CastHeads Magazine Volume 5 Issue 11

and developed by castheads media.

inside this popping issue

PARTNERS

CastHeads Magazine has made a constant care to make sure that content is accurate on the date of publication. The views expressed in the articles reflect the author(s) opinions and do not necessarily are the views of the publisher and editor. The published material, adverts, editorials and all other content is published in a good faith. CastHeads Magazine cannot guarantee and accepts no liability for any loss or damage of any kind caused by this magazine, its website , social media channels and errors and for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers.

Contributors: Scott Nadeau | Alberto Jorge Rodriguez | Patrick Pchalek | Nuning Suma | David Houston • Creative Direction / Design Nigel J De Zilwa & Lance K Müller

All images are owned by Castheads (Pvt) Limited or by their authors Used with permission. © 2022 All rights reserved and nothing can be partially or in whole be reprinted or reproduced without a written consent. A Publication of Castheads (Private) Limited • Please email info@castheadsmagazine.com

Pop Race

Singer Targa Silver

The ever-growing Singer Targa collection gets refined with each casting and this is no different. Sleek Silver bodied Targa comes with a more detailed interior and get this, rolling wheels that are sure to thrill collectors who want their models to roll bro. Expect this model to hit resellers by the second quarter of 2023. But you can pre-order this now.

Scale 1:64 Product code: PR64-SGTA-SL01

Emotion formfollows

Majorette Renault 5 Turbo

While this isn't a new release for 2022, it is a great re-color of a classic. The black and yellow color scheme really suits the models and makes it quite stand out-y. The black Turbo lettering along the flank adds a nice touch.

Scale: 1:56 | Status: Coming Soon

Schuco Modelle

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL "Custom"

The original "Gullwing" is much sought after by collectors, it was originally built to tackle such historic races Le Mans and the Targa Florio. It soon became icon for Mercedes. This is a more "custom" version of the model that might have been driven by privateer teams back in the day, dressed in a matte gray paint with red headlight stripes.

Scale: 1:64 | Status: Available

GT Spirit Ferrari 288 GTO

One of the rarest Ferraris out there, with only 273 actual models were ever built. The myth exists that they were made for Group B racing but they remained road cars throughout their production run. GT Spirit presents this in glossy black with the green/ red racing stripes.

Scale 1:18 | Status: Coming Soon

Otto Mobile Citröen AX Super Production

Built to take on the big boys of touring car racing in Europe, Citroen built 4 of these cars. It featured a large body kit, a RHD layout and 480bhp engine. This is the 1988 version presented by Otto Mobile.

Scale 1:18 | Status: Available

Solido

Dodge Challenger RT Scat Pack Widebody - Plum Crazy

While not as fiery as the Demons, Hellcats and Redeyes, this crazy muscle car pack enough punch to make driving simply fun again. The widebody kit adds more width to the car while the 392 HEMI is enough to whip this out for more day-to-day than shredding rubber at the track. Solido presents the model in the iconic Plum Crazy color, blacked out wheels and yellow highlight on the front lip.

Scale 1:18 | Available

Jada Toys Hollywood Rides "Back to the Future" Delorean Set of 3

The Back to the Future trilogy remains a firm favorite with fans, collectors are forever scrambling to collect all three version of the Time Machine as they tend to miss out on one version. Jada Toys overcomes this by releasing all three of them as a single "gift pack" style package for 2023. Some retailers are already putting this on the pre-order list as its going to be sold out pretty fast.

Scale: 1:32 | Coming Soon

AutoWorld Premium 2023 Release 2

An exciting release of classic and neo-classic models that is sure to bring both excitement and variety to your collection. The selection includes trucks, minivans, muscle cars as well as much loved imports in true 1:64 scale, detailed engines and opening parts.

Scale 1:64 Status: Coming Soon

Johnny Lightning Truck & Trailer 2022 Release 1

The series features vehicles with all-new paint schemes towing an assortment of diecast trailers. Removable ramps, opening features and a functional trailer jack exemplify the fine details you've come to expect from Johnny Lightning. Truck and Trailer delivers highly-detailed excitement to your diecast collection

Scale 1:64 | Status: Coming Soon

Racing Champions Mint 2022 Release 1

Racing Champions® Mint is proud to release our 2022 line-up of classic, highlydetailed and collectible diecast available in all new and exciting paint schemes. Whether your interests in line classic street machines, customs, showroom beauties, or wild racing machines, these authentic miniature versions represent the full-sized vehicles you love.

Scale 1:64 | Status: Coming Soon

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Black Series

AMG's homage to the classic 300SL, it's powered by a naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 that has 631hp on tap and goes 1-100km in less that 3.6 seconds.

F1 legend David Coulthard helped design the model along with the AMG team. This model covered in Solar Beam Yellow is eye-catching to say the least.

DECORATIVE SAMPLE SUBJECT TO LICENSOR APPROVAL

The

The

Another one-two

the

Fielded by Toyota Team TOM's in the 1990 Japan Touring Car Championships, it saw action in all but two of the races.

Took part in the 2021 Macau Grand Prix, one of Asia's most prestigious races. Tarmac Works was an active sponsor of the team.

Castrol Toyota Team TOM's had a Japanese/German driving duo for this race. Krumm had a race win in the GT1 class in ths series.

WITH TRUCK PACKAGING

COLLABORATION

A Special edition Lancia of which only 15 were built for Italian VIPs. It featured a special paint, internal parts, and badges.

COLLABORATION

finish for McLaren during

2021 season. Daniel Ricciardo drove this to a win and set the fastest lap at the race.

Lando finished second at the race behind his team mate Daniel for one of the most thrilling wins in the Italian GP for McLaren.

safety car that really caught attention in the 2019 race. It's one of just fifteen track-only models released to owners across the world

The much-loved Toyota Chaser arrives in the iconic FALKEN livery to join others in this stand-out color set.

wizards at AMG creates a modern homage to the original 300SL Gullwing. Each model was built by hand by one individual.

Belgian Laurens placed third at the race driving for ROWE RACING from Germany.

WITH IXO MODELS

Wollek driving for the Vaillant Kremer Team came third for in the same race in 1977.

race.

WITH MINICHAMPS

of the most loved models gets the Moon Equipped treatment from Ignition models. 18 scale and detailed to kingdom come.

MINIGT 1:64 #391

LAMBORGHINI AVENTADOR SVJ

VERDE MANTIS

The last of the true Lamborghinis, it becomes the final farewell to naturally aspirated V12 screaming down the highways for a lucky few. The SVJ stands for Super Veloce Jota, an homage to the legendary Jota from the 1970s.

MINIGT chose the bright green that is one of the hallmarks of Lamborghini, a bold supercar that fits perfectly into the others in the collection.

JOHNNY LIGHTNING GETS FAST & FURIOUS

We have a tradition at CastHeads which is, whenever we visit Diecast Expo’s in other countries, we try to support the local sellers by picking up a piece or two from each one. The last expo was in Singapore, and I have to say there was a very healthy selection of Johnny Lightning and AutoWorld AND an authorised dealer in Singapore makes it easier to pick up some choice pieces from their line up as we

did, and we got some nice pieces as you will see in this issue.

On the first round I picked up two classics with some intriguing facts and features, Furious Fuchsia Challenger and of course the fast R-34 Skyline that has been created by every single diecast making company in the world.

Two things really shine on this car. One, is the paint job which feels like a nice thick coat and nice wheels. I usually prefer the less shiny ones but these wrapped round in thick rubber look good.

One feature that came with this casting is a great storage tin that slides in and out. Made completely out of metal including the sleeve the storage box locks into place with the sleeve, so that it prevents the box sliding out. Brilliant!

Celebrating this partnership DILSRE and Johnny Lightning drop a collab release featuring Dilsre’s brand design across the car. This is really cool and extremely sporting of Johnny Lightning working together with people to drop cool collabs. DILSRE is a Sri Lankan born Singaporean who now brings Round2 stuff to Singapore and can ship to the Asian region which is pretty cool. Get Ready for Round2!

HOW LOW

CAN A ONE SIXTY FOUR GO?

Another player has entered the premium 1/64 market and they really have started of with a BANG, if you would excuse the pun. But POP Race has certainly imprinted their desire to entire this suddenly highly competitive market with all guns blazing, dropping castings like the SINGER Porsche TARGA, the Starion set and some VOLVO’s to name a few.

What does this mean for collectors like you? Nothing but castings that are constantly pushing the envelope in design and fighting to keep price low. That is brilliant AF!

When we talk about ‘low’ we are not talking about price, or production run. We are talking about ride height. ‘Pushing the envelope’ means we are going to be seeing a lot of little innovations in the scale of 1/64. POP RACE sent us two new tooling’s that will go on pre-order very soon. And according to the head of the company they want to bring as much realism to the models at the most affordable prices they can. And these two new Yaris’s are a great representation of what the next generation of diecast models will look like.

If you, like me is a massive sucker for anything with ADVAN livery then I’m sure you can’t take your eyes off this

gorgeous PANDEM dressed GR Yaris in ADVAN colours.

It truly is gorgeous, and collectors are waiting for this like BOND fans wait for a new 007 movie. Details are spectacular and considering this is a prototype that we have in our hands I can only think of great things headed our way. Carbon Fiber surrounds the car on various parts and close up views are giving me goosebumps. I also cannot find any fault with the paint job that has been applied well and the sports brand decals are clear and sharp, out the box first impressions "HOT DAMN POP RACE GIVE US MORE, MOOORREEE!!!! "

Another noticeable feature is the weight. This is a metal body casting but also has metal wheels rims which look better and roll better as well. Yes, POP RACE models roll! And, if you notice the ride height is one of the lowest, we have seen on 1/64. POP RACE design team have figured out a way of achieving this incredible ride height which is an epic feature along with rolling wheels. When you get your model you will notice the chassis is recessed, allowing the wheels and axles enough

space to operate while the body sits low. The rear spoiler is made from metal held up by nicely machined metal rods yet, they don’t feel as delicate as they look, but I wouldn’t take them track racing.

Perfect casting in terms of the real car but another cool feature about the body work is that the air intakes are hollowed out as opposed to being painted black or having a piece of black plastic as part of the chassis.

WHITE PANDEM

REMARKS

For those of you who would like a less loud looking PANDEM which is rare because a lot of people are going to drop dollars to get both these GR Yaris’s but looking good in white which is a go to colour for TOYOTA this looks much simpler with all the great details it’s loud ADVAN sister has. Of course, the aero kit is branded PANDEM and their flying piggy on the back is always a cute touch. We also noticed that there has been attention given to the interior as well

with a roll cage in both the cars. If you like these then you will be super glad to know there are quite a few new versions coming soon with different liveries including a CUSCO livery version.

POP RACE will also be launching the VIOS with the same sort of attention to detail. Looks like 2023 is going to be insane on the bank account and relationships, but looking at what to expect it might be worth it!

A GULF NOT TO DODGE

GOING THROUGH A SECOND ROUND OF SHOPPING AT THE SINGAPORE DIECAST EXPO I DISCOVERED THIS GORGEOUS GULF LIVERIED SRT HELLCAT CHALLENGER BY AUTOWORLD. I LOVE THE WAY THE DESIGN HAS BEEN APPLIED AND THE HOW THE SUBTLE HELLCAT INSIGNIA HAS BEEN FITTED IN.

This yummy casting is one of those special editions that AutoWorld loves to drop occasionally and a lot of the times in collaboration with someone. This one is a collaboration with the brand Super Mini Wheels which is an online store for diecast cars. These usually come in small batches of 2400 numbers which makes them exclusive specially when most of them would be sold in the US with a small trickle down towards ASIA. Fortunately, distribution in ASIA is ramping up and we were able to pick this up from an authorized distributor in Singapore, from our friend DilSre and we are pretty sure we will be seeing more stocks in this part of the world. And if you see one and you like collecting ‘limited editions’ definitely get this.

Rubber wheels on bright orange rims with Goodyear branding in yellow sits under the Gulf Liveried Hellcat with its Chequered rear bright orange and GULF Blue paintwork makes it a very striking car to look at. Though they are made of plastic the rims are precision cut and quite articulate in design giving the car a premium look even though the lights are painted though you would hardly notice it. What is noticeable is the air intakes for the supercharger next to the headlights we thought those were really cool. One last feature we didn’t notice till the time of writing this article was the hood opens to reveal a painted engine. It is a basic plastic mold but because its painted blue and orange it would make a great garage diorama car.

Gulf Not to Dodge

ROSE GOLD CHASE CAR MERCEDES AMG A35 4MATIC

Bling Bling, Majorette has got the bling. Not a big fan of the color in general but this had me intrigued. My first reaction to the casting out of the packaging was ‘wow that’s heavy’. I’m not sure if it’s the plating that has made the car heavier, but it is a noticeable weight, if you like heavy cars, you’ll like this. The rose gold plating is really well done by highly susceptible to fingerprints and attracts dust like magnet. The casting isn’t new although this version is being touted as a chase car for Majorette’s Black and White series but I’m glad they chose this car because it really suits the Mercedes.

Opening parts has the rear door opening and it does come with rubber wheels giving it a high RQ* specially with the added weight. I personally love the chosen wheels and I have to say all the castings with these wheels look amazing. Goes to show the right shoes can bring it all together. *RQ = Rolling Quotient

THE DOM MOBILE DODGE CHARGER R/T

The Fast and the Furious franchise has been responsible for popularising many cars over the years. It launched the CIVIC into cult status, it made JDM’s even more desirable to the point where a decent Supra may cost more than a decent Ferrari but if there is one car or model that has featured in almost every version of the franchise is the DODGE Charger. Even the different models and variations have been plentiful, from overhead engine versions to SPEEDKORE modifications, VIN DIESEL is never far from a Charger as long as he is Dominic Toretto.

The Charger from Majorette is simple with an opening hood, jet black paint and the famous R/T in ride on the rear quarter panels. Majorette doesn’t do a lot of American Muscle sticking to the main big names like DODGE and FORD with a few newer Camero’s thrown in. But as far as classic American Muscle goes it’s the Charger and the Mustang that feature prominently.

THE NEW JDM TOYOTA GT86

Last in these issues look at smart looking Majorette mainliners is the GT 86. Another regular casting with some nice features in terms of details and finish. The plastic headlights are flawless, and I really like the rust orange paint job the combination of the body color and the wheels are perfect. With this casting you get the opening doors. A really smart addition to the 2022 line up. Now let’s see what we get for 2023.

Editor's Top 5 for Tarmac2022Works

Editor's Top 5 TARMACs

FERRARI 488 GT3

I love Ferrari so much I will consume as many models into my collection as much as possible so when I heard the partnership between IXO and Tarmac was going to yield a slew of race Ferrari’s I went ballistic. So far, I’ve managed to get my hands on all the releases but my favourite out of the lot is this MOMO livery in red and yellow Ferrari 488 GT3 which took part 2017 12Hour endurance race at Bathurst.

A very intricate car with lots of aero additions and plenty of branding but TARMAC WORKS have handled it well and certainly done a great job on their Ferrari range.

VOLVO 242 CUSTOM

King of the sleepers VOLVO prided its brand on being the safest car in the world but counter point to that they were also freakishly fast. And even though they have been known to have extremely boxy designs, they knew how to coin a handsome car that put aerodynamics to shame and relied on pure mechanical power hidden under an unassuming body. Love the 240 custom because Tarmac Works got the ride height perfect, got the colour perfect and the wired wheels do not look cheesy at all. Simple, good looking and classic I loved it, we loved it the VOLVO Model Car Group loved it. It made my TOP 5.

PORSCHE OLD& NEW 997

I can’t get enough of modern renditions on old cars. Some of them are quite over the top and certainly people like WILL I.A.M should not be allowed near a car of car designing software but then there are some renditions that are absolutely gorgeous. Like swapping out a new 997 front with a 935 styled nose and upgraded body kit to give you those 935 racing lines. I did struggle with which Porsche to put up as this was competing with the GUNTHER WERKS 993 but the OLD & NEW design concept is something that I have been really digging and TARMAC did a great job on bringing this to life.

LANCIA 037

This car whipped up a frenzy and was one of the cars that simply disappeared off the sites and shelves of shops across the world. For several reasons. The details of the famous MARTINI liveried car are exceptional right down to the smallest detail. Secondly, it’s a LANCIA wasn’t a very common car seen in 1/64. And finally, it has an opening engine bay with a very intricately painted engine and suspension system. Up close it looks like a real little engine in there. So far there have been two variations with a third version coming out next year.

NISSAN NISMO GTR35 GT3

TARMAC WORKS has released more NISSAN GT-R’s than you can shake a stick at. But this one done in collaboration with the fashion label ILLEST was raced in the GT ASIA CUP E Sports event in 2020 sponsored by Tarmac Works. There are two things I really love about this car and they are the two reasons why this has made it into my TOP 5. One, I love the art design on the car and two, it carries the CastHeads logo. As a media supporter to Tarmac Works own e-racing team we had our logo featured on all the team’s cars. This is one of them and my favorite.

The third and final round of purchases at the Singapore Diecast Expo yielded us some awesome POP CULTURE cars off Johnny Lightning. I nearly screamed in delight when I saw this on the pegs and being a massive speed racer fan from boyhood this was a no-brainer purchase. And I’m really glad I pulled the trigger on this and got it because it is perfect. Perfect because it has great detail which include Plastic lights and rubber wheels. It’s perfect because it has paint damage and racing scuffs down the sides. It’s perfect because the bonnet opens. It’s perfect because the card art is stunning.

In fact for the shoot I didn’t open my own purchase instead opting to borrow another brand new pack and opened that.

EDITOR'S TOP FIVE MINIGT FOR 2022

IT WAS VERY HARD TO PICK JUST FIVE MODELS OUT OF THE ENTIRE COLLECTION THAT WAS RELEASED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, THESE WERE FROM THE MODELS WE RECEIVED IN THE CASTHEADS GARAGE.

LAND ROVER DEFENDER 90 COUNTRY WAGON STRATOS BLUE

What can I say, I love Landys and this is was a more gentrified version of the Defender 90

BUGATTI CHIRON PUR SPORT - BLUE

Pure Sport, that what this version of the Bugatti Chiron was, and of course the Original blue is better than any other version of it.

BENTLEY MULLINER BACALAR YELLOW FLAME

The custom Bentley, in an outstanding color hearkened back to the days when coachbuilders made each car unique

RUF CTR ANNIVERSARY BLOSSOM YELLOW

One of those models that actually deserved the cover because lets face it, this was one kickass model of a kick ass car

PORSCHE TAYCAN TURBO S NaRaYa

Art, fashion, style, technology blends seamlessly into this model, and east meets west with a German car and an Thai fashion house

Pop Culture is a part of any living person who has or has had access to any sort of broadcast or print medium. Our exposure to it grows on an microsecond basis with the advent of the internet and we are inundated with all forms of it now.

Comics, it's heroes and villains play a huge part of that Pop Culture. From Radio, to TV, Cinema, and the internet, it has traveled far and wide across the globe and at the end of 2022,weseethatanythingtodowithPopCultureisaccepted widely and wildly and is no longer the domain of geeks, nerds, or the fringes of what many consider entertainment.

BLACK BEAUTY

Black Beauty Johnny Lightning's Rides out Into the night

Carries rockets in the front, under the headlights, knock-out gas in the front grille.

The Green Hornet, has been around since 1936, when the characters were created by George W Trendle and Fran Striker for radio serials that were popular at that time. Green Hornet, his trusty chauffeur/sidekick/a$$kicker Kato, took to the streets of Central City by night to fight crime.

By day, he was Brit Reid, the young, wealthy owner of The Daily Sentinel newspaper and wrongly accused Dan Reid Jr. To add more to the character, he is also the grandnephew of John Reid, aka The Lone Ranger. GH used many modes of transport throughout the different mediums. From a Lincoln Zephyr in the early series to a Chrysler Imperial Custom in the 1960s versions

Black Beauty

The 1960s series featured a 1966 Chrysler Imperial Crown hardtop that was customized by Dean Jeffries. He was the designer behind the Monkeemobile (The Monkees TV series), as well as various cars in Logan's Run (TV Series) in the 70s.

Apparently the studio spent over US$ 50000 on getting the model ready for the show. It was one of the stand out cars on TV shows in that era, apart from the legendary Batmobile. Two of these cars now survive, one at the Petersen Museum and the other with a private collector.

But we are here to talk about the scale model by Johnny Lightning. This all metal model is quite heavy, quite nicely detailed but lacking an opening part (well you can't have it all) and glossy siliver wheels that I personally think is waaaaay too much chrome for a car that needs to blend into the night. But all in all, I am happy knowing that I can collect pieces from Pop Culture that I like the most.

Bruce Lee got his big break as

Kato in this series.. but some

people say the car was the

real Sidekick!

Van Williams as Brit Reid/Green Hornet and Bruce Lee as Kato in The Green Hornet (1966-67)

SUPER CAR FAM

THE FORD GT

It’s been in production for quite a while now prompting many FORD fans to wonder when the next GT or the next FORD Super car is going to come but there is a reason why FORD is so comfortable with the GT and that is because it’s so freaking awesome. It looks good, it has a growly engine and lots of tech, still the darling of the FORD Performance division. It is also the darling of JADA who never miss a chance to drop a new version of the GT as much as possible.

BUDGET PRICE BARGAIN DETAIL

A PRETTY GOOD DEAL

Kicking things off, most striking feature is the nice clean matt black paint JADA has used on this. It looks like a supercar and the racing lines in silver again is a stroke of genius. The bronze gold wheels look fine with slotted disc brakes in the background. Opening doors, and front hood with the retractable spoiler at the bank which you can put down if you like. The lights are pretty well detailed both in front and at the back. And there is a QR code on the box where you can scan and go to an online scratch and win site by FORD. I won a screen saver.

TORQUE ALERT RED LINER

PURE STREET BANGER

As far as classic muscle cars go the Heavy Chevy Camaro Z28 will always be a staple, like the Pontiac Firebird which both share a common history which one would dare to say one of the greatest chassis’ ever built. The Z28 Camaro enjoyed a solid 10 years of popularity and different versions at different sizes and engine capacities, but it was a popular car and when drivers couldn’t get a Mustang they got a Camaro Z28. This BIGTIME MUSCLE version is like a homage to that era lining up a second gen 1970 version with the large front grille and ENDURA wind splitter lip.

1970 DESIGN OVER-LAID WITH MODERN AGGRESSION

An angry car built to fly like a torpedo with massive rear wheels to handle otherwise rubber destructive torque draped in the color of fury save for double black lines of the 70’s and 80’s ‘go fast’ fashion. JADA has really improved on the external looks of their models, almost poetic.

Complete opening parts as you would expect with JADA but what really strikes me about this car are those rims. Oh my god! I want a car with those rims. Those rims would make a VW look like a goth lover in leather and lace. They look stunning and is my favorite feature on this car.

FROM THE MOMENT I SAW THIS I FELL IN LOVE, AND I THINK ONE OF ITS CHARMS IS THE FACT THAT IT WAS BUILT ON A MAN’S LOVE FOR THE PORSCHE RSR. I ALSO LOVE HOW THESE CARS HAVE GREAT BACK STORIES.

HOMAGE RSR

TO THE GREAT

Commissioned by a Japanese RSR enthusiast name Yamanouchi the actual car began its life under the plasma saw of CBR Watahiki. Watahiki is a family-owned garage that specializes in building and restoring classic cars. They took a 1980 911 3.0 SC and three years to create this stunning homage.

GT Spirit has always been very good about the cars they bring to life in 1/18 scale and after extensively looking at pictures of the real car I can assure you they have done absolute justice to re-creation right down to those gorgeous black Rennline LED headlights. And, they have not neglected to drop the car on those Panasports wheels in the front and fat Work Meiser M1’s in the back custom painted bronze. Every little detail is present.

This is where we tell you that this needs to be in your collection. But to be really honest the car really speaks for itself, and I cannot imagine any hardcore PORSCHE fan not plotting their way into figuring out how to get one of these for themselves. For us at CastHeads this is the perfect car to review as the final car for the year, it represents the amazing stuff we can expect from GT Spirit in 2023.

RALLYGUYSRICHTHE3000BALLGUM

Not a big fan of the actual event, which is a Canonball Run for flashy expensive cars and not about the experience of being in a rally type event. But they do have nice cars that are done up in some exclusive livery’s and they translate nicely into 1/18 scale as GT Spirit has clearly demonstrated clearly for a second time with another AUDI but this time with an AUDI R8. Unboxing this left me blissfully happy because I really love cars that carry unique designs and have cool accessories like the luggage roof carry box that comes with the car.

IF YOU CAN GET PAST THE FACT THAT IT’S A RESIN CAR WITH NO OPENING PARTS YOU WILL FIND THE EXTERNAL DETAILS TO BE EXQUISITE WHICH YOU CAN SEE FOR YOURSELF IN THESE PICTURES. AND SHOOTING CARS WITH THIS MUCH OF DETAIL IS ALWAYS FUN BECAUSE YOU CAN CAPTURE CERTAIN AREAS CLOSE UP. LIKE THE WHEELS AND SLOTTED BRAKE DISCS.

THE DEUTSCHE RENNSPORT MESITERSCHAFT IS GERMANY’S EQUIVALENT TO THE SILHOUETTE TOURING CAR RACES IN JAPAN WITH SKYLINES AND SILVIAS, JUST SWAP THEM OUT WITH SHARK NOSED BMW’S AND OF COURSE SUPER POWERFUL PORSCHE’S. IT WAS A SEASON OF MANY EVENTS MUCH LIKE F1 AND PORSCHE WERE THERE IN A BIG WAY.

This is the PORSCHE 935 K3. The K3 stands for Kremer Racings Type 3 version modified by them and then raced under various sponsorships headed by Kremer Racing. In 1979 it won 24Hrs LeMans in the prototype category. Over the subsequent years the K3 won many races and competed around the world under Kremer Racing.

In 1980 Axel Plankenhorn drove extensively for Porsche Kremer Racing, in the K3 No.2 car racing in 5 DRM races, with 2 pole positions, 2 Podiums, 1 fastest lap accumulating 33 points and finishing 16th overall.

AS MASSIVE FANS OF MOTORSPORT THIS EXTENSIVE LINE UP OF RACE CARS FROM SOLIDO IS SUPER IMPRESSIVE. THESE ARE THE CARS THAT DEFINED A LOT OF THE CARS THAT WE GREW UP WITH OR WANTING BADLY. THIS IS THE SECOND K3 RELEASE AND THEY ARE ACING THE DETAILS AND QUALITY.

It’s clear to see how SOLIDO are slowly becoming a staple on the model car shopping list. The choice of cars over the last year have been impeccable and with their advent calendar teases it seems next year is going to be epic in terms of releases. Great models at stunning prices.

A QUICK LOOK INSIDE AND YOU WILL SEE THE LEVEL OF CRAFTSMANSHIP THAT HAS GONE INTO DELIVERING A GREAT CASTING.

FIGHT FACE GET YOUR ON

The "Street Fighter" range from Solido is a collection of street-tuner variants of popular models in their line up. Most of them have small differences to their regular offerings. One of them is this new BMW M3 (E30) in the most eye-catching yellow we have seen in awhile.

The variations can be noticeable if you look closely. Solido keeps refining their castings each season as to offer collectors to own the model that is different to each other. This model has a few additions to the interior as well as the exterior.

The addition of an radio antenna to the front, blacked out front grille, thicker roll cage, addition of a NOS bottle and front passenger seat are some of the visible changes. The dash is also a bit more updated. And of course the addition of disc brakes and caliphers to the five-spoke blacked out wheels. Over all the color scheme works across the board.

We are quite excited to see what other models join their Street Fighter collection in 2023 and beyond.

FIGHT FLIGHT ONLY NO

WSIERRA ÜRTH A HAVING

What is that we could possible review of this model that hasn't been done by a thousand others since it's release? Well we can tell you the story behind the model. It was driven to victory in the 1988 DTM Group A races by Armin Hahne for Wolf Racing at Nurburgring. But there are subtle differences between the real car and the model. The model has lace wheels whereas the one raced has disc wheels popular during that era for race car as to reduce drag.

A Sierra Würth Having

There are also small difference from the original car and the model when it comes to some decals placed on the car. One of them seemed to be the placement of the TEXACO stickers on the front side panel which is missing on the original but the restored one has as seen in much later Touring Car Classics held from 2015 onwards. We assume that was the model taken as the muse for the scale version.

Not much into livered models?

Solido has you covered on that front too. The 1987 Sierra was released in Diamond White.

But overall, the model is one for the collection. If you love the classic racing series, European Fords and legendary drivers, this is one from the Solido Competition line for you. www.solido.com

HAND CRAFTED PERFECTION

MARCO LAVIOLA

SPEAKS TO LANCE MULLER

High-valued and extremely detailed models exist in the diecast world, but they tend to run into thousands of dollars and are highly coveted by people who look to them as investments than mere collectibles.

Hand-built models, just as in the real world, are much sought after and one person who owns this domain is Marco Laviola. From the Southern Italian town of Puglia, he makes extremely detailed models in his workshop and take great care to ensure that they are perfect as the real car they are based on. I sat and had a chat with him about his craft.

CASTHEADS MAGAZINE Marco, what´s your story, how did you first got involved in the scale modeling world?

MARCO Hi, it is a pleasure for me to answer your questions, for your magazine which I think is very interesting and updated on the world of motors. I have always had a passion for modeling as a child, ever since I got the first LEGO as a gift; from there it all started, I gradually moved on to materials that were new to me such as wood and with the help of my father (sculptor) I began to learn to work it. But my passion was beginning to grow for the engine world and I combined the two passions with dynamic modeling. I learned how to build, modify and prepare my radio-controlled cars with internal combustion engines, participating in races and

events. After several years I abandoned dynamic modeling to devote myself completely to static modeling because I was fascinated in building the models as detailed as possible and trying to have the illusion of looking at a real model.

CHM How is it possible that you can build these amazing models from scratch? Do you have a prior training in industrial design or something relative? How do you reach such level of detail, I mean,your models look so real!

ML The models I build are made on commission from the client, based on what he asks of me; to build a scale model, I use various materials, but usually we start from the design, to the 3D printing of each component of the model, all this is not done by me but I rely on professional designers.

Once all the pieces are ready, the assembly begins, and here comes the funniest part for me where with the help of photographs, videos and sometimes historical details I try to reproduce all the details that I can do, (sometimes I have to give myself a term otherwise I would go to infinity... ha ha)

The most used materials are abs, resin, metal etc ... then for the most requested models I build the molds to reproduce them more easily and I stock up on spare parts that sometimes I also find from kits etc.

CHM Can you tell me, which models have you replicated? Have you only built classic and formula 1 cars? Or do you have more surprises..

ML as mentioned above, it depends on the model to be built, if you start from scratch it will take more or less 5/6 months if it is a model that I have already built the thing changes because I have already ready the molds and spare parts and the work becomes faster 2/3 months and logically also the cost.

CHM I´m curious, and with this question I do not mean that you reveal your secrets.. What are the main materials that you use in the construction of your models? What kind of tools do you use?

ML The materials used are the most diverse and I use them based on what I have to build, internal or external parts. I like to work and use classic materials such as copper, aluminum,

leather, wood etc. My old friend is the Dermal min drill, I've already burned 2, but I mostly use very fine files and all mini tools.

CHM Is this your way of making a living or is it just a hobby? If it is just a hobby, what do you do for a living

ML It was a hobby that by pure chance turned into a real second job. I have a small farm but that gives me a lot of downtime, so that I can dedicate myself to something else.... It all happened when I published some work on Instagram for the first time, since then it has been a continuous growth of followers from all over the world, today there are more than 50,000 with contacts also of famous drivers, actors, singers, chefs and above all great car collectors.

ML Vintage classic cars are my favorites, I like to go and study who designed them, reading me a bit of history and if there is even watching a movie ... but they also asked me for particular things like, the skeleton of a Japanese plane WWII used by "kamikaze" another time they asked me for a Batmobile with which I enjoyed building it a lot.

CHM Approximately, how much time do you invest in building a model? How does a model start, do you have access to equipment?

CHM Has any major car manufacturer reached you to build them a particular scale model?

ML Yes, it happened that mainly companies that build prototypes or particular cars contacted me to have the scale model made by me, but also some companies that asked me to make many parts of cars made in series, in that case I do not accept because it becomes an industrial job and mine is artisan, to be clear, I hardly build two perfectly identical scale models, I always like to change some details that the non-expert eye does not see

CHM Have you or do you exhibit (exhibited) your models publicly? I mean, like in an expo or something similar? Or do you show them exclusively in your social media feed.

ML Unfortunately I do not exhibit anything real, or rather it happened to me for some models but nothing of that, I do not keep models for myself, it will seem strange to you but I have only 5 of my models; once finished I send them to the customer immediately, but I always try to involve my followers by showing simple videos and photos on daily work

CHM If anyone wishes to acquire a model, how can they reach you? Please feel free to share your professional data in these pages..

ML My one and only showcase I have is Instagram, I have no other social networks or websites, my contact is @ marlinlav my email to contact me is marlinlav@gmail.com

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera | 1:18 AUTOart

Photo by Alberto Jorge Rodríguez IG @impressive:cars