Matchbox 1/32 kits

[Jocache83]

Hey all, i recently went to the Pomona swap meet in So Cal and there were tons of people there. When i was there i got this; Matchbox Tyrrell P34/2. Has anyone built this kits? and know how valuable or worth are they? i know this is a repoduction.

thanks,

Joel

[Jim Gibbons]

I haven't built this particular kit, but I did build (partially) their 1/32 Porsche 917 CanAm model, and have an Auto Union Type C in the stash. These are neat kits, but with 1/32 being a bit of an oddball scale-wise, I don't think they're ever going to get big $ as a collectible. I say build it and enjoy it. The only thing that's keeping me from finishing the 917 is the decals. They are of the L&M sponsored car. I built quite a number of Matchbox aircraft kits in the '70s, and the decals on every one of those planes eventually lifted or flaked off. I had even gone as far as brushing on Microscale gloss to seal them (big mistake; the formula from the '70s yellows faster than a nicotine addicts teeth!) and even that didn't help. When I do apply the decals on the 917, I may brush some diluted white glue where the decals go to improve adhesion. Another possibility is that I'll scan them, then print new ones on decal paper. You might consider that as a backup.

Edited April 18, 2011 by Jim Gibbons

[RancheroSteve]

Jim, I've also got a couple of those 917s and the Auto Union kit, unbuilt as yet, but they do look like they'll go together well. I was able to find some very affordable repro decals on Ebay just a couple of months ago.

[Jocache83]

thanks for your replays. glad to see other people have them.. the decal issue is what im worried. i chatted about it on the chat room and was told to clear coat them with tamiya. i decided to build it and want to get another 1/32 kit. i really want to get a auto union kit like what you guys have. are u guys willing to let yours go? if so im interested, if not i understand

[Jim Gibbons]

thanks for your replays. glad to see other people have them.. the decal issue is what im worried. i chatted about it on the chat room and was told to clear coat them with tamiya. i decided to build it and want to get another 1/32 kit. i really want to get a auto union kit like what you guys have. are u guys willing to let yours go? if so im interested, if not i understand

Sorry, but I can't part with mine. It shouldn't be too hard to find one; Revell Germany purchased some of the old Matchbox molds, and issued the Auto Union again several years ago. From what I understand, the Herb Deeks photoetched wire wheels work well with this kit.

[Jim Gibbons]

Jim, I've also got a couple of those 917s and the Auto Union kit, unbuilt as yet, but they do look like they'll go together well. I was able to find some very affordable repro decals on Ebay just a couple of months ago.

Very cool, Steve. I'll have to do a search on that. If you have the vendor's Ebay info, I'd appreciate it. The Auto Union is not much of an issue; heck, with some careful cutting on a red decal sheet, good results could be had. The 917 is another story.

[Jim Gibbons]

thanks for your replays. glad to see other people have them.. the decal issue is what im worried. i chatted about it on the chat room and was told to clear coat them with tamiya. i decided to build it and want to get another 1/32 kit. i really want to get a auto union kit like what you guys have. are u guys willing to let yours go? if so im interested, if not i understand

Clear coating the decals will help seal them, but from my experience, it was an issue of very poor adhesive. As I mentioned before, I'd suggest applying some thinned white glue to the areas that will have decals. I'm sure that some of your decals are printed in white, so scanning/printing won't help you. You might start a thread on old decal suggestions, especially when it comes to adhesion. I'm far from an expert in the matter.

[RancheroSteve]

Very cool, Steve. I'll have to do a search on that. If you have the vendor's Ebay info, I'd appreciate it. The Auto Union is not much of an issue; heck, with some careful cutting on a red decal sheet, good results could be had. The 917 is another story.

Jim, the vendor goes by "storensell" on Ebay. Doesn't look like he's got any 917 decals up right now, but it wouldn't hurt to ask.

[Modelmartin]

I built the Tyrell at least 20 years ago and still have it. The decals are fine. It was a pleasant kit to build and looks good. I like 1/32 kits and have a fair number of them but it is not popular. The Matchbox kits are pretty fun. I built the Rolls Royce Phantom and the Auto Union. With better wire wheels and tires the Auto Union is a gem. The detail is excellen, even better than most 1/24th kits.

[935k3]

Try using Future under decals it's thinner and easier to clean up. Cleanup with ammonia when dry. If it's a smaller decal just hold the decal with tweezers and use Q-Tip wet with future across the back before application. This works especially well when decals have to applied to windows(like drivers names on rally cars) as decals do not stick well to bare bare plastic.

Edited April 19, 2011 by 935k3

[rick6343]

I've been intrigued by these kits, but haven't been able to get one for the right price.

I believe decals can be had for some of them (including the 917) from indycals.net. Just be sure to specify the scale.

[Jocache83]

I believe decals can be had for some of them (including the 917) from indycals.net. Just be sure to specify the scale.

indycals.net had the decals for my kit so im purchasing them, dont want to chance it. also they had the 917 decals too;

http://www.indycals.net/decals/canam/72penskeporsche.html

thanks for the link rick

[simonr]

Any pictures of 20 years old build?..This is my current project, but, a high detailed 1/43 Tameo version.

Simón P. Rivera Torres

I built the Tyrell at least 20 years ago and still have it. The decals are fine. It was a pleasant kit to build and looks good. I like 1/32 kits and have a fair number of them but it is not popular. The Matchbox kits are pretty fun. I built the Rolls Royce Phantom and the Auto Union. With better wire wheels and tires the Auto Union is a gem. The detail is excellen, even better than most 1/24th kits.

[bigphoto]

decal help: http://members.optusnet.com.au/pattosplace/home.html

[Jim Gibbons]

Thanks for the decal information, folks; I think I'll order the 917 set.

[Jocache83]

just won this auto union type d kit. payed more than i wanted to, but wanted to make sure i win this kit.

Joel

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230608801984&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

[RancheroSteve]

Thanks for the decal information, folks; I think I'll order the 917 set.

Glad Indycals had what you needed. I forgot to mention that I got two sets from my source, the L&M and the Brumos, which was perfect for me because I have two 917s.

[RancheroSteve]

just won this auto union type d kit. payed more than i wanted to, but wanted to make sure i win this kit.

Joel

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230608801984&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

That may not be a steal, but that's actually a decent and reasonable price for that kit.