1/43 Niva - Russian diecast perfection!

[Faust]

My love of the odd and eclectic doesn’t just confine itself to building loser cars and weird airplanes. No, it goes much further than that, and is increasingly finding an outlet in terms of die cast replicas. Now, I know that there are all kinds of impressive large-scale cars out there, but not only are they big, they’re also expensive and rarely weird.

No, I’m more into things like Hot Wheels J2000s and Yatming Vegas to bother with the normal stuff. One thing, I’ve found, though, is that the Russians make darned good, almost impeccably good, 1/43 die cast cars. These are right on part with Franklin Mint issues, with good interiors, engines and chassis, as well as lots of opening doors. One of the most deluxe I’ve found is actually a car most of us will recognize: the much loved/maligned NIVA!

I picked this up a while ago at a toy show, and couldn’t resist. While it’s not a model you build, it’s certainly as well detailed as many 1/32 or even 1/25 cars (depending on the kit). Check it out, and then tell me you’re not impressed!

https://adamrehorn.wordpress.com/cool-stuff/1-43-tantal-lada-2121-niva-with-skif-trailer/

[Lovefordgalaxie]

Have a couple of this model Vaz-2121 Niva. One is red, and the other is light blue like yours. 

Also have many others. All very well detailed. 

A few: 

GAZ-3102 Volga, with four opening doors, plus opening hood and trunk. 1:43

VAZ-2105, with four opening doors, hood and trunk. 1:43

Moskvich 408 Moscow Taxi, with opening hood. 1:43

Moskvich 427 Avtoexport edition, with opening hood. 1:43

VAZ- 2101 rally car, Avtoexport edition. 1:43

VAZ-2102 with opening doors, hood, and a very fine roof rack. 1:43

And many, many other Soviet models.

In fact 99% of my die cast cars are Soviet models, and actually made in CCCP

 

[Faust]

Yeah, they're really quite amazing!

I have yet to write them up, but I have a station wagon in two tone brown, that's an Aeroflot "Follow Me" car. I think it might be a Volga. Great, great model. I also have an ambulance and two versions of the passenger van; I think it's a DAF, but not like the Dutch one.  I think that's what it's called.

I don't have many of these things, but I'm always glad for the ones I do have. My brother has a limo that looks like a '56 Packard; it's a Zil, I think. I believe the model of car is a Chaika (gull, correct?). 

So awesome - it blows every other diecast I've seen away. 

[Lovefordgalaxie]

1 hour ago, Faust said:

 

I don't have many of these things, but I'm always glad for the ones I do have. My brother has a limo that looks like a '56 Packard; it's a Zil, I think. I believe the model of car is a Chaika (gull, correct?). 

 

Yes, it's the seagull (Chaika) but not a ZIL. Chaikas were made by GAZ. The one you are talking about is the GAZ Chaika 13. it's successor is the GAZ Chaika 14, that I think to be extremely handsome. Very beautiful car. The car I dream about owning in 1:1 scale is the GAZ M21 Volga. IST is offering a 1:24 scale model of her. Can't wait to get one. 

The GAz Chaika 14:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoYKnqutLSQ

The GAZ M21 Volga:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gHGIY1Q-yU

Another great IST model, this time in 1:18 scale is the VAZ-2101. I have one in red. Have a real soft spot for Ladas, as I had a VAZ-2104. It's the car I owned I retreat the most having sold.