New Diecast Models

[Alexander]

If some of you don't know, there are some nice diecast models of the Squarebird available. Sun Star makes a 1:18 scale 1960 Thunderbird in white with a red interior or red with a tan interior. For about $26 it is very good display model.

http://www.squarebirds.org/images_1960_1-18diecast/1960convert_sunstar_34.jpg

The real show stopper is the 1:24 scale 1958 Thunderbird from Danbury Mint. This model costs $115 but is an absolute jewel. The detailing is incredible.

http://www.squarebirds.org/images_1958_1-24diecast/1958-thunderbird-sinclair-g.jpg

For more information and pictures on these models visit: http://www.squarebirds.org/diecast.htm

Alexander
1959 Hardtop
1960 Golde Top

[dgs]

RE: New Diecast Models

Actually, that Sunstar is available in both black and white, but the black is tan interior only and the white is red only. I got one of each, took them apart & swapped the insides to made a black with red interior to match my car. (I sold the white/tan one to someone on the squarebirds yahoo group.) Looks pretty good, with only the visors and a couple spots on the floor still tan. A little flat red model paint will fix that eventually. I'll try to post a picture or two if I can get one taken.

There's something off about the front bumper, but I agree for the porice it's a pretty darn good model. It can be displayed with and without the continental kit.

[77sunset]

RE: New Diecast Models

I agree that, for the price, the sunstar 1960 is a very nice model. I do wish that the 2-tone interiors could have been done with the correct vinyl button pattern instead of the solid leather pattern. The front bumper/grille is also a little too flat (i.e. doesn't project out from the centre far enough). Sunstar is also supposed to put out 2 hardtops this year in yellow and white. Besides the 1958 thunderbird convertible that danbury mint has put out they also produced a gorgeous '59 hardtop in tahitian bronze with colonial white roof.

[Alexander]

RE: New Diecast Models

Danbury Mint is making a 1959 Hard
Top? I did not see that on their site. Do you have a picture or a link?

Alexander
1959 Hardtop
1960 Golde Top

[Alexander]

RE: New Diecast Models

I have found it. It is beautiful. How come it is not on the Danbury Mint site?

http://www.jsssoftware.com/images/models/dm/715-003.jpg

http://www.jsssoftware.com/asp/preview_diecast.asp?PartNum=715-003

Alexander
1959 Hardtop
1960 Golde Top

[77sunset]

RE: New Diecast Models

Alexander, I thought that would get your attention....
The website is www.diecast.org. Just go into "view list and reviews" and select danbury 1/24. The model could be hard to get since they say it is in limited production.

[Alexander]

RE: New Diecast Models

http://www.diecast.org/diecast98/html/asp/list_reviews/xq/ASP/id.1437/qx/reviewpix.htm

Beautiful model. If I understand the review, the car has the 430 engine. If so, there should be no chrome dress up kit.

The power brake system on 1958 and 1959 are identical. I do not know what differences the reviewer saw.

The outside mirror position on that model is wrong for any Squarebird. The driver will find the mirror in that position is unusable due the A-pillar.

Alexander
1959 Hardtop
1960 Golde Top

[77sunset]

RE: New Diecast Models

Alex, regarding the 430 engine, I believe the reviewer was just commenting on new options available on the '59. I don't think the model is a 430 because I believe the 430 has an extension on the air cleaner which the model doesn't have.

[77sunset]

RE: New Diecast Models

Alex, you brought up a very interesting point on the exterior rear-view mirror. All the ads and road tests I have on the '58 show the driver exterior mirror (when there is one!) mounted on the fender. For '59 all the ads and roadtests (except 1 ad - the ski scene) show the mirror mounted on the door (like the dm model). For '60, half are on the door and half are on the fender.....go figure....

[Alexander]

RE: New Diecast Models

Mounting the mirror on Squarebird comes down to a choice: do I want to be able to see the mirror without twisting my torso or neck or would I rather not need to step out of the car to adjust my mirror. You are right the mirrors in the ads and brochures are in various locations. I have not looked at them to see the trend as you have. Good scientific work on your part.

I think the adjust-o-ring mirror may have been developed to address the problem of the location of the mirror on the fender. Since it is so difficult to set the mirror, you do not want it to go out of adjustment. The ring around the head prevents a person walking besides the car from accidentally bumping the mirror head and also protects it from misadjustment from automatic car washes.

I have seen the mirrors in all sorts of locations on the cars. Someday I might see one on the rear tail fin!

The mirror problem is why I love my spotlight/mirror combination. You can see the mirror and adjust it from the inside, even while driving.

Alexander
1959 Hardtop
1960 Golde Top

[77sunset]

RE: New Diecast Models

Here's the latest on squarebird diecast models: Sunstar's 1/18th 1960 hardtop is now available in white and yellow. Danbury mint has recently released another 1/24th squarebird model (and you should like this Alex)it's a 1960 sunroof (the sunroof is operational too!)

[Alexander]

RE: New Diecast Models

I got the brochure for the Red 1960 Golde Top. It is a must have.

Alexander
1959 Hardtop
1960 Golde Top

[roadpatrol]

RE: New Diecast Models

Speaking of mirrors I installed a right hand mirror on my car, since I drive a truck for a living it just seems unnatural to drive with only one mirror. I put a picture on my site if anyone wants to see it. Do any of those places sell black 60 hardtop dieasts?

http://squarebirds.org/users/roadpatrol/

Rick
60 Hardtop
Front Brakes
12.6 Volts

[Alexander]

RE: New Diecast Models

Sun Star makes a black convertible. Initially they had made just convertibles., but recently they released hardtops in white and yellow. Maybe black will be a future hardtop release.

http://www.diecastmuscle.com/store/Makes/Ford/SS4313

Alexander
1959 Hardtop
1960 Golde Top

[Guest]

RE: New Diecast Models

Rick: Where did you get the right hand mirror?