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Forum 43
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Topic starter
12/12/2025 2:26 pm
Nowadays a market of the 1/43 models of American cars consists of resin models made in China. Of course Brooklin goes on making precision white metal models but production has been reduced in a comparasion with 2000s and 2010s. Though Matrix, GLM, Stamp, Neo occupy most part of the market. In my opinion these models are very expensive and unreliable but diecast mdnufacturers aren't active in the segment of Classic American cars.
Recently Chinese company GFCC Toys released very spectacular and well done series of the 50s American cars. Some of them were obtained in 2 variants- simple in the cardboard box, having silver paint instead of chrome and upgrade edition equipped by chrome details and acrylic boxes. Unfortunately, not all models were offered in both editions. Making several 1/43 miniatures GFCC Toys gave up 1/43 scale and decided to focus on 1/64. As for me this is a mistake because models in luxury edition had a price 30 dollars instead of resin for 120. Simple versions are in selling on aliexpress for 15 dollars.
Of course, these models show that there are all opportunities to make excellent diecast models by a reasonable price for collectors who can't afford expensive resin from China.
Because I collect Ford vehicles I purchasef this 1956 Lincoln Premiere. This mode is represented also by Brooklin BRK 99 and Madison Models but for me is imposdible to find and buy these items. Though this gap is filled by GFCC.
This Lincoln is made in a simple series without chrome, windscreen wipers and glass headlights. It is packed into a cardboard box with an image of the model. Sadly, GFCC hasn't produced its luxury version with chrome parts. Despite a simple edition the model has nice casting and proportions. Steering wheels, saloon mirror, interior and wheels look quite well. Baseplate is much more detailed than the same part on the resin models.
Hope GFCC will go on with 1/43 scale in future.
12/12/2025 2:57 pm
That looks excellent and the subject matter is wonderful ! I have (I won !) a 1956 Lincoln Premiere done by Brooklin and detailed by John Roberts. It is certainly among my favorite models and, of course, done in white metal.
I also have a basic level GFCC replica of the 1956 Buick Roadmaster and it is also a highly prized model of mine. As you point out, many of GFCC's model replicas come in two levels of trim and detailing.
12/12/2025 3:33 pm
I was always happy with my GFCC models an have a number of them, so disappointed to learn they have discontinued additional 43rd scale items. Because of their reasonable pricing, they made great conversion items.
John F. Quilter
Eugene, Oregon USA
12/12/2025 4:08 pm
I am very fond of all my GFCC purchases. I have the subject Lincoln in the same color. I was very surprised that it included the detailing of the A/C system. I tried to stock up on GFCC offerings before the tariff De Minimis exemption ended. I am also disappointed to hear that GFCC abandoned 1/43 scale because I was hoping for a more detailed version of this Lincoln and the '55 Studebaker Speedster. My base-level '56 Buick has trunk script that says "CHRYSLER" rather than "ROADMASTER". No idea what that's about but I can overlook it. The script is correct on my more detailed version of the '56 Buick which, for the price I paid, has a high "wow factor."
12/12/2025 4:20 pm
Here is their 1956 Buick Roadmaster in their more detailed line. Excellent value for money.
Michael Majdalany
San Francisco, CA
Topic starter
22/12/2025 4:53 pm
I don't know why but GFCC has never made this Lincoln in upgrade version. If they did this it would be more spectacular model. But what is that is. In fact GFCC was able to make a series of 15- 20 iconic 50s cars and collectors who can't buy resin models would get a good opportunity. It seems to be that GFCC doesn't have good marketing if they don't use a great demand in 1/43 segment.
24/12/2025 12:46 am
Unfortunately, GFCC's venture into 1/43 scale was unsuccessful commercially. Their more detailed models ('54-55 Cadillacs, '56 Buicks and '59 Pontiacs) were initally in the $50-60 price range, but eventually were sold out for a third of that price. I got them in every color for $20 two years ago on Aliexpress.
They have now switched completely to 1/64 scale, like other manufacturers, Greenlight, for instance.
24/12/2025 1:48 am
I do not understand the apparent explosion of 1:64th items. Are they just that much less costly to produce thus rate a lower price in the market place? Surely they are not all being sold to S gauge model railroaders (and I am one). John Quilter, Eugene Oregon USA
John F. Quilter
Eugene, Oregon USA
24/12/2025 2:17 am
@carcass1996 There is no market anymore for metal models because they are either too expensive, very low quality and/or lack so much details and accuracy that they become irrelevant. This is the case for some Brooklins models that were nice some years ago.
Resin models are far more realistic and cannot be challenged for outstanding quality, price and satisfaction to display for precision as it should be.
I still have a few Brooklins, Madison and Conquest models but they are displayed at the very back of my shelves ready to retire. They need to get off their space for better models.
David Green and Christopher Moroni reacted
24/12/2025 3:43 am
White metal models are generally shown to be stable and last forever, but in several cases, resin replicas have been unstable and more prone to degradation. Even regular zamac diecast models have sometimes suffered from intergranular corrosion.
There is a place for all types of models or materials to build them in and each can have advantages or possible drawbacks. Luckily, this is a wide-ranging hobby with space for all scales, types/subject matter, materials and subjects to do replicas in, especially considering the various people and interests within the hobby.
John Kuvakas and Karl Schnelle reacted
24/12/2025 7:15 am
They have now switched completely to 1/64 scale, like other manufacturers, Greenlight, for instance.
As far as I know, Greenlight is still producing replicas in other scales - from 1/64 - 1/12
24/12/2025 8:16 am
@chris I don't remember any new models in 1/43 from Greenlight in 2025. In 2024 there were two - 1971 Cuda in black and 1949 Buick from Rain Man movie.
Before that, they were quite prolific, more than 400 models of US cars in 1/43 (some being variations of others, but still).
In 1/18, the situation was slightly better, there were 84-89 Caprices (inferior to MCG Caprices - strictly IMHO) and Mustangs foxbodies in 2024. I haven't bought a single new Greenlight in 2025, but may be there were some, just out of interest for me.
This post was modified 4 months ago by Viacheslav Chesnovsky
24/12/2025 2:12 pm
@carcass1996 There is no market anymore for metal models because they are either too expensive, very low quality and/or lack so much details and accuracy that they become irrelevant. This is the case for some Brooklins models that were nice some years ago.
Resin models are far more realistic and cannot be challenged for outstanding quality, price and satisfaction to display for precision as it should be.
I still have a few Brooklins, Madison and Conquest models but they are displayed at the very back of my shelves ready to retire. They need to get off their space for better models.
"@michaeldetorrice White metal models are generally shown to be stable and last forever, but in several cases, resin replicas have been unstable and more prone to degradation. Even regular zamac diecast models have sometimes suffered from intergranular corrosion.
There is a place for all types of models or materials to build them in and each can have advantages or possible drawbacks. Luckily, this is a wide-ranging hobby with space for all scales, types/subject matter, materials and subjects to do replicas in, especially considering the various people and interests within the hobby."
I recognize that the resin models are more "crisp" and precise, yet I far prefer the "charm" and heft of my white-metal models. And I know they will far outlast me without shedding foiled trim pieces. I occasionally will buy a new resin model - like the upcoming Stamp '49 Buick (green) because I love the subject - but I cherish the Brooklins to a much greater degree!
Barry Levittan
Long Island, NY
David Green reacted
24/12/2025 8:35 pm
Very interesting post and discussion here. I bought 1/43 GFCC initially when they featured pre- war Jaguars and followed up with a several American cars, mainly Studebakers. Dink like initially but upgraded later. I am sorry to see that they no longer produce 1/43. That said though, I also have 1/64 models by them, again mainly Jaguars. These are very well done with far better detail than the 1/43s. My preferred scale is still 1/43 so I find this somewhat disappointing.
John Kuvakas reacted
25/12/2025 6:18 am
@moe-parr Have you considered subscriptions series such as American Cars by deAgostini? They possibly have the best value for money and are issued in huge runs, and there is large community of followers. As matter of facts, these releases (Altaya/Ixo) are what keeps the hobby afloat, not chinese resin with limited runs of 100-200 pcs.
Below is their '76 Eldorado as an illustration that they are not crude or low-quality in any way. I paid about €12 for it.
This post was modified 4 months ago 2 times by Viacheslav Chesnovsky
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