Precision Miniatures 1:18 1933 Willys Gasser K.S. Pittman - Ltd. Ed. of 1750

Precision Miniatures, who has dazzled us in the past with drag models that are as unusual as they are seminal reaches a new plateau with their series of ’33 Willy’s Gassers. The initial three cars recently released in the series are works that fuse a passion for racing history with model making at its absolute best. You can put these models along side any model maker’s works and not apologize for anything.

Each made from over 150 parts, the three models share some common elements. The excellent and secure packaging is the first of these. Individual boxes feature historic photos of the model inside in addition to written commentary by Bill Bennett, a very likeable guy despite his obvious bias towards west coast drag racers (just kidding Bill). It just so happens the two of the first three Gassers in this series are among the best of the east coast breed.

The front bonnet is packaged separately from the rest of the model to better secure it and the engine. Made of high impact plastic, the bonnet’s texture and paint color is indistinguishable from the metal body. This is actually a very good design, and allows you to place the bonnet on and off without scratching the intricate engines. It also allows for a very precise fit. Bonnets are detailed, complete with miniature locking pins (the location of which varies by model)

The bonnets and bodies feature superb paint and flawless tamp-on graphics. Body side moldings are well placed and nicely extruded. The chopped roof is always at just the right angle and a rear hatch is adequately outlined. The doors are marvelously engineered with two miniature hinges for each door placed outside the body. They swing open and shut in a firm and easy manner. The models sit on the same basic diecast frame but everything else about the chassis and suspension detail varies by model. The engine bays have a steel firewall with the most amazing individual miniaturized metal rivets.

The last common thread is the tire and wheel combinations on each model and indeed the historic photos on the side of the boxes confirms that Halibrand (or at least Halibrand-esque) wheels supporting treaded front tires and massive rear slicks were the norm. Disc brakes are replicated faithfully. The slicks in particular are incredibly well done, looking scuffed yet pristine.

New News  ·  List & Reviews  ·  Legacy Motors  ·  Auctions  ·  Forums  ·  Polls  ·  Features  ·  Register  ·  FAQs  ·  Clubs

Copyright © 2008 Gennera Knab and Diecast Zone