Sun Star Models

I have dozens of Sunstar models; their Platinum Series  represents some of the best 1/18 replicas ever made.  Many of them (not all ) are truly excellent.   

Among their lesser series - their "regular line,"  such as this Horch, models range from decent to really good.

Although I do not own this particular 1/18 1939 Horch 855, I'd label it "good,"  better than average.   They were issued in several liveries, but I think black looks best.

Ricko also produced a few 1/18 Horch models, this 1939 cabriolet for example.   Although it's a different model - a 930, it does offer slightly greater detail with roll up door windows and included top-down & top-up options.

@chris   Thank you, Chris, and I think I'll pull the trigger on the model I posted.  The seller is only asking 55€ plus shipping and he will accept offers.  I have sent a note, first, to ask about any issues that are not visible in the photos.

@gdh Right!   Get ALL your info UP FRONT - and - ask for MANY pics.   In instances such as these, a picture is truly WORTH "a thousand words!"     😉 😉 😉

This looks like a great diecast replica of this car and well worth picking up. I have a number of SunStar diecast automobile replicas and they are  exceptionally good models with superb subject matter. 

@michaeldetorrice   Thanks for the input, Michael, and I am waiting for a reply from the seller, before I proceed.  There are several at this price point, so one of them may end up on my shelf.

@chris   After much back and forth and the seller sticking to his guns, I went foraging for another option, and I will have a new, in box, Sun Star Horch 855 in a few days.  It cost 15€ more than the used one I posted here, and it is worth the extra € for the mascot to be intact and the original box.  I should thank the other seller for sending me on my way. 😎

@michaeldetorrice   Well, my 'new' 1939 Horch 855 arrived, yesterday.  I haven't been myself for a few days, so I didn't open it until this morning and I found a surprise: the model was advertised as new and, believe it or not, it was definitely new.  The box hadn't even been opened and it is in pristine condition, exactly like the model.  A true beauty, from my perspective.  I will do my best to take some photos of it, and the other recent arrivals, when I'm up to it.  In the meantime, here are original photos from the listing:

For the purists: yes, I keep all of the packaging which is stored in plastic containers.  And, here are other photos of this model and, Chris, I agree this model is the best looking one of the series and I attribute this to the black-painted wheel spokes.  The other models, with the chrome spokes don't look as sharp.  I'll add a couple for comparison.

What a really beautiful automobile and replica of it ! This one will definitely be a star in your displays. 

Posted by: @gdh

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"I agree this model is the best looking one of the series and I attribute this to the black-painted wheel spokes." 

I think so too.    If non-painted spokes were on your black car I couldn't recommended it.    😉 😉    Glad everything arrived "better than expected!" 

@chris  I did find a black model of this car, with a green painted hood and trim around the cockpit, with chromed spokes.  In my opinion, it is not nearly as attractive as black on black.

The driver for mine arrived a few weeks earlier than expected, from China and, wait for it...she is amazing!  I am putting together a 'scenario' and I will provide photos when it is ready.  In the meantime, the 1:18 model of the 'girl in black' arrived looking exactly like the listing photos.  I ordered two more from this seller, and I will post a photo of the group, with their rides, when everything has arrived.  Yup, I am definitely jazzed.

Awesome on ALL fronts - especially regarding your 1/18 figure(s).    As I noted, you pay for what you get....   Q: Why are those so expressive?     A: Because they're worth it! 

I think I'm excited too!  😀 😎 😀 

@chris  I keep forgetting to ask what the best means of securing figures in one spot might be.  I see sales photos where there is some substance beneath the figure's feet which resembles Silly Putty, or some such concoction.  I also found in the upper left corner of the attached image unpainted figures standing on what looks like a film, or flat substance of some kind.  As I am making a substantial investment in 1:18 scale figures (14 more on the list) I wish to use the best material to avoid damaging them.  Any recommendations?

@gdh Good ("balanced" ) figures will stand on their own, however, many will have "slim tipping points."   They're easily toppled. 

Ways to secure them WITHOUT damaging include:

1) Using double-sided Scotch  tape.

2) Using double-sided Scotch tape applied to a circle of clear plastic film or thin plastic colored disc or square - for added stability.

3) Small amounts of reusable wall mounting putty.  (..like Silly Putty )

4) Hot glue - hot glue gun. 

5) Clear nail polish will act as a glue.

6) White glue (Elmer's ). 

If you suspect you'll be "adjusting"  your expensive figures often BUT don't trust them to stand on their own, I suggest #2, using tape or glue - OR - #3 (Putty ).   Either is a bit unrealistic, but the chances of your figures falling over are greatly reduced. 

Here's a few examples I did MANY years ago, one with a small clear disc, the other with a colored disc, however, I used glue to attach the shoes to the plastic.      These were initially (in scale ) Christmas ornaments, thus, never meant to stand on their own, so glue was needed (tiny shoes! )

- Good luck my friend, have fun & post pics! 😉 

@chris   Thank you, Chris.  I may do 'temporary poses' by supporting them with other objects, take the photo, and then put away.  I am working on two dioramas and for one of them I will build a base thick enough to 'pin' the figures in place.  By this I mean to tap a very tiny hole in the feet, insert a 1cm length of needle into the hole and glue it.  After which, I tap a hole in the base, where I want the figure to stand, and insert the pin. Or, I will just glue a pin to the feet of the characters and go from there.  In theory, this should work and, no, I will not be using expensive figures for this diorama, but the characters are very appropriate for the subject.