TT scale model, Audi model news

[Tom Nas <tnas@euronet.nl>]

Hi all,

The recent release of publicity pictures has been followed by the release
of the factory-approved 1:43 scale model of the same car. Available in
silver and medium-blue metallic (gorgeous!), this model's a nice addition
to your Audi model collection. It's produced by Minichamps/Paul's Model Art
who also do the excellent A4 touring car racers. The early release and
accurate detailing indicate that the maker had full factory support for
this model.
Minichamps have become the model-maker-of-choice for Audi AG recently, and
there's a strong rumour about a 1:18-scale TT model later, to be produced
under MC's sub-label UT Models. According to Audi AG's PR man 'expect more
large-scale new Audi models to appear in the coming years'. Good news, but
I'd like a few 'historic' Audis in this scale, too. How about a nice
quattro spyder, or an UrQ?

So far, only the Audi dealer version has been released, in a nice silver
Audi-logo'ed box. I saw a couple at last Saturday's swapmeet, but wasn't
able to buy any (ran out of money earlier). Price was $25, but is sure to
come down eventually as the non-Audi versions in the Minichamps boxes make
their way to the shops. Usual price is about $15-18, which is excellent for
a model that puts handbuilt artisans to shame with its accuracy and quality.

Meanwhile, the DetailCars UrQ model is getting scarce already. Introduced
early this year, it appears that the rally versions have gotten only one
production run and only the road cars can be found occasionally. On the
250-stand model and automobilia swapmeet I visited yesterday (Europe's
largest that's held on a regular basis), only one stand sold these models,
and only in small quantities. Hopefully I can at least get a full set for
myself.
The detailing and paint quality on this model are excellent, but UrQ buffs
will find a few small things to fault- the ride height is a little off, for
instance.

1:87 HO-scale collectors meanwhile, get the full benefits of the shorter
development time for these models, with Rietze (1:87 maker-of-choice)
introducing scale versions of every new car with the 1:1's launch. Pity
they haven't yet figured out how to make metallic-structured plastic, as
the models look a little cheap in their flat-coloured plastic. This is
especially so with the 'gold' version of the A3- this comes out in
something like corn colour in 1:87. These models generally cost about $5
each, and detailing and shape are excellent, though you need good eyes to
really appreciate this.

Tom

PS While zapping away recently, I came across a 'cars of the future'
programme on Discovery Europe. This featured lengthy factory footage of the
Avus, spyder, Allroad and Al2. Of course, my VCR was busy recording
something else at the time... I hope to catch a rerun sometime. There was
also footage of some US 'dream cars'- especially the rocketship-lookalikes
of the 50s and 60s had me rolling on the floor with laughter.

 _______________________________________________________________________
 Tom Nas                                          Zeist, The Netherlands
 tnas@euronet.nl
 1988 Audi 80 1.8S, mostly Tizianrot metallic, 219,000km
 1987 Audi 90q 2.3E, Tizianrot metallic, 163,000km

    "We don't like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out."
                --Decca Recording Co. rejecting the Beatles, 1962.