I discovered a model that has captured my attention, but I see there is the possibility of stubbing my toe on this one. All of the examples I have found, with the exclusion of one, are missing the hood ornament yet they tout their offering as 'very good condition.' There is even one model with large bubbles under the roof's paint, but the asking price is still very high for a model in that condition. I have been offered one for which I requested additional photos and this one, too, is missing the hood ornament, though the center trim doesn't show a 'scar' from its removal. It also has small bubbles forming under the paint on the top of the left fender and I can see evidence of the same issue beginning on the right fender. Does anyone have experience with this model and is the quality of the manufacture such that one may need to compromise on his expectations? It is an interesting model and although I do like the original Midnight Ghost I do not sense I will find that one anytime soon. So, feedback is important, gentlemen. Thank you.
We've discussed the model on the boards off and on since its inception. My two good friends, Rafi Minasian and Roger Hardnock, created it. At the time, they were switching places as Design Manager at The Franklin Mint. The car is a fictional Duesenberg styled and made in the thirties, by Raffi and Roger's fathers; as the fictional story goes and is chronicled in the booklet accompanying the model's paperwork. (I had both fellows sign mine up at the Mint during one of our D4C club meetings.)
The model is prone to having paint rash, the bubbling you mention and the loss of the standard Duesenberg ornament. Plenty of these were made and there's sure to be a finer one available but it may take time because the model is well liked and people hold on to them. It is big and heavy and handling makes it easy to break the delicate mascot and time does not favor a perfect paint job forever, so patience will be difficult to maintain.
@perrone1 So, compromise is part of the equation. This seller is not a collector and has offered the model to me for 175USD (150Euros), though he has mentioned he is flexible.
EDIT: You mention it is fictional and I assume this only refers to the Simone in Lilac, yes?
If you find a derelict 1/24th scale Duesey at reasonable cost or a plastic kit, you can easily attach the ornament to the model. There may also be some modeling companies who have the loose item but I'm not aware of who it could be.
@perrone1 I thought of doing this very thing, or making the item, myself. It is a flat piece, so it could be cut from another material and chromed. The first option makes the most sense, though.
@perrone1 I thought of doing this very thing, or making the item, myself. It is a flat piece, so it could be cut from another material and chromed. The first option makes the most sense, though.
One last issue to finish my day. I have the black beauty and the purple Coupe Simone. I have the black beauty with the hood ornament, but I see my Simone is missing the hood ornament, I did not notice. Think I found a tiny part on my desktop, put it on sicky tape months ago. Now where did I put that little part? It belongs to the Simone.
