MINI2

South Shore Lad · Jun 14th, 2007, 06:15 PM

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!

Harpo · Jun 14th, 2007, 10:09 PM

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.

OttoMannS · Jun 14th, 2007, 10:11 PM

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....

OttoMannS · Jun 14th, 2007, 10:15 PM

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?

minimarbella · Jun 14th, 2007, 11:19 PM

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

GP 0145
MINImarbella

Tonyt3 · Jun 15th, 2007, 09:22 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by minimarbella (original)

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?

Tonyt3 · Jun 15th, 2007, 09:25 AM

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.

msh441 · Jun 15th, 2007, 09:25 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by minimarbella (original)

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)

Back ordered right now. But loks worth the wait.

South Shore Lad · Jun 15th, 2007, 04:31 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by OttoMannS (original)

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

miniXL · Jun 16th, 2007, 12:16 AM

DeadCanDanceR · Jun 16th, 2007, 12:23 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by miniXL (original)

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

mister.t · Jun 16th, 2007, 10:33 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by miniXL (original)

Just waiting for a 1:18 Cooper in PW

Then I'll jump at the chance. £40 seems a bit steep though.

South Shore Lad · Jun 16th, 2007, 04:23 PM

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.

jordan · Jun 16th, 2007, 07:09 PM

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

miniXL · Jun 17th, 2007, 12:19 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by South Shore Lad (original)

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.

South Shore Lad · Jun 17th, 2007, 10:26 AM

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

jordan · Jun 17th, 2007, 06:11 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by South Shore Lad (original)

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

jimskater · Jun 18th, 2007, 01:00 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by South Shore Lad (original)

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.

South Shore Lad · Jun 18th, 2007, 06:35 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by jimskater (original)

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

DeadCanDanceR · Jun 18th, 2007, 11:16 PM

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

Jun 14th, 2007, 06:15 PM	#1
South Shore Lad MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lancashire Seaside Local Time: 02:50 PM Posts: 357 Offline	R56 diecasts, toys, models etc 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! Last edited by South Shore Lad : Jun 14th, 2007 at 06:18 PM. Reason: typos

Jun 14th, 2007, 10:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
Harpo Havin' fun... My Classifieds Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: ...on the run. Local Time: 02:50 PM Posts: 4,523 Offline	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. The Return of The Ridgeway - Sunday May 25th 2008 The Arctic Circle Run - Summer 2008

Jun 14th, 2007, 10:11 PM	#3 (permalink)
OttoMannS MINI2 Regular Join Date: May 2007 Local Time: 01:50 PM Posts: 147 Offline	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.... 100% Free of French parts

Jun 14th, 2007, 10:15 PM	#4 (permalink)
OttoMannS MINI2 Regular Join Date: May 2007 Local Time: 01:50 PM Posts: 147 Offline	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? 100% Free of French parts

Jun 15th, 2007, 09:25 AM	#8 (permalink)
msh441 MINI2 Senior Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Pacific NW Local Time: 06:50 AM Posts: 439 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by minimarbella (original) 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) Back ordered right now. But loks worth the wait. Founding member of R56 Anonymous: "Hello. My name is Mike. I'm a driving enthusiast... and I still like the R56"

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Jun 14th, 2007, 11:19 PM	#5 (permalink)
minimarbella GP0145 Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Marbella, Spain Local Time: 02:50 PM Posts: 21 Offline	Does anyone know someone doing a GP diecast? or remote??? GP 0145 MINImarbella

Jun 15th, 2007, 09:22 AM	#6 (permalink)
Tonyt3 Track addict Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Hants Local Time: 02:50 PM Posts: 6,257 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by minimarbella (original) 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?

Jun 15th, 2007, 09:25 AM	#7 (permalink)
Tonyt3 Track addict Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Hants Local Time: 02:50 PM Posts: 6,257 Offline	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.

Jun 15th, 2007, 04:31 PM	#9 (permalink)
South Shore Lad MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lancashire Seaside Local Time: 02:50 PM Posts: 357 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by OttoMannS (original) 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 Last edited by South Shore Lad : Jun 15th, 2007 at 04:34 PM. Reason: typo

Jun 16th, 2007, 12:16 AM	#10 (permalink)
miniXL Small + Car = Big Smiles Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Berkshire, UK Local Time: 01:50 PM Posts: 383 Offline	Attached Thumbnails

Jun 16th, 2007, 12:23 AM	#11 (permalink)
DeadCanDanceR ...viva MINI...!!! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Guadalajara, México Local Time: 08:50 AM Posts: 18,874 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by miniXL (original) I'm desperate to add those to my growing MINI diecast collection!!! DeadCanDanceR

Jun 16th, 2007, 10:33 AM	#12 (permalink)
mister.t Dodgey, er, dodgem driver Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nowhere exciting Local Time: 02:50 PM Posts: 3,935 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by miniXL (original) Just waiting for a 1:18 Cooper in PW Then I'll jump at the chance. £40 seems a bit steep though. A dream can only become a reality if you chase it... MINI2 Karting

Jun 16th, 2007, 04:23 PM	#13 (permalink)
South Shore Lad MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lancashire Seaside Local Time: 02:50 PM Posts: 357 Offline	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.

Jun 16th, 2007, 07:09 PM	#14 (permalink)
jordan MINI2 Master Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: York Local Time: 02:50 PM Posts: 786 Offline	Ive Got 1/18 R56 cooper & cooper s , 1/87 r56 cooper s , & 1/43 r56 cooper s all dealer editions Jordan Bellamy Animation www.freewebs.com/jordanbllmy Where Plasticine Has a Life of Its Own

Jun 17th, 2007, 12:19 AM	#15 (permalink)
miniXL Small + Car = Big Smiles Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Berkshire, UK Local Time: 01:50 PM Posts: 383 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by South Shore Lad (original) 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.

Jun 17th, 2007, 10:26 AM	#16 (permalink)
South Shore Lad MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lancashire Seaside Local Time: 02:50 PM Posts: 357 Offline	What's the bonnet gap like on the R56 1/18 scale - will it need any dealer adjustment before delivery

Jun 17th, 2007, 06:11 PM	#17 (permalink)
jordan MINI2 Master Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: York Local Time: 02:50 PM Posts: 786 Offline	re Quote: Originally Posted by South Shore Lad (original) 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 Jordan Bellamy Animation www.freewebs.com/jordanbllmy Where Plasticine Has a Life of Its Own

Jun 18th, 2007, 01:00 AM	#18 (permalink)
jimskater Heading down the aisle Join Date: May 2003 Location: San Diego Local Time: 06:50 AM Posts: 6,709 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by South Shore Lad (original) 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. www.scmm.org GP 0101

Jun 18th, 2007, 06:35 PM	#19 (permalink)
South Shore Lad MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lancashire Seaside Local Time: 02:50 PM Posts: 357 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by jimskater (original) 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 Last edited by South Shore Lad : Jun 18th, 2007 at 06:36 PM. Reason: typo

Jun 18th, 2007, 11:16 PM	#20 (permalink)
DeadCanDanceR ...viva MINI...!!! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Guadalajara, México Local Time: 08:50 AM Posts: 18,874 Offline	What is Woodmans? A model shop? An internet site? A MINI dealership? DeadCanDanceR

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