In 2022 when this model was 1st announced, I was so excited. I had wanted a '54 Caribbean in my collection since I had learned of the Motor City example. Several attempts to acquire one of those had so far proved to be unsuccessful. With the Brooklin announcement, I figured I would finally have one, Excellent!Â
Now I won't go into all the events that occurred after that announcement, let's just say the road became a rocky nightmare-bad enough to break an axle would be an understatement. But here we are in early 2024, and I now have a '54 Packard Caribbean in my collection. Actually, I have 4 of them.Â
Two were made by Automodello and now two of them are from Brooklin. With that, the blue version has finally arrived. It's awesome. I know there's been much discussion and comparisons between these two recent versions and the previous one from Motor City (I still don't have one of those, so...) I can only compare mine and I am thrilled with the Brooklin versions the most.Â
My eyes see perfection, you see what you need to, but for me these are now and will always be prized additions to my collection. I thought the black one was special when it arrived in February, but the blue is just so much more awesome. From holding one in my hand this past October, to holding my own, I am very pleased.
1954 Packard Caribbean Convertible, BRK 238 in Bikini Blue & Packard Ivory and Black
My eyes see perfection, you see what you need to, but for me these are now and will always be prized additions to my collection.
I get that, they're wonderful models, no question. Furthermore, as we all know, no scale replica is perfect... all have concessions (albeit some muchsmaller than others ). Heck, even the scale projects I fabricate from "whole cloth" include compromises.
However, that being said.... I still don't understand this:
Why is Brooklin's quarter panel angled up so much higher?  I've noted this previously and it fell on deaf ears. Again, I understand compromise, concessions, trade-offs, etc., yet in this case I fail to see the need.Â
My eyes see perfection, you see what you need to, but for me these are now and will always be prized additions to my collection.
I get that, they're wonderful models, no question. Furthermore, as we all know, no scale replica is perfect... all have concessions (albeit some muchsmaller than others ). Heck, even the scale projects I fabricate from "whole cloth" include compromises.
However, that being said.... I still don't understand this:
Why is Brooklin's quarter panel angled up so much higher?  I've noted this previously and it fell on deaf ears. Again, I understand compromise, concessions, trade-offs, etc., yet in this case I fail to see the need.Â
Yes, I see that as an obvious flaw but one I will overlook and accept. I am not a modeler; I don't pretend to understand the process as to how these little gems are made. I would have to guess that interpretation plays a big part in the execution. With that, I can, and will always appreciate the craft of modeling and I marvel each and every time I hold one in my hands. It is that appreciation that brings my acceptance of some things. I look to the attributes and qualities of each model when in hand. The overall quality and the significance of that piece in my collection.Â
I have been collecting model cars in one scale or another for nearly 60 years, I can say that many years ago, I was far less forgiving of a flaw. My understanding of how this could happen was less than kind many times. It is my appreciation of another's craftmanship that has put me where I am today in my thoughts and acceptance of a model.
This Packard is in all ways a superior piece and despite a "compromise or two" I see the perfection in the craftmanship and the genius in execution as a whole.Â
@jcarnutz, well said. In the words of my late friend, Steve Overy, "My God, Man! They're models! They're not real cars."
Steve had just introduced a brand new model. We were at one of the Chicago shows. Several collectors had gathered around and were picking it apart. One of the harshest critics mentioned that he did;t collect models of this time period anyway. That was what set Steve off.
As I drove him to the airport, he said, "I know there are one or two flaws. But it's a really nice model (it was!). Furthermore, I have paid for it, and my inventory is sitting on my shelf. I don't mind if someone points out a flaw. But I can't fix it afterward. My problem is that if they complain too loudly or too often, and the model stops selling. Now, I don't have funds to build the next one because my money is tied up.Â
I'll give Steve credit. He took critics to heart and listened. But he struggled with those who had no intention of buying the model yet felt the need to pillory it. Our loudest votes are with our wallets.Â
Right, agreed on all fronts gentlemen. I'm not trying to start WW IIIÂ Â Trying to keep everyone happy is like herding cats, trust me... I know!Â
I guess I was rather hoping for an explanation of this replica not a defense of it.  That is, fabricating replicas myself I KNOW the importance of just one ultra-tiny measurement...down the road "everything" can be off. Â
What I don't understand here is what exactly went wrong. Every other line/dimension appears to match the 1:1... so why didn't the bottom edge of that quarter panel?
@chris It would not have cost more to make it right and to also fix the problem of the hood before going to production. This is impossible the Brooklin guys didn't notice that. Some of us collect models for accuracy. In this case, no matter how nice it looks, it is not.
Correct, making it "right" costs the same as making it "wrong"  (I've made that argument 1,000 times but this "hood issue" doesn't bother me ) however, the only point I was trying make, with regard to that quarter panel is this:Â
I do NOT understand what exactly went wrong. This Brooklin seems to line-up with the 1:1 in every other respect. Perhaps the body sides are a hair too tall, and it should've been sectioned? I don't know?  I just don't know... ?? 🤔 🤨 🤔 Â
Correct, making it "right" costs the same as making it "wrong"  (I've made that argument 1,000 times but this "hood issue" doesn't bother me ) however, the only point I was trying make, with regard to that quarter panel is this:Â
I do NOT understand what exactly went wrong. This Brooklin seems to line-up with the 1:1 in every other respect. Perhaps the body sides are a hair too tall, and it should've been sectioned? I don't know?  I just don't know... ?? 🤔 🤨 🤔 Â
This is the side of the model being too tall. There is no other explanation. There is too much space between the rear wheel opening and the fender chrome trim. The Automodello has the same problem but less accentuated.
All of these 1953-54 Packard Caribbeans look superb. In any case, drawing definitive negative conclusions based solely on internet photographs can be rather risky. Many variables may enter into a negative judgement.
Skepically judging models or automobiles on-line using a phone or monitor can be extremely risky ... most certainly when people are quite negative. I notice no one has caught on to a configuration in a certain image posted a while back involving the Packard Caribbean (and something else, too). Â
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