Miata Mailing List: January 1994, Message #98
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   From: "Alex M. Postpischil" 
Subject: Re:  TOYS!!
   Date: Sat, 15 Jan 1994 03:10:48 -0500

The other day I posted info about a new toy that I found by accident. There are
also a few models that were limited production runs. I am not the sole expert
on Miata toys, but since it's 3 am and I'm awake....
The new toy is made by Road Champs. It comes in a pack of three cars about the
size of a Hot Wheels car. The set was found at WalMart for $1.97. Quality of the
model is fairly poor.
Here is my file of Miata toys (includes the above info):
	Flip Tops (made by Road Champs) makes a 1/43 scale
model with functional doors, seats, and top. Part Number is 64000
They are available in red, yellow, blue, and maybe white. K-Mart
sells them for $2.99 plus tax.

	Hot Wheels has several versions of the Miata. One is yellow
with decals on the sides (Hot Wheels collector number is 172).The
other is red with a decal on the hood (Hot Wheels collector
number is 116). These are the only two models they have made as
 yet. There could be other colors out,  as Hot Wheels will switch
paints without switching part numbers.  Retail price is about $0.79
plus tax.

	Tyco( markets (for slot car racing - HO Scale) the Miata
Bonus Pack (Part NO. 7063). It retails for $19.99.  The kit includes
one green Miata,  one blue Miata, and two pieces of crossover
track. The cars handle very well and are very realistic in proportion
and detail.  In fact, the detailing is better than the Flip Tops and Hot
Wheels toys.

	The folks at Tyco( also offer a red Miata! The part number
is 8936T.  The retail price is $20.49 (from Tyco). I also found a
yellow Miata with a Blue racing stripe. The yellow carUs part
number is 9009T. The prices of the single cars tend to be in the
$15.00 range at retail hobby shops.

	Herpa (German company) makes a 1:87 scale (HO scale)
model. Colors available are red, silver, Mariner blue, and Laguna
Blue. Detail is good considering scale. Will be released to the
public (Europe) this winter. Price is estimated at DM7.50 (~$5.00
US). It is not known if they will be available in the USA.

	Tamiya (a division of Model Rectifier Corporation, Inc.)
makes a ready to assemble plastic 1/24 scale model. Part number
is 24082. See your local hobby or toy shop for availability. Retail
price is about $13.00 plus tax.

	Revell/Monogram is manufacturing a 1/24 scale model of
the Miata. The Revell part number is 7351. The detail is quite
good, better than on the Tamiya model. I have not assembled the
kit, but it looks somewhat complex - definitely not a model for first-
timers. Retail price is around $10.

	NIKKO makes a radio controlled Miata (Part number 20670).
JCPenney sells the car through its catalog.  The car is a
less than appealing blue-green color.  The top is removable. Retail
price is around $28.00

	Diapet makes a 1/40 scale model also. It had functional
doors, hood, and wheels. It is available in red, green, blue, and
silver. Miata Club Accessories sells it for $20 plus $4 shipping.
Address and phone number are in Miata Magazine.

In the Fall Miata Magazine several advertisers listed Miata models, one of these
being Wiz Performance Accessories. They sell:
		A Kyosho 1/18 scale model available in Green or Red
for the modest price of $139.95. This is the same model that Exoticar and The
Sharper Image sell for less. Detail looks very good, has functioning
steering, hood, doors, hardtop (removable w/stand), etc.
		A 1/40 scale replica of the REunos Roadster.S No info
on detail of this product. Cost is $24.95.
		A 1/43 scale replica for $103.95. The tag line says
you can read the gauges. I may have seen one of these last year,
but donUt know the manufacturerUs name. If it is the same, the
model is fairly heavy and not too intricately detailed.
Wiz Performance Accessories, Inc. can be reached at (407) 488-5597 in
FL or 800-532-0221 Outside FL. Exoticar can be reached at 800-348-
9159.
	Road Champs makes another toy, it comes in a pack of 3 cars about the
size of a Hot Wheels car. The set was found at WalMart for $1.97. Quality of the
model is fairly poor.

	Tootsie Toy makes a plastic toy that noone seems to have any
information about.

	And finally, Barbie has her own Miata (if you can call it that)! It is
a kit for coloring your own car. There is a basic car form, paintable cloth to
cover that form, then a clear shell of the Miata body to protect the paint job.
Detail is lacking, but if you ever want to play with color schemes....Cost is
around $26.
****
TO answer the question I know you are thinking, no I do not own all of these - 
YET! Some of the toys and models I do own two of, but those are the inexpensive
ones. Enjoy. Bill Allen has the same info I do, maybe even a bit more. If anyone
else has more toy info, please share it with me and the list.
-alex-

Alex M. Postpischil		(301) 345-1340		albabe@wam.umd.edu
4911 Lackawanna Street
College Park, MD 20740-1665

"...and I feel; so much depends on the weather..." 
	Stone Temple Pilots, "Plush"

---and it's just a bit tooooooo cold for top down driving this weekend!