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CB's Die Cast Review: December 10, 2000 |
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Reality Replicas
Long-time collectors
are very familiar with the legend of the rear-loading or rear-boarded Volkswagen
Beach Bomb™, generally recognized as the Holy Grail of the Redline era
The first models offered were posted on auction sites to test the market I suppose, but they
will be available through Sizzlers-Hotline. They are not inexpensive, which is to be
expected for an item with this much effort invested. But, it is a minute fraction of
what it would cost to acquire an authentic Rear Loader. For the majority of Redline
collectors, this beautiful replica hits the spot nicely, and spares the wallet greatly.
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specifically, and of all Hot Wheels eras in general. As history states, this
original design of the customized Volkswagen van was both too narrow to be consistently
propelled by the Super Charger, and too top heavy to successfully negotiate the
Hot Curves at high speed. Unfortunately, this was discovered in the California
offices after production of the model had commenced in Hong Kong. Production was stopped
while a modification of the design took place, and all models based on the original design
were to be destroyed. The revised model, with surf board compartments added to the
sides for extra width, and weight added to the chassis for a lower center of gravity, was
released for sale in the latter part of 1969. Some of the original models have
survived over the years and are highly sought after. Currently, fewer than thirty
of these jewels are known to exist. Occasionally, previously unknown examples surface.
Under license from Mattel, Mike Grove has produced a number of replica components for
Redline-era models through his company Sizzlers-Hotlines, under the Reality Replicas product
line. Recently, the organization has released its most ambitious project -- a replica
of the famed rear-loading Beach Bomb. The model is an incredibly accurate duplication
of the Redline rarity. The components are resin composites, created from molds taken
of the parts of an actual 1968 prototype. The body is finished with a beautiful
coat of simulated Spectraflame paint and protected with a clear overcoat. All of the
unique features of the Rear Loader are present, including the front turn signals, side door
handle and rear marker lights. The chassis is chrome plated, different from the
zinc-plated original but accurate in every other detail. It even has authentic-looking
rivet heads at either end. There is extra weight molded
into the interior component to give the model the proper weight of the original. The
wheels and axles appear to be actual 1970-era parts that have been refurbished. The
light ivory color of the interior matches the original, as do the red and yellow colors
of the surfboards. The glass is clear and transparent. The only slight visual
concession is the black steering wheel, a characteristic of the 1968 Hong Kong Redlines.
Apparently, some of the original pilot models might have had the separate steering wheel,
although all of the known surviving Rear Loaders have an ivory steering wheel molded as part of
the interior. The new models are created in the U.S.A.
These replicas are very well done. Equally amazing is the near-perfect match of the
Spectraflame paint, especially considering the original Redlines had the transparent paint
over zinc-plated
metal while this paint must cover a resin casting and provide the same appearance.
My example was painted Ice Blue, which matches the Phase 2 Ice Blue pigment that
was used in 1969.
With a fresh coat of paint and newly-chromed wheels, the replica has that "just manufactured"
look, which is the most obvious distinction from the original 1968 models. Currently,
the model has been released in red, hot pink, blue, ice blue, gold, emerald green and purple.
I suspect the model will appear eventually in replicas of the remaining 1969 Spectraflame colors
such as antifreeze, aqua, brown, copper, creamy pink, lime, olive and orange.
Also available separately are a certificate of authenticity and a metal, wood and plexiglass
display case. The metal plate is the shape of an original Redlines blister card, and
decorated front and back with 1969 artwork based on the original card. The "bubble blister"
is a plexiglass box. Both the metal plate and plexiglass case are mounted on the finished
wood base.
