DIMINUTIVE DODGES

It seemed appropriate, given the Bu llitt Mustang, to feature the antagonists' Dodge Charger, though none offered so far replicate the film car. As I'm a meanie and have limited space, I'm a particular fan of Oxford Diecast Ltd's 1:87 (HO scale) American vehicles. With metal bodies and extremely fine details, they're hard to beat for both quality and price. The hard transparent jewel cases are also useful for keeping the dreaded dust at bay.

The three Chargers shown here are but representative of the selection Oxford has available in different colours and trims. Although essentially the same, there are a number of variations. The 1968 red one has lateral stripes across the trunk, minute 'Charger' emblems on the roof pillars and the rear panel.

The grille, lights, bumpers and chromed trim are all picked out accurately with silver paint, there is a matt black background accentuating the headlights and the number plates are readable, if you have a magnifier. The gold one, also 1968, is similar, but note the vinyl roof and the flat black rear panel, which highlights the rear lamps. Both have what I presume to be factory sculpted steel wheels. The black model is somewhat different, this being a 1969 Daytona Charger, as evidenced by the extended nose and hidden headlamps, the enormous rear wing spoiler and the Daytona emblems. It also has larger, presumably alloy wheels and, quite remarkably, redline tyres! All this for £6.95 each! What's not to like?