GLM Queen of Diamonds

@geoff-jowett 

Yes, it is the Spark version of the Delage D8 120.  I bought two others by Ixo, when I was beginning with the hobby. I am now focusing on Matrix, GLM, Twincam and Minichamps models to improve on the quality of what I have collected.  By experimenting with my initial purchases I learned what wasn't the quality I sought, such as Solido and several other brands.  Some Solido models look nice, but when placed next to a comparable Matrix, or even Minicahamps model, they fall by the wayside.  My first two, the gifts from a friend, were Oxford models and I find their quality to be very good, for the price.

I have yet to acquire any models by ATC Classic Models and if anyone has experience with this brand I would welcome his/her feedback.  I am hoping to find two of their models, the 1963 PH V James Young with 'blind quarters,' and the 1962 PH V Park Ward.  As well as UK and European shooting brakes and estates, my focus is on Rolls Royce, Bentley, Delage, Lagonda, and Hispano-Suiza, with the occasional Horch or Aston Martin thrown in.  I'm trying to keep myself in check, as early on I sensed this hobby can get out of hand rather quickly, which is also why I put a monthly spending limit in place.  It's probably best if no one asks if I have been successful with this, however.

@gdh wonderful cars to focus on there. Suggest you have a look through (@hobbydragon) post. He has posted pics of beautiful examples within your collecting eras.

Those are great estate/wagon models - thanks for showing. With postage and US tariffs, I have almost completely stopped buying from the EU or UK...

@geoff-jowett   Thank you, I will take a look at his posts.

@karl   Very nice and I do like your Alfa R.

Had a bit of disappointment with the Franay Hispano-Suiza, this morning.  I had intended to use it in a hunting diorama, but when I retrieved the car in its container, I noticed the hood ornament lying on the body plate in front of the radiator.  Even when using an 80x magnifier, with light, I fail to see how this tiny article was attached at all, so replacing it will be a challenge.  Subsequent to my morning discovery, I carefully removed the car from the bottom plate and found the left front tire has a significant gouge on the face, which was not visible through the plexi, but I have already left feedback for the seller, so there will be no recourse in this case.  Another educational opportunity, one of many I have experienced on eBay.de, as opposed to eBay.com, where I bought and sold 1:1 vintage cars with no fuss at all, as well as other collectibles.  It wouldn't be quite so painful but that it is the most expensive model I have purchased, so far.  'Newbies' to any 'game' do have to take the occasional 'spanking' in the process and I am definitely becoming wiser in the process.

There is something else I have noticed on several higher-priced models, such as the Spark Delage D8 120, the Matrix Harold Radford SCII Estate, and even the Bentley Wendler (Matrix): the axles do not rotate freely, without binding, although the front wheels on the Hispano-Suiza K6 appear to be glued on, without benefit of an axle.  My Solido, Minichamps, Ixo Museum, Oxford, TwinCam, Herpa and Guisval 1:43 models all rotate freely, as do the 1:18 models from Norev and Bburago. It is not my intent to 'play with my toys' at my desk, but I thought I should ask collectors with much more experience than I if this is normal?  Any information will be welcome.

For now, I am turning my attention to a much sought-after model for which I placed a bid eight days ago and will learn the outcome this evening at about seven P.M., (Paris+1 time zone).  I also have another interesting car arriving tomorrow. 

@karl 

I just delved a bit deeper into your Viotti estate wagon - about which I knew absolutely nothing - and I was surprised to learn Vittorino Viotti was a coachbuilding company who created the Giardinetta, the first station wagon designed in Italy.  I will be adding this to my wish list.  Thank you for sharing it.

Footnote: The shipping cost for anything I buy in the USA is triple the cost for shipping the same item from Germany to the USA, and sometimes more.  This has stymied my purchasing anything from that side of the pond, unless it is something I need and cannot find here.