From My Collection... A Ford in Your Future - Pt 1

I have a question about the Mini-marque model. How would you compare it (level of detail, separation lines between doors, fenders, hood, etc.) to some of the latest Conquest and WMCE models?

A very nice set of Fords from perhaps the most interesting moment in their line-up since the turn of the fifties. Thank-you John, for sharing these great images.

@ed-davis I have the Fairlane to hand, and studying it carefully, would say the detail is fine and crisp. Door and bonnet etchings are neat (sometimes paint disguises them) and paint, thick and glossy.  I've always found both Conquest and Minimarque moulded brightwork - bumpers windscreens can look 'substantial' yet grille details, very finely moulded.  To me Conquest and Minimarque - early and later - are barely distinguishable one from the other and are the very best white metal models. Possibly more recent Minimarque editions may look fractionally less hand crafted, but not knowing and without seeing the boxes, I doubt anyone could tell the difference. Of course more experienced collectors may have different views.

Great period colors.

@ed-davis Ed, I have an extensive collection of both MiniMarque and Conquest models and treasure both. IMO there is no clear cut answer to your inquiry as you have to look at each individual model as both lines have had outstanding releases and both have had some mediocre releases. I give credit to both lines for their details and trim when other white metal lines just painted over badging, etc. My absolute favorite white metal model is Conquest's 1962 Cadillac Coupe DeVille. The details and proportions on this model are shear perfection.

Those all look superb ! Fine colors and a great Ford variety shown here.The '58's, especially, had a Thunderbird theme.

I am happy to have some inexpensive Fords and Thunderbirds from this era in 1/43 and also a beautiful 1958 Ford station wagon from Goldvarg which I am trying to find or fabricate a rear red tail-light that I lost during a recent move. The wagon is in a green color and certainly is a favorite !

@michaeldetorrice Mike; it might be worth asking Sergio if he has such a piece available as I'm sure he would have one lying about that was shipping/handling damaged.  If so he could maybe include it in your next model purchase.  Another possibility is maybe a Forum member has a damaged one lying about for parts??

Charles, Bob, thanks for your comments.  I have thought about buying a Mini-marque 1957 Ford or Mercury (without race pace car graphics) if one becomes available in nice condition.

Thanks, Jack, that might be a way to go ! I bought it at one of the Countryside Shows and it is a really excellent '58 Ford wagon. It had a missing front right side ornament but I replaced both with something very close. Yet recently I lost one of the tail-lights during an apartment move.

@michaeldetorrice Yes it is a very nice model.  I have it on display with the Goldvarg yellow/dark gray sedan and dark red/white Ranchero plus the NEO light green/white 2drht.  I know this design has its detractors but I like it very much; although I do prefer the '57 and '59.

@michaeldetorrice

Nice model. In the second picture, what is that aircraft in upper left?

Thanks ! That replica jet is one I made some years ago of the design for a U.S. Vought Aircraft contender design of a 1950's long-range interceptor.

The winner was eventually the Convair F-102/F-106. This never-built jet was built using balsa wood, sheet styrene and a plastic cigar holder, lol ! I still have it although right now it is in storage along with many of my cars until I can finally get moved in to my current apartment.