Post by Tom on Apr 3, 2022 3:25:03 GMT -5
Since 1999, Premium Collectibles & Trading Co (PCT) of Macau, PRC has been producing diecast models. This thread intends to sort out the relations between their separate trade marks and their ranges and to discuss the separate partwork ranges. I have tried to research everything as thoroughly as possible and will note any assumptions made by myself. If there's any error in this info, please feel free to set me straight as it is sometimes hard to distinguish between opinions and facts on the internet. This thread concentrates on the 1:43 cars, trucks and buses that are the primary focus of this forum. As can be seen on their site, they also produce motorbikes, tractors and cars in several larger scales.
Ixo and its associated product ranges can be found online at www.ixomodels.com
For an explanation of the partwork phenomenon, see the relevant paragraph marked *.
This article assumes a knowledge of modeling terminology, please ask if any of the terms used are unclear. Most if not all can be found in my Model cars terminology glossary.
PCT's current 1:43 product ranges are:
- Ixo models (current and classic road cars, vans and trucks, rally cars, racing cars)
- Ixo Museum (upgraded versions of Ixo's classic road cars)
- PremiumX (upgraded versions of regular castings and proprietary resin models)
- J-collection (modern and classic Japanese road cars)
- IST Models (classic road cars, vans and trucks from the former Eastern Bloc)
Ixo models
The Ixo series is as varied in subjects as the Minichamps series. There are however a couple of ranges that are quite prominent, notably rally and endurance racing cars. My assumption is that the detail level of the individual model depends on the source of the model, see the paragraph on partwork series. This explains why some models such as the Renault 4CV have tampo-printed windscreen wipers, some (Aston Martin DB7 Zagato) have cast-in wipers whereas the majority has separate wipers and some models lack door mirrors or a rear view mirror. As some but not all simpler models have been considerably reworked, I assume that this was done because the initial model was needed for a more upmarket partwork and subsequently went for general release. The range of models available from Ixo and its sub-ranges suggests that casting development is largely partwork-driven, whereas companies such as Minichamps are more usually commissioned by car makers to produce models of their products.
_MG_8008b by Tom Sfotoos, on Flickr
Ixo Museum
The Museum series consists of classic and vintage cars, mostly available as basic Ixo versions too. These have nicer packaging, more and nicer chrome and better wire wheels. Finish is usually just below PremiumX level.
IMG_0093b by Tom Sfotoos, on Flickr
PremiumX
PremiumX (PX) models are finished to a higher standard than regular Ixo models. However, besides upgraded diecast Ixos there are also models unique to the PX range made in resin (which suggests smaller production runs). These have higher prices than the diecast PX issues and can be distinguished by the number of photo-etched parts for exterior trim. Their quality approaches Spark models. Some diecast PX models are PW-sourced.
IMG_0103b by Tom Sfotoos, on Flickr
_MG_7501b by Tom Sfotoos, on Flickr
J-collection
The J-Collection series consists of Japanese cars only, both classic and current. My assumption is that most of these if not all started life as partwork issues as I have seen several years ago. The range is quite diverse, with most models not available from other model makers. PCT overall seems to have quite a knack for avoiding duplication, which is helpful if you want your products to sell well (and at which several other manufacturers are apparently less successful).
_MG_3404b by Tom Sfotoos, on Flickr
First43
First43 is an oddball in the PCT universe. The models are older Japanese cars only and clearly Ixo-sourced, but they do not feature on the Ixo website. Perhaps they are OE (see respective paragraph) but there is nothing that indicates this. The First43 range is not entirely duplicated in the J-collection range. Anybody who can shed a light on this?
IMG_0161b by Tom Sfotoos, on Flickr
IST Models
This sub-brand issues only classic cars, vans and trucks from the former Eastern Bloc. The range appears to contain more colour variations than the Ixo range. Quality and detail level are above those of the relatively simple partwork series sold in the former Eastern Bloc. Interesting variations are the snow-covered cars.
_MG_3512b by Tom Sfotoos, on Flickr
OE issues
Ixo's parent company PCT explicitly welcomes OE (Original Equipment, an industry term meaning rebranded products) requests in any quantity. There are a few of these around but a fairly well-known one is Triple9 Premium, initiated by wholesaler and distributor The Diecast Company in The Netherlands. This explains the large number of Dutch registrations on their models. Several models released under the T9 label have been reissued in the regular Ixo range, such as the red VW Cabriolet and the blue Civic EG9. The models are generally at a base Ixo level of finish and represent cars sold in The Netherlands.
_MG_7447b by Tom Sfotoos, on Flickr
Another well-known name is Whitebox, issued by Model Car World in Germany. Their models do not appear to have a particular German bias but some are unique to Germany and some have German registrations. Several WB issues have been released in more than one colour variation and have been reissued in the regular Ixo range. Detail level is to basic Ixo standard.
_MG_7901b by Tom Sfotoos, on Flickr
A less well-known series is Odeon, sold in France only. This series contains only French classic cars and apart from waterslide decals with number plates the models are colour variations on partwork Ixo models with basic Ixo detail level.
IMG_0138b by Tom Sfotoos, on Flickr
Solido
Solido is an old French name in the diecast world, dating back to the 1940s. After their bankruptcy they came back as yet another PCT recycler. Their models seem to be at PW quality level but are about 40% more expensive than new Ixo releases, which makes this a hard case to argue. Their best chance for survival IMO is by releasing models not generally available, or in very popular colours*.
Greenlight
I haven't been able to find a list of all their models but Greenlight seems to source their 1:43 castings from PCT too. Their USP is movie and tv-related models, so there are unique colours and some detail changes. Apparently this is done on the cheap, because some models are incorrect (e.g. the Gremlins Volkswagen Beetle, which is an incorrect year- given the huge amount of castings in the PCT group it would’ve been eminently possible IMO to find the correct year model).
Real car is a 1967 with rounded bumpers, the model is a 1969-on square bumper car
*Partwork models
Partwork models are usually issued by publishing firms and sold through subscriptions or through newsagents'. The different series all have a common theme (one make, classic cars, rally cars, trucks, movie-themed series) and are issued as a model and a 'magazine' with general info on the model and subjects surrounding the series. There are several publishers that issue these series, among which are Atlas, Altaya and DeAgostini.
Introductory models for a newsagents' PW are very keenly priced (see below) and usually come on a colourful card that makes them stand out in between rows of magezines
IMG_5108b by Tom Sfotoos, on Flickr
These series are sometimes sourced solely from Ixo castings, sometimes from several companies' products. The PW series are executed at a quality and detail level (my assumption) that conforms to the customers the PW targets. For instance, when a series is released in a country with lower average income, the models are simpler in execution with less detail (sometimes generic wheels, cast-in or tampo printed windscreen wipers, no antenna, simple grills and badging, no black paint for the rubber trim around the glass, brighter colours with more universal appeal that are less accurate to the 1:1s). Series available by subscription only are generally nicer in detail, more accurate in colour and in some occasions the castings are specific to the PW. The packaging is usually on the level of general release models with a plastic display box and a cardboard outer box, whereas the cheaper series are usually packaged in vacformed plastic 'bubbles'.
Some models are branded underneath, but I have not been able to find any consistence in this so this is probably done to customer's specification.
Notable partwork series that have been reissued under several PCT names are the Saab Collection and Volvo Collection. The majority of models issued in these series is unique to 1:43 and both ranges were of a very high general quality, which led to very successful reissues.
_MG_7984b by Tom Sfotoos, on Flickr
My assumption is that PCT gauges popularity by the amount of PW models sold to publishers (and judges the universal appeal for worldwide collectors) to add these models to their own ranges. A browse through the Ixo range on their website reveals a large number of Maserati and Lamborghini road cars as well as Ferrari cars we know from several PW series. In some, but not all cases, detail level of the Ixo versions is above that of the PW releases.
Interestingly, some models available in the Ixo range were redone for the PWs, but both the old and the new model are now sold under several labels. Most notably the pre-facelift Volvo 140 series, where the Volvo Collection version is more accurate than the Ixo version (and an entirely new casting), yet the Ixo is still sold.
A comparison between the cheapest PW issue (Polish cars collection) and the high-end PremiumX version of the same model
_MG_5013b by Tom Sfotoos, on Flickr
_MG_7646b by Tom Sfotoos, on Flickr
*As of 2022, Solido has stopped releasing PCT castings and is now making their unique range with a bias towards 'tuned' cars. That said, every single casting has PCT written all over it, so I wouldn't be surprised if they still used their design and production facilities.
Personal note: I would absolutely love to see a list of all PCT castings, including those exclusively made for PWs. From my experience in collecting and online searches there must be thousands of yet 'unreleased' models. Researching the source of all available PW castings in general would be quite the diecast nerd's dream.
Ixo and its associated product ranges can be found online at www.ixomodels.com
For an explanation of the partwork phenomenon, see the relevant paragraph marked *.
This article assumes a knowledge of modeling terminology, please ask if any of the terms used are unclear. Most if not all can be found in my Model cars terminology glossary.
PCT's current 1:43 product ranges are:
- Ixo models (current and classic road cars, vans and trucks, rally cars, racing cars)
- Ixo Museum (upgraded versions of Ixo's classic road cars)
- PremiumX (upgraded versions of regular castings and proprietary resin models)
- J-collection (modern and classic Japanese road cars)
- IST Models (classic road cars, vans and trucks from the former Eastern Bloc)
Ixo models
The Ixo series is as varied in subjects as the Minichamps series. There are however a couple of ranges that are quite prominent, notably rally and endurance racing cars. My assumption is that the detail level of the individual model depends on the source of the model, see the paragraph on partwork series. This explains why some models such as the Renault 4CV have tampo-printed windscreen wipers, some (Aston Martin DB7 Zagato) have cast-in wipers whereas the majority has separate wipers and some models lack door mirrors or a rear view mirror. As some but not all simpler models have been considerably reworked, I assume that this was done because the initial model was needed for a more upmarket partwork and subsequently went for general release. The range of models available from Ixo and its sub-ranges suggests that casting development is largely partwork-driven, whereas companies such as Minichamps are more usually commissioned by car makers to produce models of their products.
_MG_8008b by Tom Sfotoos, on FlickrIxo Museum
The Museum series consists of classic and vintage cars, mostly available as basic Ixo versions too. These have nicer packaging, more and nicer chrome and better wire wheels. Finish is usually just below PremiumX level.
IMG_0093b by Tom Sfotoos, on FlickrPremiumX
PremiumX (PX) models are finished to a higher standard than regular Ixo models. However, besides upgraded diecast Ixos there are also models unique to the PX range made in resin (which suggests smaller production runs). These have higher prices than the diecast PX issues and can be distinguished by the number of photo-etched parts for exterior trim. Their quality approaches Spark models. Some diecast PX models are PW-sourced.
IMG_0103b by Tom Sfotoos, on Flickr_MG_7501b by Tom Sfotoos, on FlickrJ-collection
The J-Collection series consists of Japanese cars only, both classic and current. My assumption is that most of these if not all started life as partwork issues as I have seen several years ago. The range is quite diverse, with most models not available from other model makers. PCT overall seems to have quite a knack for avoiding duplication, which is helpful if you want your products to sell well (and at which several other manufacturers are apparently less successful).
_MG_3404b by Tom Sfotoos, on FlickrFirst43
First43 is an oddball in the PCT universe. The models are older Japanese cars only and clearly Ixo-sourced, but they do not feature on the Ixo website. Perhaps they are OE (see respective paragraph) but there is nothing that indicates this. The First43 range is not entirely duplicated in the J-collection range. Anybody who can shed a light on this?
IMG_0161b by Tom Sfotoos, on FlickrIST Models
This sub-brand issues only classic cars, vans and trucks from the former Eastern Bloc. The range appears to contain more colour variations than the Ixo range. Quality and detail level are above those of the relatively simple partwork series sold in the former Eastern Bloc. Interesting variations are the snow-covered cars.
_MG_3512b by Tom Sfotoos, on FlickrOE issues
Ixo's parent company PCT explicitly welcomes OE (Original Equipment, an industry term meaning rebranded products) requests in any quantity. There are a few of these around but a fairly well-known one is Triple9 Premium, initiated by wholesaler and distributor The Diecast Company in The Netherlands. This explains the large number of Dutch registrations on their models. Several models released under the T9 label have been reissued in the regular Ixo range, such as the red VW Cabriolet and the blue Civic EG9. The models are generally at a base Ixo level of finish and represent cars sold in The Netherlands.
_MG_7447b by Tom Sfotoos, on FlickrAnother well-known name is Whitebox, issued by Model Car World in Germany. Their models do not appear to have a particular German bias but some are unique to Germany and some have German registrations. Several WB issues have been released in more than one colour variation and have been reissued in the regular Ixo range. Detail level is to basic Ixo standard.
_MG_7901b by Tom Sfotoos, on FlickrA less well-known series is Odeon, sold in France only. This series contains only French classic cars and apart from waterslide decals with number plates the models are colour variations on partwork Ixo models with basic Ixo detail level.
IMG_0138b by Tom Sfotoos, on FlickrSolido
Solido is an old French name in the diecast world, dating back to the 1940s. After their bankruptcy they came back as yet another PCT recycler. Their models seem to be at PW quality level but are about 40% more expensive than new Ixo releases, which makes this a hard case to argue. Their best chance for survival IMO is by releasing models not generally available, or in very popular colours*.
Greenlight
I haven't been able to find a list of all their models but Greenlight seems to source their 1:43 castings from PCT too. Their USP is movie and tv-related models, so there are unique colours and some detail changes. Apparently this is done on the cheap, because some models are incorrect (e.g. the Gremlins Volkswagen Beetle, which is an incorrect year- given the huge amount of castings in the PCT group it would’ve been eminently possible IMO to find the correct year model).
Real car is a 1967 with rounded bumpers, the model is a 1969-on square bumper car
*Partwork models
Partwork models are usually issued by publishing firms and sold through subscriptions or through newsagents'. The different series all have a common theme (one make, classic cars, rally cars, trucks, movie-themed series) and are issued as a model and a 'magazine' with general info on the model and subjects surrounding the series. There are several publishers that issue these series, among which are Atlas, Altaya and DeAgostini.
Introductory models for a newsagents' PW are very keenly priced (see below) and usually come on a colourful card that makes them stand out in between rows of magezines
IMG_5108b by Tom Sfotoos, on FlickrThese series are sometimes sourced solely from Ixo castings, sometimes from several companies' products. The PW series are executed at a quality and detail level (my assumption) that conforms to the customers the PW targets. For instance, when a series is released in a country with lower average income, the models are simpler in execution with less detail (sometimes generic wheels, cast-in or tampo printed windscreen wipers, no antenna, simple grills and badging, no black paint for the rubber trim around the glass, brighter colours with more universal appeal that are less accurate to the 1:1s). Series available by subscription only are generally nicer in detail, more accurate in colour and in some occasions the castings are specific to the PW. The packaging is usually on the level of general release models with a plastic display box and a cardboard outer box, whereas the cheaper series are usually packaged in vacformed plastic 'bubbles'.
Some models are branded underneath, but I have not been able to find any consistence in this so this is probably done to customer's specification.
Notable partwork series that have been reissued under several PCT names are the Saab Collection and Volvo Collection. The majority of models issued in these series is unique to 1:43 and both ranges were of a very high general quality, which led to very successful reissues.
_MG_7984b by Tom Sfotoos, on FlickrMy assumption is that PCT gauges popularity by the amount of PW models sold to publishers (and judges the universal appeal for worldwide collectors) to add these models to their own ranges. A browse through the Ixo range on their website reveals a large number of Maserati and Lamborghini road cars as well as Ferrari cars we know from several PW series. In some, but not all cases, detail level of the Ixo versions is above that of the PW releases.
Interestingly, some models available in the Ixo range were redone for the PWs, but both the old and the new model are now sold under several labels. Most notably the pre-facelift Volvo 140 series, where the Volvo Collection version is more accurate than the Ixo version (and an entirely new casting), yet the Ixo is still sold.
A comparison between the cheapest PW issue (Polish cars collection) and the high-end PremiumX version of the same model
_MG_5013b by Tom Sfotoos, on Flickr_MG_7646b by Tom Sfotoos, on Flickr*As of 2022, Solido has stopped releasing PCT castings and is now making their unique range with a bias towards 'tuned' cars. That said, every single casting has PCT written all over it, so I wouldn't be surprised if they still used their design and production facilities.
Personal note: I would absolutely love to see a list of all PCT castings, including those exclusively made for PWs. From my experience in collecting and online searches there must be thousands of yet 'unreleased' models. Researching the source of all available PW castings in general would be quite the diecast nerd's dream.
