Model Car Gimmicks

[Goggles Pizanno]

Can anyone tell me why model car features like windows that wind up and down and glove box's that open and shut are called gimmicks, yet features like road wheels that rotate and doors that open and shut are not?

I thought the idea of a scale model was to replicate the real thing. Is'nt that just what these so called gimmicks are doing?

[Moby58]

Hi Goggles

I thought some of this stuff was gimmicks at the start, but the more I think about it, the more I like SOME of the things.

The ideal scale model would be a small version of the real car, including every nut and bolt, real 'mini' motors that ran, etc. That aint ever going to happen (but they said man wouldnt walk on the moon either!

Turning wheels - good, so you can get the wheel in the exact position for display.
Turning tail shaft - cant think of a use.
Opening glovebox - like doors, adds a bit extra that can be seen (doors open or closed, likewise glovebox) - shouldnt add very much to cost, and gain that extra realism.
Opening windows - good, can display model how ya like it.
Retractable aerial - good, save it getting broken ;-)

I suppose companies (including Biante) are going to come up with new ideas to keep their market share, or increase it. If ya stand still, the moss grows over you.

Some things get incorporated as some one comes up with the idea, or a cost effective way becomes available that may not have been earlier, or as a marketing ploy, or for personal satisfaction of the designers.

The detail in Biante models has increased and improved over the years. And it will continue to increase, for any or all of the reasons above. Whether they incorporate 'gimmicks' or 'non-gimmicks' remains to be seen.

But, if you read this Admin, DONT put electric windows in the ford models. They are bloody hopeless on the real cars and are always needing replaced :D

[Nick Short]

Moby 58, there was such an "ideal scale model made" - it was on TV a few years back. Some guy (Italian, I think) had made a perfect replica of a Ferrari 312 sports racer from scratch, including an exact scale V12 motor that ran! The gearbox worked, with all the cogs perfectly cut, all the gauges on the dash operated, and everything was hand made. Of course it might have come in just over the $200 mark.....
To be honest, I'm happy with a model that looks the same as the real thing would if I was at a race track - so a visible interior and well-replicated exterior but I'm not so bothered by an engine as I wouldn't see it in real life. However I recognise that in 1:18 that's the minimum expected now. And as I don't pretend they're the real thing, I couldn't care less if the glovebox opened or not! My 1:43 Phase III fits the bill, as it has a good visible interior even though the doors don't open, and it has no engine at all!

[chups]

i think little working features are great like opening doors, etc, but its when they start taking from the detail just to add these that it becomes a gimmik. the changable tourno covers on the VU SS by CC, i dont see as a gimmik, as it looks pretty good. but the opening glove box i see as a gimmik because the gap around the edge makes it look too fake. if the gap was smaller then sure it would be great but until then, its still a gimmik. and a problem with the windows is that because plastic scratches easier than glass, soon the wind down windows get lines down them.

id rather detail than gimmiks and if they can add unctions without affecting the detail then thats great, but not functions at the cost of detail.

[ferrari fan]

I do remember this 312 P model and it had a soundbite on the website as to let people know what it sounded like!
Took the gent YEARS and COUNTless hours to get it done and some on this forum would still find things wrong with it cause that is in their nature.
THe state of the models is excelent ,just look at the doorhinges ,how far they have evolved.
Good on Biante to START this and without a doubt ,still be the outright leader in this field.
This is because the two people at the top are doing it with a true passion and not just for the $ and the easy way out:)

[brchi17]

Originally posted by Moby58
Retractable aerial - good, save it getting broken ;-)

Just another name for it, when the little ones (ie children) get into the car cabnet & break it off by accident !!!!

cheers:D

[drof]

brchi17, that reminds me of my Daughter now aged 12, about 10 or so years ago, I came home from work and there she was in all her glory, playing with then my newly aquired Trax XYGTHO Moffat Falcon on the carpet next to my wide open display cabinet, needless to say a lock went on the cabinet pronto. The Moral of the story and it has taken me years to figure out is; they are only TOYS!! but expensive toys!!

Regards

Dave from Kiwiland!!

[Nick Short]

Thanks, Lucien - I was thinking if they didn't repeat the TV show I wouldn't see the model again! An incredible bit of work, and the P4 will be even better. There is another guy doing the same, but at 1:1 scale, of the Porsche 917K racer, again all hand-built to exact spec.

[biante1247]

I remember reading that someone in the US is also about to produce replica Tuckers in 1/1 scale. very limited numbers, the build # will be the same as what the genuine tuckers were.

[7Litre]

A Gimmick is something like soft drink coolers, but any features like standard features could be provided. Just remember that technology costs money and the cost is eventually passed onto the customer.

Regards 7 Litre....

[ferrari fan]

If one cares to immerse one self into the availability of superspecial/superdetailed carmodels in 1/43, then only the amount of $ is the limit.
there are some very special modelbuilders ,and kits if you want to do it yourself ,available.
the magazine "4 small wheels" is a good startingpoint and so are some of the Pounds involved in it.
I can just about hear the whinging of some :mad:
The most economical way is to let Trevor and Lady Bev built them for us :)
But if you are realy serious ,I can point you in the right direction ,but be prepared for an outlay of in execc of $3K for 1 1/43 and more.

[passenger]

now thats a replica that was good , is there a VHS or DVD or whatever available that one can get a copy off , i see nick short said he has seen this on tv and wondering if i can get a copy of one thanks ...:D

[Nick Short]

Sadly I only caught it by chance - it was a 10 minute slot on one of those car shows, so I didn't tape it. But there must be more info out there..

[passenger]

thanks nick short i thought it might have been longer maybe 30min`s , anyway maybe it might turn up oneday ....:)