It's seven months or so since the launch of the R56 and there seems to be an almost total absence of toys, models, novelties etc.

With the 1st gen it seemed to be almost instantly that there was a huge range of scales, liveries, colours, materials (plastic, diecast etc) and so on.

From cheap plastic things for kids to play with, radio controlled toys of all sizes, right up to collector type diecasts - the 1st gen seemed to have them all! For example there was the Italian Job sets in a few scales, the Foxtons in 1/18 and a whole host of manufactures churning out MIINIS in 1/18 and 1/24 scale.

All I've seen for the R56is the 'official' 1/18 scale from Kyosho.


Is this because MINI are slow to licence the product

Is it because toy and model makers aren't taking the initiative and are either not aware (or not interested) in the R56

Is it because the perceived demand isn't there and that there's unlikely to be anything like the range of toys/models of the R56 that there was for the 1st gen.

Any comments/observations welcome

Cheers

SSL

PS - my question mark doesn't work on this keyboard!

It's all because manufacturers of models and other memento's know their market better than you do.

Remember, they don't care about Mini enthusiasts. Their market is global and they will sell to toy shops, filling stations, gadget shops, supermarkets et al.

The great global public will not have a clue about 'R56' - to them it's just a Mini, and as such they will be unable to differentiate between the generations.

So why go to the cost of designing, marketing, tooling up, manufacture, warehousing, distribution and advertising a product which is only discernably different under very close scrutiny?

Simply, there will be no worthwhile market for it.

Well, the R56 simply doesn't have the "buzz" the 1st generation new MINI enjoyed, but I am sure you'lll see more and more diecast replicas popping out in the market.

I have a bunch of 1st gen diecasts and remote controlled cars in all scales. I really haven't seen much of the R56 either.

I predict we may see more diecasts of the R55 Clubman than the R56....

Maisto and BBurago are typically (aside from Kyosho and AutoArt) the 2 diecast manufacturers that release 1/18 and 1/24 MINI models. When the 1st gen new MINI was first shown in 2000, BBurago already had a 1/18 Cooper replica, which I have in my collection with original box packaging.

Could it be that the R50 and R53 look much better?

Does anyone know someone doing a GP diecast? or remote???

GP 0145
MINImarbella

Does anyone know someone doing a GP diecast? or remote???

GP 0145
MINImarbella

There is a company in the US advertising a remote controlled GP, however, it never seems to be 'in stock', therefore I think maybe they were looking to see if there was interest before manufacturing it. Not sur eit will ever be made, as quite frankly, the GP caused a stir in Mini circles but outside of that it didnt really get huge, sustained coverage like the regular car - perhaps its just too rare?

The changes to the R56 are too subtle for 'Joe Public' to notice, and therefore I guess the model makers do not see the market for a re-engineered model. I guess 99% of their sales would go to non Mini experts, and there isnt the call/demand for the changes.

The visual changes on the new car were very obvious to Mini enthusiasts, however, my wife for instance wouldnt notice the difference between a passing R56 and an R53. And she owned her own R53, just was never an enthusiast.

Does anyone know someone doing a GP diecast? or remote???

GP 0145
MINImarbella

Yes. Here:

Horizon Hobby: 1/14 RTR Mini Cooper JCW Edition: Carisma R/C Cars (CIS96868) (http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=CIS96868)

Back ordered right now. But loks worth the wait.

Could it be that the R50 and R53 look much better?

If ugliness was a factor how come there are so many models of the Ferrari Enzo;)


And haven't Bburago gone bust - something to do with them not being able to compete with Far Eastern built models (as far as I know all Bburagos are/were made in Italy).

SSL

;)

;)

I'm desperate to add those to my growing MINI diecast collection!!! :nice:

:yellow:

;)

Just waiting for a 1:18 Cooper in PW :smile: Then I'll jump at the chance. £40 seems a bit steep though.

Are those R56s available from the dealer network then - I've always drawn a blank when asking about diecasts at Woodmans.

Thanks for posting the images.

Ive Got 1/18 R56 cooper & cooper s , 1/87 r56 cooper s , & 1/43 r56 cooper s all dealer editions

Are those R56s available from the dealer network then - I've always drawn a blank when asking about diecasts at Woodmans.

Thanks for posting the images.

Yes they are dealer items.

The scans are from the "URBAN STYLE ON TOUR - MINI COLLECTION. 2007." brochure, page 20.

What's the bonnet gap like on the R56 1/18 scale - will it need any dealer adjustment before delivery;)

What's the bonnet gap like on the R56 1/18 scale - will it need any dealer adjustment before delivery;)


i first saw these images in april 2006 there prototype models to wet teh model collecter appitites :cool:

Are those R56s available from the dealer network then - I've always drawn a blank when asking about diecasts at Woodmans.

Thanks for posting the images.

Funny, I had no problem picking up a 1/43 astro black from Woodman's, right at the first of the month.

Funny, I had no problem picking up a 1/43 astro black from Woodman's, right at the first of the month.

Do you mean 1st June (question mark still not working!)

I've not been in for a few weeks, certainly not since May. Prior to that I've enquired a few times about the lack of R56 models in their display cabinet and it's always been a resounding "nothing available" or words to that effect! I've also never been pointed towards the possibility of getting something off back order either.

Anyway, I'm calling in there later this week to see what's available.

SSL

What is Woodmans? A model shop? An internet site? A MINI dealership? :confused:

:yellow:

Technically, it was the 28th of May. ;)

DCD--Woodman's is Derek Woodman's MINI dealership. They're a sponsor of M2. And i

.

Anyway, I'm calling in there later this week to see what's available.

SSL


Called Chris in Woodman's parts dept today.

He'll do the usual MINI2 10% discount on models as well as parts. Probably call in on my way home from work.

STOP PRESS

since starting to type this I've been handed today's mail. Got a letter about a recall on the cooling fan fuse - I'll certainly be callling in later this week then!!

SSL

Technically, it was the 28th of May. ;)

DCD--Woodman's is Derek Woodman's MINI dealership. They're a sponsor of M2. And i

Thanks! :)

:yellow:

I went to Spain last week. I thought that I would find models of the R-56 there, so I visited the dealership in Santiago de Compostela and they had nothing but two (very expensive) 1:18 models of the first generation MINI. :(

I might be going to Texas (USA) late this month. I hope to have better luck there! :rolleyes:

:yellow: