Grip Zechin
Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2016 4:35 pm
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.
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.
