Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Diecast of the Day: UT Models Ford Expedition XLT







So, by now you should know I collect scale models of mundane cars I like (sorta like my list of guilty pleasure cars), and this Expedition was one model I couldn't pass up. When I was younger, I got a blue UT Eddie Bauer in London for £20-£30, but over the years, UT's glue and adhesive kind of gave way, and it started falling apart. I attributed this to the fact that I mishandled it alot as a youth, playing with it like I would a Hot Wheels car. But, some 10 years later, I have acquired myself another UT Models Ford Expedition. This time my acquisition is the teal over gray XLT model you see here. While not a top-of-the-line Eddie Bauer, I like this trim line almost as much.
Replicated here are four opening doors (which are fragile, and due to age they don't close all the way after being opened), the steerable front wheels with correctly replicated cheesy-looking Ford truck steering wheel, and the 17" plated aluminum wheels. The badges seem photo-etched, too, which is a trait many models in this UT's price range ($30-$60 typically) don't even offer. While detail is great for a model of this age, fit and finish is hit or miss. Typically, UT buyers either buy because they're a fan of that particular car, or they buy in hopes of making a quick eBuck. I snatched this example at quite reasonable $35 and am perfectly happy with it. If you want to see more options/colors the UT Expedition is available in, head over to eBay and start lookin