Micro Models

I recently expanded the models I restore and modify to include Micro Models. Between 1952 and 1961 Goodwood (Australia ) Productions made a range of diecast scale model cars which documented the Australia car manufacturing industry. They were 1:43 scale and models included Holden Sedans, Panel Vans and Utes along with a Vanguards Wagon, Vauxhall cars and many others. Production ceased when the company could no longer compete with Dinky and Corgi.
Since then various New Zealand companies have manufactured them with Micro Models of Christchurch commencing production in the 90's. I am not sure if they are still sold commercially at present. In the early 80's a Perth company produced plastic kit versions of the FJ Holden.
I managed to obtain some diecast models from a gentleman in New Zealand and they are available on Ebay from time to time. Naturally some models are rarer than others and the FJ Holdens are the easiest to find. Other models include a VW Wagon, a Morris Fire truck, International trucks with different cargo's, a Bedford Coach, an MGA, a Jaguar sports car, a Ford Mainlien Ute and a Ford V8 truck to name a few.
Photos of a Jaguar and a Mainline before and after. The models came without wheels and tyres and I sourced some wheels which suit them fine. The Mainline does not come with an interior so I added one.





I communicate regularly with the gentleman in New Zealand as he too is an avid Micro Models collector and reseller. In future blogs I intend to include some of his creations along with others I am doing. We hope to display as many of their models we can locate.

A recent modification- Corgi Plymouth Suburban

Here is a recent modification to a Corgi Plymouth Suburban wagon which was in quite a bad way. I decided to turn it into a Sedan with a Continental kit. Also changed the wheels to something more appropriate.

George Barris Inspirations

You may have gleaned if I have not already said it that I am a fan of American cars especially those built in the 60’s. So when my brother in law ( himself a classic American car fanatic) gave me a book named “Barris. Kustoms of the 1960’s” it was only a matter of time before I was inspired to modify and customize some models in his tradition.

He was and some say still is the master of Custom vehicles and even though there are many fantastic custom builders today Barris seemed to be the pioneer in his craft. Some of his creations were ahead of their time and there are still some held by private collectors possibly worth big money if in good condition.

George Barris was commissioned by Ford, Chrysler and other manufacturers along with some film stars to design and custom build vehicles.

The models I have chosen to customize based on Barris’s designs are as similar as I could get them being practical with what you can do with a 1:43 scale model. They are still noticeably Barris and take pride of place in my collection. What is even more pleasing is that most of the models I commenced with were in very poor condition or in some cases were cheap toys that were not all that attractive to start with. In the case of the Hot Rods I have created my own but the initial idea to do some came after reading the book.

In each case I have included a before and after photo of the model.

A 1963 Dinky Buick Riviera before

Transformed into this

Another view

A Sabra 1967 Cadillac El Dorado

I had a few damaged shells of this model which I used for the next two conversions

I used a chameleon paint which shows as teal/purple in different light.

Shows the variation in colour.

A Station Wagon created from a sedan

Rear view

A cheap no name model. I had two which I used for these conversions.

Gallery of Modifications - Code 3

Further to my blog on modifications here are some photos of other modifications not already shown: Again I have included a before photo to give you an idea of what has been done.

Sabra Ford GT 40

Trax Holden Monaro

Trax HoldenFJ Van

Dinky Ford Fordor

Dinky Hudson Commodore

Diecast Modifications - Code 3

During the process of restoring Dinky, Corgi and Sabra models it was clear that the natural progression from here was to modify some of these models to a form that made them unique from the manufacturers model not just in colour or minor enhancements such as wheels. The modification needed to be in sympathy with the original model, almost as part of a series that could have been built. The easiest decision as what to create was a model of a real life equivalent of the same make, should there have been one, which the model maker had not manufactured. For example the model may have had a coupe and a sedan version in real life but the model only came as a sedan.

If a coupe did not exist in real life then creating one was the next option. Again if the end result was in sympathy with the original makers models then it was worthwhile. After all in real life such modifications are undertaken with some stunning results.

Once this modification process started it was hard to stop. Some ended up better than others but it seemed you are only limited by your imagination and obviously your model making skill.

Sedans modified to Coupes, Convertibles, Pickups and Wagons were the obvious transition. The occasional stretch limousine using two models. Enhanced by different wheels and a range of paint options these modifications added a different dimension o my collection.

There were a few clear favourites. Dinky Fairlane 148, Dinky Hudson Commodore 139b and Dinky Ford Fordor 139a are the three that come to mind and I now have a series of each ranging from a restored to original version to restored non original and modified. The Sabra El Dorado is another I have used as I was fortunate to purchase quite a number of damaged models.

Others modified include Corgi Chevrolet Impala 220’s and Dinky’s Plymouth Woody.

I have also created a series of the Trax Monaro from a number of unpainted models that appeared on Ebay. They may have been factory rejects but they served the purpose. Getting a whole model which I did not have to strip was too hard to resist. Mind you the Monaro’s produced by Trax are all exceptional models so only minor modifications were necessary.

I guess all these models would be classified Code 3 models which I understand is meant to ensure viewers are put on notice these are not models made by the original manufacturer. In no way are any of these modified or non original models intended to be passed off as original.

All of the modifications I have undertaken are one off’s and created for my collection and enjoyment. They are not for the purist or even serious collectors of original or near original models from these manufacturers. In fact I am merely using the casting as my base to work with. Many of them are fantasies and in many instances I have not cared if there was such a vehicle or brand that I might have applied. As said previously when 1:1 sized vehicles and trucks are customised in real life they still can be enjoyed and valued regardless of how different they may look from the original. I believe theres a place for both in a collection.

I have not yet done two modifications of the same model. All the modifications while thought through were built ad hoc and even if I did another it is likely there will be differences.

I have included some before and after photos’s. I will also create a gallery of each of the series of models mentioned above to allow a visual of each group and to demostrate the reality and the fantasy.
















Corgi Chevrolet Impala 220 modified to a Pickup (Known as Utes in Australia)




















Dinky Fairlane 148 modified to a Hearse complete with coffin.




















Dinky Ford Fordor 139a modified to a Coupe and interior added.
















Dinky Hudson Commodore 139b modified to a Coupe done in a more traditional look. Interior added along with sun visor.




















Corgi Plymouth Suburban Wagon modified to a Pickup.




















Sabra Cadillac El Dorado (see first picture for an example of an original version) modied to a stretch limousine. complete with dual rear seats facing each other and divider between driver and passenger sections.
















Dinky Plymouth Woody modified to a Pickup . Amount of wood pannelling reduced but real wood veneer inserts added.