Maybe it's just me.... well actually I know that more than a few of my fellow collectors and model buying clients feel the same way I do. I know that I am rather picky, and see many things that others don't, but I'm just talking about the basic simple stupid obvious things. Of the last ten or more 1:18 models I've purchased (and countless numbers more I have personally seen) - ALL of them are flawed in ways that they really should not be. The same can be said for the 1:43 and 1:12 scale pieces I have also added and or looked at. With all of the improved techniques in manufacturing, and more reference material being available....the problems are still consistently there. I've noticed a continuing lack of research and lack of truly caring about what they produce. Some mistakes are forgivable, but frankly, MOST of them are not. And then there are overall quality problems mostly with fitting of parts. These models are cranked out of the Chinese factories like wontons, and it often shows. The models I am looking at and complaining about come from AutoArt, GT Spirit, CMC, Spark, Minichamps, BBR, TSM, and others.

I find it incredibly frustrating. I'm very selective about what I buy, and I really want the pieces I add to my collection. I'm not filling space, or just buying because it's new and looks nice.

What finally pushed me over the edge today was receiving two new models I wanted, and am disappointed with both. I received the 1985 Aston Martin Vantage from AutoArt and the ?-1977-? Aston Martin Vantage from GT Spirit. Both are flawed. Details, accuracy, and quality suffer on both.

Sorry if I've bored anyone or if this has come off as an unnecessary rant.