[Sticky] Lost Reviews - Franklin Mint & Danbury Mint

Franklin Mint 1:10 Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod - B990

No wonder they love this model. Just a little bit unusual, I received a few requests to review this particular FM one-tenth scale bike. It came after I posted a few reviews and photos of their more current line of motorcycles. I’ve had the privilege of reviewing several Franklin Mint Harley-Davidson diecasts including the awe-inspiring 1:5^th Softail and it apparently sparked some interest in this V-Rod and my ‘take’ on its construction. Ok, so I decided to look into what makes this little jewel tick and why they asked about it. In its most simplistic form, I’d venture to guess that it is art following life. TFM’s motorcycle model-art very closely follows the popularity of H-D’s 1:1 VRSCA V-Rod in a perfect scale replication. Their completed canvas is as pure and true to life as scale will allow them to mimic.

For a mere fraction of the cost of the full scale bike, FM has engineered a working scale presentation of the V-Rod that could easily be envisioned as part of an exhibit at a miniature museum and every bit as worthy of a substantial admission charge. Yeah, it’s that good. FM has a fit and finish quality-control criteria on these bikes like no other. The silver paint is shiny, smooth and evenly applied. The, “Harley-Davidson” logo script, in red accent, is sharp and clear. The black seats, foot pegs, belt drive cover, oil tank and tires are about the only components to contrast the gem-like precious metal color that discerns this V-Rod from many other Harley paint schemes.

FM’s build includes the usual functional suspension that I have come to expect and love. This one is no-nonsense in its approach and realization. The front fork’s twin internal springs have a good deal of travel inherent in them. Hold a thumb on the bottom of the tire and a middle finger on the speedo and do your thing. In back, the springed shocks are totally functional and realistic. The whole sub-assembly works like the genuine article moving as one unit. Of course the handle bars pivot back and forth and the wheels turn fluidly within the brake calipers. The belt drive works and the kickstand flips down. Both driver and buddy- pegs fold out and back and the rear brake pedal and gearshift lever are operational.

TFM’s take on the speedometer detail, plastic lights, turn signals and brake light is exceptionally done and the detailing of brake rotors; two up front and a single behind, is exquisite, and all wiring, brake cabling and fluid line replication is remarkably well conceived and carried out. I’ve yet to see, up close and personal, a better scale bike maker than TFM. Each time I hold and examine a Franklin Mint motorcycle, I come away more in awe than the last one I’ve seen. It keeps me in a state of excitement for their next scale bike fabrication. FM;  WELL done!  TP 03/20/2008

Franklin Mint 1:32 Pierce Snorkel Ladder Truck- Nbr Ltd Ed of 1500 - E417

If you have not previously seen one of Franklin Mint’s fire engines up close you’re in for a big treat when you do. This was my first up-close-and-personal session with one. Examining the big, long snorkel truck, I came away amazed at what I’ve been missing. Details abound in every crevice and corner of this lime green Pierce fire-fighting machine.

At a standardized 1:32^nd scale, Franklin’s fire engines, pumper trucks and latter trucks are plenty big and pack lots of room for realistic tools, accessories and working featurettes. This Pierce is no exception. The doors open to a detail-rich interior. The big steering wheel turns the front tires and operating features include a multi-piece expanding boom with rear bucket snorkel unit that also pivots and swings from side to side. Opening the four chrome doors, fore and aft of the rear tandem wheels, two on either side of the truck, allows you to extend the stabilizer pods for the needed high work when the snorkel is elevated. The rear bucket is hinged in such a manner as to remain level throughout its range of motion as the boom goes through any and all fire-fighting and rescue movements.

It may take hours to take in all the equipment Franklin has built onto the beautifully painted and appointed truck. Accessories include rolled hoses, chrome fittings, leather straps, axes and extinguishers, lights, gauges, ropes and ladders, to name just a few.

I am duly impressed with FM’s expertise in putting this ladder truck together. Whether a fan of fire engines, the noble profession itself or just someone fond of great little gizmos and miniature detail, there’s something here for quite a few of us!

Issue price $295.  TP 04/20/2007

NOTE: This marks the end of the reviews that I saved to a specific memory stick. If more are found, they will resume. This actually represents a very miniscule number of the reviews that were posted to the previous site's Car List & Reviews section. TP

@perrone1 Tony, as I follow your many reviews of the various FM and DM models I am overwhelmed with the amount of time and research that was required on your part. Each review uncovers details about these models that I either didn't know or had forgotten. If you didn't receive these models for review with the understanding they were yours for the keeping, they should have. I'm sure there are many on this forum, like myself, that are thoroughly enjoying going back and reliving the details and reasons why we collected these cherished little gems. Thanks once again for your efforts.

@bob-jackman Bob, I have to agree with you.  Looking at all of these brings back great memories of collecting them when they came out.  It is hard to believe looking at all of them that the reviews were done almost 20 years ago.  Tony, I have copied each one and saved them in each cars folders with their pictures.  So if you ever need them again, I will have your back!  Thanks for all the hard work you do to keep this hobby alive.

Posted by: @bob-jackman

@perrone1 Tony, as I follow your many reviews of the various FM and DM models I am overwhelmed with the amount of time and research that was required on your part. Each review uncovers details about these models that I either didn't know or had forgotten. If you didn't receive these models for review with the understanding they were yours for the keeping, they should have. I'm sure there are many on this forum, like myself, that are thoroughly enjoying going back and reliving the details and reasons why we collected these cherished little gems. Thanks once again for your efforts.

Thank you VERY much Bob!  With but 2 or 3 exceptions, I was given the models for review and to keep. In addition, I was delighted to write ads and brochures for many of the models. That was a paid service. The research was fun but you're right, an awful lot of time and love went into these. Missing are so many more than what is here unfortunately.

Thanks for you kind post my friend!

Posted by: @perrone1

Posted by: @geoff-jowett

just counted 'em. This is one of the 6 early 2000s FM Corvettes I have. Great models all. Thanks Tony

Thanks for checking in Geoff. Wish the Mints were still around to make the newer C8's!

been looking at this Motormax Tony, around $20-$30, looks OK for the price. Thanks for posting your review series. Really feel the loss of our database.

@geoff-jowett Geoff, these Motormax Corvettes are very nice and display well with the Mint models. I have the Indy Pace car and like it a lot.

Thanks Geoff & Bob. Motormax has been around for some time and does a nice job of modeling!

Posted by: @perrone1

Thanks Geoff & Bob. Motormax has been around for some time and does a nice job of modeling!

yep, I have a few Bburago Ferraris and they are great models, especially for the price.

Posted by: @geoff-jowett

Posted by: @perrone1

Thanks Geoff & Bob. Motormax has been around for some time and does a nice job of modeling!

yep, I have a few Bburago Ferraris and they are great models, especially for the price.

Yes sir, tis true! Bburago 1/24th Prancing Horses:

@perrone1 Those look great Tony.

@bob-jackman 

Thank you Bob!!

Couple more 1/24th Ferrari shots. From the Mattel Michael Schumacher Collection - 2002 Ferrari F-1:

Posted by: @bob-jackman

@perrone1 Those look great Tony.

sure do, there are some beauties there, thanks Tony