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Site last
updated 20th February 2008
WHAT
ARE WHITE METAL MODELS?
I am often asked, "what are white metal models, and
why are they so expensive?". To answer this it is necessary to explain the production
of white metal models. Spa Croft Models, and the other white metal model manufacturers,
generally produce models which are not considered commercially viable by the diecast
manufacturers such as Corgi, as they often have a limited appeal. The metal used in the
die casting process is a hard metal, and can only be cast in steel dies. The tooling costs
are, therefore, extremely high, and because of this, the manufacturer has to be sure that
his investment will be recouped. Subjects, therefore have to have a wide appeal, and be
capable of being produced in a variety of forms and liveries, with little, or no
alteration. Plastic is used to produce many of the smaller items such as radiator grilles,
bumpers etc., and interiors, because this is also cheaper. Generally the only none metal
parts used in white metal models are rubber for the tyres, and acetate for the windows.
Everything else is metal which contributes to the weight of the model and its overall
impression of quality.
Whilst the production of white metal models is still not
cheap, because the metal used has a low melting point, rubber moulds can be used to cast
the models, by means of centrifugal casting, and it is this process that is much cheaper
than die casting, because tooling costs are much less. "Why is the end product so
much more expensive?", I hear you ask. There are several reasons. Because of the
limited appeal of many of the subjects of white metal models, for instance, they may only
be known in the UK, and therefore have no interest world wide, the recovery of tooling
costs is spread over a smaller number of units, very often no more than 600 pieces. Each
model is also hand built, and hand finished, and in some cases, hand polished. This is a
very labour intensive part of the production of white metal models, and because production
is wholly in the UK (or America and Europe), the white metal manufacturers cannot benefit from the much cheaper
foreign labour available to our colleagues in the diecast model industry.
"Why should I buy white metal models then", you
may ask. Because you are getting a special model which more often than not no one else produces. None of the
models produced by Spa Croft Models is currently available from any other manufacturer,
die cast or white metal. White metal models are very often more accurate and have more
detail than their die cast counterparts, although the die cast manufacturers are now
recognising the demands of the discerning collector, and things are definitely improving;
the finish of white metal models is of a greater quality because they are handbuilt; your
collection will be more unique because there are fewer examples of each model around, and
I suppose, to be a little light hearted, you will not be filling you cabinets as quicky,
because you will be buying less of the more expensive models, unless of course you are a
lottery winner. Ultimately, the value of your collection may increase more, because of the
desirability of these little gems, but that's a bonus. Collecting is for the fun of it,
and the intrinsic value of your collection.
Happy collecting.
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Spa Croft Models Austin
A70 Hampshire Saloon
A small run of 20 models is
currently being made, the main colour run is Ostend Grey, with a smaller run of
Antrim Blue. A very small number of models will be in all black in the
Le Car Noir
range. You can reserve these models for delivery when available. Just send an
email. Spa Croft Models
MORRIS 14/6 SERIES III
The first models have been
completed and delivered to customers, and there are still a few more to
build. This run has consisted of the standard colours of
grey and royal blue, plus a small run of all black models in the
Le Car Noir
range. You can still order now if you wish to add this model to your collection,
but hurry as they are disappearing as fast as I can make them.. E-mail
us on
spacroft@aol.com . I shall also be conducting colour trials
with a view to producing the Series II 14/6. These have a more complicated
colour scheme, and appear as a two tone. They may also appear without the
sunshine roof, and with a open luggage rack at the rear with either a picnic
hamper (how 1930s is that?), or a suitcase. It would, of course, include all
the different features to be found on the Series II, such as the chromed
radiator shell and honeycomb radiator. It would be useful to learn if you
would be interested in a variation of the original model. Please let me know
Spa Croft Models
VAUXHALL 25 GL
Production
of the maroon and black Vauxhall 25s has recommenced, and models have now
been dispatched to customers. As this
particular model has many parts, they do take some time to build, so if you
have one on order, please contact me and I will try to advise you of a
delivery date. You can E-mail me on spacroft@aol.com
or give me call on (044) 01773 872780
Spa Croft Models AUSTIN
GOODWOOD
After
the issue of the new Wolseley 25 later this year, I am hoping to reissue the
Austin Goodwood. As with the Morris 14, a limited run of an all black
version will be available in Le Car Noir range, as well as the standard colours
of red/black and green/black. If you would like to add the Goodwood to your
collection, please let me know ASAP, to help me with production schedules,
and, of course, to ensure that you get one of the next batch. Many
thanks, Mike
Coupe
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Illustrated
below is the Spa Croft Model range of models. Production is now beginning
to get back to normal levels, so our products should start to become more
readily available. If you have ordered any of our models, or
wish to place a new order , please e-mail,
phone (01773 872780), or write to Spa Croft Models 98, High Street,
Tibshelf, Derbys DE55 5NU
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Many of our
customers have asked if the models we produce are available in black. To
satisfy this demand, we have decided to produce a parallel range of our
models, but produced only in black. This range will be identified by the
name Le Car Noir, and the number will be limited to 50 models of each car.
The whole range of Spa Croft Models will be included eventually, but at
the moment on one model has been produced, the Vauxhall 25 which is
illustrated below. The forthcoming Humber Super Snipe will also be
available in all black with a red interior, followed at some time by the
Morris 14. |
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Le
Car Noir
Due to
collector demand, we have created a sub range within the Spa Croft Models
collection, of the standard issues finished in all black. To date, three
models have been issued in this colour, as illustrated below, soon the
joined by the Wolseley 25. They will be a limited issue, up to a maximum
of 50 models, and are priced at £95 |
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Vauxhall
25 GL Limousine |
Morris 14/6 Saloon |
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1956 Humber Super Snipe Mk.IV |
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