Radcast 2018: Tomica Chevrolet Camaro Z28

My opening presentation for Radcast is something that couldn’t be more 80s. This is Tomica F34-2, the Camaro Z28. This casting entered the range in February 1983, remaining until February 1985 - a relatively short run. Not many cars represent the era like this:

Illustration for article titled Radcast 2018: Tomica Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Advertisement
Illustration for article titled Radcast 2018: Tomica Chevrolet Camaro Z28

An F-series model of an F-body, it just works. Detail and proportion are excellent. This model is finished in a lovely metallic blue, with “Camaro Z28-E” tampos in an accurate font. F34-2 was replaced by a Camaro police car, F34-3 - I believe the civilian version is much less common, as the police version was sold as a Pocket Cars, unlike this version (I think). Scale is claimed to be 1:66, likely accurate. The wide wheels are appropriate, and this casing features the snappy door action, crisp glazing, and springy suspension we expect from Tomica. I think every major maker had a 3rd gen F-body - these were insanely popular cars back in the day, and the Tomica is likely the finest quality. From all angles, there’s no mistaking this for anything else:

Illustration for article titled Radcast 2018: Tomica Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Advertisement
Illustration for article titled Radcast 2018: Tomica Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Illustration for article titled Radcast 2018: Tomica Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Advertisement

Doors open to reveal a detailed interior and accurate steering wheel:

Illustration for article titled Radcast 2018: Tomica Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Advertisement

Front and rear have similar quality detail:

Illustration for article titled Radcast 2018: Tomica Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Advertisement
Illustration for article titled Radcast 2018: Tomica Chevrolet Camaro Z28

The base is plastic, and features ample technical detail and identifying data:

Illustration for article titled Radcast 2018: Tomica Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Advertisement

This example is lucky enough to live in its original F-series box:

Illustration for article titled Radcast 2018: Tomica Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Advertisement

I am definitely glad to have this casting. It’s a lovely piece in a pleasing color, a real icon of the era:

Illustration for article titled Radcast 2018: Tomica Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Advertisement

And a 1:1 from favcars.com. The Z28-E was an export model, with many differences from a NA spec Z28:

Illustration for article titled Radcast 2018: Tomica Chevrolet Camaro Z28