March-May 2006 Archive
28-May-2006 This shows you how much I know ! Apparently the 'Gran Turismo' description on the model we featured yesterday refers to the Playstation 3 game, Gran Turismo 4 - the black 787B was a secret car that appears in the game...........the ultimate 'fantasy' model then !
27-May-2006 Here's an interesting item which has appeared on eBay. Whilst the description lists the model as produced by Gran Turismo Ltd for the Mini Car Fan series it appears to be a Minichamps box, this Mazda 787B Concept Car is limited to 787 pieces and all are individually numbered.
24-May-2006 There is no doubt that Minichamps will be maximizing their profits from the mould for the Super Aguri F1 model with no fewer than four 1/18th scale models and seven 1/43 scale models which were announced this week -
Also confirmed is the European Minardi F1X2 2 Seater Paul Stoddart car under part number 400 060299.
Whilst I appreciate that this team is new to F1 I can't see the relevance of releasing two roll out cars in both scales when one would have sufficed, if we are not careful we are going to have a situation like we have with the Toyotas, umpteen models that all look the same for a team that haven't won a race.
I don't know if it's just me but judging from some posts on some of the message boards I get the feeling that a number of well respected collectors are loosing interest in the hobby due to the number of models being released at the moment. This is supported by the fact that if you have checked out eBay recently you will have noticed that a large number of F1 models still remain unsold at lowly prices of under £5. I suppose everything goes in cycles and F1 will become flavour of the month again just like the heady days of the late 90's so if you are thinking about starting a collection of F1 models there has never been a better time than right now.
20-May-2006 A new novelty item has been announced for release next month obviously produced to coincide with the World Cup - it's a Volkswagen 1303 Super Beetle Convertible edition which was produced for Karmann for members of the victorious German World Cup Football Team of 1974 limited to 2,496 pieces. (Nothing to celebrate England's fantastic victory in 1966 ? Strange that. No doubt the next in the series will be an Aston martin DB7 to celebrate England lifting the trophy this time round) The Edition 2 catalogue is also scheduled for July release.
I've been sent a link to a website who sell the numerous types of Minichamps boxes and lids so no excuse now for having any tatty looking models in your collection ! Click Here!
I made the long trip to the NEC yesterday and to be honest with you it was a total disappointment. It's not difficult to work out that holding a large fair the week before at Donington Park is going to have an effect on one held not that far away the following weekend however the penny never seems to drop with the organisers. The majority of collectors operate on a tight budget at the best of times so expecting them to attend two fairs on consecutive weekends with the peak holiday period rapidly approaching is never going to happen. If you couple that with the never ending rise in fuel prices then you don't need to be a genius to work out that it's not going to be long before these events become a thing of the past.
It's not only collectors that are staying away either - I've noticed that several of the larger dealers just don't bother to attend these events anymore as it's much easier for them to stay at home and operate from a website. They don't incur any fuel costs, charges for the event, no early starts loading up a van and driving a couple of hundred miles to stand behind a table for six hours before packing up and repeating the cycle again on the return journey.
This is a plea to anyone at Aachen who cares to read this! Please start to sell spare perspex lids for your boxes like other manufacturers do as I'm sure you would be onto a real winner. The number of emails I get from collectors asking where they can buy them from is phenomenal. I myself have around 25 lids that I desperately need to replace on my F1 models due to damage or shelf wear when I have picked up items on eBay, if they coupled this with the little stickers I'm sure they would be amazed at the take up on them.
07-May-2006 It isn't just the Alonso Minardi that Minichamps appear to have re-released - our European HQ reports a strange phenomena with the 'new' Minichamps Porsche GT2 (993) in 'Speed yellow' part number 430 065004. This item appeared in the first edition of the 2006 catalogue but wasn't mentioned in the Minichamps Newsletter and most dealers simply forgot to order it or didn't receive them at all. It suddenly appeared on eBay immediately fetching prices ranging from 55 to 120 Euros.
After closer inspection our HQ reports that the car is 100% identical to the 1996 release that was sold at Porsche dealers - not a single detail has changed. How do we know well on the modern releases of the 993 the colour of the front indicators was changed. In 1995 they were simply painted with an orange colour under the clear plastic part whereas later editions had clear orange indicators.
Now to add insult to injury after checking the wheels on the latest model all four wheel rims have small hairline cracks, something which is typical on older 10 to 15 year old Minichamps Porsche 993 & 964's ! It begs the question how Minichamps have managed to dig up a batch of 1008 ten year plus old models, put them in new boxes and sell them as new in limited edition runs ?
05-May-2006 A strange announcement today from Minichamps - they are 're-launching' the Fernando Alonso European Minardi PS01 under the 'F1 Classics' heading complete with exactly the same part number as before namely 400 010020 ! Now for a company who's chairman categorically stated they would never release the same model twice to be honest this latest announcement completely puzzles me.
Also announced today what appear to be a heap of third driver cars all limited editions :
The following items were announced as McLaren Mercedes MP 4/20 Test cars however they are in fact MP 4/21 versions, correct item numbers and descriptions are as follows
Delivery schedule for the above will be after the 2006 race cars
01-May-2006 This new Audi gift boxed model is causing quite a stir at the moment - it's an Audi Sport Quattro S1 piloted by Walter Rohl on the 1987 Pikes Peak Hillclimb event in the US during 1987.
29-April-2006 I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that it's been a bit slow on the Minichamps front recently hence the lack of updates on the site. I suppose it's a bit like waiting for a bus, nothing for ages then a load seem to come at once. Well there still isn't anything new to report unless anyone out there has something they can email me ? Much of the information I post is as a result of such emails or news items found on the web however there's been nothing of any value over the last two weeks.
The other day I came across an old email I received back in March 2004 which I thought it was time I should share with you. Why am I bothering to tell you this you may ask however if you read on it will become clearer. Quote :
'Thanks for the Minichamps site. I found some good information on it!
I have a somewhat strange request for you. Microsoft Racing Games is producing a game that will include the #43 and #41 McLaren F1 GTR's from the 1997 Le Mans. We have a contract allowing us to license these cars for legal use in our game. My job is to collect art reference that our team of artists will use to build a computer model of the cars for the game, but unfortunately I don't have a budget that I can use to buy these models.
I would like to know if you could help me find a collector who owns these models who could take a few digital pictures both for me. In return for the pictures I can offer a line in the credits of the game that can be used for a name, a business name, or a website. The game is a racing game that we expect to sell more than 750,000 copies, so this could be some good exposure !'
Best regards,
Todd Van Horne
Art Content CoordinatorMicrosoft Games Studios-Racing
425-707-2201Whilst I initially thought the email was a hoax it wasn't and the photographs were duly supplied together with several others of cars in race livery such as Dodge Vipers. Although I'm no computer gamer I would assume that the game in question was 'Forza Motorsport' so if anyone has a copy of this they could check the credits to establish if Todd ever kept his word. I must admit the fact Microsoft not having a budget did make me laugh !
14-April-2006 Well going off some of the comments on Autobarn's message board it appears the McLaren F1 road cars we featured yesterday don't seem to be hitting it off with collectors - it will be interesting to how these sell over the next few weeks.
Well there doesn't seem to be a week goes by without there being another Porsche promotional model being released and this week is no different. This one is a T2M Porsche 997 GT3 'Salon De La Maquette' model limited to 999 pieces.
If that isn't your cup of tea then this one might be, it's the new Porsche RS Spyder which comes in Porsche packaging - in my opinion one of the nicest looking models for a while.
All these items can be viewed and purchased from www.bmw-modellautos.de priced at 45 Euros each.
09-April-2006 You may be aware that this week saw the opening of the annual Techno Classica show in Essen. The 'Messemodel' for 2006 is a yellow 1974 VW Scirocco limited to 100 pieces. Unfortunately for our intrepid reporter he got stuck in traffic and didn't arrive until 45 minutes after the show had opened however it appears they had sold out in the matter of minutes.
08-April-2006 It seems Philips (the consumer electronics company) will shortly be running a promotion whereby a driverless Williams F1 Minichamps promotional model will be given away free when you purchase one of their shavers. Apparently this is the only way you will be able to obtain the model - much in the same way as the Certina Sauber model.
At present we don't have any further information but what we do know is that the model will be under part number 403 060079. In addition there will be a new style box design for all Williams models for this coming year. We do have a photograph of the model however as it is a "sample" which is awaiting final approval from Williams F1 Marketing we don't yet have permission to use it but rest assured as soon as we do we will post it.
02-April-2006 As you have probably gathered yesterday's update was in fact an April Fool's Day prank however it didn't stop me receiving a number of emails throughout the day from 'worried' collectors who had clicked on the link 'by accident' ! I knew if the story was as plausible as possible then curiosity would get the better of people and they would click on the link - well guys your secret is safe with me !
A new Mini Car Fan Porsche has surfaced on eBay this time it's a white Carrera 2/4 1992 limited to 1,000 pieces (this is the sixth Porsche produced for the magazine)
Also a couple of new BMW race cars announced this week -
400 052401 BMW 320i WTCC 2005 Champion Team RBM - Andy Priaulx
400 052432 BMW 320i WTCC 2005 Winner Independence Trophy Team Wiechers Sport - M Hennerici
The 2006 Minichamps McLaren F1 models will be more expensive than last year, we think this price increase is as a result of additional production costs involved in reproducing the reflective finish of the car. If anyone knows otherwise then please contact me.
01-April-2006 It seems it's not only eBay where you can get in trouble - it seems I've fallen foul of our web hosting company as I failed to post a detailed constitution when I set up the website back in 2001. It seems someone has complained to them as they feel that the name of the website suggests it's only aimed at collectors who live within the confines of the British Isles.
I honestly can't believe how someone can feel like this and to be honest I'm really upset and hurt by their suggestion. I'd like to make one thing perfectly clear it doesn't matter where you live in the world this website doesn't alienate anyone and it was never my intention to. It is possible I will have to change the name of the website to something along the lines of 'Minichamps Collectors International' I just don't know.
To add insult to injury they have even pointed out that I don't seem to make any allowance for gay people - I mean come on what the hell has that got to do with anything ? In light of this they have recommended I do something about it otherwise I may have the website pulled. So to make everyone happy if that's your cup of tea and you collect Minichamps then Click Here!
30-March-2006 The Minichamps eBay saga continues - it appears they are now targeting anyone who uses the word Minichamps in their title or description when not selling a Minichamps model and are having auctions pulled. So you can no longer use tactics like 'manufactureres name n/Minichamps' or use their brand name in the description when selling some other brand model - whilst it is common practice it is actually against eBay rules too.
It seems despite my best efforts to warn people I was amazed at the number of new eBay listings on Sunday night containing descriptions in the title like 'converted to tobacco' etc - make no mistake Minichamps mean business and if you continue you are going to be hit with a massive fine.
Also a correction to our update relating to the Michelin models - the FW27 Heidfeld and Sauber C24 Villeneuve cars are the 2005 race versions and not Japanese Grand Prix versions as previously thought.
Anyone noticed anything strange about the Michelin FW27 model we have pictured ? Well one eagle eyed collector has noticed it comes with bargeboards when the standard Minichamps version doesn't.
25-March-2006 Some news just in from Japan - some further Michelin boxed cars due for release
2005 Japanese GP Models
Championship Winning Package
Suzuka Club Package
2004 McLarens
Now before anyone starts emailing me please note that this is the only information I have on these items, if I find out where they can be purchased or any other relevant information then I will of course post it on the website.
23-March-2006 Our contact at BMW has come up with some interesting information in respect of the Michelin FW27 model - it seems when the part number is entered into the BMW parts system it comes up 'No Longer Available'. Strangely enough the part number directly next to this i.e. 80420404066 also shows 'NLA' and we think this was destined for the Mark Webber car however as we know there were no FW27 models listed for last year and worryingly there are no 1/43 BMW Saubers listed in the new brochure either.
Here is another strange one - pictured in the French Renault 2006 catalogue is this Fernando Alonso pitstop diorama (photo courtesy of FernandoAlonsoModelcars.Com) part number 77 11 419 252.
What makes this strange is that after contacting Minichamps they claim to have nothing to do with it and don't know who produces it despite the fact that it looks remarkably like one of their dioramas especially the positioning of the figures and wheels. Our contact at Renault advises these are due for May delivery and the price is wait for it........£98 !
As I mentioned a few weeks back I will have to start deleting some of the archived information in order to keep within the confines on my 20Mb of webspace so in order to achieve this I will be deleting the first three months archive information before adding the latest three months (possibly this weekend)
22-March-2006 I finally received my Michelin BMW Williams FW27 model today (see update 1 March) and can report that it's definitely a BMW produced model. Upon closer inspection the paper bibendum sleeve on the rear upright of the insert is actually removable and has been produced with the sole purpose of disguising the the BMW branding and part number underneath which is 80 4204 04067, in addition a Michelin sticker has been placed over the BMW sticker on top of the perspex case. Our contacts at BMW are in the process of checking the parts system for further information now we are in possession of the number.
So what have we learnt ? Well the BMW FW27 Heidfeld has never been officially released as a BMW item and it's clear from their part number underneath that it was ordered by them. Was the order cancelled as a result of the fact that BMW purchased Sauber or due to some BMW licensing issues ? One thing is for sure it's going to be highly sought after if some of the prices these are fetching on eBay is anything to go by so if you have one hang onto it.
Whilst on the subject of BMW Cooper Thames Ditton BMW are offering a 15% discount to anyone who purchases any 1/18 scale BMW Art car. The person to contact is Mike Nichols the parts manager.
15-March-2006 We have finally managed to obtain a scan of one of the letters that Minichamps are sending out to people who are selling converted models on eBay (the name and address of the recipient and the date have been airbrushed out) It's quite clear from the contents of the letter what you can and cannot do so I assume the recipients of the letters asking for the fines either didn't receive this first warning or totally ignored it I don't know.
In light of this new information it appears my 'sledgehammer to crack a nut' comment was possibly a little hasty in the circumstances and out of order so would like to take this opportunity to retract it.
11-March-2006 I received an update yesterday from the collector who had his auctions pulled from eBay (see update 12 February) and it doesn't make good reading at all.
It seems the original letter he received from Minichamps solicitors contained a 'cease and desist' declaration which after seeking legal advice was signed by the collector in question and returned. This was to basically declare that he would not sell any 'altered' models in the future otherwise he would be liable for a 5000 Euros 'fine' for each model he sold if it had been converted in any way. The declaration also contained a clause which said that he would also be liable to pay Minichamps legal fees based on a figure of 75,000 Euros (which is the figure they expect to win if taken to court) Their fees to date totaling 1820 Euros (around £1200 Sterling) were transferred via money order by the guys bank on the 9 March (ironically his birthday) despite asking politely for a review of fees they would only offer that he could pay these via three installments.
So what's the end result ? The poor guy is left 1820 Euros out of pocket and totally bewildered and gutted and he is now in the position where possibly all his collection will have to be sold off in order to meet these costs. It's evident that Minichamps have used a sledge hammer in order to crack a nut here when a warning would have sufficed. Only this week I received an email from another collector with a similar letter so it appears that this isn't a lone case and Minichamps mean business.
This saga appears to have left a large number of collectors with a bitter taste in their mouths if the postings on some of the diecast message boards are anything to go by - indeed several collectors are stating that they will no longer be buying Minichamps models and these aren't the type of guys who buy one or two models a year but hardened collectors like myself who possibly purchase in the region of 100 models per year. So if you want to make your feelings known why not email Minichamps directly and let them know your feelings, alternatively email me and I'll post them here.
03-March-2006 Our 'mole' at Damon Hill BMW has come up with the goods again with these hot off the press pictures of the new BMW M3 set, part number 80420411042.
The E36 M3 is the EVO version in Estoril Blue which has never been done before by Minichamps, likewise the E46 in Phoenix Yellow was only available previously as a BMW for the Japanese market only. At a RRP of £245 even by BMW standards these aren't cheap and taking into account four cars in the set that's one expensive plinth and box.
01-March-2006 I've finally managed to get to the bottom of the mystery of the BMW Williams FW27 Michelin model we last featured in our update of the 2 January. At the weekend I made the trip down to the NEC swap meet and finally managed to view one at close range.
It appears that this model is no more than a standard 1/43 scale BMW boxed FW27 Nick Heidfeld model with a sleeve of paper depicting the Michelin Bibendum figure slipped over the backing card and stuck in place to cover up the BMW part number. Whilst it seems a strange thing to do we think there is a simple explanation for it - at the end of November BMW slashed the price of all BMW F1 merchandise in an effort to offload it including model cars so as the FW27 was last seasons car it would indicate BMW had decided to cancel their order of these particular models and they were sold off cheap to Michelin in order to create this 'special edition' promotional model and this was the easiest way to hide the BMW part number.
A new 1000 piece limited BMW 20 Year History set is due for release this week - whilst we have no idea what is included in this or how many models are in the set one would assume it's going to be a good one as the list price for this item is a whopping £250 ! We hope it is something like the Audi 7 car set in the perspex box that was released several years back so as soon as we have a photo we will of course upload it.
Also released are the Mercedes boxed McLaren MP 4/20 models of both Kimi Raikkonen and JP Montoya - both have been spotted on eBay already.
