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Topic starter
04/03/2024 11:29 am
How much do you value age and patina over realism? Do you dump aged old tech models for new replacements when the brightwork ain't bright, the glazing has yellowed and castings like the wheels look like sand castings? Or, do you treasure these models for their place in diecast history. As an illustration, here's two models that are not awful, just showing their age: the GADM '53 Nomad and the Highway Travellers '54 Bonneville.
04/03/2024 11:37 am
If the models are white metal, they are easy enough to clean up and restore the shine. That's what I would do. For me, the patina detracts.
John Kuvakas
Warrenton, VA
Jack Dodds and John Quilter reacted
04/03/2024 12:32 pm
I never got those two, but have found Neo resin models so I won't miss the white metal ones. You might be able to use Flitz or a similar product to shine the old ones up, but the yellowed epoxy resin headlights will always be there.
04/03/2024 12:52 pm
Although not a savant, I would be happy to find/have those two, patina and all, in an antique shop and for a reasonable price. I appreciate their place in diecast history. 😎✌️
Frank Reed
Chesapeake, VA
04/03/2024 12:53 pm
The problem with the headlights would bother me too.
John Kuvakas and Ed Davis reacted
04/03/2024 12:57 pm
I leave all of my models alone. All of my models are in plexi cases and not handled so I find very little aging on them except for the metal fatique on some of my 1/24 scale cars.
Topic starter
04/03/2024 1:14 pm
The white metal brightwork just doesn't seem to respond to various polishing agents and the yellowing and clouding of all the glazing along with the distortion due to the vacu-forming techniques has no solution. I agree with Mr Reed that there is historical value to the models, at least to some collectors. BTW: Both of those models have rarely left their cases
David Green reacted
04/03/2024 2:52 pm
I have both of them (and also the brown Bonneville) and they are as new, with the Corvette showing nicely white-walls and a neatly white roof.
But then again, mine are always in a darkened cool room.
But to refer to your question, as long as the discoloration is acceptable, I would not mind.
Rich Sufficool reacted
07/03/2024 1:58 pm
I like the history behind the models as well as their subject matter, so I do not mind the patina or yellowing. But I collect old diecast - Tekno, Vilmer, Corgi etc, as well as old and new Alfas (diecast, resin, white metal)...
John Kuvakas and David Green reacted
07/03/2024 2:08 pm
I’m with Karl on this, my 40 year old white metal models are still treasures to me despite the early technology, aged chrome work and yellowing. Same reason that I have lots of early Dinky, Corgi and Matchbox.
In a few instances I have redetailed old Western Models with replacement lenses and some detailing with moderately pleasing results.
Karl Schnelle and John Kuvakas reacted
07/03/2024 5:15 pm
On occasion I have polished tarnished chrome with Blue Magic, a sort of jewelers rouge. No idea where I got the tube of it long ago. One can use small polishing sticks with a fuzzy end which can be had at Hobby Lobby. Blue Magic can also be used on paint with a cotton rag or Q tip.
John F. Quilter
Eugene, Oregon USA
07/03/2024 7:51 pm
@ed-davis Hi Ed, Not at all. This thread prompted me to examine several of my white metal models and I couldn't find a single one with yellowed headlights. I have over 1,000 white metal so I can't say without a doubt that all of them are okay. All of my models are on display in acrylic cases so I would be aware if there was a problem I believe. As to patina, I don't see that either on my models but if I did I wouldn't try to clean them.