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| 'The Forward Look' ....... in miniature -- pg 6 |
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| From the Small Wheels division of Western Models comes this 1957 DeSoto Firesweep sedan. An odd subject for a model, seeing that the Firesweep was the low end car in the DeSoto lineup. The main reason for choosing the Firesweep is that the owner of Western Models owns the real car. |
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| Another piece from my vast collection of taxis, this '57 DeSoto 'Fleetway' cab is also from Small Wheels and depicts an actual taxi that was in use in 1957. The graphics are excellent and note the deletion of all side trim, which is correct for a taxi. |
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| Shown here in Chicago's Checker Cab livery is another '57 DeSoto from Small Wheels. This was a very limited edition and is completely authentic down to the Doublemint Gum placard on the trunk and the sign on the roof. It is one of my favorite taxi models. |
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| Western Models #64 is this very sharp '57 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer in coral and black. Western did a superlative job on this model with extensive use of photo etched trim pieces and emblems. Note the Lancer spinner hubcabs, very popular with customizers in the '50s. |
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| The Flame Red and Glacier White '57 Custom Royal convertible shown here is #64X from Western. However, this particular one is very special. It is one of only 25 pieces done in this color combination for Dominion Models in Virginia. The regular offering from Western was Aqua. |
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| Motor City of California produced a jewel of a model with this '57 Dodge Sweptside pickup. Every piece of trim and every emblem is picked out perfectly, even the gauges on the dashboard. Very few of these models were made and while pricey, they're among the best available in 1/43rd scale. |
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| To the right we have Conquest Models of Holland's #6 1957 Crown 4 door Southhampton in Ruby Metallic over Mist Gray. A quality hand-built replica, also done in Parade Green over white, and gold over charcoal. You might have noticed that the European model companies do not always use the 2-door and convertible models but use 4-door as well as low-end models as subjects. |
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| The Spring Green over Cypress Green '58 Chrysler Windsor Sedan shown here is another unusual piece from Small Wheels. It uses the same basic body casting as Western Models' '57 DeSoto Firesweep. This again is an example of a European model manufacturer producing models of low-end cars. |
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