The Fine Print

Another wonder to look at with miniature cars, particularly race cars, is their livery.  The title of this post: "Fine Print" simply defines the subject as exemplified above.  What you see is one of the many renditions of AUTOart's 1:43 scale model of the Subaru Impreza World Rally Championship (WRC) cars.

Normally, for any letter smaller than what the average 20/20 vision can read means it should be difficult to print on any kind of medium (i.e. paper, metal, wood, plastic, etc.).  But an expert in scale model manufacturing will find no problem doing so.  The fact that you're reading this article I've written (assuming you're not in full zoom or magnification) is nothing compared to the very minute typograph found in this model car -- I would say that one of the tiniest type marked in this model should be around 1 to 2 points (unit of font size used on word processing computer programmes), perhaps even less.  If you click on one of the two images of this awesome little blue car, you should be able to read the names "P. Solberg, P. Mills" underneath the side mirrors of the car.

There's currently two methods of applying race liveries to miniature model cars.  One of them is water slide decal application, the other one -- which is by far more expensive in the process, but up a huge notch in terms of quality and craftsmanship, is called tampo printing. 

The first one is simple, a digital image of the race livery is printed on very thin sheet of film.  This film becomes soft and slippery upon water application.  The film lets go from its paper base (much like you would with a sticker decal) and then the craftsman "slides" the decal into position.  It is by far easier in terms of the use of lesser mechanical application, and an expert hand is all that's needed.  The disadvantage of this is that, being a "decal" the race livery appears "thicker" than the base paint of the model itself simply because the decal is a different material applied on top of the base paint.  Second, the decal withers overtime as it dries up and age can also take its toll causing the decal to crack, chip, or peel off.

The second one is far more complex.  The digital image of the race livery is digitally and mechanically printed on a soft rubber ball called a "tampo", much like someone would print a pattern on a rubber stamp.  Paint on the other hand is applied on a steel plate first where the tampo would press paint on the pattern.  Once the tampo has received enough paint, the model car is placed into position and the tampo will press on the section of the model where the exact position of a particular detail is applied.

For the example above, the Subaru logos, the race numbers, names, sponsorship brands, etc. are separate tampo applications.  Each tampo is patterned separately which makes manufacture of such a model car more expensive than those using slide decals.  For the price of a model with tampo printed liveries you get the best of craftsmanship and quality.  The tampo printed race livery is smoother, sharper, does not wither, peel, or crack overtime, and best of all, it does not exhibit "thickness" unlike slide decals that are printed on film, tampo printing uses paint which is applied directly on the model car.

The rear window buttresses exhibit a huge number of minute brand named sponsorship decals.

Detailing Wonder

AUTOart is one famous brand when it comes to the manufacture of medium-to-high-end range of model cars.  Better known for their 1:18 models, AUTOart seldom considers the manufacture of 1:43 models -- but when they do, they give it their best effort.  One example here is the BMW M3 E30 Sport Evolution.

The BMW M3 was originally manufactured by the said automotive company with the sole purpose of homologating the car for touring car racing.  The car was an instant success when the car came out and became a very desireable classic today.

One of the highlights of this car is its engine.  Powerful, robust, reliable, and an exhaust note one is sure to love from a four cylinder naturally aspirated engine.  No wonder even a standard coupe version will never be an M3 even if you fake it with the "M" badge on the trunk, it will not be a motorsport special unless it has the associated engine.

So what then is a model car manufacturer, such as AUTOart, going to do to "commemorate" this engine in their 1:43 miniature version?  Replicate its physical appearance, of course!  And that my friend is the highlight of this model.  It has an opening hood and underneath it reveals the gem of the BMW M3 E30...

The minute engine is fitted in this tiny 1.25 x 1.00 inch space.

Astonishing that it even includes it's own hood prop!

Miniature Wonder

One of the best methods to differentiate a toy car from an adult collectible model car is to actually refer to "someone" that is actually involved in the manufacture of both.  And for that, the best example would be no other than Mattel -- the world famous manufacturer of Hotwheels die-cast toy cars.  You've seen their based-on-real-world-toy-cars, to the fictitious-creation-of-the-wild-mind-toy-cars which fit perfectly for play.  And by play, I mean alot of dashing, sprinting, and crashing along.

Years later, Hotwheels ventured into model car building with primary focus on the serious adult collector.  Unfortunately, being the toy maker they've always been, the introduction wasn't exactly the most pleasing.  The first impression has always been "once a toy builder, always a toy builder" to be heard of Mattel everytime they introduced a "model" -- which turned out "not".

Came the departure of 2010 and the arrival of 2011, Mattel introduced a few of their improved, perhaps "remastered" creations thru the subject medium Ferrari.  For the year that came, the 599 XX, 599 GTO, and 458 Italia were hotly anticipated models because they were simply the latest Ferraris to come out of the famous Italian supercar maker.  It is so proper for Mattel upping their game since Ferrari was raising theirs.

Having learned a hard lesson from the criticism of serious adult collectors, the toy-maker has matured, and finally Mattel can say they know how to build toy cars as well as craft out model cars and see proper significant difference.

Above is an example of one of the most controversial V8 engine berlinettas to come out of Ferrari --  the 458 Italia.  You're probably skeptical of thinking that Mattel will build a model of utmost scrutiny to detail and quality?  Well, they actually did.

At 1:43rd scale, you're looking at a very exquisite model that is merely five inches long and fits the palm of your hand.  Along with skillful photography by yours trully, we can see the excellent work of Mattel combined altogether to build a miniature model even the hardcore of Ferrari die-cast-collector-of-a-fan can find satisfaction with.

 

The Die-cast Model Car

The term die-cast refers to the method of forming metal into desired shapes by pouring liquefied metal into molds.  While the mold can vary depending on the end product the manufacturer wishes, this then brought toy cars no exception.  It's almost instantaneous that the word die-cast metal cars simply remind the masses that these are just "toy cars".

But then the use of the method isn't exactly exclusive to just building toy cars.  It is against my own will to compare the kind of die-cast cars I have in mind to the toy cars children would normally play with to the point that they are just discarded or given out to charity when they grow tired of them. Craftsmanship quality, astonishing details, artistic impressionism and realism is what define the "car" I wish to introduce.  To put it properly, these are actually called model cars.

Model cars are even referred to as automotive memorabilia.  For the enthusiast, this is one of the closest things to possess the most exclusive automobiles known to man.  Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche to name just a few...  Very common manufacturer names, but only the most desireable cars have left their assembly line.

As a model car, it is indeed smaller than their life-sized counterparts.  In fact, you can put one atop your desk.  For those seeking artform in these models, there's astonishing detail one can be entertained from.  The details are so immense, it makes you wonder the kind of talent the people who made them have.  In fact, if the car in itself is a beauty, then having a model car on your desk is like having a painting on your wall.

The photo above you is a sample of one of the many model cars ever made.  At first glance, realism is the first thing in mind.  For those not familiar in model cars, one is surely to be deceived, to mistake the model car for the real one. 

This is what defines a model car from a toy car...
This is the kind of die-cast cars I am going to talk about...