In the days when Brooklin released models of cars commonly seen in our driveways and on our streets we were treated to cars like the ‘55 Chrysler Windsor Town and Country wagon. Here is one shown in comparison to the actual car. Note that the actual car is a New Yorker which is a series up the food chain from the lower trim level Windsor but you get the drift about how nice these Brooklins were and they were affordable. And should a spare part be needed, Brooklin provided customer care that was unique. Amanda would graciously supply the missing part upon request. I now cherish this chapter of collecting Brooklin Models.
I agree David; I thought this wagon was one of Brooklins better models. I bought the pink/beige color you show and liked it so much I went for the green one as well.
I am glad and fortunate to have found one at a local seller at a very affortable price last year. Here is one inspired by John Roberts in jet black with a flash of pink. I don't have that one however but you can find more pictures in the Randall's book.
Nice pics of a great 1:1 to 1:43 comparison David.
This is my opinion on the higher prices at Brooklin, and it is just my opinion, your mileage may vary.
Brooklin has been crafting models for almost 50 years, and in my opinion, it took them a long time to get to the level of crispness, detail and accuracy they are at today.
This might sound harsh, but I think it took them too long. (not a dig at Brooklin, just a little constructive criticism)
For instance, look at what Motor City accomplished in such a short time frame. They started about 10 years later than Brooklin (give or take a year or 2) and they were light years ahead of Brooklin right out of the gate, and yes, Motor City models were more expensive, but they had to be. They produced a much better model.
I think Brooklin decided to get serious when the first crispy resin models started emerging, like Neo, and Brooklin really started improving when Bulgari purchased Brooklin in 2015.
Brooklin knew they had to up their game or they couldn't compete with the nice resin models that collectors were switching over to, and they did, but we as collectors know that it cost much more to make an accurate crisp white metal model than it does a resin model.
Brooklin had to raise their prices to produce a better model, they had no choice. I am surprised they aren't more expensive than they are now.
Brooklin still has a lot of work to do....I think every Brooklin model should have resin headlights, door mirrors, and basic trim where appropriate, like around the windows, but I also believe they are now some of the best white metal models on the market and are now competing with the likes of Conquest and WMCE models.
There are thousands and thousands of older Brooklin models for sale at bargain basement prices, so if that is what you like, you can get them cheap.
I think Brooklin should have different tier level models at different prices and different levels of detail and production count numbers, with the top priced tier models full of details and low production numbers like Conquest with only 20 or 30 made of each model.
I like the newer, crisper, more accurate white metal models with loads of details, and I am willing to pay the price for exclusivity.
Ben, thank you for your well thought out message about Brooklin’s need to meet the standards of the competition in order to stay alive. I really appreciate your perspective. Comments like yours are what make this forum helpful. Certainly the recent Brooklins I have purchased such as the ‘54 Cadillac, the ‘56 Buick Century and the ‘65 Impala with top up/ top down option aremiles ahead in terms of detail and accuracy. I do miss the customer care that was for so long a hallmark of Brooklin. Times change. Maybe when Brooklin gets relocated and up snd running some of that customer care will return.
I have similar preferences as you. I am willing to pay the higher prices for the higher levels of crispness and detail. These types of increases in detail, crispness, and pricing over time are not limited to model cars. I have seen this in model airplanes (diecast and plastic kits) and model trains (brass and plastic).
I have purchased such as the ‘54 Cadillac, the ‘56 Buick Century and the ‘65 Impala
Maybe when Brooklin gets relocated and up and running some of that customer care will return.
My pleasure David, and thank you back for all your fantastic posts and pics.
The '56 Buick Century really surprised me when Brooklin released it. The detail on the model is really good, with resin headlights, mirrors on both doors and chrome everywhere! If I didn't know it was a Brooklin, I would guess it was a WMCE.
Have you purchased any of the NB Center models yet David? They really are a step-up from even some of the best Brooklins available. I have the NB Center '54 Cadillac, Lincoln Zephyr, and the Chrysler Town and Country.
I am very sure Brooklin is feeling the effects of Amandas absence there. Amanda and I had quite a few email conversations....she helped me out tremendously and I got to know a little about her. She told me that Brooklin was a part-time job, and she had another full time job, and her husband is a firefighter/ambulance medic, so although she might be missing her Brooklin income, I don't think she is going hungry. I hope she knows that people are concerned about her and she will be missed........who knows, when Brooklin gets back on their feet, she might go back!
I really started noticing improvements in Brooklins models when I purchased my very first Brooklin! the Brooklin BML 01 1942 Olds fastback....this model is outstanding, and if you don't have it, I highly recommend getting it.
My next Brooklin purchase was the BML 25 1942 Olds woody wagon, which is another Brooklin home run in my opinion.
Ben, I do have, for example, the ‘54 Cadillac but it’s the first edition prior to the NB and it has super detail minus the extended antenna which begs to be broken off. In fact I have four of these Cadillacs. On one, apparently as I was carefully polishing it, a taillight fell off. I didn’t notice it and later could not find it. An email to Amanda and less than a week later came a packet from Amanda with 4 spares! The Buick Century is a beauty. I have one by John Roberts that he did just before his retirement as well as a standard one. And then there is the beautiful ‘57 Bel Air. I do not have any of the NB models. Beautiful as they are, they are beyond my price range.
Ben, I have both and love both. Your comments regarding Amanda were right on. I sincerely hope that Amanda has read all of the past thoughts expressed here on the forum about her helpfulness to we collectors...she was truly a giant asset to Brooklin whether they knew it or not.
Ben, I do have, for example, the ‘54 Cadillac but it’s the first edition prior to the NB and it has super detail minus the extended antenna which begs to be broken off. In fact I have four of these Cadillacs. On one, apparently as I was carefully polishing it, a taillight fell off. I didn’t notice it and later could not find it. An email to Amanda and less than a week later came a packet from Amanda with 4 spares! The Buick Century is a beauty. I have one by John Roberts that he did just before his retirement as well as a standard one. And then there is the beautiful ‘57 Bel Air. I do not have any of the NB models. Beautiful as they are, they are beyond my price range.
Beautiful models and surroundings David; especially the '57 Chevy and '56 Buick, both done by John Roberts.
Ben, I have both and love both. Your comments regarding Amanda were right on. I sincerely hope that Amanda has read all of the past thoughts expressed here on the forum about her helpfulness to we collectors...she was truly a giant asset to Brooklin whether they knew it or not.
I concur with Bob's comments; Amanda was such a great Brooklin representative.
Thank you all - it was a pleasure to deal with everyone over the 28 years I worked for Brooklin Models. I do have a new job which I am enjoying, but do miss the friends I made during my time at Brooklin. Kind regards Amanda
