TSM Phantom V

[Ecclesley]

Bought this one today (at a considerable price reduction).
Not a diecast but a resincast TSM Rolls Royce Phantom V Sedanca de Ville by coach builder James Young.

[GHOSTHUNTER]

That don't look too bad Gerrit, can't imagine what its going to look like after passing through your custom studios...

Ghosty.

[Ecclesley]

This is not to be customized.
I like/half like this car. It was offered to me 6 months ago at a reasonable price, but I was not aroused.
Now I took it after some haggling.
Indeed don't look too bad.

[GHOSTHUNTER]

That don't look too bad Gerrit, can't imagine what its going to look like after passing through your custom studios...

Ghosty.

I was pulling your leg Gerrit, it looks more than just "don't look too bad", its a lovely model as most of the models currently being marketed by TSM (True Scale Models), are and it would certainly find a place in my collection.

Ghosty.

[Fred7A]

The new generation of models from companies such as TSM and Matrix is superb, and the detailing amazing. My problem with these models (apart from the price which means I can only buy the odd one here and there) is their fragility. You can hardly breathe near these models for fear of knocking something off them. I noticed the other day that the rear windscreen surround on a Matrix Jensen had "pinged" off on one side, despite being left untouched in a cabinet. Due to the tension, it will be very hard to reattach unless I pull it off completely first. To be honest, I prefer to go with the price/quality level offered by the likes of Oxford Diecast and Vanguards, and I find that Neo in particular can get things quite wrong sometimes. One good advantage of these high-end producers is that they can go for some superb subjects which are too niche for the more mainstream players.

[GHOSTHUNTER]

That's the same with me Fred, they are very good models and as you say can be quite delicate due to their method of construction. I don't know what mark-up are on these models but prices do tend to fluctuate depending on where you shop and as Gerrit has shown you can still get a bargain against the model's full retail price.

I agree with you on the price/quality ratio with Oxford and Vangaurds Diecast models, providing that stays like that I am very happy with them, its just a shame Oxford are a little haphazzard with announcements and then the producing of them announcements, but I must not critisize them too much, they are one of the few remaining British (by birth), mainstream model companies we have left, that are producing models we actually want!

Ghosthunter.

[Ecclesley]

Fred7A, I agree with you on the fact of fragility of these models. Also I am not sure how they will endure through time. I have seen examples where paint just started dropping off, probably because of materials which do not interact properly.
But they are so beautiful, and like you say, their niche/limited availability make them very collectable.
Regarding the price, I bought this one for 40 Euro's (50% off) and I got two other TSM's bought new at 50 Euro's (40% off) last year.
As time progresses and remaining stocks do not sell, you can have a sizeable rebate.
Another producer is Best of Show, they are very nice priced at around 40 Euros new/boxed.
I guess they are Matrix knock off's. Matrix itself is pretty high priced (if not a sniff overpriced), but they are only 1/3 of what Ilario is charging for their models (325+ Euros).
This the latest offering by Ilario, I love this Phantom III

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See my two BoS models below, they are also gorgeous.

[Fred7A]

Those Hooper-bodied Wraiths are very nice! I've seen a few Best of Show models and been impressed. A collector I know recently bought their Mark 2 Granada estate in 1/18 scale, and it is absolutely superb. Their prices are pretty reasonable too, compared to some other brands.

[Fox]

I do agree with Gerrit.
Some Ilario casts are even used by Matrix !

But I must admit that some are nice.

[Ecclesley]

These Ilario's are so good. That is a small fortune of cars you have Stéphane.
And PIII's always very pleasing.