Besides of the most European models in my collection, I developed in secretly a passion for the Camaro models and thanks to this model car I discovered this new manufacturer. This is my first model from CSM, an unknown manufacturer until now, who usually brings in scale models of common cars, most of them dealer editions present on the Asian market. Looking over their limited collection of models, I see that this Camaro is the first american car brought in scale and their products claim a premium level of manufacture. Of course, it wasn't present in the European shops, all the models I've found being listed overseas, but I was lucky enough to find one for sale from a collector near my location. I must say from the beginning that I hadn't any idea about any CSM model or something related to them, before this first contact.
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The yellow Bumblebee arrived in a black card box having its logo and name printed on and a second styrofoam box, designed to protect the model inside. What is very surprising from the first contact is its weight, being from far the heaviest model in my collection- except the trucks- being heavier than every CMC or Exoto model. Unfortunately, the things were not the way I've expected, because I didn't even begin to enjoy my model, that the first issues started to appear. The paint was applied in a very thin layer, isn't bright enough for a new model and in the strong light some differences of shade can be observed, like when someone tried to transform the original shinny paint using a polishing device. These surfaces aren’t symmetric and around the edges the paint is so thin applied, that the raw metal can be seen.
Isn't the best way to start enjoying your brand new model, but let's see if in terms of detailing this model is offering something more. First of all, the front grills are not perforated, but are deep molded to offer a real aspect and they have concentrated their effort in replicating the Chevy badges, raised as single pieces and nice crafted. The light are looking very good, for the fog lights, even the light bulb was put in place and the tail lights are surrounded by a thin chromed frame.
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Because of the large wheels, present on the real car as well, the model could appear having a high stance in my photos, just because of the shooting angle, but when is exposed everything comes to normal. The wheels and the brake system behind are well replicated and detailed, I'll mention just the metallic brake discs and the studs very precisely made. On both sides, the "Camaro" inscription is replicated by two metallic photo edged pieces and a very nice detail is the fuel lid that can be opened.
I don't know if I should be surprised about the cockpit detailing, after the entire experience, but what I found is under my expectations. The details are missing everywhere and the finishing is suitable for a low budget model, the manufacturer missing even the essential details on the dash board. I have to be happy only with the flocking interior having the rubber protection at the leg's level, the folding seats and the textile seat belts.
Nothing goes better under the engine bonnet, the details are worthy of a 30 euro model, including here the huge hinges, better known in the hobby as "dog legs". The manufacturer tried to replicate individually some components and few wires without any particular paint or detail, except a label and the strut that is making its job well, keeping the bonnet large open. The things become better in the trunk, is all carpeted and the base can be theoretically moved away to find the spare wheel, but because of the little space this is almost impossible. This time we have two struts to operate the lid and the same huge hinges.
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My first experience with a CSM model was totally a disaster, even more because I chose one of my favorite car model and everything was announced to be so good.Unfortunately, even the yellow paint, my favorite shade didn't saved the situation, by the way it worsened it. I don't know if it was a problem only with a part of the models, but where is the QC service, if there is any? So, case closed: I just received a premium model, detailed at basic standards, out of the pretended level and an awful painting job.
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