We found these images of Exoto’s assembly jig and we thought we would share. The apparatus is a requirement for assembly of their highly detailed pieces. Exoto over the last few projects has taken their execution 3-4 tiers above the competition. Folks we’re talking 1:18 scale assembly here. The attention to detail in these images is something left to full scale, hand-built product cars! This is just nuts! But we appreciate the passion and dedication to the craft.
I guess now some of us have a better appreciation of the work involved and the Exoto price tag, their models don’t come cheap. “Engineered Like No Other Model In The World”, that is an understatement. Enjoy!
Outstanding modelwork, too bad the owner/proprietor is such a jerk………….
David, yes too bad indeed. Also their website is SO user unfriendly. The said their Jaguar D type is arguably the best 1/18th available in this hobby
http://www.exoto.com/s/1/ProductOverview.aspx?Language=en&CategoryId=186
PS: I have NO connection with them, though I have two of their images from years ago.
I have two of the D-Type shortnoses from Exoto. They are incredible, and really do seem like all you need to do is to gas them up (well, if they had the fuel bag included!) and drive them away. But, as with most Exotos and CMCs, put them in a case and just enjoy the view, because overtime you touch one, something falls off. . .
I bought a bought an FW14B of them which turned up with a crab like stance, yet another defect from Exoto, then i had to spend 9 months arguing with that moron Tony kakayasian, we will call him about a refund which i never got, it is truly astonishing that he has no respect for any of his customers nor dealers as i found out, enjoy the bankruptcy Tony.
Steve, my sentiment exactly…
Have you seen that Tony K is still hawking his leftover wares of Ebay at exorbitant prices way above market value. Have pity on whoever unassumingly buys one from him.
Yeh i noticed that on E bay, he has been trying to sell bundles for ridiculous prices, i have sent him many lets just say VERY DIRECT e mails about his lack of respect to us and dealers, did you know he was making dealers pay fully up front for his models and guaranteeing them a delivery date which of course they never arrived on time and when they did they where riddled with Defects and you guessed it he refused to refund their moneys, Toney kaka yasian DESIGN, lol
Exoto’s are great models by design, but it was always a nerve wracking experience getting one. They were unusually plagued by paint application issues (and terrible QC that let the defective ones ship out). It never would have been that big of a problem if they had good customer service but their customer service was notoriously bad and more often than not they blamed the customer for any issues (if they responded at all).
It’s obvious that the whole business was imbibed by Tony K’s infallible attitude and we all see where that lead the company.
I have several Exoto models, some bought on Ebay, most from Exoto and those often at Exoto’s wildly fluctuating prices. And the quality is all over the place.
Two examples: The D-Types attach the rear section to the central tube with a pin that fits into a hole in the head rest and attaches the rear section to the headrest! Somehow I don’t think Jaguar did it that way. Every time I want to move the model (I rotate my displays) I have to be be careful that the rear end doesn’t fall off. The rear body work of the Ferrari 156 will not close flush with the front body work unless I use a bit of clear tape that can’t be seen from across the room. Nonetheless, they made some great models including some like the Chaparrals that no one else makes in 1/18.
I bought the Fangio Alfa and rolling chassis. I don’t know why but I bought them separately when they were first released directly from Exoto and had no problem. I have heard so many terrible reviews about the company and Tony Kshatriyas I have no doubt they are true. As others have said, it’s a damn shame. The truth is my Alfa’s are without doubt the finest models I own or have seen. I couldn’t afford a Jag. If I had Gerald Wingrove build one we are talking 5 figures, at least. I wonder what could have been achieved if the owner had developed the company with the quality he achieved but added top of the line customer service. I read somewhere that he just didn’t care.
I don’t know where that name came from. I meant Tony K. Could the moderator fix it?
I own some of the Exoto Jaguar D types and apart from a small part falling off here and there (easily rectified) they make for beautiful display pieces.
I think despite this models occasional short comings (hardly surprising for a model with such detail) it will go down in die cast history as one of (if not) the best models ever produced.
Bought a Jaguar Type D recently. I have a number of exotos over the years and most recently this Jag and an Alfa Romeo 159. Details are absolutely amazing which is why I keep going back to exoto despite most recent purchases both have blemishes in paint, a few parts fell off needing regluing.
Worst part about the Jag (and I should have researched more thoroughly and read the manual before hand) is that both the front and the back can come off easily. They really aren’t designed to stay in place. The holes in the back hood wasn’t drilled properly and I had to open them up more for the headrest pins to get in. What a poor way to hold up one of the heaviest bit of the model?! And the clip was bent out of shape for whatever reason when it arrived. Thank goodness the front hood hinges are pretty meaty although again the hood falls off easily. Battery red lead was too short it hung over the front wheel well hence the front hood won’t close. I will have to replace this red lead. Don’t believe the live lead should be much thinner than ground lead anyway. There’s a little metal rectangular piece measuring about 2mm x 7mm that has come off. Just an ultra thin flat silver sheet without any markings. Can’t figure out where it came from. The model is so fragile I dare not examine it too rigorously.
I would love to be corrected if I am wrong, I have the feeling that exoto discounts on poorly made / defective copies. That said, the RRP price is ridiculous. What’s a fair price for one?
I seem to be behind the times. But I can attest to the attitude of Tony K having dealt (attempted to deal!) with him. I was just searching to find where Exoto products are made and from comments I’ve just seen, it appears Exoto is no more or close to it. Has Exoto ceased to exist?
Not sure what the situation is today. They still seem to have a web presence.