[Closed] Repost from yesterday re Countryside show, any reponses?

Esval was not personally represented at the show only some of their models.

By the time a model gets to the market, it's difficult and expensive to change the molds.

This is one of the reasons Goldvarg is so successful, he asks for input early in the process so adjustments can be made. That being said, photos hardly ever do a model justice. I know Sergio listens carefully to the critique but ultimately has to go by what he sees in hand. It's extremely difficult to evaluate a model until it is seen in person. We've all seen good models get trashed because a photo misrepresented color, proportions or fidelity. This is one of the reasons we offer space on our show booth to the makers so they can display their pre-releases. Folks get to see them in ahnd before they buy.

The Esval model in question actually looks, much better in person than what we see in pictures. I'm not saying it's perfect but it's not nearly as bad as some of the photos portray it to be. For the last two shows, it has actually been the best seller from the Esval in our booth.

As far as criticism goes, most of the makers keep an eye on this forum. I know Esval does. They are well aware of the critique of this particular model. I'm sure they would like to make some changes. But most of our makers are relatively small compared to someone like Matchbox or Hot Wheels or the long-lost mints. They have to decide whether to devote resources toward redoing a model that already has a sullied reputation and may meet with limited success or producing a new model and learning from their mistakes in the past. In almost every case, they lean toward new product.

I guess that's a win for us as collectors.

Excellent points, John, that I think people should take to heart.

I agree that the Esval 56 Chevy wagons are far better "in hand" than in pics.

I initially complained lots about what I saw, then in a weak moment bought one on line anyway.....and was very pleasantly surprised that it was reasonably done. Not perfect of course, there are the shortcoming we have discussed, but they are nowhere as bad as first thought from pics. So I bought the panel version as well...lol.

Thanks for the response, much as I suspected. Maybe I'll reconsider these items.

I wouldn't. They still looked boxy to me at Countryside.

I've sold quite a few of these wagons with nothing but good feedback on them.