DIECASTDESIGNS -Diecast Models
A JOURNEY INTO DIECAST RESTORATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS - by Diecastdesigns
Diecast Models - CODE 3
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Code 3 effectively means the model has been altered from its original condition. This has usually been done at the discretion of the modeler and without any express permission from the model's manufacturer or any party mentioned on any decals or transfers applied. It can be merely repainting the model to using the model as a donor and completely modifying it by totally refiguring it. While many purist collectors shy away from Code 3 models they are also quite well sought after by collectors especially if the model maker builds a reputation for creating quality models. In many cases some of these models may be just as desirable as a factory built model because they are in themselves unique.
Created from a Micro Models Mainline utility and the top of a Brentoy van. Home made decals added to complete a believable model.
Another view of the Union of the Mainline utility and the Brentoy van top.
A non factory model. Using the body and chassis of a Micro Models Ford V8 truck I have added the rear of a cheap concrete truck model which has been modified to suit. I have chosen the very colourful Boral concrete truck livery.
The second truck in the photo is a Micro Models International truck with a Matchbox concrete mixer rear attached. Also using Boral livery it makes a nice and unique set of concrete trucks albeit the scale of the models are different.
Bought with little paint and in poor condition I have totally restored the model but upgraded the wheels and the paint finish to something more akin to a custom finish. Decals have been added on the side and the trunk.
I have converted a Micro Models station wagon into a panel van. This model was not done by the factory. It has been painted in colours of the period.
A Micro Models FJ Sedan with added flared wheel arches and wide wheels to give it a custom hotrod look. A Chameleon paint job which sees it turn from purple to aqua greek in different light situations.
Front view giving a good look at the flared wheel arches.
Using a Micro Model Vanguard wagon as the donor the front has been modified to a single cab and a rear added. It has been modified with after market white metal parts and finished as a tow truck. The spare wheel doubles as handle for the winch.
This is the second convertible recently completed. See "in progress" to see the first during construction and when completed. This one has a different interior and hood treatment. It is on its way to the UK.
I used a fairly cheap Caledecott's Models Ford utility which I chopped and added a Micro Models Drink tray to the rear. A new scratch built base was made to suit the extended length. Again I used Tarax soft drink livery but the newer later livery to suit the later model vehicle. See my other Tarax drink truck under FJ Utility variants on the Home page.
Totally restored and a real timber rear tray added. Brown and tan paint work sets off the laminated rear timber tray which has been french polished.
Created from a Corgi Impala and using after market bat mobile parts. The rear wings were added for effect. While Corgi already has a bat mobile it was satisfying to create a unique version. See link below for rear view.
Go to linkThe wagon was chopped behind the passenger section and the rear pillars were brought forward to create a sedan. A boot over the rear cargo section and a rear wheel behind the boot completed the modification. Three colours were used and after market tyres and wheels to give the model a look of the sixties. See link for more.
Go to linkMade using the front of a Dinky fire engine and the rear of some other Dinky I filled in the middle with parts that serve as a mobile workshop. (See Gallery for other photos ). This model required a lot of improvising as I progressed but in the end is one of my best Code 3 models. I retained the interior of the fire engine complete with a person behind the drivers wheel. After market wheels and tyres were added to give a tougher more suitable look.
Go to linkThe wagon has been chopped just behind the drivers door. A Platform has been inserted behind so that the tow arm could be housed . This arm is also a Micro Model part from their International tow truck. The model was then painted appropriately so I could use NRMA livery. I have done a number of such VW conversions using as the donor these Micro Model Kombis. See the Gallery for others.
Go to linkUsing a Micro Model International Truck cab and chassis a tanker rear has been added. The "tank" has been made form a "Chewy mint " tin. It just so happened to be a perfect fit. Decals are home made and suited the period. See the Gallery photos for more examples.
Go to linkUsing a Micro Models Ford V8 Cab and Chassis and various after market white metal parts I have created this tow truck. As usual NRMA livery works well. I have used two spare tyres as the means of winding the tow hook back and forth
Go to linkChopping Dinky's rather plain Woody wagon I then drilled out the side metal panels and filed them to enable the use of real wood veneer. I built the rear boot area in a similar fashion and continued the wood panel theme. I then used an interior and dashboard from a cheap model as this original did not come with an interior. I also was fortunate to find whitewall tyres to complete the look of that period. This is one of a few of my Woody Wagon conversions. See link below for more.
Go to linkUsing a Micro Models Ford V8 Cab and chassis I have added a scratch built body and mated the two to form a "Winnebago". Gold strip accents around the doors and windows and home made decals add the finishing touches to this one off model.
The model was chopped from behind the drivers door to the rear window. The rear pillars were then joined to behind the drivers door A tray was included to complete the pickup. Windscreen and interior were modified to suit. The model was repainted and after market wheels and tyres added. The overall effect is a model that while not a copy of a real vehicle is totally believable and unique.
Go to linkCustomised from a Ford Zephyr wagon but this time done as a dual cab Pickup.(or utility as they are called in Australia.) . Repainted but this time left with its original wheels and tyres giving the look of a real working vehicle.
This Holden van has been modified to a station wagon . Rear panels were drilled out and rear doors cut into give the 4 door effect. Door pillars added and a windscreen as well. GMH never produced one of these in real life but this model shows how it would have looked if the did. Their "estate" wagon never made production either albeit some real versions were done and are still around with collectors. See link for rear view
Go to linkThis model has been converted to a roadster version. Not done by the factory it seemed this was an obvious choice as the Roadster was highly regarded in real life cars. Fully painted and detailed with new wheels it is an impressive model. See Gallery page for other views.
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