[Closed] Has Conquest surpassed Motor City craftsmanship, precision and detail?....................... (pics)

Conquest Models are nice but---------

I think the Full Motorcity Models are a step above in detail and crisp body lines.To manufacture a white metal model in large quantities and be consistent in quality without defects is quite a skill.I'm sure there were M/C models that had defects though.I do think the quality of the new Conquest models are better than the Old Conquest models,Tires are better,No Glue on the paint to clean off.I have had just about every Motorcity model apart and have always been impressed with the craftsmanship.Western models have improved as well over the old Western Models.

As with all model makers, the earlier models are not as good as later ones.

Re: Motor City, IMHO the quality began to take off around MC-19 Hudson or certainly MC-22 Chrysler T&C. Even later versions of MC-22 were "crisper" than the earlier ones. By the end of production they were tops in the field.

Conquest began in Europe (Netherlands?) though cast in England, probably by SMTS as they are today. Since takeover by Buz, along with the older Western models, quality is better, primarily through the use of foil for the chrome trim (a feature of the old MOCs). I think the new Conquests and WMCE models are so close to the MOCs that comparison is difficult unless you have two models of the same car side-by-side.

Of course, no one tops a Top Marques!
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I agree with your comments Ben to a degree.I would add however, that like all manufacturers, some MOC releases are great and are still superior to Conquests even after all these years and other MOC's, well lets say I wouldn't give you $50 for them (eg.1955 Cadillac sedan). I think that its fair to say that recent Conquest releases eg. 1962 Oldsmobile are getting better and better. There are a number of Conquest models that I believe are superior to MOCs and there are MOCs that without question are superior to Conquest.You be the judge. That said,I think that dollar for dollar, Conquest models are a better value than MOCs.On the secondary market, some sellers are asking ridiculous prices for MOCs that are on par with Conquest models selling for many times less.Its just with some MOCs are so rare and hard to find, if you really want it ,you are being held hostage.

One area Conquest has done a superb job in, particualrly recently, is in interiors.

Their dashboards and door panel detail are a cut above everyone. When you consider their price point and the limited number produced, they're an incredible value.

BenD I have many MOC and Conquest models and in my opion it depends on a model for model basis which is better. I have both good and bad by each so it's difficult to just make a blanket statement that one is better than the other.

+1 Agree

And amazingly, they have held to a $250 price point while Brooklins have been getting more pricey.

No.

Pristine examples of original models are still the standard of white metal models. Some details, like the roof castings of early 50's GM hardtops missed the mark, but overall the execution is outstanding.

Bob...I very much value your opinion, and everyone elses that chimed in...that is why I asked for opinions. And I should have stated what a few others had, about models getting better with time per crafter.

The subject of my post is, I think Motor City models gets their praise, and Conquest models, which are just as good, rarely does.

Do you have any of the pictured Conquest DeSotos Bob?

I think they are Fantastic!

Look at the Desoto Dash Pod,No gauges,painted black.Motorcity

Has much better detailed interiors with gauge decals,window cranks ,ashtrays,etc.etc.Maybe some of the conquest do.The Motorcity prices went up because of Russian Collectors and collectors deciding to buy Convertible Top Up Models which they missed the first go round.Those wipers in the Conquest 62 Olds look huge by the way.

I noticed the wiper issue also on the 62 Olds, but, as I pointed out in a previous post, the over sized wipers were only on the black convertible and black closed convertible...all the other versions received the thinner, better scaled wipers.

It is very strange that the same type of wipers weren't used for all the different versions.

I will give Conquest a hall pass on the DeSoto gauges...it looks like they put all their time in the fantastic chroming and foiling of those models!

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To be fair, Brooklins sell for less than $250. I thiink they're a great value.

Ben The only problem with those Desotos is you can not tell how fast you are going.

Don't disagree John. I was merely observing the rate of price increase.

In 2013 I bought a Conquest DeSoto for $250. This year I bought the '62 Olds for....$250. I'm still amazed that Buz keeps the price where it has been.

In 2013 I bought BRK 182 for about $125. As an example. BRK 225 on their website lists for $189. I believe these two models have a similar level of detail, perhaps the Packard even more so since it is a two-tone. I will also admit that BRK is working to increase their level of detail, with an expected increase in price, though they are not quite at Conquest's level. I suspect if they ever do reach that level, with mirrors, antennae, interior door handles, and additional dash detail, they will be $250 models.