[REVIEW] Tomica Volkswagen Microbus

Tomica time is here again. This is Land of the Rising Sun-day only via the maker of this model. This is Tomica F29-1, the Volkswagen Microbus. This casting entered the range in October 1977, and is a nice way to end my reviews for the year:

No doubt a certain someone will like this, maybe a few others will too. The VW Type 2, in production for eons in various places, and an iconic vehicle everywhere it existed. Tomica appreciated this one too, as it exists in at least two dozen variants. This casting features accurate proportions, with ample fine line casting detail, and nice paintwork with a crisp vintage style tampo. There is also crisp glazing and springy suspension, but as the door on this model is not snappy. The interior is detailed, with accurate seats and steering wheel. Scale is claimed to be 1:67, likely accurate. From all angles, there is no mistaking this for anything else:

Front and rear have similar fine detail:

The base is unusual as it incorporates the plastic piece for the interior, and also has a little detail for the engine:

This example is fortunate to live in its nice original F-series box:

The fun part of this casting, the sliding door. Why this couldn’t be body color, I don’t know, but it still has a pleasing action, and reveals the interior:

I am no doubt happy to have this model in my collection. This is not an easy one to find at a reasonable price, and I had to be patient to finally find one at a price I could accept. VW fans have made this one desirable, and as it has to be as nice as any other period casting of this vehicle, one can see why:

And a couple 1:1s from flickrfavcars.com and flickr