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Monday, September 21, 2009
Gallery - Restorations Original colours
Some photos of additional Dinky's and Corgi's restored to as close to original as I could get. If there are variations then by all means point them out but all paint has been copied from photos rather than paint off actual models
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Monday, September 14, 2009
Diecast Car Restorations - Non Original
Corgi Aston Martin
While restoring ( to as close to their original state as possible ) quite a number of Dinky and Corgi models bought in varying conditions of disrepair, it became apparent that most collectors devalued restored models preferring models still in original albeit average condition. Some of the diecast models I purchased and began restoring were in fact seemingly still seen as collectable and worth more till I took them apart and “upgraded” them. I certainly would not display the models as I received them so I had no problem in working on them.
There are a number of collectors who still value professionally restored Dinky and Corgi models as many mint condition originals are at prohibitive prices. If they wished to display rare models they could get professional restorers to provide them using models in poor condition as the base at a more affordable price. Naturally buying restored models without knowing their origin was a recipe for disappointment. This is not to say that hobby restorers are not capable of doing a “professional” job.
This, however, made me more selective about which models I would restore back to original. They would have to be models I liked and wanted to have in my collection. It was clear that many collectors did not display their models. It was more a “business” whereas for me it was a hobby.
The one thing that impressed me with these wonderful toys was that the castings were excellent and very representative of the real life vehicles. It struck me that as I was enjoying this pursuit that instead of concentrating on restoring models back to their original colours that I should use any colours that struck my fancy. After all when restoring real vehicles many people used custom colours with good results. The bulk of my diecast restorations began to be Dinkys’ and Corgis’ in “unique” colours.
It was clear that it was essential to retain the original wheels and axles on these toys if you were restoring them to original condition. If not, however, the addition of custom wheels while adding to the cost certainly enhanced some of the models even further.
One other brand that restored well was Sabra (made in Israel). Getting parts is the problem as I have not found replacement parts for these models. Consequently availability of models in poor condition that did not require parts was difficult. Nevertheless, they occasionally were available and I began storing some of these as well. Again they were only for customising. I kept my eye open for any brand that would present well when customised but was available at a reasonable price. A couple of other brands I have used are Lone Star and Trax ( an Australian collectible model, not a toy ).
I have included before and after photos of models I have restored in non original colours and or have enhanced with different wheels as well.
Corgi Buick Riviera
There are a number of collectors who still value professionally restored Dinky and Corgi models as many mint condition originals are at prohibitive prices. If they wished to display rare models they could get professional restorers to provide them using models in poor condition as the base at a more affordable price. Naturally buying restored models without knowing their origin was a recipe for disappointment. This is not to say that hobby restorers are not capable of doing a “professional” job.
This, however, made me more selective about which models I would restore back to original. They would have to be models I liked and wanted to have in my collection. It was clear that many collectors did not display their models. It was more a “business” whereas for me it was a hobby.
The one thing that impressed me with these wonderful toys was that the castings were excellent and very representative of the real life vehicles. It struck me that as I was enjoying this pursuit that instead of concentrating on restoring models back to their original colours that I should use any colours that struck my fancy. After all when restoring real vehicles many people used custom colours with good results. The bulk of my diecast restorations began to be Dinkys’ and Corgis’ in “unique” colours.
It was clear that it was essential to retain the original wheels and axles on these toys if you were restoring them to original condition. If not, however, the addition of custom wheels while adding to the cost certainly enhanced some of the models even further.
One other brand that restored well was Sabra (made in Israel). Getting parts is the problem as I have not found replacement parts for these models. Consequently availability of models in poor condition that did not require parts was difficult. Nevertheless, they occasionally were available and I began storing some of these as well. Again they were only for customising. I kept my eye open for any brand that would present well when customised but was available at a reasonable price. A couple of other brands I have used are Lone Star and Trax ( an Australian collectible model, not a toy ).
I have included before and after photos of models I have restored in non original colours and or have enhanced with different wheels as well.
Corgi Buick Riviera
Dinky Riley
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Diecast Car Restorations - Original
Having built up a stock of Dinky and Corgi models that were in poor condition it was time to commence restoring some of these models. A trip to the hobby shop allowed the purchase of the wide range of spray cans and enamel paints to begin. It became obvious that if I wanted to get colours as close to original Dinky and Corgi colours I would have to start mixing as well.
I decided to talk to an automotive paint shop and in doing so gained a great deal of valuable information. I purchased the basic colours as well as have them mix a few for me which was no more expensive than buying from the hobby shops.
I purchased a cheap airbrush and began experimenting with paint on bits of scrap metal. The etch primer and primer filler I had bought from the automotive paint shop as well.
The next task was taking the models apart. I had a drill press which was invaluable for this process. I determined when they went back together I would try and rivet them back so a rivet tool and some small rivets were also purchased.
Finally the paint had to be stripped and even now this is the most arduous task of restoring models. Nevertheless it is essential and a good quality paint stripper, a pair of rubber gloves and a toothbrush gets 90 % of the paint off. Hard to get places need a wire brush on a Dremel and other pointed tools to get a 100% stripped model.
I was now ready other than having parts such as windscreens and other bits that either get damaged or are already damaged when the model is purchased. It did not take long to come across Steve Flowers website www.model-supplies.co.uk/and I was amazed what was available. It also told me that there must be a large number of people like me out there enjoying this past time.
During the next few months I avidly began restoring models. Some I hand polished and others I used a clear gloss spray to finish. I hand painted the grills and bumpers and often got caught up doing more detail than the original model seemed to have. Again I needed a reference for such detail and came across one that has proved invaluable. http://www.diecast.plus.com/
I decided to talk to an automotive paint shop and in doing so gained a great deal of valuable information. I purchased the basic colours as well as have them mix a few for me which was no more expensive than buying from the hobby shops.
I purchased a cheap airbrush and began experimenting with paint on bits of scrap metal. The etch primer and primer filler I had bought from the automotive paint shop as well.
The next task was taking the models apart. I had a drill press which was invaluable for this process. I determined when they went back together I would try and rivet them back so a rivet tool and some small rivets were also purchased.
Finally the paint had to be stripped and even now this is the most arduous task of restoring models. Nevertheless it is essential and a good quality paint stripper, a pair of rubber gloves and a toothbrush gets 90 % of the paint off. Hard to get places need a wire brush on a Dremel and other pointed tools to get a 100% stripped model.
I was now ready other than having parts such as windscreens and other bits that either get damaged or are already damaged when the model is purchased. It did not take long to come across Steve Flowers website www.model-supplies.co.uk/and I was amazed what was available. It also told me that there must be a large number of people like me out there enjoying this past time.
During the next few months I avidly began restoring models. Some I hand polished and others I used a clear gloss spray to finish. I hand painted the grills and bumpers and often got caught up doing more detail than the original model seemed to have. Again I needed a reference for such detail and came across one that has proved invaluable. http://www.diecast.plus.com/
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