A WELL-KNOWN DIECAST CAR : THE GOLD STATE COACH

Author by : Youkonton Ratarasarn

After the Second World War ended in 1954, the condition of the economy of the World began to develop slowly. The ban of using zinc which was the main ingredient of making die-cast toys was dismissed. (The metal, at that time called Mazac Metal) The toy industries in England began to develop. A lot of toys had been made in the important circumstances. It made much more people turned to be interested and collected toys. One of that was The Gold State Coach. It was a toy or one of a replica toy that was a part to enlighten Britain to the golden era of die-cast toys.

The Royal Marriage Ceremony of the Queen Elizabeth II of the Great Britain was arranged on June 2, 1953 at the West Minster Church. The important ceremonial car was the Golden State Coach. It was assembled during a period of the King George III. The completion was delayed until 1762. The car was used during a period of King George VI



This replica of the Gold State Coach was assembled for the memory of the Royal Marriage Ceremony of the Queen Elizabeth II by many English leading toy companies such as Britain, Lesney, Crescent. However, the first company seemed to be Britain (founded in 1860) by using a Hollow-cast Lead technique (the style of a hollow forging).

In 1953 Britain (the name of toy company not the country) reproduced the Gold State Coach which produced before the World War II order to remember the Royal Marriage Ceremony of King George 6th in 1937.
A convoy of the Gold State Coach included the King’s coach with the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II sitting inside. There are eight horses drawn with four cavalry officers sitting on horsebacks lining on the left. The coach was 8 inches long. The convoy of coach was a 14 inches. Between horses and plated gold coach connected by steel wire. The horses and cavalrymen were painted by hand in black. At the same time it began to produce a smaller mode1 (No.1478 ) by scaling down and reduced horse drawn to 4. It was 6.25 inches long. All details were absolutely beautiful.

Besides Britain, Lesney (whose produced Matchbox during those period) also made two sizes of the Gold State Coach. The length of the big one was 15.75 inches and the smaller one was 4.5inches. There were both gold and silver. The horses and cavalrymen were painted by hand.

Thereafter 40 years, Lesney became Matchbox International in 1991 It had produced the Gold State Coach once again for the remembrance of the anniversary of 40 years of Queen Elizabeth II ascending the throne. It was one of the Matchbox’s Models of Yesteryear set. The collectors around the world knew in this matter. It was under a code YY-66 limited output (It was not mentioned the number of the output) A total length was 7 inches. The coach and horse drawn cart connected by the axis steel. The body of the car was gilded. It was kept in a window box. Its colour is very beautiful.

To collect thing, whatever it is, if we added the stories, it will increase the value and knowledge for us.

KEEP YOUR BELOVED DIECAST MODELS

Plastic Display Show Case for 1:18 scale diecast car models - 2380

Display case for 1:18 scale diecast models. This case will keep your beloved diecast models from dust. This case is made of light weight acrylic plastic. Protect your diecast models and show them off in nice display case. Case comes with wire ties to secure the vehicle and name plate. This case will NOT fit SUVs or Trucks. *Model car not included* Buy at Amazon.com

BATMOBILE FANTASTIC HOT WHEELS

By Davidp.

For almost 40 years I've been waiting for an accurate replica of the 1966 Batmobile, and finally it's here! This model has been computer scanned from the actual original vehicle still in the possession of customizer George Barris, so it is without a doubt, the most accurate mass produced, commercially available model of the car available. This diecast profiles correctly to the shape of the original car ( which has been distorted in most toys and models available over the decades ) and the details, even down to the red pinstriping, look great. Hardcore scrutinizers may find a quibble here and there with minor details ( such as two very small "badges" on the grille of the car ) but some variations are inevitable, as this car has had parts replaced ( such as the "turbine exhaust" ), and has been tinkered with over the years. But when the overall look of the model is so correct, those minor changes hardly matter. The model has a glossy black paint job, matching the look of the car on the television series. The passenger doors open, and it has a working steering linkage. Cockpit detailing includes the handle used to make the car perform a 180 degree "Bat-Turn", a fire extinguisher between the seats, the rolltop detailing on the dash, and the somewhat antique looking "Batphone" on the center console. There will be limited edition "elite" and "super elite" versions available, which will have more goodies, such as an opening hood and trunk, and photo-etched parts, plus details of questionable authenticity under those opening parts ( such as a conjectural "turbine Engine" which was never seen on the series ) but if you're not made of money - like me - you will probably find this version just right for the price.

The 1966 TV Series Batmobile is the one and only, officially licensed model of the original 1966 Batmobile featured in the TV series. Collectors have been waiting for this car, and the 40th anniversary seemed like the perfect time to release it. George Barris made sure that the model is right. From the wheels to the curved windshield, 1966 TV Series Batmobile is detailed on an astonishing scale, embodying the history and heritage of Batman and Hot Wheels alike.

Talk about 'hot wheels'! This sizzling set is part of the ongoing line of Hot Wheels vehicles based on Batman's signature ride from the Adam West TV show. Specially crafted by Mattel's artisans, the original George Barris designs have been reduced to 1:18 scale to create this authentic die-cast replica that looks just like the real thing. Be sure to order this astonishing Batmobile from your Bat-computer! It will definitely make an impression on your fellow crimestoppers and brighten up your Bat-shelves for years to come. Ages 14 and up.

From the Adam West TV show! 1:18 scale Batmobile ready to ride into your collection. Don't let this one pass you by! See more.

JOKERMOBILE GREAT FOR COLLECTORS!

This one is very detailed and quite funny looking! It has provided quite a lot of laughs for all the little boys that run through this house! This is definitely more for a collector, both older boys and men will enjoy. The 50s version of this car is just outstanding. Highly recommend!

1950's Jokermobile 1:43rd scale diecast with Joker figure. This sought-after vehicle has never before been presented in any category. The 1950's version of The Jokermobile captures the comically-sinister personality of its villainous owner. Watch out! When The Joker face is pressed, the cockpit dome pops open and The Joker is sitting in the driver's seat.

The 1950's version of The Jokermobile captures the comically-sinister personality of its villainous owner. Watch Out! When the Joker face is pressed, the cockpit dome pops open and The Joker is sitting in the driver's seat. Live the Batman Experience with Corgi's new line of DC Comics Batman Vehicles from past decades. This series of scale die-cast collectible vehicles with unique action features will be a must for comic book fans and collectors world wide! Size: 4.75 x 1.75 Scale: 1:43. Recommended for ages eight and up.

Product Features
· Pop open dome reveals THE JOKER sitting inside
· Measures approximately 4.75" x 1.75"
· Officially licensed from DC Comics

FORD MODEL A, MATCHBOX NO.38 AND TIGER BALM

Author : Youkonton Ratarasarn




Die-cast car of this weekend is the car that was used to promote or advertise various commodities. When mentioning to this kind of die-cast car, I have to refer to the Matchbox No.38 which is a Ford Model A. It was initiated the output in 1983 (Real car began the production in 1928 -1931. It had been sold more than 5 million cars)

Matchbox No.38 is the die-cast car that was produced in large amounts. There were hundreds of models. It was used to advertise many kinds of commodities including Tiger Balm of our Asian countries. The first version of Matchbox No.38 was produced in 1982. The body was blue. Champion spark plug was the most popular among the collectors (especially in America and England) until having issued a handbook of Matchbox No.38. Some models were very difficult to find owing to only a few hundred output. Matchbox No.38 was regarded as a well-known all-time favourite matchbox. In England, Matchbox No.38 that advertised Kellogg’s Corn Flakes has been sold more than 2 million cars.

Die-cast Matchbox No.38 showing you today advertises Tiger Balm. The car was produced in Thailand is the year 1993. It is one of six models from “Pill,Potions & Powders” set. It is 7.5 cm. long.

Tiger Balm has a history for more than a century. It began in 1870 by a Chinese herbalist named Aw Chu kin. He set up his humble medicine shop in Rang Goon, the city of Burma and tried to develop the ingredient of the balm. But it was not in fashion and it was not popular using. Up to the progenies, and Aw Boon Haw had developed an ingredient and having a success. They used the Tiger as a logo which was translated from the name of Aw Boon Haw. In 1926 they moved Tiger Balm to Singapore. The two brothers began the expansion of the Tiger Balm to sell around the world. Even the emperor of China uses it. It caused to became a billionaire of Singapore (Aw Boon Par, the elder brother died during the World War II)

Aw Boon Haw built an amusement park and in Singapore and Hong Kong. They became to be tourist attractions until present time. Die-cast Matchbox No.38 had been photo taken by using the amusement park Aw Boon Haw as a background for all three pictures.

The picture of real Ford Model A and advertising of Tiger Balm in the past could be true. Because the business of Tiger Balm passed a period of Model A that was trading at that time (1928-1931). Another event seemed to verify that Ford Model A advertised the Tiger Balm really existed was two of this car underneath. Even though, they were not Model A, it appeared that car were being used as a promotion of products in that period.

Do you see that collecting die-cast car has given knowledge and amusement for us. Everythingalways has a story.

1958 HONGQI CA770, THE FIRST NATIONAL CHINA CAR

Author : Youkonton Ratarasarn

The National Car referred to the car that is 100% produced in China. The National Car of China was initiated from a National Development Plan for the first 5 years in 1950-1955. China set a scheme to produce its own car and had every part made in the country. In 1956, busses were firstly created and later on, they began to create saloon car and met with a success in 1958. The Honqgi (“red flag” in Chinese) model CA770 was a mixture between cars of the free world and cars of the communist which are the United State’s Chrysler Imperial and Soviet’s ZIL car

“CA770” was mode’s name of “Red Flag”. The meanings are as follows:
“C” refers to China
“A” refers to FAW (First Automobile Works). It was the name of the factory of the car.
The first “7” is a code number of the car.
The Second “7” means 7 seats
“0” is a kind of car (Limo)

CA700 used eight pistons engine sized 5700CC in order to have a 220 horse powers by using automatic gear of two speeds. The weight of the car was 2.5 tons. This model had been used as an official car for the leader of China and for many leaders of foreign countries who came to visit China.


In 1965 The Prime Minister of China, Joe En Lai denied the request of President Nixon who would bring his own car during his first visit China. He told Nixon not to worry. He welcomed Nixon with the best car in the world that built by China itself. It was this Hongqi CA770.

The President Mow Ze Tung, the leader during that period had used this model as his positional car, including welcoming various leaders such as Stalin of Soviet. This car was used by the leader of China for a long time since 1958-1983. The last Honqgi CA770 was produced in 1983. The latest model of Honqgi was Model Besturn. The current leader of China, Hong Gin Tow uses armored Audi A8 as his official car.

Now, it better to mentioned this die-cast car. It was die-casting Hongqi CA770. It was bought from China during my trip to film a documentation for the United Nation. During the days I traveled many places for footages. At dusk I went out and have a walk to find this die-cast. This was 5-6 years ago. I had a look nearly every store in Beijing. It was scarce to get one. Language was one of the problem. The seller did not understand English and I did not know any Chinese. I intended that die-cast I would buy must be Chinese brand that made in China and the real car must also be Chinese car. However, this die-cast car appeared to have a brand of French named Kader Precistion Model. The real car was certainly Chinese. It was the only die-cast car I felt good with its “Made in China”.
This die-cast car has a scale of 1:24 The length is 24.5cm. The Kader Precistion Model, USA had a permission from First Automobile Works which was a producer of Hongqi CA770 in 1997.

It is a black car. The bonnet can be opened to see the engine inside. The tail bonnet can be opened. There is a spare tire with battery in it. Four doors can be opened and shut. The seats and spare seat at the back are foldaway. All seats are covered with real velvet. The steering wheel has a system to operate the wheels to turn the car. Underneath, there are details of understructure such as leaf spring, shock absorber and exhausted pipe, etc.

The details of the die-cast car is very good. Even so, the rear mirror has a thin black curtain as a partition. Especially if we compare with the technical output of the last 10 years, this die-cast car is incredible. Lastly, I would like to repeat that it is the only Made-in-China die-cast car I feel good with.

JAMES BOND LOTUS ESPRIT OUTSTANDING CAR FROM CORGI

The James Bond Lotus Esprit by Corgi is an outstanding car. As seen in THE SPY WHO LOVED ME, this car stands as on of the most innovative vehicles since the Aston Martin DB5. This is one of the classic James Bond cars of the cinema.

The Spy Who Loved Me, released in 1977, is the 10th film in the James Bond series and the third to star Roger Moore as MI6 agent James Bond. It was directed by Lewis Gilbert and the screenplay was written by Christopher Wood and Richard Maibaum. The film takes its title from the tenth novel in Ian Fleming's James Bond series. Following a request by Ian Fleming when he sold the rights to the series that only the title of the novel be used, it is the first Bond film to be written with a wholly original plot line in its screenplay. The storyline involves a reclusive megalomaniac named Stromberg who plans to destroy the world and create a new civilization under the sea. Bond teams up with a Russian agent Anya Amasova to stop Stromberg.

Throughout the James Bond series of films Q Branch has given Bond a wide variety of vehicles with which to battle his enemies. Among the most noteworthy gadgets Bond has been equipped with have been various vehicles that have numerous modifications to include weapons systems, anti-pursuit systems, alternate transportation modes, and various other functions.

This is actual white Esprit S1 used in the famous chase sequence in The Spy Who Loved Me. It evades the lovely Caroline Munro in her helicopter by driving off a pier and then converting into a submarine, complete with mines and rockets to get rid of any unwanted attention. This is a very early car and was purchased directly from Lotus Cars in 1998

The Lotus Esprit and its underwater exploits are second only to the DB5 in the Bond car hall of fame. To escape a rocket-equipped helicopter Bond (now played for laughs by the bouffant-ed Roger Moore) drives the Esprit off a pier into the sea, where it transforms into a submarine at the flick of a switch and blows up the helicopter with its own rockets. More underwater action ensues, until Bond emerges victorious on a beach full of holidaymakers. Six cars were used to film this sequence, one of which was a working submarine with two divers