June 16, 2023
#468
Gentle reader,
My previous article on 1/32nd scale Kinsmart diecast model cars dealt with my entire collection and the various brands being sold in stores in lieu of Kinsmart-made cars and trucks. At least in my part of the United States. Here is a link to that article: The Robb Collections: Highly Detailed 1:32nd Scale Diecast Model Cars for Six Dollars! Kinsmart Found A Niche and Filled It. And Volkswagen Buses!
These are the three VW busses I currently have in my collection in 1/32nd scale. I have numerous 1/64th scale VW diecast cars of many eras and countries of manufacturer of their real counterparts. I also have a 1/18th scale VW Bus seen "in situ" with it's fellow 1/18th scale cars below.
The golden car beneath the Subaru represents a 1964 Pontiac GTO convertible I test drove when I was seventeen and a senior in high school. It had the top 389 c.i. V8 engine with three two-barrel carburetors, four-speed manual transmission and positraction differential. The owner wanted $250 for it, which I did not have!
The VW bus represents one of the three my parents once owned, each newer than the previous. The color red is not what I have seen, but it works. In front of the Bus is a 1963 Ford Falcon, which was my wife's first car. Hers was a humble four-door sedan, light blue in color. It was two years older than she was! Lastly, the blue car to the right of the Falcon is a 2004 Australian-built Pontiac GTO. They were made for only three years. And, I WANT a real one.
Let's start with the two Kinsmart models I have. The white over blue represents the two we grew up in riding around the western United States. One was white over red.
I measured the open passenger door on the pickup and it is 28mm at the paint demarcation line. The bus's door is about one millimeter wider there.
As I pointed out in the previous article, the Chinese designers probably are not aware that the engines should be at the BACK of the models, not at the front. Oops!
Now, I am not a Volkswagen expert, which is why I am counting on my buddy, Bob Berne, to tell me the differences between a 1962 and 1963, especially concerning FRONT lights.
I measured the pickup from the bottom and it is 133mm from the center of the front bumper to the center of the rear bumper. The bus is 132mm long at the same place. They are identical in height at 46mm. So, is one truly a different scale than the other?
Now, let's look at two busses. Apples verses apples, so to speak. You've met the one on the left already. So, let me introduce you to a uni FORTUNE® model 5025 Volkswagen T1 Transporter. No model year noted on the chassis.
Note, again, the types of windshield wipers.
Hmm, again, hard to tell from these pictures. Bob?
On the Kinsmart model, only the front passenger area door opens. Both do on the uni.
Both the rear hatchback doors open, but the Kinsmart does not like to stay up.
The uni model has this odd protrusion from behind the front bench seat.
As I pointed out above, the Kinsmart chassis has the drivetrain at the front.
Closeup shows the error.
The uni FORTUNE® has some engine details behind the cover of the spring motor. It also has semi-detailed exhaust system, while the Kinsmart has none. And, it is an Official License Product. At least the holographic sticker indicates that.
The Chinese have proven that they can make anything that other countries can as in this fake Rolex watch including the holographic sticker. I sold all my fake watches years ago. Well, they were real watches, but not made by the real companies.
Below is the bottom of a wooden desk organizer that VW made at some point in time. I find it interesting that they made the bottom having a photograph of an actual bus. Note all the crossmembers for strength.
It must have been a kit. As you can see, it is made of wood. The various pieces are held together with black "O" rings.
And another thing, the only thing that should be called "Scotch" is Scotch whiskey. It's not Scotch tape, it's Scots tape. Not Scotch Shortbread, Scots shortbread. Just saying.
Ah, this is a 1962. It does have tiny lights, see them? Also, note how the windshield wipers are on the "real" one.
It's now packed with all kids of desk items.
A closer look at that feature. Even cooling fins as the real engine has.
The engine/transaxle details are not bad on the Kinsmart, just at the wrong end.
Front ends clearly show the demarcation lines between top and bottom pieces.
The uni FORTUNE® model has the front turn signal/parking lights which the Kinsmart lacks.
Well, that covers the obvious differences, except one. The VW emblem on the uni FORTUNE® model is painted silver. The Kinsmart's is chrome plated and glued in place.
Lastly, I decided it would be fun to share some period VW "Station Wagon" ads. While it has been called a "Microbus", Transporter or simply a Bus, there is no mistaking it for anything else on the road.
Truly, a Microbus here!
Scott Robb
June 16, 2023
#468.
