CastHeads Magazine Volume 2 Issue 5

IT’S THE END OF THE YEAR AND OUR EDITORS PICK THEIR TOP 10 ACQUISITIONS FOR 2019

DUB BE GOOD

TRANSPORTERS-HAULERS-TRAILERS some sweet rides get their own rides

TOO ME We take a look at some hot VW’s on the market

FLEX ING

MAJOR MUSCLE WITH MAJORETTE Planning on giving yourself or someone a treat this season?

THE CASTHEADS

GIFT GUIDE is packed with tons of great ideas!!

JADA SWINGS IN WITH SOME COOL FIGURES

NICK MÜLLER EXPLORES THE DEEP RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TWO ICONIC BRANDS www.castheadsmagazine.com

BBR - Ferrari 375plus 1:18 Photo by Gotabaya Abeyagoonasekera

EDITORS NOTES That’s it fellow CastHeads 2019 is pretty much done and it was AWESOME! New castings, new brands, diecast events getting bigger across the globe, 2019 is just a glimpse of the vibrant future this hobby has. 2020 hasn’t even begun yet and pre-orders are flying across the world, as we figuratively go to press customs is trying hard to figure how much more money they can extract from us with the samples that have been shipped to us for review in the next issue which will be in February.

Wait…wait wait wait before you hastily try and change the channel, we will still be severely active on all social media fronts!

Don’t forget we have an entire sack of stuff that didn’t got re-routed from the North Pole to CastHeads HQ1 and watch out for the videos soon to follow and make sure you read the magazine carefully we have many starting clues and competitions in here as well. Also, check out FM, Insta, Twitter and Youtube for the hunt.

And, this is our version of a gift guide it would be a pity to celebrate the end of a great year without some gift giving!!!

SOOOOOOO! Have fun, good luck I hope you win some awesome stuff, may your hunts be successful and see you in the NEW YEAR! Thank you!

Nigel J De Zilwa @nigeljdz

We have arrived at another milestone, an entire year of sharing the love of scale models with our fellow CastHeads all across the world.

2019 has been glorious. We've been accepted by more and more CastHeads all over the globe and our little magazine has seen some tremendous growth.

We have strengthened existing relationships, built new ones and now looking towards an exciting 2020. We've welcomed more hands on deck and is in the process of refining our reach to enable CastHeads more and more access to our magazine and content.

Thank you. For the support, for trusting us with your brands, for letting us get more and more involved in your lives.

Here's to an amazing 2020!

Lance K Müller @jjsdiecastgarage

Photo by Martijn Lie-Hap-Po

In This Issue 08

DIECASTING COUCH

16

MAJORETTE MUSCLE

20

KINDER

30

1:SIXTYFOUR ROUNDUP

34

DUB BE GOOD TO ME

53

1:EIGHTEEN ROUNDUP

74

SPARE PARTS

76

1:EIGHTYSEVEN ROUNDUP

78

SCOTT NADEAU PICKS HIS...

PARTNERS

Contributing Writers: Nigel J De Zilwa Lance K Müller Live and Let Diecast Photographers Lance K Müller

84

1:FORTYTHREE ROUNDUP

86

FIGURINES

90

1:TWENTYFOUR ROUNDUP

98

HOLIDAY HAULIN'

104

NICK MULLER HAS A LOVE AFFAIR

Nigel J De Zilwa Gotabaya Abeyagoonasekera Chaim Haffner Alberto Jorge Rodriguez Martijn Lie-Hap-Po Simen Schwarz Creative Direction / Design Lance K Müller & Nigel J De Zilwa

PARTNERS WITH

DIECASTING COUCH

New Releases & Hot Picks

Otto Mobile

Toyota Celica 1600 GT TA22 1973 The Toyota Celica has now become a darling of the vintage community and has been for awhile. It has a history both on tarmac and dirt. Some rallyes were dominated by the Celica in the 1990s. But even the 1st Gen cut its teeth on rallies across the world.

Otto Mobile faithfully recreates the red, black and white liveried #9 driven by Ove Andersson and in the inaugural 1973 World Rally Championship RAC Rally for the St. Bruno team.

Limited to 2000pcs.

OT274 Scale 1:18 Status: Early 2020 Open for pre-order with retailers GT Spirit

AUDI R8 PERFORMANCE PARTS The Audi R8, fresh out of the factory is quite a lithe monster, and Audi Performance Parts enhances that to Mothra-level. With tweaks to the aerodynamics, exhaust and breaking abilities, can push this little rocket to speeds of upto 280 kmph*!

GT Spirit gives us the model in a stunning Ara Blue Crystal accentuated by matte black wheels, carbon-fibre trimmings and little bits of red that just pops.

GT254 Scale 1:18 Status: Early 2020, Open for pre-order with retailers

Solido Models

PORSCHE 930 3.2L SC The Porsche 930 3.2 SC was initially supposed to be the last in the lineage of the 911. However, owing to its success, and the disquiet of Porsche’s clientele to see such an icon disappear, the car manufacturer decided to give the 911 the means to succeed. Its Flat 6 was completely renovated new electronic injection and distribution system, and an unique alternator increased the power up to nearly 231hp.

Solido presents the model in a gorgeous bronze shade that sets it apart from others.

Scale 1:18 Status: Available

New Releases & Hot Picks

DIECASTING COUCH

Hot Wheels Basic

Volvo 850 Estate When the Hot Wheels Dream Team released the first shots of this model, collectors went ga ga over It, especially the ones in America and Europe. We see why. Based on the wagon of the iconic 850 that was deemed the "safest car in the world" This is model has a livery very close to the one that participated the BTCC in the 90s. Its a stunning new model in the Hot Wheels line.

Designed by Ryu Asda, the white car has tampos all over but alas no painted headlights or taillights. It rides on grey ST8 wheels.

Scale: 1:64 Status: Released

Amalgam Collection

JAGUAR XKSS Often referred to as the world’s first supercar, the XKSS was the road-going version of the Le Mans dominating D-Type, which was victorious in 1955, 1956 and 1957.

Jaguar withdrew from the competition at the end of the 1956 season (private teams raced in 1957) and were left with several completed and partly completed builds.

European sports cars, these were converted into a road-going specification..

One picture does not do this model any justice.

In an attempt to recoup the some of the investment, and to tap into the increasingly lucrative American market for

Please visit the website and have a look at the model which, we sure quite can be had by very few people on the planet.

Limited to 199 pieces Scale 1:8 Status: Available US$11,995.00

Back to The Future TIME MACHINE 1:32 Die Cast.

The 1:24 with light-up feature and 1:65” Nano available early 2020

© UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLC AND AMBLIN ENTERTAINMENT, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

@JADATOYS WWW.JADATOYS.COM

New Releases and Hot Picks

DIECASTING COUCH

Jada Toys

1979 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Jada Toys Big Time Muscle features some of the best examples of American Muscle hands down. Wave 157 features some of the finest models in the line up including this gloss Black and Orange painted '79 Chevy Camaro Z28. With opening doors/front and rear hoods, its gorgeous five-spoked wheels, and metallic painted engine, this model is sure to be a heartbreaker in the line up.

Scale: 1:24 Status: Coming Soon

Schuco Modelle

Aston Martin DB6 Shooting Brake Equipped with a 286 BHP and 4 litre six-cylinder engine, the Aston Martin DB6 was one of the dream sports cars par excellence from 1965 onwards. In order to be able to offer a practical convertible version of this sports car that was suitable for country and hunting trips for its demanding customers, many of whom were English, coach builders such as Harold Radford created socalled “Shooting Brakes” on the basis of the DB6.

During the breaks in hunting, you could have lunch or a picnic right next to the practical sports convertible.

Limited to 500 pcs Scale 1:43 Status: Released

Majorette

Renault Mégane RS Majorette is one of the few brands in the world that manufactures quality European cars that aren't Porsche or BMW. It 's selection of Renaults, Citerons and others are truly eye-catching . This Renault Megan RS is a great replica of the hot hatch that goes toe-to-toe with VW, Skoda and Euro Fords. The yellow metal paint job with the black wheels with an rear opening door is truly a treat for any collector of European hot hatches Scale 1:64 Status: Released

TOMICA LIMITED VINTAGE NEO Ferrari 365 GT4 BB

Other new releases coming soon to our store.

www.jlhobbymy.com | jlhobbymy@gmail.com | O FFIC I AL E X CL U S I V E DI S T R I BU T OR F OR

JLHobby

New Releases and Hot Picks

DIECASTING COUCH

Tomica Limited Vintage

Cedric Personal Deluxe V & Personal 6 The Cedric/Gloria represented the luxury segment of Nissan in the early 90s. With the models set to celebrate their 60th anniversaries in 2020, TLVN has released a pair of these classic luxurious sedans in both White/Black (LV-37b) and Navy/Silver (LV-37c) These models will surely be a great addition to any castheads collection.

Scale 1:64 Status: Coming Soon

Tomica Limited Vintage Neo

Nissan GT-R R35 50th Anniversary Born in 1969 as the venerated Skyline 2000GT-R, The muchloved and adored Nissan GT-R celebrates its 50th year of existence in 2019. TLV presents these in White/Blue (TLVN200a) and Silver/White (TLV-N200b) with a brand new mold that depicts in good measure the awaited 2020 model. The blue cars celebrates the Bayside Blue model that debuted in 1999 while the silver/white car pays homage to the Hakoska GT-R Works Racing Car.

Both cars have blue exhaust tips and "50th Anniversary" written on the back. We're sure many collectors are awaiting the release of this models. They will be able to get their hands on it in May next year.

Scale 1:64 Status: May 2020

Discover the Magic of Miniatures

Produced by: iScale GmbH • Große Elbstraße 162 • D-22767 Hamburg • Germany • www.iscale.eu Discover the Magic of Miniatures

CarLoverDiecast • www.cldc.store

Exoto 1967 Chevrolet Sunray DX Corvette L88 Stingray 1:18 Photo by Gotabaya Abeyagoonasekera

New Releases & Hot Picks

DIECASTING COUCH

TSM Models - MiniGT

Land Rover Defender 110 1989 Camel Trophy Winner The Camel Trophy is one of the World's toughest off-road competitions and was held in the most wild regions of the Amazon.

The race took its toll on both man and machine. The 17-day challenge was considered the worst in it's entire lifetime. It was conqured by a Land Rover Defender 110 driven by Bob and Joe Ives.

MiniGT has decided to give us the model which won this race almost 29 years ago. What's left to talk about? Its Mini GT. Scale 1:64 Status: Coming Soon

TSM Models

Mazda RT-24P #55 IMSA Sahlen's Six Hours of the Glen Winner Mazda Team Joest International Motor Sports Association organizes some of the world's most sought after racing calendars that rivals even the Formula1 events. Focusing on a lot of endurance races, the events can be grueling for both man and machine.

Team Joest is one of the more recent contender with a podium finish in the last two seasons. TSM Models released the #77 which competed and won the Shalen's Six Hours of the Glen race. This Mazda model is spectacular. Any racing

enthusiast should consider this model as a great addition to the collection.

Scale 1:43 Status: Coming Soon

MAJORETTE MUSCLE While some friends and family are going to be downright rude and get you that post-season gym membership and snigger as they gift you the gym membership card, we go straight to giving you the muscle, okay, so it’s from MAJORETTE we love their muscle cars and the way they flex them! It’s our muscle car round up and they have some sweet collection worthy castings.

MAJORETTE MUSCLE

FORD MUSTANG GT In our last issue we reviewed the version from the Deluxe series. It is the same casting without the fancy satin paint and rear opening boot lid. We love this casting, and we keep raving on about how this is one of the better 1/64 Mustangs out there (there are some people who walk around with rulers with a need to measure everything and would argue the scale) Plastic headlights, cool wheels with disc break impressions love love love the stance and that emblem on the front grille always gets us!

Words + Pics + Design | Nigel J De Zilwa

DODGE VIPER SRT Who doesn’t like a good Viper? Seriously. Now to give ourselves a little comparison benchmark we used a Tomica Mainline Viper GTS and the conclusion was…. it’s time to stop buying Tomica Mainlines. Majorette’s version is bigger, plastic headlights, better molding includes side mirrors, opening doors (not available on the Tomica) much better wheels and for some really strange and odd reason the Majorette has suspension the Tomica didn’t. Wasn’t that like, Tomica’s thing?

FORD MUSTANG We love this, simply because of the dark green metallic paint. If you are a keen diecast photographer you will find this car quite photogenic especially outdoors. Little details are impressive, like the front grille detail and the tiny MUSTANG across the boot lid at the back.

Opening doors mean you can have a figure getting out of the car. There is one in the 5 set Muscle set we are giving away, good luck!

Opening Parts

PAINT/COLOR

MOBILITY

Opening Parts

PAINT/COLOR

MOBILITY

Opening Parts

PAINT/COLOR

MOBILITY

DOORS

White/BLK Stripes

ROLLING WHEELS

DOORS

Red/white Stripes

ROLLING WHEELS

DOORS

Dark racing green

ROLLING WHEELS

DODGE SRT HELLCAT

CHEVROLET CAMARO

You can’t dodge the fact that majorette has done a hell of a casting with this. Like the Mustang GT Variations Majorette has done quite a few of these and all of them have merit. This purple Hellcat looks mean and loud with that inset grille, headlights, and color. The wheels are muscle car worthy being thick and chunky with Majorette blasted in bright white on the tire walls, cheeky.

Would love to see a Vette C7 by these guys.

We got to have a Camero! Or its not a muscle list. This is nice but we can’t help thinking the front grille should be in black instead of the body color and because of the color of the car you can’t see the rear lights. It does have an interesting wheel design with silver tyre walls so at a glance the wheels look metallic. Decent casting with opening doors...just feels like something is missing.

FORD GT 40 2016 This appears in Majorettes version of Mainlines, no opening parts but we still have the plastic lights in the front and the side mirrors molded on to the body. The undercarriage is plastic molded with fairly pronounced rear diffusers at the back. This would actually make a very good piece for a custom job.

Opening Parts

PAINT/COLOR

MOBILITY

Opening Parts

PAINT/COLOR

MOBILITY

Opening Parts

PAINT/COLOR

MOBILITY

DOORS

Metallic purple

ROLLING WHEELS

DOORS

Metallic wine red

ROLLING WHEELS

none

Fire engine red

ROLLING WHEELS

Words + Pics + Design | Nigel J De Zilwa

FORD MUSTANG GT Let’s make our Mustang hotter! Said the peeps over at Majorette. The body was resprayed in satin deep red with an added flames component. HOT AF! Chromed out wheels and opening doors this is the loudest in class by way of looks and wait….there is more….rubber wheels to boot! This is a nice hotrodder makeover, another ‘like’ in our mag!

FORD MUSTANG GT Woot Woot its da sound of da Police! The Mustang GT is back with cop lights and police dress and it looks equally good in uniform. Those who love rolling wheels will be happy to note that these rubber wheels will squeal across your desk in drift stops and handbrake turns. And when things go down, you can pop the trunk and grab those hand cannons to lay down the law! Enforcement car collectors are going to want this!

MAJORETTE MUSCLE

DODGE SRT DEMON This one is a simple fella especially when put up against the Deluxe Car version we checked out in the last issue with that sick paint job. This is more understated and classier. Matt black mixed with gloss red and a perfect demon insignia on either side of both front fenders. Another hit with a Dodge!

Opening Parts

PAINT/COLOR

MOBILITY

Opening Parts

PAINT/COLOR

MOBILITY

Opening Parts

PAINT/COLOR

MOBILITY

DOORS

Satin red/flames

ROLLING WHEELS

DOORS/trunk

Police marked

ROLLING WHEELS

DOORS

RED/MATTE BLK STRIPE

ROLLING WHEELS

CHEVROLET CAMARO This is part of the special edition set where the cars are in their unpainted stage which look quite nice on this Camero. We also like the green wheels and hope to more of those on other castings. The bumpers on this are painted black which gives a cool effect from the side view in a display case.

WIN WIN WIN !!!

WE ARE GIVING AWAY YOUR OWN STARTER PACK OF MAJORETTE MUSCLE. NO GYM REQURIED! As part of our Season Giveaway we have go this very nice 5 pack of Muscle cars featuring both Mustangs we love, a Viper, Dodge Demon and a very Special Camero unpainted but with those Silver wall tyres.

Opening Parts

PAINT/COLOR

MOBILITY

DOORS

Metallic wine red

ROLLING WHEELS

Watch out for the hashtag #MAJORETTEMUSCLE appearing on any of our social media to follow the clues!

CASTHEADS KIDS

KINDER

Words + Pics + Design | Nigel J De Zilwa

CASTHEADS KIDS

In the wake of the remix and remake generation very few things deserve to be brought back to life... except toys they all deserve to be brought back at some point in their period every toy would have been enjoyed by a kid or an adult.

And, to be honest a lot of toys have shaped our memories and shaped us as people so its always nice to be able to hold onto something you grew up with many years later as you hand it down to the next generation hoping it will be the same for them. Lifelong friendships forged with the toys we play with.

This is probably the best place to start talking about how my new discovery of Schuco has sparked my renewed interest in toys in general.

Recently we received some fantastic samples a lot of them in this issue and from 1/87 to 1/18 I’m shocked at the maintenance of style and finish. Which makes them great gifts.

This would make a perfect gift to any 1 year old especially if you want them to have a great appreciation for cars and toy cars.

What gets me about this toy is the perfect construction. It looks like something out of an Enid Blyton book yet perfectly practical and well made. In fact it’s been a long time since I’ve seen a child’s toy with this sort of build quality.

You may argue that, its simplicity is the reason for such immaculate build but I would say if a brand outs this much of thought into something as simple as this can you imagine what they have for the serious collector. Something we will get to prove further on in this guide.

The design is from a Series called Studio Racers and there are 4 different color variations the one we got to review is ENZO RED. The design is a remix from the toy they used to produce in 1936 and now want to bring it back as premium toys for kids. Hard resin plastic body as two parts fitted together encasing the wheel axis’ and good old rubber tyres that feel like they would take a good chewing. As a dad I love this and can’t wait for my youngest to get to the age requirement needed to play with this.

CASTHEADS KIDS

No toy collection is complete without a monster truck and quite rightly Majorette have their own line.

We took these ‘ROCKERZ’ to the beach and got loads of odd looks from people both young and old. But we got some great shots and these trucks are a great distraction for the kids away from your collection.

First, we handed a few samples to our testing team one a professional 2-year-old and the other a professional 5 year old. They immediately started having fun with their new samples.

Big squishy rubber wheels and independent suspension that conquered most terrain, some with detachable parts (not suitable for 2 year old) some with opening parts like the engine cover, bright colors, the kids loved them. 3 Months later the trucks are still in one piece and still roll along pretty well so kudos for sturdy construction!

Words + Pics + Design | Nigel J De Zilwa

CASTHEADS KIDS

Z R E K N C O O R LET LOOSE CH A E B E TH

CASTHEADS KIDS

With Bob Segar blasting through the speakers, the surfer hippies hit the beach in their Samba convoy and detachable surf boards. These trucks get gnarly on the sand as they cruise over the dunes spreading good vibes.

Words + Pics + Design | Nigel J De Zilwa

CASTHEADS KIDS

There’s a new Sheriff in town! Mitch looks over the sand from his Police FORD Raptor, finger on the trigger ready at a moment’s notice to glide over the sand and lay down the law!

CASTHEADS KIDS

Marine Biologist Marie Whal gets ready to climb into her FJ Cruiser and head home. Another productive day at the beach, measuring sea temperatures, climate change is real.

Words + Pics + Design | Nigel J De Zilwa

CASTHEADS KIDS

Disappointed in not having any reason to discharge his firearm Sheriff Mitch heads home hoping the next day will hold a little more action.

1:SIXTYFOUR ROUNDUP

1:SIXTYFOUR ROUNDUP

Words + Pics + Design | Nigel J De Zilwa

1:SIXTYFOUR ROUNDUP

It has been another insane year for hobby collectors especially in the One64 fanbase. New brands, old brands, more detail less detail, 1 64’s are coming out of the woodwork. Secondary jobs have turned full time, fixed deposits are being broken, homes mortgaged, and soon diecast collecting will become government controlled to prevent people from going completely under. Here’s our end of year-round up.

MiniGT SCALE 1:64

Hot Wheels Scale 1:64

BENTLEY PORSCHE CONTINENTAL 911 GT3 RS GT 2018 MiniGt is throwing some serious shade on everyone else with some stunning line ups in Pre order mode. I mean, did anyone see those new land rovers?!?!?! We can expect the next year to be super packed with delicious stuff like the Bentley Continental with insane detail. The wheels especially look awesome and not many One64 brands are doing Bentley’s as nice as this.

If its purple, we love it by default. Hot Wheels dropped this purple GT3 RS in our laps and we are smitten by that gorgeous speckled paint. The kicker is the fact that this has a Super Treasure Hunt brother in super dope shoes. Not that the wheels on the mainline version are terrible. The big question is, are we addicted to collecting Hot Wheels variations?

Yes, I’ll have two please.

Tarmac Works Scale 1:64

BMW M6 GT3

With Tarmac Works tying the knot with BMWMotorsport Hong Kong we are pretty sure the onslaught of BMW’s is yet to come and we wait with eager hands and empty pockets. This Taiwan exclusive Autobacs M6 in Orange and Grey Livery is smooth as ever. Looks like Orange is the new Black…(not really but felt cool to say)

Kyosho Scale 1:64

FERRARI F40 COMPETIZIONE Whisper the name Kyosho and you will send a sushi fueled quiver of excitement down the back of any collector. Kyosho pretty much rocks it at any scale they always make good value cars as in the value goes up. Perfect gift worthy Ferrari F40 Competizione is a great attention to detail that comes sitting on a black base, great wheels and great stance and of course detailed molding.

1:SIXTYFOUR ROUNDUP

Majorette Scale 1:64

PORSCHE 911 TURBO RS

This made editors pick because it is just such a great casting and the paint work of the Vaillant-Kremer Livery is brilliant. The gold Fuchs styled wheels are super loud and there is something really alluring about the car. It’s like Majorette has put you under a spell.

They’ve also given us rubber wheels and opening doors as well so it’s got the options. But that paint job is super photogenic!

Words + Pics + Design | Nigel J De Zilwa

Tomica Scale 1:64

DATSUN 240Z

Understated star alert! This car came out in the midst of a whole bunch of other big release dates and didn’t get the hype it deserved but for the collectors who picked this up they are happy campers. A Tomica Premium with good detail, fold up engine hood cover and great paint work will sit pretty in any collection. Even, the rear lights on this are plastic and not painted on.

Ignition Models Scale 1:64

MAZDA RX7

Take a Wankel driven RX-7 Effini, dress it up in some Rocket Bunny styling and voila street hot, much wanted, tuner. 2019 saw a surge of tuner cars come up from RWB’s, LibertyWalks, PRIOR Design and so much more. These little nuggets are Ignition Models entry level stuff and are highly sought after for their detail and display quality. Also, because they are limited editions they go up in price as well so not a bad investment.

1:SIXTYFOUR ROUNDUP

Ignition Models Scale 1:64

AUDI A6 BLKTGR

A collaboration between TarmacWorks and DPLS Fashion Brand came the BLKTGR Series.

Three Audi A6’s with variations of this tiger striped scene. The paintwork on this is pretty cool and the detail of the Audi is pretty good from wheel to wheel such a striking car that diorama photographers will have great racing fun shots with a car as contrasted as this.

Kyosho Scale 1:64

FERRARI 512TR If the receiver of this gift is a Ferrari boffin then this is perfect. Historically its one of Ferrari's finest moments (which is rare is their F1 endeavors these days), it’s a better version of the Testarossa and had a top speed of 318 Kmph in the 1990’s, the only thing faster than that was SNOW’s rap lyrics in the track 'Informer'. This dark blue Kyosho will sit on the desk or on a close proximity shelf of your ‘Giftee’ forever. FOREVER!

DUB BE GOODTO ME

Schuco Scale 1:18

VOLKSWAGEN T1 SAMBA I am suffering from what is known as ‘der Schuco Schock’ (it’s a CastHeads proprietary term #SchucoSchock). I’m a man and therefore I have found myself peeking into the cleavage of a BBR made FERRARI or looked under a CMC made Bugatti or stared for hours at and then clean my ‘History’ of Amalgam close up pictures. Then Schuco, bless their kind souls, send us this! #SchucoSchock

Out of the box this Schuco model is as perfect as buying the actual van

are highly polished and shine like crazy diamonds. The other thing is its going

brand new from the factory straight off the assembly line. Perfect paint, no imperfections anywhere, the black is nice and deep and was obviously a nightmare to photograph matched well with that 70’s cream shade that was popular and a perfect red pinstripe delicately pulls both colors together and, it lines up seamlessly around the whole body. White wall tires no overspray anywhere, red wheel hub again perfectly painted no overspray and capped with laser etched (or what’s looks like laser etching) VW chrome hubcaps polished with the tears of a mermaid. In fact, let’s just say all the chrome bits

to be freaking impossible to list out every single perfect detail without making this a billion word article that would consume the entire magazine like a black Hole... (takes breath)… because this is one of the most detailed 1/18 scale models I have had the pleasure of sitting on my desk for review.

On some of the brilliant things I would like to highlight, there are two I would like to SUPER HIGHLIGHT. 1. The Hinges on everything – they are proper scale sized hinges, not the large single elbow hinge but actual working mini sized

hinges. 2. Inside the drivers cab on the steering rack IN THE IGNITION switch

Next step was to take a peek inside and see if all this exterior detail

there sits a tiny key, with the tiny spare dangling on a tiny key ring making me shed a tiny tear of happiness. This is detail.

transcribed into the interior and once again Schuco brings it in spades.

Chromed dials on the dashboard, detailed steering wheel, column, levers ‘it’s all there’ I exclaim in wonder!

Collectors and fans of opening parts, this does not disappoint. In fact I’m shocked the petrol tank flap won’t open(I try once last time using the supplied opening tool that comes with the model to no avail) The drivers cabin doors open and quite wide as well, the side double doors open, the rear door and the engine bay door open and the sun roof opens. Yep it has a sun roof.

By now the usual ‘if we could shrink ourselves’ banter begins in the office but if you could shrink yourself and get inside this VW bus you would find folding seats, all the door handles in place, textured to look like rubber floor mats, even the frames of the seats at the back are a perfect replication.

‘only’ annoying feature and it’s annoying because it’s a delicate I opened the engine bay and died in The operation that needs a deft hand and not my bumbling paws is the detail, there was just so much heaven. sunroof. It’s old school sunroof which has bars across the leather and they sit on a track allowing the owner pull the leather back and forth.

It’s a perfectly recreated engine from But its not a very smooth operation and the bars jump off which help any fat fingered Freddies. And if you have OCD any block, to distributor cap, to timing doesn’t crease will stress you out be warned. belt, to IT’S ALL THERE! I have got to go out and get a magnifying glass to Collecting VW Buses in itself see how much level of detail we are is a huge hobby and the little talking about here and I’m pretty sure Cult Classics command a lot of its going to be nuts. attention and value. If you are a specialized VW Bus collector this is the king to your collection, this will be the 1/18 VW Bus to end all others. And, Schuco has many different variations as well, however this is the James Earl Jones of the selection.

Schuco Scale 1:87

VOLKSWAGEN T1 SAMBA So, 1/18 may not be a great choice considering the lack of shelf space or even storage space for that matter at home. And sometimes the maintenance can be as punitive as the real thing. Hold up, Schuco has something for all collectors and if you are looking for something more scaled down how about this tiny 1/87 version?

Love the chrome hubcaps that’s attention to detail at 1/87, plastic

entire day searching for a VW Van for sale and then he mysteriously runs short of money.

headlights (not painted on) and two, not one, minuscule surf boards that look like tempered chocolate pieces This is the perfect secret santa gift to that one person in office who doesn’t do any work but spends the

Majorette Scale 1:64

VOLKSWAGEN T1 SAMBA New York street food vibe meets a classic and really who doesn’t like a burger van, I would chase that all day. My love for burgers is similar to my love of anything automotive so when the two come together it makes me happy and the side of this van says Premium Quality so that’s what I’m expecting to get!

Matt black with white outline restaurant graphics all over this is a pretty cool Samba Van. The backdoor opens, it has shiny rims, plastic headlights and rubber wheels so not sure about the burger yet but as far as models go this a pretty good one. The indicator lights and front logo are reverse embossed which looks great in photographs and trying to bring that realism into the shot.

Schuco Scale 1:64

VOLKSWAGEN T1 SAMBA Continuing to deliver in terms of precision quality and detail Schuco does the Samba Van in 1/64 scale as well and it’s as ornamental as the 1/87 or the 1/18. Two-tone, in a dark pastel red and off white cream sets the mood nostalgic with the color palette straight out of the seventies With a metal body and metal base you are guaranteed this is going to be another heavy casting, it is. Rubber tires, cream painted hub and chrome hubcaps are always cool in fact Schuco really have the floor with their chromed hub caps. Interior also looks a little detailed but it’s the size if the windows that hamper a proper look. The best VW bus I had seen up until now was by Tomica…now Schuco rocks my world

These two are more variations in Majorettes VW Bus line. Like the black burger bus the red and white van has rubber wheels over the beach bomb but the Beach Bomb has a surf board on the hood (girl figurine not included) Both have the same accentuated qualities of raised logos’ and lights and both Majorette Scale 1:64

VOLKSWAGEN T1 SAMBA

Majorette Scale 1:18

VOLKSWAGEN T1 SAMBA are charming models that are sure you would enjoy owning.

The blue one is great to take to these setup shots on the beach somewhere with little 1/64 beach accessories. I would also like to see some really good custom work done on one of the VDubs

These are both exactly the same except for the overall finish. One’s painted the other isn’t. For me though I would have the wheels the other way around would be cooler a little color combination pizazz. The unpainted metal body version is part of a special edition series and the white is a mainline car however both have plastic lights, well detailed front grille with a tiny red pinstripe going across it.

Majorette Scale 1:64

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI

Majorette Scale 1:64

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI

Opening parts is limited to just the rear door in case you have a really tiny golf or tennis set to carry about.

Majorette Scale 1:64

VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE A5 CABRIOLET Beep beep, headed to the beach it’s the beginning of the end for the VW Beetle at least with this model. But in our scale world is it the end?

Yes it is. Although Majorette does a nice casting with the usual trimmings and the inclusion of a modestly dressed female model who loves convertibles this is probably going to be a peg warmer…..unless….. you buy them up and gift them to your children, related children etc. When they come over this season and they start to attack your collection like toy starved animals, you can throw a few of these in for distraction and save your more precious collection. There you go a solid CastHeads gift guide idea.

Send us video of how well it goes.

Majorette Scale 1:64

VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE A5 GSR Here we go another one to throw into that mix let them Christmas kids fight it out as to which is the better color and why does some cars have a roof and others don’t and does that it make it less valuable?

Not knowing that convertibles in the real world are MORE valuable on the secondhand market because they are cooler. When they start to ask what GSR means just walk away…

Then from afar watch how tension re-emerges when the packs are finally broken open and the Great Speed Racer (what you told the kids as you walked away) is discovered to have opening doors!!! Oh Majorette the wicked web you weave. But you did give it a good try, its just that, that design is more like a door stopper, not a show stopper.

Schuco Scale 1:43

VOLKSWAGEN KÄFER

If you are looking to impress someone or even someone who is connected very closely to the person you love and you know for sure that they really like the Volkswagen Beetle then you give them this pure touch of class from Schuco this season and you will score so many brownie points you’ll have a few extra leftover for 2020 as well.

We have already established, mentioned the fact that we’ve established, and now repeating it for what its worth the fact that Schuco doesn’t mess around when it comes to absolute quality and detail. Interior details are spot on and the quality is very similar to another European brand that caters to our diecast DNA… wink wink…. Having lubricated your eyeball please direct it towards these pictures that have been taken to celebrate the realism of this model which is a sight to see at 1/43 scale. Even the lens covers on the headlamps are articulated with the same styling as lights from that era.

Another reason we are falling in love like Alicia Keys with Schuco so much is their attention to detail extends right out to their packaging.

Everything is simple clear and stylish usually in contrasting black or white. In this case it actually also comes with an acrylic case mounted on a base. Just purchase have it wrapped and sent.

The details in the most delicate places is quite breathtaking like the simple luggage rack on the top and the luggage that goes with it. Seriously, when you gift this to someone tell them to look closely at all these things show them you did a lot of research by reading the magazine to buy them this thoughtful gift they can keep anywhere to remember you by.

DIECASTING COUCH G & S M i n i atu res P res ents

A rt isa n Sc ale d S c u lptu re s New Releases & Hot Picks

Decorate your space with a custom hand-crafted 1:64 diorama. Each one is unique, and you can even select your own model to be crafted.

Abandoned Porsche 917 in Farm Shed

G&S Miniatures Call/Whatsapp +94 77 226 5268 or email gnsminiatures@gmail.com

gnsminiatures

Majorette Scale 1:64

VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE Bringing our little VW feature to a close we look at three VW Beetles from Majorette’s line and we guarantee you will love all three. In fact these are some of the nicer 1/64 scale versions we’ve seen and because of their cool little details they make really great customs.

All three of these cars have those really cool textured front lights that give these versions that authentic look especially in an outdoor close up shot. The headlights are also highlighted by a thin ring of silver that makes it look like the actual chrome frame. Opening parts sadly are slim with just an opening bonnet but on the flip side you could do a nice VW Beetle garage diorama for yourself or these could be part of a garage diorama gift set.

The white number 64 model comes in an off white meant to look dirty with mud splatter at the bottom. The only problem is, they didn’t put the splatter on the fenders which would have looked really wicked and more authentic…unless… custom mud splatter paint is a new thing.

The flower power flavor turns up on this purple number with white wheels. This is begging for a custom job. Speckle purple paint and after market chrome+black rims and we are talking serious VW custom!

This green one again not too sure about the color but those wheels are seriously cool on all the models they use these on.

Here it looks like those balloon tires that were literally ‘big’ in the 80’s. More tire distribution meant one could bug out on the beach. This again is begging for a nice dark green, sky blue or deep gold paint job that’s it.

There are a lot of great VW’s out there and these are just a few we thought would make great presents to love you care about or yourself. The other thing is most people love VW’s and there aren’t too many variations to love so its quite a safe bet in the model car world.

Words + Pics + Design | Nigel J De Zilwa

1:EIGHTEEN ROUNDUP

1:EIGHTEEN ROUNDUP

THIS IS ONE OF THOSE CARS I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO OWN IN REAL LIFE...

GET REAL... NEXT BEST THING, ADD THIS TO THE CHRISTMAS LIST Solido Scale 1:18

CATERHAM SEVEN

We think it would be safe to assume, that this would be in mostly everybody’s Top 100 Fantasy Garage which is why it would make a great Christmas present. It’s a nobrainer buy. And this one from Solido is particularly good if you are looking for decent detail at decent budget. They have two variations in color and the one sent to us is the famous blue with orange racing stripes and an orange 7 on the front grille.

The drivers’ cabin is covered in a roll cage made from hard plastic. The front wheels have nice looking carbon fiber wheel arches, the engine cover locks are painted in red, seat belts on the seats and even though its 1/18 scale in real life it is a really small car so, down to this scale it fits snuggly on a shelf.

The nippy little chap in real life has a top speed of 196Km/ and can go from 0 – 100 in 5 secs a powerful engine coupled with a lightweight body and superior engineering the Caterham 7 has a history of its own racing moments.

Dashboard details on the model are easy to see because the cabin is completely open. The dials, the tachometers, pressure gauge and the steering wheel turns the wheels. We really like this model and we are sure this would make a fine piece in any collection.

The good news is, there are a few of these still available for purchase with prices ranging from 35 – 45 Euros++. The bad news is, there are even fewer blue and orange models. Most of them are the green version. Which isn’t too bad unless you had your heart set on the blue and orange version.

IF TUNER CARS CORVETTE C7 ARE YOUR JAM PRIOR DESIGN THIS ONE IS THE PBJ! IT’S JUST DAUNTING IN EVERY WAY & WE LOVE IT GT Spirit Scale 1:18

Tuning outfit PRIOR DESIGN has got me all hot and bothered under the collar. I’m a tuner fan no doubt about it I see no harm in wanting to get more out of a car in every way possible… just keep it classy.

And that’s, what PRIOR design is doing to keep me salivating for more by GT Spirit. This Corvette is just an immaculate piece that makes you wish every single day you had a chance just a sliver of a chance to slide into that American Leather plushness and feel the vibration of that V8 thunder between your thighs.

This model oozes severe hotness like molten lava and will have you day dreaming about being Jason Bourne and driving this car.

It looks mean from the front with the PRIOR DESIGN PDR700 Wide Body Aerodynamic kit, it looks mean from the side and it looks especially mean from behind. And even though it’s sealed resin I’m always amazed at how heavy these resin models can get. Detail on those sexy rims with the yellow caliper and large disc in the back is sweet, heavy detail in the lights it’s all so beautiful on the outside as well as the inside. The molded dash panel, the intricate steering wheel with all the remote functions and features even the display is in color to make it look lit up.

Perfect replication of the real thing leaves you looking wantonly inside wishing you could just steal one moment with this car… no you can’t now just buy it from GT Spirit.

BORN TO RACE WITH THE ICONIC JÄGERMEISTER LIVERY THIS PERFECTLY BALANCED E30 M3 BECAME KING OF THE TRACK DURING THE LATE EIGHTIES AND EARLY NINETIES AT DTM RACES.

Solido Scale 1:18

BMW M3 DTM JAGERMEISTER If you are thinking about getting your motorsports enthusiast friend a pair of socks for Christmas you can expect to get back a lump of coal or something even worse. The important thing about giving people presents is that it should reflect your knowledge of the gift-ee. So, instead of socks, let us try the BMW E30 M3 winner of the DTM Series in both the late 80’s and early 90’s, 1/18 scale by Solido.

SOLIDO HAS MADE IT LOOK EFFORTLESS TO GET THE BEST COPY OF AN ALREADY PERFECTLY GOOD LOOKING CAR

When it comes to interior detailing SOLIDO usually does a solid job but in some it gets a bit better, Like in this model which has a fairly extensive and detailed instrument panel, tachometers, roll cage, four point racing harness on the single drivers chair, the BBS rims, IT’S PERFECT! You can also mention to the gift-ee that this car was driven by A.Hahne a German Touring Car racer who’s highest point of his career was winning Spa 24 Hours in 82 and 83. Of course he did it in a BMW and raced with the E30 for many more races subsequently. He may have worn socks.

ENTER THE TOYOTA SW20 DRAGON! ONE OF TRD 2000GT JAPAN’S MOST ENIGMATIC JDM RACERS Otto Mobile Scale 1:18

Here’s getting a little creative in selecting your JDM gift. While everyone is going to be rushing to give each other Honda Civics, Nissan Skylines, Toyota Supras etc. You can show your Tokyo Drift knowledge by dropping your friend or loved one a different JDM legend of equal importance in the history of Toyotas.

THE MR2 IS AN UNDENIABLE LEGEND AMONGST THE TOYOTA COMMUNITY AND HAS A SMALL FAITHFUL CULT FOLLOWING OF IT’S OWN.

How do you know this is right for your friend? Do they own a Toyota made anywhere in the 90’s? Do they swear by that era of cars saying it truly was the most reliable time for cars? Do they have trouble letting go of their 90’s Toyota and do they switch for another 90’s Toyota? If Yes is the answer to all of the above then this beautiful highly detailed white TRD2000GT is the one.

They will love the sight of the TRD Seats inside and the red TRD highight on the steering wheel, they will chant your name and insist on taking you for a ride in their Toyota.

Our favorite bit are those gorgeous alloy wheels with the deep dish at the rear.

LOOKING FOR AUDI R8 SOMETHING TO LMS ADD TO YOUR BIG SPOILER SECTION? Tarmac Works Scale 1:18

Winner of the 2016 Audi LMS Cup in Sepang was entered by the Audi HK team, driven by Edoardo Mortara and sponsored by the fashion label Aape By A*Bathing Ape. A*Bathing Ape and Tarmac Works worked together on a number of projects and for a while were aligned for many racing endeavors. This Audi R8 is also a part of a limitededition series where only 500 pieces of tribute was made.

THIS CAR IS ALL BUSINESS, RACING BUSINESS YOU CAN’T LOOK AT IT AND THINK OTHERWISE.

Super low stance wide racing body, tall spoiler for powerful downforce and then let’s not forget that howling engine in the back. Another great piece of news, this is currently on sale at the TarmacWorks website. So, you can pick one of these sizable R8’s up at a really good price. The model is well detailed with realistic lights, great wheels and disk brakes with visible calipers, then there are the tiny things like the little red tow hooks at the front and the back or the carbon fiber finish on the spoiler.

GT Spirit Scale 1:18

PORSCHE 993 TURBO CABRIOLET

THIS RIGHT HERE IS ONE OF PORSCHES RAREST CARS EVER MADE Seeing only 14 numbers and one incredibly special RHD version made for the Prince of Brunei. This GT Sprit model is pretty serious stuff. From an insane paint finish with this fantastic blue on the exterior to the fabric coated interior, red disk brake calipers and the really really shiny alloy wheels that will blind you if you look at them directly

As Porsche fans ourselves here at the office there is a lot of huffing and puffing going on around the model even the singular fiber that has floated in from somewhere gets promptly wiped off using a premium anti-static dust cloth. This is the downside about owning convertibles in Asian countries, dust. You would score an insane amount of brownie points if you included a 1/18 scale acrylic dust cover as well. And, it would help with keeping that detailed interior pristine.

This is an ideal gift for your Porsche fanatic friend.

Seatbelt clips, suede rear interior, perfectly replicated dashboard center console and instrument panel. Loving the detail and this model in every way.

Definitely a nightmare to keep clean in a dusty environment. Best to treat this one with care due to that interior.

PORSCHE 911 RSR BRUMOS

Solido Scale 1:18

IN THE 1970’S A US BASED RACE TEAM CALLED BRUMOS RACING WAS BORN AND SPONSORED

by a local Porsche dealership in Florida called Brumos which had a partnership with Porsche since the late 1950’s. This team along with Porsche’s thunderous 911 power went on to take some crucial race wins the most notable winning the 24Hr Daytona 4 times.

This model by Solido captures one of those winning Porsches in 1/18 scale pretty well so well in fact we gave it the ‘Editor’s Choice’ Badge.

Model cars with background stories are always nice to get as gifts because there’s the added fun of learning more about the car.

Unfortunately, the team closed its doors to the racing world in 2013 leaving its legacy in the hands of enthusiasts and collectors. Its up to us to keep the stories along with the memories alive and you can help by gifting this to someone close and deserving. Porsche has such

a colored and vibrant racing history these little nuggets expand the Porsche universe for collectors.

Opening doors give you a good view of the interior and the detail of the

cluster. Details like bonnet straps have been included into the mold and then painted to look like straps. And the distinctive Porsche look with those bug eye headlights

THE ACTUAL CAR... LAST SEEN... IN THE HANDS OF JERRY SEINFELD!

The last known owner of the actual 1:1 scale car happens to be a massive insane Porsche aficionado and famous well paid comedian named Jerry Seinfeld. He even made the news with this car when he was captured quite rightly telling an old lady off for backing up her BMW to close to his insanely priced RSR. PIC CREDIT www.dailymail.co.uk

Solido Scale 1:18

PORSCHE 911 RSR KREMER

Solido seems to have a never-ending stash of racing Porsches with so much history And we love it. With every page we turn there is new piece of history to learn about the cars we love so much. Kremer Racing unlike Brumos is still in existence to date and are still taking Porsches and turning them or should we tuning them into race beasts not just for themselves but for other race teams as well creating a never ending stream of Kremer winners over the last few decades. Kremer are serious tuners, not that new workshop that setup around the corner with bright lights, loud music and a whole bunch of Honda CIVICS parked outside, not that sort of tuners. Kremer Racing won Le Mans 1979 in the category they raced, they tune to go very fast and win against the best.

This particular Porsche won the European GT Championship in 1973 and became the Porsche Poster boy soon after, helping 911 sales across Europe because it was not just a viable sports car with a great price but a versatile one as well. Kremer’s reputation was also growing strong culminating into a Le Mans win at the end of the decade.

Open the doors and check out the bucket seats of the 70’s complete with the four point racing harness.

Nicely molded dashboard with all the

meters and gauges you can even make out the lever for the air vents above the gear lever.

Who doesn’t love those 70’s fat racing wheel instead of those low profiles all the time. Lots of rubber wrapped around those Orange Fuchs rims.

Look a tiny extinguisher for when things get really hot.

YOU CAN GET YOUR CARRERA IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES. IN 1/87 SCALE WE LOVE SCHUCO. (Other cars for scale perspective)

Schuco Scale 1:87

PORSCHE 911 CARRERA

Tomica Scale 1:64

PORSCHE 911 CARRERA So maybe a 1/18 may not be in your budget or there has been a promise not to exceed a certain price or size of present. We got you, how about this teeny tiny touch of 1/87 class. A Porsche so small you could accidentally swallow it. But, it has plastic headlights, the Porsche logo painted at the back under the ducktail spoiler, the Porsche Emblem on the bonnet, Fuchs designed alloy wheels with a silver rim, its even got a roll cage inside.

Dealer Edition Scale 1:43

PORSCHE 911 CARRERA

It also comes packaged in a nice acrylic box and black base for display purposes as well, so your gift-ee will actually be able to put a car now on his/her crowded desk at work without taking up too much space. This is such a stunning little piece and it’s a good thing we have a giveaway 1/87 from Schuco because you can get the chance to experience one of their models for yourself.

SPARE PARTS

Words + Pics + Design | Nigel J De Zilwa

SPARE PARTS

K R O W R U O Y TURN A O T N I E C A SP H T I W E C A L P FUN S M O T S U C M A DRE

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SPARE PARTS

Dream Customs 350X250mm

SINGAPORE CAR PARK EXIT

The main center spread of our Dream Customs article feature three of the mouse pads sent to us and can be put together to create a huge road space for cars. The biggest mat being a whopping 900x400mm (90x40cm) pad that spans across 85% of our desk in office. Even gamers are going to like this mouse pad. Just sheer size. All the mats are 4mm thick with really good anti slip rubber underneath and a perfectly smooth surface brings a new dimension of comfort when using the pad.

The Car Park exit pictured above is a smaller mat that can be joined by another two to be bigger but as a smaller mat it is easily more user friendly. This mat features a two car parking space, an entry and exit point and drive through area.

Dream Customs 350X250mm

SINGAPORE CAR PARK More parking area and also connectable to the bigger diorama pad this makes a great extension for your desktop city complete with traffic jams and super cars. Suddenly work isn’t being done anymore and you are solving a ‘right of way’ dispute at the junction.

SPARE PARTS Dream Customs has also branched out into creating accessories such as stylish key tags for the hardcore Casthead who eats, sleeps, dreams diecast passion.

Or would you like a little enclosed diorama for your personal favorite cars complete with several sided backdrops and floor space designs for your cars.

Dream Customs 350X250mm

TAIWAN LUOYUNG CAR PARK This one we like the most which is why it has earned itself the Editors Pick pin. We love the cracked oil stained asphalt with burnt rubber tracks and faded car park slots and think this one is the big seller. It’s the perfect backdrop for night race meets and tuner exhibitions. These will make great gifts for your hardcore 1/64 collector friends.

WIN THIS!!

CASTHEADS GIVEAWAY! Woah super awesome news! You can win yourself a 350x250mm mat of your own with some Majorette cars to fill it up courtesy of CastHeads Seasonal Giveaways. All you have to do is be the first to correctly identify all the cars we have used in our Dream Customs shoot along with the brand names and the first 5 correct players will go into a live draw.

1:EIGHTYSEVEN ROUNDUP

Now here’s a few little knick knacks that could give your bon-bons a castheads Christmas treatment or fill some stockings (old saggy socks in some countries). These 1/87 scale cars make great gifts especially to that one other mad collector in office you drew in the secret Santa pile.

Schuco Scale 1:87

MERCEDES AMGGT In the wild, creatures that display bright colors are usually displaying warning signals to would be predators saying ‘YO, don’t mess with this right here, I am Ven….om…ous” it’s the same in car collecting. We are just #schucoshocked at the beautiful bright gold Mercedes, with stunning details for its size. Plastic headlights, branded grille, side mirrors, exhaust tips..so much to see you’ll need a magnifying glass to help you out.

Schuco Scale 1:87

High Speed Scale 1:87

MINI COOPER PORSCHE SPORT CAYANNE Wait… what… a tiny MINI a really really tiny MINI. It’s just so small. Absolutely minuscule.

Its got lights and they are tiny. Wheels, tiny.

Amount of paint used to paint this? Tiny.

Interior? Tiny. How much of a crush do we have on this MINI? Tiny. In fact we have a tiny tiny tiny tiny little surprise for you. We are going to give one of these away for Christmas!

Are you even a tiny bit excited?

We have already looked at a sports car, and a cult classic now lets look at something a little more practical (Crickets chirping fill the silence) So a Cayanne isn’t that practical but this HighSpeed 1/87 version is practical enough for a reasonable price. What’s cool about giving away cars at these sizes is the fact that the receiver will always think its cute whether they like the casted model or not.

Schuco Piccolo Scale 1:87

MERCEDES 300SL This classic looking box is actually one of Schuco’s newest line which is a nod to some of its older products. We just love the vintage styled box. Inside a small DIY kit on building the Mercedes 300SL at 1/87 scale. The problem with building a 1/87 scale car is you cant have big clumsy hands if you do it’s a nightmare.

This Mercedes 300SL as a model is brilliant the only thing I wished it had was transparent windows.

SCOTT PICKS HIS...

Our resident DriveTribalist Scott Nadeau let's us know what he'd would pick to be his Top Five models.

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Greenlight's Kings of Crunch Series I have been overwhelmed with nostalgia ever since Greenlight launched this series. All of the best vintage monster trucks that I used to watch on TV every Sunday, Sunday, Sunday, are now hanging on the pegs. They've outdone themselves now by releasing these little monsters in 1:43 and even 1:18 scale.

Hot Wheels Team Transport Series

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Every single mix of this set has been a knockout, usually taking me months to track down complete sets. If you see one, grab one and give it to your favorite car person.

Solido's Mercedes-Benz 190e Evo II This model has been the most exciting release for budget collectors this year. With AutoArt's diecast model trading for kidneys on the black market, and Minichamps's sealed model still vaporware, Solido surprised us all with their stunning 190e Evo. Everyone and their uncle picked one of these up. If your uncle hasn't yet, get it for him.

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Hot Wheels Mario Kart Circuit Two of our favorite things collided this year with Hot Wheels's release of their Mario Kart line.

Their pinnacle piece is the Circuit trackset. It comes with Mario and Yoshi, a motorized launcher, and even "shells" to knock your opponent off the track. The asking price may seem a little steep, but expect to find this one on sale for most of the season.

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AutoArt's Aston Martin Vulcan As far as I'm concerned, the Vulcan still wears the Aston Martin crown until the Valkyrie shows up. After a long wait, AutoArt finally dropped their Vulcan model for their 1:18 range. Yes, it is made from composite, but just look at it. You can pick these up in a variety of colors for around $200.

1:FORTYTHREE ROUNDUP

The 1/43 scale is highly underrated and while it doesn’t have the detail like 1/24 scales there are still some brands that have stuck to the 1/43 scale and come out with some brilliant pieces. Here’s a look at some seasonal gift giving possibilities in 1/43 Bburago Scale 1:43

FIAT 131 ABARTH

The FIAT 131 was a popular and reliable car anyway in the 70’s and 80’s so reliable that FIAT thought it would be a great idea to put them to rally. The rally version was tuned by ABARTH and the 131 became a force to be reckoned with on the rally circuit. This 1/43 model by Bburago is a pretty well detailed casting of the 1978 Rally 131 when Alitalia signed up with FIAT.

Tomica Scale 1:43

Ixo Scale 1:43

LAMBORGHINI MITSUBISHI LP400 LANCER WRC

The Lamborghini LP 400 and what came after, was the standard on the wall poster boy of the 80’s and 90’s.

Recently Tomica did a 1/43 LP500S. The result? It made editors pick. First, the detailed body cast is fantastic. This car was very sharp on air intakes and such, Tomica have paid respect to the original design. One of the things I loved about the actual car were those satellite dish like wheels. Again, a great job done by Tomica. Lots of opening parts, scissor doors, engine cover and flip lights all dressed up in that iconic eighties red. This is a great gift for someone in their forties.

A bit of rally never hurt anyone. This is a nice display piece from IXO, Harri Rovanpera’s Lancer WRC05 from the Swedish Rally of 2005. This is a beast of a car in real life and this is a superbly detailed model that would make any rally or Mitsubishi fan really happy. If you are in doubt about what to get for your friend, then always get something relatable to what they drive you can never go wrong there.

Ixo Scale 1:43

FERRARI 575M Another great gift idea from IXO. Seriously, who wouldn’t want a FERRARI as a gift this season. This is the 575M Maranello, the same car Will Smith and Martin Lawrence chased down some Haitians in resulting in a fierce chase and gun battle. This is not the exact same car but a much nicer race version with red side mirrors on black race bodykit. It’s a hot Ferrari with great detail but avoid taking it of the box too often parts like the side mirrors can suffer fateful breakage.

SPIDER-MAN SPIDERVERSE

FIGURINES

CAPTAIN AMERICA But, back to the topic at hand which is these cool 1.65 inch metal figures that JADA has in their portfolio. They are nice and heavy, the metal is solid, so you DO NOT want to drop this on your toes for any reason. The paint job on these figures are amazing, the attention to detail could be a bit better but the overall finish looks rich and premium with a gorgeous shine and vibrant color.

ANT-MAN WASP

SPIDER GWEN

JADA has obviously invested heavily in getting some premium licenses. These metal figures catalogue includes a massive set from MARVEL COMICS, DC COMICS, HALO, Harry Potter, Disney, The Muppets, WWF, Street Fighter (love the card art), etc. You can buy yourself single pieces or JADA has sets of 5, 10 and 20 pieces.

VENOM

We bring you this break in normal transmission to highlight JADA Toy’s Nano Metal Figures or MetalFigs. Gone are the days where plastic toy soldiers and imagination were all you needed to launch an assault on the workstation next to you. Now its sophisticated paintwork and QR codes, marvel vs. DC it’s a confusing world out there.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

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Giveaway

Since we are in the spirit of giving things away this season #castheadsgiveaway we have an awesome 20-piece Harry Potter set to be given away to a luck Harry Potter fan.

Details on how to win will be found on our social media sites soon. So, hurry and join everything Castheads today!!!

Giveaway

_Win this_

1:18 Scale WIN AND WIN BIG. Solido Peugeot 205 GTI MkII to be won Watch for the #castheadsgiveaway posts and details on our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube So, hurry and join everything Castheads today!!!

1:TWENTYFOUR ROUNDUP

When the first Batman motion picture hit the screen, I was old enough to go and see a movie at the theatre. We all had grins as wide as Jack Nicholson from the trailer. We had seen the trailer the new bat suit that looked menacing Jada Toys Scale 1:24 not a two tone purple spandex nightmare and then there was the car, “it’s the car right…chicks love the car”.

THE BATMOBILE

I have seen this and now that I have I must have one. I live up to my reputation. But to me like to a lot of you, this is our nostalgia packaged very nicely into a 1/24 scale diecast memory. How can you not want this on your shelf?!?! I would paint the wall and shelf yellow like this background specially for this model. This gift would make most CastHeads and geeks faint.

The only way to deal with this is to pressure someone into buying it for you as a gift this season. Then you can spend the rest of the season looking at that jet engine exhaust on the rear of that Batmobile.

Jada Toys Scale 1:24

KNIGHT INDUSTRIES TWO THOUSAND Part Deux of my “OMG ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS ARE THESE HOLLYWOOD RIDES” but seriously, everything I said about nostalgia in the Batmobile segment rings ever truer with this.

C’mon its KITT from Knight Rider by the time we had gotten to TV humanity had progressed from talking horse to talking car AND it was a Pontiac… what!!!!

Another tradition I’m going to break here is the fact that I don’t believe collectors models share the same space as toy cars that flash lights and make noise however when you open the door to KITT the front scanner light activates and immediately you are transported back to that 7pm time slot of waiting for the lone crusader.

I’ve seen one of these at the Malaysia Diecast Expo this year and I’m still kicking myself for not picking it up, the interior was really detailed complete with the space invaders steering component, still kicking myself. Editors Pick this one, now I go sulk.

From the new JADA TOYS series ‘DC BOMBSHEL’ comes this purple explosion that I’m currently going ape about. I love the color scheme, Metallic purple body with dark golden trim and gloss black highlights tack this up as No.3 on my NEED-O Santa meter really like this. Oh, I like the car too.

Jada Toys Scale 1:24

57 CHEVY CORVETTE

Yes, take a closer look at what I’ve been wishing to own for a while now. Inset black lace wheels riveted into that gold rim. The comic art on the fender with the Bat Girl Signature. It isn’t much when you put the features on paper but I would add this to my collection in a heart beat just for that finish. It also comes with the BatGirl figure as well.

COME ON ONE MORE GT-R BEFORE THE YEAR ENDS...YOU KNOW YOU WANT IT....JUST ONE MORE AND YOU’LL HAVE AN EVEN 600 NISSAN GT-R’s

There used to be a simpler time when your collection was streamlined too only the cars you really wanted or really day dreamt of having to suddenly you have 599 Nissan GT-R’s in all scales, sizes, colors, era’s, matched by movies, only from the FNF movies, tuners… so what’s just one more (famous words at the Fast and Furious office).

Jada Toys Scale 1:24

NISSAN GT-R R35

This beautiful dark metallic blue with carbon fiber bits is the Skyline Bryan drove to outrun a drone using the ‘Gods eye’ targeting system in the Furious 7.

“600 Nissan Gt-R’s on the wall 600 GT-R’s if one of them Nissans were to happen to fall, there’ll 599 Nissan GT-R’s on the wall”

Maisto Scale 1:24

RENAULT ALPINE A110

So, let’s just assume that you do not want to give that special someone anything comic, tv series or movie driven. But it still should be a classic and in the scale of 1/24. How about a nice looking Alpine Renault A110 from Maisto. Metallic blue and dressed in the French Flag livery this version is the rally edition decked out with yellow fog lights. Opening doors gives you a glimpse of the interior where you will find a fire extinguisher on the floor and an orange roll cage at the back. The rear lid open to reveal the 1600cc engine and for those photogenic moments like our trip to the track you can give your pictures some action with turning wheels.

Photographed by Simen Schwarz IG: little_vehicles

T A K E C A R E O F O U R B E A U T I F U L

Planet Earth

R E D U C E

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R E U S E

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R E C Y C L E

Holiday haulin' We love car-carriers, transports and haulers like there is no tomorrow. Having another scale model to display our scale model on is one of the joys of collecting. From the massive 1:18 scale model vintage racing car transports to the mighty Mercedes Actos Gigaspace by NZG which can carry more than a few 1:18s models, haulers and transports are a musthave in any collection. Hot Wheels Team Transport selection is igniting the fever to collect transports, the team over at Maisto doesn't scrimp and save on the haulers either, with a varied selection of models and themes, from the hot rod and vintage to ultra modern, having movable/removable/extend-able beds on almost all the models.

Maisto Design Scale 1:64

MAISTO FLATBED AND '65 PONTIAC GTO

Maisto Design Scale 1:64

INTERNATIONAL DURASTAR AND BEETLE CABRIOLET

Maisto Design Scale 1:64

PORSCHE CAYENNE AND 918 SPYDER

Hot Wheels Scale 1:64

JAGUAR LIGHTWEIGHT E-TYPE AND CARRY ON

Hot Wheels Scale 1:64

'66 SUPER NOVA AND RETRO RIG

Hot Wheels Scale 1:64

MERCEDES-BENZ 190E AND FLEET FLYER

Majorette Scale 1:64

VOLKSWAGEN T1 & AIRSTREAM SPORT 16

A FEW THINGS ABOUT GULF... AND PORSCHE

John Wyer Automobile Engineering Limited used three Porsche 917s with the legendary Gulf paintwork at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1970. The installed 4.5 litre air-cooled twelvecylinder mid-engine mobilized about 520 hp. Combined with the empty weight of just 800 kilograms, the run resembles a ride on a bullet.

Without a doubt, the Gulf paintwork is one of the best known in motorsport - and has been for decades. Vehicles that have made the paintwork so well known are no less than the Ford GT 40 and the Porsche 917.

Vehicles, whether classic or modern, which are on the race track in the light blue paint with the orange accents, always appear timelessly elegant and embody motor sport in its purest form.

Porsche dominated all important motorsport events in the seventies with the 917 in various body variants. In 1970, for example, Porsche was able to clinch overall victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time.

The red and white Porsche 917 K with starting number 23 crossed the finish line first on June 14th 1970. The car was piloted by Hans Hermann and Richard Attwood. The racing team of

YOU CAN N E V E R H AV E ENOUGH

The racing cars with the starting numbers 20, 21 and 22 were able to reach 24th, 41st and 48th place. James May was able to enjoy moving one of these racing legends on the race track. (The Grand Tour, season 3 episode 12) One of the best features ever broadcast on The Grand Tour.

THE MODELS

NICK MÜLLER EXPLORES

The 917s were manufactured in scale 1/43 by CMR and can convince with beautiful details.

The proportions are also harmonious. Most important feature: the Gulf colours are perfectly matched - they don't look too strong or too pale. This gives the models a very good overall

impression. It should be mentioned here that a 917 from CMR costs just 30 Euros.

No. 20 driven by Joseph Siffert and Brian Redman No. 21 driven by Pedro Rodríguez and Leo Kinnunen No. 22 driven by David Hobbs and Mike Hailwood

The transporter is also manufactured in scale 1/43 (Premium ClassiXXs).

It`s a Mercedes-Benz O317 race transporter - a special design based on a bus series. As far as I could find out, the original vehicle even still exists today. The absolute highlights are, of course, the openable tailgates and the loading ramps. Here, beautiful

loading and unloading scenarios can be presented within a short time. You just have to add a few figures and the diorama is as good as finished.

MY TWO CENTS If you want to buy one of these transporters, I can give you a clear

purchase recommendation. It is a nice addition to any motorsport collection and upgrades it without putting the racing cars in the background. The Premium ClassiXXs transporters are no longer easy to get. Schuco offers identical models, which are known to be very well manufactured.

Volkswagen Golf 7 Alltrack 2015 DNA Collectibles Photo by Alberto Jorge Rodriguez

Solido - Porsche 911 Turbo RSR Photo by Lance K Müller

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