in the film. The livery is based on a real livery called Arcade Taxi Company, which was a privately owned firm in the Bronx that operated from the 1930's to the 1970's. Said firm really did operate 1936 Buick Specials at one point, so this could have begun life as one. Arcade lacked a crest, the original had black lettering on the side, a black band separating the yellow bottom from the white top, and a far more toned-down taxi sign that simply said "TAXI" on it.
The kicker is that its release actually pre-dated the end of the JBCC.
Anybody fancy doing a Code3 Octopussy Pullman? (I can't remember now if I've suggested this before or if someone's already done it)
Here's the screenshot:
http://s12.postimg.cc/vx13y8pa1/i018101.jpg
...and this is Vitesse's Pullman (on eBay) which looks pretty damn close to me:
http://s22.postimg.cc/lvpglhy8d/T2e_C16d_yg_E9s7_HKKr_UBQ8_U5hdj7g_60_12.jpg
Yes, this is the one i iused to do my own code 3 (pic 6079).
I continue my excel list (but it take time) and here is a synthesis.
For those who are interested, I can share it of course.
Bye.
123 code 3 (maybie I miss some...)
Number of models by 'builders'
SWJ 48
Ddenis 14
Diecast007 12
(vide) 10
shran007 8
MovieCarFan 7
ak007 6
Canuck007 3
bondaholic007* 3
Dleyvraz 3
Tony Ericsson 2
lj1989 2
Lester 1
antimon61 1
maz 1
123James 1
bondaholic007 1
scurr01 1
Jag 1
125
I had noticed the '36 Buick, it is a nice looking model. I'm one of the few people who's seen the movie too!
More Code x possible for Bond !!!
Don't see how the Premium X Chicago PD '73 Chevy fits, although the taxi from the same range is literally nothing more than one of the taxis driving around the background in LALD during the Harlem sequences.
Also surprised that no one has mentioned the Minichamps CR DB5 with LHD and Bahamas license plates.
Also, MovieCarFan, while that Moke would be great to convert, it's also pretty rare, even by Vitesse's standards. You might want to think twice before converting that one based on sheer value.
-1970 Dodge Charger R/T with blower (I have this model and it's very nicely done)
-1972 Ford Gran Torino Sport (Also have this one; nicely done with the exception of the headlights, which they should have put some kind of clear, dark-tinted plastic over; a couple other brands of comparable sale price [such as Ixo, Schuco, and Hongwell] have done this just fine)
-1970 Dodge Charger (Without a blown engine in gray primer without hubcaps.)
-1969 Chevy Camaro (Depicts a well-done blue Yenko SC repro, so I have high hopes for this one.)
-1970 Dodge Challenger R/T (Apparently will be due in January; one of the few with a definite release date and a preview photo up. Also possibly the only more or less bone stock car in the series. Since they managed to get one with a 426 Hemi and also avoided trashing it, I'm not exactly surprised.)
-1967 Ford Mustang (Due out relatively soon, apparently. Customized and is red with white stripes.)
-1970 Chevy Chevelle SS (Doesn't say if it's the stock one that does apparently appear early on in red [please?!?] or the customized-out-the-wazoo version in gunmetal gray. They're apparently given more or less equal screen time, though not having seen any of the films, I wouldn't know.)
-1974 Ford Escort RS2000 Mk. I (The next model in line to be released; they have a preview photo up on 3000toys.com)
-1969 Dodge Charger Daytona (Made for the movie as a '69 Charger with a bunch of Plymouth Superbird bits stuck on, so I wonder how they'll handle that. Fortunately, if it turns out less than spectacular, there's always the UH Eagle's Race version, which is one of my favorite cars UH ever did!)
Don't worry, no valuable or rare model will be harmed in the MCF workshop!
Good idea, the Minichamps version is ready made and can be displayed in a JBCC style diorama box without any damage to the model. Did any other manufacturer make a LHD DB5?
What can I say? Wow. Thank you so much for all of this, it's like a dream come true for someone like me who loves movies and American cars. All in 1.43 too, which is unusual these days. I'm going to be looking out for these like a kid waiting for Santa to call, I reckon!
You know what's really interesting is how many times you see the main character in newer movies being routinely given a classic car to drive rather than a modern alternative - including Bond's DB5 in Skyfall (You could even say Eve was in a 'classic' vehicle, albeit a still current Land Rover). We're not just talking high-end classics like the Chevelle SS in 'Jack Reacher' for instance, but even the beaten up Mini in 'The Bourne Identity' or Camille's old Beetle in QOS (There's another Code3 possibility) It makes you wonder what might turn up in the next Bond movie.
Mattel (Hot Wheels) has also announced a Fast & Furious 1970 Charger for 2014, along with a Rallye Monte-Carlo Herbie and - now the on-topic part! - the GF DB5 (yawn) in 1/43 and 1/18.
Pre-order prices I have seen are hefty £69.99 for the 1/43 and £169.99 for the 1/18. Item nos. HWBLY26 (1/43) and HWBLY20. The Hot Wheels Elite cars are very nice - but honestly, £70 for a China-made mass-produced diecast? (And still I will buy it ... 8-))
http://www.leighsdiary.com/2013/10/11/mattel%E2%80%99s-2014-announcements-now-online/
And the beautiful HPI Mirage Toyota 2000GT convertible is now on sale at Model Car World for €78.-- (down from €105.-- after an initial price of €139.95).
http://www.modelcarworld.de/relaunch/HPI-Mirage/183143/Modelcar-Toyota-2000GT-Roadster-weiss-RHD.htm
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Model Car World (wish I were!
http://leblog43.over-blog.com/
I'll be putting that F&F Escort Mk1 on my wish list, looking forward to seeing how they do that one.
I had to smile about the mention of the Gran Torino in "Gran Torino", it plays such a small role in a movie which revolves around it!
My JBCC collection is coming along, up to Issue 120 with Issue 121 to be added this coming week.
A guy on a Facebook forum I belong to recently bought a job lot of JBCC models (no price disclosed) so out of curiosity I did a quick trawl through the Sold listings on eBay UK to get some idea of current secondhand prices. Individual model prices seem to be all over the place, but mostly below £5, even for mint boxed models. As for job lots, one sale had Issues 1 - 81 which went for £236 or £2.91 per car. Another sold Issues 1 - 114 for £400 (£3.51 per model). Also Issues 1 - 54 for £102 (£1.88 per model) as well as Issues 1 - 83 for £200 (£2.41 per model).
I did notice some late editions that went for £20+ though - those in the final 10 issues or so.
Bottom line is that the majority of these models are no longer worth half of their original cost as secondhand items, as many of us suspected would be the case!
I've bought models from this company and also ck-modelcars, another German internet retailer, and have always had great service from both. The model has always been absolutely mint including whatever case/card casing it comes in, the packaging is great (not just 'wrapped' in cardboard) - usually well protected in a big box, and best of all, for UK buyers they're often cheaper than our own dealers!
I'm not affiliated with these companies either, just thought it was worth adding my two pence in recommending them!
That F&F Torino looks really good, as does the pale blue Ixo Plymouth Savoy. It seems there may be a few different colour Savoys to choose from, just found this:
http://www.grandprixmodels.com/searchdetail.php?ref=PRX0262&/Premium-X-1:43-Plymouth-Savoy-model
Regarding JBCC values (in the UK), we have just had a re-think by Royal Mail on their ridiculous decision earlier this year to charge £5.20 for sending a typical size 'die-cast model' box (shoe box size) within the UK, up from the previous £2.20 price. (This was all the more insane because eBay sellers like me were able to send the same size box to anywhere in the United States by AIRMAIL via Royal Mail for £4.50!!) They've now revised their charge back down to £2.60, so I think the values of individual die-cast models (including JBCC) on eBay UK may start to rise again if postage within the UK is back at a sensible level.
My work has become very busy and my free time is very limited and I have not progressed at all with the Code 3 list . Maybe somebody else should take the mantle as I cant see me looking at this properly until the new year as work is stacking up .
I hope to have news regarding the second run of Vanish models for those who might be interested by the end of this year or early 2014.
I will dip in and out of the forum when I can and hopefully back to normal in the new year where I can participate as normal.
All the best
Diecast007
http://www.diecastlegends.com/diecast-brands/minichamps/minichamps-aston-martin-v8-the-living-daylights-1-43-model-car.html?afc=MINICHAMPSUK
"Bottom line is that the majority of these models are no longer worth half of their original cost as secondhand items, as many of us suspected would be the case!"
Bingo. The prices on some of the later Ixo models are still up there, but most of the earlier Universal Hobbies models (as in, not the Rolls-Royce Phantom III Sedanca de Ville just yet, nor the Skyfall DB5) and the pre-120 Ixo models save the two hearses and also the '89 Ford Bronco II, VAZ-2106 St. Petersburg Militsiya GAI, Lada Niva 1600L, and ZIL-117 seem to be dropping precipitously.
I would like to say though, i have read through approx 130 + pages last week, and the previous 100 or so when it was current, before i bought the collection, and it has been a fascinating read continuously.
It has been interesting to see what models were thought to be which order, and which were guessed correctly........... you all know what you had said over the years, so i wont repeat anything
I was looking through the FYEO Lotus and noticed the pictures inside the magazine were different to the official release. Can someone confirm who had the original pre-mock up design of this, as it is LOADS more accurate?
However, on a more personal note, i am a genuine fan of the JB franchise, and models in general. Yes, i have sold, and plan to sell more of them, but those are the stuff im really not interested in, but there are some amazing ones i have been wanting for years, and am glad i bought the bulk when i did for the price!!!!!
I am after about 5-10 of the remaining 27 i think it is that was to come after, but i personally refuse to pay top price individually after i bought the bulk haha (nothing against anyone who has done so when bought at the time)!!!
My only wish was they made the Kenworth tankers, but sadly that isnt to be!!!!!!