SMALL SPEED

How to Modify a Die-cast Car

2012-02-13T05:27:00.000-08:00

© Instructables.com, Pmet

Recently, I stumbled upon something that caught my eye with intensity. When I say intense, I really mean INTENSE. Alright, maybe I'm exaggerating. It's pretty basic, but it's super-clean. I was browsing around Instructables.com when I came upon a tutorial about modifying diecast cars.
It's a pretty in-depth tutorial which takes you on a step-by-step process of basic matchbox die-cast tuning. It was authored by a 20-year-old dude who goes by the username pmet. The materials used in modding the diecast cars aren't that hard to find. In fact, most of the tools and materials needed could be found at home. It isn't that costly to do, and may take, more or less, an hour for beginners.

© Instructables.com, Pmet

Pmet used a Tomica Honda NSX-R for the mod. He did an outrageous job (exaggerated, but it is super-clean) wit his mod; installing a carbon fiber hood, splitter, and spoiler. It would be awesome if he would have put other parts in like a body kit, fog lamps, canards, and drilled out the hood and found a way to make it openableto reveal a monster VTEC. Now my imagination is exaggerating things. There there, trusty old mind, there there.

What's really awesome about this is that, with these basics, we learn that it isn't impossible to add other parts to your stock Tomica. This opens up a whole new window of possibilities for one to add more mods to the Tomicas. Who knows? Next thing that may come up would be upholestered interiors, modifiable mags, or even Tomica Limited tire replacements!

You could view the tutorial step-by-step on Instructables. Sign up for free and you could have the convenience of viewing the tutorial in one page. Plus, a PDF version of the tutorial is available for future references. Check it out now at pmet's tutorial in Instructables. Thanks Instructables! Thanks pmet!

The 3rd issue of Manila Burnout is out!

2012-02-08T03:07:00.000-08:00

The 3rd installation to the MANILA BURNOUT! series has been posted at Manila Burnout's official site.

Is the Akumu really awakening? Will the streets of Manila finally see Akumu at his full state? Find out now at Manila Burnout! Read it now!

Tomica RANDOM BOX

2012-02-02T02:38:00.000-08:00

Oh, the joys of not-knowing what surprise the Tomica Random Box holds! What secrets are unveiled from within these little boxes. It is unnecessary for a person of my age to get all giddy inside when these random boxes appear in local toy stores. Nevertheless, I become one giddy young-adult. The Tomica Random Box series features die-cast model cars of excellent quality! From the paint-job to the smallest, utmost detail, the Random Box never ceases to amaze and amuse.

Time to look inside! And there I find (drum roll please)...

A TOMICA NISSAN DIESEL!

Nissan Diesel is the former name of UD Trucks, now owned by the Volvo Group & previously owned by Nissan Motors. The principal business of UD Trucks is the manufacture of light, medium, to heavy duty diesel-powered buses, trucks, bus-chassis and special purpose vehicles.

The 2nd issue to Manila Burnout! has been launched

2012-01-27T19:18:00.000-08:00

Issue #2 has been posted to Manila Burnout! Watch the Celica XX take on a Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

Tomica Subaru WRX STI

2012-01-27T18:19:00.000-08:00

Subaru's 2011 WRX STI Impreza is one mean machine. Twin turbo, 1994 cc, producing over 304hp STOCK. Here's its mini version, the Tomica Subaru WRX STI 4-door sedan, scaled at 1:64 with chassis number 7.

Tomica Honda CR-Z

2012-01-24T03:20:00.000-08:00

Hybrid cars are coming out amazing as time flies. Everyone has seen Toyota's Prius, and I'm sure everyone has heard that Nissan's Leaf can power a whole loft. But here, we have the Honda CR-Z.
What is amazing about the CR-Z is that it isn't only a hybrid, but it's design is that of a sport's coupe. The subcompact three-door hatchback is powered by both gasoline and, if the supply runs out, electric current. It's exquisite in a way that you have a stylish sports car that also helps in saving our planet. To make it lovelier than it already is, it has a Tomica 1:61 scale model. This is the Tomica #81 Honda CR-Z.

Manila Burnout! FIRST ISSUE LAUNCHED

2012-01-23T00:29:00.000-08:00

The first issue to my webcomic has finally been launched. Tiring? Yes. Fun? YES! Worth the time, won't get tired of doing it. Hope you guys enjoy the first issue & the issues to come. Cheers!

Click here to see Manila Burnout!

Tomica Toyota Celica XX Supra MKII

2012-01-23T00:16:00.000-08:00

The Toyota Celica XX 2800GT was the most powerful in it's range; featuring a 2.8L twin-cam engine producing an astonishing 170hp. It was a 5-speed manual, dividing the speed to the drivers feel of the vehicle. The Toyota Celica XX was produced between 1981 to 1985. It's chassis code was MA61.

The Tomica die-cast model's chassis code on the other hand is 0131.
Both doors can be opened, and the model features rubber wheels as well. The detail is quite exquisite, but I would have loved it if I could pop the hood to see that bad-boy DOHC hidden there. It's a lovely vehicle to mod as well. I bought two of these, one to not touch and the other to play around with (since the Celica was always my dream car). I'd post pics of it fully-modded once it's done. Or you guys can tune in to Manila Burnout! to watch it's transformation, since it is the main protagonist/antagonist/anti-hero in my webcomic. Cheers, everyone!

Tomica Honda Civic Type R & Type R EURO

2012-01-19T19:40:00.000-08:00

Tomica Honda Civic Type R FD2

The Civic Type R is Honda Motor Company's highest performance version of the Civic series of cars. It's production was from 2007 to 2010. The car had a front engine-front wheel drive layout and used a 2.0L K20 engine. The Civic Type R was a 6-speed manual transmission vehicle with two types of chassis. The Asian version of the Civic Type R was the FD2, which was a 4-door sedan. The European version of the Type R's chassis was the FN2, a 3-hatchback.

The Tomica version's doors do not open. Instead, the FD2's hood opened to reveal the red VTEC K20. It is sized to scale 1:64.

Honda Civic Type R FN2

The FN2, on the other hand, had it's back-hatch available for opening and is scaled 1:68. Both versions are numbered as item 54.

Manila Burnout!

2012-01-19T19:18:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! I'm starting a new webcomic called Manila Burnout! It's a comic based on drag racing in, but not limited to, Metro Manila. I've just started out, but I set out a new teaser-banner. Hope you guys tune in!

Cheers!

Majorette New MINI Cooper

2012-01-19T18:52:00.000-08:00

BMW New MINI Cooper is just one rad vehicle. Lovable, tough, durable, and one hell of a ride. It is an eye-catcher, and a head-turner, and Majorette did a good job on this scale model.
For it's price, you get a scale model with an exemplary paint job, legible small text, a nice molded plastic underchassis, and movable wheels. Sure, it doesn't have shocks, plastic headlights, and doors that open; but it is one nice Mini Cooper, with a good plastic interior as well. Not bad, Majorette.

Welly Volkswagen New Beetle

2012-01-11T15:48:00.000-08:00

The Volkswagen New Beetle still carries the loving facade of the classic Beetle, with a modern twist.

This scale model was produced by a Hong Kong based toy-manufacturing company called Welly Die Casting Fty. Ltd. The company produces die casts of car brands, including Lamborghini, Jaguar, Nissan, Honda, Dodge, Citroen, and the likes.

The packaging of the product is moderate; enough to keep your collectible safe from danger during purchasing, but not enough to withstand a fall from a bookshelf.

The die cast scale model is above average. It is well worth it’s price, as well. Not as detailed as the Tomica cars, but enough to grab your attention. Like Tomica,
it has shock absorbers. You could control the steering wheel which maneuvers the front wheels of the car. It has free wheeling. The tires are of rubber material. The windshield, windows, headlights and tail lights are made of plastic material. The tail light’s plastic color is red, unlike other brands which paint the lights.

The paint job is fairly done, but could use some improvement along the sides. So goes for the detail of the car, improvement is a MUST, especially since the size of the car has room for it. The doors can be opened, yet the hood and trunk could not. The rims seem to be made of plastic material.

I would rate this model a 7.5/10; it isn’t that bad but it can use improvement. It is a perfect gift for the starter collectors for comparison with other die cast cars.

Tomica Nissan GTR (R35)

2012-01-08T20:23:00.000-08:00

This scale model of The Nissan GTR is sized 1:61 and is number 94 in the Tomica collection. This version is made in China. The details are exquisite, with plastic headlights and opening doors.

You aren't a die-hard die-cast collector if Tomy Takara doesn't ring a bell. Through the years, the Tomica scale model cars have been one of the most collected of the die-cast scale models.

The Nissan GTR (R35) is a car to be reckoned with. The "Skyline" badge has been cut due to differences in the build of the car from the original Skyline series, ending it with R34. Nevertheless, it has still retained the monickers of its predecessor: the "Porsche-killer" and, the most recognizable nickname, "Godzilla".

The GT-R is an all-wheel drive vehicle with a twin-turbo 6 cylinder engine, replacing the former straight-6 RB26DETT with the new V6 VR38DETT.

Shell Collezione Classico 1952 Ferrari 500 F2

2012-01-03T18:40:00.000-08:00

A collaboration between the prestigious super-car brand, the Ferrari, and one of the world’s largest oil company, Shell Oil Company, to create a miniature version of the cars that majority of us can not even afford to touch. The Collezione Classico is a limited-edition collection of diecast model Ferrari miniature cars. It features the classic Ferrari cars which are no longer in production.

The car featured here is only one of the limited featured cars; the 1952 Ferrari 500 F2 (625 F1) Monoposto. This red scale model is sized 1:38, being item #101 with pull back action. It's details are stunning, being very accurate to the original version which was used by Ferrari to win the 1952 Grand Prix Season Constructors & Drivers Championship from 1952 to '53. It was originally 4.5 liters, until it was reduced to 2.5 liters in 1954.

Porsche 911 Carrera RS

2012-01-03T18:37:00.000-08:00

The Porsche 911 Carrera RS was produced between 1973 and 1974. The car itself is a collectors item, being the greatest of all classic 911's. RS stands for Rennsport which is German for race sport. The key features of an RS include a 2687 cc engine that develops at least 210 hp with MFI, stiffened suspensions compared to earlier 911's, larger breaks compared to it's earlier version, wider rear wheels & fenders, and the famous Porsche 911 ducktail rear spoiler.

The Porsce Carrera 911 is simply a beauty, being the most recognizable car released by Porsche. When you think Porsche, you think of the 911 (even if you don’t know the car's name). Featured in numerous films: Bad Boys to Wangan Midnight; the Porsche 911 is truly a legend.

This die-cast replica was passed down to me from my dad. It's got a lot of sentimental value to it. Surely , it's on your list of cars you'd at least want to drive before you die. As for now, owning a die-cast replica is as close as I could get.