New model...Factory Porsche 956 Group C
 

Porsche 956...the 1982 Le Mans winner with Jacky Ickx and Derek Bell driving.

This is a 1:43 die-cast from HPI. Impressive detail.

http://photos.imageevent.com/puma_ca...ckxBell956.jpg

Rear cowl removed showing engine and suspension detail.
http://photos.imageevent.com/puma_ca...Engine-Bay.jpg

Funny to think this model is only 4" long...

That is some impressive detail for a model of that scale! And of course the photography is top notch as well.

Regards,
Jim

Yes, the detail is impressive. The Porsche 956 is one of my favorite race cars, I followed them closely when they were racing the 962 variant in IMSA in the 80s. The cut lines (e.g. lines around doors and panels) are tight and well-proportioned, for example. I had read good things about HPI, which is a relative newcomer to the die-cast scale model industry, and they've quickly built in a very good reputation for their detail. This model is part of a boxed set of three models, the 1, 2, and 3 finishing Porsche 956s from the 1982 Le Mans race. The only defect is the #3 car has the top half of the number circle is misaligned (has a smaller diameter) relative to the bottom half diameter. Weird. I have another copy of the #3 car on my desk at work, because it was the car driven by American Porsche factory driver Al Holbert (a driver I admired very much) and it has the same defect. I think I am going to see if I can find a local pinstriping artist to paint it in for me.

So Stephen...is your model collection growing? :D

Yep, Michael, I now have four 1:18 scale cars (3 race, 1 street), and four 1:43rd scale cars, including the three Porsche 956s that just arrived yesterday in the HPI boxed set and the resin-cast Audi R18 etron quattro that won Le Mans in 2011.

http://photos.imageevent.com/puma_ca...-R18-2-Web.jpg

Also have 6 Gemini Aces Warbirds 1:72 die-cast models, most of which are Spitfire variants! ;-)

The Gemini Aces 1:72 scale series from Gemini Jets are amongst the most impressive die-cast model airplanes I have ever seen:
http://photos.imageevent.com/puma_ca...tfeuerex-1.jpg

Now WWII propeller driven aircraft are my weak spot. I do have quite a few 1:18 scale diecast cars but I do have a few aircraft as well.

Great collection, Stephen!

Michael,
Are you familiar with the Gemini Aces series?

Wait 'til you see the model I bought today! Gorgeous! Doing some lighting/staging concepts right now.

First concept, need to do a bit of refining on the shot, lighting set-up, etc. But pretty happy with this as a first pass...

The Jaguar E-type Series 1 convertible.

http://photos.imageevent.com/puma_ca...-XK-E-num1.jpg

Yes, I've seen some of the Gemini Ace series models. Impressive units, Stephen!

Very nice photo of the E-Type!