| No this is not the real thing, but a miniature in diecast metal (zinc and nickel alloy) in the scale of 1:18, and complete with doors that open and a hood that goes up over the engine (no, before you ask, it's only an impression!). |
| These models, and others like the 1968 Ford Mustang and the 1953 Corbett, are available at high-end toy stores in the metro-cities and a dedicated scale model retail chain called Modelart in Delhi and Bangalore, for Rs 3,995. |
| Do you think that's far too expensive for a toy? Maybe, but then scale models are not just toys "" they are for the men as much as they are for the boys. Indeed, in the West, they are highly sought-after collectibles. |
| Most auto-makers licence out their better-known models to scale model manufacturers like Maisto, Autoart, Signature (which specialises in vintages). And then there is Hotwheels, which has flooded the Indian market with even smaller models. |
| Wheels within |
| You'll get scale models of every kind of vehicle "" motorbikes (that's the Honda Shadow 1100 in the picture above), trucks, aeroplanes, ships, trains. Most scale model manufacturers also turn out accessories on the theme. |
| So you have a digital clock set in a racing car steering wheel (pix above), mobile rests in the shape of bucket seats, coasters like wheels, and so on. |
| What's the Indian connection? |
| But sadly, there's no scale model of an Indian vehicle, except perhaps for the A320 with the Air India colours. Even the iconic Ambassador hasn't been miniaturised. "It just isn't known much outside the country," says Sanjay Bhawania of Modelart. |
| "And without an order of around a million pieces or so it just won't be cost effective for a manufacturer." But now, Modelart is working on scale models of Maruti cars and, says Bhawania, if all goes well, the first of these should be out by next year. Indian collectors will be waiting. |
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