Matchbox the 50th Anniversary GB Chat

[JOCKNEY]

16 minutes ago, Prenton said:

Now that the 2022 calendar is up, would this be an acceptable entry, Pat??

The kit has been in my stash a very long time. 

 

 

(However, I also have the Revell re-box, because the original decals are completely shot, so I could use the Canadian Air Ambulance

decals from that boxing for the Matchbox original, and then use the US Army ones for the UC-64A version on the Revell kit.........)

 

 

What do you think?  The timescale Enzo has specified (January to May 2022) might even give me the chance to do both......

 

Thanks,

 

Philip

 

 

 

 

Hi Philip

 

Inspired choice, either or both  will be very welcome in the GB.

As you say a nice long time for this GB, so lots of opportunity to add to the numbers of builds as you go.

Good luck

 

Cheers Pat 

[JOCKNEY]

6 hours ago, Bonhoff said:

 

I did mention that I had the kit and suggested that someone choosing to build it might be a bit mad to do so, but if someone can tell me what would constitute a 25% start beforehand I could go for it.

 

And no, I have no idea where it's going once built...

 

IanJ

 

Hi Ian

If you have a chance, please pop some pictures of the Corvette on here, I'm confident Dave and I would be very flexible on the 25% if it meant we could have it join the GB.

Cheers Pat 

[Rabbit Leader]

7 hours ago, Bonhoff said:

…. but if someone can tell me what would constitute a 25% start beforehand I could go for it.

 

That’s a good question and something I’d struggle to answer. I suppose if you’ve already cemented more than 25% of the parts, that is one measure although you still have to paint the thing so you’re probably at a lower percentage rate than that. Do you have any photos for Pat and I to view? That would help us make an informed decision. 

Cheers.. Dave 

[Bonhoff]

41 minutes ago, Rabbit Leader said:

 

That’s a good question and something I’d struggle to answer. I suppose if you’ve already cemented more than 25% of the parts, that is one measure although you still have to paint the thing so you’re probably at a lower percentage rate than that. Do you have any photos for Pat and I to view? That would help us make an informed decision. 

Cheers.. Dave 

 

Not started yet - Just wondering if a little head start would be acceptable?

 

IanJ

[Corsairfoxfouruncle]

1 hour ago, JOCKNEY said:

 

Hi Ian

If you have a chance, please pop some pictures of the Corvette on here, I'm confident Dave and I would be very flexible on the 25% if it meant we could have it join the GB.

Cheers Pat 

 

1 hour ago, Rabbit Leader said:

 

That’s a good question and something I’d struggle to answer. I suppose if you’ve already cemented more than 25% of the parts, that is one measure although you still have to paint the thing so you’re probably at a lower percentage rate than that. Do you have any photos for Pat and I to view? That would help us make an informed decision. 

Cheers.. Dave 

 

18 minutes ago, Bonhoff said:

 

Not started yet - Just wondering if a little head start would be acceptable?

 

IanJ

Might I offer up an Idea gentlemen. Id take 25% of the total number of parts and figure out what you can build with that. I would think the hull pieces and some of the super structure would constitute 25% ? 

[MarkSH]

Hello all,

 

I tried to build the Stranraer a couple of years ago, failing miserably!  I do however have another in the stash so I'd like to make another attempt for this GB.

 

Cheers,

 

Mark.

[Rabbit Leader]

20 minutes ago, MarkSH said:

Hello all,

 

I tried to build the Stranraer a couple of years ago, failing miserably!  I do however have another in the stash so I'd like to make another attempt for this GB.

 

An excellent choice Mark and we will all be willing you to great success when you have another crack at this classic Matchbox kit. I’m sure most of us had never heard of a Stranraer when this was first released, but could it have been this kit that started off @JOCKNEY’s craving passion for all things Flying Boats…. I’m curious to know?? 

Cheers and welcome aboard.. Dave 

[fightersweep]

Fantastic! The Matchbox GB in on!

 

Shortlisted my entries and I'm going to go with any, or all of the following purely to satisfy my 12 year old inner self. I've decided that I will only build kits I built as a kid and want to tackle again;

 

B-17G Flying Fortress. Might just build another as I did in 1983 with a set of Sally B decals I picked up from the Great Warbirds Air Display. I have a couple of spare sets of Sally B decals still.

B-26B Marauder. First built back in 1984 after buying the kit on a visit to the Rebel Air Museum at Andrewsfield. A museum dedicated to the B-26. I ended up volunteering there for 16 years!

AW Siskin. My all time favourite Matchbox bi-plane. Loved this kit back then and still do. Several in the stash to get started on.

Hawker Fury and Gloster Gladiator. Well, it would be rude not to add the other two Matchbox RAF inter war fighters!

 

The "I'm not sure kit". 1/24 Escort XR3. It's in a Matchbox box, but the plastic is Revell. 

 

The kit I want to pick up for the GB: Dornier 18. I always had an itch to build the civil version.

 

Steve

[JOCKNEY]

46 minutes ago, Rabbit Leader said:

 

An excellent choice Mark and we will all be willing you to great success when you have another crack at this classic Matchbox kit. I’m sure most of us had never heard of a Stranraer when this was first released, but could it have been this kit that started off @JOCKNEY’s craving passion for all things Flying Boats…. I’m curious to know?? 

Cheers and welcome aboard.. Dave 

 

Guilty as charged your honour !

 

Which reminds me I have an unfinished Stranraer on the shelf of doom, I'll find it post some pictures and let the GB members decide if it can be included 

 

Cheers Pat 

[Rabbit Leader]

6 minutes ago, fightersweep said:

I’ve decided that I will only build kits I built as a kid and want to tackle again;

 

Now thats an interesting concept Steve and in my opinion quite a good idea. This now has me thinking of what Matchbox kits I built / botched when I was a spotty faced lad? If I include the ones that Dad also built it reads something like this… 

 

Avro Lancaster - in RAAF decals of course! / got another stashed. 

Bell Huey Cobra - got another stashed 

Blackburn Buccaneer

Brewster Buffalo - got another stashed

Bristol Beaufighter 

30 CWT Chevrolet & Willy’s Jeep - would love to get another 

Dassault Mirage - tried to convert it to an Aussie IIIO 

DH Mosquito - crossed kitted it with the Airfix VI to make a IV

EE. Canberra PR.9 - sitting on S.O.D 

Fairey Sea Fox 

Folland Gnat - got another stashed 

Gloster Gladiator - smeared in half a tin of Humbrol 11 / got another stashed 

Gloster Meteor - sitting on S.O.D 

Hawker Fury - got another stashed 

Hawker Harriers both GR.1 and SHAR - who didn’t build the Sea Harrier in 1982? 

Hunting / BAC Strikemaster 

Norseman x 2 - still got another stashed 

N.A Sabre / badly converted into an Avon - got another stashed 

N.A Mustang - somehow have acquired two more in the stash 

SD.Kfz 232 Amoured Radio Car - I quite liked this kit 

SD Kfz 234 Puma - loved this kit, really should get another. 

Krupp Protz Kfz 69 and field gun 

Vickers Wellesley - another gem, have two more stashed 

Vought A-7D Corsair - my first solo kit build, man it was ugly! 

Vought F4U-4 Corsair - should source another

Westland Lynx- a feature in SAM made me buy this

Westland Lysander x 2 - I tried to open up the wheel spats on one…. Bad move / got the 1/32 kit stashed! 

 

Now there’s a trip down memory lane. I really ought to finish off the Meteor and Canberra one of these days. 

Cheers.. Dave 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[fightersweep]

@Rabbit Leader

 

I just felt that a nostalgia based GB like this could be enhanced by revisiting those particular Matchbox kits that stand out above the others in my memory. I built many Matchbox kits myself. Mostly the aircraft, but sometimes other stuff, particularly the 1/32 cars. I remember getting bought the Matchbox boxing of the MPC Bulldozer as well one Christmas, but that never got built. I also wanted all of the 1/32 aircraft, but only managed to get the Spitfire 22/24 and Tiger Moth. Most of my purchases were Purple range, with the odd Orange occasionally. The bigger kits were rarities due to lack of money. Yep! A lot of Matchbox kits got built. Mainly because they were available everywhere here in the UK. Model shops, newsagents, hardware stores, toy shops etc, etc. Everyone seemed to stock them. Which reminds me:

 

My folks took us on holiday to Mundesley in Norfolk in 1982 and 83. There was one of those typical beach shops there that naturally stocked a very small selection of Matchbox kits. In 1982 I was allowed to buy the Fw 190, and in 83, I picked up the Walrus. Trouble is, I had to wait all week until we got back home to build them but needless to say, a lot of sprue fondling, instruction studying and admiration of the box art occurred! I remember those two kits so well for some reason, so therefore, I'm going to have to add the Fw 190 and Walrus to the GB. Especially the Walrus as I messed that up. I thought I had a bad kit as I couldn't get the engine to line up straight. Little did I know! Anyhow, here's that little shop in question...

 

 

Happy memories of Norfolk in the early 1980s, family holidays, Matchbox kits and the copy of Chart Hits 83 on vinyl I picked up in North Walsham! I've still got that too! I may have to give it a spin on the turntable today.

 

Steve

[JOCKNEY]

3 hours ago, Rabbit Leader said:

Avro Lancaster - in RAAF decals of course! / got another stashed. 

Bell Huey Cobra - got another stashed 

Blackburn Buccaneer

Brewster Buffalo - got another stashed

Bristol Beaufighter 

30 CWT Chevrolet & Willy’s Jeep - would love to get another 

Dassault Mirage - tried to convert it to an Aussie IIIO 

DH Mosquito - crossed kitted it with the Airfix VI to make a IV

EE. Canberra PR.9 - sitting on S.O.D 

Fairey Sea Fox 

Folland Gnat - got another stashed 

Gloster Gladiator - smeared in half a tin of Humbrol 11 / got another stashed 

Gloster Meteor - sitting on S.O.D 

Hawker Fury - got another stashed 

Hawker Harriers both GR.1 and SHAR - who didn’t build the Sea Harrier in 1982? 

Hunting / BAC Strikemaster 

Norseman x 2 - still got another stashed 

N.A Sabre / badly converted into an Avon - got another stashed 

N.A Mustang - somehow have acquired two more in the stash 

SD.Kfz 232 Amoured Radio Car - I quite liked this kit 

SD Kfz 234 Puma - loved this kit, really should get another. 

Krupp Protz Kfz 69 and field gun 

Vickers Wellesley - another gem, have two more stashed 

Vought A-7D Corsair - my first solo kit build, man it was ugly! 

Vought F4U-4 Corsair - should source another

Westland Lynx- a feature in SAM made me buy this

Westland Lysander x 2 - I tried to open up the wheel spats on one…. Bad move / got the 1/32 kit stashed! 

 

Now there’s a trip down memory lane. I really ought to finish off the Meteor and Canberra one of these days. 

Cheers.. Dave 

 

Where's that @Enzo Matrix when you need him ? 

 

 

[TimJ]

I may be being over optimistic but I'm planning four builds for this GB, an aircraft, a military vehicle, a Matchbox tooled 1/32 car and a Matchbox/AMT 1/25 car. I have got a few aircraft that I started decades ago (Beaufighter, Gnat, Fw190, Meteor) so I'll see if any qualify on the under 25% rule. 

[Swamp Donkey]

The Wellesley has arrived so I’m in with that. Absolutely remember building that when it came out and the completed build lasted a long time. However, in a moment of utter madness I’ve just bought something that will qualify for the bomber/strike/ground attack gb which I’m highly unlikely to ever build as it’s so far out of my sphere of interest. Impulse buys, humph….but it’ll be cool if I do get round to it!! 
 

SD

[JOCKNEY]

Come on @Swamp Donkey, what's the mystery kit ?

[Swamp Donkey]

Just now, JOCKNEY said:

Come on @Swamp Donkey, what's the mystery kit ?

I’ll post a picture when it arrives from the Big H - promise!

 

SD

[Rabbit Leader]

1 hour ago, Swamp Donkey said:

I’ll post a picture when it arrives from the Big H - promise!

 

SD

I’m guessing the Airfix Valiant, however that’s pure speculation! 
 

Now with a start date of 05Jan, this GB will be well and truly upon us before we know it. I’ve just spoken to my daughter and she’s only got one week to go until she finishes school for the year.. no, seriously?? Also just looked at my Calendar and both one work and a street Christmas party are scheduled for this weekend… surely the silly season hasn’t started already?? 
 

This sudden realisation has me seriously thinking what to build for this up coming GB. Should I contemplate a long build with one of my 1/32 kits - Puma (decals shot), Sea Venom or Lysander (decals shot again!), or take the easy path and build a few quick-ish Purple and Orange series kits? No Pat, I will not take the Enzo machine gun approach and build everything, so I’ll have to sit down and do some research on a subject/s that will keep me enthused for the build duration - never easy with a wandering mind like mine. 
 

Anyway, we’ll be exchanging Christmas pleasantries soon enough, so start delving through that Matchbox stash and get all the appropriate gear ready! 
 

Cheers.. Dave 

[Rabbit Leader]

21 hours ago, Bonhoff said:

 

Not started yet - Just wondering if a little head start would be acceptable?

 

 

Ian, Pat and I will get back to you shortly on this one. 

Cheers.. Dave 

[rossm]

Does a Twotter fit in this group?

[Rabbit Leader]

9 minutes ago, rossm said:

Does a Twotter fit in this group?

 

If its the one that was initially issued as PK-127 (https://www.scalemates.com/topics/topic.php?id=1324) than, most definitely- YES! . We will accept any boxing of that initial kit. 

Cheers.. Dave 

[rafalbert]

The first Matchbox kit I built was the Percival Provost back in 1980, with my father's assistance in applying the silver paint (he basically painted it all). As it happens, I have one of these in the stash.....

 

Dave

Edited November 16, 2021 by rafalbert

[Rabbit Leader]

6 minutes ago, rafalbert said:

The first Matchbox kit I built was the Percival Provost back in 1980, with my father's assistance in applying the silver paint (he basically painted it all). As it happens, I have one of these in the stash.....

 

Nice choice (if you go there again) Dave. Should I go the small kit approach, a camouflaged and rocket armed SOAF version could be on the cards. 

Cheers.. (another) Dave . 

[Bbdave]

I have these two that were in my dads stash that unfortunately I inherited earlier this year. I had a look and they appear complete though the decals look shot so I might have to source some.

 

 

 

Dave

[TimJ]

I've checked the Gnat and Fw190 and they're both over 25% so they might appear in the KUTA. The Beaufighter should be OK, I'll post a pic to make sure.  

 

As Pat has said in the Calendar thread, you don't have to paint them if you don't want to. 🙂

 

DSCF2823 by timothy jones, on Flickr

[Rabbit Leader]

52 minutes ago, Bbdave said:

I have these two that were in my dads stash that unfortunately I inherited earlier this year. I had a look and they appear complete though the decals look shot so I might have to source some.

 

 

 

Dave

 

Your Dad has good taste, they are two Matchbox classics so either (or both) would be most welcomed here. I’ve also noticed we seem to have attracted quite a few ‘Dave’s’ for this GB too… not that I mind, being one of the brethren myself! 

Cheers and best of luck.. Dave