It’s not often we see a 1:12 scale piece from the craftsmen at CMC. We got out first glimpse of the their latest masterpiece, the 1:12 Auto Union Type C back in January. Progress has been good, with attention to detail second to none. And as CMC sees it, there isn’t anything on the market that compares in detail and price point, and we agree! This limited edition of 300 is almost pre-sold, so act now. Retail is roughly $3500CND.
About the Auto Union Type C… “On June 14th 1936, Auto Union sent its best driver Bernd Rosemeyer to compete in the famous Eifel race at the Nürburgring, driving an Auto Union Type C with starting #18. This event became one of the most memorable fog-races at the Nürburgring. It consisted of 10 laps for a total distance of 228 km. The race was dominated by three prominent drivers of the time from the very beginning. Leading the way was Rudolf Caracciola in a Mercedes W25, next came the veteran warrior Tazio Nuvolari in an Alfa Romeo P3, and behind him was Bernd Rosemeyer in a Type C. After the 3rd round Nuvolari surpassed Caracciola to take the lead. But Rosemeyer was catching up steadily. Following a shock absorber failure that forced Caracciola to retire, a thrilling duel for victory unfolded between Nuvolari and the daredevil Rosemeyer. True to his nickname, Rosemeyer endeavored to become the undisputed front-runner by the 7th round. At a significant distance behind him was Nuvolari, running in the 2nd place. During the 8th round, however, something unforeseen happened. With the sudden descent of a heavy fog, the Nürburgring was enveloped in an impenetrable wall of mist. Visibility was reduced to less than 20 meters! And what did Rosemeyer do? This crazy guy kept going full speed ahead. With a seriously blurred vision, he had to rely on his route memory of the course, a 7th sense for orientation, and an undaunted spirit to win the race. A legend was born. Bernd Rosemeyer went down in racing history as the “Fog Master.” Auto Union was setting a new benchmark that put an end to the dominance of Mercedes Benz. ”
I think it is a great credit to CMC’s attention to detail to note that, even looking at the close-ups of the engine, cockpit and front radiator, there is very little difference between the 1/12 and the 1/18. The seat is more accurate, but the details look fantastic on both models!
I respectfully disagree George. I believe the 1/12 model should be more detailed than the 1/18, especially considering the price increase by a factor of 10. For reference to the real car’s engine: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f2/AutoUnion16Zyl.jpg, the 1/12’s engine http://www.cmc-modelcars.de/uploads/pics/P1020152.JPG is lacking in some accuracy. For example, the piping around the engine (not the exhausts) is too large in diameter, and the nuts on the engine block are not shaped correctly.
Small problems, but I would expect greater accuracy on a model that costs close to €3000 :) Don’t get me wrong, I love CMC and own several of their models including the Type C, but I would like collectors to call out the manufacturers on mistakes with the hope that future releases don’t have them.
I agree- the 1/12 is and should be much more accurate in its detail. I just meant to point out that the detail in the 1/18 is already impressive. I’m a big fan of CMC, and have quite a few. While there are occasional misses, one can usually count on some real model-specific accuracy. For example, the differences between the Mercedes SSKL models- different tires (and tread patterns), even the accurate leaf spring wrapping on the German Grand Prix car, all spectacular.
Thanks for your reply George – I agree that CMC’s 1/18 models are impressive, accurate, and always fun to play with :)
I also hope CMC decide to do more 1/12 diecast models. The Type C is not exactly my favorite enough to buy in such a large size and cost, but I would do so for the Mercedes-Benz W154 :) I do hope the future direction for CMC, at least in 1/12, is not resin as they chose for the other 1/12 latest model, the Alfa-Romeo 8C 2900B
It will be interesting to see which cars follow in the 1/12 scale.
More Alfas. (I have the 1/18 8C coming this week, and the 6C on order!). I would love to see the Corsica-bodied Bugatti 57 in 1/12! Even the Type 35 would be great in the bigger scale!
One big difference is the front suspension detail in the 1:12 is the accurate one. The one on the 1:18 is simplified.
The biggest difference, and a big part of the cost difference is that the bodywork is formed from sheet copper. Very little of this model is actually diecast. Take a look at the pictures showing the underside of the cowlings. Even the perforated metal bracing is accurate. Also to lack of Phillips screw heads throughout the model makes it look very authentic. If you look closely at the fasteners on the bodywork they are elaborate turned w pin drive heads. Every part of this model is on a different level to the 1:18 version, and that is a hard act to follow. Another big part of the cost is that all of this tooling is for just 300 items. I can’t afford one but it is definitely worth the asking price.
Update:
I did actually take the plunge and bought this model. It is the only 1:12 scale CMC model I am likely to own but it is a real treasure. I have the 1:18 scale version (not a special edition). That is also very impressive, as George K points out.
I also managed to find the 1:18 Auto Union type D, #4 car (Nuvolari), winner of the 1938 Donington GP, and bought it for my dad. He was at the race, as a young boy and never forgot it. Needless to say, being a retired mechanical engineer, he was pretty pleased with the model.
Phillips head invented during WW2 for speed of assembly of military equipment.