CastHeads Magazine Volume 4 Issue 8

GARAGE TORQUE

MODEL CAR HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE BEST E-MAGAZINE 2020

AUGUST 2021

MAGAZINE ART & SOUL OF MODEL COLLECTING

MAISTO GETS TRUCKIN

WITH THE EXTENDED RIG SERIES

THE

BRONCO RETURNS

THE OTHER BEACH HIPPY

MEYERS MANX BUGGY

TAKE EINE REISE IN DIE VERGANGENHEIT WITH THE CULTURED

CASTHEAD FLIPPING THROUGH PAGES OF GERMAN MOTORING EXCELLENCE

CLUB CASTHEADS INTERNATIONAL COME JOIN OUR GROWING COMMUNITY AND TAKE PART IN special offers, competitions and a chance to win some cool models. Look for clubcastheads on facebook or scan the qr code below

Ford Bronco 1:64 Hot Wheels Photo by @trekkster__t for Castheads Magazine

PARTNERS

Contributing Writers: Nigel J De Zilwa | Lance K Müller | Scott Nadeau • Photographers Lance K Müller | Nigel J De Zilwa Scott Nadeau | Alberto Jorge Rodriguez | Patrick Pchalek | Frank Zinkewitz • Creative Direction / Design Lance K Müller & Nigel J De Zilwa • A Publication of Castheads (Pvt) Limited. © 2021 All Rights Reserved • castheads@gmail.com • www.castheadsmagazine.com All images are owned by Castheads (Pvt) Limited or by their brand owners. Used with permission.

inside this action-

packed issue 07

diecasting couch Hot shots, hot picks and the new stuff

56

Feature article Wild about the hot wheels bronco

12

TSM REDLINE landys and sweet pandem supras

62

Feature article Breaker breaker

14

Casted by jada The bonkers bronco

68

Diecast highlight Born again

76

Diecast highlight The mighty mite

83

lald dossier With scott nadeau

18

Casting remarks The revo lution has begun

26

Feature article The bronco returns offerings from maisto

84

Diecast highlight Style safari

40

Diecast highlight California dreaming

92

Casting remarks Hot stuff from herpa

46

Diecast highlight Military issue

94

52

Tarmac works garage torque

Cultured casthead Legendary german cars - peter ruch

www.castheadsmagazine.com castheadsmag

castheads

castheadsmag

DIECASTING COUCH

HOT PICKS FOR YOU

Hot Wheels

Toyota Land Cruiser 80 The Land Cruiser J80 was the replacement for the hugely popular J60. This model had more creature comforts from the get-go. This model started production in 1990 and sold almost two million units before being replaced by the J100 in 1998. But it was still manufactured in Venezuela in 2008.

Hot Wheels goes to two on this model from their HW Hot Trucks line. Painted in dark grey gloss, smokey windows and a plastic base that sits atop BAJA5 wheels. But the spare wheel is a Fifteen52 Turbomac, and features both that and GReddy on the sides.

Scale 1:64 Status: Available

Matchbox

2019 Subaru Forester Subies, in any iteration, are quite popular with both drivers and collectors. Underpinned by its more popular siblings like the Impreza, Legacy and Outback, it’s got all the goodness crammed into a compact, and capable on-, and off-road vehicle.

And Matchbox feeds the desires of collectors with a metalflake green (doesn’t it remind you of coolant or the color of Gatorade) and a dark grey interior. It’s part of the MBX Off-Road collection for 2021.

Scale 1:64 Status: Available

COLLABORATION PARTNERS

PRESENTING THE NEW

2021 FORD BRONCO

FULLY LICENSED AND HIGHLY DETAILED 1:24 SCALE DIECAST MODEL WITH REMOVABLE DOORS

AVAILABLE THIS OCTOBER ONLY AT

Ford Motor Company Trademarks and Trade Dress used under licence by Jada Toys Inc.

@jadatoys WWW.jadaTOYS.com

DIECASTING COUCH

HOT PICKS FOR YOU

Majorette

Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse All-Terrain We can’t get enough of wagons, especially in the smaller scale. The Mercedes Benz E-Class All Terrain is ready to take on the Audi A6 All Road and the Volvo V90 Cross Country.

The deep red gloss adds a nice touch to the model with the opening part is concentrated on the rear hatch. This could be one of the more anticipated models from Majorette this year.

Scale 1:62 Status: Available

Jada Toys

Volkswagen Beetle Many around the world would’ve played some form of Punch Buggy/Slug Bug where we took extreme pleasure in ensuring our sibling/friend felt every time we saw a Volkwagen Beetle or Bus. Now Jada Toys brings a collection VWs in six cool looking models, three Beetles and three T1 buses. They are uniquely decorated with a more California vibe across the range. This is from their Wave3. Most have opening parts and one of the buses comes with a surfboard!

Totally awesome Scale 1:64ish Status: Available

Schuco Pro.R 43

Aurus Senat Developed and produced under the auspicious of President Vladimir Putin, who wanted a replacement for his ZiL limousines, but didn’t want an imported brand. The Senat was developed by Aurus Motors and NAMI institute in Moscow, it uses a 4.4l V8 or a 6.6l V12 to power the civilian S600 or official L700 models.

The Schuco releases the white civilian model in a limited run of 1000 pieces worldwide.

Scale 1:43 Status: Available

DIECASTING COUCH

HOT PICKS FOR YOU

GT Spirit

2021 ABT RS Q8-R We are intrigued by this super souped-up SUV from ABT Sportsline. The model was built to celebrate their 125th anniversary and what an ode to their history. It is expected to have 700hp+ Out of the shop floor and will feature a whole lot of tasty bits and pieces.

Only 125 real world examples will be built, but you can have the chance to own one of these masterpieces in scale.

Scale 1:18 Status: Available

Solido

Porsche 956 Spirit of America #8 1986 Le Mans Another distinctive Porsche racer from Solido.

Decked out in the stars and stripes livery of the car belonging to Joest Racing, driven by George Follmer, John Morton and Kenper Miller.

The car finished 3rd at the 1986 Le Mans race, after being the defending champions of the two previous outings for the team.

This and the two previous models, the Rothmans and New Man liveried belong in any racing/motorsport fan’s collection.

Scale 1:18 Status: Available

Otto Mobile

Opel Kadett GSI Group A One of the more interesting models to come out of Europe. The Kadett was known by many names. Opel Monza, Chevrolet Kadett, Daewoo LeMans, and Vauxhall Belmont/Astra to name a few. The Kadett E, released in 1984 was voted the 1985 European Car of the Year, and it was released in many variants. The GSI/GTE was at one time, the most powerful car of its class. It was manufactured in some form or another till 2007.

Otto releases the model driven by Josef “Sepp” Haider and Ferdi Hinterleitner in the 18th Rothmans Rally New Zealand in 1988.

Scale 1:18 Status: Available

TSM REDLINE CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

MINIGT 1:64 #237

LAND ROVER DEFENDER 110 MILITARY CAMOUFLAGE

HONG KONG EXCLUSIVE

How can we not like another Land Rover Defender 100? We can’t. Especially when its a Hong Kong exclusive model in military camouflage and available only in RHD. Better get your hands on this before it becomes another rarity.

MINIGT 1:64 #233

PANDEM TOYOTA GR SUPRA v1 TEAM TOYO TIRES DRIFT - 2019 D1 GRAND PRIX

Another market specific model from MINIGT. This Toyota GR Supra v1.0 with the Toyo Tires Drift Team livery is a Japan exclusive model. It was also one of the cars fielded by the team in the 2019 D1 Grand Prix driven by Kawabata Masato.

CASTED BY JADA HOT PICKS FOR YOU

THE

BONKERS

CASTED BY JADA HOT PICKS FOR YOU

BRONCO! FROM JADA TOYS T S R I F LOOK

This SEMA-prepped version is a collaboration between Jada Toys, Addictive Desert Designs, Rigid Corporation and Yokohama tires.

The fully-licensed 1:24 scale 2021 Ford Bronco is equipped with removable doors and is will be available in October exclusively at Walmart.

CASTING REMARKS HOT PICKS FOR YOU

THE REVO LUTION Has begun

This little, or mid-size truck has had a much storied history.

Beginning in the late 1960s. It superseded the Briska and Light Stout. Built to meet the need for light commercial vehicles, it has become a well-known brand (even in many names) around the world. It also gained quite a notorious reputation as a vehicle (or Technical in military lingo which means a non-standard tactical vehicle or NSTV, a light improvised fighting vehicle) among the more militant groups around the world. Even the war between Chad and Libya in the 80s was called the Toyota War because of the prolific use of the vehicle by the Chadian forces.

CASTING REMARKS

HOT PICKS FOR YOU

Toyota has been involving its Hilux models in the most grueling of races across the world for the past few years. It’s fielded several teams in the Dakar Rallies. Its also become one of the most loved models in small truck racing and drifting competitions that’s gaining popularity in Asia.

But we are here to talk about the more peaceful pursuits of this ubiquitous little truck. Now in its eighth generation, the truck celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018. The truck has gained quite a following both off-road and on track racing. The popularity of the model in the Asian region is quite high with events like the Toyota One Make races and drifting competitions which take place annually in Thailand since the early 2000s.

Majorette released this lilac/turquoise Hilux with a matching trailer and a turquoise/white boat in their Pink Driverz range. It features a hibiscus flower motif a very Hawaiian theme.

Ideal for your little star that wants his/ her own collection of less masculine themed vehicles.

This isn’t the first time that Majorette has released the Hilux. But its previous iterations consisted of more passenger oriented models in monochrome colors and those fitted with covers. In Series 4, they are releasing models that are more racing oriented. The speed graphics are more reminiscent of the Gazoo Racing liveries with the bold REVO branding found more in the Asian region. There are four models to choose from (we mean you need to get all four). Each model has a tow-hook so you can hitch some of your trailers and actually have an entire team. More fun to be had.

For those of you who like to complete castings, the Revo is available in (unpainted) zamak edition as well as a menacing black and red paint job.

FEATURE ARTICLE CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

OUTD offro On tr

FEATURE ARTICLE

CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

DOOR oad rack Getting off the beaten track to look at some vehicles that go off the beaten track

FEATURE ARTICLE CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

THE

BRONCO RETURNS The mighty Ford Bronco rides again. And who better than Maisto to offer it to us in 1:18 scale with far more detail that belies its very affordable price.

FEATURE ARTICLE

CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

Getting two models of the Ford Bronco into the Castheads Garage was both eagerly anticipated and looked forward to. And the fine people at May Cheong Group, brand owners of Maisto and Bburago, did not disappoint.

There was some delay , but that was unavoidable in this age of New Normal which is another way of saying things are going to take a little longer to happen than previously thought. Opening the shipment to find these two bad boys (girls?) was a moment of happiness for all of us. We got the first two variants in 1:18 to be released by them, the two-door Badlands and Wildtrak models.

Bronco Ba

adlands

The first model is the very outdoor oriented Badlands. It comes with their removable doors and top, to give you that authentic, open-air experience that is liked by most adventure drivers.

The model features and opening hood and tailgate. It’s finished in Cyber Orange, an eye-catching color that’s in the actual model palette.

Outdoor, off-road enthusiasts, including those who like the rugged scale models that don’t cost a pretty penny are surely going to like this model. Also it’s great for taking out to the most wild of places for photos and creating that feeling of realness.

And this time the engine is molded in black plastic and the interior details are quite good.

Bronco Wildtrak

The second model to come was the hard-top WildTrak edition.

It’s more geared towards the type who like to go places where a closed vehicle is much better suited and needed. The WildTrak in real life have known to include so many options to really make it your own. These are part of their Built Wild 4x4 experience.

The model we got is finished in the glossy Race Red, and matte black. Thank goodness there isn’t any shiny plastic bits to take away from the ruggedness of the model. The badging and branding is done quite neatly.

Overall, it’s a fitting ode to the real models. We quite like them.

Overall, these marvelously affordable models are just the right ticket to satisfying your 1:18 scale model taste-buds. The level of detail, and soon different color options will give you more than enough choice for all those who like Ford Tough in all sizes.

Californ

DIECAST HIGHLIGHT CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

Dreamin'

Bruce Meyers was the epitome of the California ideal. A sailor, a surfer and a man who believed in having fun under the sun. His life experiences gave birth to one of the icons of the Cali lifestyle, the model that to this day bears his name, the Meyers Manx

nia

DIECAST HIGHLIGHT

CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

The first fiberglass dune buggy was born on the shores of Southern California in the late 60s. They were the brainchild of Bruce Meyers.

He grew up in and around the sand dunes and was witness, in the late 50s and early 60s, of people racing their Jeeps across them. He also noticed that modified Beetles, with their engines in the rear, had better hold and control over the dunes, and an inkling of an idea begin to form in his mind. Why not take those Beetles, and rebuild them better and lighter. This was the inception of the Manx.

Free

Spirit

The Manx is named after a stubby tailed, or altogether tailless type of cat originating in the Isle of Man. The cat is known to be a good chaser with great control so he decided that his short buggy, with those fat tires, which reminded him of 40s cartoon cars driven by the likes of Mickey and Donald, would be christened the Meyers Manx.

You must remember that this isn’t a scratch built car, it’s a kit that can be fitted to a shortened and a raised Beetle frame. The commercially built Manx Mk I was a fiberglass shell featuring open wheels and VW flat four.

The April 67 Car & Driver cover, with the title “You Can Build This Car for $635” made this insanely popular. But alas, he wasn’t as astute a businessman as he was a car builder. The popularity gave rise to a rash of copycats, IRS issues and his patent being disqualified and him leaving the company he built, eventually led to its closure in 1971. Only about 5000 original models saw the light of day.

Enjoy the

Adventure

e It would be three decades before Bruce would return to the buggy business in the 90s. He sold that to another firm in the November of 2020. Bruce was in his 90s and as his wife, Winnie, mentioned that he needed the rest.

Meyers Manx enjoyed a glorious past. Winning grueling races, setting records and becoming the embalm of the free-spirited California Culture.

It was induced into the National Automotive Registry in 2014, only the second significant car, motorcycle or truck to be so added.

Bruce passed away in February of 2021. But his legacy of a car, built for fun, engineered for freedom and a celebration of a lifestyle will live on, in all its forms and scales.

DIECAST HIGHLIGHT

MILITARY ISSUE

CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

It’s no secret that I love Unimogs.

In all it’s myriad forms and functions. I have quite a few spread over my collection, from the Hot Wheels and Matchbox to the more detailed from Schuco. Mostly in 1:64 scale. While many of my compatriots are mesmerized by zero-to-100, how many horses and what have you, I love this go-anywhere, do-everything, ugly as your mother-in-law piece of machinery. You can read the previous article in Vol 3 Issue 4 of CastHeads Magazine for a more indepth look at Unimogs in general.

But this is about a particular model.

DIECAST HIGHLIGHT

CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

This particular model, made from about 1955 to 1980 was the most prolific of the model, came in many variations and was more off-road vehicle than farm machine. There was more than 36 thousand of these models used by the German military alone, while many civil services also used it So my excitement was palpable when I was getting the Unimog 404S in 1:35 scale from the Schuco Pro.R35 range. The limited-to-500-pieces cabrio model in olive green as used by the Bundeswehr in the latter part of the last century.

Few things, it’s one of those scales that sits in a very lonely place. 1:35 isn’t your usual. But is more popular among military model collectors. You can blame Tamiya for that. Anyways, if you are into models with a more martial bent, then this is a great supply or support vehicle. Super detailing that you get with most Schuco models

But I do have one big gripe (whoa, about a Schuco model you ask? Yes). The model is brittle.

Especially It’s plastic bits, and there are more than a few, and are really really easy to break off. Out of the box, I broke one of the side mirrors from the stem. Going back in the box after the shoot, managed to break the rear axle and a few other bits n bobs. Luckily, I have

tools and adhesives for just these little misadventures. My advice, if you are getting it, be ultra careful handling it. Want it out of the box, unscrew carefully from the base and transfer immediately, like of those donor body parts.

Do I like the model and have it in my collection… yes, do I love it? No, not enough to spend $$$ on it.

11:00-19:00

25-26 SEP

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GARAGE TORQUE CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

A Different Sort of Landy

Tarmac Works jumps feet first into the neo Land Rover game with a 2021 Defender 90 hardtop. The two-tone 3-door model is built for trade and commercial purposes.

Finished in, which we assume, is Eiger Grey, and rolling on the glossy white workhorse rims.

Interesting to note that this is modeled after the launch vehicle, and the Wilks Bros refers to the two people responsible for Defender, Maurice and Spencer Wilks, Chief Engineer and Managing Director at Rover respectively.

Please note that these are preproduction models and that some details are licensor pending.

Making Googly

Eyes!

We are excited for another three-way collaboration between Tarmac Works, Mooneyes and Schuco who’s getting together to present us with a Type II (Yay!) Panel Van. This low riding bus is finished in the distinctive yellow with just enough branding as not to make it too garish. We are glad it isn’t another T1... and this is going to compliment the Mooneyes Beetle quite well.

Please note that these are preproduction models and that some details are licensor pending.

FEATURE ARTICLE CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

Wild about the

B ronco

FEATURE ARTICLE

CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

When Ford announced that they were reanimating the Bronco, the buzz was positively electric, and when they did release all the info, with the range of models, most people lost their collective s**t! The Bronco was getting it’s own line, without much Ford branding. It was available in 2-, and 4-door with many many yummy variants to suit all sorts of tastebuds. As much as this was the highlight in the midst of a global pandemic, it was the thought of this coming out in a diecast model that got us all excited.

Hot Wheels beat almost all others to the punch when it came to releasing the model in 1:64 scale. It was teased in October 2020 via leak through a popular IG page. As expected, the excitement was palpable. The model came in a 2-door variant in a color that was reminiscent of the Velocity Blue offered by Bronco on their models. We assume it’s the Badlands or First Edition version. This is the 100th out of 250 models of the 2021 year.

They decided to release it in the Then & Now mini line along with the Custom Ford Bronco, which was modeled after the 66-77 model, which itself is the inspiration for the 2021 Bronco. FUN FACT: Moray Cullum, Ford’s chief of design, lent his 1976 Bronco to the team, who then digitally scanned it as a reference for the new model.

MORE FUN FACTS: The clay sculpt was done by Molly Gillies, whose grandfather did the original Bronco sculpt. She even used some of the tools used by him.

Back to the Hot Wheels. Its blue and black, minimum tampos (thank goodness for that) and sweet BLOR wheels that suits this particular model really really well. We are thankful that Dmitriy over at Hot Wheels kept this clean and close to the real model as possible without excessive paintwork (who knows what the future holds). The orange recolor is already making the rounds and Hot Wheels is releasing the Bronco R (the sportier, more steroid-infused) prototype race truck version in the premium Hyper Haulers Car Culture set. Which is a strange collection as it should have been in a more off-road/rally truck inspired set. We’d love to show it, but till it’s “official” we are unable to do so. But if you are an avid collector (you must be if you are reading this) we are sure you have seen it already and may have already pre-ordered it.

We hope to see many versions of this model. And guess what, as you keep reading this issue, you are going to see more of the Bronco.

Lance Müller | Pictures by Fahd Lafir @digitalspacelk

It looks great in orange too!

FEATURE ARTICLE

, r e k a “Bre ” ! r e k Brea

CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

FEATURE ARTICLE

CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

rigs on both up with big American ew gr I t. no I n ca w rig, ho I love big rigs, e into the back of a big ov dr TT KI . en re Sc r lve ator tried to the Big Screen and Si a helicopter, a Termin to in ed rn tu rig ’s an elds the Highwaym olds impressed Sally Fi yn Re rt Bu e, on in er ies have nice run down John Conn se, even modern mov ur co of d An e. on r de ring to by driving un d plunder. From thunde an oy str de at th s ck and even bigger tru plundering trucks.

check this Maisto rig, was to d xe bo un I en wh d di I te that One of the first things iler and I’m happy to no tra e th to in rs ca p sli n d and see if I coul OOO the customizatio e. sid in y bl rta fo m co ry cks from you can fit two cars ve own team transport tru ur yo g in ild bu e in ag is has possibilities! Im ur diorama setups. Th yo r fo em th g in us d FERRARI to FALKEN an endless possibilities. solo rigs that d a whole series of the we vie re e W w. ne g s for in The Rig is noth w had extendable rear fe a d an s, od ho ne gi ich is what came with opening en t the trailer is plastic wh bu al, et m t as ec di is t and rig the trailer. The be much easier to pain d ul wo it t Bu e. es th own custom keeps the cost down on ered on, printing your ck sti is ng di an br to to nt since the curre d that would be for Mais an , pe ho e on ve ha al trailer. That would be a breeze. I do this with a diecast met of n itio ed ial ec sp d ile do a more deta would be epic.

u o y k c u r t Finally a ! o t n i s r a c t i can f

Great model for . . . s m o t s u c

O. rrent range from MAIST cu e th th wi do e ak m which makes For now, I think I can ser to the standard 1/64 clo g in ck sti t ea gr is s and Even the scale see some great pairing to ct pe ex n ca u Yo y. uring these rigs for great photograph social media soon feat r ou on on so t ou g in pictures com and trailers.

FEATURE ARTICLE CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

T S R I F LOOK

BORN AGAIN MCLAREN 600LT

BY SOLIDO WORDS LANCE K MULLER PHOTOS FRANK ZINKEWITZ

FEATURE ARTICLE

CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

Say hello to the newest super car to join the ranks of Solido in 2021.

It’s new direction of introducing newer models, and more variety is certainly paying dividends. Solido has two things going for it (among many others) is that, A: The models are affordable, and B: they have opening parts that many higher spec, more expensive models don’t.

And most of the time, we get two colors or two models at the same time as witnessed by the release of the LBWK GT-R pair sometime ago.

The 600LT is based on the 2015-released 570S.. Its a natural progression for the model. 600 of course refers to the horses under the hood and LT stands for, wait for it... Long tail. It’s real world counterpart is 7.37cm (3 inches) longer (it may not sound like a lot, but in car terms, it is). But with the use of lighter materials, it has saved over 98kg (or 212lb) over the previous model. These are both 2018 models.

Solido presents these two models in McLaren Orange and Lantana Purple. The purple dons silver wheels while the orange opts for black rollers. Opening doors are standard on both models. These are preproduction models so there might be some changes to the final.

They are expected to be released in fourth quarter of the year and are available for preorder at most of your favorite resellers

DIECAST HIGHLIGHT CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

DIECAST HIGHLIGHT

CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

THE MIGHTY MITE

In the grand scheme of things, or in other words, in the world of SUVs and CUVs, the smallest to hit the market in recent times has made quite an impact. The humble Suzuki Jimny, which started life in 1970 is now in its fourth generation. Released in 2018, it brought with it, sharper, more brawnier lines. It was immediately dubbed the Baby G… hinting that it looked a little like the eponymous Mercedes G Wagon.

This isn’t the first Jimny to be featured in Castheads (sure won’t be the last). We featured 1:18 scale by BM Creations way back in our fourth issue. But this is a more shelf (and pocket) friendly version by our friends over at MSZ, a manufacturer that is blurring the line between toy and collectible (our co-founder and chief editor, Nigel, recently covered it in our blog) with each new release and model. Made in 1:32 scale, it comes in the Kinetic Yellow that is quite popular in the Jimny range.

So for the best bits. Lights, sound, and that pull-back action that firmly puts this in the toy category. Open the doors and you get either door opening or open alarm (which we guess is also on the actual model), lights on, front, rear, center console. Press down on the front, and engine starts and revs away. Both the front headers and rear lights come on and the pull back action with sounds makes for a great action toy. Can be thrashed around with impunity.

Here’s where the blurring starts. The details are outstanding. Solidly built, with even the doors sitting quite well (no outsized seams and the usual ill-fitting opening parts that are usually found in other, sometimes more well-known brands). Wheels riding on detailed rubber tires. Even the headlamp lenses are detailed enough. The lights that are on in the photo is real, not photoshopped. Then even got the de-fogger detail on the rear window right. Some of the minor lights are painted, you can’t exactly ask for insane detail on this budget model. But for the price, this is bloody good.

It’s a great model to collect, and also start off your kids on the path. It has the action component to keep them occupied at quite a young age, and is detailed enough to keep you engaged. Okay, don’t take our word for it. Get one of their models and check it out for yourself. We are sure you’ll agree with us. That this model seriously blurs the line between toy and collectible.

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING for orders over US$ 150 or €130* www.jlhobbymy.com | jlhobbymy@gmail.com | O FFIC I A L E X CL U S I V E DI S T R I BU T OR F OR

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THE FINEST SELECTION OF HOBBY JAPAN MODELS

The Live and Let Diecast

DOSSIER:

with SCOTT NADEAU

There should be more pink cars.

One of the more recent, intriguing cars I picked up the last time I was able to hit up the toy aisle in a physical store was this pink Nissan Skyline GTX. Matchbox’s casting of the JDM classic has been a hit since it debuted, but I was still surprised to see that Mattel would give pink a go.

It works really, really well on the cleaner Skyline GTX, which has a relatively tame design compared to its cooler cousin: the Hako GTR. ‘m not even trying to go near the topic of the hobby needing more female collectors and/or more pink cars, gender roles, and all that. I’m just happy to see cars with COLOR! Cars in the real world

Looking boss on the drive way

Still looking boss in 1:64 scale

today seem to only come in silver, white, or grey flavors. Diecast cars give us an opportunity to see our favorite cars in colors we would never see in real life, such as a pink Skyline. Give me more pink cars, green cars, yellow cars, and purple too!

The entire package of the pink Skyline really works too. The multicolor hexagon pattern looks great and artsy down the sides of the car, and the classic black steelies help mitigate the risk of the car looking too cartoonish. The silver “Skyline” script on the rear quarters is the icing on the cake. Pink seems to be making a comeback too; Porsche even teased us with a Rubystone Taycan around social media. What other diecast cars deserve a pink paint job?

Both looking boss next to each other.

SCOTT NADEAU is a collector and model car blogger, who founded the hit group “Live and Let Diecast” which resides on all social media platforms including DRIVETRIBE. He sits and shoots the breeze with CastHeads.

DIECAST HIGHLIGHT CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

STYLE SAFARI

There is nothing I can write about the new Land Rover Defender 110, both real and model, that hasn’t been covered by some sort of person over the last few years. One of the biggest releases in the recent past, the Tata-owned historic British marque has been birthing legendary off-roaders since 1948. And since the late 70s have been offering more luxurious models through its Range Rover brand. The new Land Rover Defender has come out in most scales and qualities by now.

This won’t be the only model in this issue btw.

DIECAST HIGHLIGHT

CASTHEADS EXCLUSIVE

We are here to review another model from MSZ. This is the Land Rover Defender 110. Fresh from their 2021 range and yet to make it to market. So it’s brand spanking new. So let me give you the rundown on this nicely done model (it’s hard to decide if this is toy or collectible) done in Tasman Blue.

Fully opening features. All four pillarless doors, back door and front hood (bonnet for some of yous). Sits pretty high on rubber wheels, that’s because it has both suspension and pull-back action. The lights turn on when opening the door or when you press the front.

It’s modeled on the model with the additional Explorer Pack, a range of accessories designed to make this 110 look more adventure-y.

Engine sounds are standard, and exciting when coupled with the rolling action. It’s a toy, but with some PGD (pretty good details) for a low-priced model. Great for when you need to bridge the scale gap between your 1:24 and 1:43. Good addition to your child’s collection, or to yours.

I won’t keep you reading more, the pictures speak the necessary words.

You can find MSZ at www.msztoys.com and have a look at their extensive, and fully licensed collection.

CASTING REMARKS

herpa HOT PICKS FOR YOU

hot stuff from

in ho scale What if I told you that there is a brand that offers great detail, interactivity and range in smaller scales... And mostly in plastic. Oh also add on and spare parts for models. But these are models to be trifled with, they are for those who want to build miniature worlds in great detail. They offer a wide range of models, both wheeled and winged to make your little world come truly alive. Remember, these aren’t your typical models.

The detail on all of these are massive.

From the tiniest headlight, hood ornament to even the wind diffusers and rearview wing mirrors. Some of the parts have to be fitted into the models, that’s where the interactivity comes in.

You can’t just set them out of the box, you have to install mirrors and other bits and pieces, especially in the trucks.

I honestly don’t think my fingers and complete lack of patience will enable me to sit and put one of these together.

But once you do, they are gorgeous to look at. You need a few tools, like a bright light and tweezers to install them.

Let’s talk range. They have everything needed to fulfill your need to build a world. From wheeled and winged models, to the accessories and “people” to populate those worlds. You can truly be the mast f all you survey, or in other words, your basement.

Scales start at around 1:72 and go all the way up to 1:500! That’s detail.

CASTING REMARKS

HOT PICKS FOR YOU

You can build almost any type of world you want. From mega cities, to construction sites, from airports to airbases. You are only limited by your imagination and your bank account.

These models aren’t cheap by any measurement. But no hobby in the world (well except for those that list listening to the radio as a hobby) is truly cheap.

The big yellow Scania CR HD EMPL Bison Tow Truck shown on the previous page retails for about US$98. Yes. I know that look on your face.

The Herpa website is in German, but you can find their models in many of the hobby sites across the world. They also release catalogs of their models according to the months of release and is divided into planes and other models.

Castheads Magazine website will soon have those catalogs listed to enable you to find them easier, so please visit www.casthedsmagazine.com and click on the catalogs link to see what Herpa has on offer.

CULTURED CASTHEAD

THE HISTORY OF DAS AUTO

CULTURED CASTHEAD

Germany plays a significant part in automotive history. It’s the home of the first proper motorcar and the German automotive industry’s contribution to the car world is unrivalled. And if you are a fan, this is one of those tomes that belong in your library.

The book contains a comprehensive history of both the cars and the industry. It isn’t limited to just German branded cars, it also traces the history of Fords built in Germany, how Lamborghini fares under the ownership of Volkswagen, and other important information.

Peter Ruch hails from Switzerland, and is the author of quite a few hardcover volumes on the German car industry. He’s currently the Editor in Chief of Auto Illustrierte magazine. The 312-page book is full of gorgeous pictures and illustrations. ISBN-10 8854407836

Volvo P1800 Jensen 1:18 DNA Collectibles Photo by Alberto Jorge Rodríguez @18impressivecars

Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale 1:64 Hot Wheels Photo by Lance Muller for Castheads Magazine

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