Tintin collectors series

[Brian Austin]

There have been a few series of diecast cars in 1:43 and 1:24 based on vehicles seen in the Tintin books.  American and European subjects.

 

Note that these models are 3D interpretations of the book illustrations, and as such some models might look fairly realistic, while others are quite cartoonish and generic looking.  I don't have any myself, so I can't comment on scaling accuracy.  It should also be noted these aren't particularly cheap.  Some of these may also be out of production, I don't know.  The series has been running for years, it seems.  Posed figures are included, and some of the vehicles are dramatically (and rather dynamically) posed.  The beat-up 2CV is a hoot!

 

In this linked discussion, scroll down to the replies from 2021, then keep going for the rest of the thread.  Pictures of much of the range are posted  https://www.hobbytalk.com/threads/en-voiture-tintin-model-car-collection.213899/

 

More info and pictures:  https://www.tintin.com/en/news/5440/the-tintin-car-collection-continues-its-journey

 

I think my faves might be the '39 Lincoln Zephyr, '50s Buick and '47 Studebaker...

[Gramps46]

Thank you, Brian, for bringing up the TinTin series.  I have been watching those and have been tempted on a couple but have not seen enough pictures yet to make a decision.   The Jaguar sedans and the Sunbeam are of interest, but you are correct the eBay prices are not cheap especially with shipping added in.

[1959scudetto]

Attention, you serious modelers and collectors out there - I have also been tempted by the 1/24 TinTin series and ordered myself the Lancia Aurelia B20 coupé more than 2 years ago via ebay from France for about 50$ + shipping.

Whereas the original is one of the all-time classic GT cars, the model is a bad joke - I sold it off 2 years ago - but before I wrote a small description about this on the FerrariChat site and posted a few photos (in comparison with my excellent 1/24 Quattroruote/Hachette/Ixo  B24 spiders)

Here it is - FYI:

Unfortunately the Lancia B20 coupe scales out in most dimensions more to 1/22 scale than 1/24, and the wheelbase is also not correct for neither scale. I wanted to turn it into a Carrera Panamericana race car with Pattos decals but this would result in a lot of work: chopping the top, making the roof more round (is much too flat !) correcting the wheelbase and reworking the hood.

For a size comparison see my pic with Leo models' 1/24 B24 Spider!

 

A bad surprise came as soon as I disassembled it: there are no holes in the hood for fixing the guy but 2 metal tubes protruding from it which are cast with the body ! How silly is that? Moreover, I took some shots showing the difference in size compared with the wonderful Metro/Ixo Aurelia B 24 Spider from the Quattroruote series which has a perfectly proportioned body and is true to 1/24 scale, the coupè looks like a truck (this time both models without the base-plate) - final result: body needs a lot of work - interior is almost useless as are the generic wheels...
Don't say you have not been warned - I also took pics from the dasboard and the sparse interior as well as the bottom plate - but see yourself!

Edited April 2, 2022 by 1959scudetto

[Gramps46]

Thank you, kind Sir!  I think I just saved some money by not buying a caricature toy and not a model.

[1959scudetto]

51 minutes ago, Gramps46 said:

Thank you, kind Sir!  I think I just saved some money by not buying a caricature toy and not a model.

You're welcome,Gary - I was eagerly awaiting the Jaguar Mk X , but after the desaster with the Lancia I  thought to myself forget these !

[Gramps46]

The Jaguar MK X would have been my top choice too.  After reading above how these are 3D representations, I have a better understanding.

[keyser]

I recalled how disappointing the B20 was. B24 Spider stellar. 
Amilcar, Jag Mk 1 with full spats, number of others would have been great. 
 

[1959scudetto]

20 hours ago, 1959scudetto said:

Attention, you serious modelers and collectors out there - I have also been tempted by the 1/24 TinTin series and ordered myself the Lancia Aurelia B20 coupé more than 2 years ago via ebay from France for about 50$ + shipping.

Whereas the original is one of the all-time classic GT cars, the model is a bad joke - I sold it off 2 years ago - but before I wrote a small description about this on the FerrariChat site and posted a few photos (in comparison with my excellent 1/24 Quattroruote/Hachette/Ixo  B24 spiders)

Here it is - FYI:

Unfortunately the Lancia B20 coupe scales out in most dimensions more to 1/22 scale than 1/24, and the wheelbase is also not correct for any scale. I wanted to turn it into a Carrera Panamericana race car with Pattos decals but this would result in a lot of work: chopping the top, making the roof more round (is much too flat !) correcting the wheelbase and reworking the hood.

For a size comparison see my pic with Leo models' 1/24 B24 Spider!

 

A bad surprise came as soon as I disassembled it: there are no holes in the hood for fixing the guy but 2 metal tubes protruding from it which are cast with the body ! How silly is that? Moreover, I took some shots showing the difference in size compared with the wonderful Metro/Ixo Aurelia B 24 Spider from the Quattroruote series which has a perfectly proportioned body and is true to 1/24 scale, the coupè looks like a truck (this time both models without the base-plate) - final result: body needs a lot of work - interior is almost useless as are the generic wheels...
Don't say you have not been warned - I also took pics from the dasboard and the sparse interior as well as the bottom plate - but see yourself!

For those of you who are not aware what a Lancia Aurelia B 20 Coupé should look like - here it is (internet picture):

 

Edited March 13, 2022 by 1959scudetto

[Brian Austin]

 I don't think we're exactly the intended market for these collectibles.  ?   

Those close up pictures are fascinating.  I had a hunch there might be compromises, but those attachment points are unfortunate.

 

For fun here are some more pictures of each model along with an illustration that inspired it.  Text is in French. 

http://www.aquitaine33.com/atlas/index.htm

 

A description of the production process:

https://www-aquitaine33-com.translate.goog/atlas/edition12.htm?_x_tr_sch=http&_x_tr_sl=fr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp

 

In short, the 1:43 range was mastered in 1:14 scale to be reduced 30%. 

[spencer1984]

Thanks for the close looks and comparisons, it's very helpful! I've also looked at a few of these over the years, and while I don't necessarily mind caricature cars I prefer to know that's what I'm getting before I buy.