Category Archives: Honda

Para64 models August 2023

By Maz Woolley

Para 64 models are diecast to 1:64 scale in China for the group which also makes Paragon models. Like TSM’s Mini GT range they cover a wide range of manly modern super cars and sporting cars as well as typical Japanese cars loved by tuners. These models are better painted, scaled, detailed and finished than cheaper 1:64 models like Hot Wheels. They have separate light lenses and fine badging, some models in this release even have pop up headlamps. This level of detail and accuracy means that they are more expensive than even the premier Hot Wheels lines.

The models shown in this article were all due for rerelease in August 2023.

It is noticeable at toyfairs here in the UK that younger collectors are particularly drawn to these models. So perhaps these models are a good indicator of the direction that diecast production will be taking in future?.


65347 Honda 2001 Civic Type R EP3 White/Carbon Parts
65444 Toyota Celica Supra Alpine Rallye 1984 (RHD)

65464 Toyota Celica XX/Celica Supra 1984 Dark Blue Metallic

65505 Cizeta Moroder V16T Black 1991 Pop Up Lights

65506 Cizeta Moroder V16T Purple 1991 Pop Up Lights

65523 Toyota Hilux Single Cab 1984 Yellow (RHD)

65524 Toyota Hilux Single Cab 1984 Red (RHD)

65543 RUF BTR Slantnose Guards Red 1986 (RHD)

65544 RUF BTR Slantnose Grey 1986 (RHD)

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OttO Mobile July/August 2023

By Maz Woolley

Otto and GT Spirit are produced for the same French based company in China. Otto tends to specialise in out of production models and GT Spirit on the latest sports and performance cars, though there are exceptions to this. Most of Ottos products are to made to 1:18 scale, though GT Spirit produce 1:18, 1:12 and 1:18 scale models. Both firms make sealed resin products with no opening components of any kind and claim that this allows for a much higher quality finish to be achieved. Both are premium priced products when compared to Solido or Norev metal 1:18/1:12 scale models.

The models shown below are all releases announced by Otto for July/August this year. The images are publicity photographs or computer generated mock ups of pre-production models and may differ slightly from the models eventually released later this year.

The most exciting choice for UK Collectors is likely to be the first version from Otto of the MG 160ZR . This was one of the cars still in production the day that the Rover Group Longbridge factory closed and is bound to be a popular model here in the UK especially as the steering appears to be right hand drive and these early 2000s Rover Group cars have been scarcely modelled in any scale. There is a 1:43 scale white metal Kit of the ZR from K&R Replicas but this is not easy to produce to a good standard. The ZR160 was a 1.8 with nearly 160bhp and a top speed of over 130 mph. It was a heavily tweaked and tuned car based on the tamer Rover 25. I expect that a racing green version will follow in due course as that was a popular choice on the real car.


Otto Mobile


OT1003 Toyota Yaris GR Red 2021

OT1006 BMW E46 M3 Convertible Grey 2004

OT1020 BMW E61 M5 Touring Black 2004

OT1021 VW Jetta MK2 Black 1987

OT409 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO IV White Rally Catalunya 1997

OT413 VW Golf VIII R Lapiz Blue

OT416 MG 160ZR Blue 2001

OT423 VW Tiguan R Blue 2021
OT430 Renault Espace 3 Green 2001

OT431 Skoda Octavia WRC White Rallye Monte Carlo 2003

OT890 Honda Civic Type R GT FK8 Spec Red 2020

OT998 Renault 4L JP4 Red 1987

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Ottomobile Q4 2022

By Maz Woolley

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

Otto mobile, part of a group that also includes GT Spirit, is based in France and has its models made in resin in China mostly to 1:18 scale although a few 1:12 scale models have been produced too. They have recently announced models due to be made in the fourth quarter of 2022. Their models are made of sealed resin so have no opening parts.

The models shown below are all due later in 2022, many are recolours of mouldings previously seen in the range. The expected month of release is shown with each model below. As is usual the models cover the modern era and are mostly of popular saloon cars which are now vanishing from our roads for the most part. Though some more recent models as well as some rally cars and saloon car racers are made by Otto too.

Sadly, prices for Otto models seem to be steadily increasing and 1:18 scale resin models from most other makers in this scale seem be affected by substantial price rises too.

OT994 Ford Escort Cosworth Group A RAC Rally (December)

OT419 Citroen AX Super Production Circuit Ledemon (November)

OT981 BMW E46 Touring M3 Concept Chrome Shadow Metallic (November)

OT959 Peugeot 306 S16 Le Mans Rouge Lucifer EKQ (December)

OT408 Audi 200 Quattro 20v Pearl White 2019 (December)

OT427 Volvo 850 R Sedan Red 609-11 (November)

OT942 Renault 25 Phase 1 V6 Injection Beige Aurore (December)

OT963 Renault 11 Turbo Rouge 705 (November)

OT974 Honda Integra DC2 Euro Spec Championship White (December)

OT990 Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAM White 2020 (October)


OT368 Peugeot 308 GTI Rouge Ultimate/Noir Perla (November)

Otto Cleaning Kit

If these large resin kits are displayed they easily gather dust and Otto has a cleaning kit available on their website. Its contents are very similar to cleaning kits available for camera lenses but it should be up to the job of ‘spring cleaning’ models kept in display cases.


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Norev September 2022 Releases

By Maz Woolley

Norev continue to release models at a pace though almost all are new colours and liveries on existing castings. The models shown here are due to shop during September, and a few 1:18 scale ones are exclusive to the Norev website so will not appear in retailers which is noted below. All these models are diecast in China for France.

1:18 Scale

One of the advantages of large scale diecast models is that they often have opening features with reasonable panel gaps. Most Norev models in 1:18 scale feature some openings but not all offer bonnet, boot, and all doors and some have no opening features at all.

Citroen DS 19 cabriolet 1961 coral red

Another outing for the DS19 cabriolet casting with opening bonnet, boot and doors as well as a nicely modelled interior.

Honda CRX 1990 black

Unusually this is a sealed model of this stylish car from the 1990s.

Mazda MX5 1989 red with hardtop

Another model without opening bonnet, doors or boot but it does have a removeable hardtop.

Mercedes-Benz 200 1968 light blue

This makes an impressive display with all doors, bonnet and boot opened.

Mercedes-Benz 200 1968 Taxi black

Again a really impressive display with all opening features and a good interior.


Mercedes-Benz 200 1982 light green

Like the other Mercedes-Benz models above all doors, bonnet and boot open to make an impressive display even down to the emergency triangle fitted to the boot lid.

Mercedes-Benz A Class AMG 2018 black

All doors, bonnet and boot open to reveal a very detailed interior with contrast coloured seat and door panels.

Mercedes-Benz A Class AMG 2018 Metallic Green – Web Exclusive

Again all doors, bonnet and boot open and the fine interior is ewll captured as well as the special edition black wheels.

Mercedes-Benz 500SL 1999 orange metallic – Web Exclusive

Again fully opening and with a nicely modelled interior. It comes with hood to place on car in up position.

Mercedes-Benz 500SL 1999 metallic green

Here we have opening bonnet, boot, doors and a removable hardtop. Again with a nicely detailed interior.

Peugeot 205 GTI 16 valve 1988 white

The doors and bonnet open to reveal a well modelled interior but not the rear hatch.

Peugeot 309 GTI 1990 black

Strangely this is sealed with no opening items. It captures the car well but its display possibilities are limited.

Renault 5 1974 yellow

Here again the bonnet and doors open but the hatch does not.

Renault Dauphine 1958 azure blue

Although bonnet, engine cover, and front doors open the rear doors do not. Nicely finished and trimmed model of this classic car in a new colour.


1:43 Scale

Norev 1:43 models are sealed diecasts. Prices vary with some finished more simply than others.

Dacia Logan 2021 iron blue

Dacia are a sub-line of Renault made in Romania. They are popular in France as they sell at budget prices. Norev sell them as part of their offerings of cars seen on French roads.

Dacia Sandero Stepway 2021 iron blue

Another popular Dacia car seen on French Roads and based on older Renault technology

Dacia Sandero Stepway 2021 Atacama orange

Another version of the Stepway in Renault’s popular metallic orange finish

Opel Astra 2022 metallic blue

A model of the latest Opel Astra released recently now Opel is part of the giant combine which includes Fiat, Chrysler, and PeugeotCitroen. Another model that should be popular as the car is seen widely on European streets.

Peugeot 205 GL 1988 metallic brown

A classic 205 in a mid-range trim level which is nice to see as the car is so often modelled as a GTI. The GL was a very common sight in Europe at the time.

Peugeot 205 Junior 1988 red

Here we have the 205 in a basic edition designed as an entry level to the range with basic fitments and graphics to make it more appealing.

Peugeot 504 pick up 4×4 Dangel 1985 white

Dangel was originally a sports car specialist who developed into a specialist conversions firm based in Alsace in France. They turn stock vehicles into 4x4s and other special purpose vehicles. The 504 pickup was their first venture in this field in collaboration with Peugeot and proved a good seller.

Here the model has protective bars fitted as well as period graphics.

Renault Megane 2020 white

Another up to date model allowing a collection of cars commonly seen on French roads today.

Renault Megane Estate 2020 black

An up to date model allowing a popular estate car to be added to a collection of cars commonly seen on French roads today.

Renault Twingo ‘urban night’ 2021 black

A special edition designed to appeal to the young of Renault’s rear engined Twingo with graphics and black wheels neatly reproduced.


Volvo P1800 1963 beige

Norev also produce 1:43 scale models of ‘old timers’ like this Volvo. Here the chrome work has been beautifully reproduced and the grille and front lights and very impressive. The wheels are also very nicely replicated. All in all a very nice model of a car which is popular with collectors.


1:87 Scale

Norev 1:87 scale models are all sealed diecasts.

Renault Dauphine 1956 sage green

Another outing for the ex-Universal Hobbies partwork model with some additional detail printing. These models are considerably cheaper than Wiking or other leading 1:87 scale producers but are not as finely modelled.


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Para64 for later in 2022

By Maz Woolley

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

Para64 which is a range owned by Jadi Toys have announced a number of models for release in Q2 2022. These are premium priced 1:64 scale sealed diecast models competing with firms like Mini GT. The detail printing and finish on these models is to a high standard. The Madpanda Mercedes-Benz below is a great example of this. All the photographs shown below are of pre-production models taken by the manufacturer and have been made available to us by a UK Wholesaler. Some variations in the finish may occur when the models go into production.

This range covers a number of sporting subjects as well as ‘sporty’ road cars. Models are usually produced in left and right hand drive versions, though if they are only available in one drive format that will be the only one modelled.

PAR 65341 Honda Civic Type R EP3 Championship White 2001 (RHD) – PAR 55341 Honda Civic Type R EP3 Championship White 2001 (LHD)
PAR 65342 Honda Civic Type R EP3 Nighthawk Black 2001 (RHD) – PAR 55342 Honda Civic Type R EP3 Nighthawk Black 2001 (LHD)
PAR 65294 RUF CTR Guards Red 1987 (RHD) – PAR 55294 RUF CTR Guards Red 1987 (LHD)
PAR 65295 RUF CTR Irish Green 1987 (RHD) –
PAR 55295 RUF CTR Irish Green 1987 (LHD)
PAR 65283 Mercedes AMG GT 63 S Silver 2018 (RHD)
PAR 55283 Mercedes AMG GT 63 S Silver 2018 (LHD)
PAR 65285 Mercedes AMG GT 63 S Yellow 2018 (RHD)
PAR 55285 Mercedes AMG GT 63 S Yellow 2018 (LHD)
PAR 55351 Mercedes AMG GT3 Evo 2021 24H Spa Madpanda Motorsport #90
PAR 55352 Mercedes AMG GT3 Evo 2021 ADAC GT Masters Team Zakspeed #13

Two Matchbox Toys

By Maz Woolley

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

Here in the UK the distribution of Matchbox toys is erratic to say the least. Unlike the US and Canada where you stand a good chance of finding them at Walmart for pocket money prices here in the UK Supermarket chains seem to sell them for a while then drop them only to bring them back months later at a higher price point. We also don’t seem to get a very wide choice of models compared to the US and there are small traders here now specialising in importing models from the US and selling them at a premium.

The two models that I am looking at today are of cars which were frequently seen in the 1970s here in the UK but which were not modelled by Matchbox at the time. These models are made down to a price and consequently lack the finesse of the much dearer Tomy Toys, Greenlights et al which are a similar size.

GKK33 MB1213 1971 MGBGT Coupe

This model appears in the same colour in more than one Matchbox Series. It is sold on a card saying Best of UK as well as in the MBX Countryside range which is how the model shown came.

Looking at this model it strikes me that Lesney missed a trick not making this in the 1-75 range. If they had I expect that the doors and rear hatch would have opened as they did on the bigger Corgi. The ‘new’ Matchbox MGB is a simple one part body casting with no opening parts, dark glazing, and a pretty basic interior tub with a solid LHD steering Wheel. Driver and passenger windows are moulded open.

The model’s lower half incorporates bumpers and everything below leaving the front and rear valences a grey plastic colour rather than body colour and the bumpers are also grey plastic. The front grille though grey plastic with black infill is a good shape and the MG badge in the centre of the upper part of the grille is printed on. The headlights are just moulded humps in the orange body with no silver detailing. I have remedied that with a Chrome pen after taking the photographs and the model looks much better. The sidelights are also moulded in but not printed over.

The glazing is unframed on the side whereas the real car has a lot of chrome window trim there, and at the rear, which is also missing off the model. The door mirrors are just body colour extensions whereas the mirrors on the real car were chrome. The wheels are much too thick and have non-prototypical hubs.

Sadly the model is put together with a large post right through the middle of the car just behind the front seats which really shows it is a toy.

The rear lights are printed well and the badging, though overscale, is there as are printed hatch handle and fuel filler. A number plate to the rear is printed with the model number and it has no matching plate on the front. The casting has holes which the overriders fit into which is rather obvious due to the size of the gap round the overrider and which is not like the real car where the overriders stop short of the bodywork.

GKK29 MB1209 1976 Honda CVCC

This model has appeared in sets and on its own carded as a member of the MBX Highway series. The CVCC name is a bit confusing as here in the UK they were known as the Civic.

The Civic sold well in the UK. This first series of cars established Honda as a provider of good quality small family saloons. The high revving engine of just under 1200cc and the lightweight construction made it an economical car without sacrificing a nippy performance at the time when fuel prices were rising sharply.

Painted yellow the paint has split over all the panel lines as yellow is inclined to do without a white base coat.

The printed front grille and lights has been neatly done and includes the badging. Like the MGB the car from the bumpers down is in grey plastic so neither bumpers or valances are the correct colour though sidelights are moulded in they are not highlighted by printing over them.

The door handles were silvered items on the original car but have been left in body colour on this model. The wheels are again not replicas of the real cars being a standard type fitted to many Matchbox models and which are again much too wide. Inside the interior has a bit of detail moulded in but again a solid LHD steering wheel rather lets down the rest. A large post again disfigures the inside of the model.

To the rear the lights and badging are well printed as is the Honda lettering. A tiny number plate is fitted with MY76TOY on it. The chrome external hinges on the boot flap are even modelled and printed silver.


Matchbox sells these as toys and they show a number of serious compromises to allow them to be made profitably at the price they are sold at. But the overall shapes are good and if looked at from a distance they look quite acceptable, capturing the cars of the seventies well.

One final observation is that both models carry a tiny elephant moulded into their base. This is a symbol of Thailand which appears in the centre of its Diplomatic Flags. This is a rather nice way of connecting these models made in huge numbers with the place that they are made.


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Minichamps September 2019

By Maz Woolley

Minichamps continue to release several new models each month in a variety of scales and materials, as well as several Maxichamps based on older moulds. All the models are made in China for Germany and there continues to be many Formula One and other racing cars as well as accessories like fully finished driver’s helmets. There is also a steady release of road cars in both MInichamps and Maxichamps editions. They also cover a wide range of scales from 1:87 upwards, and make models in both diecast metal and resin according to the range involved.

They also continue to act as distributors for the Almost Real brand.

This article looks at just a few of the releases Minichamps will be releasing in September 2019. Please note that the photographs are of hand samples and production colour tests and the final released models may differ slightly. Unfortunately sample photographs are not yet available for all the models. Unless otherwise stated the model is MInichamps branded.

Formula One/Formula E

110890004 TYRRELL FORD 018 – JEAN ALESI – GP DEBUT – 4TH PLACE FRENCH GP 1989

1:18 Scale Diecast


110890003 TYRRELL FORD 018 – JONATHAN PALMER – FRENCH GP 1989

1:18 scale Diecast


WILLIAMS RENAULT FW16 – AYRTON SENNA – PACIFIC GP 1994

1:18 scale Diecast


417100010 AT&T WILLIAMS COSWORTH FW32 – NICO HÜLKENBERG – 2010

1:43 scale Resin


417100009 AT&T WILLIAMS COSWORTH FW32 – RUBENS BARRICHELLO – 2010

1:43 scale Resin


417103009 AT&T WILLIAMS COSWORTH FW32 – RUBENS BARRICHELLO – 300TH GP BRAZILIAN GP 2010

1:43 scale Resin


414180004 FORMULA E SEASON 5 – ENVISION VIRGIN RACING – ROBIN FRIJNS

1:43 scale Diecast


414180002 FORMULA E SEASON 5 – ENVISION VIRGIN RACING – SAM BIRD

1:43 scale resin


547884112 MCLAREN HONDA MP4/4 – AYRTON SENNA – BRAZILIAN GP 1988

1:43 Resin


547884412 MCLAREN HONDA MP4/4 – AYRTON SENNA – WINNER BRITISH GP 1988

1:43 scale Resin


547884312 MCLAREN HONDA MP4/4 – AYRTON SENNA – WINNER HUNGARIAN GP 1988

1:43 scale Resin


537884399 MCLAREN HONDA MP4/4B TEST CAR – ALAIN PROST – 1988

1:43 scale Resin



547884399 MCLAREN HONDA MP4/4B TEST CAR – AYRTON SENNA – 1988

1:43 scale Resin


537884199 MCLAREN HONDA MP4/4B TEST CAR – EMANUELE PIRRO – 1988

1:43 Resin


517894332 REYNARD SPIESS F893 – MICHAEL SCHUMACHER – MACAU GP 1989

1:43 Resin


Rally/Racing Cars

155791704 LANCIA STRATOS – LANCIA – DARNICHE/MAHÉ – WINNERS RALLYE MONTE CARLO 1979

1:18 Diecast


155751714 LANCIA STRATOS – LANCIA – MUNARI/MANNUCCI – WINNERS RALLYE MONTE CARLO 1975

1:18 Diecast


436026100 BMW M2 – MOTOGP SAFETY CAR – 2016

1:43 Diecast


Street Cars

155026202 BMW 2002 TURBO – 1973 – ORANGE

1:18 scale Diecast


155026200 BMW 2002 TURBO – 1973 – WHITE

1:18 scale Diecast


110067420 PORSCHE 911 GT3 TOURING – 2018 – BLUE

1:18 scale Diecast


110067421 PORSCHE 911 GT3 TOURING – 2018 – WHITE

1:18 scale Diecast


940120900 ALFA ROMEO GIULIA 1600 – 1970 – DARK BLUE

Maxichamps 1:43 Diecast


940120901 ALFA ROMEO GIULIA 1600 – 1970 – RED

Maxichamps 1:43 Diecast


940022300 BMW M3 (E36) – 1992 – BLACK

Maxichamps1:43 scale Diecast


940022301 BMW M3 (E36) – 1992 – YELLOW

Maxichamps 1:43 Diecast


437037360 BRABUS 850 WIDESTAR XL BASED ON MERCEDES-AMG GLS 63 – 2017 – BLACK METALLIC

1:43 Resin


437037361 BRABUS 850 WIDESTAR XL BASED ON MERCEDES-AMG GLS 63 – 2017 – PEARL WHITE METALLIC

1:43 Resin


940084101 FORD ESCORT – 1975 – ORANGE

Maxichamps 1:43 Diecast


940084100 FORD ESCORT – 1975 – YELLOW

Maxichamps 1:43 Diecast


437035420 MAYBACH BRABUS 900 AUF BASIS MERCEDES-BENZ – MAYBACH S 600 – 2016 – BLACK

1:43 scale Diecast


940033102 MERCEDES-BENZ 180 (W120) – 1955 – BLUE

Maxichamps 1:43 scale Diecast


940037004 MERCEDES-BENZ 230E – 1991 – GREY METALLIC

940037002 MERCEDES-BENZ 230E – 1991 – RED

Maxichamps 1:43 scale Diecast


940044001 OPEL REKORD D – 1975 – DARK GREEN

Maxichamps 1:43 scale Diecast


940044000 OPEL REKORD D – 1975 – DARK RED

Maxichamps 1:43 Diecast


410067237 PORSCHE 911 (991.2) GT2RS – 2018 – CHALK (NORMAL) With BLACK WHEELS

1:43 Diecast


410067021 PORSCHE 911 (991.2) GT3RS – 2018 – BLACK

1:43 scale Diecast


940055031 VOLKSWAGEN 1302 CABRIOLET – 1970 – RED

Maxichamps 1:43 scale Diecast


940055030 VOLKSWAGEN 1302 CABRIOLET – 1970 – YELLOW

Maxichamps 1:43 scale Diecast


940052130 VOLKSWAGEN HEBMÜLLER-CABRIOLET – 1950 – BLACK

Maxichamps 1:43 scale Diecast


940052131 VOLKSWAGEN HEBMÜLLER-CABRIOLET – 1950 – RED

Maxichamps 1:43 scale Diecast


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Some Forthcoming Releases

By Maz Woolley

News of models to be released from August onwards across many ranges is now being circulated. This round up looks at some ranges which we may not cover regularly but which offer some interesting models, particularly for those who like models in larger scales.

AUTOart

The AUTOart models shown are moulded in resin and built with photoetched detailing in China for Japan.

Aston Martin DB11 Skyfall Silver

This moulding will also be available in green metallic paint.


Honda Civic Type R (FK8) Flame Red

This will also be available as Honda Civic Type R (FK8) Championship White and Honda Civic Type R (FK8) Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic.


McLaren 675LT Napier Green

Lamborghini Centenario Roadster Argento Centenario

Motor Max

These releases are expected July/August. All are diecast to 1:24 scale in China.


Corvette ZR1 2019 Orange 1:24

This will also be available in yellow.


RAM 1500 Crew Cab Laramie 2019 Black

This will also be available in silver


RAM 1500 Crew Cab Rebel 2019 Red

This will be available in white as well.


BMW i8 Coupe 2018 Blue

This will be available in copper and white as well.


Cult 1:18

These models are moulded in resin in China for the Netherlands to 1:18 scale. Models announced for later this year include the following, though few pre-production images are yet available.

  • Jaguar 2.4 MK I Black 1955
  • Mercedes-Benz 600SEC C140 Red/Met 1992
  • Fiat Dino Spyder White 1966
  • Jaguar XJR-15 Blue Metallic 1990
  • Jaguar XJR-15 Orange Metallic 1990

TSM Model Scale Miniatures

This range is True Scale’s 1:64 offering which has caused a great deal of interest as it covers vehicles which are popular with followers of tuned and fast cars.


Toyota Supra (JZA80) Super White (LHD)

This will also be available in RHD.


Honda Civic Type R (FK8) Artcar Manga 2018 Paris Autoshow

BMW M3 (E30) Alpine White (LHD)

This will also be available in RHD.


Toyota Supra (JZA80) Renaissance Red (LHD)

Also to be shipped in RHD.


Nissan GT-R R35 Type 1 LB Works Rear Wing Version 2 (LHD)

Another that will also be available in RHD.


Pagani Huayra Roadster Rosso Monza (LHD)

RHD will also be available.


Honda NSX GT3 NO.30 24HR Spa 2018 Honda Racing (LHD)

Acura NSX GT3 NO.86 Uncle Sam 2017 IMSA Watkins Glen

Porsche 991 Turbo GT2RS GT Silver Metallic (LHD)

RHD also to be released.

Nissan GT-R35 LB Works Type 1 Rear Wing Version White (LHD)

RHD will also be made.


Honda Civic Type R (FK8) Championship White TE37 (LHD)

Technomodel

These Technomodels is an Italian firm producing resin models. All the models shown are made in small batches to a scale of 1:18 and are due for release in September 2019.

Ferrari 312 F1/68 French GP #26 1968 Jacky Ickx

Ferrari 312 F1/68 Dutch GP #10 1968 Jacky Ickx 1968

Ferrari 312 F1/68 Nurburgring GP #9 1968 Jacky Ickx 

Ferrari 312 F1/68 Watkins Glen GP #7 1968 Derek Bell 

Ferrari 312 B3 Winner Spain GP 1974 #12 Niki Lauda 

Ferrari 312 B3 German GP 1974 #11 Clay Regazzoni

Ferrari 312 B3 Test Monza GP Clay Regazzoni

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Tomica Honda S660

By Maz Woolley

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

Tomy continue to produce their Tomica range of toys for the far eastern market. These are pocket money toys aimed primarily at youngsters, though there are adult collectors too, and the range is constantly refreshed with models being dropped and others taking their place. They are sold in boxes of a standard style and each month there is something new to tempt their collectors. Sadly they are not marketed by Tomy here in the UK, and we have to depend on buying the models from eBay traders which makes them rather more expensive.

Here we look at the Honda S660 in the range which is an interesting car drawing on the heritage of the 1960s Honda S500-800 range. It replaced the Honda Beat and uses parts from the less sporty Honda N Box car. It is a mid engined Kei class car which has considerable tax and operational advantages. Although powered by a 660cc engine the turbocharged car produces 63hp and has a top speed of about 87mph. At one time it was hoped that Honda would export them to the UK but this has not happened.

The model by Tomy is a fairly basic casting with few separate inserted parts. The cars overall shape has been captured very well and the large windscreen and Targa style roll bar bar are well modelled. The car is modelled to 1:57 scale, although the models all vary in scale to fit the standard box, Tomy do state the scale of these models. The car is diecast in Vietnam for Japan.

The interior is pretty basic with limited moulded in dashboard details, no door card mouldings, and a fair central tunnel with handbrake and gear lever moulded in. The seats look fine too. Underneath a plastic baseplate has minimal suspension and chassis detail.

At the front the Honda badge is nicely printed and the grille is well applied but the front lights are just printed on which detracts slightly. The lower intakes are not printed black which is a shame.

At the rear the lights are again printed on and the edges are not as crisp as they could be. The black rear areas are well done and the Honda badge is well printed, though there is no rear fog light or reversing light painted on the lower black panel.

The sides have the rear air intake picked out in black and moulded in. Also moulded in are side indicators, door handles and petrol cap. The black line on the front wing of the real car is not printed on which is a shame as it would have lifted the look of the side a little. . The wheels are also a generic pattern and do not portray the real cars characteristic alloys but they do not look out of place on the toy.

An interesting car and a good, if not excellent, model. Judged as a pocket money toy I am sure the buyers in Japan will be happy with it.


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True Scale Models 1:64 scale 2019

By Maz Woolley

TSM (True Scale Models) are already well known in the UK and Europe for their 1:18 scale models, many made for manufacturers like JLR (Jaguar Land Rover) as dealer editions. But UK wholesalers are now distributing a 1:64 scale Mini GT TSM line which looks to be of high quality, and reasonably priced in the UK too, at a recommended retail price similar to the newly announced Hornby 1:76 models (made by Oxford in Hornby specific colours/liveries and boxed as Hornby).

Although here in the UK 1:64 scale has generally been left to Hot Wheels and Matchbox collectors it is a big seller in the US from Greenlight, M2, and Auto World, and in Japan and the far east there are 1:64 ranges like Tomy Vintage and Kyosho Minicar. In the last few years collectors of Oxford 1:76 scale models have grown greatly in number and I am informed that 1:76 outsells 1:43 scale models by a considerable factor. Maybe new collectors will take to 1:64 here in the UK if more high quality models arrive here at a reasonable price.

Looking at the models in the manufacturers images they appear to be very similar to Kyosho 1:64 models which are beautifully made and printed . Only three basic vehicles are currently available: Honda Civic, McLaren and Nissan GT-R. All these are made in various sporting versions with different liveries and in both RHD and LHD. So let’s look at the announced models which all seem to have excellent painting and printing along with very nice wheels.

TSM MGT00001-R Honda Civic Type R (Fk8)


TSM MGT00003-R LB Works Nissan GT-R R35 Type 1 Grey


TSM MGT00004-R LB Works Nissan GT-R R35 Type 1 Blue

TSM MGT00009-R LB Works Nissan GT-R R35 Type 1, Rear Wing Version 1 Matt


TSM MGT00010-R Honda Civic Type R (Fk8) Championship White With Modulo Kit


TSM MGT00012-R Honda Civic Type R (Fk8) Rallye Red (RHD)


TSM MGT00013-R McLaren Senna Victory Grey (RHD)


TSM MGT00015-R Honda Civic Type R (Fk8) Crystal Black (RHD)



TSM MGT00017-R Honda Civic Type R (Fk8) Aegean Blue with Modulo Kit RHD


TSM MGT00018-R McLaren Senna Mira Orange (RHD)


TSM MGT00023-L Honda Civic Type R (Fk8) Customer Racing Study (LHD) 


TSM MGT00024-L Honda Civic Type R (Fk8) Time Attack 2018 (LHD)


TSM MGT00025-L Honda NSX GT3 Presentation (LHD)


TSM MGT00026-L Honda NSX GT3 Los Angeles Auto Show 2017 (LHD)