Matchbox Hanomag 251 half track

[Robert E Shedd]

I had a go at this one way back in the day and I think I made a complete fudge of it...
Time to have a proper go at one...
The build was absolutely flawless, no fit issues or excess flash. I didn't realise how tiny the kit actually was until I started building it. It seemed so much bigger in my 10 year old sized hands way back in the 1980s...
Painting was easy and quick. The decals were in great shape (albeit also tiny) and adhered to the model without a hitch.
Pure nostalgic Matchbox joy!
Next up, the Matchbox Puma armoured car.

 

[Jakko]

Hey, fun, another Matchbox aficionado I assume you’re aware of matchboxkits.org?

 

[Robert E Shedd]

Hey, fun, another Matchbox aficionado I assume you’re aware of matchboxkits.org?

Hi Jakko, no I wasn't but I am now! Will have a browse later on.
Matchbox kits represent my first fumbling forays into the world of modelling as a kid. Can't beat that feeling of nostalgia, the smell of the plastic and glue! In my humble opinion many Matchbox kits hold their own against some modern kits in terms of fit, overall accuracy of shape and detailed decal sheets True, interior detail was sadly lacking and the panel lines were trench-like but who cares..?!

 

[Jakko]

Much the same here They were the kits I built when I was young, and I still like them — even if I haven’t built one in ages.

 

[PaulTRose]

I love matchbox kits (or the revell repops)......i can remember when they came out....nice subjects.....moulded in different colours....and a base!!!!!.....wonderful

 

[Robert E Shedd]

Much the same here They were the kits I built when I was young, and I still like them — even if I haven’t built one in ages.

Some are quite pricey so I only get them if they appear at a low price. My "grail piece" would be the Privateer but they cost a bomb, even in Revell kit form...

 

[Robert E Shedd]

I love matchbox kits (or the revell repops)......i can remember when they came out....nice subjects.....moulded in different colours....and a base!!!!!.....wonderful

Agreed!

 

[Jakko]

Some are quite pricey

I’ve noticed that as well. Plus, they are getting ever rarer so I don’t really want to build any originals anymore. Revell ones, sure.

My "grail piece" would be the Privateer but they cost a bomb, even in Revell kit form...

You mean this one?

I’m a little surprised that I’ve had that for five years already, though, and it cost me all of €15 No idea what they go for today, but I guess from your comment that it’s rather more than that?

 

[Robert E Shedd]

I’ve noticed that as well. Plus, they are getting ever rarer so I don’t really want to build any originals anymore. Revell ones, sure.


You mean this one?

I’m a little surprised that I’ve had that for five years already, though, and it cost me all of €15 No idea what they go for today, but I guess from your comment that it’s rather more than that?

That's the one. Doesn't come up very often online but commands a high price when it does... Always fancied having a go at the Wellesley. Maybe the next one on the list...!

 

[Lee Drennen]

Nice little build.

 

[Jakko]

I do intend to build the Privateer one of these days, but probably not the Wellesley due to it being a real Matchbox one. I haven’t decided yet if I’ll build it as a US Navy one, or convert it into a firebomber.