The Little World

I’m not normally nervous when selecting a model kit to build…but I’ll confess to feeling that way about this one on the hobby shop shelf..

Why nervous? Because I used to have an extensive collection of die-cast model cars in 1:18 scale that I used as props for tabletop photography. They were sold away, and I commenced the airplane business. Now I want to take a period photo with a live model and need an older car.

The price of die-casts has risen to the point where they are unpleasant to contemplate. This is no cheapie, either, but at least 1/3 of the price of the metal equivalent. But can it be built to anything like the same standard as the ready-made ones? By me? Am I buying a hiding to nothing?

Well, the basic kit looks acceptable in the box – if you disregard the kiddy play stuff like the figures, and accessories.

But a closer examination shows that it has the fit standards of the 90’s. The chrome looks flash, but has plenty of that around many components. The working parts look like they are scaled down to the point of fragility – This will be a prop and shelf queen.

Well, I’se paid my money and I’se taken my choice ( In reality there were really only two stock 20’s or 30’s cars on offer. ) so I might as well start clipping and gluing. Photography can cover as well as reveal a multitude of sins.