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Topic starter
19/04/2022 10:50 pm
I had not intended to buy one of the NBC Brooklins, since I had the Goldvarg on order. But the more I looked at them, shod with blackwall tires, the more they looked good to me. But which color to choose? The gold was tempting but it was the one that was not at Allentown, and I thought I would get one that I had actually seen. I decided on black since I felt the chrome/scraped metal would show up better. Mine showed up this week:
Brooklin is determined to make increasingly complex and heavier boxes, but the model did arrive safely. The outer card wrap was VERY tight, and I spindled it a bit trying to get it loose. I read of others who gave up and just cut it off. Besides the model, inside are wide whitewall tires (which look like they belong on a 1950's car), a wrench to dislodge the model from its case, a descriptive booklet on this particular car, and four stick-on cushions for the base. BTW, according to the BRK website, the black and gold versions are sold out. There was no card indicating No. xx of yy, but I recall only 50 of each have been made.
The model is really good. Some have commented that the rear needs to be raised a tad, and have inserted a washer to jack it up a bit. But I am not so sure - the cars at the NBC struck me as being a bit low (maybe due to those Kumho tires) but you have to remember these models are based on specific cars, not the general box-stock Rivs. Paint is good, though there is the slightest hint of orange peel on my trunklid. BTW, according to the BRK website, the black and gold versions are sold out.
The tires are not pure black, and one collector did not like this, presumably darkening his somehow. I would contend the tires are perfect as is, and bravo to Brooklin for making them a very dark gray instead of black. Walk down any street and you will note that most tires are not pure black - they oxidize and become very dark gray. Unless you are at a car show, where they have been doused with Armorall. I hope Brooklin continues this coloration.
I have joked now and then about the Kumho tires on the Rivieras at NBC. But they make a good tire, and we used them as replacements on both the Jag S-Type and the wonderful little Miata I used to drive every day. And they do make tires for just about every car.
19/04/2022 11:16 pm
Nice post. I have the white Riviera, which is also my first NB Center model. The display case is quite impressive. My model also arrived safely, but this might be more a result of the very good packaging of the model.
There have been comments about the real car having Kumho tires. This is a brand I was not familiar with until the model was announced. My question, what is special about Kumho?
Ed Davis
Inverness, Illinois, USA
Harv Goranson and Harv Goranson reacted
20/04/2022 12:24 am
Harv, Thank you for your detailed pictures. It convinced me one more time that I will not miss anything with this one. From what I see, it has so many issues that they would be a deterrent every time I would look at this model, more particularly at this price point. The most obvious are the hubcaps that are poorly rendered and not accurate and you further confirmed the paint job is far from perfect. We will see soon what Goldvarg has to offer. I am sure it will not be a disappointment and a far better model.
20/04/2022 12:31 am
@ed-davis They are Chinese tires manufactured in S Korea installed on American classic car. The car in this museum deserves a set of US Coker tires made in America. No glory here but a shame.
Topic starter
20/04/2022 9:35 am
@nickies I did not say far from perfect. The difference from perfection is very slight and I can probably find slight problems with my far East models as well. I rid myself of an early GLM model last year because the finish (or underlying casting prep) left a lot to be desired.
20/04/2022 10:44 pm
@mg-harv Not to confuse Cooper and Coker tires. Coker are US made and specialized in classic cars. Expensive but period correct with a variety of sidewalls widths. They are the source for restoration projects.
Topic starter
21/04/2022 7:53 pm
@nickies Oh, I know the difference. Coker not only provides rubber for vintage cars, they own a few, including pre-WW1 race cars. There was a big Coker presence at the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival last October (understandable since they are based there). Here is one of their cars, a 1911 Pierce-Arrow Model 48.
29/04/2022 4:34 pm
I saw this photo in the Brooklin blog several months ago. Did you see it?
Steve made this board as a visual guide in the factory to assemble the Riviera! What a great idea!
29/04/2022 7:26 pm
you further confirmed the paint job is far from perfect
Your quoting members here is far from perfect.
Harv typed, and I quote 'Paint is good, though there is the slightest hint of orange peel on my trunklid'.
Now that is far from what you said he typed.