Our First AE86 Batch Shipment to France — A Small Step for a Long Build Journey

When we first started arranging the DeAgostini Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86 1/8 scale series through DeToyz, I knew this would not be a normal model kit purchase.

This is not a simple boxed kit where a customer pays once, receives one parcel, and starts building immediately from beginning to end.

The AE86 is a long 110-issue build series. It takes time. It needs planning. And for overseas builders, it needs even more communication because payment, shipping, parcel size, customs, and future batches all have to be handled carefully.

Recently, we arranged our first direct AE86 batch shipment to France via DHL Express.

It was only the first parcel, but to me, it meant quite a lot. It showed that this kind of long-term AE86 arrangement can work for overseas builders too — as long as everything is explained clearly from the beginning.

How the Enquiry Started

Marine from France found DeToyz while searching online for an RX-7 FD or AE86 model project to build.

From there, she came across our AE86 article and contacted us through WhatsApp to ask about the full series cost and how the arrangement would work.

That part was encouraging for me.

For a small hobby shop in Malaysia, it is not easy to reach overseas builders. But this showed me that the content we put on our website can still travel further than expected. Sometimes, someone on the other side of the world may be searching for the same thing we are writing about.

That is why I always feel that website content should not only be about selling. It should also explain things properly, especially for projects that need trust and patience.

Why We Chose Batch Shipping

The full AE86 series has 110 issues in total.

If we try to ship everything at once, the parcel would be very large, and the international shipping cost would likely become very high. For international shipping, the final fee is usually calculated based on volumetric weight, not only the actual item weight.

Because of that, shipping in batches makes more sense.

For Marine’s first shipment, we arranged Issues 1–12 as the starting batch. This gives her enough issues to begin the project, while keeping the parcel size more manageable.

This first batch was still quite large because Issues 1–5 came in boxed packaging, which took up more space inside the carton. This is why we always prefer to check the actual packed parcel size before confirming the shipping fee.

It may take a little more work, but it avoids giving a rough number that later turns out to be wrong.

The First Batch Arrangement

For this first AE86 batch shipment to France, the arrangement included:

• Issues 1–12 of the DeAgostini Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86 series
• A deposit equivalent to the last 4 issues to secure the full set
• DHL Express shipping to France
• Clear payment and deposit records for future tracking

For a long 110-issue series, I think clear records are very important.

This is not just one order. It is a long journey. There will be future batches, future payments, and future shipments. So from the beginning, both sides need to understand what has been paid, what is being shipped, and what is being reserved.

That is why we prepared a separate record for the deposit as well. The deposit is not an extra charge. It is counted toward the final 4 issues of the AE86 series.

Packing the First Parcel

Before confirming the shipping fee, we packed Issues 1–12 into an outer carton and checked the actual parcel size.

This is one of the most important steps for overseas orders. A small difference in box size can affect the shipping fee, especially for international courier services.

For this shipment, we used DHL Express.

Based on our experience, DHL Express is still one of the more reliable options for international parcels, especially when the shipment is valuable or part of a long-term arrangement.

The parcel moved faster than the original delivery estimate. After customs clearance in France, Marine changed the delivery to a relay point because her mailbox could not receive large parcels.

That was also a useful reminder for us. For some overseas customers, home delivery may not always be the most convenient option. A relay point or pickup point can sometimes be easier, especially for larger parcels.

What Marine Said After Receiving the Parcel

After Marine collected the parcel, she sent us this message:

“Just got your parcel! It was packed sooo carefully! And gosh quite a lot of issues for a first pack! Love it! It's gonna be a collector car with all the magazines! I'll keep them all!”

That message made me very happy.

For a project like this, the experience is not only about receiving parts. The magazines are part of the charm too. They make the whole build feel more complete, more like a proper collector journey.

Marine also shared that receiving the parcel through DHL was quite easy this time, especially after changing the delivery to a relay point.

That kind of feedback is useful for us because it helps us understand the real experience from the customer’s side — not just what we see from the tracking number.

Update: Marine’s AE86 Build Has Started

Updated on 21 May 2026

After receiving the first batch, Marine has already started building the AE86 in France.

By Issue 9, the main engine components, cylinder gear, and transmission shaft were already completed. She shared that the engine and transmission section felt especially satisfying because of the small details and the more realistic build materials.

“A real satisfaction, especially when assembling the engine! All these details!”

This is a nice reminder that the AE86 series is not only about collecting issues. Once the build begins, the project slowly starts to feel real — one batch, one issue, and one section at a time.

What This Means for Future Overseas Builders

This France shipment does not mean every international AE86 order will be exactly the same.

Each country is different. Each batch may have a different parcel size. Some issues may come in boxes, while others may be slimmer. Shipping fees, customs process, and delivery options may also vary depending on the destination.

But this first shipment gave us a working example.

It showed that the AE86 series can be arranged for overseas builders if the process is handled step by step:

• Explain the full 110-issue structure clearly
• Arrange a deposit to secure the full set
• Collect payment progressively by batch
• Pack the issues before confirming shipping
• Use a reliable courier such as DHL Express
• Keep the customer updated throughout the process

This is not the fastest way to sell something, but I think it is the more responsible way.

For overseas customers, trust matters. They are paying from another country, waiting for a parcel to cross borders, and committing to a project that may take a long time to complete.

So our job is not just to ship a box. Our job is to make the whole process feel clear and safe enough for them to continue.

For Overseas Builders Interested in the AE86

If you are based outside Malaysia and interested in starting the DeAgostini Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86 1/8 scale series, please contact us first before ordering.

We can help explain:

• How the 110-issue AE86 series works
• The issue-by-issue price structure
• The deposit arrangement to secure the full set
• How batch payment and batch shipping can be arranged
• How DHL Express shipping is quoted based on actual packed size
• What to expect regarding customs duties, import taxes, VAT, or local fees

This is not a quick build, and it is not a small commitment. But if you enjoy long-term model projects and want a clear way to follow the AE86 series from overseas, we are happy to discuss the arrangement with you.

From Ah Chong

This first AE86 shipment to France gave me a lot to think about.

For many years, DeToyz has mainly served builders and collectors in Malaysia. But slowly, through the website, some overseas customers have started to find us too.

Marine found us while searching online, asked carefully, trusted the arrangement, and started her AE86 journey from France. That means a lot to me.

It reminds me that a hobby shop is not only about putting products on shelves or listing them online. Sometimes, it is about helping someone start a project they really care about — even if they are on the other side of the world.

This AE86 journey has only just started. There will be more issues, more batches, and more waiting along the way.

But that is also part of the fun.

No pressure. Just build, slowly.