[Closed] Question re: Sun Star Platinum

I think you would really love them ! SunStar Platinum, Highway 61 and others like the Authentics Series (originally an Ertl development) are all in the high-detail area of 1/18th scale diecast models.

Right now, SunStar Platinum is still active in doing new tooling, although it takes quite a while before new releases are announced.

I am delighted with all my SunStar models and they display and photograph wonderfully. It's best to check them out in person to make color decisions, although a good thing is that most Platinum models are done in a variety of colors over time and usually in hardtop, top-down and top-up convertible forms.

You can generally find a color, option and configuration that is especially pleasing about a certain SunStar release. New colors, etc are done generally on an on-going basis.

SunStar also has a standard line and these are also excellent, too.

Highway 61 cars still can be found out there and AutoWorld currently releases the Authentics line of high-detail 1/18th cars.

Mike

Randy I have all of the ones you mentioned as well as many others. They are a substantial portion of my 1:18 collection (about 120 cars). The Platinum series is the tops...wonderful detail and craftsmanship for the money. These are my favorites amongst 1:18s aside from some AutoArt and Minichamps. The standard series is good but not up to the Platinum level but if they offer a model you really want don't be afraid to go for it. Again, the Platinum level is really the way to go.

Go for it Randy. You will enjoy the ones you mentioned.

Randy, I have about 30 of the SunStar Platinum models, and for the money...

They are great. I have all the ones you've mentioned and I love them. Now with that, be careful of the photo-etched scripts and such. They can be a bugger, and I have a few models that they were damaged when they arrived. They are not sealed and you definitely want to do that because they will fall off in time.
I think you will be pleased with the models overall. They offer some great choices and most are good color combinations.

Thanks, guys. Re: the scripts...

I read one review on here - I think it was for a '56 Mercury - where collectors have had issues with the scripts and letters coming off with the clear protective film. This is a concern of mine, and I kinda remember a collector I knew who bought one of the I Love Lucy Pontiacs who had this issue.

My other concern is how accurate these models are with regard to interior colors. Example, the Neptune Metallic '59 Mercury's interior. Looks odd to me, and same goes for the Madeira Yellow '59 Mercury's interior. The dash is yellow but the door panels and seats look to be champagne gold and white. But I haven't been able to find any reference material. I know I am being anal, but I have been spoiled by Danbury Mint's accuracy in this regard. (Although I realize these models are not as expensive as DM models were when new.)

Randy - I have purchased SS Platinum models and here is my experience. I too wondered about the interior on the yellow '59 Merc cv. The worst interior I have ever seen is the '58 Ford hardtop in green/white. The interior is a bizarre mix of black, turquoise and olive green. SS did a beautiful '59 Olds hardtop in Emerald green/white but the interior is lime green in color. The interior color chart for the '59 Olds shows an interior in a "fern green" but no lime tones.

I don't think you are being anal. The original Platinum issues ran about $60; now they are in the $90's and some as high as $130+. A correct interior is not too much to ask for that price. It costs SS just as much to make an incorrect interior as it does a correct one. Just my anal opinion.