Apologies in advance for the long e-mail but we’re sure you want the full details of the situation with the 1:18 scale BRE 510 models.



BRE 510 #85 1:18 scale model update:

Our advance copy of the 1:18 scale BRE 510 #85 production model arrived via air a couple of weeks ago. It’s impressive. It looks and feels just like die-cast, even though it’s resin. The hefty weight is amazing. In fact, we weighed it against the 1:18 scale BRE 240Z die-cast models and they are only 1.5 ounces different in weight. People who come into BRE and see it on the shelf walk over, pick it up and say: “A 1:18 scale die-cast of the BRE 510s!” We explain it’s resin and even while they’re holding it they’re shocked. That’s the good news.



The #85 models, sitting on a cargo ship for months outside of LA during the dockworker slowdown, were finally unloaded last Monday the 13th. We were to drive to LA on Wednesday the 15th to pick them up and we would start shipping them to you on Friday. Our worst nightmare occurred on Tuesday the 14th when we got a call saying the #85 models were not going to be released. A unique manufacturing process that had been used on the bumpers of the #85s was causing the bumpers to bubble. The models were perfect when they left Asia. Sure enough, we went to the shelf and picked up the model we received by air. The model that was perfect when received, now had tiny bubbles on the front bumper. It has been decided that the entire production run of the #85 BRE 510 models is going to be remade. ALL of them. We have pulled the #85 model from our website so it is no longer available for pre-sales until we have a new schedule. If you have ordered a #85 model, we will of course keep your order preserved and it will be shipped to you when they arrive unless you want to cancel or change your model to the #46.



BRE 510 #46 1:18 scale model:

There’s good news on the #46 BRE 510 models however. First, their bumpers were made using the traditional process so they are not affected by the bubble problem. Production was completed last week and they passed the Quality Control check. They will set sail on 4/27 arriving in California approximately 4 weeks later and then a week for us to get them and ship them out to you. To summarize: The #46 BRE 510 1:18 resin models are done, on their way and will ship from us to you in June.



There’s no way we can apologize sufficiently for these delays. The situation and the decisions that have been made have been painful but we can’t provide you anything less than what you expect from us… a perfect model. We are certain you will be impressed with your model(s) when you receive it/them.



There’s not much more to say except to THANK YOU for your patience and we do believe it’ll be worth wait when you see these great models. More updates will be provided as there is solid news to report. Of course if you want to cancel or change your order just contact us to do so.


Gayle Brock