Grip Zechin

[Shane]

I notice there is no mention of Grip Zechin models (Japan) by Eidai so I thought I would share......

They are one of my favourite 1/68 (ish) models to collect. I have posted this on other forums so I apologize for repeating to those who have read it.

I just adore these models by Eidai Corporation. I would think these would be wonderful items to add to any diecast collection especially for vintage collectors like me. Eidai is a Japanese corporation producing various toys products. In the mid 70's (right in the era of most of my collection) they produced a line of diecast working/construction vehicles about 1/70th scale. Each is about 4 inches long. The scales can be annoying but not like any other manufacturer (excet Spot-On of course) .Even as a kid I used to be annoyed by the fact that my buses were the same size as my cars which were the same size as my container trucks. These are no different with the ambulance model being bigger than a loader!

They were re-released in the 80's as well I believe under the name World Zechin and were packaged in different boxes. A few more models added to the series. I only collect the original series. What makes them great for collecting is:

1. There were a predetermined amount of models made and they were numbered on the box. Perfect for challenging the collector to get them all!!!!!. Each model was packaged in an attractive box with cello window. The box had a graphic of the real vehicle and in big bold numbering, the number of the toy in the series. Boxes range in English, Japanese and a combination of both as well as other Asian printing. Each model also came with a mini catalogue that showed almost all the models and their corresponding series number. No doubt for little boys to keep track of the "got em" and "need em".

2. Very nice quality. These little models are sturdy and have some good weight. A mix of plastic and metal. Typically with metal chasis, cabs and hubs with the remaining pieces mostly plastic.

3. Nice detail. For their size the detail is great. Lots of small pieces. Lots of moving parts too. Tires are plastic but they were set with plastic or metal caps giving the look of rubber on hubs. Dies were imprinted with door seams, lights, etc. Chrome grills, moving cranes, articulated trucks, opening doors, flip up cabs, and so on. Way more detail than any of their competitors of the same size (Hot Wheels, Matchbox, etc) and even larger.

4. Originality. Some of the models are quite interesting. Not many makers would think to create a toy replica of a road roller or a sewer suction truck!!!

And they are typically found at reasonable prices. I am surprised they are not more popular. Anyways, I got hooked when I first came across one and have gone a bit crazy in a short period of time to collect them. As they are not highly collectable I know they will never support my retirement, but oh well, I guess I will just have to have fun playing with them

Like any model line up there will be ones easier to find than others. For the most part these models are often on ebay.com. Primarily coming from the USA. Apparently the bulk of these toys were issued to the US market grocery and department store chains.

[Shane]

According to the little catalogues that come with each model, there are two I still need that are not too rare but I am being patient for a good price. There is another that is rare by my searches so that is a waiting game to find a complete one in good shape at an affordable price. Then there are two shown by the catalogue that I have never even seen pictures of, so not even sure if they were ever made. If they were to pop up, I am sure they will fetch a decent price. The catalogue lists each model by item number. The highest number listed is 44 yet I have two models with higher numbers (47 and 45). So safe to say there are missing numbers, but how does one know if there are higher numbers than 47, when 47 itself was not even listed????? Well there are 10 models skipped on the catalogue of which I have 5.

So, my quest shall continue for the ones I know are out there and even for the ones that are mystery.

Here are pictures of the catalogues (double sided). There is another version with less models shown, but the ones it does show are all on this version

[Shane]

Here is a scale reference

[GHOSTHUNTER]

Thank you Shane for the input and by default you are now our Grip Zechin person and we will look to you for future guidence and info on this brand...

Ghosthunter.

[Shane]

I never consider myself an expert as there is always something to learn, but I will assist wherever I can

[cOO7rgi]

Thanks for showing! I remember that I had exactly one of those as a child: the Mitsubishi Hino (?) refuse truck (the one with cream cab and blue container).
Interesting to read that this series is not so popular with collectors as the 1:28 Eidai Grip cars can be very expensive.

[GHOSTHUNTER]

Again, I don't remember the UK having a distributor for the Edai brands and many decent models have been missed such as the Edai Grip "FAB 1" Rolls-Royce, still do not have one in my collection...

Ghosthunter.

[karl]

Great posts, Shane! Would you consider writing an article for Model Auto Review (MAR Online) on Grip Zechin to document what you know? I would be happy to edit and format it. See http://www.maronline.org.uk/ for some recent posts. It's setup like a blog. We would appreciate any contributions from you or other member here on their favorite topics.

[Shane]

Karl I sent you a message that is stuck in my outbox. Have received it?

[johnboy]

Karl I sent you a message that is stuck in my outbox. Have received it?

Shane, the messages stay in your outbox until the recipient logs in, as far as I know.