A Model Dose... Friday 12/27/24

Very patriotic! Great pics John!

Many here won't buy these 1/24 scale Automodello models because they are sealed resin. To me, Jim Cowen has done a masterful job not only with the detailing of these models, but he has walked between the lines to produce models the mints never did. While my budget won't allow several colors of each model, I have one of each model and fill some niches that otherwise would not be filled with models that display well with the mint cars. Love the patriotic display John.

IMO, the '65-'68 Galaxies were / are some of the best looking Fords from that decade. Nice that you're able to afford them John. I sure wouldn't put out that much $.

Steve 

They are beautiful models. The forthcoming '61 Caddy may be my first Automodello model. 😊

@100ford2003 Steve, I am with you.  For a static model, even as nice as they are, they are just too much.

Posted by: @bob-jackman

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Many here won't buy these 1/24 scale Automodello models because they are sealed resin. To me, Jim Cowen has done a masterful job not only with the detailing of these models, but he has walked between the lines to produce models the mints never did. While my budget won't allow several colors of each model, I have one of each model and fill some niches that otherwise would not be filled with models that display well with the mint cars. Love the patriotic display John.

It's not only my budget that won't allow me to buy these models, it's my own unwillingness to pay the price of each model.  I had one Automodello model (one of the Lincolns) and after seeing it with no frills or whistles, I sent it back.  I've no problem with "sealed" models, but not for prices that are double or nearly triple of what the mints used to give us with all the many movable parts.  This said, John's Fords look good.  

 

I never pulled the trigger for one of these but would like to have one if I could find one at a decent price.

I have several Automodello models and they are spectacular.  Can't wait for the 61 Cadillac.

Posted by: @bob-jackman

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Many here won't buy these 1/24 scale Automodello models because they are sealed resin. To me, Jim Cowen has done a masterful job not only with the detailing of these models, but he has walked between the lines to produce models the mints never did. While my budget won't allow several colors of each model, I have one of each model and fill some niches that otherwise would not be filled with models that display well with the mint cars. Love the patriotic display John.

100% agree Bob. I have 14 1/24s and 6 1/43s from Automodello. And I have the Kingswood wagon and GMC Motorhome on the way. I too appreciate the variety, from 60s U.S icons to beautiful French curves. At times I also feel frustrated at not being able to get a full view of the interiors and of course there are no engines, however the intricate bodywork details make up for this, and of course there are no paint issues. Since DM closed up overall I'm still spending around the same, instead of say 4-6 DMs 1/24s a year I buy 1-2 1/24 Automodellos, although I have added the Kingswood as a 3rd buy this year. 

I have the red Ford from Johns display, both outstanding, the model and Johns display!

 

@georgeschire I completely understand George. We all have to make decisions as to what justifies our expenditures.

I love the '65 and '66 Ford Galaxie 2drhts; especially the 7-Liter and hope to see them done soon by Goldvarg or a similar quality company in 1/43 scale.  Goldvarg has the '67 Country Squire coming very soon so perhaps we may see a 2drht. of that as well!

I guess I am willing to sacrifice more than I should sometimes for my hobby. While I don't buy every Automodello model issued, I do buy what I like. They are usually excellent models of cars that can't be had anywhere else. I only buy duplicate colors of the ones I really appreciate, like this Ford and the Continental Mark IIs. Even with those restrictions, I have still assembled a decent amount of these models in 1:43 & 1:24. 

Since we've been discussing the Automodello models here, one point has been mentioned, but not expounded on.  It's that they are completely "sealed" (the term used for not having any opening doors, hoods, trunks). 

So for those of the longer time members of this Diecast Forum, you may recall that back in the DM, FM, GMP, etc. era, our diecast models had those "opening" amenities and sometimes even included "working suspension", "opening gas caps", and "steerable front wheels".  I was one of the minority collectors that questioned why a model, that will be displayed on a shelf, has to have all those things. 

My rationale was that obviously the more of these "features" a model had, the more it would cost.  And remember, this when these diecast cars were selling (new) for $120 to $150.  My whole point back then was, that the more "working" parts the car had, the more chances of it being broken.  I remember many here shouting loudly that those things made the car more "real".  Then 1:24 diecast died. 

We all lamented over the (given) reasons why they couldn't be produced any longer and we were forced to accept it.  Then comes "Resin", the (supposed) next great thing.  However, now our models cost upwards of $300 or more, and the cars have no working parts at all.  Not to mention, the silly "up windows" on the passenger side of the cars, which I've always maintained makes no sense at all.  I'm not debating that the Automodello models are nicely replicated, but it's the high price of them that previously, collectors who were adamant that the models have the "useless" working parts, now support this "less for more" concept. 

I shake my head.  

The sole reason I collect models is for the history of the automobile and the reasonable accuracy. I have never bought one for the opening parts or the material the model is made from. To be fair the prices mentioned for the FM and DM do not reflect what they might be today.

Don't forget the silver and gold: