Brooklins are normally a bit out of my price range these days, but the Riviera is interesting enough for me to ask for clarification about the colours available. I saw early publicity shots of the model in black, white and gold. For me, black is the stand-out colour for this car (with white a close second) but I don't see the production Brooklins showing up anywhere in those promised colours.
Forum posts show only the rose-coloured version, which I don't find particularly appealing on a car with such crisp, formal lines. Is that the U.S. club issue? Apologies if this question has already been answered in a post I may have overlooked.
The obvious (and affordable) alternative is the new Goldvarg, but in terms of adding variety the teal version is a little too close to my green Minimarque and the red is too similar to my Franklin Mint.
The other three are not listed at hobbyDB as they are not being shipped yet (but are just now available to purchase). Members of the two Brooklin clubs have gotten some early information about them. They are part of the NB Center Collection since they replicate their actual cars. See https://thenbcentercollection.com/.
This is one reason (see the picture) why i will not buy the bronze color but also another reason. If i buy on the Brooklin's site, from where the model will be send and with which transportor? When i bought the NB 1940 Lincoln Zephyr Coupe on the Brooklin,s site, the model has been sent from the museum in Pennsylvania by USPS in Canada. I have been not really surprise because some guys here were implicated and were at the museum. But there are not meetings each time than you order a new NB Center model on the site in UK. Last time than i have ordered a standard Brooklin model on the site, my model has been sent from Italia by FEDEX and the model damaged. Fortunately, Amanda was there again and she sent me all the interior parts who were damaged for nothing. It was the first time that something like that happening. The time before, the model has been sent from UK by DHL Express i got and excellent service. So each time, i don't know in advance from where my model will be expedited and with which transportor. I emailed asked to Amanda just before she leave (What a lost) and ask her before ordered if it was better to ask if the models were in stock in UK to avoid that the model be sent from Italia with Fedex. She said that it was a good idea. I don't understand everything even if i check all the video of John my english is limited. I trying to translate the video in french to be updated as most as possible but i think that i understand more the tagalog than the french translator 😉 I think i will take a pause for a little time to see what will be the reorganisation. The departure of Amanda make me sad and i will say even a bit angry.
Brooklins are normally a bit out of my price range these days, but the Riviera is interesting enough for me to ask for clarification about the colours available. I saw early publicity shots of the model in black, white and gold. For me, black is the stand-out colour for this car (with white a close second) but I don't see the production Brooklins showing up anywhere in those promised colours.
Forum posts show only the rose-coloured version, which I don't find particularly appealing on a car with such crisp, formal lines. Is that the U.S. club issue? Apologies if this question has already been answered in a post I may have overlooked.
The obvious (and affordable) alternative is the new Goldvarg, but in terms of adding variety the teal version is a little too close to my green Minimarque and the red is too similar to my Franklin Mint.
Ach, decisions, decisions!
The Brooklin models either the 65 or the coming 63 are overpriced and lack of lot of details. Both look like unfinished jobs because doing them properly would have added to the price. I don't understand people willing to pay $350.00 plus shipping fees for a model that is half way done.
The Goldvarg looks sharp and has all its chrome trim where it is supposed to be for less than $100.00. Its a no brainer which one will display the best on the shelf.
I have the BCC '65 Riviera and while it is less detailed than the 1:1, it is a very special model that looks great.
I really liked the black & white 1:1 version of the '63 Rivieras that were at the NB Center, so those are the two I chose for my collection.
As far as the Goldvarg versions, I like the colors on them too. I ordered both of them for that reason and one other. That reason is same one I ordered the Brooklin versions, to support the manufacturers. Goldvarg has issued so many wonderful models already and has so many more planned, I want him to continue. Brooklin as well, now I know my few little purchases alone won't keep them in business, but every little bit helps. I get a huge amount of pleasure from all of these little gems, and these two companies as well as GLM/Stamp are my favorite three, so I do what I can.
@jcarnutz This is your privilege to support all the manufacturers you mentioned no matter what they have to offer about quality and accuracy. My approach is very different. If they don't deliver what I am expecting, this is a no go no matter I would like the image as the 65 Riviera. I don't race to buy models to continue to pack shelves as most of you guys do here. I am not a collector anymore.
My personal evolution is about quality and details over quantity. For me Brooklin is not anymore in the game to face the newcomers. It will be interesting to see pictures of all these Buicks together to see which one is the best.
...... I don't race to buy models to continue to pack shelves as most of you guys do here.....
Actually, I don't know of anybody here who is racing to buy models simply to pack shelves ...... and least of all, John Merritt, who has a large collection but only buys cars he likes .... not as part of some race that must be won. Even Bob Jackman (you know, that gentleman who "panics") has a far larger collection than probably anyone here, but most certainly just obtains model vehicles he likes and enjoys. Both of them very much support the hobby in general, too, and value a wide selection from a variety of manufacturers.
@nickies, have you seen one of the NB Center models in person? I can understand if you feel the models are out of your price range. That's your decision. I'm not convinced it's a reason for demeaning others for their buying decisions or how quickly or frequently they make purchases. But, making sweeping observations of a current model without seeing one in person can deny you the credibility you should have as a veteran collector. The NB Center Rivieras are finished and detailed quite nicely as those who saw the one we had in Chicago can attest. It is more detailed than the BCC model.
John by speaking of NB Center collection, if i understand well in your interview with Simon Elford, the 1946 Pontiac Torpedo is nearly finished and should be available soon? Does the real car is a part of collection of Nicola Bulgari? I am wonder also if the 1961 Pontiac will be a part of the NB collection or it would be available via the clubs only or available simply like a standard model on the Brooklin's site?
If it were me I'd ditch the Minimarque and FM, and get a Goldvarg and a Brooklin. But I'm hanging on to my underscale Corgi!
Not sure I'll follow your advice on that, Harv!
I think the Minimarque still looks handsome and holds up pretty well.
The only strange thing is the rear window. There does seem to have been a "privacy" option of a slightly smaller rear window but I can't find photos of any Riviera with anything like the "letterbox" rear window like the Minimarque, so presumably it was based on a customised car - or the patternmaker just badly over-emphasised the smaller window.
As for the Franklin Mint, well, it's not perfect and we've heard all the complaints about the shutlines, but it has a certain charm. In fact I've just found one cheap on eBay and am going to repaint it in white. Or black.
