A few months ago, I discussed the new James Bond collection from the UK. At that time, I had managed to score the Lotus Esprit (No. 3) from that collection. Since that time, I have acquired the remaining Lotus models from that series. Each model from this collection (first available at most newstands in the UK..now sadly, by subscription only) is 1/43 scale in size, and comes with a 15 page magazine with facts about each movie.
First up, is No. 8 in the series- the Lotus Esprit Turbo from the movie, "For Your Eyes Only". Universal Hobbies (out of France), has done an amazing job with this model, which includes a ski rack on the back, along with James Bond in the car! The diorama that it comes in is a nice bonus, with textured snow. There are even tracks in the snow for the tires! Here's a photo of the magazine which came with the model:
An Interesting item is on the back cover of this particular magazine .... the movie poster that was released in Japan. I had not seen this one before!
The next (and last) Lotus from this collection was No. 16, the Lotus Esprit from 'The Spy Who Loved Me". This time, we have the white car, right before it goes off the ramp and changes into that iconic submarine.
Again, the detail is great with the car, although the Wolfrace wheels leave a little bit to be desired. The diorama adds to the piece, and again, it contains bond and agent XXX in the car...this time we also have the cement guns ready for action at the back of the car. Here is the magazine that came with this model:
An interesting (yet one that all of us can appreciate) quote is found in this issue: "In reality, the state-of-the-art sports car was a problem on the set, as director Lewis Gilbert remembers: "It would break down because it wasn't used to standing around idling for a long time. But it was a beautiful car". I guess even Q can't fix everything!
Until next month, happy hunting!!
