[Sticky] Lost Reviews - Franklin Mint & Danbury Mint

Posted by: @bob-jackman

Tony, The FM 63 Corvette coupe is a favorite of mine and I have all four colors proudly displayed. Your pictures do the models well.

Thank you Bob! 

Posted by: @bob-jackman

@perrone1 The 63 Impala is my second favorite next to the 58 and followed by the 65.

You've always had excellent taste in cars Bob!

Franklin Mint 1964 Ford Mustang Convertible- Indy 500- Nbr Ltd Ed of 5000 – E025

Say what you will about repainted images of existing diecast models and they all might apply to this Mustang. But even if you’ve seen thousands of babies in your lifetime, when you see a cute little sweetie-pie, you still have to say, “Ooooo, she’s soooo cute!” Get where I’m going here? Yes, there have been a plethora of Franklin Mint Mustangs. Convertibles, coupes, GT’s, a gorgeous GTA, Shelby’s and Bosses and Mach’s, oh my. But as the first Indy 500 Pace car version, Ooooo, she’s soooo cute!

Maybe it is the cleanliness of the piece but it shines in a 1:24^th collection. The paint is a Wimbledon White with matching interior, blue carpeting and dash and the corresponding stripe right up the middle of the car. The broader stripe is center with two pinstripes flanking it. The graphics are crisp and conservative. With whitewalls and spinner caps, the car retains a positively “Pony Car” look of the first ‘Stang and harkens back to those ‘good old days’ of smaller is better and $0.30 per gallon gas.

Franklin built the model with the 289 V-8 engine and plumbed it and wired it admirably. They also added the prerequisite labeling and “Ford” marked hoses. The trunk carries the Tartan plaid floor matting and spare cover and now comes with a fixed limited edition plate decrying it to be the, “1964 ½ Ford Mustang Indy 500 Pace Car Limited Edition XXXX/5000”. There’s a fixed, well-scaled antenna; careful it is sharp, special plates, front and back and non-functioning suspension accounting for the perfect ride stance.

Overall a little gem, worthy of every bit of, “Coochie, coo” that you care to throw at it. The issue price is $120.

Franklin Mint 1965 Corvette Coupe Fiberglass – E800

Ah, the glory days of Franklin Mint. Think of scale model Corvettes back in the late eighties and early nineties and the FM was the builder who came instantly to mind. In the precision diecast field they were the game. They issued more Vettes than anyone, especially in 1:24^th media. Danbury added their signature precision stamp on things and we started to see that proverbial bar rise exponentially. Details we only once dreamt about were added and operational features sprung up like crocus in March. The FM went through some turbulent times and revamped their ways of doing things. Other fine makers came to the fore and soon we did not think of Franklin Mint in the same way we used to. But with one fell swoop, one stroke of the modeler’s precise hand, we have a whole new generation in one diecast – oops, make that one fiberglass treasure.

The FM is back in Corvette business my friend. This tasty little morsel is an all-new tooling built with Vette-love. It has ample features and functionality, save for two minor points that I almost decided not to make. And if I didn’t make them, chances are good, you wouldn’t notice either. But I’ll save that for the end. First off I would be recalcitrant not to mention that this is Franklin’s very first 1965 Corvette. Yeah, I know we all recognize the Mako Shark as a ’65 vintage but it was a concept vehicle built far before the 1965 vehicle year. This fills a hole in the FM Corvette line-up. But more importantly, it fulfills a need for coupe/fiberglass/precision/technology for today. Done, done, done and done. For the Mint’s, this is the initial 396 in coupe form.

The big block this year pumped out that glorious 425 hp figure so many muscle car nuts used to love and drool over back then. It is also the only fiberglass sixty-five model we have. And love it or hate it, the C2 in Rally red is fantastic in person. It was the third most popular color choice for ’65 but very rare with white interior. FM’s paint application is flawless. It is even and smooth and polished to the hilt. I also applaud their use of wheel treatments. Too many replicas opt for the aluminum finned wheels or rally wheels. Surrounded by period-correct thin-line whites they are different and refreshing. FM has fabricated thin chrome glass molding to engulf the rear window, windshield and vent windows – and yes, Virginia, there are glass vent panes used on each side; Merry Christmas to one and all!

The suspension works, the headlight pods swivel, the hood raises on a metal prop rod and the doors are hinged internally on the same type of system as the real car. The photo-etched metal fuel filler door opens and the metal-foiled badges and emblems are to-die-for. Interior-wise, there is positively nothing to fault. The steering wheel and three dual-center spokes are scaled better than any other FM Vette to date. The belts, seats, dash, console and floor pedals are perfect. The rear compartments open and the seat backs fold as they should. Chassis componentry is exceptional. The use of color graduation on the exhaust, finned brake assembly rear leaf spring and steering function are magnificent. The engine features a removable air cleaner and that allows us good detail view of what FM has accomplished here.

The wiring, with wiring looms, the carburetor, fan belt and radiator hose are grandly detailed. The tiny stickers are in proper place and even the photo-etched hood bulge vents lend realism to the entire package. The two previously-mentioned minor points? They are just that, minor. The front A-frame suspension cradle does not move independently and the spare tire carrier is non-functional. Now keep in mind I am not complaining here, I’m not; just the opposite, I relish the job FM has done with the sixty-five coupe and these points are non-elemental. With the success that I feel sure this release will garner, I welcome the FM back and will rally to see more of the same. Bravo, nice job!

TP 12/16/2008

@perrone1 The 64 Mustang Indy Pace Car is an excellent piece from FM. Indy Pace Car models are a sub section of my collection and fills that slot nicely.

@perrone1 The FM 65 Corvette is a wonderful model. While not a metal body, FM was a ground breaker with the opening features and excellent shut lines on a true fiberglass body.

Thanks for your terrific responses my friend!!  

Danbury Mint 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback A/FX – 1466

Believe it or not, Danbury is just now touching a diecast toe into the Mustang’s warm 1965 waters. Before now, their earliest replicated ‘Stang, in precision scale, had been the 1966 model year. They have recently issued a 1964 1/2 convertible in 1:12^th scale but for the first ’65, I cannot imagine a better beginning than the history making first sub-ten second, quarter mile drag machine, “Li’l Hoss”, in 1:24^th sizing.

DM duplicated the Vintage Burgundy paint scheme with “Li’l Hoss” livery and graphics and outfitted the quarter miler with authentic period drag race equipment. Starting from the back and working forward, as any dragster worth its salt would attest, you’ll encounter DM’s thorough research into formulating a racing battery, trunk-mounted and fully cabled. The car is plumbed for parachute deployment, and the bare-bones prepped race machine is set for multiple 1320 feet launches. Chassis-wise DM went overboard. They fashioned a fabric covered drag-chute with a minute metal clipped enclosure, which emanates from the gas tank area. A drag race safety-approved metal driveshaft strap is seen in place and the shocks and metal cabling are well fashioned. The miniature springs and metal lines lend a magnificent reality to trans linkage and brake lines and the working suspension is awesome.

Further up the line is a detail-rich interior to die for. You’ll see an abundance of realism in the gauges, fabric belts and photo-etch buckles. The dash gauges and tach are readily readable and the floor pedals and shifter just add more of the same great detail to the inside finish work. The outside is alive with finishing touches that lend an aura of accuracy and detailing. The graphics are superior. The reverse air intake bubble scoop is perfect in all aspects. I know, I had one on my ’64 GTO in 1964. This one is spot on! DM screened it to perfection and went the extra mile, four quarters at a time; to give us incredible hood stud accuracy and working tethered hood pins. If you must see the fabulous engine detail you better get a magnifier glass and set of detail-tweezers to remove and replace the pins or just enjoy my photos and review account of the little demons. They aren’t easy to put back on unless you have a modicum of patience and a steady hand. Is the extra detailing worth the added grief that many may encounter in getting the pins back on? Uh huh, you bet babe!

Once under the hood, don’t fret about replacing the clips, the view will numb your anxieties. As was period correct for so many of these A/FX racers, the headlights were removed and retro-fitted with hose ducts directed into a dual ported cold air induction chamber system. The 427 SOHC 650 horse mill has never looked better than shoe-horned into a cramped Mustang bay set up originally as a much smaller pony stable. DM plumbed and wired this bad boy flawlessly. The slicks are sooo realistic and the wheels, all around, are resplendent in their nostalgic look back to the day. The stance is period straight-line racer and the fit and finish of the model is astounding.  Whether or not DM releases a street ’65, this one has my full attention and admiration. Way to go DM guys, ya did it to me again!

Issue price is $120.  TP 03/29/2007

Danbury Mint 1965 Mustang GT – 1552

It took some time, but the wait was very well worth it. DM’s first 1965 rendition of the Mustang came to us in the form of the drag race-inspired A/FX fastback released in June of ’07. And though you may not consider this issue as high-tech as other DM works-of-art, it is nonetheless incredibly impressive. My first and immediate reaction came from the paint itself. More to the point, it’s the color. Hard as it is to capture in digital images, the Twilight Turquoise is stunning. The paint is deep and clear-coated to perfection. The delicate white striping on the lower body panels enhances the look even more dramatically. DM choose the double red line tires on Mustang’s styled-steel wheels and went beyond the pale to option the car out with turquoise and white interior.

It is their use of separately-fabricated and infinitesimally tiny parts, that rises above the ordinary model builder, to earn the Danbury folks our well-deserved accolades. We all know the pains they go through to give us the engine detailing that adds so much realism to our models. But don’t overlook the ordinary and mundane details that increase the ‘Wow’ factor. As you fold the seatbacks forward, note the chrome latching mechanism. Appreciate the scaled and extending antenna, use of metal in making the hood latching pin and feast your eyes on the myriad part content in metal lines, springs and linkage of the clutch and transmission assembly. In a word, outstanding!

The interior boasts a working rear seat craftsmanship that need not be overlooked either. Just like the real one, the seatback folds flat to make a rear floor for storage. Take notice of the floor mats, front and rear, while you’re at it and don’t miss the impeccable detailing in the belt ends, floor pedals, dash and steering wheel. Even the door sills are full of metal detailing. The trunk mat is realistic and the fabrication of the “Hi-Po” 289 under the hood is to die for! DM crafted up separate chrome pieces to represent the door and trunk lock buttons, emblems and logos and added chrome exhaust ends, dual fog lights and chrome metal-foiled “Ford” lettering to the front of the hood.

The formulation of this exquisite model is beyond that of old tech and worthy of inclusion to any ‘precision’ description I’d care to honor. The choice of color, model and options are spot on. Production ceases forever on December 31^st 2008 so get yours as soon as you can; you’ll be glad you did.   TP 08/06/2008

@perrone1 I keep saying I don't collect race cars and then you post one I have. The A/FX is an incredibly detailed model in every regard.

@perrone1 The DM 65 Mustang GT...have it, love it.

Posted by: @bob-jackman

@perrone1 The DM 65 Mustang GT...have it, love it.

LOL, you got 'em ALL! And, like me, you LOVE 'em ALL! 

Danbury Mint 1966 Corvette Convertible Ltd Ed – 1385

Once again Danbury serves up another extremely tasty and satisfying dish, employing their vast energies in giving us a varied menu of Corvettes and Corvette options. Keep in mind that there are collectors who want every year Corvette ever made and some who want every year plus every body style of that particular year, coupe and roadster. Add various derivations of certain year model offerings, such as Collector’s Editions, Grand Sport models and so on, and the menu becomes a veritable smorgasbord. Another factor to ponder is that cars within the same Corvette generation style only vary by slight option nuances and minor feature changes. A perfect example is this 1966 model mid-year. DM has previously given us a ’66 in coupe form and the Penske racing version. And some could say that the car seen here is close to their ’65 roadster offering in maroon, and they would be correct. But then there’s that application of a varied menu of subtle differences that DM employs and we have a wholly new and exciting diecast image.

First, the color choice; I have waited for this one, I love it dearly. It is very hard to capture in photos but in person, in good light, it is unique. Named Mosport Green, it is pronounced, ‘mo-sport’. The name comes from the ‘motor sports’ race park in Ontario, Canada bearing the same name. It has the flavor of mint, set in a small-flake metallic base. Setting it off are the gold line tires and deep ashen green-grey interior. Just to keep the midyear replica as fresh as a tossed salad, DM opted it out with, among other items, a side mount exhaust system, RPO code N14, the work horse 327/350 HP L79, cast aluminum knock-off wheels, code P48, a teakwood steering wheel, code N32, 7.75 x 15 nylon cord Goldwall tires, code T01 and RPO C07, the color-matching auxiliary hard top that cost $231.75 new. Although DM’s ’65 roadster has the outside exhaust, the ones for ’66 were slightly different. The heat shields vary between years. Guess what? Yeah, they nailed it. Emblems and badging between the big block and this small block differ as well and you will see that carried out perfectly too. The ‘Corvette Sting Ray’ scripts, front and rear, are in beautifully chrome foiled metal. The crossed-flag emblems appear on the front nose just fore of the hood center and on both front fenders above the gill slits. They are photo-etched metal. Even the opening fuel filler doors carry different treatments and this was picked up and fabricated flawlessly. The antenna extends and the spare tire carrier opens to allow spare removal. The suspension operates just like the real thing and the headlights open and retract realistically. The grillwork is different than on the previous Corvette iteration and like the dutiful modelers that they are, DM’s boys did not fail to catch that. Once again, the top boot opens to show us the simulated folded top stowed beneath its hard cover and it looks completely functional. The visors are also functional. The interior features a gorgeous set of folding seatbacks, green carpeted flooring, fabric belts, highly detailed and readable radio dial and gauges, well-formed controls and perfectly-detailed door panels. The inside detail of the separate roof is accurate and the fit is nothing short of superb.

Yet again, Danbury’s replication of the engine compartment thoroughly amazes. They have this telescoping prop rod thing down. In this application, it allows the hood to open fully letting you enjoy the detailing till the cows come home. Take your time little heifers, no rush. Herein lies the heart of both the model and the model maker’s art. It’s where detail sells this model as a believable precision replica of the car it dramatically portrays. Squint just right and you’ll swear you’re looking at the real ’66 small block wonder sitting before you, live and in person. This is where the modeler’s art of finding the right materials for the job pays off. The tiniest of springs makes for a grand and magical illusion and tricks your mind into thinking you are actually looking at a throttle return spring in 1:1. A minute dipstick. A thin generator wire. A metal brake cylinder line, flexible rubber fan belt, metal fuel line replication and even a declutching fan that turns. But roll in some good reading and you have a totally believable scale package. The blue-line radiator hose is stamped with the proper and readable GM parts code number, a couple radiator shroud warning labels and horsepower rating number stickers on the valve covers and we’re sold; in scale. Sixty minutes with the piece and I swear I can start it up and drive off.

For sheer looks-delight, this model has it all. The stance and overall fidelity to the 1:1 is remarkably well manufactured. It does have the older-tech door hinges that some of us love to hate but they do not distract. This is simply a joyous little treasure, and Corvette lover or not, a must have. I rate it a strong 9.985 on the Thrillometer. Available only to previous subscribers to the limited edition Corvette series, the issue price is $135. TP 02/08/2006

NOTE: Several months after this was written, it and dozens like it fell, unfortunately, to metal rot. 

Danbury Mint 1966 Corvette Coupe 427 – 1395

I’m relatively confident that my friends at the Danbury Mint have graduated from the University of Diversity where they majored in Advanced Corvette. Here we have but one more example of a standard issue “missing link year” of America’s Sports Car set off by black wall tires, a great color choice and as-yet-to-be-done wheel covers. No cookie cutter Corvette models here. Each of DM’s Vettes is set off from the others in some form or fashion.

This was the first year of Corvette’s famed big block 427. The one replicated here by DM is the RPO order code, L72, 427 cubic inches with 425 horsepower. It was simply called the “Turbo-Jet”. Maybe that’s because it seemed like one when you stuck your foot into it. Tons of torque will do that. Danbury chose a coupe for this model year and I’m happy that they did. The color, Laguna Blue, is a deep, dark, slightly metallic paint that highlights the coupe’s shape and style. With contrasting Bright Blue interior, the choice is excellent; especially in view of the fact that they are bringing out another 1966 ‘midyear’ Corvette, a drop-top, in Ermine White.

DM built in all of the fabulous ‘goodies’ as they did with their beloved ’64 and ’65 coupes. The antenna extends, the gas filler cap opens, the hood uses a telescoping prop rod and the chrome metal foiled emblems are beyond exquisite. The spinner caps show off a valve stem and the color contrast from chrome to the center gray is spot on. The spare may be removed from its carrier and the chassis is typically DM perfection. Interior-wise, the DM guys got it right again. The seats fold forward to showcase the gorgeous carpeted rear compartment. Fabric seat belts are seen between the seats with the buckle ends at the ready near the doors. The door jamb highlights a photo-etch striker plate and the sills are photo-etched as well. The gauges and console are fashioned well and the seats are lifelike in their material. The steering wheel looks like the 1:1 wood-rimmed version. The headlight pods flip up and the hood has photo-etched grilling on either side of the hood bulge. Underneath may be your favorite view of the diecast, it’s certainly mine. The plug wires seem to be better scaled than before and the throttle linkage is evident on the big block. Hoses with proper clamps and brake lines make a wonderful under-the-hood presentation. 

The suspension works but don’t let that fool you into thinking that the stance may somehow be off, it’s not. This little dark horse sits pert and pretty on all four black walled hooves. Keep in mind that the base to DM’s midyear Vette is their black ’63, issued in 1999, so do not expect internal door hinges and don’t expect that to detract in any way from the effort. Shined up and delicately placed atop the Thrillometer, this ’66 coupe ranks a high 9.8 reading.  TP 05/20/2005

Danbury Mint 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS – 1533

Since DM’s bold new offering of the 1967 Camaro in coupe form, I couldn’t wait for the drop top version. We were treated, over the years, to many variants of the 1969 Camaro but the coupe was DM’s first ’67. In fact, it was the first such year Camaro for either mint. Were I to personally have picked the shade of the convertible, I’d have picked this very color. Butternut Yellow is a pale muted shade between beige and sunflower. Contrasted with an unbelievably small twin pinstripe in black and black interior, also with a white pinstripe piping, the image is commanding. DM rounds out the ensemble with an up-top and boot in black. Thin whitewalls go along with the color flow.

Danbury has worked more than their usual magic on the sixty-seven. Detail and functionality set a new standard for model craftsmanship here. In one relatively small package we have it all. You can show this diecast off to anyone with pride. Demonstrate its capabilities and you will receive the ‘Ewws and ahhs’ it richly deserves from novice and established collector alike. First, do not overlook its dedication to the 1:1’s shape and stance. The paint is typical DM perfect with scaled door handles, door lock buttons, delicate chrome wheel well opening trim pieces and chrome metal-foiled emblems and badgings all over. The fit of the doors, trunk, hood, top-boot and top is impeccable. The way they carried out the detailing of engine, chassis and interior is remarkably consistent with ever-growing attention to improvement.

Moving parts include sunvisors, slim antenna, the usual opening panels; door, hood and trunk but do not forget that the doors are on new-tech hinges, and the hood on the scissors springs that look more realistic than the real ones sometimes. The trunk is on better scaled hinges and exhibits simulated weather stripping, stickers and authentic floor matting, spare tire and jacking equipment. Even under the boot you will see the stereo speakers mounted on the fabric-lined top well. The seat belts and buckles are awesome. So are the dash, console and pedals. The aforementioned chassis is phenomenal. Metal lines, infinitely sized springs all help carry off a perfect miniature version of the rare RS/SS car itself. Just check out the incredible trans linkage and tiny spring on the clutch throw-out bearing assembly.

The best though, is the operation of the headlight door operation. They swivel inward, just like the real car, to reveal the headlamps. The engine bay is plenty persuasive enough to make a grown man cry. Just feel the under-hood liner. Then run your eyes down from the wired duty light to the massive 396 mill. You will note every conceivable wire, hose, electric cable and fuel line ever put together in a precision diecast in this or almost any other scale form. It is just mind boggling. DM continues to include fascinating detail to the underneath of the up-top and the material used on the balance of it is totally realistic looking and feeling.

Danbury constantly gets better and better and this is an issue to prove that point; I love this model. TP 10/25/2007