26 replies to this topic

[variocam]

Ok, I want to start a collection of F1 die casts and will get the WDC every year, starting from the year 2000. I think it will be cool in 25 years to look at the collection lined up and see the changes over the years. Anyway, Who makes the best models? I want a company that will be around for a while and one that had detail (rubber tires etc.). So who do I go with?
Pauls Model Art?
Burrago?
Anyone else?

[JayWay]

Mini Champs used have a damn monopoly on the industry, but I took a look a couple a days ago at some sites, just to see what new stuff is out, and I got the feeling that Hot Wheels has taken over. There stuff looked sweet, and Mini champs was no where to be seen.

[baddog]

burrago is a good choice.

Id recommend if you are going to do this, why not go bakcwards too.. a complete set from the 60s to today woud give an awesome view of how things have changed over the years

Shaun

[mono-posto]

Your best bet is to grit down and bear it, and become a model builder!

There is no end to what you can do in terms of subject and detail when you build them yourself. Tameo of Italy has over 250 kits in thier catalog! All F1 and that is just one small company. Throw in Tenariv, Scale Racing Cars, MG Models, Tron, Meri Kits the occasional Provence Moulage...

Soon, you'd have more than you knew what to do with.
Alternatively, you could buy a kit and send it off to have it built by a pro builder. This route is a little pricy, but it will absolutely amaze you when compared to the cheap models you'd get from Burago or Minichamps.

I have dozens of 1/43 F1 models on my shelf waiting to be built, from 1952 all the way to the Ferrari F1-2000. It is a perfect way to pass a cold New England night. You don't get the 'instant gratifaction' that comes with a pre-built, but the journey is worth it.

Good luck collecting!

[arcwulf7]

I bought an expensive Ferrari model a few years ago. Villeneuve/Pironi era Ferrari with 100's of bits. The guy at the model shop said it was the top of the line (i forget the name, Italian i think). It must have been about 20 minutes into my model building project that i realized i had neither the time, patience or the least bit of talent for model building. There was glue all over place, mostly where it shouldn't be and when i tried to get the little prancing horse decal on the steering wheel as a kind of low skill primer for the rest, i botched the job and destroyed it completely. That was it, it's still around here somewhere, so where do you find a professional model builder (i can only guess they charge $1000 for a completed work).

[Louis Mr. F1]

here's a quick preview to this yr's BAR by minichamp, may not be the final version





minichamp, less expensive, less details, save time. up to you to decide[p][Edited by Louis Mr. F1 on 10-11-2000]

[Bruce]

It used to be that Minichamps was the best pre-built model that you could buy. Onyx, Quartzo and Brumm nake models of widely varying quality, although Brumm is for the most part a maker of "historical models".

Hot Wheels look slick, but are not as good as Minichamps... sadly, you don't have much of a choice, as Hot Wheels now have the rights to a good part of the field including Ferrari - I have found that Hot Wheels, though generally good have some slight problems with scale when compared to Minichamps. I know that Minichamps still own the rights to BAR and Mclaren but am unsure of who else.

Bburago is mediocre, but I have never seen them do 1/43 scale models - I assume that 1/43 is what you are after as that is the most popular scale for pre-made die-cast F1 cars...

Lastly, as mentioned, you can buy 1/43 cast resin kits to build - they come from fairlt easy to super difficult - but a warning - they are NOTHING like building your average 1/12 or 1/24 scale Tamiya plastic model. They require patience and skill to build to any degree of finish. If you're interested in any of the above I can give you the address of a specialist near my home in Canada - haven't checked your profile so I'm not sure if this is any use to you, but I do know that many buy these things by mail, as they are eminently shippable...

[Andy]

As with anything to do with F1, it all comes down to "Rights"!

I figure I'm a pretty good authority on these because a.) I have a collection which numbers over 100 (F1) pieces. b.) I own a company which manufactures acrylic display cases for these models!

Firstly, JayWay is right, Minichamps (formerly owned by Paul's Model Art) used to have the rights to produce (on average) 10 of the 11 teams on the F1 grid each year. Last year HotWheels decided to get into the Collectable Die Cast Market and snapped up the rights to produce the models of Ferrari, Stewart/Jaguar, Jordan, McLaren (but not all of them) & Williams. For the 2000 model year, Minichamps will share the rights to Ferrari with HotWheels.

As far as collectable models at a semi-reasonable price go, this is the way to go (HotWheels & Minichamps) as these are more expensive than the Bburago's but better detailed and more likely to increase in value. They both offer models in 1:43rd & 1:18th scales while HotWheels also offers some in 1:24th and Minichamps makes the tiny 1:64th scale ones as well. Minichamps & Hotwheels also get the rights to produce the driver in the model, whereas Bburago does not.

I hope that answers your question(s) and helps!;)

A.

P.S. I just noticed you are in Toronto, as are the majority of my Clients which are Racing model & memorabilia stores. If you need any help finding a place to buy your models, send me a PM and I'll send you a list of stores.

[Louis Mr. F1]

Bruce, i'm in Toronto as well, do you know how much they charge for a Tameo model to build one? i don't have the skill and time to do it myself (would like to have the skill really) i've found a 86 AGS, Coloni , 89 Arrows AGS Tameo that i'm interested, it'd be great to add them to my collection.

[mono-posto]

Since I'm a dealer for Tameo, BBR, Provence Moulage, Scale Racing Cars etc. I'd always be glad to answear any questions regarding these lines.

Also you can check out http://www.f1m.com which is dedicated to Formula 1 modeling. At the bottom of the page you will find a link for a Formula 1 modeling email group that you can join. A great source of information.

As far as pro builders go, I can recommend Peter Wingfield in Florida USA. He has over 10 years experience doing nothing but building models for other people. His work is top notch. I am not sure of his rates but a pro-built model could range anywhere from 200 USD to over 1000! Depending on scale, complexity etc. You would most likely reserve such services for that one very special model that means alot. I for one have been thinking of having him do a 1/43 Ferrari 312T3. Villineuves 1978 Canadian win to be exact.
Someday.

BBR makes SOME F1 but not alot. A factory built BBR will run from 150 USD to 200 USD. But they absolutely make everything else look amature.

[Andy]

Louis Mr F1 - DMP Studios in Burlington, Ont. does a fantastic job of building Tameo and other models. He will either get the kit and build it for you or you can supply the kit and he will just build it. Very skilled model builder. If interested, send me a PM and I'll send you his phone #.

A.

[Max Torque]

Let's clear it out.
For 2000 the models will be releashed as follows:

Minichamps has exclusivity for Benetton, BAR, Arrows, Sauber, Prost, Minardi.

Hotwheels has exclusivity for Ferrari, Jordan, Jaguar.

Both manufacturers share the rights and will be making models for McLaren and Williams.

This is pretty much a fact.

Minichamps have unparrallel quality and decal perfection.

Hotwheels have greater detail and are less expensive (at least in my country)

Minichamps are harder to find, Hotwheels suck at decals (missing many spnsors like all kinds of alcohol drink sponsors etc. Also Ferrari doesn't have the livery it has for tobbacco-banned GPs. They look like the Ferrari in the Seicento TV-commercial only!)

Plus: Hotwheels doesn't really care for perfection: '99 models have rear wings for slow circuits but front wings for high speeds!

Lastly, BBurago only makes toys, not collector's models. Only low quality 1/24 scale Ferraris up to '98 (no driver). No new models from them. Who cares anyway.

PS: Hope MINICHAMPS retakes the rights to all teams again soon. They are better.

[whit]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Max Torque
Also Ferrari doesn't have the livery it has for tobbacco-banned GPs. They look like the Ferrari in the Seicento TV-commercial only!

I just got some excellent decals for the Hotwheels 1/18 Ferrari that add all the Marlboro sponsonship. With these decals applied the cars finally look correct. I was a die hard Minichamps fan, but I think I prefer the new Hotwheels. Both companies made the 1998 car so I can compare them side-by-side. (Each has some shortcomings, though) The decals came from GrandPrix Miniatures in Montreal and are made by BBR. The owner, Ralph, says that sets are available for some of the earlier years, but right now I only have '98 and '99.

[Cindy]

I have many 1/18th Minichamp Diecasts F1 models. My most beloved is my 1988 Senna McLaren-Honda w/ the full Marlboro sponsorship. I have gotten quite a few recently from Toronto Motorsports from Canada. They have been nothing but great in their service, plus I live in San Diego, California, U.S., and had no problems with deliver. The models always came in perfect condition, plus they have great deals from time to time, I highly recommend you check out their web page for some deals. I recently bought JV 98' Williams & DC 98' McLaren for $39.00 (American) for both! They are both 1/18th Minichamps.

I think Hotwheels is getting better, their actual chassis design is a little more accurate than Minichamps, but the decals & paint is much better with the Minichamps, at least for now. You can also get the Tobacco conversion decals from Toronto Motorsports to turn your diecast even more accurate.

http://www.tomotorsports.com/

[pinchevs]

Andy,
What kind of display cases does your company make for 1/43 and 1/18? Is there a catalogue or a web site?

Do BBR have a web site?

I'm looking for race diagrams for 1/18 scale, do you know where I can find any?

This is a wonderfull thread!

P.S.
Does anyone know of a 1967 Ferrari F1 kit/die cast at any scale? (yes the GPL ferrari) [p][Edited by pinchevs on 10-11-2000]

[Andy]

pinchevs - I thought you'd never ask! Our web site is located at http://www.jetplast.com but if you want to go directly to the section with displays for model cars, click HERE!

These are but a few examples and most are available in any scale. As we manufacture everything in-house, like our name says, we specialize in Custom Displays so nothing's impossible!

A.;)

[variocam]

So what your all saying is that I will never be able to collect the world champion each year by the same model builder? Thats kind of crazy. Oh well.

[Max Torque]

Start with this year's and we'll see for the next...

Michael Schumacher 2000 F1-2000
PS: Who knows what exactly this one is? I just stumbled upon it and I don't know who made it, what scale it is etc.
The base doesn't look like Hotwheels. On the other hand, no one else has the rights...

[Andy]

Max - I'd say that is a 1:18th scale HotWheels on a custom made base. Some company (Grand Prix Legends out of England??) did the same for JV's WDC model. The engraved plates around the edges of the base are the outlines of each track on the F1 circuit. From the URL where you got this picture, I noticed part of the url is the word "draft" which would indicate that this is a prototype of something someone will be coming out with.

Like I said, for the 2000 season, both HotWheels & Minichamps have the rights to the Ferrari's so there should be some interesting competition here!

Vario - Basically it comes down to personal preference between Minichamps & HotWheels. Yes, you may have to buy one brand only if it is the only brand manufacturing that year's WDC car but that should not effect the future resale value as it was the only one in that catagory available. If you have the choice between Minichamps & HotWheels for the same model, and you want something that will hold it's value, go with Minichamps for the simple fact that they have been in the F1 model market longer and have a track record of their models going up in value. I have sold 1:18th scale Minichamps models which I purchased for $65, for $400.00++ only a few years after purchasing them! (And they say Mutual Funds are the way to go!! )

[Max Torque]

Andy, how do you know Minichamps will be making Ferraris this year?

You are the only one on the net who says that. I honestly hope you are right, but sadly, I think you are mistaken.

Hotwheels have exclusive contracts with Ferrari and Schumacher for up to 2001.

PS:Thanks for the info. [p][Edited by Max Torque on 10-11-2000]

[pinchevs]

Andy,
1. Thanks. I will probably go for a big wall mounted case, but I need to consult the wife ;)
2. Can you ship the cases to Israel? Do you ship them assembled or do I have to put them together?
3. Do you or anybody else reading this thread know where I can find a 1967 Ferrari F1 car?

Max,
WOW! Now that is what I need! I can not start to imagine how many people will want one, so I guess there is going to be a VERY long waiting line.

[Andy]

Max - Ha! Inside info here!!;) I am going to double-check this with my client who is the Canadian Distributor of both but this is what I have been told. Will get back to you on this.

pinchevs - For #1 Good Luck! #2, e-mail me through the form on our web site. For #3, check out http://www.exoto.com, I'd say they are your best chance/source.

A.

[Max Torque]

You have no idea how happy I will be if you are right man. I can only imagine how a MINICHAMPS F1-2000 would look like!

It would kick ass!

Please keep me posted.

[Andy]

Max - Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but my client, the Canadian distributor of both HotWheels & Minichamps has confirmed that this rumour of Minichamps doing the 2000 Ferrari F1 are false. HotWheels has a 10 year, exclusive, contract with Ferrari and, hence only HotWheels will be producing the 2000 Ferrari F1 in die cast. Even Bburago's contract has now ended with Ferrari and so they are no longer permitted to produce the model.

Other news for North American collectors, Action Performance has lost their distribution rights for Minichamps in the US and these rights have now been returned to the Co. in Florida (forget the name) who originally distributed Minichamps in the US and will now go by the name "Minichamps USA" again.

Ah the joys of die cast model collecting!! Max, I may have some "interesting" news in the not too distant future, for you and other die-hard die cast collectors, with regards to a Limited Edition Ferrari F1-2000 HotWheels model in 1:18th scale... For now, however, my lips must remain sealed!!;)

A.

[Max Torque]

10 Years?!
NOO!

Anyway, whenever "interesting" news come up, please feel free to inform me via PM or whatever. I would really appreciate some "inside" info.

[Bennett]

Just a side note, but does anyone find it ironic that the actual cars are now "plastic" (i.e. carbon-fibre) but the die cast are metal?

For the count... I own both Hot Wheels and Minichamps and prefer the quality of the Minichamps over the Hotwheels. The Hotwheels was well made (1/18 Jordan 1999 Frenzten) but didn't have the same level of quality as the Minichamps. Hotwheels are a bit less expensive though.

My pride and joy is a 1/18th 1967 Lotus - J. Clark with the livery as appearing in Silverstone!

[Andy]

I agree the HotWheels leave a bit to be desired however for you guys/gals who have been collecting for some years now, you should remember the first Minichamps F1 models were somewhat 'crude' as well. IMO these first HotWheels models are much better than the first Minichamps were and so with the HotWheels improving each year, we should end up with very nice models within the next couple years. Keep in mind that, both 'F1 car models' & 'Collectable Die Cast' are completely new markets for Mattel so there will be that learning curve...;)