Leigh’s Diecast Diary

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1. 1 On November 14th, 2007, peter cavellini said:

   As the song nearly goes - “so this is christmas” substitute “and what have we got”-not very much and no intimation of a Chrissy catologue! are there going to be some surprises or are the manufacturers going on holiday next week!.I like diecast but sometimes it really boils my radiator!

2. 2 On November 16th, 2007, jXision said:

   Why does the forum only have so few topics, I suggest more topics like ‘Off-Topic’ so that people can chat other things as well!

3. 3 On November 29th, 2007, kieran vernon said:

   hi. forum is good but needs to be more sections and me less specific on each section.

   for example, a section for general diecaast talk, annoucements, a section for minichamps, a section for hotwheels, a section for specials, then maybe a section for things off topic to those, liker talking about general talk

4. 4 On December 3rd, 2007, peter cavellini said:

   Hi Leigh.
   got any surprises for us before Christmas!

5. 5 On December 4th, 2007, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

   Not really! As soon as I find out about anything I post it on the diary straight away, I don’t save up any ’surprises’.

6. 6 On December 6th, 2007, Ken said:

   I collect 1:18 scale Ferrari’s (F1, sport and road cars) and have models by BBR, CMC, Exoto, Kyosho and Mattel. I think that Kyosho models detail for the price beats all the others in terms of value for money. The Elite range by Mattel, which are around the same price, are disappointing with cheap looking plastic trim and poor door hinges, generally. I would like to see you push Kyosho to expand their range and in particular, would like to see a decent model of the 348, 355, and 360 in the near future.

7. 7 On December 7th, 2007, peter cavellini said:

   just read your heads up on exoto grreat news i also was on exoto’s own site and saw the Nissan R89 car in prototype ie.”BLUE” i hope the racing version will look better.I ca’nt wait to get my hands on a Porsche 936 especially in martini livery.

8. 8 On December 10th, 2007, peter cavellini said:

   what does anyone think about exoto?

9. 9 On December 14th, 2007, peter cavellini said:

   Hi Leigh.
   like the new set a vast improvement on the previous set.Pity EXOTO did’nt deside to release GT105 first after all it was a winning car.May i take this opportunity to wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year and hope your diary is as good as this year dodgy haircut aside(just kidding)- seeyou in 2008.

10. 10 On December 31st, 2007, Arthur Nijmeijer said:

    Have been following Mattel’s efforts to supply more “upmarket” models.Seeing they have the Ferrari monopoly,I have specifically been looking at pictures of the new Elite 250 GTO. Looks a bit better than their former efforts, but the bonnet latches!!!
    Scaled up they look like they are made of 2″ NB pipes!
    Come on Mattel, more effort is required.
    Also they need to release more of the earlier Ferrari sports cars from the fifties and sixtes in 1/18 scale. I.e 250 TR, 250 LM, 365P2, 330P4, 512S/M, 250GTO64 etc.

11. 11 On January 20th, 2008, Rob Watson said:

    I would be interested to know that as a few Can-Am models are being scheduled for release why they are only those of fairly obscure (apart from Mark Donohue)drivers. It would seem that the Orange ‘Bruce and Denny Show’McLarens are an obvious omission.They have the potential to be a popular seller, well to me at least.There were a number of other manufacturers producing excitingly engineered cars as a result of minimal regulations, something sadly lacking in the over regulated in F1, or Formula TV Advert as it truly is.

12. 12 On January 28th, 2008, peter cavellini said:

    Well Rob Watson can-am is to some a 1970’s thing and not often produced in anything larger tha 1/43 which i agree is rather annoying!You really have to trawl through the net to find anything near decent quality.I’M AFRAID WE ARE ALL AT THE MERCY OF THE MANUFACTURERS,but hopefully with the increase in the price of Zinc and buying with our pocket they’ll come down in price and make what we really really want!

13. 13 On February 10th, 2008, Andy Child said:

    Hi. I collect mainly Formula 1 models and like models of racing engines - but these are incredibly difficult to find. Die Cast legends had a Ferrari V10 recently and some years ago Renault dealerships had a model of their 1990s V10 - I was amazed to see it on display at the parts counter! But I’ve yet to find a decent and affordable model of even such an obvious subject as a Cosworth V8 or Ferrari Flat 12. Unusual engines such as the BRM V16 and H16, would be appreciated as well. Will anyone make these or is it a bit too specialist?

14. 14 On February 10th, 2008, jon said:

    Totally agree with past comments about Kyosho. By far the best value for money, incredible detail. Cmc still lead the way and make Exoto models second best. Recently found an Italian website which had an incredible range of models although mostly 1:43 scale. Purchased a resin model of Ferrari 166 Inter and dissappointed at detail compared to diecast.
    Recently bought the VW campervan as a present and again for the price it was annoyed to find the windscreen wipers fell off and the wheel caps impossible to fit on and these were both parts ot the model they say you can play about with.
    As a Ferrari collector would love to see more of the older cars even if they are a bit old fashion looking nowadays.
    Revival models also seem great quality but have felt the autographed versions very steep when put next to the same autograph on a 1:43 model. cheers for listening

15. 15 On February 10th, 2008, Gary Wilson said:

    Hi everyone im new to the forum.
    I have a large collection of Autoart,kyosho,minichamps,and unfortunatly some Elite ferraris which for the same money as some kyosho and autoart are much poorer in quality,needless to say im waiting for kyosho ferrari equivalent models such as 250 gto,and testarossa.
    I recently sold one of 4 Autoart aston martin db5s (goldfinger)with weapons for £150 on ebay,i only paid £55 for it year prior so you can imagine my surprise.

16. 16 On February 15th, 2008, peter cavellini said:

    Got my jag XRJ9 -D (GT105)-i was’nt disapointed - its a little bit better made too!

17. 17 On February 19th, 2008, Malcolm Dobson said:

    For Jaguar anoraks!!

    In the 1/43 scale you offer two 1953 C-types, the Le Mans winner 1953 supposed to be the same car: (1)Auto Art (AA65387) and (2)IXO(LM1953). It is interesting to see that the AA model has a red number plate with white letters whilst the LM model has a white plate with red letters. Similarly the AA model has a badge on top of the nearside wing, the LM does not!!!
    Now I do have a photograph of this car when it was racing at Le Mans, this is black and white but it clearly shows that the AA model is incorrect. the car had a light colored plate with dark letters and no badge on the wing!!

    A further bit of JaguarAnoraking - 3 years later, a D-type, number 26, raced at Rheims with the same road registration plate - 774 RW.

    So, there’s some useless information!!! but AA should be more accurate with their “legendary” quality!!!

18. 18 On February 21st, 2008, James Hunt said:

    Dear Sir.

    I am a very keen model car collector.I have purchased a high percentage of my 1/18 scale road car model collection throught gran prix ledgens and I am very pleased with the service. My main request is to ask if you would be so kind as to find out from minichamps whether they are considering manufactureing a 1/18 scale model of any of the new Rolls Royce Road Cars in 1/18 scale. I am desprate for a 1/18 scale model of a new Rolls Royce to add to my extencive collection. I am aware of the 1/43 scale minichaps model of the Rolls Royce Drophead. this is the exact car and the salloon car, that I am after but I am desperate for them to be made in 1/18 scale. I would really apreciate it if you could put in this request, and if you could tell me the outcome by conacting me be email on (hunts4uk@aol.com)
    Thank You and I look forward to hearing from you.

    Regards, James Hunt

19. 19 On February 24th, 2008, peter cavellini said:

    Dear mr Hunt
    if you go to their website thef have an e-mail address and are usually good at replying.

20. 20 On February 26th, 2008, Ryan said:

    Hi,

    I dont know if this being really sad or not, but i’ve noticed on the new mattel 1:18 hamilton 1st win that the car is not the actual one from the canadian gp in which lewis brilliantly won his first race. I noticed the model featured doesn’t have the bridge on the nosecone nor does it have the modifications to the rear of which GPL pointed out. Is it actually legal to publish this as the ‘1st win car’ when the car on the model clearly isn’t the one lewis won the race in? i feel sorry for the people who have now sold out the model so fast as i dont think it represents any value at all. its simply the normal mattel mclaren on a new base with a figure for an extra £35 i think.

    Regards

    Ryan

21. 21 On February 26th, 2008, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    You’re not the only one who’s noticed! This model has sparked quite a passionate thread about it on our forum. I can’t comment on the ‘legality’ of it, as at the end of the day we are but a humble retailer, and not the manufacturer.

22. 22 On March 4th, 2008, Ryan said:

    Hi,

    Just a quick word on the new Amalgam A1 GP models. I received my Team GB car today and it looks stunning! It just goes to show Amalgam really are top of the pile even in 1/43 scale of which minichamps specialise in.
    And of course, the parcel was so well packaged i thought i was receiving a gold bar or something! Keep up he good work all at GPL!

    Regards Ryan

23. 23 On March 11th, 2008, Gary Wilson said:

    Hi Leigh.
    Ive been hunting hi and low for 1/18 minichamps porsche 924 in red and cant find one anywhere.
    Tried ordering from various web sites that say they have it but the usual being they dont.
    Do you have one stashed away anywhere on your shelves that hasnt made the catalogues?
    Any info appreciated.

24. 24 On March 12th, 2008, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    Unfortunately we’re completely out of this replica too - sometimes you can never predict which models will disappear quickly and which will be hanging around for a good while! We don’t tend to have anything ’stashed on the shelves’ - anything that we only have tiny numbers of that isn’t worth going in our catalogues will still go on our website. Apart from the obvious solutuon of Ebay, I’m afraid there isn’t anything else I can suggest.

25. 25 On March 12th, 2008, Gary Wilson said:

    Thanks for the quick reply.Ill keep waiting for one to appear on ebay,has been some time.Thanks

26. 26 On March 31st, 2008, andy bee said:

    Hi

    Just purchased Rossi figure with new bike stand in the box (Minichamps model number: 312 060146)….have set up figure and stand on bike and works very well….do you know if minichamps will bring a ‘bag of stands’ out so avid collectors can convert their other riding figures and bikes. If not any chance of giving minichamps a friendly kick?

27. 27 On April 1st, 2008, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    Minichamps haven’t announced any plans along those lines (they haven’t announced anything recently), but that is a good idea. Hopefully they will take note!

28. 28 On April 14th, 2008, Gary Wilson said:

    Have to ask.
    What is the quality of Schuco models like?
    They are goin to do 2 models which i would really like,the porsche 356 speedster and the bay camper bus but they are both £110.
    Now i could be wrong but i thought they made toys not collector piece cars.
    Can you tell me are they as good as exoto,autoart etc?

29. 29 On April 15th, 2008, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    These high end models are very good quality - they certainly won’t look out of place alongside Exotos or CMCs.

30. 30 On April 16th, 2008, Gary Wilson said:

    Thanks for that Leigh.Have placed an order with you for the camper bus but dont see the porsche 356 speedster on your site yet.

31. 31 On April 17th, 2008, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    They’re under codes SCH301 and SCH305.

32. 32 On April 17th, 2008, Gary Wilson said:

    Thanks again.i must have nearly a grands worth on back order.Porsche ordered to,will look good with my kyosho version.

33. 33 On April 21st, 2008, John Fielding said:

    Why dont they make 1:12 helmet replica’s.
    So I could put with or on seat of my 1:12 Bikes.
    They only make 1:8 which are too big. I have a couple of these, but if there where 1:12 I would like quite a few.
    Regards
    John

34. 34 On April 21st, 2008, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    I think because they make the 1:12 figures to go on the bikes (most of which have helmets) they can’t see the value in making the helmets separately in that scale as well, which is why they are replicated in 1:8.

35. 35 On May 1st, 2008, Joe Ward said:

    Hi is there any news of the McLaren MP4-22 of Alonso in 1:18 scale yet?

36. 36 On May 2nd, 2008, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    Still nothing yet!

37. 37 On May 9th, 2008, Ryan said:

    Hi,
    Just thought i’d ask if minichamps are planning at all to do a special model of Coulthards 2007 Red Bull from Fuji? I think it would be a good idea and even a fitting tribute to the great Coin Mcrae. I certainly wouldn’t hesitate to buy one!

    Ryan

38. 38 On May 12th, 2008, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    I think Minichamps would have announced it by now if they were planning anything along those lines.

39. 39 On May 19th, 2008, peter cavellini said:

    Hi Leigh.
    have you heard of a company called accuratediecast?.In my may copy of TOPGEAR i came upon this company their web page is www.accuratediecast.com.The mag showed a model of a Corvette C5-R it looks pretty good and is priced at £499.99.

40. 40 On May 20th, 2008, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    Accurate diecast is an importer, not a diecast manufacturer. The Corvette is probably from GMP.

41. 41 On May 27th, 2008, Steven Lam said:

    Hi Leigh

    I bought the Montoya 2007 NASCAR from you recently, and you’re the only supplier in the UK I’ve found. I was enquiring if this will be something you plan to continue in the future with further cars coming out, and their sponsor variants as well. You have both of the Earnhart Jr cars, so will the other Montoya cars be coming?

    Do you plan to stock the 08 Montoya car as I’ve seen that you have several of the other drivers already.

    Steven

42. 42 On May 28th, 2008, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    We’ll see what the response is to the NASCARs we have already imported; it’s not cheap bringing them in, plus it’s very difficult getting hold of the stock. We couldn’t get any 2008 Montoya cars which is why we went with the 2007 version. It’s really a case of ‘watch this space’!

43. 43 On June 1st, 2008, Jayson said:

    Hi Leigh,

    I saw an online interview of yours which you said have a 1:43 F1 World Champions Collection. I am new in diecast collecting and would like to start with them. Can you give me the list of your F1 World Champs Collection? I would really appreciate if I could follow the same collection from an expert like yourself.

    Thank you so very much!

44. 44 On June 2nd, 2008, Gary said:

    Hi.Ive been looking for a 1/18 scale 1961 ferrari 250 gt California.
    Are you aware of any one that makes it?

45. 45 On June 2nd, 2008, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    This collection certainly requires some patience - I started mine in 1994 and it still isn’t finished yet! My cars from 1950 to 1964 are made by Brumm, while 1965 is an SMTS. 1966 is one of the two gaps I still have, which hopefully SMTS will plug shortly. 1967, 1968 and 1969 are from Quartzo. 1970 through to 1979 are all from Minichamps, with the exception of 1977, which is the second gap, but luckily both IXO and Mattel have announced that they will be doing this. These Minichamps 1970s cars are quite rare now though. 1980 is also a Minichamps, while 1981 is a Quartzo, then 1982 through to 1999 are all Minichamps. Mattel takes over from 2000 to 2004 with the Schumacher Ferraris, then back to Minichamps for the 2005 and 2006 Alonso Renaults, then back to Mattel for the Raikkonen 2007 Ferrari. Phew! That’s just the way I’ve built my collection up though - you could get a lot of the Ferrari champs through the IXO La Storia Collection for example. Good luck!

46. 46 On June 2nd, 2008, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    I’m not aware that anyone has replicated the 250GT California in 1:18 scale so far.

47. 47 On June 2nd, 2008, Jayson said:

    Thanks so much for the information Leigh. One more thing though, did you have to spend premium price to get the rare ones? Cause that’s what I’m worrying about. I’m very patient for looking and waiting but I don’t have a big budget for this. Enlighten me, should I go for it?

    Cheers!

48. 48 On June 3rd, 2008, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    I’d say go for it, but then I’m biased! I did have to shell out about £80 for a couple of the Minichamps 1970s cars, but the all the Brumms, Quartzos and Mattels should be fine I would have thought. The SMTS cars are quite dear as well at about £95 a time. However, spread out over the 14 years I’ve had this particular collection going, on average the outlay doesn’t seem that bad! Maybe it would be best to work ‘backwards’, then there will always be a clear focus on what the next model to get will be. Also, World Championship winning cars will always remain fashionable, as that achievement automatically makes them extremely popular.

49. 49 On June 3rd, 2008, Jayson said:

    All I need to know. Thank you for the insight bud. Good man!

50. 50 On June 25th, 2008, Gary said:

    Hi.I have been made aware that revell are doing a 1/18 scale eleanor mustang,just wanted to know if your getting it and if it is of better quality than the shelby collectables mustang.Thanks

51. 51 On June 25th, 2008, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    We weren’t planning on doing it as they have missed the boat a bit, and at best I would expect the quality to match the Shelby Collectibles version.

52. 52 On July 20th, 2008, peter cavellini said:

    is the credit crunch going to affect model prices?

53. 53 On July 22nd, 2008, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    I wouldn’t have thought so, but I would think that it’s more likely to affect collectors being able to afford them.

54. 54 On July 28th, 2008, peter cavellini said:

    So would diecast vendors help them to afford up and coming diecast buy say increasing he discount for bulk ordering say two or three diecast?.I know you have a scheme just now, maybe if you increased the discount it might appeal to serious collectors,what do you think Leigh?

55. 55 On July 28th, 2008, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    It’s a difficult one, because no matter what the discount, it will be even harder for consumers to be able to afford purchasing diecast models ‘in bulk’ rather than one at a time in the current economic climate. And, also because of the current economic climate, vendors might not be able to afford to give away margin anyway.

56. 56 On August 5th, 2008, Joe Ward said:

    Hi. Do you know if mininchamps are planning a Kovalainen 1st win special?

57. 57 On August 11th, 2008, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    Minichamps haven’t confirmed anything yet regarding a Kovalainen First Win special.

58. 58 On August 12th, 2008, Dylan Miles said:

    Hi. Quick query on the Rossi minichamps bikes….the ‘98 Aprilia which I thought was the standard one, is listed on the box as being the ‘Assen GP’ bike. Does this mean they’ll bring out another ‘98 bike do you know?

    Also I assume they wont be releasing the new 2000 Honda test bike without the logos like most of your photos in your catalogues? Thanks

59. 59 On August 14th, 2008, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    I don’t think there will be another 1998 Aprilia - I think Minichamps just wanted to make the 1998 Aprilia more desirable by making it his first 250c win bike, as otherwise there wouldn’t have been much to distinguish it from the normal 1999 Aprilia which looks almost the same.

    It doesn’t look like they will be releasing the test bike without the logos - that was just our sample that we used until the real thing came along.

60. 60 On September 3rd, 2008, Mat said:

    Hi Leigh,

    Do you hsve a release date on the “Tamiya 1/12 Ferrari 288 GTO Semi-Assembled Kit” which is currently listed as “Due 2008″ on your site?

    Do you know if Kyosho are planning to release the same item in the same scale? Previously with the Enzo they waited for Tamiya to release their version and then improved it by quite some margin.

    Thanks, Mat.

61. 61 On September 4th, 2008, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    We don’t have a release date for the 1:12 Tamiya semi-assembled kit yet, and Kyosho have given no indication so far that they might release a 1:12 replica of the 288 GTO.

62. 62 On September 14th, 2008, Katie said:

    Hi, Do you know when the 1/43 mini GT 69 clubman will be released? I’ve been waiting for most of the year and am hoping to get hold of it before xmas. thanks

63. 63 On September 22nd, 2008, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    Unfortunately Spark haven’t confirmed when we will see this model, so at this stage I’m not sure whether we will see it in time for Xmas or not.

64. 64 On October 2nd, 2008, Paul said:

    Hello,
    I’ve seen a BTCC Turkington 1:43 BMW possible made by spark available if you subscribe to motorsport news, Are you able to get your hands on these? I think they are from the 2007 season and their maybe both Team RAC cars from 2008.
    Paul

65. 65 On October 3rd, 2008, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    I think these were exclusively made for RAC, as unfortunately they have never been made available on the ‘general’ market. A shame, as BTCC replicas would be huge for us.

66. 66 On October 21st, 2008, Dylan Miles said:

    Hi Leigh,
    Hope you can help! The new ‘re-release’ of the Rossi Minichamps Honda Respol 2002 bike…….why is it a totally different colour blue to the first release? First of all I thought it was just the photos, but having seen the model, it is very different. Not sure if you knew why, but though I might ask as its almost a new model in itself!
    Thanks

67. 67 On October 22nd, 2008, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    It does seem to be a different shade of blue, but Minichamps have released the re-release under the same part number as the original so I’m not sure what’s happened there.

68. 68 On October 30th, 2008, hugh anger said:

    I live in Thailand and am a collector of things that catch my because of memories, shape or design. My models reflect my time and cars of ownership, eg TRs.
    Ferraris of the late 50s and early 60s have great appeal so the 250 GTOs of Mattel and Kyosho were of interest but which one to buy. There are at least 2 outlets in Bangkok and the first I visired had both in stock. How interesting to put them side by side and compare them. The Mattel front vents are open as are the side vents, closed in the Kyosho. The panel fit on the Mattel is not good as there are gaps and the doors looked uneven. Kyosho good. Most of the exterior fittings on the Mattel looked out of scale and were differnt from the Kyosho in form. The engines had the same details but the scales were different. I wonder which is right and accurate. For the money the Kyosho represented the best value.

69. 69 On November 27th, 2008, peter cavellini said:

    The Koenigsigg.
    E-MAIL from them says they’re adjusting the doors and frame work piece by piece and it might appear this month or next, what a way ttoo run a company!

70. 70 On December 9th, 2008, Paul said:

    Hey Leigh, I was wondering if your ever likely to import any of the v8 supercar merchandise out their. Bathurst 1000 DVDs, season reviews, The Great race books or any of the classic carlectables models I’m sure their must be some other V8 fans here! The models all look really good with different scales and 1-2 finish sets, Its hard work importing them all from Australia and not cheap but they seem well worth it!

71. 71 On December 10th, 2008, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    Unfortunately I can’t see us offering them in the near future. The reason is that, as with Indycars, you have to commit to importing a particular amount in order for the venture to be worthwhile, and these numbers are considerably in excess of what we think we would sell given the limited demand they would generate. Sorry!

72. 72 On December 30th, 2008, Franc said:

    Do you have a 1/18 of the ‘93 Porsche Carrera Cup Mika Hakkined won at Monaco?
    I own the origial race car and would like a larger model.
    Franc

73. 73 On December 31st, 2008, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    Unfortunately no-one has replicated this in 1:18; so far there has only been the Minichamps 1:43 replica.

74. 74 On January 16th, 2009, david Wilson said:

    Hi Leigh,
    I have an extensive collection of Minichamps - mainly F1 and Le Mans. I have noticed that one of my treasured models - the Scheckter 79 world champ Ferrari 314T4 - has some of the sponsor decals starting to lift. Does anyone have any advice on restoring, preserving them!?

75. 75 On January 16th, 2009, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    This is quite a popular subject on our forum - most collectors champion applying microsol to lifting decals.

76. 76 On January 22nd, 2009, Bazza said:

    Hi Leigh
    Although new to the Forum, I have been collecting 1/18th cars for 16 years and am close to 1000 cars. I like F1, Le Mans and WRC cars, but it bothers me that makers put out all sorts of ‘also rans’ before winners. It is good that CMC have produced specific versions of the Ferrari 156 rather than the usual plain version first, but it’s usually a gamble to buy second best early, or wait for the one you really want and risk not getting it!
    Please tell them I’m not happy!

77. 77 On January 26th, 2009, peter cavellini said:

    duecast is worth the wait when we have your diecast reports to watch, a brill idea to let your comic talent loose on us, and by the way you could see the pink ball behind the black!?

78. 78 On February 9th, 2009, peter cavellini said:

    Hi Leigh.
    just read the new catologue that dropped through the letter box and read with interest your expose on EXOTO which prompted me to send them an e-mail explaining to them the problems they are causing for consumers and themselves.I HOPE I GET A REPLY! because i addressed it to they’re as they put it they’re “KEY” personnel.

79. 79 On February 15th, 2009, Davey P said:

    Hi Leigh
    As i am new to the forum and as i have been collecting diecast from yourselves ever since your company distributed the Ayrton Senna Racing Car Collection and i have lost count as to what number where up to!,also besides having most if not all of same ones in /18 scale, i wanted to ask if minichamps had any plans to release the MP4/8 test car with the lamborghini engine in 1/18 scale seeing that they seem to be doing or have done all his others so far except the really early ones from FF1600 etc in 1/43rd ???.
    Also being a huge Rossi fan i have all if not 1 of his bikes you have sold (i find the 125 cc from 1996 at 74.99 a tad to dear ) will wait or see if ebay can be cheaper sorry, but what puzzled me about minchamps release’s for him is that they do not follow any logical order surely they would have been better with the helmets etc in releasing them from year date onwards the same with the figures there now doingfrom a collectors point of view anyway ! anyway keep sending me the update newsletters etc and i hope to continue to be a valued customer for many years to come (until vale retires that his )
    cheers
    davey p

80. 80 On February 16th, 2009, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    Minichamps haven’t announced any plans to do the Lamborghini testcar in 1:18 so far. I think they try and mix things up a bit in the order they release the helmets to keep collectors on their toes and keep the ’suspense’ going as to which one will come out next.
    Here’s hoping that Rossi doesn’t retire at any time soon then!

81. 81 On February 16th, 2009, Nick Stannard said:

    Hi Leigh

    I have had Eddie Lawsons NSR500 for a while but without the Rothmans Decals. I have scoured the net for them or a company that makes them but with no success, can you tell me if you know where I can source them.

    Thanks
    Nick

82. 82 On February 16th, 2009, Nick Stannard said:

    Hi Leigh

    This time a more appropriate question sorry about the last one, do you know if minichamps will make replicas of the ducati bikes from the british and world superbike championships as in the past there has always been demand for such bikes even though they must sell a certain number from a single tooling.

    Thanks
    Nick

83. 83 On February 16th, 2009, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    I’m not aware of anyone having made the Rothmans decals for the Lawson Honda - the business of converting bikes doesn’t seem to be as popular as for cars. Regarding the Ducatis, we would love Minichamps to make the 1098 for Bayliss and Byrne, but as it means investing in new tooling they don’t seem too keen on it yet. I think the best chance of it happening is if Haga takes the title this year - then the Japanese market will be so immense for it that Minichamps will hopefully make it and then ‘backtrack’ to include the 2008 versions as well. We can but hope!

84. 84 On February 16th, 2009, Gary said:

    Hi leigh.
    I got a good look at your video of the autoart stand and didnt see any of the new porsche 928ses(the later version) or 944s.1/18
    Did they have anything to indicate when they might arrive.
    Also did you see any mk1 golf gtis on the minichamps stand?1/43
    Any info apreciated.

85. 85 On February 18th, 2009, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    Unfortunately AUTOart have given us no indication as to when to expect the 928S or 944. I’m not confident of seeing them any time soon. Minichamps didn’t have too much in the way of 1:43s on their stand this year. If any Golfs were on there, I’m afraid I didn’t see them.

86. 86 On February 26th, 2009, peter cavellini said:

    How about removing some of the previous messages, some of them mine include go back too 2007!

87. 87 On February 26th, 2009, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    I don’t know, I think it adds a sense of nostalgia to the website!

88. 88 On March 16th, 2009, Gary said:

    When is Charlie starting up her diary?lol

89. 89 On March 20th, 2009, Frank said:

    Hey Leigh! Great site. I was wondering what the deal is with Spark not announcing any Touring Cars in 2009? BTCC or WTCC? Usually BMWs are coming out left, right and centre but this time, nothing.

    Thanks
    Frank

90. 90 On March 20th, 2009, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    Spark didn’t do the 2008 WTCC BMWs either, so maybe they only consider them worth doing if they win the championship. I’d love to see some BTCC cars announced, but unfortunately none of the diecast manufacturers out there consider it worthwhile anymore. If Oxford hadn’t done the Vectras for the last couple of years, we’d have nothing at all.

91. 91 On March 20th, 2009, peter cavellini said:

    Hi Leigh.
    I think Charlie should have equal billing it should be called the “Charleigh show” as in a proper——-!?

92. 92 On March 23rd, 2009, peter cavellini said:

    How about doing an Austin Powers themed video cast,mmmmmmmmmm!!

93. 93 On March 23rd, 2009, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

    That is one of the ideas we are looking at!

94. 94 On March 24th, 2009, peter cavellini said:

    Has Charlie got a big part, i mean she is the glamour after all!

95. 95 On March 30th, 2009, peter cavellini said:

    Kate Winslett, bull dust!Charlie is the new British siren,(you can here her miles away!),only kidding!!!

96. 96 On April 2nd, 2009, peter cavellini said:

    When’s the Hamilton 2010 FERRARI diecast coming out then Leigh,after last weeks fiasco anythings possible!

97. 97 On April 12th, 2009, peter cavellini said:

    Happy easter Leigh!

    “What do you get if you cross a potato with a madmen, answer a DICTATTER!!!
    ps make sure Charlie gets some of your easter eggs ok or i’ll send the easter bunny round!

98. 98 On April 15th, 2009, peter cavellini said:

    Hi Leigh!
    great vid!, nice to see round a famous company museum, are there any others to see?.By the way you can go smart/casual you know!a better shirt would do, maybe your co-star charlie can advise!!?

99. 99 On April 21st, 2009, peter cavellini said:

    Hi Leigh!

    Tall question:Is Charlie taller than you?, just asking because i can’t recall the two of you standing together?.Usually CO-HOSTS are of a simular height?.Just another thought for a vid subject Leigh, how about “Charlie’s angels” i’m sure your “CO-HOST” could rustle up some mates and you could be the male foil in it,what do you think Leigh?. OH!even betterhow about Magnum P.I,tempting right?

100. 100 On May 5th, 2009, peter cavellini said:

     Hi Leigh.

     Just a thought,Charlie for joint diecast manager,she could lighten your work load a bit eh?,also she dresses better than you!,just kidding no malace intended.

101. 101 On May 11th, 2009, peter cavellini said:

     Who ever owns that Fiat, imagine working for such a prestigeous company and your driving a FIAT!

102. 102 On May 18th, 2009, Gary said:

     Hi leigh.
     Seeing as how your off on holiday can we not have Charlie filling in,doesnt have to be about diecast,its just always nice to see her.lol

103. 103 On May 27th, 2009, peter cavellini said:

     Hi Leigh.

     Did you not get an interview with Martin Brundle then?,i thought i saw the back of your head in one shot on race day!?

104. 104 On May 28th, 2009, Nick Stannard said:

     Hi Leigh

     Can Grand Prix Legends persuade Minichamps to replicate Kiyonari’s 2006 and 2007 British Superbike championship winning Honda Fireblades. The 2007 bike should prove easy as they have the required tooling and is identical to James Toselands 2007 bike apart from the tires and paint job. The 2006 bike is almost identical, the fairing is slightly lower and longer at the bottom than the 2007 bike and the front headlight unit is slightly wider. And what of Shane Byrnes 2008 ducati 1098, because Nori Haga is likely to win this years world superbike championship and they have already announced they will make Troy Bayliss’s world superbike ducati it should prove a huge seller if GPL can persuade Minichamps to produce it. So Leigh what do you think the chances are?.

105. 105 On May 29th, 2009, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

     Believe me, we’ve tried as hard as we can! I’ve got all the BSB Champs going back to Hodgson’s 2000 Ducati myself, so I was pretty desperate for Kiyo’s Hondas to be made! I’ve resigned myself to the fact that the HM Plant Fireblades aren’t going to happen now, but I do still have hope that Byrne’s 2008 Ducati (and Haga’s 09 Ducati if he takes the title this year) will come about as Minichamps make the most of their mould of the 1098.

106. 106 On May 31st, 2009, Nick Stannard said:

     Hi Leigh

     Just another thought, could Minichamps possibly produce a replica of Leon Camier’s Airways Yamaha R1 from this years BSB with some pursuation from GPL, as I have been following the season very closely so far and it seems very likely that he will take the title this year with his good form and massive points lead.
     What are your thoughts on this one.

107. 107 On June 1st, 2009, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

     I very much doubt that we will see the Camier R1, as it would mean Minichamps investing in completely new tooling just for one bike. Unless Rossi races one somewhere(!), then Minichamps would definitely make the mould, and then they probably would do Camier!

108. 108 On June 15th, 2009, peter cavellini said:

     Glad to see the back of EXOTO then Leigh?,they’ve been a right royal pain for to long,maybe the fact that the UK’s toip diecast site has cast tem adrift might make them think twice about how they treat their fan base and also their distributor in this country,afterall we’re not just some backwater if the good ol’USA!

109. 109 On June 28th, 2009, peter cavellini said:

     Hi Leigh!
     guess AutoArt aren’t making enough profit to bother about us here in the UK,lets hope the exchange rate moves a bit in their favour,maybe the Koenigsigg’s will arrive for Christmas!

110. 110 On July 10th, 2009, Nick Stannard said:

     Hello Leigh

     I would like to know if you think a Ducati 1098R replica is possible from Minichamps as it would make the most of the new moulds and would look great as they have done the 996R and the 999R before.

111. 111 On July 14th, 2009, peter cavellini said:

     Hi Leigh.

     reckonyou should pay Charlie now, like Button i think shes got the F1 sown up as far as you and co-workers are concerned!

112. 112 On July 17th, 2009, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

     A Ducati 1098R is possible, but Minichamps don’t seem to have thrown their weight behind the 1098 chassis yet, so I think it will be some time before they commit to announcing any more variants of it.

113. 113 On July 28th, 2009, peter cavellini said:

     Charlie’s to nice too try and stitch up,and anyway it didn’t work did it!?

114. 114 On August 18th, 2009, Frank said:

     Hey Leigh! As Spark did the 2007 BTCC BMWs do you think they would consider the 2008, 2009 RAC cars. Especially if Turkington wins?! And how about Motorbase 2007, 2008 and Team Airwaves 2009 (same team obviously). Surely for just the fan base that the teams have they would be huge hits! Any news of Oxford and the 2009 Vectra? Not a great model but its BTCC so it will be my collection if made.

     Cheers!

115. 115 On August 21st, 2009, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

     As a big BTCC fan myself I would love to see Spark replicate the RAC and Airwaves BMWs, but I’m not too confident that it will happen. The 2007 RAC cars were promos that could only be bought from the RAC shop (and they must still have quite a few left as last time I looked they were selling them for only £10.95!), they were never available from the UK Spark distributor. I haven’t seen anything from Oxford regarding the 2009 Vectras either. It’s such a shame that the BTCC seems to be the ‘forgotten’ series!

116. 116 On August 26th, 2009, peter cavellini said:

     Here’s a giggle,Topgear show , you and Charlie,celebs in a reasonably priced car, what do you think?,who’d win i wonder?..mmmmmmmm?

117. 117 On September 1st, 2009, peter cavellini said:

     Charlie’s still favourite to take the title you losers!

118. 118 On October 13th, 2009, SAJ said:

     Hi Leigh

     I have been working abroad for the past few years, and have been disappointed on my return, please can you tell me why 1:24 scale diecast are not available, i have always collected in this size, and can hardly find any….

     great site even better podcasts, keep it up we need you….

119. 119 On October 15th, 2009, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

     I think that with 1:18 and 1:43 there isn’t really a ‘need’ for 1:24, as it just slots in between the other two scales. 1:24 is a lot more popular in America though, but the trend these days does seem to be mainly just the two most popular scales.

120. 120 On November 1st, 2009, Nick Stannard said:

     Hello Leigh

     Can you tell me what the first ever bike made by Minichamps was, is it Troy Corser’s 1999 Ducati 996, if so how many were made ?.
     In your opinion is there a rarer bike made by Minichamps than this one ?.

     Thanks

121. 121 On November 2nd, 2009, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

     As far as I’m aware Corser’s Ducati 996 was the first 1:12 bike Minichamps made, but I have no idea how many (or few) were made. I don’t know if it’s ‘the rarest’, I think all of Minichamps’ first bike models were made in very low numbers while they experimented with how the market would take to them, such as the original Rossi 2000 Honda and Hodgson’s 2000 BSB winning Ducati.

122. 122 On November 15th, 2009, Nick Stannard said:

     Hello Leigh

     How tall is the 2007 Valentino Rossi Assen Figure when it is standing on the bike as I’am trying to make a cabinet but need this measurement.

     Thanks

123. 123 On November 17th, 2009, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

     I’m afraid we’ve been sold out of that figure for some time now and never took that measurement while we had it in stock! There are loads of Rossi collectors on our forum though; I’m sure if you ask that question on there someone will quickly be back to you with an answer!

124. 124 On November 26th, 2009, Nick Stannard said:

     Hello Leigh

     Another question to fire at you.
     Can you tell me if there are any differences between the Rossi 2001 Honda RC211V, the Doohan RC211V and Spencers RC211V test bikes if indeed there are any, because they do look very similar,
     and can you tell me why Minichamps didn’t print the limited edition number on the boxes of the Doohan and Spencer bikes.

     Thanks

125. 125 On November 27th, 2009, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

     The only differences I can see are the riders’ first names on the screen. A reason hasn’t been given as to why the limited edition numbers were not printed on the boxes, the same thing happened with the Rossi Assen bike.

126. 126 On December 11th, 2009, Mark said:

     Hi Leigh.

     I have noticed an increase in requests on many diecast forums from collectors wanting to source Minichamps 1:43 scale display cases for both Formula One and production car models.

     As you will be aware, the lids degrade with dust and scuff marks over time. Many collectors are really only after the lids.

     I have contacted Pauls Model Art about this matter as they already produce cases for 1:12 motorcycles and 1:18 scale models. However, for some reason they are not keen on producing 1:43 scale display cases.

     Using you contacts, are you able to influence them to make some spare display cases available to collectors?

     Regards,
     Mark

127. 127 On December 11th, 2009, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

     We have enquired about these before, but unfortunately Minichamps hasn’t chosen to make them available separately yet. Hopefully in the future they will consider it worth doing!

128. 128 On December 16th, 2009, Nick Stannard said:

     Hello Leigh

     I would like to know if you can tell me what the correct race number should be on John Reynolds 2001 Red Bull Ducati, should it be 47 or 3.
     Because mine has the number 3 but a friend who has just bought one has got 47 on his ? ? ?.
     Thanks

129. 129 On December 16th, 2009, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

     The 2001 Reynolds should be #3. The #47 is his 2000 Ducati, when he was a wildcard in World Superbikes. I think the #47 is REALLY rare!

130. 130 On January 11th, 2010, Frank said:

     Hi Leigh
     I was wondering if you can tell me when the yearly new announcements are made roughly. Every manufacturer releases a list at the beginning of the year to say what they hope to produce. Any Touring Cars in the pipeline to you know?

     Cheers

131. 131 On January 14th, 2010, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

     Minichamps’ new announcements will ‘go live’ on 4th February. The other diecast manufacturers don’t confirm set dates in advance, but we tend to see them through February and into March after Nuremberg.

132. 132 On January 26th, 2010, Ted Jewer said:

     Hi Leigh, do you know if minichamps will be making a figurine for the 2007 pit bike and the forthcoming 2000 and 2001 8 hour suzuka race?
     Many thanks
     Ted

133. 133 On January 27th, 2010, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

     So far Minichamps haven’t announced any plans to do figures for the paddock bike or the Suzuka endurance bikes.

134. 134 On February 8th, 2010, Roger Knight said:

     Hi, I am refurbishing 1:18 Minichamps Bentley for a client and need a specific set of wheels. They are as fitted to  PMA 100-139021 p139021 2002 Bentley Continental GT silver [2007]

     Is it possible to obtain a set of these wheels? is there a ’spares service?

     Many Thanks

     Roger

135. 135 On February 17th, 2010, Leigh 'Diecast' Hobden said:

     Unfortunately Minichamps does not provide a spares service.

136. 136 On March 15th, 2010, peter cavellini said:

     Everything seemsto go on hold whemn Leigh jets off to a Grandprix, his boss must be very understanding not to mention generous with Leigh’s remuniration.

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