O Scale Motor Vehicle Chronicle Oct. 25

Looks like some nice new 1:43 releases are headed our way.  Carefully chosen die cast autos greatly enhance any train layout.   While I had a good summer of train aquisitions I picked up a few nice 1:43 vehicles as well.   I had photographed them for my record keeping-- they're all going into storage until we sell our home.  Here's my Die Cast Summer:

Hi Richard, It is hard for me to believe you did not find any 1/43 in York that you could not live without. WOW!!!

I'm running a "body shop" in my workshop this week on 1/43 cars.  In addition to converting a 1:50 Corgi Greyhound Moving tractor trailer to 'Streets, I'm heavily bashing three 1:43 cars.  

One current project is to buy or make models of the six most favorite cars I have owned.  Below is the newly released  Diecast Promotions Dodge Dart GTS Richard posted. I am modifying mine into a model of plain jane '67 Dodge Dart (225 cid slant six + auto, dark blue vinyl top or over light metallic blue, skinny tires - I had one in the last '70s and it was a great car.  the GTS was the closest model I could find.  Here is is disassembled with the hood bulges removed and filled, the windshiled off so I can work on the interior. I will prime it this afternoon

Below: I could not find a model of an '02 ZO6, and I'd have to do a lot of work anyway, so I bought a '98 convertible to start - I judged it easier to convert a convertible to the corvette hardtop than the fastback.  I've used epoxy to build up the hood bulge: mine had an aftermarket hood and fascia to clear the manifold and plumbing for a supercharger and intercoolers.  Lousy car actually, but maybe the best car engine I've ever been around.  Right: I could not find a model of Lieutinant Frank Columbo's car, so I bought the closest I could find (panel van, insert) and shortened it, cut the top off, etc.  It, too, will be primer later today. 

If anybody knows where to get a 1:43 model of a Chevy Volt, please let me know.  I can't find one and can't find anything that can easily be modified into one.  It is the only one of my six most favorite cars I owned that I can not find or make some model of, and being very near, maybe at the top of the list, I really want to find it. 

I bought a PremiumX '50 Nash police car and a NEO/American Excellence Chrysler Dual Gia dream car from DiecastDirect in the Orange Hall. Also a Motor City USA '51 Ford Crestliner from a dealer in the Silver Hall.

The Nash is really neat looking, and the Ford is relatively rare. IMO, all the NEO/AE models are outstanding, even considering the price.

I have one of the Dual Ghia models and it is about most glamorous car on my layout.  

The Ford sounds wonderful.  I would love to find one similar.  

And the '50 Nash?  In my opinion, it might be the ugliest car ever made, although the Pontiax Aztek and the AMC Pacer give it a run for the money.  Only thing that could possibly make it uglier, for course, would be to paint it black and white and put some lights atop it.  I love mine . . . 

Who did you get the white Ford station wagon from?

Bob

A seller on eBay has one, but he's asking $220. I'd keep looking, although I've seen very few. I was in shock when I saw this one at York for $75.

As far as the Nash police car goes...it looks just OK in the catalog, but great "in person".

Bob,

The white Ford Ranch Wagon was made by IXO under contract for the James Bond Car Collection. That collection was not licensed for sale in the USA but the models are readily obtainable from British and European sellers on The Bay.  IXO has been slowly releasing non-licensed versions of their various James Bond vehicles under their Premium X brand, which are available through US dealers.  So far this Ford Wagon is only available in the James Bond Car Collection version.

-Duncan