I thought it might be a good idea to do a little fun comparison between the two, just to see what inspiration Vivid took and how the Dinky holds up after all this time.
When it comes to packaging Dinky's original colourful display plinth and box would take some beating, but later when they decided to put their models in bubblepacks, the Vivid pakage looks marginally better in this case.
The two models together, with the Vivid on the left.
Vivid
Dinky
Both do look very similar, however, the position of the wheels looks much better on the Dinky.
What about the cockpit?
In the Dinky we have a painted figure of Joe at the wheel.
In the Vivid we have plain red plastic Mac and Joe at the controls.
As they both look good I'm going to call that round a draw.
Vivid's Turbines with red engine tips.
Dinky is all chrome (or in rare cases all red)
I like the added detail on the Vivid so that wins this round.
What about the Jet exhaust and the rear.
Vivid sticks to more red plastic detail.
but Dinky has a light for that exhaust effect!
Dinky obviously wins this one!
Now what about the wings?
Dinky has flick out wings that stick out at the wrong angle but the rear stabilisers spring back too. The wheels stay put. A nice gimmick for it's time, but...
While the Vivid looked wrong in normal driving mode, in flying mode it really looks the part. The front wheels fold into the base and the rear wheels flick up.
This round clearly goes to Vivid.
So how did each model fare?
Well to be honest, they are both nice models with good points and not-so-good points.
To my mind the main difference between the two is the Dinky looks better in road driving mode and the Vivid looks good in flying mode.
I only have the Vivid one - I really must track down a Dinky some day. Never much liked the programme to be honest, but the cars were great.
ReplyDeleteNever knew the Vivid one existed. I snagged the Dinky one recently but it is in rough condition. Was a steal though as I got it and a less rough but in need of love Mobile also for $20
ReplyDeleteI have one of each, the Dinky one being from my fourth birthday in 1968. The Vivid one I got, and was interested to see how the undercarriage works. This was a BAD IDEA, as all the bits flew out like shrapnel, and I needed three hands to put it back together again. Just thought you'd like to know.
ReplyDeleteWhile they're both good models in their own way, I do prefer the Dinky, but that just be down to nostalgia.
ReplyDeleteI can't say I really loved the programme but like the Secret Service after it , the attention to the tiniest of detail on the sets was superb, which means I do give the odd episode a watch now and again.
Hi. How do I put my dinky Joe 90 back together? I need 3 pairs of hands. There must be a trick to doing it? Any help will do.
ReplyDeleteHi Steve, I found this on You Tube. This is Part 2. there is a Part 1 as well.
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97r0fe7XKeE
Looks fiddley but may help!
Woodsy
Cheers Woodsy, will give it a go later.
DeletePart 2 was the one I needed thanks!
DeleteBoth great models. Have to say the production values of the Dinky are outstanding. Quality toy at the time ,great collectable now! Just love it. The Vivid version also has its merits, retracting wheels, good cockpit detail etc. Both good but the Dinky wins it for me.
ReplyDeleteI agree Rocketeer,both good diecasts,but as I say, when it comes to nostalgia Dinky is always going to be the winner.
DeleteHello I have 2 dinky joe90 the battery has a switch on off on one of them and just a arrow on the other ? Does anyone know why .thanks
ReplyDeleteOn my version it has both on/off and an arrow. I'd imagine Dinky just used different dies.
Delete