Diecast Car Models

[Pacman808]

Hi Everyone,

Who remembers UT Models? These guys were big in the late 80's and throughout the 90's. I didn't really pay much attention to them back then, because I was a poor student going through university and couldn't afford them. But mostly, I was more into building model cars from Tamiya and racing RC cars, and I partied my a$$ away.



Anyhow, UT later folded up and was bought by Gateway Global Ltd, and soon was under the AutoART brand. UT produced what was considered high quality models at the time, and they were not cheap. Compared to the old BBurago and Maisto models. UT was top notch. Although I did think BBurago's F40 and Countach were sweet looking. Remember this was the 90's, and mold making and diecasting technology was not as advanced compared to what we have presently.


UT McLaren GTR


BBurago F40

I would like to share with you some pics of a UT Porsche 911 GT1 model that our resident Tofu man recently gave me to take pictures of it. I think it is a great way of documenting of how far the quality of diecast models have evolved.



UT produced quite a few different variations of the 911 GT1 back then. And one of them is the #01 Rohr Motorsports Porsche Team. This was the first Porsche 911 GT1 to be owned by an American racing team. BTW the Porsche 911 GT1 was powered by a 3.2L Twin Turbo, water cooled Flat-6, and produced about 592 Hp. Although it was rumored to produce 630 hp. It competed against the Ferrari F40 GTE II and McLaren F1 GTR at LeMans. It had a top speed of 205 mph.



UT's replica of the 911 GT1 features steerable front wheels, and open doors. The car is diecast metal, with a full detail interior. For a model car that is almost twenty years old, some of the details are pretty good. For example UT added front and rear toe hooks, and rims for the tires are decently replicated. UT actually molded in seat belt details and hand painted the belt buckles. The decals are actually applied quite nicely. There are some flaws, but the overall shape is decent. Tofu kept the car in great condition. The paint is a little bit dull (due to age), but a little buffing with Tamiya's super fine compound should bring the shine out again.





Overall, I am glad I can see how far diecast cars have evolved. I think with a little bit of restoration and some detail work (interior), this good ol' UT model can give some of the modern diecast a good run for the money.

I hope you guys enjoy the pics.











Comments are welcomed.

Happy Collecting!
William

[!Kodamu]

please take pictures of my UT bmw touring cars pacman XD. Loved Ut models. They created the best examples of the godlen era of touring car/dtm.

[EndLeSS8]

UT Models were pretty awesome and very detailed for their time

I remember seeing the UT 1/12 McLaren F1 Roadcar in SILVER at Wilkinson's. Really wanted to buy it, but it was $$ back then.

[FB6]

Not a diecast but still a car.

[chunkster]

^very nice! I'd highly recommend the 911 GT3 RS version. That is a masterpiece of Lego engineering. The drive train/tranny is a work of art! Fully working sequential gearbox too!

How about Die "stamped" cars?...











Each car stamped from two pieces of thin flat steel.

[white rocket]

^^those look really cool

[68style]

Bit the bullet on the GT Spirit 1:12 scale Porsche 993 911 Turbo and it just showed up at my parents house the other day. It's impressive in both weight and size, these photos are next to the Turbo S version of the car in 1:18 scale. You always think of 1:18 scale models being quite large, but it's amazing how the 1:12 version positively dwarfs the 1:18 version in these photos:

[FB6]

Originally Posted by chunkster

^very nice! I'd highly recommend the 911 GT3 RS version. That is a masterpiece of Lego engineering. The drive train/tranny is a work of art! Fully working sequential gearbox too!

How about Die "stamped" cars?...

I am planning to buy the Lego 911 GT3 RS but it's pricey so will probably save up a bit before I buy it.

Those die stamped cars look pretty cool. Where do you buy them? Is it easy to build?

[chunkster]

Originally Posted by FB6

I am planning to buy the Lego 911 GT3 RS but it's pricey so will probably save up a bit before I buy it.

Those die stamped cars look pretty cool. Where do you buy them? Is it easy to build?

You'll definitely like building the GT3. Took me about 10 hours to build it though, but you'll enjoy every stage of the build.

These two F1 metal kits are considered "generic" kits as opposed to the brand name "Metal Earth" branded kits. Just Google them and you'll see the various kits they offer. They can be found at MindGames at Metrotown or Coquitlam malls. They also make other cool things other than cars, ie planes, military tanks, buildings, as well as Star Wars and Star Trek vehicles too. Just finished off War Machine and that was a long and tedious build but definitely worth it.

They're not too hard to build, but just need to take your time to putting them together. Definitely need small wire cutters and needle nose pliers to work at the metal. For the round portions (wheels), I used the shaft of nut drivers to get the correct curvatures.
Metrotown had a number of these F1 (F101 and F102) kits left for less than $20.

[TL_99]

Time to update with another pair of beauties. This time featuring two Datsun S30 Zs. Star Road tuned versus the infamous Wangan Midnight Devil Z. We all know the quality of the ignition model resin cars. The detail and the lines are spot on. But finally, Autoart hits it out of the park with the Devil Z. Hasn't been a better model from autoart imo, in the past 2 years. Let the photos speak for themselves.

The two distinct shades of blue, both contrasting and complementing each other.


The stance of both is breath-taking, with the Autoart winning out just a bit with the more agreesive camber up front.


The front lip on the Autoart hangs so low the car basically hugs the ground. Both is slammed.


Autoart actually has the meatier rear tires, but the IG model has more camber and shiny tires.


Just can't go wrong with either of them


10/10 for both.

[dark0821]

oh god... damn!

[Pacman808]

Hi Everyone,

I believe this is my first review post of One Model. There has been a buzz these days about their 1/18 NSX-R NA2. Well I just received a few of them in my collection. All I can say is WOW...This car looks amazing. The packaging make this model look very highend. The pictures that One Model released does not do it justice. IMO this has to be one of the best 1/18 NSX NA2 models available.



One Model released the NSX-R NA2 in White, Red, Yellow and Sliver. The paint quality is definitely one of the best I've seen so far. It is almost close to perfection. No orange peel present. For the price One Model is charging for this car ($340.00 CDN), you better expect a good quality paint finish. For me the Red and Silver versions are my favorites.





Although this car is a sealed resin model, it is very detail. The interior of the NSX is very visible. I was very impressed with the finish for the two Recaro racing seats. One Model did a great job recreating the seat finish. PE seat belts are clearly visible.



The dash board and instrument panels are well replicated. One detail, One Model did really well is getting rid of the plastic parting lines on steering wheel and steering columns and switches as you can see in the pic. The Honda "H" symbol on the steering wheel is also very visible.



Another detail that I noticed are the base window trims. Instead of printing the trims on a flat acetate plastic sheets (ie GT Spirit style), One Model actually modeled the base window trims with a raised NSX logo. Speaking of windows, the plastic used to simulate the glass windows are super clear. No signs of any waves in the plastic or any excess glue.



The NSX-R's 3.2L V6 DOHC VTEC engine is very visible along with the engine mesh. The engine is well painted. I only wished One Model actually place some engine wires and hoses. Not a deal breaker, but I am very satisfied. If you are brave enough, you can take the car apart and add these details and enhancements.



Another detail that really stands out on this model, are the panel lines. They really standout. The panel lines are sharp, and deep and looks to scale.



Other details about this model are the 3D Honda logo on the front hood and on the rear trunk.





The rims and brakes have been replicated to scale really well. And you should expect this. One item not too many model companies include are tire valves. Nice job One Model.



As you can tell, I really like this model alot. The NSX is one of my dream car. When I first saw the NSX at the Toronto Autoshow back in 1990, I fell in love with it.















I hope you all enjoy the pics. Comments are welcomed.

BTW, One Model is releasing a NSX NA1. I wonder how well it will stack up against AutoART?

Happy collecting

William

[EndLeSS8]

Thanks for the NSX pictures! I've been REALLY wanting to get a new model of the NA2 NSX-R, but they are all sooo expensive!

How is the quality of MARK43?

I can't even tell anymore, so many companies! HPI, OneModel, Autoart, Hobby Japan

[tofu1413]

Thanks for the hook up will. Got to purchase another model that has great sentimental value to me!

[68style]

Originally Posted by EndLeSS8

Thanks for the NSX pictures! I've been REALLY wanting to get a new model of the NA2 NSX-R, but they are all sooo expensive!

How is the quality of MARK43?

I can't even tell anymore, so many companies! HPI, OneModel, Autoart, Hobby Japan

HPI went under, Mark43 bought what was left and took over... so HPI doesn't exist anymore. The quality of Mark43 is good, there's the odd paint issue (my LF-A had to be sent back and one of my NSX models has a small run above the wheel well) but the details and stance are solid.

OneModel is pretty recent, good quality as you can see from Pacman's photos, but some of their models are just a bit... off somehow? The shots they've posted of the NA1 NSX prototypes, for example, look horrible. AutoArt is the gold standard in its price range, and the only real option if you want a model that's not resin and has opening parts. Almost all the others don't do opening parts for import cars. HobbyJapan is based off the Mark 1:18 scale stuff so it's good quality too. Some would say better than OneModel.

[Pacman808]

Originally Posted by 68style

HPI went under, Mark43 bought what was left and took over... so HPI doesn't exist anymore. The quality of Mark43 is good, there's the odd paint issue (my LF-A had to be sent back and one of my NSX models has a small run above the wheel well) but the details and stance are solid.

OneModel is pretty recent, good quality as you can see from Pacman's photos, but some of their models are just a bit... off somehow? The shots they've posted of the NA1 NSX prototypes, for example, look horrible. AutoArt is the gold standard in its price range, and the only real option if you want a model that's not resin and has opening parts. Almost all the others don't do opening parts for import cars. HobbyJapan is based off the Mark 1:18 scale stuff so it's good quality too. Some would say better than OneModel.

I really hope One Model got the message from collectors on FB. The NA1 prototype from them does look off. But one thing did noticed on the One Model NA2, is that the rear engine glass cover seems a bit too sharp. It is not rounded enough.

It seems like every manufacturer is going NSX crazy these days... rumor has it Kyosho is releasing a 1/12 scale 92' NSX Type R in white and Yellow... and 1/18 92' NSX TYPE R in White and Silver...Expected release time is Q4 2017. I guess we will find out what these models will look like at the upcoming Toy fair in Nuremberg (this coming Monday).

BTW didn't Ignition models buy out HPI? Or was it the modellers from HPI went to form Ignition models?

William

[Pacman808]

Hi Everyone,

Nuff said... The lady is back...would look nice to the Nismo 350Z they released last year.

GT Spirit February 2017 release....



Thanks

Happy Collecting!
William

[Pacman808]

Hi Everyone,

Anyone remember this Toyota Celica Twin Cam Safari Rally? Soon to be released by Ottomobile.



The first time I saw this car, it was the 1/12th RC scale version from Tamiya. Now if you have this or the Rothsman Porsche 959 in your collection, I really envy you...




Tamiya 1/12 RC - Celica Group B and Rothsman Porsch 959

Happy Collecting

William

[!Kodamu]

Its what was used to be HPI is now Ignition Models.

[TouringTeg]

tofu is that the Onemodel (resin)? I have a UT Model 993 1:18 that an RS member here sold me and I love it. I would really like to get a CW ITR 1:18 as well.

Looks like Onemodel 1:18 CW ITR is the closest I will get. Can you guys suggest another option?

1:18 Onemodel Honda Integra DC2 Type R 1998 Spec Championship White Resin | eBay

[thumper]

Originally Posted by !Kodamu

Its what was used to be HPI is now Ignition Models.

I read somewhere that when hpi gave up on static models because of low profit magins and focused on their rc stuff, they sold the 1:43 scale lineup to mark43 first. the leftovers and larger scales that were part of the sale and were taken over by the employees who were now out of work at hpi and they went on to become ignition model.

[thumper]

Originally Posted by TouringTeg

tofu is that the Onemodel (resin)? I have a UT Model 993 1:18 that an RS member here sold me and I love it. I would really like to get a CW ITR 1:18 as well.

Looks like Onemodel 1:18 CW ITR is the closest I will get. Can you guys suggest another option?

1:18 Onemodel Honda Integra DC2 Type R 1998 Spec Championship White Resin | eBay

I do not recommend the eBay seller above. I bought my yellow one from them and it was not a good customer experience. And to add insult to injury to what i had to go through with hiltaway, pacman later became the local distributor and his prices/customer service were much better than hiltaway

spoon dc2r from pacman, and the stock yellow one is from hiltaway:

[68style]

Originally Posted by Pacman808

I really hope One Model got the message from collectors on FB. The NA1 prototype from them does look off. But one thing did noticed on the One Model NA2, is that the rear engine glass cover seems a bit too sharp. It is not rounded enough.

It seems like every manufacturer is going NSX crazy these days... rumor has it Kyosho is releasing a 1/12 scale 92' NSX Type R in white and Yellow... and 1/18 92' NSX TYPE R in White and Silver...Expected release time is Q4 2017. I guess we will find out what these models will look like at the upcoming Toy fair in Nuremberg (this coming Monday).

Yes, that's the big thing that sticks out to me... the back glass just goes own in a straight line whereas on the real car it's bubbled out a bit... it's very noticeable on the side profiles of the model. Could be worse... but at these prices.............. you hope they get it ALL right hahaha!

Kyosho 1:12 would be awesome... and I'm sure they've improved over their earlier NSX efforts which were severely 4x4 in look with raised up front ends and terrible stance.

I need to make more money

[tofu1413]

Originally Posted by TouringTeg

tofu is that the Onemodel (resin)? I have a UT Model 993 1:18 that an RS member here sold me and I love it. I would really like to get a CW ITR 1:18 as well.

Looks like Onemodel 1:18 CW ITR is the closest I will get. Can you guys suggest another option?

1:18 Onemodel Honda Integra DC2 Type R 1998 Spec Championship White Resin | eBay

yes. i'd recommend just picking it up from pacman. Local and much better priced than the ebay one

[twitchyzero]

logged in to thank many posts on this page
keep them coming!