Skaledale Country Garage Diorama

Posted by: @mikedetorrice

That is a fine set-up using the Tomica Toyota 1/64  vehicle, Chris. It fit extremely well in the scene and the use of the scale model buildings, the model automobiles and the arrangement of the real backgrounds reminds me of the late Paul Michael Smith and his superb use and blending of the model cars and buildings/dioramas with an actual background, carefully placed.

@mikedetorrice Mike, certainly appreciate that my diorama reminds you of the late Paul Michael Smith who was a true master of the forced perspective in miniature scale. His legacy lives on in his books and his images can still be seen on FlickR.

Returning to my diorama modern true to 1:64th scale vehicles, as demonstrated by MiniGT and Tomica TLV, are perfect replicas and along with these Skaledale buildings certainly assist in providing this illusion using miniatures and blending them with a real background.

Posted by: @grockwood

I like the way your dio came out.  The natural light makes it look authentic.

@grockwood Thank you and appreciate your comments - there is nothing like natural light and I cannot wait to get back outside for another photo shoot.

The next model car to visit this garage is a Schuco Modelle 301 810 Ford Escort 1300GT and is 1:66th scale. Schuco’s first issue in their 1:66th scale series was in 1969 and the range lasted until 1981 when they were taken over by Gama. Subsequently the moulds were sold onto REI in Argentina who then continued manufacturing.

The Escort is a fabulous miniature casting with diecast body and base and is easily the pick of the bunch when compared with contemporary Escort offerings. This version is in metallic light green and among the features are spring suspension, interior in red plastic with a metal  steering wheel in the body colour, chrome plated hubs, black plastic tyres, windows, opening doors and the baseplate has underpinning details. Front registration plate reads ‘Schuco’ and rear ‘310’. Red was another colour available and the casting was also issued as a rally car, 301 851,  in yellow with bright green bonnet and boot lids.

BTW the number appearing in the Schuco catalogue is 301 810 but the base reads 310 which is the same number as cast on the rear registration plate.

Posted by: @chris-sweetman

given the price, this one will have to stay in its 'just washed look'! Appreciate your comments about the buildings especially from an ace modeller like yourself.

Yes, I can relate, it takes real guts, sometimes, to weather a nice, new, shiny model!  😀 😀 

@chris-sweetman

Could you take some close-up photos of the Escort? It looks like a nice model.

That is an extremely nice Schuco replica of a Ford Escort and it fits really well in this image. Schuco made some excellent vehicles and automotive toys/models from the "Western Zone (U.S.) of Germany".

I still have some car and truck models toys from them that my Dad got for me sometimes when he was on a business trip to New York City.

@mikedetorrice Mike, Schuco produced an excellent range of tinplate vehicles and other toys. I have a few books illustrating their range and the clockwork tinplate car that has a mechanism to avoid it falling off a table is truly amazing. 

Chris, I have thar same Schuco toy automobile, too ! It is very clever and was great to see in action.