Post by DeadCanDanceR on Aug 20, 2023 17:09:14 GMT -5
Two days ago, I received this model that I ordered from Modelissimo. As you see the four straps holding the spare tires on both sides are all loose. Clearly, it looks like a quality control issue from Matrix.
What would you do? Contact Modelissimo and ask for a return and a full refund? I‘ve checked their site and they have only one of these left! Ask for a partial refund? Or risk it and try to fix them myself?
Do you guys think it would be difficult trying to fix them?
Last Edit: Aug 20, 2023 17:34:12 GMT -5 by DeadCanDanceR
Post by oldirish33 on Aug 20, 2023 21:44:39 GMT -5
Julio I would be inclined for a partial refund and reglue them myself. That said, based on online images, the straps on your model look a bit checked and dirty for a car of that caliber. If that is the case, I would ask for a replacement.
Last Edit: Aug 20, 2023 21:45:06 GMT -5 by oldirish33
Post by DeadCanDanceR on Aug 21, 2023 8:47:42 GMT -5
Thank you, for your answers, Tom and Jerry!
Last night, after reading them I sent a message, with the photos, to Modelissimo and they’ve just answered. They are offering a partial refund (they didn’t mentioned the amount) or a return label and a full refund when they get the model.
I’ll probably choose the refund option. I noticed they have only one of these Duesenbergs left and I think that it might have (or develop) the same problem, those straps look like they’re prone to come loose easily.
I could ask for the full refund and order the model from ModelCarWorld but, besides being much more expensive and considering past experiences with them, I doubt they would be as helpful as Modelissimo, if the model arrives with the same issue.
It’s a gorgeous model and it deserves to be fixed!
Post by oldirish33 on Aug 22, 2023 10:23:12 GMT -5
I would use a quick setting glue (superglue) and like Tom said, use a toothpick to apply. It won't take much where you want the end of strap to be. I find it useful to put a small drop of glue on a bit of heavy paper (like decal paper) that doesn't absorb the glue, or scrap of plastic card. This allows you to control the amount of glue you put on the pointy end of the toothpick. Use another toothpick or end of tweezers to hold strap in place until it sets, being careful not to get glue on exposed side of strap.
As to the refund, you will have to decide if the partial refund is enough and you can live with it. I personally would arrange with them to send the one they have in stock, having them check to make sure straps aren't broken. I would take my chances that it arrives okay. If not, you are not any worse off than now. If as in your photos the straps didn't look so beat up, I would fix it.
Post by DeadCanDanceR on Aug 22, 2023 10:32:40 GMT -5
Thanks for your detailed instructions, Jerry! Not being a good model builder makes me a bit nervous doing repairs.
As for the straps, they really don’t look beat up in person. I guess it’s my photos that make them look like that. So, I think I’m going to take the partial refund, because judging by the condition of the straps on this model I have the feeling that the last one they have in stock is going to have the same problem!
If you are not a modeller I recommend a water soluble glue (like a white glue) as well. That way if you goof you can clean it up with a little water on a q-tip and try again. If I were fixing it I'd use a quick setting glue like Jerry recommended, but Jerry and I have built a lot of models and we are used to the stuff. If you make a mistake it will permanently mar the finish.
Post by DeadCanDanceR on Aug 23, 2023 8:55:56 GMT -5
Yesterday, I asked the guys at Modelissimo to check the last model they have in stock of this same Duesenberg, in case I opted for the full refund and wanted to buy that one. They’ve answered me this morning, the model they have has the same problem so, I’m definitely getting the partial refund and will attempt to fix it.
And, I’ve just seen an identical Duesenberg for sale at eBay and, guess what, it has the very same problem too! 😬
If you are not a modeller I recommend a water soluble glue (like a white glue) as well. That way if you goof you can clean it up with a little water on a q-tip and try again. If I were fixing it I'd use a quick setting glue like Jerry recommended, but Jerry and I have built a lot of models and we are used to the stuff. If you make a mistake it will permanently mar the finish.