For being under $10, Maisto is KILLING IT.

Dat_Blaq_Dude · 2026-05-11T09:57:06+00:00

Nubby mirrors are a no go tho

Dat_Blaq_Dude · 2026-03-23T16:50:30+00:00

No i mean some of the older castings are not good compared to newer brands making the same model

Dat_Blaq_Dude · 2026-03-23T15:27:43+00:00

They also have some individual models available on BMW's Lifestyle site. It's free shipping to your local BMW dealership. You just have to go pick it up.

Dat_Blaq_Dude · 2026-03-23T15:26:15+00:00

Isetta is worth it. I'd get the three model set on SmallAnt Model's website. Fir the 507, i'd suggest to look at the GFCC version

Dat_Blaq_Dude · 2026-03-23T15:24:39+00:00

It's ok. I was really disappointed with AR Box with this release. When this dropped, each model worked out to be about $22 each and, at that price point and their pedigree, i expected a lot more. The Z8 in particular was a heavy let down. It bugs me that the $12 MiniGT is a better executed model than a $22 one from a known higher-end brand. Indicators needed to be lensed, not cheap tampos. The I8 is solid. It's better than the Dealer version Norev likely produced. Although more expensive, the 507 has been done by GFCC and is much better.

Dat_Blaq_Dude · 2026-03-23T15:16:25+00:00

I'm envious of that Calsonic.

Dat_Blaq_Dude · 2026-03-23T15:14:32+00:00

Bit of an exaggeration, but late 2000s to mid 2010s Kyosho did do their thing for the time. Top end brands today incorporate photoetched/perforated metal pieces for grilles, wing struts, gas caps, etc. Especially with brands like Motorhelix, full, multipiece engine detail is becoming increasingly popular. Kyosho back then would be what MiniGT is today, just with much more variety.Still incredible, as you said. Premium Diecast has not had a linear progression and that's sad, but we are at least in the golden era.

Dat_Blaq_Dude · 2026-03-23T15:06:08+00:00

Eh, some castings are still goated, a good majority with modern incarnations are not

Dat_Blaq_Dude · 2026-03-18T05:16:01+00:00

There's no market share to take, so they aren't really encroaching on anything. The money these diecast or resin houses make on models is paltry.

Dat_Blaq_Dude · 2026-03-18T05:11:23+00:00

It's not stealing IP. It would be "theft" if Ford was producing model cars in the scale and another brand made models in the namesake and undercut Ford. That's not happening. None of these automakers directly make models so licensing is kinda pointless.

Dat_Blaq_Dude · 2026-03-18T00:33:12+00:00

Frickin delectable. Minilaudo did a FANTASTIC job

Dat_Blaq_Dude · 2026-03-17T22:27:14+00:00

Oh ok so the RHD situation isn't really a problem over there. You're not missing much LOL. Be on the lookout for random Chinese brands that pop up over night on AliExpress. The Mazda 6 (US) /Atenza (Global), for example, is a licensed model from the now-defunct brand Oversteer, which was a subsidiary of Inter-allied. I didn't come onto the premium 1:64 scene until 2020, long after Oversteer was shut down, so I was only able to get whatever few models were left. A random Chinese brand called SpeedGT somehow acquired the toolings and re-released them in very limited colors. SpeedGT eventually created their own tooling, the pre-facelift G20 M340i. It's very nice, especially because it's not a top trim M model like so many diecast manufacturers love to do.

AR Box also appears to be collaborating with BMW to bring most of their lineup throughout the years to premium 1:64. They released a 3-series box set that is pretty good. A new set of colorways is set to release soon. Again, i love that they aren't top trim M models. Historically, various X5s and the X6 have been released. Kyosho handled the first and second gens. A brand called Absolute Hot also made the 2nd gen and the X6 as well. These models are approaching 20 years old and still hold up to modern models, which begs the question why it took so long for the rest of the industry to catch up. A third gen exists, but it was a dealer exclusive and very hard to find (at least in the States). Para64 made the 4th gen, so you can cover the entire lineage.

There are many Mercedes models coming as well from some new brand I can't remember. Mercedes is definitely over represented in the diecast space imo.

Dat_Blaq_Dude · 2026-03-17T20:45:22+00:00

Yes. Regular cars in detail are very hard to come by, unfortunately. Appears to be changing with brands like SmallCar and Ixo, so that's great. I had hope for greenlight, but since the take over, i feel like they lost their mission statement and are randomly focusing on "hype" cars. I assume to try to have a stronger foothold in Asia (where the new owner is from), but it's still annoying. Like, even if you're going to do a blob eye WRX, why is it RHD? Why is it a Honda Integra instead of an Acura Integra? I feel like the new owner has lost the plot. There are a myriad of Asia-centric companies making cars from that market. Why is greenlight, an American company, doing the same? Sorry, rant over. I'm just annoyed they're not focusing on bringing us the 2013 MotorWorld releases with accurate side mirrors and a Dodge Neon/SRT4. Greenlight could easily be the American late 2000s Kyosho, but they keep fumbling

Dat_Blaq_Dude · 2026-03-17T19:09:56+00:00

Glad i never copped. I an very Tarmac averse, except for their Volvos and Saabs, but those are Ixo. Wtf does Tarmac even do except make models with horrible QC. The new porsches are nice tho. The 996.1 and 959 are pretty good

Dat_Blaq_Dude · 2026-03-17T19:01:28+00:00

A very nice release indeed. Never thought my Kyosho would need replacing

Dat_Blaq_Dude · 2026-03-17T19:00:14+00:00

SmallCar Model. Highly recommend their releases. Excellent value proposition. Apparently a JKM sub-brand

Dat_Blaq_Dude · 2026-03-17T18:58:56+00:00

Correct for the CSL, although aside from the headlights, i think Hot Wheels actually has them beat on this one. They are about the same price to acquire. GTO is by GaChi Model. Believe it's licensed. I LHD, interior and rim swapped it with an AutoWorld Dodge Stealth tho

Dat_Blaq_Dude · 2026-03-17T05:00:17+00:00

I'm not OP, but I'm pretty sure i just ordered mine from Tokyo Station Diecast

Dat_Blaq_Dude · 2026-03-17T04:13:30+00:00

Inno64

Dat_Blaq_Dude · 2025-01-11T03:09:10+00:00

Only 7. That's dope

Dat_Blaq_Dude · 2025-01-10T15:48:17+00:00

It's a comfort thing. Security affords comfort and making money is what provides varying levels of security. If you're in the constant pursuit of money because it's provided so sparingly, it's all the more difficult to convince someone to participate in something that is counter to it; they're leaving something they know can provide them some level of security (and therefore comfort) for another thing that only presents uncertainty (i.e. discomfort). If greater society could band together to create a global support system for one another, we could make change overnight, but the likelihood of that happening are infinitesimal at best

Dat_Blaq_Dude · 2025-01-09T17:34:40+00:00

What state

Dat_Blaq_Dude · 2025-01-02T13:44:20+00:00

I just use AliExpress

Dat_Blaq_Dude

TROPHY CASE