The very first task to manufacture an Imit'Toys model is to collect all the documentation about the selected vehicle. You need to know the whole history of the car to be able to select the proper vintage year, plus the accurate colours, without error. Collectors would detect misleading details at first glance. The best colours for Imit'Toys models are those of the real car, that we can also find in the Dinky Toys vast collections. Whenever possible, I find an accurate plan of the real model with the dimensions. However, the easiest way is to simply examine and measure a true car, such as an actual example belonging to a museum or to a collector.

  The manufacture of the prototype is the most touchy and time consuming task. It can take from a few weeks to create an ImitToys modified copy of a Dinky Toys model, to several years to create an original Imit’Toys. For example it took 3 years for the Renault 4CV, the very first Imit'Toys. The prototype is not created from a simple pressing of an actual DinkyToys model to create a mould. It is instead carved from scratch from dental resin using dentistry tools. The chassis of the model is carved the same way.

  Once finished, the dental resin carved prototype is then used to create a mould that incorporates the fine details of the Imit’Toys model. The careful creation of this mould is the crucial step to insure accuracy and detail. Unfortunately, in the casting process, if any air bubbles are present in the melted metal, those bubbles will leave holes in the final casting after the metal cools. So to help to mitigate that risk, a moulder adds air drains into a mould. The air drains are crafted to evacuate the air.

Once the mould is ready, we can then cast the metal to create the car. The melted metal, turned liquid, is poured into and entirely fills the mould. Sure, we could use any kind of alloy having a low melting point. However, over time, alloy oxidation could ruin the car. Probably most of you have experienced an old toy that deteriorated or lost details, due to oxidation. Imit'Toys are made with an alloy known as Vaculoy 63/67.

This top quality mixture will very seldom oxidise. It is used in aviation applications such as the soldering of electronic equipment. The melted metal, quite heavy, fills the mould only due to gravity. Around fifteen minutes are necessary to harden the alloy. Then we can open the mould and check the result. Unfortunately, despite the air drains, sometimes a large air bubble may still have remained and a large part of the model is simply ... missing. The poor defective body is then returned mercilessly to the crucible for melting...

  The metal is again poured into the mould and it cools and the mould is opened. If we find a complete casting free of bubbles, it is time for the detailed hand done processes to begin. The bubble-free body now must be carefully cleaned and trimmed.

This delicate work is achieved with thin high grade sandpapers.

I wear a face mask since alloy filings are really harmful. Over aggressive sanding can sometimes result in fine details being destroyed. In that case, the poor defective body is rejected and it is returned mercilessly to the crucible for melting...

  Once the cleaning and trimming and sanding are complete, the little car is now filed, degreased, and polished. A paint gun is used to apply a protective undercoat. Any tiny defects exposed by the undercoating process are corrected.

  Now I have to paint the car, the worst moment for me. This is a very demanding process. This requires a dust free atmosphere, proper temperature and humidity. In Andorra, the air is extremely dry and I have to set a humidifier to keep the dust at floor level. Good ventilation is also necessary to avoid a buildup of dangerous fumes. I use a paint gun specifically made for painting small industrial parts. I use actual car body paint. So, I have a broad choice of paint colours of excellent quality and durability. The colour will hardly change over time. The paint itself is quite thick. I am continuously seeking out improved paints and application techniques to produce a surface and finish that looks like the way the actual car itself would have looked.

  Next comes the painting of all the details. A pleasant job though time consuming. Dual colour bodies receive an additional minimum of 2 coats for the second colour which is then polished. The car is taking life. Now is the assembly time : set the wheels on the shaft and clinch them, set the tires, glue the windscreen, the steering wheel, and lights when necessary,
drill two holes under the body to assemble the chassis with the wheels, using Imit'Rivets, tiny screws which look like Dinky Toys' rivets.

The Imit'Toys model is almost ready. A final inspection is now done from all angles to see that this is a faithful model of the car, free of imperfections and accurate in detail and finish... A last test to check that it rolls properly and it leaves the assembly line. Just like the actual car that it represents once did. It is then packed inside a nice box manufactured by a firm skilled in drugs and cosmetics packaging. The magnificent hand crafted and finished car awaits your order and would be sent in a special parcel to your home... Even far away...

DIE-CAST