SUPERB HOT WHEELS 'GHOSTBUSTERS' CADILLAC

SMN update:

Over the years, there's been a never-ending waterfall of miniatures featuring the classic 1984 fantasy movie Ghostbusters. And here we go again with two more releases, though they are of the same subject, the Ecto-1 Cadillac ambulance, released in two scales.

Cadillacs little and large

This Ghostbusters research vehicle - based on a 1959-model Cadillac ambulance - is a highly-detailed diecast from the upmarket super-detail Hot Wheels Elite range. It's available in the two popular scales of  1:43 and 1:18, and while neither of these Elites are cheap, they would seem to be worthwhile, as in either scale, this Ecto-1 appears to be far and away the best we've seen so far. Hot Wheels tell us that the Ecto-1 models are in limited editions of 10,000 worldwide in each size. 

Details, details…

The delightfully-named ('Ecto' as in ectoplasm) Cadillac ambulance is simply loaded with detail - whether it's on the roof, inside the cabin, or under the lift-up hood, the model's designers and engineers have done their best to pack in the detail. And they have succeeded, as there's really not a lot more you could ask for as miniatures go - in fact, the only extras we might imagine could be a sound chip installation and perhaps LED lighting, but those items will add cost and complexity, so we won't turn a wish-list into a mark-down.

Good vehicle, but where are the Ghostbusters?

The Hot Wheels Ecto-1 in both scales is well up to scratch, but we would love to see miniatures of the Ghostbusters themselves. Such things can be done - Corgi has produced many James Bond diecasts with figures included, and over in Europe, Tintin miniatures automatically come with appropriate characters - even Snowy the dog features in 1:43 scale.

Summation

Both versions of this ready-built subject are worth adding to your collection, assuming you are a fan of the movie, of course. By the same token, either car, in either scale, would look spectacular with the addition of figures and diorama scenes. So, even though they are ready built miniatures, there's plenty of scope for model makers to elevate them to new levels of small-scale realism. A very subtle blow with an airbrush to add a little weathering would help take away that fresh-from-the-carwash look, too. In the UK, the ModelZone store chain is handling them with free postage.

1:43 scale Ghostbusters from ModelZone here.

Pre-order the 1:18 scale Ghostbusters from ModelZone here.

Amazon have decent deals here.

SCREEN MACHINES - FOUR MASTER MODELS FROM THE MOVIES

Here is some eye candy for you - four nicely made model-show stars, featuring well-known subjects from the cinema and TV. From the top:

The Ghostbusters Cadillac, based on the long-wheelbase ambulance version of the gorgeous yank-tank original. This model is to 1:24 scale, and is missing only a wailing siren and some oozing ectoplasm. At upgrade time, it could be improved by adding a set of flashing LEDs, and maybe a multi-voice sound chip.

Everyone’s favourite peacekeeper, the star of Robocop. The movie franchise may have died a little in recent years, but it’s still a popular subject. This one is to 1:6 scale, and comes on a nicely made piece of future-city paving.

Star Wars is a hardy perennial, and one that’s been given yet another boost since the release of the recent anime series. The various ‘walker’ combat machines are still state-of-the-art on the model-making scene, and don’t forget the AT-AT walkers from The Empire Strikes Back - we’ll be showing off our post-war civilian version soon.

To the small screen now, with a Gerry Anderson TV series called Captain Scarlet - and flying these Angel Interceptor skycraft were the prettiest* pilots ever seen, the Harmony Angels. Just one thing - the Interceptor might look better on a more modern stand - how about perspex or steel?

* Editor's note: not quite true - that honour presently belongs to the Russian gals flying aerobatics for real in their Sukhoi single-seaters, at air shows around the world.

FAB FIVE: DINKY TOYS WE LOVE

We’ve all got our favourite models, and this Dinky Toys Fab Five is the first of a series that will span the whole world of scale miniatures, from diecasts to plastic kits. So, here we go - Mr J’s nostalgic starter quintet from Dinky’s ‘Golden Era’:

1 Euclid Dump Truck
A bright yellow ‘Tonka Toy’ type of offering, long before TTs became a household name. Like its namesake, tough as old boots, and ideal for hard work in the sandpit.
2 Cadillac convertible
My dear old Mum loved big Yanks, and so do I. Mine was in powder-puff blue, with red upholstery.
3 Carrimore Car Transporter
The box showed several same-colour Austin Somerset cars being driven aboard - all I had was a ramshackle mixture of dented vehicles. Nice offering, though let down somewhat by the tinplate ramp for loading the top deck, and soon outclassed by Corgi’s superior offering.
4 Bedford Duple Observation Coach
I lost my copy of this on a beach ‘somewhere in Cornwall’. Had to wait until my 40s before replacing it! I’ve never seen one in the flesh, though it had the same appeal as the panoramic ‘dome cars’ on US railroads.
5 Mighty Antar Tank Transporter
I loved my Centurion tank, and the Mighty Antar became a necessity when warfare broke out in the back garden. Beautifully made and still in good condition. These days, I’d probably go for a US Dragon Wagon, from the same era.

Right, that’s my starter Fab Five set - any choices out there?