Die-cast manufacturers like RC2/Ertl, Norscot,
Revell, Mattel and First Gear
are introducing new collectibles detailed enough to stand side by side
with the real thing.
33349 C Slammed-Truck
33607 Ford Pickup
RC2/Ertl (ToyShow)
American Muscle 2003 Slammed Series: 1956 Ford Pickup
Celebrating the American obsession with customizing cars, the 1:18 scale
die-cast ’56 Ford pickup stays true to the tradition with a dropped profile
and large plated rims. The hood opens to reveal a beefed-up motor, and
opening the doors will show off the truck’s custom interior, including
a plated shifter and steering wheel. Plated dual exhaust tips and a tailgate
that opens like the real thing complete this stylin’ collectible. Officially
licensed by the Ford Motor Company ($39.95).
Norscot, the official manufacturer of Caterpillar replicas since 1998,
offers this detailed 1:50 scale adult collectible version of the tractor
dozers we all remember from childhood sandboxes ($29.95). The Norscot
Caterpillar D11R dozer has all the movements of a real one: The blade
tilts, raises and lowers, as does the ripper, and the tracks move as well.
It also features interior cab detail.
M1A1 Abrams tank
The M1A1 Abrams tank(ToyShow)
has been a fixture on American TV screens during two wars with Iraq, and
Panache Place’s Forces of Valor series
has recreated this fearsome machine in 1:32 scale diecast, complete with
opening hatches to reveal internal compartments, folding side-armor and
swiveling turret with an elevating 120mm smoothbore cannon. The Forces
of Valor line is designed with a level of historical accuracy meant to
appeal to the adult collector, and at $24.99, it’s an affordable indulgence
for any military buff.
Revell Mitsubishi Eclipse
Revell Mitsubishi Eclipse from The Fast and the Furious
Collection (ToyShow)
Strictly for adult collectors, fast car connoisseurs and movie fans, this
neon green 1:25 scale die-cast model is an exact replica of the car in
the blockbuster summer flick, right down to the souped-up interior, carbon-fiber
hood, turbocharged engine and aluminum plated rear wing. The car comes
with a complementary figure of Brian (Paul Walker) for those who want
to stay true to the film ($19.95).
The real Cadillac Le Mans Prototype (LMP) is the product of years of research
and testing – the car features a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged aluminum
32-valve V8 engine. Mattel’s 1:18 die-cast version of the Cadillac LMP
has an opening hood and doors to reveal the detailed engine and interior
($29.95).
First Gear International Crawler
First Gear (ToyShow)
International Crawler TD-25 w/ Sheep’s Foot Compactor
This 5-pound replica is part of First Gear’s Vintage International Harvester
Construction Equipment Replica Series. The 1:25 scale model features details
such as an air cleaner, starter and hydraulic steering levers, and a 6-panel
cloth umbrella imprinted with the International Harvester logo. The TD-25
also comes with a sheep’s foot roller with wedge teeth, 2 steel drums
that rotate and pivot and a pivoting front hitch. Equipped with a replica
owner’s manual, the TD-25 is one item no serious collector of construction
equipment will want to be without. Available in September 2003.
Corgi takes historical accuracy seriously enough to have pushed back
the release date for this classic fire engine until April of 2004, in
order to address an innaccuracy in the passenger-side bell. The Tractor-Drawn
Aerial Truck is part of Corgi’s “Heroes Under Fire Collection” and boasts
the traditional 1960s color scheme of the Baltimore City Fire Department.
This 1:50 scale model comes with all the bells and whistles (literally),
from an extendable and pivoting ladder to faithful reproduction of the
vehicle’s vintage pinstriping. ($37.95).
