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This one looks outstanding ! A real beauty of a '57 Bel Air 4 door hardtop and clearly this Brooklin Chevy makes for a great photographic subject.
Agreed, but you better get Amanda to replace the cracked whitewall for you (RF).
I've been meaning to contact her - got the same problem with a recent Tucker purchase.
Pic: Before judging the "white metal" headlights, you have to see this model.
No pictures will do full justice to a model and Brooklin's '57 Bel Air is an example. Before you judge it, you have to hold it and examine it closely. The '57 Chevrolet is such an iconic car Brooklin could not afford to screw it up. They didn't. I searched the Internet and found a Larkspur Blue and India Ivory 4 door hardtop that was for sale at Connor's Motor Cars in West Chester, PA. There are some 20 or so images to compare with my Brooklin as it is the identical car. I discovered one minor detail in which the model differed from the actual car: the lower trailing edge of the front door and leading edge of the rear door are rounded. On the Brooklin they go straight to the rocker panel. A man on a fast horse will hardly notice. Otherwise, from every angle and in every detail, this model is virtually identical in 1/43.
Now, boys and girls, about those headlights, what seems to be a subject that has some observers wrapped around the axle, I too look forward to clear lenses some day yet what Brooklin has accomplished in these "white metal" headlights is very clever. My photo below only suggests if you enlarge it the grooves etched in the lenses that replicate the actual headlights. Even staring at the face of this car up close and personal, I think they look very realistic.
My suggestion to us all: Look first hand at this Brooklin. Compare it to the one at Connors Motor cars or some other actual car. Only then can we form an accurate opinion on the model. While some pictures may show the car in a positive light, only a first hand sighting will show its true excellence as a replica of a '57 Chevrolet.
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David Knight
Richmond, Virginia. USA
Funny thing, Harvey, it's a black line, not a crack in the whitewall.
The tire is maintaining 32 psi and has lost no pressure.
David Knight
Richmond, Virginia. USA
Very beautiful pictures that showcase this nice Brooklin, David
The blue 58 Chevy wagon in your 57 Bel Air pic has black tires.
David, I have a question on a separate issue. I much prefer this style of station wagon with black wall tires. I seem to recall you posted a pic of this blue 58 Chevy wagon a while back and commented on how you had gotten the tires from Amanda....do I have that right? Also, do you happen to know if this size of tire is common to other Brooklin station wagons of the 40s and 50s? Ideally I would like to change out a number of such Brooklins I have.
Lastly, thanks for your informative post and pics on the 57 Bel-Air. I share your opinion of the model.
Pics: Thanks, Jacques. Just couldn't resist posting these.
It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood and I'm about to go for a Sunday drive in this beautiful car. Love those 4 door hardtops. With windows rolled down, the fresh breeze will be welcome.
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David Knight
Richmond, Virginia. USA
Pics: Jack, here again is the '58 Chevy Yeoman in Silver Blue with black tires.
I wanted it fitted with black tires to replicate my dad's '58 Silver Blue Yeoman, and yes, tires used on the '59 Chevrolet Brookwood fire chief wagon are the same size as the whitewalls. I can't remember exactly how I acquired the black tires but I think I emailed Amanda and told her that I had ordered the Yeoman and wanted to fit it with black tires. Several days later both car and tires arrived, the car from Bob Hooper at Dominion Models, the tires from Amanda. Though I offered to pay for the tires, they arrived with a little card that with typical British grace simply read "With Compliments." Now, Brooklin understandably offers replacements, I understand, at a nominal price. In any case, get in touch with Amanda. She can supply you with the tires you need. Tell her they are for the yeoman and she will know what size to send.
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I agree that entry level series cars look best with black tires, though for some reason my Colonial Cream (pale yellow) Yeoman looks right with the whitewalls with which it is fitted. On the other hand, a Bel Air and the Impalas that would follow insist on wearing whitewalls.
David Knight
Richmond, Virginia. USA
Yes, this detailing is definitely the direction for Brooklin now....
...there's no turning back! And I'm sure we'll see proper headlamp lenses very soon now.
I mentioned fidelity and detail. Perhaps you can enlighten us as to what you're looking for.
Few of us on this board are novices and most of us know what to look for in a model. Maybe you should tell us why you seem to think it's inaccurate rather than just challenging everyone's opinion. I have the model in hand. Have you even seen one in person?
John Kuvakas
Warrenton, VA
Pics: Back home after a Sunday drive.
Mike, this car loves to be in front of a camera.
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David Knight
Richmond, Virginia. USA
John I originally said from the start was why another 57 Chevy a 56 would have been better. You guys keep mentioning how accurate the model is and I keep saying show me and getting no positive answers. Maybe someone can point out everything that's accurate or whats inaccurate about the ton of other 57 Chevy's.
BTW I did have a 1:1 57 Chevy convertible.
So tell me David what size tires is your Chevy wearing?
7.50x14
David Knight
Richmond, Virginia. USA
Would a tiny drop of Micro Kristal Kleer be helpful?