[Closed] Spark, Neo and Ixo v handbuilt

It depends on being satisfied with oversize badging, details that do not exist on the 1:1, out of scale window surrounds, things like that. If that concerns a collector, they will not buy.

Doesn't every 1/43 manufacturer produce cars with these problems, Lloyd?

Tim, our interests are very similar. I also like the Goldvarg models, especially the Henry J. I find some others that come close to the standards of the hand built models. The Franklin Mint Nash Ramblers and the '59 Ford hardtop convertible, the Vitesse Metropolitan, and the Universal AMC Matador (part of the James Bond series) are some. I really miss the Rextoys models of the '30's. But when it comes to the '40's and '50's, Brooklin is hard to beat. My most recent favorite is the BRK Jeepster; it's special!

Well, Dillon, I think that with todays advanced....

manufacturing techniques, and the large amount of reference materials available to a manufacturer it is not asking too much.

Spark, Bizarre, etc.

It should of course be noted that Spark, Neo and Bizarre are not actually diecasts, but resin models. In one respect they could be considered as handbuilt, as they are handbuilt on a small scale production line.

In my area of collecting, i.e. Le Mans race cars, they are well ahead of anything else in terms of realism per pound/dollar. It is of course a little easier to get reference material for such subjects, although mistakes do sometimes crop up. I particularly like the attention to detail on the headlights and use of photo-etch components.

However, the bottom line is "Does it look like the real thing?". If it does, then I'm perfectly happy.

Does it look like the real thing

Mike, this is exactly the point at issue. These latest resin productions are looking more and more like the real thing. Thanks for putting the matter in perspective.

I'm a fan of NEO, IXO, and Minichamps (not familiar with Spark), however, the IXO '39 Continental should not have a all-chrome windsheild frame, and the model is too wide.
I like these good quality cars because they have all the trim (especially around windows)in silver. Most Brooklins, at approx. twice the price, do not. Unless you enjoy doing the detailing yourself, a detailed Brooklin will cost you another $35,-$80. over the retail price.
I do, however have 7 Brooklins.

Completely agree with Lloyd.

I agree, but a lot of handbuilts are out of scale. Nothing is perfect.

Spark prices are set to rise apparently.

I was talking to a dealer friend today who tells me that retail price is going to be around 80 to 90 pounds. This is the second report I've heard of a similar nature. It seems that Minichamps are also having a price hike. I don't know if this will be reflected in other Chinese-built ranges. Apparently it's all to do with restructuring of wages, etc in China.

Spark prices

If the rumour proves correct , I can see these ranges struggling for sales , disposable has shrunk in most markets , collectors are spending less money , manufacturers like IXO are issuing prviously issued parrt work models in thier main ranges .

The CRM review of the Ixo '39 Lincoln was not good

Apparently the casting included '39, '40, and '41 details, if memory serves. I have the '41 by Minichamps and am quite happy with it, so I didn't need a second similar item.

Of more concern than Spark vs. Brooklin is Spark vs. Ilario, Chromes, etc.

Spark plans on issuing several French coachbuilt Voisins, Delahayes, and the like. If they cost $60, or even $90, who will buy Ilario and Chromes at $300+ when both ranges are made in China? I like my '49 Delahaye by Chromes, but if Spark came out with the same car next year, I'd be pissed.

Take note that Neo is issuing the same R-R that Ilario came out with a few months ago. I realize there might be a few differences, but from the Neos I have, they are excellent models in the $60-$80 range. My desire for the Ilario has waned considerably.

One more worry (while I'm on this soapbox) - many Ilario and Chromes are made in a run of 80 to 120 (so they say). What happens to the molds after that? If they stay in China, dollars-to-donuts we will see them again.

This is interesting, because I just bought an IXO model of a.....

Ferrari 575GTC Presentation Version for $36.00. Tecnomodel has the same model as I bought for closer to $300.00 ?? I compared the pictures that were posted of both models and the looked identical so I bought the IXO. I got the model yesterday and the first thing I did was compare the IXO model that I was now holding to the Tecnomodel and I could still see no difference in the models except for packaging???? I do not know what is going on here and why the difference, but I am glad I shopped around and bought the IXO. You see alot of this with these type of model. In a way it feels like you are being tricked if you buy the more expensive brand. In my case with this model I am kind of scratching my head wondering what is going on. Maybe I am nieve. Harvey you are spot on with this line of thinking, so explain it some more LOL ! RANDY