[slartibartfast229]

I received a Minichamps 'resincast' Opel Commodore Spa 24 hours 1970 (the first such I bought by Minichamps), and it arrived with 2 broken spotlights and a missing side window! This despite the fact that the packaging was undamaged in any way. Whoever packed this in China was well aware there were serious problems with the model before shipping.... QC looks to be non existent in the resin part of the operation. This is made even more odd in that I also bought two Minichamps Ford Escorts - an RS2000 and a Cossack RS1800 rally car. Both are in fine condition with no signs of problems. These models are of the 'older' traditional diecast - they have full opening parts.

 

[slartibartfast229]

An update on my problems with the Resincast Commodore. While waiting for a replacement side window I took the time to check out the rest of the model. At this point I noticed the top of the windscreen was loose, and that the black 'identifier' decals were lifting away with it. Careful application of black permanent marker solved the decal problem (it's just as well it was black - other colours may have caused far bigger problems) and some white/wood/pva glue around the windscreen frame, before pushing the 'screen back into place. When the side window arrived (kudos to CK-Modelcars who were very helpful in getting the replacement) I attempted to fit it using more pva glue only to have the exhaust fall off! I don't know which adhesive Minichamps use out east, but on this occasion it was useless. Since the exhaust was already in my hands, I took the opportunity to cut off and replace the outlet area with some suitable hollow plastic tube painted to match. It's all now back in one piece and I am satisfied with how it looks now. In case anyone is wondering, I thought that sending the faulty item would be a waste of time, since these things tend to be built in batches and would result in another model with similar problems. I did really want this version of the 1970 Steinmetz Commodore which is why I didn't give up on it and send it back for a refund.

 

[slartibartfast229]

More curious issues with Minichamps. I received a 1:18 scale 1976 Cossack Escort - RAC rally winner today, and for some reason Minichamps chose not to include the very obvious roof aerial. Very odd omission and easily corrected. Also wrong are the mountings for the two bumper spotlights. The attempt by Minichamps is hopelessly inaccurate. So time to break out the strip styrene and make my own. On a more positive note - this version of the Cossack Escort is considerably better than the old Sun Star version, which uses a base model Escort which isn't really truly correct for any of the variations Sun Star have released so far.

 

[Craig]

I have a resin model from them, it's completely wrecked!

I'm going to send it back. It's a shame really, their resin models which come in the big Black boxes with the cobbled road effect bases are nice!

 

[slartibartfast229]

More curious issues with Minichamps. I received a 1:18 scale 1976 Cossack Escort - RAC rally winner today, and for some reason Minichamps chose not to include the very obvious roof aerial. Very odd omission and easily corrected. Also wrong are the mountings for the two bumper spotlights. The attempt by Minichamps is hopelessly inaccurate. So time to break out the strip styrene and make my own. On a more positive note - this version of the Cossack Escort is considerably better than the old Sun Star version, which uses a base model Escort which isn't really truly correct for any of the variations Sun Star have released so far.

I fitted a roof aerial and corrected the spotlight mountings. Curious that Minichamps had their old 1/43rd model done correctly - but seemingly didn't think to use it a s a reference for the 1/18th scale version.......
If it is permitted to upload photographs to this forum directly, I will post a couple now that the changes are finished.

 

[Craig]

The outer box was perfect, the car is still attached with the wires underneath too. BUT it was packed upside down in the box! It's supposely new, but I don't think Minichamps would do that!
Mine is well and truly wrecked, worst I've seen in a long time!

 

[slartibartfast229]

The outer box was perfect, the car is still attached with the wires underneath too. BUT it was packed upside down in the box! It's supposely new, but I don't think Minichamps would do that!
Mine is well and truly wrecked, worst I've seen in a long time!

So, like me, you suspect the people packing the models in the factory are well aware that they are ruining the reputation (!) that Minichamps used to have in allowing junked models to go through? The retailer I bought mine from in Germany said he passed on my complaints to Minichamps direct. It's now a matter for the company to kick some butt all along the supply chain. I will say though that in my case the problems are restricted to resin subjects. I've had several metal diecast models recently, and there have been no problems with them.
(Although see my comments about the accuracy of the Cossack Escort).....

 

[Craig]

In my opinion, there is no way the seller didn't know that it was completely trashed, you only had to pick the box up & you could hear the pieces moving about. My seller packed it properly, so I do not believe the damage occurred en route. How it was damaged, I do not know. But I do that I want my money back

 

[iluda1551]

Everyone should just stop buying them... Oh wait I forgot they have some exclusives...

 

[slartibartfast229]

In my opinion, there is no way the seller didn't know that it was completely trashed, you only had to pick the box up & you could hear the pieces moving about. My seller packed it properly, so I do not believe the damage occurred en route. How it was damaged, I do not know. But I do that I want my money back

My supplier could not have known about the problems - the side window wasn't never even glued in place at the factory. And there was no sign that it had been tampered with after initial packaging there. That is why I was patient with the dealer. Also the fact that I got it a significant discounted price......