My thoughts

[loste_treasures]

Hello all,

First of all let me apologise for the length of this post. I've had these thoughts in my head for some time, but i thought id take this opportunity to list them as see what everyone else thinks about them.

Most of us keep our treasured models still in their original packaging. This means that the model will be well protected. All's well here.......but wait......what about the box????

Sometimes the box can get tired with age. Anyone have any good suggestions about keeping the original packaging in top nick?

For example. Some of my Biante boxes (with the clear window) are not looking well. They tend to scratch and generally un-glue themselves. Dont get me wrong. Im an excellent collector. I look after my investments very well. But sometimes all that care does not help.

Im also a Star Wars collector and what ive noticed is that the clear plastic that protects the figurine tends to go yellow over time making the figurine harder to see. I plan to have my Biante models for a very long time. Any one reckon we are going to have the same problem?

I wonder if Biante could offer a replacement service whereby if you provided proof of ownership of a particular model (by providing them with a copy of the certificate), they could supply you another box?

Another scenario......

What about if you have your treasured model displayed outside the box and somehow you damage it. As an example, you damaged a rear vision mirror, aerial etc. Wouldnt it be comforting to know that Biante could offer some type of spare part division whereby they could help you put your model back together to its original condition?


Now some of you would say that it would cost too much to reproduce another box which is fair enough. Im not asking them to do it for nothing. And for the purists out there, they could even distinguish the original box from the replacement box by having the world 'replacement' printed on the side.

With the spare parts issue, im sure that doors, windows aerials, wheels etc on many models (such as the various commodores) are interchangable. Why not have a supply of these, and the ones that dont get used just get put back into the production line (so to speak)?

I beleive that making high detailed models is not unlike producing the real thing. The only difference is that one company makes a vehicle that you can get in and drive and the other one makes a vehicle that looks just as good (inside and out) but one that you cant get in and drive away.......

What does everyone think??

[timbo333]

Pardon..............

Only joking!

I originally collected 1:43 DINKY (Matchbox) and started many years ago. All those models are in their original boxes and yes the deterioration of the box(es) is some instances is alarming!

I have even had some of them in postpak boxes and bubblewrap all, generally, to no avail!

I think the replacement box idea (for cost) is great, but would imagine that BIANTE would also have to store these (do they change?). I would like to hear what BIANTE have to say about that....

I can also perhaps see a problem with 'stolen' models being re-boxed (if certificate stolen also).

Do BIANTE already have spare parts stock????

[Nick Short]

Ah, the old archiving problem! All materials will degrade over time, and any replacement boxes will do the same, unfortunately. Even proper archives, with temperature and humidity controlled environments have the problem of material degradation. I understand that much of the data from NASA's Apollo programme has been lost due to tape and paper just falling apart. I think that it just has to be "one of those things" and all you can do is minimise the problem by keeping boxes away from light, moisture and temperature fluctuations. UV will certainly fog clear plastic, fade print and break down cardboard fibres over time, so that's probably your no.1 enemy. We have heaps of antiques and collectable programmes over here on TV, and they have featured toys over 100 years old in their original card packaging. Yes, it looks a bit tatty and faded, but as long as it's all there the value is unaffected.........

[loste_treasures]

i have some biante models re-done in the HSV packaging. I reckon these will last longer only because:

1. They do not have the clear plastic window.

2. They are solid, i.e the model is housed within two styrofoam inserts making the whole package more rigid.

[thekid_600]

Spare parts is an excellent idea. But one thing that must be taken nto account is the building of these models. If you look closely, these models are built very well and sturdy. With the example of spare doors, if you look at a 1:18 Commodore or Falcon, their doors are not easily removed and replaced.

Question is, even if the parts were available, would you be able to replace them with ease and without damaging the model?

[loste_treasures]

thats a good point Ivan. I guess i might have used a bad example. Maybe a door is hard to replace. At least the option is there for the experienced model builder to tackle. For others having a reaplacement aerial or headlight might be the difference of having a $200.00 model or a $600.00 model...

[timbo333]

loste_treasures...

Are these the K-Mart Racing Models in the Blue packaging??

Matchbox started this type of packaging years ago. These have deteriorated the least in my collection.

[loste_treasures]

yes, i think so....

also i have some HSV ones that the clear plastic is falling apart as well.....

I have a 1:18 XY Track Red Falcon (one of the original Biante Falcons).....Im praying that this one doesnt fall apart.....

A recent E-Bay auction had one of these which sold for $500.00 U.S

[Dutchy]

I have a collection of early TRAX models which I have kept in my model room which is kept from outside light and at a fairly constant temperature but have found that some of the box colours have faded and others haven't. The only thing I can put that down to is the ink batches during printing. It used to bother me but now I don't care because I know that all the boxes have been stored under the same conditions and if some fade there's nothing I can do about it. If I ever decide to sell my models the buyer will have to accept them as they are, after all, I've done my best.
Cheers1
Dutchy.

[v8coupe]

Spare parts sounds like a good idea. Just wondering, using the XY's as an example, once they have all been made (colours), I think I read the moulds are destroyed or modified.
Do any other model manufacturers out there world wide, do spares for there releases?
I feel they are more collectable if they can't be repaired from spares, looking from a buyers point of view.
Then for the owner, be much better if was repairable. Thing is which way to look at it.
In my opinion it isn't really mint after the repair, as say a door colour may not be an exact match. Things like the aerials, if from same mould, I think would still be classed as mint.
With the thefts of our models, as timbo said, making new boxes may be a big disadvantage in this idea.
In the end, have to do our best, to make sure they are safe from ever being damaged.

Another thing with spares, would people want other things like, wheels, etc for those that like to modify there diecasts.

[ET351]

G'day All,

I agree with V8coupe's comments. I think that those parts such as mirrors or aerials (maybe the odd spoiler etc) would be good to obtain, as these are the bits most likely to be damaged, and probably the easiest to reapply (as per thekid_600's response).

I think these models are the sturdiest, best built I've come across, and if handled with care, should last a lifetime. Can't help with the packaging though!

As for wheel kits etc, I think that's going into the plastic kit model zone. I built over 100 1/24 scale models (stopped 8 yrs ago when first child came along), and still have about 30 untouched in boxes. I also accumulated about a zillion (well, lots of) spare parts, and really enjoyed customising the models (fave is a Monogram '69 Mustang, 427 Shaker, painted black with American Dragway wheels from another kit). I couldn't see myself doing that to a diecast I'd paid >$130 for.

Cheers, ET351

[thekid_600]

Well the reality is, the more complex parts of the model are usually not as easily damaged. So in that sense, yes spare parts like mirrors and aerials are good.

Although, interestingly, in the 3rd issue of Australian Muscle Car, there is an article about a modeller,with pictures of a Johnson/Johnson 99AU taken apart to pieces.

Then again, nothing says he put it back together successfully......... ;)

[Hati]

Personally I think spares would not be a big success as far as the supplier (Biante, Minichamps, whoever) goes, because there is a relatively small demand for it. Not to mention the minuscule size of the items. Imagine trying to post an antenna for a ford or commodore V8. Need a microscope to find it ;) The solution is probably to guard your models heavily and don't play with them. Ohh yeah ... cross everything you can that accidents won't happen to them either :D .
The way I store my boxes (I display my models in individual display cases and cabinets soon) is liberal dose of glad wrap application, then they get to sit in the roof (for lack of space under the roof) out of sunlight. The only drawback I can think of is the temprature variations. Then again I don't particularly worry about the boxes, after all I collect the models.

[passenger]

thekid_600 .


the aust muscle car mag .
he was building a work shop diorama, so i guess he didnt have to put them back together .

....:)

[Dutchy]

I'm interested in purchasing damaged (there must be some), models to cannibalise for parts for dioramas. That's probably more realistic than manufacturers producing amd packaging spare parts.
Cheers!
Dutchy.

[BB]

Just thought I would fly the Biante flag for a minute.
About 12 months ago I picked up a Moffat 65E second hand for $380.00 and on closer inspection discovered a windscreen wiper had been broken. All that was left was the arm. I contacted the team at Biante and received a pair of wiper assemblies in the mail about a week later. Cost $0.00. You will not get any complaints from me about that kind of service.

Thanks again team. My 65E looks as good as new. As far as on selling goes, maybe over my dead body but until then they sit in MY CABINET for ME to look at which happens every day and night as I have them in 'our' bedroom.

Bruce
Adelaide

[timbo333]

HATI

Be careful about wrapping in gladwrap. This may in fact accelerate the deterioration. I did this (with bubblewrap anyway) to some of my very first DINKY, BRUMM 1:43 model boxes and the wrapping trapped the moisture/contaminents and basically ruined all the boxes.

BEWARE!!!

[Hati]

Thanks for the tip timbo, I will keep an eye on it. Unfortunately whether this is the case or not I have no choice as to where to store the boxes. I don't want to get rid of them, just in case, but room is at a premium under the ceiling. That leaves me the option I mentioned. The reason I went for glad-wrap is the airtight seal it can create. I guess time will tell.

[Oh Five]

Hati, my dealer told me years ago to keep my boxes in brown paper, and i did, they are still in pristine condition now (some 6 years later), also silverfish etc are not attracted to this paper.
Cheers.
P.S good to hear someone still regards boxes as an important part of model collecting.

[Hati]

Thanks for the tip, brown bags just made it onto my shopping list.

[loste_treasures]

I consider the original packaging (it doesnt matter what you collect) to be an integral part of the item you are collecting.

Also from my own experiences, the market has this view as well.

[Nick Short]

Over here in Pommy land a Dinky car in mint condition is worth exponentially more with a good box than without. It's the same with any collectable - mineral crystals are worth more if they're still on the host rock, and Penny Black stamps are worth more if they're still stuck on their envelope! I have to say that I display my Biante cars out of the box, but I guess it's prissiness that makes me keep the packaging, rather than with an eye to future value...

[loste_treasures]

Ok.....

To anyone who throws away their Biante boxes. I will gladly take them off your hands!!!!!

I'll even pay for the priveledge!!

Contact me..........