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Danbury astounded us all in 2004 by issuing the monumentally popular 1948 Buick Roadmaster Coupe. My heart skipped several beats during my initial preview of the model. Then in 2005 they followed up with the first perfect ten score, as rated on my fictitious Thrillometer, in their 1948 Buick Roadmaster Convertible rendition. I nearly needed Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation to complete the review on that little beauty. Well, call the paramedics, cause here comes the Buick Estate Wagon iteration wrapped in a 1947 vintage configuration and cloaked in gorgeous Royal Maroon.
This hot little number has all the bells and whistles. Fully articulating suspension actually works like the modeled 1:1. Mounted on coil springs that yield the right amount of movement is one thing, but DM further engineers their working suspension to also give proper ride height and allow the chassis componentry to act the way the real car did. The front tie rod and cradle arms move, unlike some model companies satisfied with wheels merely moving up and down on a pivot pin. The rear suspension works on trailing arms, anti-sway bar and coil springs while adding in a dose of reality in the form of sprung emergency brake cabling and terrific brake drum detailing.
Right-side-up is still my favorite position for these models and DM rewards the viewer with a multitude of detail touches and features that make you want to cry; with joy, that is. First, I can’t look past the gorgeous genuine wood appliqué of the side and rear paneling. It is a deep brown accented by the simulated light oak trim that surrounds it and blends harmoniously into the rich maroon finish that DM so perfectly chose for this Roadmaster. Open the internally hinged doors and enjoy still more genuine wood on the interior door sides. While you examine the model, check out the subtly scaled door handles and window cranks. Do not miss the rear door’s external top hinge. And do not forget to try the rear door’s quarter windows; they open.
The gas filler door opens and of course you would expect the tailgate ensemble to work as well. No surprise there, DM is at their finest. The top portion opens on delicate telescoping hinge props. The center section opens out on the same type of hinges, then folds back when closed up. The inner panel has real wood there too. Even the lower part of the tail gate unfolds to reveal the spare and tools. Fold down the bumper guard that holds the license plate first; it’s on a working hinge. Danbury’s treatment of the interior is exceptional. The rear storage area is covered in period-correct rubber matting.
But up front in the passenger’s compartment is where the real action lies. The seats are realistic to the touch, the floor mats, floor board and pedals are astounding and the dash, folding sunvisors and gauges are only upstaged by the craftsmanship of the driver’s seat slide control lever, seat back detail, “Buick” door sills and door arm rests. Perfect scaling is what makes this illusion seem so real. So does the, “Roadmaster” scripts, in chrome metal foil on either front fender side. And once again, we have DM’s accurate handling of how these big Buick hoods operate. They opened from either side on twin hinge pins. So does the diecast replica. Once up, you can position a hood-hold rod that pivots upward from the top of the firewall. The view is incredible. Wires, fuel lines and throttle linkage, hoses and transmission lines all ‘sell’ the miniaturization.
The windshield wipers work and the center-mounted antenna revolves skyward when you want radio reception. The vinyl roof covering has a nice realistic feel to it and looks authentic to the actual car. Set next to either or both of the prior Roadmaster releases, this model equally shines. This is Danbury Mint at the pinnacle of their craft. I doubt they can get much better; but if they do I hope my heart can stand it!
(06/22/2007)
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