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.

Getting narked with Norev.....

I do a food run every two weeks in France - for the simple reason is that there is more choice than there is here @ CH....and it is cheaper!

As i have written before, the Geant in St Louis is the most expensive one in France, but without a actual set of wheels, I am a little limited in going exploring further afield.

The last run brought about these 4 models from the 1/64 Norev Showroom range. The Peugeot RCZ has got to be one of the best little castings of late - I absolutely love the detail and accuracy that this model represents.



The BMW X3 is also a nice little model - you could even mistake it for a Siku from afar.





HOWEVER -

There are two blights - first one is the Racing Touerag. As you will be able to see from the pictures, the model suffers from the old suspension issue, and does not sit right. It almost looks like it is broken, and the model hardly runs well. I suspect that for a child, they would not care less - it would end up with paint chips, and semi-destroyed within a short while, but for a collector, despite the well detailed tampos, the model simply cannot be displayed well. I may have just picked up a duff one, but should we be content with these quality issues at almost €3 a pop?



and then we have the Fiat 500 CC - looked like someone has just ripped out the rear end suspension!



I get really annoyed about stuff like this - the tramline suspension is a cheap and effect method of creating suspension, but I think that at this price point, Norev really need to re-think this in terms of quality. It is not really acceptable - to a child who knows little better it might be OK, but for the collector - nil points.

But again, am I making more out of this than I should be - after all, they are just toys - it is the collector who makes such items be elevated to a higher podium. So should we just accept that this is just life, and get over it?