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Forum 24
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Topic starter
04/09/2018 5:21 pm
(PICS) there are still affordable new high detail 1/24 diecasts out there
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If you'd still like to buy a Danbury Mint quality diecast automobile in 1/24 scale, check out Century Dragon's recently released up-quality diecast Red Flag CA770 Chinese limosine, also known as a HongQi. This is an elegantly styled vehicle originally introduced in 1958.
Some of you may remember around 20 years ago, Kader Industries offered a version of this vehicle but it was quite expensive (significantly more than FM or DM 1/24 cars then) and although it was well done for that time, this recent Century Dragon version is so much more advanced and detailed and also, surprisingly, much less expensive. The suggested price is listed at US$99, but many vendors have it at less than that. I paid $90 plus EMS speedy shipping
The model comes mounted on a finished woodgrain base with a plaque specifying the limited number. The seats are finished in a suede like finish and the two extra jump seats fold down in the passenger area. The trunk mounted spare accurately depicts the rear of an unmounted wheel and there's also a simulated set of trunk mounted batteries.
The black paint on the body is absolutely smooth and glossy with plated trim showing no sprues or burrs.
Their website shows a plethera of other limosines and Chinese vehicles in a variety of scales including a few in 1/24 to go along with this.
I took these pics on the same afternoon that the model arrived at my door
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04/09/2018 5:32 pm
I see the difference from the Kader model....
The engine compartment is a knockout!
05/09/2018 6:14 am
I had and sold the mediocre quality Kader years ago. Looks like I need one of these now.
06/09/2018 5:16 am
Thanks for sharing. I have both and still prefer the Kadar/Botai version.
The Kader/Botai version feels more "solid" to me. Not 100% sure but I think the Centery Dragon version might be resin. Have to dig mine out to know for sure. If you search on Taobao.com (use google translator), search by scale - 1/24, and sort from highest price to lowest price, you will see a variety of Hongqi models, hardtop, convertible, and landaulet.
Topic starter
08/09/2018 4:44 am
The Century Dragon version is diecast metal and they expect to cast 9999 examples......
Resin is typically used only for mostly sealed models (few articulating parts) and when the production volume is generally less than 1000 units. With much higher volume production, the longer cycle time for resin models causes more expense than the cost of permanent molds for diecast metal.
Evidently, Century Dragon is a subsiduary of a large kitchenware manufacturer and therefore has the availability to take advantage of the higher production facilities of the parent company.
I also have the Kader industries version of the Red Flag CA770 in my collection, but I find the quality and level of detail on the Century Dragon version to be superior in every way. The bar is just a lot higher 20 years later.