New 1/64 Norev - without the quality issues

I did say to myself that I would not get another 1/64 Norev after the QC issues that I faced with the last batch that I bought and blogged about the last time.

I did say to myself that I would not get another 1/64 Norev after the QC issues that I faced with the last batch that I bought and blogged about the last time.

However, this little lot was far too tempting now that I have finally a set of wheels and able to drive freely into France. These four models were picked up in TRU, near Mulhouse.

I really do like the 205 GTi 1.9 which now sits with some other 1/64 on my desk at work. The last 1/64 205 that I bought was MB15 which was the Turbo 16 as part of the 1-75 range. The detail on this model is excellent with what looks like a scaled down version of my Minichamps 1/43 version. It is very good to see the GTi 1.9 make an appearance at this scale, and with the Vanguards 1/43 versions of the Style and GTi coming soon (well, if Hornby can get their arse into gear with the distribution) the marque seems to be making inroads in terms of castings being produced.

The other models were more nice to haves rather than essential purchases. They are quite splendid on terms of detail, and seem not to have suffered from any QC issue from the modern day range that I recently bought. I think that I prefer the Peugeot 404, but the others are nice models to have within a collection. I haven't seen a Mehari or Gordini 8 for a very long while in 1/43 so 1/64 will do for now.

Overall I am quite pleased these four. 205 is the favourite. And for once these 1/64 Norev efforts seem to command some respect in terms of QC. I await future releases.

Darrel Cartrip and Brent Mustangburger - CARS 2 from Pixar

Another addition to the Pixar Cars 2 collection, but I still don't get why these double packs are referred to as exclusive models - surely they would make it into the single packs at some stage?

Darrell Cartrip (Chevrolet Monte Carlo) makes a return from the original film. I like the way that his catchphrase is on the rear panel is embossed on - nicely done.

Brent Mustangburger is a mk1 Ford Mustang (for those not in the know) and a co-commentator at the World Grand Prix. Again a nice enough model (I need to find another adjective for the word nice - I can hear my old English teacher Mrs Barnes telling me off right now!), nowt special, but as ever I glad that this an addition to my Pixar collection.

Interesting to note that this twin pack was bought in France at TRU. Swiss shops are yet to have a mass shipment of these models in store apart from the local TRU's, but like most things in der Schweiz, Swiss TRU's are few and far between. The stock in Manor is non-existent.

The Olympic Stadium - in Lego

I have to say that this is is brilliant.

I was by sheer chance we popped in to the John Lewis store in Westfield Stratford and saw this awesome display.

Lego displays have always been very good - right from the 1980s and early 1990s when PS3's and XBox's were just a distant idea of some super geek. The level of detail is stunning and just goes to show what a timeless toy Lego really is and how the imagination can be fuelled.

So much better than playing FIFA13 (or whatever version has been released now.........)

Aston + Zagato = £1.23m

To me (apart from the DBS), all the Aston's just look a little bit the same - well, they are just an evolution of the DB7 of 1994.

Classics are from DB4 to DB6 I reckon - and the V8 is just 70s brute - fat, overweight, yet made to look rather sexy by 007 in the Living Daylights.

Dunno if I had the cash if I would buy this one - but no doubt an Aston with pedigree and significance. Zagato seem to add oodles to the value.....

Source: Metro, 21/05/2012

Hot Wheels Mini Cooper Challenge S

I cannot stand the BMW Mini at all.

For me, the brand has lost the identity of its original concept of affordable motoring and turned into a hybrid marketing machine preying on the stupid with a so-called lifestyle brand.

The car itself is rubbish to drive. And the variations on the theme have taken the length to be almost that of a Golf. Not really a Mini is it BMW.

However –

I do like the Hot Wheels version – even more so than the Matchbox casting. Hence why this one has been added to The Garage. It is a bit of a fun casting for me – unlike the real car, so therefore I reckon it is a good inclusion in terms of casting.

Yet again, this casting gives ample scope for a little bit more detailing - lights would be very easy to do.