[Sticky] Lost Reviews - Franklin Mint & Danbury Mint

Posted by: @geoff-jowett

Posted by: @perrone1

Franklin Mint 1934 Packard Convertible Sedan Ltd Ed of 1500 E662

love the colors on this, great pics, thanks Tony

Thank you Geoff!

Franklin Mint 1940 Packard 180 Custom 8 by Darrin- Nbr Limited Edition of 2500  E269 

Oh boy, here we go again, a 1940 Packard Darrin with a potential color shade controversy. A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. A Packard in any color is still an awesome car. FM had an instant success on its hands with the announcement of the model in its burgundy/maroon flavor. No controversy there. Just the issue of the car itself in all its wondrous presence was news enough but the detailing, pull-up window feature and tight fit and elegant finish made it the model ‘must-have’ for the late-nineties diecast group. But when we set out to design the second Limited Edition Club Car and chose the Darrin for the task, the color, Miami Sand, received love-it or hate-it input from its viewers and/or buyers. So; will Cubana Tan stir up the passionate juices that may boil to the controversial temperature level once again? Like a TV preview to some steamy soap opera, maybe the hobby needs a little stirring up now and then.

In this reviewer’s eye, the new Darrin is one sweet-smelling rose. Cubana tan, to me, seems like an intricate color blend of Cuban cigar tobacco leaf, rich Colombian coffee, hazelnut, a hint of milk chocolate with a dazzling sprig of metallic sparkle tossed in for good measure. Spoon in a tasteful contrast of beige seating and a rich butter cream-colored ‘up top’ and you have a striking color combo in an even more striking automobile. FM raised the detail level with this model, debuting in 1998, and it still amazes today. They kept the silver “Goddess of Speed” radiator mascot that we employed on the LECC-II instead of the initially tooled “Packard Cormorant”. The driveshaft revolves with each revolution of the rear wheels, the suspension is fully functional and the engine bay is faithful to the genuine 1:1. The doors open, suicide style, on three outside-mounted hinges and close tightly with a tiny friction block on the leading edge of each door. The trunk opens to reveal a full-sized spare. All five wheels are body color and surround full wheel covers with Packard logo centers. The trunk rack reclines. The fit of the boot and ‘up top’ is exacting and the inside of the top shows good rail detail. The air intake opens on the front cowling piece just ahead of the photo-etch wipers. And as with the seat cushion treatment on the new Ltd Ed MG TC, FM fill-washed the cushion grooves with contrast color. A darker shade separates the lighter upholstery pleats.

So either like the color and deploy the model to any place in your collection and watch the onlookers pick it out because of its unusual yet accurate color or hate it and send me your emails of dissatisfaction. My address is: Isthatpackardbrown?dotcom. (Sorry, just kidding about the emails)

FM took a bold step with this repaint. Let me be the first to applaud Them! The issue price is $135. TP 09/07/2006

Franklin Mint 1939 Ford World’s Fair Coupe- D4C LECC-VII LE 600

This one’s been on our Limited Edition Club Car back burner for a while. Guess we could call it a LECCBB; nah, let’s not go there. Truth is, we had it on the LECC “assembly line” of model choices just ahead of the FM ’51 Hudson in two-tone blue. But constraints on FM’s production of the model, due to our diligent ongoing research and Raffi’s development of additional parts for the project, precluded a timely issue of it for last year. So the Hudson took center stage prior to our completion of this little jewel. Once again, the honor of formulating a nomination process for the club car fell on the capable shoulders of Jay Olins, George Dill, Raffi Minasian, Vincenzo Moccia and me.

It’s increasingly difficult to pick a model that has not been done more than once, and also to recognize which candidate may lend itself to additions or some form of change or update. I realized, early in the nomination process, that FM’s ’39 Ford was not previously re-issued or repainted. I also pitched the model to the committee as being very ‘today’s tech’, considering the fully operational suspension, great external door hinges and lest we forget, actual roll-up windows. Yes, place the tip of your finger on the window crank and have at it.

This is the first actual Mint production diecast in 1:24^th scale to feature wind-up windows. My thoughts harkened back to September of 2000 when Jay Olins and I first experienced the never before seen prototype of this model at FM’s hospitality center in Monterrey, California. It was the night before our visit to the 50^th Anniversary of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The model was being readied for debut a month or so from that date. We were duly impressed. We were actually privileged, earlier, to a demonstration in FM’s home center in Media, Pennsylvania before this moment, by FM’s head Design Manager, George Bojaciuk, of the model that made this feature possible. We held a couple color sample prototypes of the ’73 Mercedes. One was a 450 SL and the other a 350 SL. Yes, a 350 SL that never made production. Wind up windows eventually gave way to the pull up variety on these Mercedes diecasts due to potential problems that were eventually ironed out for the debut of the ’39 World’s Fair replica. Recall, too, that FM issued the Packard Darrin with pull up windows prior to this feature’s full development and it’s unveiling on the ’39 Ford. One nomination discussion led to another and, before we knew it, we were talking as if this were the model to replicate as the next LECC. Research led us to find things we could add and when we hit upon an auxiliary trailer to complete the package, everyone got onboard, in a hurry.

Next, Raffi stepped in to work out the build plans and sketch out the trailer design, based on period correct models of the day. We opted to have the little utility trailer match the paint of the car. Color choices were discussed and without any dissent, Garnet Maroon was picked. As a fleet order, as this would have been in 1939, any and all Ford colors were open to the fleet order customer. It becomes an excellent choice since it made quite a statement for its time, epitomizing the sultry lines of the car and creating just the right mood for such an elegant styling exercise as what the thirty-nine Ford Deluxe came to envision. While Raffi worked on the schematics, Vincenzo worked his magic on trailer choice and ultimately colorizing the images for all to view.

The model itself is more than just fashionable eye candy. It calls upon the period of American automotive history when automobile styling was evolving rapidly. More rounded shapes and aerodynamic influences were calling to new customers. Coming out of the depression, cars were once again selling. This sexy lady was originally unveiled at the 1939 World’s Fair in the Ford Expo in New York. It became an immediate heart throb. Aside from the prior-mentioned suspension, wind-up windows and miniature door hinges, the model exhibits a plethora of detailing excellence. Carried over from the original blue beauty are the close-fitting panel tolerances. The trunk/rumble seat lid, doors, hood and both up-top and boot have faultless alignment with a total disdain for gapping. The doors close shut with a righteous snap. The seats fold forward and allow the occupants to raise the spare tire cover shelf yielding the removable spare. Take a moment to examine the fifth wheel. This is what it looks like, completely realistic, with the center hub cap removed. The five-lug bolt pattern is perfectly replicated. The behind-the-seat fittings are all very precise and well thought out. Both the rumble seat, driver and passenger seats feature great ‘feel’. Replicated in vinyl, they look period perfect. I like the look of the car with the rumble seat lid down, but that’s just me. The fender skirts and fuel filler cap look workable; they aren’t. Terrific detail just makes them appear that way. I’m not complaining, mind you, the skirts, are needed. And although I am not a fan of fender dressings, the car would look goofy without them. It’s all part of the aero-look for the late thirties Ford package. The antenna, right between the eyes, or windshield halves as the case may be, and the separately fabricated wipers, are fashioned in scaled perfection and detail. The inside look of the up top is well detailed and defined for weather protection duty. Up front, the engine bay is, again, today’s tech. The wiring and fuel lines are expertly manufactured and even the leather fan belt is, well, leather.

I do not wish for our nomination committee to come across as self-serving, but were we to design a ’39 Ford Deluxe Convertible Coupe for TFM, this little charmer, in its grandiose color choice, with matching trailer, would be the resultant LECC to top all so far issued. As it turns out, I am very proud to have served along with the others in bringing this model to the conscientious collector of 1:24^th diecast excellence.

TP 04/01/2006

Posted by: @perrone1

Franklin Mint 1940 Packard 180 Custom 8 by Darrin- Nbr Limited Edition of 2500  E269

great review and pics Tony. I prefer this one to my burgundy/maroon issue because of the pin striped seats. I remember that 'controversy' over the Miami Sand color choice. If only we could have such a 'debate' now hey?

Thank YOU Geoff!!

It was split among those saying (initially, while looking at photos) that they saw 'green' in the paint color -  Miami Sand. Those looking at the car in person, were generally mute on the specific subject.

 Sure never looked like any green in it to me. 

@perrone1 Tony, your applause of the Darrin in all three of its colors is the reason all three are in my display cases. A lovely model of an elegant automobile in any color.

Posted by: @bob-jackman

@perrone1 Tony, your applause of the Darrin in all three of its colors is the reason all three are in my display cases. A lovely model of an elegant automobile in any color.

Thank you Bob; I'm humbled sir!

@perrone1 The 39 Ford ranks as my number favorite of all of the club cars. The Mullins type trailer is an exceptional detail including the tool box accessory. The choice of this model for the club car was a no brainer IMO.

Posted by: @bob-jackman

@perrone1 The 39 Ford ranks as my number favorite of all of the club cars. The Mullins type trailer is an exceptional detail including the tool box accessory. The choice of this model for the club car was a no brainer IMO.

Agreed across the board!! 

Franklin Mint 1948 Chrysler Town & Country Convertible - Nbr Limited Edition of 1500 - E452

This is what makes reissues (read that repaints if you must) so exciting to me. TFM first released their 1948 Chrysler T&C in 1993. Many folks thought the car was black as viewed online. In reality it is a deep Noel Green. The follow up came in 2004 in a Military Blue. Some thought it was a nicer image in the soft new color. It was a limited edition as well; only 2500 pieces were made. But this go-round, TFM chose the deep, almost maroon paint in Chrysler’s Sumac red. There is just enough red in this shade to ‘oooh’ while having the right amount of ‘ahhh’ mixed in. The car was screaming to be reissued in this color.

FM also found it in their heart to revamp the, “Town and Country” script on either side of the hood and the “Chrysler” logo in chrome metal foil. And dare I say, this is the best wood veneer appliqué I have yet to see on a 1:24^th diecast model. It is perfectly oriented to the horizontal, rich, smooth and blemish-free. The trunk still has the nice little external metal hinges with the spare tucked deep inside. And the twin prop rods swivel down to hold the trunk lid aloft as you inspect the carpet-lined cavern.

The interior is still more than acceptable in this day and time and the engine still has all the detail accoutrement of the previous issues. I liked both the original offering and the limited edition but this is the one I fully favor. Thank goodness for reissues; the color makes all the difference.

TP 03/07/2008

Franklin Mint 1948 Tucker Torpedo - Nbr Ltd Ed of 2500 – E420

This is FM’s fourth Tucker to date. Initially issued in 1992 in Waltz Blue, it was followed by two limited editions. They were gold and dark green releases of 15,000 and 2,500 units respectively. All are currently discontinued. But issued, once again, in a limited number of 2,500 pieces, this iteration is painted in code 600; Maroon. It is a dark red-based shade anchored in a metallic base with a beautiful clear coat top finish. Unlike Danbury’s release of the “Tin Goose” prototype, also in maroon, this car depicts the production version. Outwardly they look similar except for the rear suicide doors on this version.

Born of the original FM release fifteen years ago, the model shows good detailing from that period. And while it has not been updated or modified it is rather lovely in this new coat of color. FM opted to outfit the interior as light contrasting beige. The tops of the seats and interior door panels are tan with brown vertical valleys. The dash, what little there is of it on the driver’s side of the car, is nicely appointed and while the older style door hinges are still employed the parts all align perfectly when closed. The spare tire is found up front along with matched luggage. It all carries nice detail though it is non-removable. Tucker utilized a no-frills approach to the chassis and not much is readily seen beneath the car save for the front suspension and the rear drive train. FM was faithful to its replication.

As merely a nice repainted adaptation for those who have never owned any of the three previous versions, there have not been any improvements in the engine bay. But FM gives us a good representation of Tucker’s power plant. Overall, the model is very appealing, especially for the fans of the Tucker or the out of the ordinary breed of automobile. Issue price is $135.  TP 03/01/2007

Franklin Mint 1949 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe DeVille- Nbr Ltd Ed of 2500 – E264

This is The Franklin Mint’s third session with the 1949 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe DeVille. The second limited edition, this one is of a much lesser unit count, 2500. It may also be my favorite color pick of the trio. In French Gray over Lucerne Green Poly, the Caddy has more vibrant color usage than the previous limited edition in Madeira Maroon (Burgundy) which, to me, looked more like Tootsie Roll brown and the initially tooled ’49 in its Horizon Blue over Triumph Blue Poly. This latter image was issued way back in 1996. It may have taken a decade but this color combo choice is sweet.

Comparing this model to the previous two, I see no discernable differences and would class this as a repainted release. The term, “repaint” has taken on a negative connotation with some of us collectors. That may be unfortunate since we would miss some really great images by intentionally avoiding them. Sure, a newer version or model-year issue would be more palatable but as we are aware, cost much more in tooling expenditures. So when an existing diecast is issued in a fresh new coat of colors that improves on the prior release, it can be a good thing. I feel that way about this one.

The model still looks good after all this time. Suspension functions are good; the front cradle arms are fully sprung and movable, not just the wheel assemblies within them. The rear leaf springs hold the axle in place and allows for the coil springs to work as real. The wipers are delicately fashioned in scale of photo-etch metal and the interior looks good in green and cream with faint green piping. Engine detail is that of period build with plug wiring and tampo printed engine and oil canister. Likewise for the jacking instructions on the inside trunk lid.

The overall shape of the car is as pleasing as it was back in the late forties, signaling things to come for the fifties. FM picked the right shades for this particular car and though it may not have all the fancy bells and whistles of a new tooling release, it is a pleasant addition to the Caddy stable. Issue price is $135.  TP 01/25/2007

Franklin Mint 1949 Ford Woody Wagon Bakery Truck- 2006 Christmas Nbr Ltd Ed of 2500 E261

This is the Franklin Mint’s 2006 Christmas Limited Edition of the four-legged kind. Well, at least the four-wheeled kind anyhow. They have a two-wheeled Harley Christmas edition with puppies in a gift box of gold. Can we expect any better treat for Christmas than that? So does this ’49 Ford Christmas version stand a chance as a welcome gift under the tree in your house? If you don’t care for puppy ‘mess’ and the cost of Ken-L Ration, not to mention the prerequisite whining all night that goes with new puppy-parenthood for a while, yes. For us adults, and maybe on a smaller level, for the kiddies too, we got treats galore in cookies, pies, bread and cakes from Mrs. Franklin her-own-self. And, they are home made. I know, ‘cause it says so on the door.

FM has issued three nicely appointed 1949 Woody Wagons. The first, released in 1993, was Midland Maroon. In 1998 they opted out the tooling with a surfer theme, threw in an awesome base that played a snippet of the Jan & Dean song, “Surf City” complete with surf boards and a roof rack. And while sadly this mini-legend is discontinued, you have a reprieve in woody wagon ownership with this holiday cheer-filled bakery wagon.

Franklin does not officially specify a period-correct color for this wagon and you wouldn’t expect them too; after all some bakeries choose to repaint such a nostalgic piece to fit their specific business application. Ford offered a nice Vermilion Red for the early and late forties but I just do not believe this is that shade. No, to my trained pastry eye this is certainly a Home Made Cherry Pie Red. The pits, er, I mean the seats, are done in a Light Crust Dough. Ah, yeah, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

The overall look of the piece is happy and, dare I say, filling? It satisfies with its excellent graphics wreath-covered rear quarters and green outside spare. The tailgate folds down and the upper rear window raises affording ample room to stuff the bed chock full of Christmas goodies. It would make Santa proud! But what would make Santa even more jolly than he already is, is what FM supplies with the little truck. Oh yeah, it comes with two five-pound sacks of flour, boxed pies (they better be cherry) two festive bow-adorned holiday baskets of baked goods including gingerbread men, baked holiday rolls and candy canes. I’m gaining weight just writing this!

As an edition of 2500 pieces this is a real cutie pie; sure to enliven the holidays and perfectly decorate the season in good cheer.

Available until December 25, 2006, the issue price is $155.

TP 09/07/2006

@perrone1 I was late to the game when it came to acquiring the maroon version of this CDV but I'm glad to have added it to the two- tone versions. It would have been nice if the mints had done the sedanette but I was able to pick one up in resin a few years ago.

Danbury Mint 1947 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon Ltd Ed of 5000 – 1522

Danbury astounded us all in 2004 by issuing the monumentally popular 1948 Buick Roadmaster Coupe. My heart skipped several beats during my initial preview of the model. Then in 2005 they followed up with the first perfect ten score, as rated on my fictitious Thrillometer, in their 1948 Buick Roadmaster Convertible rendition. I nearly needed Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation to complete the review on that little beauty. Well, call the paramedics, cause here comes the Buick Estate Wagon iteration wrapped in a 1947 vintage configuration.

This hot little number has all the bells and whistles. The fully articulating suspension actually works like the 1:1 this darling was modeled from. Mounted on coil springs that yield the right amount of movement is one thing, but DM further engineers their working suspension to also give proper ride height and to allow the chassis componentry to act the way it does on the real car. The front tie rod and cradle arms move, unlike some model companies satisfied with wheels merely moving up and down on a pivot pin. The rear suspension works on trailing arms, anti-sway bar and coil springs while adding in a dose of reality in the form of sprung emergency brake cabling and terrific brake drum detailing.

Right-side-up is still my favorite position for these replicas and DM rewards the viewer with a multitude of detail touches and features that make you want to cry; with joy, that is. First, I can’t look past the gorgeous genuine wood appliqué of the side and rear paneling. It is a deep brown accented by the simulated light oak trim that surrounds it and blends harmoniously into the rich maroon finish that DM so perfectly chose for this Roadmaster. Open the internally hinged doors and enjoy still more genuine wood on the interior door sides. While you examine the model, check out the subtly scaled door handles and window cranks. Do not miss the rear door’s external top hinge. And do not forget to try the rear door’s quarter windows; they open.

The gas filler door opens and of course you would expect the tailgate ensemble to work as well. No surprise there, DM is at their finest. The top portion opens on delicate telescoping hinge props. The center section opens out on the same type of hinges, then fold back when closed up. The inner panel has real wood there too. Even the lower part of the tail gate unfolds to reveal the spare and tools. Fold down the bumper guard that holds the license plate first; it’s on a working hinge. Danbury’s treatment of the interior is exceptional. The rear storage area is covered in period-correct rubber matting.

But up front in the passenger’s compartment is where the real action lies. The seats are realistic to the touch, the floor mats, floor board and pedals are astounding and the dash, folding sunvisors and gauges are only upstaged by the craftsmanship of the driver’s seat slide control lever, seat back detail, “Buick” door sills and door arm rests. Perfect scaling is what makes this illusion seem so real. So does the, “Roadmaster” scripts, in chrome metal foil on either front fender side. And once again, we have DM’s accurate handling of how these big Buick hoods operate. They opened from either side on twin hinge pins. So does the diecast replica. Once up, you can position a hood-hold rod that pivots upward from the top of the firewall. The view is incredible. Wires, fuel lines and throttle linkage, hoses and transmission lines all ‘sell’ its miniaturization.

The windshield wipers function and the center-mounted antenna revolves skyward when you want radio reception. The vinyl roof covering has a nice realistic feel to it and looks authentic to the actual car. Set next to either or both of the prior Roadmaster releases, this model equally shines. This is Danbury Mint at the pinnacle of their craft. I doubt they can get much better; but if they do I hope my heart can stand it!

TP 06/03/2007