Some recent posts have gotten me thinking about getting some more steam-era automobiles for my layout. One of the iconic, if weird-looking, cars of the 1930's was the Chrysler Airflow. I can get either a Rex or an IXO Airflow for $35.00, which is more than I usually spend for a layout car but not totally off the planet. The question is, is there any significant quality difference between the two brands? Or are they actually just two brands made in the same factory? I'm leaning toward the IXO because I like the color better and the photos seem to show a bit crisper detail, but I'd be interested in some input from those of you who know more about die-cast cars than I do.
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I don't know if these are newer stock models, but I think the IXO model may be a resin-cast model, not metal -die-cast.
Seems more of the die-cast manufacturers are going the route of resin models as of late, with the exception of Brooklin.
I have the IXO Airflow model. It is one of the finest models I have (and I have some VERY expensive ones). I have Rextoy models as well, but the IXO is the one to get.
I have the IXO Airflow. I have very few Rex and have not seen their Airflow but the IXO is very nice. Here are some close in pictures of mine that might help you decide
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Thanks guys. Dave, you're right about the IXO being resin - I went back and checked the ad and it is, indeed, resin rather than metal. I'm kind of ambivalent about metal vs. resin - on the one hand, I collected Dinky Toys as a kid and I just plain like metal. On the other hand, resin is plenty strong, it probably will take finer detail in the casting process, and it isn't subject to zinc pest.
Joe, thanks for the direct comparison - that's exactly what I'm looking for. I'll most likely go ahead with the IXO and see how I like it.
Speaking of Dinky Toys, I went back and looked at my old Dinky Toys last night and realized that few, if any of them are anything I want on the layout. The axles stick out from the hubs and they are mostly oddball English and European models, plus race cars and military. About the only things that would even go on a layout are a Packard convertible, a VW Bug, and a 190SL. Maybe I'll build a display case in the library or the guest room. Collecting Dinky Toys was an educational experience - how else would I have known that "Obusier" was French for howitzer?