luxuryliners's Full Review: Cadillac Wayne Gas Pump, 1:18
Introduction
I have long considered purchasing a fuel pump as an accessory to the many 1/18 scale Cadillac's in my collection so when I saw this vintage 1920's style gas pump on Ebay for only $4.50, I went for it. The pump is made by Yat Ming who makes a variety of gas pumps in the same scale from different era's, including a Buick branded pump in the same style and 1950's style pumps.
Product Description
This memento from the era of leaded fuel is the perfect match to any 1/18 display, particularly one including classic Cadillac models. The yellow and blue, octagonal, base is made of die cast metal, just like many cars of the same scale. Atop the metal base sits a see-through plastic fuel reservoir, complete with gallon increments 1-10 printed on the front side. Above the fuel container sits a blue, circular, Cadillac service sign on a red, plastic, background. The entire outfit stands about 5.25" tall and is an inch thick; right in scale with most 1/18 size cars.
A sign reads "for use as a motor fuel only contains LEAD (tetraethyl)" in the form of white sticker near the base of the pump. Left of the base a large chrome handle rises up about 1.5" to the level of another blue Cadillac service sign with a centered gold shield. A flexible, black, plastic hose bends in a U-shape from where it attaches on the left side of the pump to where its chrome end rests on a chrome handle on the opposite side. The hose looks very realistic and extends out nearly 6 inches from the pump base.
Everything above the clear fuel reservoir is made of plastic and unfortunately, you can tell the difference. I think the pump is very nostalgic and the attention to detail is high despite the strange yellow, blue, and red coloration. On the backside of the pump, there are no stickers or decals (excepting a service sign at the top of the pump), instead you can clearly see two rivets holding the base together. Other than the rivets, the pump is relatively realistic but the addition of a gasoline colored liquid to the plastic reservoir or a battery operated sign that lights up would make this product exceptional (though admittedly more expensive).
Durability
Two cosmetic issues have arisen with this product. The first is a scrape in the blue paint on the bottom of the base and is no big deal. The second is that the end of the gun shaped nozzle that you would insert into the car has broken off. The piece was very small and delicate and it bothers me that it broke. I will also mention now that this gas pump has small parts and may present a choking hazard to children, and wouldn't it be ironic if the paint contained lead just as the sing warns? The die cast metal parts of the pump are very durable and sturdy and the plastic parts seem acceptably strong as well. I think the best use of this product is as a display item to enhance your 1/18 scale setup rather than as a toy; a situation where damage is unlikely.
Final Thoughts
Standing tall next to my 1932 Cadillac Sport Phaeton, 1947 Cadillac Series 62 or 1940 Cadillac "Godfather" Fleetwood this gas pump looks great. I highly recommend it to accessorize any 1/18 scale display for both its low price and high level of detail. The obviously plastic top, delicate pump nozzle, and rear facing rivets do little to dissuade my recommendation but you may want to keep them in mind. As always thanks for reading!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 4.50 Type of Toy: Other
Age Range of Child: 9 Years or Older
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.