Quality Scale Models?

[Johnvan]

What would be the best quality 1:43 and 1:18 scale GT/AL model available and what colors do they come in?

Thanks, John

[BQS4]

The best 1/43 is SCHUCO and MINICHAMPS and the best 1/18 is MINICHAMPS
As to what colors, the 1/43 has come in various colors, and some even as racing versions. The 1/18 has come out in the basic factory colors, and even a GT/J version. These can be found on the net by googling their sites, or by checking the various Ebays

[Johnvan]

Thank you for the advice. Much appreciated!

John

[opelgt722002]

If you don't mind spending over 300 Euro, the Tin Wizard modifies a 1:18 Minichamp .

(corrected to Tin Wizard from Tin Man )

[Johnvan]

What is a tin wizard model? 300 Euros is a lot for a model. What type of modification does tin wizard do to a minichamp model?

Thanks, John

[opelgt722002]

Here is a link to their models. You will need to select the scale and make of vehicle. An example would be the Opel GT Gruppe IV "Steinmetz" for 310 Euro.
http://www.tinwizard.de/index0.php?S...9ed6346f900e9f

They also make some 1:24 scale Opel GT models.

You can also get these in a do it yourself kit.

[manta73wi]

For 1/43 diecast, I think the Vitesse group (Vitesse, City, Skid) puts out the best 1/43 GT. It comes in a variety of colors (I have the GT/AL in red, white, green metallic, light blue metallic and the GT/J in yellow and rallye gold). It also comes in rally versions (some under the Skid brand) and the white & green Polizei version in the City series. Most have the headlights in the closed position, but my red GT/AL, yellow GT/J, and Polizei version have the headlights in the open position. They come in a variety of the three factory stock wheel types; the '69/'70 4 slot, the '71/'72 dot wheel, and the '73 four spoke wheel.

The 1/43 Schuco is nice, too, but I think the wheels (early 4 slot style) look like they've been pimped out and are a bit too large in diameter for scale accuracy. Also, the rear shape of the roof tapers off too quickly, resulting in back side windows that seem just a bit off. Still a nice model, I have their GT/AL in yellow, silver, and black. I've also seen gold metallic ones out there.

Back in the day of the late '60s and early '70s, both Solido and Norev produced some nice diecast 1/43 GT's. The Solido has been re-issued recently in yellow under their Verem brand. Both have opening doors, but the Solido's also had the window frame as on the real car, resulting in the side windows looking a bit small and the frames a bit thick. I would give the nod to the Norev for overall body shape of these two period diecast which have their own charm yet lack the fine scale detailing of the modern Vitesse and Schuco.

Gama also produced a 1/43 GT over a long production period, but it is more "toy-like" with its rotating lights which are noticeable by being bright unpainted metal as opposed to body color. It is usually let down by the wheels, of which I think there were 3 styles; at least the more recent two of those being more like a toy than an accurate model. Dinky of France put out a blue GT just a bit larger than 1/43 in the early '70s as well, but I don't have one so cannot comment. From pictures, it looks slightly "toy-like;" more akin to the Gama than the more accurate Norev and Solido/Verem models. The Gama is fairly common, the Solido/Verem not too hard to find, and the Norev and Dinky seem somewhat rare.

I have fond memories of finding my metallic red Norev GT in a quaint specialty model shop located in either Ottowa or Montreal on my Honeymoon back in '87. Quebec is such a beautiful place to visit - must be great living there!
-Jeff

[Johnvan]

Originally Posted by opelgt722002 Here is a link to their models. You will need to select the scale and make of vehicle. An example would be the Opel GT Gruppe IV "Steinmetz" for 310 Euro. http://www.tinwizard.de/index0.php?S...9ed6346f900e9f They also make some 1:24 scale Opel GT models. You can also get these in a do it yourself kit.

Thank you. What a great site! They even have kits and a huge selection of Opels. I bookmarked it for later.

John

[Johnvan]

Originally Posted by manta73wi For 1/43 diecast, I think the Vitesse group (Vitesse, City, Skid) puts out the best 1/43 GT. It comes in a variety of colors (I have the GT/AL in red, white, green metallic, light blue metallic and the GT/J in yellow and rallye gold). .......... place to visit - must be great living there! -Jeff

I was hoping to get a yellow Opel GT but I like the quality that the Vitesse group appears to have. I have a fairly large collection of older 1:43 scale Western, Brooklyn, and Durham diecast limited edition diecast of various makes of cars. Generally I don't collect much anymore unless it really strikes my fancy. I live in Quebec east of Montreal near the Vermont border where the mountains start and it is a beautiful area.

John

[DennisGardiner]

BTW... For those of you who collect more than Opel GT models, Norev has a new 1:18 scale..... Opel Manta A 1:18th by Norev.

[Aardvaark]

Originally Posted by DennisGardiner BTW... For those of you who collect more than Opel GT models, Norev has a new 1:18 scale..... Opel Manta A 1:18th by Norev.

Hey, thanks Dennis. Do you know if OGTS will carry these 1/18th Manta's?

[DennisGardiner]

No unfortunately not. But I have seen them available in the U.K. {England} at:

http://www.modelenium.co.uk/models/O...NOR183620.aspx

About the least expensive at 30 British, which is about $60.00 US Dollars, plus shipping from the U.K. of course.

[GTJIM]

Then there is the original Salesman Models that Buick Dealers had back in the Day - a bit bigger (1:24 ??) which occassionly show up on EBay.

[Aardvaark]

Originally Posted by DennisGardiner No unfortunately not. But I have seen them available in the U.K. {England} at: http://www.modelenium.co.uk/models/O...NOR183620.aspx About the least expensive at 30 British, which is about $60.00 US Dollars, plus shipping from the U.K. of course.

Thanks Dennis. EWA sells some of the Norev line. Guess I'll e-mail them
and find out if they will be getting some. I'd imagine the price will be north of
$60 US by the time EWA would have them. Oh well. It's only money.
If I find out anything, I'll post it.

[Aardvaark]

Noticed EAW has these NEO resin models now in red and blue. Don't know if
their market new or just new to EAW. Pricy, but for
serious collectors...

Model Cars, diecast, , books, magazines and DVDs from EWA

Model Cars, diecast, , books, magazines and DVDs from EWA

[Philip Avonds]

I bought the recently released NEO resin 1/43 Opel Aero GT in blue and it's a very well made scale model. All the typical Aero GT features are there. Truly remarkable workmanship!

I also have two of the Vitesse 1/43 models, a Sahara Gold Opel GT and a Le Mans Blue GT/J. Both are nice models as well.

[Aardvaark]

Originally Posted by DennisGardiner No unfortunately not. But I have seen them available in the U.K. {England} at: Opel Manta S Ocker 1971 (NOR183620) by Norev About the least expensive at 30 British, which is about $60.00 US Dollars, plus shipping from the U.K. of course.

Found the Ocker colored 71 and Green GTE 75 stateside for $60.00 plus
shipping on pre-order. So for $69.71 shipped UPS Ground I've got a Green
75 GTE comming when they get them in. The most I've paid for a 1:18 model,
but it is for an Opel.
Now can I resist repainting it silver?
Norev - 1:18th Scale at Go-Velo-City

[jvandyke]

I stumbled across this Vitesse on ebay and couldn't resist. Don't remember seeing these before so they must not come up often, I broke my ebay rule, which is to never bid on anything you don't know the ebay value of. I got it for $15 plus $13 shipping from China. They had a few more if anyone else wants one and if that price is good. If I would have seen one in a store for $28 I would buy it so I bought it.


This is why I have self imposed ebay rules! The shipping was in GBP not US$ making it another $13. So, that's a bit more then I would pay for model but, well, I didn't pay attention so, oops.

Note to self: read it all, especially China sellers!!

[opeletti75]

i go along with bqs4 mini champs schuco

[Aardvaark]

Thought I'd post my impressions on the Norev Ocker colored 1972 Manta
received the other day. Still waiting on the Green 1975 GT/E to arrive.

This is my first Norev model and I'm somewhat unimpressed with
the detail and built quality compared to some other 1:18 makes like ERTL, SunStar, and YatMing. It's More in the Anson League. Pluses: Paint is pretty good and fairly good detailed interior. Exterior detail only okay. Scale seems
about right. Chrome good. Minuses: Trunk detail out of whack and no spare
tire. Bottom only passable compared to better makes. Engine compartment detail so-so and is not a stand alone engine in that Norev took a short cut
and molded the engine block and some other components in one piece like
Anson sometimes does making the engine compartment more toy like then
the better detail found on most Ertl and YatMing.

Since Norev is the only maker offering 1:18 scale Manta's at the moment, I guess it's alright for $30. But unfortunatly at almost $60 delivered, it seems a bit overpriced. Maybe the green 1975 GT/E will be better, but I'm not hoilding my breath. JMO.
-Mark

[jvandyke]

Mailman stopped in the driveway today, I had to sign, for my stuff from OGTS I thought but he also handed over another box, from China, uh oh. They sent me another Vitesse GT 1:43. Oops, now what do I do? I'll send it back to them but I'm not too keen on paying $23 shipping on their oops. I paid too much the first time. Cool little models though.