Fronti-Art is shifting their focus on their latest project. We believe the new 1:18 Mercedes 500K is a first for the brand down the classic European marque route. The Mercedes 500K features opening parts, detailed motor, and working suspension based on composite exterior. Materials are top quality inside and out. They are also considering making a fully retractable roof, but there are concerns the engineering would be too fragile. What do you think? Fronti-Art want your opinion here, yes or no? The inevitable comparisons to their closest competitor CMC will surely arise, though warranted, as this Fronti-Art won’t come cheap based on price points in their current assortment of models!
Product# TBD
No folding roof. I don’t want any shipping accidents. Have it already folded like on some CMC models.
Agreed. The mechanism in this scale would also add bulk. leave it simple!
Expect this model to be very expensive and fragile since made of resin and plastic. So no folding roof please.
I can’t imagine that a folding roof stout enough to be handled would look right. I say, No, don’t do it.
Maisto makes a Mercedes-Benz 500k Special Roadster, which I have to say is not only one of their best efforts yet, it’s also a better subject than this standard 500K. Of course, finish is not comparable, but neither is price!
Too much detail leads to lesser realism. I vote for no folding top.
Folding top, meh ..
Unless the material is an actual composite such as carbon fiber or fiberglass, it is merely plastic and should be called as such.
Autoart have been very sneaky in introducing the term “composite surfaces” to make is sound like it is a cooler material than it actually is. Composites by definition are a physical (not chemical) mix of two different materials.
I find the gradual uptake of this term to describe plastic rather maddening.
Couldn’t agree more. I thought exactly the same thing when AA introduced the term “composite”, and actually wondered what they were mixing in WITH the metal in their new moulds.
Otherwise all models could be described as being “composite” – because, after all, their interiors are often plastic and their exteriors diecast.
This issue has been adressed before; it’s not about chemical substance. They simply mean: mixed materials on the bodywork.
Then the term “composite” is flat out misleading, and a more accurate term would be “hybrid construction”. When referring to materials Composite can ONLY mean physical (and often homogenous) mixture of two materials, not a single material like plastic.
Then they mean something other than the true definition
And this is why I do not understand the fuss over opening parts: it’s a display model, not a toy. Most collector’s open the opening bits once or twice, and leave it never to be touched again. Do it more often and things break off. Just add a real sofftop as an accessory and give us the choice on how to display it. That would a plus. Having said that: it will probably cost around 1000 USD and since I already own a 1/8 Pocher and a 1/43 EMC, both for half the price, it’s pretty pointless to me.
it’s not a display model, it’s a replica, and as such, it is meant to replicate a car. In other words, whatever opens/moves on the real car, should also move on the replica. Within reasonable limits, of course, since I don’t expect the engine to run. But many are pushing the envelope with working lights, folding tops, movable gear shifters, etc. Opening parts are absolutely essential. I handle all my models often and buy CMCs and Exotos precisely for the engine detail. In fact, I have all of CMC’s engines as well. I rotate between displaying my models with all parts closed and then open. Even when they’re closed, I sometimes open them up to look at the detail – this is the joy of collecting to me. I don’t care about the aesthetics as much as I care about the engineering aspect of the car. So, to sum up, yes some people do open them more than once or twice. Most importantly, it is the knowledge that the detail is there should you suddenly feel the need to look at it. With a sealed model, you know it’s not there. That is precisely why I don’t consider them models, but statues, and have never bought one.
Well said. My feelings exactly. Sometimes open, sometimes closed. Sometimes either choice for just a few minutes. It’s the engineering of a good die cast, an Exoto, CMC or one of the better AutoArts, engineering that is almost watch-like, that provides the thrill of this hobby.
That being said, there are a couple of resins I keep out- The Ferrari/Pininfarina Modulo, for example, or the CMR Mercedes Streamliner 1938 record car. Just the form enough is thrilling to look at.
Most collectors only open them once or twice? Oh really? Nobody told me.
Even if that were true – I hold a model car exhibition every year in Canberra and if there is one piece of feedback which we commonly get it’s – “it’s nice that you’ve got things open so you can see the engine, etc.”
Ornamental strips painted in silver color !!! Appalling! Chrome is also missing on the wheels. These are two serious mistakes.