FAQ

(FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions

Scale:

For customers that may not be familiar with scales I provide the following insights:

1:24 scale - 1inch on a model = 24 inches on a real vehicle

1:18 scale - 1 inch on a model = 18 inches on a real vehicle

1:16 scale - 1 inch on a model = 16 inches on a real vehicle

So for clarity purposes, 1:24 scale is smaller than 1:18 scale.

There are certainly many other scale models out there and to be honest some don't seem to be very close to the scale they say they are. I have experience with most DIECAST manufacturers and certainly some are better than others.

My favorite vehicles are the 1:24 Danbury Mint and Franklin Mint products. These were mostly mail order models made in the 70's 80's and 90's. Eventually both companies ceased making model vehicles, but they are still available in various preowned condition and excellent examples are readily available. Like any other collector piece some of the cars and trucks carry a hefty price tag while the more common ones can be purchased very reasonably. Rare color variations, condition, etc. must be all taken into consideration.

In the 1:18 scale the Ertl company made some tremendous vehicles but many were lacking a high level of finish detail. Window moldings were usually the color of the car vs mimicking the aluminum or chrome trim and interiors were done in a sheen that looked very plastic like, so repainting interiors is sometimes warranted. They still make wonderful show pieces but to get a true look, dismantling and repainting the interiors, painting the trim correctly, etc. all take time, but the end result is very rewarding. There are other good quality 1:18 scale DIECAST vehicles to work from as well, but the Ertl line encompasses many vehicle makes and models including some very nice muscle cars.

1:16 scale. I've only completed a few of these but comparatively speaking these seem hugh and will start to takeover your display. Danbury Mint made a few cars in this scale including some fun variations of the WW2 Army Jeep.

Like I mentioned, other scales are available but the smaller the vehicle becomes the more unrealistic the finished product may look. That being said, I did do a 1:64 scale Hot Wheels Pickup truck that really looked good, so it can be done, but just harder too perfect.

I try to make sure I have a picture with a ruler or tape measure for each vehicle on my website, so customers have a better idea as to to size they are considering. Scales are clearly posted as well.

Shipping and Handling

I take great care in the shipping and handling for all of my creations, wanting them to be safely delivered to you

Each car or truck is carefully wrapped in bubble wrap by me, then placed in a specially created crush resistant box that has ample room for additional packing to fill remaining voids.

Multiple fragile labels are attached to the box as are USPS priority shipping labels that announce tracking and insurance coverage for the shipment. In most cases you will receive your purchase in less than a week as USPS priority Mail can be 2,3, or 4 day delivery in the USA depending on the shipping address you have selected.

Normally, your purchase is in the hands of USPS the same day or the next day following purchase. Tracking numbers are made available once your merchandise is packed and a label is created.

This means you can expect your order soon, can track the package, but more importantly, have full assurance that your carefully selected purchase will arrive in the same condition as when it was mailed.

Why do you play with toys?

With seven decades behind me I'm still considering the idea of being a grown-up, but kids always seem to have more fun, so why not?

Actually, there is a significant difference between a toy and a model.

A toy by basic definition "is something for a child to play with."

A model is defined as "a small but exact copy of a thing."

These are models and not toys. With that in mind many of these cars have high levels of fine detail including hood ornaments, mirrors, lights, antennas, etc. All of which means they should be kept out of the hands of a child...as they are not toys.

Why are your products so expensive...so cheap!

I try to price my vehicles based on the acquisition cost to me and the time I have invested. In doing so, I have no doubt that others would like to have purchased something but simply can't afford it, while others have bought from me numerous times. Having eight children helps me sympathize with those in the first category.

Will the vehicle continue to rust?

The full answer is "No"! The rusting technique I use is multi step but is finished within a few days and the rusting is done at that point. I should also point out the process is non-toxic so if you should for some reason think it needs to be licked or tasted, you will be fine, although you might taste a little salt residue.

What car has been your favorite to build?

As mentioned elsewhere, I actually like the finished product of Danbury Mint's 1953 Chevrolet Pickup truck in Juniper Green. After rusting it looks so real you want to jump a barbed wire fence into farmer McGregor's garden and see if it will turn over. Actually, I mostly like this truck because my grandfather taught me how to drive a stick in his real one...when I was fresh out of elementary school.

Another car I took great joy in building was a 1:18 scale 1966 GTO convertible. I had a real one in high school in 1969 and 1970 and built the model to look like mine might look today...if unrestored. I did a top up version after removing the hardtop on an Ertl American Muscle piece and fabricated a ripped up top after repainting it. I wasn't planning to sell it but,...I did!

Shipping and Handling

I take great care in the shipping and handling for all of my creations, wanting them to be safely delivered to you.

Each car or truck is carefully wrapped in bubble wrap by me, then placed in a specially created white crush resistant box that has ample room for additional packing to fill remaining voids.

Multiple fragile labels are attached to the box as are USPS priority shipping labels that announce tracking and insurance coverage for the shipment. In most cases you will receive your purchase in less than a week, as USPS priority Mail can be 2,3, or 4 day delivery in the USA, depending of course on the shipping address you have selected.

Normally, your purchase is in the hands of USPS the next day following purchase. Tracking numbers are made available once your merchandise is packed and a label is created.

Returns:

Over the past few years return requests for my product's have been few and far between, however, I recognize that a return policy is needed to offer additional assurance to you as a valued customer. Since it's not my desire to have my art work in the hands of a person that regrets their decision for any reason, I will honor the following return policy:

Returns are gladly accepted within 15 days of delivery notification. I do require that merchandise is returned in the same condition it arrived in complete with all tags and packaging.

If you find it necessary to return something for any reason, please notify me at Craigjfischer@gmail.com so that I know to expect your return. Returns need to be handled with the same USPS service using their priority mail which is both tracked and insured. Returns are to be done at the buyer's expense.

Once the return is received and inspected a refund for the purchase price and any applicable sales tax will be made using the payment method from which the original purchase was made. Keep in mind that this can take unto ten days and that processing by your bank or other payment methods could add additional time to the return of your funds. You will be notified once your refund has been generated.

What is the Multi Step Rusting Process?

It's the process I use to create rust and a the realistic patina on model vehicles? That being said it makes my creations stand out from others that continue to use rust colored paint so...not something I share.

Have you restored real cars?

Probably not in a real sense of the term, but you decide on your own:

When I was in High School I purchased a 1966 GTO Convertible that had been stolen and partially wrecked and stripped. I visited numerous junkyards and scrounged newspaper ads looking for parts until I was able to complete the project and have a great car. ET mags, redlines, etc.

A 1983 Mustang Convertible (The "sagging Door" fox body) I redid this one with body work new red paint, and of course new door hinges, compliments of a Ford recall ...which also included a $500 credit on the purchase of a new Ford vehicle...which I never utilized!

A 1994 Mustang SVO! I can't really claim I did much to this one other than shinning it up and nearly destroying it in a high speed turn...on gravel.

A 1989 Thunderbird Super Coupe'! Let's just say this was a "learning experience!"

The other cars were pretty much run of the mill stuff that I could fix up and turn for some extra dollars. A number of early Ford Taurus's, Chevrolet Citation's and Caprice's, an Oldsmobile Omega, a Pontiac 6000, etc. Even a Bright Yellow Datsun Pickup!

Speaking of extra dollars, which has always seemed elusive, an acquaintance restored a 1957 Oldsmobile and "invested" $1,000 getting the massive front bumper re-chromed. That was an eye opener helping me realize that "Junkyard Model Cars" are so much less expensive to own...take up less space...and they don't leak oil on the driveway!

Although, I can get a little jealous when my neighbor cruises in his perfect red over white 1970 SS454 Chevelle Convertible.