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31/10/2021 12:32 pm
Some of us (like you Karl!) began collecting 1/43 back in the days of the "classic" diecasts - Dinky, Corgi, Solido, Tekno. et al. Others saw a Brooklin for the first time somewhere, felt its white metal heft, and were hooked. Still others caught Franklin's ad in the Sunday supplement to their newspaper, and signed up for the 12 models in their 1/43 series of 1950s cars. The series appeared in 1987, a perfect time for 1950s nostalgia taking hold. How many of you got hooked this way?
I bought that first series, and while the detail level was above most diecasts made to that point (such as proper engine detail and factory colors of the 1:1s), the operating features left a bit to be desired in terms of shutlines and fitting, particularly the doors. As time went on and better models appeared I sold some off but kept a few. One of these is the 1950 T&C, part of my woody sub-collection. As the photos show, door fit was not a strong suit on this one.
The actual car appeared first as a 1949 model, and Matrix made this one:
31/10/2021 4:27 pm
You are right, Harv. Franklin Mint really catered to the model car collectors in the US, I think. Their 50s and 60s ranges had no competition back then so the large door gaps were not so much of an issue. I stuck with ProjettoK, Bang, Best, back then, I guess to stay on the European theme (Alfa)... That T&C is really great though!
31/10/2021 5:36 pm
Both are nice models, the FMs series had a few shinning examples, this is one of the better ones if you look past the door gaps.
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
31/10/2021 8:19 pm
When I both this one I was definitely looking for better shut lines. This is probably as best as one can get on this model.
Opening doors on a 1:43 doesn't make much sense but it is cool when done right.
Karl Schnelle and Karl Schnelle reacted
01/11/2021 7:09 am
I have two of them, Harv.