Some 1952 Cadillac series 62 types

NICE! The headlights on the NB Center version were actual lenses. 

Very nice cars indeed. My memory of white metal models when they became more widespread in the '80s, is that the quality of the models themselves conveyed a nostalgic feel. And the bare metal headlamps I feel were a part of that. Other white metal models had the same touch - like 43rd Avenue - and I have no problem with it. In fact, I find some new resins almost too clinically realistic.

@jkuvakas John, does one simply buy the nb centre version from Brooklin who can only sell these?

@tim-hart  On the secondary market or at Brooklin: https://brooklinmodels.com/collections/the-nb-center-collection or  https://thenbcentercollection.com/shop/

 @tim-hart Thanks for your post, Tim, it inspired me to order the '52 Coupe de Ville in 2-tone blue at a great price from Diecast Direct!

@tim-hart, email me at kuvakas@gmail.com

Posted by: @charles-rockett

Very nice cars indeed. My memory of white metal models when they became more widespread in the '80s, is that the quality of the models themselves conveyed a nostalgic feel. And the bare metal headlamps I feel were a part of that. Other white metal models had the same touch - like 43rd Avenue - and I have no problem with it. In fact, I find some new resins almost too clinically realistic.

20 years ago, there were mostly no resin models and white metal was the only option in 1/43 scale for some level of accuracy. I can understand why some collectors still prefer them today. I believe they are part of nostalgia for those who don't care if they represent faithfully a replica but just an image they want to see on there shelves.

If it would not be for the quality of resin manufacturers we have now, I would still have only 3 white metal acceptable models to display in my collection.

@nickies I started my 1/43 collection with resins from NEO. I agree that their "crispness" make them more accurate reproductions. But that's not the only measure of my like or dislike of a model. Once I discovered white metal (Brooklin in particular), despite the perhaps more "crude" replication of the 1:1, they are far more satisfying to me. The heft and durability of metal (the same material a real car is made of) vs. the fragile nature of resin is greatly in its favor. They have the feeling of being "built to last" while the resins are continually shedding "chrome" trim, small parts, etc. if you even look at them the wrong way. 

I don't regret having numerous resins in my collection but I get much greater enjoyment and pride of ownership out of my white metal models. Can't wait for the '52 Cadillac pictured above to join my collection!

@moe-parr This is the reason we have our preferences as collectors and I respect your opinion. The weight of a model has never been significant in my criteria. When this model will come, it will be interesting to put it side by side with the Stamp 1951 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible.

@moe-parr 

I agree with you. The resin models I have (about 10% of my collection) look nice for the reasons you stated. However, I prefer the white metal one for the same reasons you do.

@nickies I understand well. Interestingly, the French who were innovators in the field, along with British white metal manufacturers; even back in the '80s were using resin for its accuracy. I'm thinking of marques like Belle Epoch, CCC, and Heco - there are others that do not spring to mind. I find, as my collection spans 1880s - 1970s / USA and Europe, separately. Different decades can get away with white metal more so than other decades. The smaller French 1930s cars, with their intricate forms don't seem to work in white metal. Whereas the present 1953 Cadillac with its huge curves is, to me successful. Also, the exactitude of 1970s US automobiles, with their dead-flat surfaces and sharp creases call-out for resin too.

Not hard and fast rules by any means. My first two handbuilts were a white metal Porsche RSR by AMR (white metal from France) and a Denzer Carrera RS (resin, probably dental type) from Denzer in Switzerland, I think. UK makers Replicast and GB (Geoff Brown) were resin, as were the later Marsh models.

I don't have hard and fast rules either. However, I will put forward a case for die-cast zinc alloy. If one collects certain car culture areas notably JDM and Australian then die-cast is the main option. Also, if, like me toy cars are part of one's collecting arena then you would be hard pushed to find anything made in either white metal or resin! In the early 1980's white metal was the choice of Japanese model car manufacturers e.g. CAM, Newcon and Rotarex. In closing I also have a few collectors models made in plastic from Germany, Japan and Italy. A models heft or weight has never been a collecting criteria for me personally. 

Brooklin's '52 Cadillac models are amazing. I have several and each one is a treasure. Tim, your three are very nice. I like the look of the convertible. What color is that one? From the photo I can't tell if it is light blue or green. Did you redo that one yourself or did someone else? 

I was planning a small writeup for the NABCC of the Brooklin's 1952 & 1953 Cadillacs. I wrote it and was working on photos when they ceased to be. I never posted it, maybe I should look into finishing it. Although, with my preference to this model, it was probably a little biased, LOL!

Here's one I picked up a year or so ago. It was crafted by John Roberts and my understanding is that it was done from a Brooklin hardtop coupe before they issued their own convertible.