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Topic starter
06/09/2024 1:14 pm
In 1991, Danbury Mint released their '31 Mercedes-Benz SSKL and it was OK for that era of the Mints. Most disappointing was the over scale a chromed wires which was normal for the mints back then. Then, I stumbled upon Paul's Model Art of the #15 1931 Mille Miglia winning SSKL. The dash on this model was a work of art, but the clincher was the spidery red wire wheels. It was definitely time to retire the old DM.
06/09/2024 2:29 pm
I bought a number of 1/43 Paul's Model Art (Minichamps) models in the late '90s early 2000's and even now am impressed by their detail and accuracy, (though they lacked the photo-etched wipers of later models). Your Mercedes is a fantastic model.
06/09/2024 2:37 pm
I, too, love the wire wheels on Paul's Model Art cars. Especially these three, in 1/24th scale.
06/09/2024 6:59 pm
I'm slowly building my Paul Model Art collection to completion, mostly recently added the SSKL. Actually I now have all the Mercedes, just looking for the right Karmann Ghias, particularly this one:
Although it does appear under the Minichamps brand name.
06/09/2024 7:14 pm
I have many models with wire wheels including the DM SSKL MB. In 1/1 scale I have a 1963 Thunderbird Sports Roadster and a 1955 Imperial Newport hardtop both of which have Kelsey Hayes wire wheels. The only draw back with having wire wheels on a 1/1 scale car is cleaning them.
06/09/2024 8:04 pm
Those are all beautiful models. You guys should be proud.💯😛
07/09/2024 3:30 am
@geoff-jowett The Karmann Ghia VW is one of the 1/43 Paul's Model Art models I have. I knew even less about models back then, but note the "Paul's Model Art" in Italic script appears large on the box and beneath, smaller, the lozenge shape with "Minichamps" appears. The boxes are light grey and blue and pre-date the all black Minichamps boxes and the larger, Mullin Collection type box. If you have seen a Minichamps 1/24 Karmann VW, I think it is well worthwhile considering if it may not be a Paul's Model Art mould.
ON AN entirely separate matter, I'm intrigued by the comments here on nice wire wheels as 1/43 wire wheels are not at all uncommon - some very fine indeed (ex. ABC Brianza). I would have thought in 1/24 these would be even easier to produce - or perhaps the larger scale requires greater strength?
Tony Perrone reacted
07/09/2024 7:11 am
If you have seen a Minichamps 1/24 Karmann VW, I think it is well worthwhile considering if it may not be a Paul's Model Art mould.
thanks Charles, I too have a few Minichamps 1/43s and I'm impressed with their quality and detail. Hopefully it flows through to their 1/24s too. I really love the color on that Karmann Ghia, just hoping a 'seller' will list one where the market can decide the price. Appreciate your informative response.
Geoff
Topic starter
07/09/2024 8:56 am
@geoff-jowett The owners of Minichamps and Paul's Model Art are brothers and have a really interesting relationship in both business and personal. It's worth google-ing.
07/09/2024 10:33 am
@rich-sufficool I have just read the Wikipedia write-up on this story, and it is very interesting, with so many familiar names: Danhausen, Western, Tin Wizard, Metal 43, Plumbies and AMR all given a clearer perspective. Many thanks for this heads-up.
07/09/2024 6:37 pm
It is indeed interesting. So much intrigue behind our models! Thanks Rich@rich-sufficool I have just read the Wikipedia write-up on this story, and it is very interesting, with so many familiar names: Danhausen, Western, Tin Wizard, Metal 43, Plumbies and AMR all given a clearer perspective. Many thanks for this heads-up.
08/09/2024 7:59 am
Great model for sure with clever use of photo-etched wheels and paint to simulate wires. Danbury is the only 1/24 manufacturer who used real wires... somewhat 15 years later?.
Paul's Model Art:
Danbury Mint:
