Ron’s model spot

Ron Ford

Ihave been trawling the internet again for interesting models. There are many dealers that resell ‘remainders’ from part-work magazines. An amazing selection is out there, and we only see a small proportion in New Zealand. Many of the offerings are to the usual collecting scale of 1:43. Some unusual subjects have appeared too, such as East European cars; Brazilian cars; and make-and-model specific, such as the Citroën 2CV and Fiats. Many gaps have also been filled, like the first subject of this review, a GM-T Chevette.

GM-T Chevette

The model was sold as an Opel Chevette, so it has been left in left-hand-drive format but otherwise looks just like the car seen on New Zealand roads. Strangely, the base is marked ‘Vauxhall Chevette’, so maybe that version is out there?

The lines of this ubiquitous car have been well captured. The only plated parts are the slim bumpers fore and aft. The recessed headlights are clear glazed, with the surrounds painted in silver. Tail lights are moulded in their appropriate colours. Windscreen wipers are correctly moulded in black, and sit realistically on the screen. The number plates are simply labelled ‘Chevette L’, and there are minute ‘Chevette’ badges on the front and back.

Interior detail is good, and includes the ‘set’ handbrake. There is even a centrally mounted rear-view mirror, but it is totally clear! Underside detail is just a sketch, but the wheels are excellent, with ‘ holed-through’ vents.

The Chevette is painted orange/ red with a tan and black interior. It cost about $25 landed, so represents good value as well. I have just spotted a notchback version of the Chevette, so look out for that in a future issue.

1968 Chevrolet Impala SS

Greenlight is a fairly new model make on the New Zealand market, but some of the latest items available are celebrating Greenlight’s 10th anniversary. Most are to 1:64 scale, with an increasing availability of 1:43 scale, plus some larger ones. The sample I have this time is a 1:64 1968 Chevrolet Impala SS from the Muscle Car Garage series.

The body lines are good, and it features an opening bonnet with a detailed and suitably painted big engine, although the hinge does not allow it to open fully to admire the works. There is some good, fine tampo printing for the bright details. The mid-body decorative strip is well depicted, with the fine silver overlaid with a black emphasis and the whole thing only being about 0.5mm thick.

The obligatory black interior seems well detailed and can be admired through the open side window. The wheels are suitably detailed muscle-car style, but the tyres are a little too wide even for a muscle car. The Chev is painted in a metallic mid blue, and costs $13.90 from model and toy shops.

Oxford Diecast makes many of its models in several scales for each item.

Austin 7

A while ago its 1:43 Austin 7 RN saloon was reviewed here, and now the 1:76 version is also available.

The modelling has enabled a perfect smaller replica, with all the same attributes as its bigger stablemate. Only the glazed headlights and radiator surround seem to be sacrificed, with simple silver paint doing the job.

The 1:76 Austin 7 is available at most hobby shops for around $13.50.

Just spotted in the local magazine shop: a new part-work magazine, Legendary Cars —a fortnightly magazine, including a 1:43-scale model.