Thunderbird Diecast Blog

from Ertl Collectibles by Auto World has just been released.

Finally came across the 1/24th scale American Graffiti series white tbird with Hardtop. It does not show on the MotorMax site. This completes the white AG models in 4 different sizes for MotorMax.

Four Sizes

Working of fixing the info available on those two makes. I will point out here and on the listings that Tekno is not a copy of the Solido model after comparing both. The Tekno is about 10mm shorter (about 1/2 inch) than the Solido models plus other molding details that do not match up plus base is very different.

I have classified the Tekno as a 1956 model so more people can find it as it sports the wrap around rear continental bumper even though it has no fender vents and ’55 tbird seat style.

While browsing today, I came across the Showcasts website who contracts with manufacturers to build models for them. I’ve only seen their name on the web for the past couple of years. While browsing another site, I found that Showcasts had had at one time, some of the old “2000″ scale models from MotorMax in colors of red, black, light yellow and a white. I have not seen these models show up recently so checked out MotorMax’s website and they no longer show their retrobird. They still have the 56 though in 1/43, 1/24, and 1/18. Not sure about their 1/64th scale model though. I’ve only seen the 1/64th 56 in MotorMax’s American Graffitti set and not on Walmart’s shelves since the Christmas season got over.
I m so looking forward to being able to get into my boxes and start comparing these models from different manufacturers. Have had to rely on other site and friends and there are very big gaps in that info.

Finally picked up a book just about the Solido models. Found info that I didn’t know about the models. Solido issued two types of the 55 tbird, one in 1956 with white rubber tires, no figure. It’s 2nd release was in 1959, slightly larger and came with a human figure. The tires are black rubber now. Interesting book to pick up. There were numerous colors listed for both releases but the author didn’t verify that all colors were original manufacture, only that changes could easily have occurred to Solido models over the years.

While browsing thru photos I’ve saved off of eb** for the last few years, I did come across another model of the Mark II that appears to be from the same era as the Solidos and Teknos but has some better detailing than either of the tbird models by those companies. I’m on the search as to who made it. I’ve left a photo on the Continental scale model page.

MotorMax has released their 1/24 scale model now with a Hardtop. The first colors are red with white top and a dark olive green with white hardtop. Interior is black with white seat inserts.

The 02 thunderbird blue 1/64 by Maisto has now been found in single packs at some Walmarts.

Recently added a new page to my diecasts lists. Though not a Thunderbird, I do have an interest in the Mark II and have sporadically added to my scale models of it. The page is still in its infancy while I come across the old packed models and check out some resources in the old LCOC magazines that discussed scale models of the Mark II.

Mark II Scale models

Waited well over a year for this 1/64 scale model to be released and it finally showed up on the market at Walmart this week. It’s color is 02 Thunderbird blue and is in a 5-pak.

This model was originally designed back in 1999 but didn’t get approval from Ford at the time.  Maisto went to Ford again in the fall of 2008 and asked for approval again and this time Ford gave them a positive nod.  This is the FIRST diecast of the retrobird that will make it into the hands of children (as long as the collectors leave some behind on the shelves) to actually play with.  There have been others in this size range but not on the mass market here in the states so  those have mostly found their way into the hands of collectors.  We could say that Maisto has scored a coupe over Matchbox and Hot Wheels and JL, though Matchbox did have a collector’s edition of the car but not in this price range of $1.  Matchbox did not pursue coming out with a less expensive version though they did have one designed.

Update January 22, 2010 – Steve Legel reported that the Maisto model is now being found in single packs.  Those haven’t shown up yet in my local search area.

Received an email from Durham Classics today that announced a coming edition of their 1954 preproduction model of the 55 Ford Thunderbird. This one has the Fairlane stripe on it. 3 will be 2-tone colors, and one will be solid. Each color will be limited to 60 models. They’re also coming out with a 1954 Ford Country Sedan (station wagon). You’ll find the link to their site on the diecast homepage.

Worked last night on getting photos of the current Lemax 55 “sports car” on the site. Special thanks to Marty for sending me good clear photos of the model.
Also working on an addition to the Ford station wagon page in the Thunderbird Etc… pages, adding in a list of scale models of the 57 Ford wagon.  Plus a new page in the scale models for Continental Mark II models.  Yes, branching out some to cover some of the other scale models I have on hand.