Our friends at hobbyDB have been running a series of articles about diecast customizers on their blog. Some of the names will be familiar to Darthvaderr readers, but it's always nice to check in for an update. Here's their recent article on Chris Stangler. You can also see his complete online archive on hobbyDB.
Chris Stangler created his first customs in the early 1990s and has been modifying small scale rides ever since. He is one of the most respected diecast customizers around, known for mixing popular models with well-known themes and schemes from elsewhere in pop culture.
One of his favorite mashup series combines the familiar Snake and Mongoose drag racing colors with identical pairs of Hot Wheels vehicles. Even the most casual Hot Wheels collector should recognize the original red vs. yellow liveries, but Chris also works with the later blue and white schemes. These customs are sold in very limited edition pairs.
Another popular base for his creations comes from Kustom City in the form of their super-stretched "Evo" vehicles inspired by Volkswagen buses and transporters. Chris has worked wonders with these models as well including his "Stangler Construction" Series.
Chris recently started hosting his historic archive and his store at hobbyDB. You can read more about his work (as well as his upcoming models when he shares them) here.
A number of Chris' customs come in a diorama, like this chrome gold Hot Wheels Passion. This casting is another model with nice, flat slab sides that provide the perfect canvas for his designs.
The Hot Wheels School Busted is a recent model that hasn't been produced in huge quantities yet, but the versions produced by Chris are even rarer. It has a timeless design that works well with vintage or modern graphics.
As for the future, he hints at big things on the horizon, but doesn't want to spill the beans just yet. "My big news would be that I'm working on some new designs that will be coming out this summer after I finish up some orders that are taking a lot of my time." he said. "I have big designs coming for the October Hot Wheels convention in Los Angeles, great 1-of-1 pieces that I will be doing for the Charity Auction."
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