November

Welcome to the first installment of Talking Cars (formerly Q&A). Within the column I'll post some of the more interesting e-mails I've received over the past month.

Hi,
How are you doing ? (I'm writing to ask) about the next HOW5 series and what's going on? Why can't JL get any more movie cars? Are they running out of ideas? Do they have any ideas for the next HOW6? I have a Herbie question. I know a lot about Herbie and here's my question. What kind of car does Peter Thorndyke drive in the film The Love Bug. It's the yellow car. Thanks Joe. - Jason

Hi Jason.
I was told by Jeff Koch (formerly of Johnny Lightning) that Hollywood on Wheels would come out every TWO years. That's why I was confused when people were referring to this upcoming set of repaints as Hollywood on Wheels 5! Using repaints are just Johnny Lightning's way of re-using expensive castings and getting their money's worth. I would imagine The Simpsons series and HOW4 proved so popular that JL thought these repaints would be a good idea. Personally, I have a bad feeling that these repaints, featuring "dirty" versions of some of the castings, are going to fail miserably. But don't worry Jason, you can rest assured that the next series of Hollywood on Wheels (the series that would be released in 2005) will include some new movie and TV properties and HOPEFULLY one or two new castings.

Oh, and by the way, after doing a quick online search, I've come up with an answer to your Herbie question:

Was Grandpa Munster's '49 Merc really in the movies? It is the Racing Champions (car) with the figure? - Timothy Ellis

Well, Tim, I have not heard anything confirming that the Racing Champions '49 Mercury is from The Munsters TV show. I'm going to assume it's a casting ERTL wanted to re-use and thought that by attaching The Munsters name on it, it would sell better. Be on the lookout for cars that include Lily, Eddie and Marilyn figures.

Hi Joe

Just checking out your site and felt that I should at least add a couple of new suggestions to your wish list:

Korben Dallas' taxi or the police cars from The Fifth Element (See attached file: element.jpg) and also the 6-wheeled car from LXG - crap movie but great car!

Oh yes and perhaps Corgi could do a decent Blade Runner spinner in the same collection as their other movie and TV tie ins (Bond movies, Bullitt, Italian Job, BTTF, etc.) ..they could even throw in a Deckard figure with the Spinner. I know there's that BTTF Car out there but it's still expensive over in the UK.

Ho hum back to work....Kind regards

Crispin

Hi Crispin. Keep in mind that my Top 10 List includes cars that I would LOVE to see in 1:64 scale. The list reflects TV shows and movies that I've grown up with and would instantly add to my collection should someone produce the die-cast. I've been thinking about creating a Readers' Top 10 List, but I need to create some sort of poll to do it. As soon as I figure it out, I'll post the info. But I'll comment on your suggestions:

The Fifth Element - Believe it or not, I've never seen it, but I'll bet die-cast cars from this film would be popular.

League of Extraordinary Gentlemen - It's a shame this movie tanked at the box office. I was looking forward to a die-cast version of the car featured in the film.

Blade Runner - ERTL did a set of 1:64 cars from this film in the 80's. They can still be had on eBay, but they're fairly pricey, especially the 4-car boxed set. This movie has such a huge fan following, I think if ERTL re-visited this film, they would sell really well.

Joe,
I didn't see any info on your site to indicate this, but do you know whether a die-cast of the 1962 Cadillac Coup De Ville from the now defunct TV show "Forever Knight" will be produced in 1:64 scale? If you're not familiar with the show, it's a convertible with a 50's aqua blue body & white ragtop.

This is one of my favorite shows. The closest I've been able to achieve with this is a black 1959 Cadillac issued a few years ago by Racing Champions. I stripped the paint off & after taking the car apart, I then repainted it in the FK colors & reassembled it.

Also, thanks for the info that Hot Wheels just recently issued the 1989 movie Batmobile. I'll be looking for it. I have the version that Ertl put out, but from the pictures you have, the newer version looks more detailed and also lacks the cheesy bat symbol on the roof of the Ertl edition. Plus, the rear wheel base of my Ertl edition is just a little too wide for my display case (similar to yours). Your comments suggest that the HW version will fit my case better.

Thanks for your time.

Sean Sullivan

I'm sorry Sean, but I have NEVER heard of Forever Knight. Visiting one of my favorite websites, www.imdb.com, it says that FK was on television from '92 to '96. Here is the synopsis: "A drama about an 800 year old, angst ridden vampire who lives in present day Toronto as a homicide detective in an attempt to repay for his sins and regain his mortality."

I seriously doubt that anyone would do die-cast from this obscure TV show.

Do you know where I might find a die-cast Smokey and the Bandit semi ?

Thanks, Ken

Hi Ken. The only official Bandit semi that I'm aware of is the one pictured above from Smokey & the Bandit II. The truck in the first film was black, but it had the same image on the side depicting a stagecoach robbery. I've written ERTL about producing a 1:64 scale truck from the first film. They have the license, and they make very nice 1:64 scale semi trucks. It would make a lot of sense. Until then, your only other option is to purchase a custom semi, but it will cost you. Visit the following website:

http://www.talloncc.com/projects/satbsemi2.html

Q: Hello, (are) there two versions of the Mystery Machine out? One (from) the newer movie and one (from) the original series?

A: Yes. Johnny Lightning produced a 1:64 scale die-cast version of the Mystery Machine from the animated series. It made my Top 10 List. ERTL produced a 1:64 scale version of the Mystery Machine as well (pictured top left), but it more closely resembles the van featured in the 2002 Scooby Doo movie (top right).

Joe,

Do you have a good source or know of any links of Movie or TV still shots of the scenes with the original vehicle in the picture? ( I noticed you had a reference for the Get Smart Sunbeam Tiger in your Die-Cast News section. )

I have started trying to find some of the better shots to include in my own mini-showcase/diorama of my various collection of 64th scale cars. Have found some really good still publicity shots of The Munsters with both vehicles, Bullitt, and a few others. (Kinda' hit or miss based on lots of web-related searches.) The new scanner and a DVD player for the PC has helped to capture a few of the better/memorable movie scenes.

By the way, I really like the comprehensiveness of your site. Collecting die-casts has been something I have enjoyed for quite a while. I'm finding the Johnny Lightnings are the best as far as accurately depicting the vehicles. I now have my daughter hooked as well as a couple of nephews.

Thanks,

Eddie Rueffer

Thanks for writing Eddie. When I search for photos of TV and movie-related cars, I usually hop on Google and start searching. Unfortunately, more often than not, MY site is one of the first ones to come up! LOL But there are 2 sites that have helped me out a lot:

http://www.javelinamx.com/carstars/index.htm

Unfortunately, it hasn't been updated in almost a year. The other site is updated more frequently:

http://www.varaces.com/

So there you have it. The inaugural edition of Talking Cars. Please keep the e-mails coming. I try to respond to EVERY e-mail personally, but I also like to share my e-mails with those who visit this website. So until the next month, have fun.