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Model Auto Review News

April 2002

EDITORIAL MAR 162
By Rod Ward

DEVELOPING A DEFINITE LIST

It will not have escaped your attention that recent issues of Model Auto Review, published in the first half of the year, included large amounts of new release listings.

This issue also has a fair amount of news in its pages, as will the next issue, but that won't be the case all year.

Due to the preference of most manufacturers to publish full lists of their new releases for the year in January-February, to coincide with the major toy trade fairs, we have the majority of that news in the first three or four MAR issues of the year. I could choose to artificially spread the news more evenly throughout the year, but I know that collectors want the news as soon as we have it, rather than have it 'rationed' to even out the news coverage in Model Auto Review. This means that these early issues in the year are rather breathlessly packed with lists in tiny type, accompanied by relatively few pictures of new releases promised from each range.

Such is the efficiency of most companies these days that there is hardly any variation from these early published plans, so there is little need for any further news items about their ranges later in the year. Some companies, like Corgi and Norev, only announce their plans half-yearly, quarterly or even monthly.

This means that their announcements later in the year may get more space than their competitors. I find it surprising how few companies follow up their initial announcements with any press releases during the year, to keep their name in front of potential buyers.

If there are changes or additions to the originally published programme, these are worthy of a news item.

But even if everything is going exactly to plan, you would think it worth the manufacturers taking the time to remind us in the Summer that an interesting item which they announced in January is finally available.

It rarely happens, however, as we don't hear from them again until January or February the following year.

So, if you are a manufacturer, admiring your list of 2002 releases in MAR, please remember that this isn't all you have to do all year. Keep us up to date throughout this year, with news items, pictures, special issues, and any revisions to your plans. It really does help your sales!

And if you are a manufacturer, large or small, who looks at other firms' lists wistfully, wishing you had as many new models in the development stage (or any at all) how about an update on what is actually available in your range? Maybe some readers are new to collecting, and could use an introduction to your products?

If we don't hear from a maker for some time, we cannot be sure what is still available from previous years.

Take the time to tell us. We recently had two updates from makers who shall be nameless, one dated October 2001, the other dated 2000. In neither case had we seen these updates at the 'published' times, so these were useful additions to our information and have been added to our news pages. Better late than never. In both cases, we have never seen any of this news reported elsewhere before now, so it's still news to us! Also, if it gives us a chance to add another listing in tiny type, that will help our news coverage later in the year.

IT WAS JUST A LITTLE SLIP

Just in case you didn't get the little slip we inserted by hand into every copy of the print version of MAR 161, we passed on an apology from our printers, Thornton & Pearson Ltd for the poor reproduction quality of some illustrations in that issue. The printing process was not supervised as it should have been on a weekend shift, and the quality shortcomings were overlooked. Then, due to a machine breakdown and the imminent Easter holiday shutdown, it would have taken two weeks to re-print the issue, so we took the difficult decision to send out MAR 161 at a standard which we might normally consider to be less than acceptable. If we had reprinted the whole issue, and sent it out two weeks late, there would have been a seven week gap since MAR 160, and only two weeks until you got this issue, MAR 162. We decided it was best to send out a less than perfect issue at the proper time, with the assurance from our printers that they will do better in future. We have had a very positive response to the inserted note, most readers who commented said that at least we were honest enough to insert an apology for the problem, on behalf of our printers. Also in MAR 161 I invited your input about our future format.

As usual, the initial responses were mostly, 'It's ok as it is, don't change anything', but I have had other responses as well. I'll soon have enough suggestions to gather them together for a feature in a future issue.

NO SKELETON STAFF HERE

Some advance information about our Summer closure: As there are now so few of us, we have to close completely for holidays, rather than operate a 'skeleton' staff.

Due to the 2002 Royal Bank Holiday, we have realised that it is impractical for us to open for the first week of June, as we had intended to do, so we have now decided to close for all of the month of June.

Any letters sent during this period will be held at our PO Box address for collection when we re-open, and all telephone messages, faxes and emails will be dealt with when we re-open in July, in strict order of receipt.

OUR NUMBER'S UP
By Rod Ward

Knowing the preference of many collectors for accurate registration plates on their model cars, now is the time to explain to overseas readers the new UK licence plate format, launched in late 2001. Previously we had a year letter prefix (M for 1994-95, N for 1995-96 etc) then three numbers and three letters, one or two of the letters denoting the local office, for instance UA, UB, UG or UM for a Leeds-registered car, and S a Scottish-registered car. From 2001 onwards there has been a new system, two letters - two numbers - three letters. The numbers indicate the half-year in which the car is registered, 02, 03, 04 etc each indicating the first half of 2002, 2003, 2004 from March onwards. Then 50 is added for the second half of the registration year, September onwards, 52, 53, 54 etc. So, cars registered from March 2016 will bear the number 16, and from September 2016, they will bear the number 66. Tricky, huh? The last three letters are random, to make a unique identifier suffix, but the first two letters are the 'local tag' related to the local licencing office where the car was first registered. There are over 40 such offices in England, Scotland and Wales. For an example local to MAR, Y now means Yorkshire, which has three offices. So Leeds-registered cars will in future be YA to YK, Sheffield YL to YU and Beverley YV to YY. Thus a car which you might see in the future with a YM60ABC licence plate would have been registered in Sheffield after September 2010, but before March 2011. Most of the letter prefixes have some logical initial, but others are less obvious: S is for Scotland (again), L for London, B for Birmingham, H for Hampshire, M for Manchester, D for Deeside (Chester and Shrews-bury) and W for West Country. Not W for Wales? No, of course it is C for Cymru, the country's name in Welsh, with three sub-groups for Cardiff, Swansea and Bangor. Thus, another example: CR12ABC would be registered in Swansea between March and September 2012. So, we hope that all models of modern cars from now on will wear a suitable registration. We haven't published a full listing here, but if you would like to see one, let us know, and we will print a list in a future MAR issue.

The style of lettering will also be important on future models of British-registered cars, as the letter style will be totally standardised. This will stop the use of nasty (and often illegible) 'personal' type-styles on registration plates, a practice popular in recent years with a certain type of car owner. There will also be less mis-spacing of personal registrations, used by another sub-class of self-regarding car owners to create nicknames or rude words on licence plates in the next decade.

'Now you too can be as good as me' says Gerald Wingrove
The fantastic WinCol Portfolios described by Rod Ward

Collectors and vehicle enthusiasts all over the world are familiar with the name of Gerald Wingrove mbe. He represents an unattainable standard of model engineering for most of us. We have seen his books, including the Complete Car Modeller (which has now sold over 60,000 copies), his television appearances, and his superbly intricate handmade car models in collections and exhibitions. He is the only member of the car modelling fraternity to receive an honour from HM The Queen, in the form of an MBE. What more need be said? Indeed, what more can Gerald do? Well, he is keen to propangandise the benefits of scale model engineering, and has decided to share the fruits of his many years of detailed research, in the form of portfiolios of drawings and photographs to enable others to build up the necessary skills and to get the satisfying end result of a totally handmade product. Not many craftsmen would be so generous in sharing such a carefully put together resource of reference material, but Gerald feels strongly that he should.

He says, 'My aim is to encourage a new generation into the art and craft of model engineering. There just has to be something better for them in the 21st century than the violence and destruction of video games and television. What better than creativity that will give endless enjoyment for the maker and the viewer, that maybe can even provide some pocket money. The ACD Museum in Auburn, Indiana for instance, has on public display a fully detailed 1938 812 Cord model built from the plans and data photos. It has, so I am informed, an insurance value of $25.000. An auction house link is provided on my website (www.WinCol.com) that has sold more than 20 models built from this data, both small 'kerbside models' and larger fully detailed versions. At least two full size car bodies have been built from this data so far'.

Gerald has provided a couple of Portfolios for me to review in MAR, and I must confess that my first instinct was that such superbly researched and presented material would interest collectors for its own sake, rather than as a means for craftsmen to try to emulate Gerald's incomparable skills. I felt that, for instance, Rolls-Royce enthusiasts would want the 'Mystery' Portfolio as part of their reference collection of documentation on the real car, as opposed to model makers wanting it to make their own model. I told Gerald that I would also like to encourage a new generation of model engineers, but sadly I think it's a lost cause. 30 years ago we couldn't sell the first white metal kits to enthusiasts who thought they were too easy; they were trained on lathes and other machine tools. Now similar kits, though today designed to be much easier to build, are almost impossible to sell, and most under-30s claim not be able to build a plastic kit. This seems hard to believe, but there is no hand-to-eye skill taught nowadays. No-one gets a grounding in basic engineering skills at school or in dad's home workshop, very few homes have even a basic tool kit, so kids are never exposed to the basics. No Meccano sets, no junior hacksaws ('Johnny might cut himself'). Getting your hands dirty has been phased out, the aim is to pay someone else to do anything for you that involves even a modicum of skill. I'm told that Britain alone has a shortage of 20,000 plumbers, and no-one wants to be trained as a plumber. No-one tinkers with cars at home (thanks to electronic ignition?) and flat pack furniture defeats 50% of buyers. As consumer products get more complex, little boys no longer take a wireless set or clock apart to see how it works. So they don't go on to higher feats of engineering. Full-size restorers and builders of replica bodies will find Gerald's data invaluable, but they are 'professionals' rather than enthusiasts. Gerald was amused but not defeated by my initial reaction, and he replied, 'You are an old pessimist aren't you? Although I could have written it all myself. At least six people (so far) have informed me that they have purchased a lathe and milling machine, another four are already building Blower Bentley models, (started before the website came on line), a Duesenberg is just starting in 1:11 (?) in silver, and another 1:5 scale is about to start with a fully working engine. We have made contacts in New Zealand, India, Brazil, Japan, China, USA, and Europe and the UK. Our biggest liability is that we have a similar language to America, so we get swamped with the dregs they call entertainment on TV and in video games. My own thought is that it is now so bad that even people with only an ounce of the grey stuff are looking for something else to do with their time.

So I'm wrong after all, and all of us can now be just as good as Gerald at making finely detailed hand-crafted models, based on his portfolios of reference information. I look forward to seeing all the pictures of large scale models made by MAR readers in due course. the first stage is to look at Gerald's website to check out the Portfolios available. That is the only place you can view them, so if you are not connected to the Internet, nip down to the Public Library or a Cyber Cafe and ask if they'll point you at www.WinCol.com

For now, here's just a taste of what you'll find:

Some examples of portfolios available
122-F 1889 Victoria Horse Phaeton (French pattern) includes five pages of photographs, not of this vehicle but of one with similar undercarriage detailing. Also included are prints of the period illustrating four lamps for the carriage.

136-D and 136-DE 1938 Cord 812 plans, photos

156-A 1912 Mercer 35J Raceabout, l5 pages of photos, four pages of 1:15 plans, engine-chassis.

166-A 1912 Rolls-Royce 40/50 London-Edinburgh Tourer, 15 pages of photos with seven pages of 1:15 scale plans with engine and chassis detail.

166-DD 40/50 Rolls Royce supplementary data photos. 15 pages showing rebuilding of this car, including engine, transmission, chassis and body

All Portfolios of plans and data photos are only available through the internet at www.wincol.com

How to use the plans and data photographs.
Abridged notes by Gerald Wingrove mbe

These plans were drafted for my own use in building the model and should be used in conjunction with accompanying photos. They are not intended to be the final word on how the model will look; this is the skeleton from which the model is created. My final arbiter is 'does it look right?', not 'is it exactly to scale?'. This is because the aim is to show the intangible character ofthe original, which may not be accomplished by adhering strictly to exact scale with every detail. A model of less than 1:4 cannot be built exactly as the original, if only because the lack of strength of scaled down materials would mean the model would collapse if touched. This is scratch building in its purist form and is, to my mind, the ultimate in creativity. There are three stages to the creation and use of these plans:

1: A set of rough sketches is made when collecting data for a new subject, with dimensions added, taken directly from the subject, which can be many hundred in number. Notes on colour and detail are also added. Up to a hundred detail photos are also taken for overall impression, and to note particular detailing from several angles.

2: This is now put together in such a way that a general arrangement set of views are created to a scale of 1:15 (.0666" : one inch). If this is a Full set then it will include engine, chassis (undercarriage for horse-drawn vehicles) and interior detail. If it is a Kerbside set, then only external body features will be included. The scale of 1:15 allows the largest of cars, Bugatti Royale and Duesenberg, and the largest of carriages, to be accommodated on a single A3 sheet It was also the scale used by Ettore Bugatti in drafting his Bugatti Type 41 Royale chassis plans. These completed scale general arrangement plans, contain no dimensions as it would hide the detailing.

3: The final stage, and one that all who wish to make use of these plans will have to undertake, is to measure and take off from them a note of each of the dimensions that they will need to make the individual parts for the miniature. I do this with another set of rough sketches, whereby I am able to dissect the part I wish to make into manufacturable parts (a starter motor or spring shackle may be made of one or a dozen parts,) and add my working (scale) dimensions to these. The basic overall dimension of the item, if it is large enough, should be obtainable from these plans, while finer detailing will be ascertained from the photos and added in proportion to the indicated size. The detail photographs are as important as the scale plans in this method of working. If when viewing a photograph of a model built from this data one is not certain if you are looking at a model or a full size vehicle, the aim of the exercise will have been achieved.

Each Portfolio consists of a cover picturing a finished model, a collection of photographs on A4 paper of the whole vehicle and smaller details, and sets of 1:15 drawings on A3 paper.

1912 Rolls Royce 40/50 London-Edinburgh Tourer, The Mystery. Chassis Number 1 826-E.

(This Portfolio consists of around 50 photos, on 15 A4 sheets, and seven A3 sheets of drawings of all bodywork and mechanical components). These cars are generally know as Rolls-Royce 'Silver Ghosts'. They should be known as 40/50 Rolls-Royces since Silver Ghost refers only to the name given to a single vehicle (chassis 60551), this example being given the name The Mystery. Claude Johnson, then managing director of Rolls-Royce, gave many of these car names. The second experimental car built with the underslung cantilever rear spring arrangment, (chassis 1701) was called The Sluggard and was driven from London To Edinburgh in September 1911 using top gear only, averaging 24 mpg. The car was then driven back to the Brooklands race track where it was timed at almost 100 mph. This created much interest at the time and orders started to pour in to Rolls-Royce for copies of this car with its low rakish lightweight four seater touring body work by Holmes. Subsequently a small number of copies were built, chassis 1826-E being the first of these, the body style now known as a London-Edinburgh Tourer. We were commissioned to build a model of the car while it was still under restoration, so the photographic record is extensive. The restorers were most generous in allowing us free access to the car a number of times over this period for which we are most grateful. The supplementary photos show many unique photos taken during the rebuilding that are invaluable for the model maker. This is probably the most complicated model that we have built, but the 1:15 scale plans are very comprehensive, having taken my wife Phyllis almost a year to complete on the computer, from data and dimensions taken from the actual car. The then owner unfortunately died before we could start on the model, his large collection of classic cars were sold by Sotheby's and we lost track of the car. Then, about two years later we received a call from another collector, who had recently acquired an example of our work who asked if we would build a model of one of his classic Rolls Royces for him. The car was The Mystery. The illustration on the front cover is of a fully detailed 1:15 model built from the plans and data phototographs. The body is a light grey with a touch of blue in it, while the seats and door panels are dark green leather and the floor is fitted with a black carpet. Wheels are black and the tyres moulded in an off white rubber (white with a spot of black in it). The measuring tape included in some of the photographs is marked out in two inch segments.

1903 Curved Dash Oldsmobile. (This Portfolio consists of around 40 photographs, on 12 A4 sheets, and two A3 sheets of drawings covering all bodywork and mechanical components).

The Oldsmobile Company was established in Detroit in 1899 as makers of petrol and gas engines, but they were soon experimenting with small petrol and electric cars. After a disastrous fire at the factory in 1901 that consumed patterns, parts, blueprints, and the best part of the factory, all that was left, thanks to one of the office workers, was a single Curved Dash Oldsmobile, that he had managed to drag clear of the burning factory. Ransom E Olds quickly had his work force take this one remaining car to pieces and draft new plans for each component. Very soon afterwards a new factory went into production with what was to become a very popular little Runabout, priced at just $650. Almost 12.000 Runabouts were built in the five years of its production. I have always thought that this little vehicle would make a splendid model, and started collecting data for it way back in my early days of model making, but feeding a young family dictated that I only had time to build subjects that collectors were commissioning, which unfortunately for the Oldsmobile, were more exotic machinery, Bentley, Duesenberg and Bugatti. Quite a lot of these Oldsmobiles have survived the century since they first hit the road, and examples can be found in many motor museums around the world. An example or two may also be seen taking part in the regular runs organised by Veteran Car Clubs. Some of the photos are of a car that had just completed the London to Brighton run, and others were taken at several large car collections in the States, together with one from a private collection in the UK. Note the various configurations, with or without folding top and/or fenders, wire or artillery (wooden) wheels, and with or without a second seat on the back. The illustration on the cover is close to the original, black body and seat cushions, with red and gold body striping. Seat sides and back are red, off white tyres (for the wire wheels) and brass lights and hub caps.

CLUB NEWS

South Hants Model Auto Club: Just to show how internationally-minded they are, the SHMAC holds its Clubnight meetings in Canada. Yes, really! But this Canada is a place in Hampshire, England, so you can put your snowmobile back in the garage. The 'Rockingham' in Canada is the venue for a meeting on 13 May, so if you'd like to look at the Club members to see if they are the sort of folk you'd like to spend time with, go along that evening and introduce yourself. They'll welcome you with open arms. As a new member you'll get their excellent newsletter, and Club trips to swapmeets, shows and Bursle-don Brickworks. For information on membership contact Dave Painter on 01264 366408.

Maidenhead Static Model Club: MSMC Swapmeet Secretary Gary Hames is well-known to many collectors as the proprietor of The Toy Exchange and Viscount Models, which makes circus conversions. It will be no surprise to learn, therefore, that Gary's idea of a holiday is to visit circuses and swapmeets, even spending a weekend in Paris just seeing circuses. Much of the latest issue of Wheel Bearings, the MSMC newsletter is taken up with Gary's account of a misspent weekend. After recent ructions, the Committee members (including Gary) have all been persuaded to stay on for a while (unless someone else wants their job), but they aver that new blood is definitely needed. Not just on the committee, but new blood in the Club as well. The recent Chop and Kit clubnight competition Chop section was won by Paul Rowley's scaled-up GMC truck and Fruehauf hopper trailers, based on the Matchbox King Size model from the 1960s. (Top left). Second place went to Mike Forbes' 1:50 BRS Albion, built from Corgi and Kingfisher parts and third was Colin Penn's 1:32 lightweight Land Rover. The Kit Section was won by Phil Dyer's Scaledown Fordson Major tractor, second and third prizes won by John Bennett and Derek Bannister. For information on Club membership and on the MSMC's Windsor (Slough) Toy Fair, ring Gary on 023 8078 4484.

Modelauto Club?: Now that the Modelauto shop has closed, we hear complaints that there is nowhere for collectors to meet in Yorkshire. As if they ever met at Modelauto...

It has been suggested that collectors might like to go to monthly social meetings, with refreshments, perhaps a speaker, maybe in a room over a pub... Sounds like a Club, doesn't it? But would anyone go? Previous attempts to start up a Club in Yorkshire have always been defeated by apathy, but meetings can be organised via MAR if enough people are interested. The initial suggestion is for an evening meeting in one of the pubs or hotels in Monk Fryston, North Yorkshire, close to where MAR and Modelauto are based, a mile east of the A1 on the A63. Any suggestions as to preferred evening or anything else would be welcome. There would be no committee, no elections, and probably a minimal charge to cover the cost of hiring the room etc. If you are interested, please telephone 01977 681966, fax 01977 681991 or email mar@zeteo.com.

Sydney Model Auto Club: Among all the usual model car news in the latest issue of Think Small, the SMAC magazine, there is an account of five members doing the tourist thing around the UK. They even have a picture of MAR Editorial Consultant John Hanson's Rover P4 with Aussie Kenny alongside, taken during their visit to Leeds. That was when Tony Hanna (one of the famous five) dropped off the two handbuilt BMWs which featured as our excellent Competition prizes in MAR 161. It wasn't all model cars and swapmeets, though. They also visited the Imperial War Museum at Duxford (well worth a visit from anyone, visiting Britain or already resident here). If you'd like to join the Sydney Club, and get a free trip half way round the World as part of your membership, telephone Secretary John Maude on 9579 1257.

Boston Area Toy Collectors Club: Stephen Lanzilla founded this Club in 1996, the first meeting in 1997. 'We have met every month since then, heading towards our 200th meeting', says Stephen, 'People stream in from all over New England'. Membership is by invitation only by an existing member, with a $5.00 one-time fee to join, and $1.00 per monthly meeting. Prospective members may sit in for one meeting at no charge, but only until club business is completed, only members participate in the trading that follows. Meetings are at South Shore Plaza Food Court and include reports by members on latest arrivals and old discoveries in vehicles, action figures, and other toys. For membership details contact Stephen at 33 Emeline Street, Randolph, MA 02368, USA (tel +781 963 0615).

Brooklin Collectors Club: As always, there is lots of fun and American car discussion in the Brooklin Collector magazine, among the stuff on Brooklin, Lansdowne, US Model Mint and Robeddie. Editor Jack Patrick gives details of the Club AGM in October, and for those unfamiliar with the Midlands area, he has provided a map, which helpfully indicates that the venue, at the Coleshill Hotel, is South of Birmingham. No, wait a minute, the map is printed upside down, so it must be North of Birmingham. Or is it? Just ring Jack on 01942 876963. He'll know. Maybe. There is a fascinating article on US Presidential cars. If only that was an indication that Brooklin intend to have a go at one never made in 1:43 scale, such as Ike's 1940 Chrysler Crown Imperial Phaeton, or FDR's 'Sunshine Special', but it doesn't seem likely. If you'd like to join the BCC, contact Membership Ssecretary John Bowyer on 01276 473449.

CAMP (Club Autos Miniatures Peugeot): In January 2002, CAMP asked its 400 members to vote for the best Peugeot model made in 2001, and representing a Peugeot never before modelled. First, the 'Artisan' category:

1: 402 Darl'mat speciale Esdo (Dominique Esparcieux)
2: 402 5 legere Monte-Carlo CCC (Georges Pont)
3: Champion racing cyclists (Francois Debast)

And industrial models:
1: 206 coupe cabriolet, Norev
2: D7 three door saloon, Norev
3: C 52 Courage-Peugeot Le Mans 200I, Spark

President Alain Bureau, says, 'Congratulations to the six winners'. If you'd like to vote next year, join CAMP now. Telephone 0140 047580.

Natal Diecast Model Collectors: Musical chairs on the NDMC committee has meant changes of roles, Terry Morgan now editing the Newsletter. Unfortunately whoever prints out the Newsletter apparently only has upper case fonts. The resulting text, ALL IN CAPITAL LETTERS, is not only hard to read, but looks like an anonymous letter. Once again there are complaints about the weakness of the Rand, now about 17.5 to the Pound, making every model car purchase a major decision. On the other hand, the annual subscription to the NDMC only costs 50 Rand (about £3.00). So, what are you waiting for? Join now! Phone Geoff Sear on 031 2050100.

MICA (Matchbox International Collectors Association): Matchbox toy fans should go along to the Cheltenham-Gloucester Moat House Hotel, Shurdington Road, Brockworth, Gloucester, on Sunday 7 April 2002. The Mattel-Matchbox team from Maidenhead will be joining forces with MICA) and dealers selling obsolete Matchbox Miniatures, Yester-years etc. Mattel will display the 2002 range. Admission free, doors open at 10:00am and close at 2:00pm. For details on the Matchbox Club (MICA) ring 01244 539414 or see their website www.matchboxclub.com

Association of Collecting Clubs (ACC) and the National Association of Collectors (NAC): Americana Resources Inc provide a service for ACC and NAC, called the Collecting Clubs' News Service, following the acquisition of the NAC by Americana Resources, Inc of Gaithersburg, Maryland, of which Larry Krug and Rick Moses are principal partners. Goals of the NAC include networking and education, collection management, appraisal information, security, displaying techniques, dispersal and estate planning, conservation, preservation, restoration, development of research skills and utilising new technology. There is NAC insurance, and reduced prices on products and services through the NAC Partnership Program. The official website of NAC is Collectors.Org, launched. The Association of Collecting Clubs as a sister organization to NAC, aiming to strengthen and assist existing clubs, societies and associations, to help collectors to establish new clubs., and to build club coalitions and networking between collecting groups. The membership of any club joining ACC will also be members of NAC as well, having all of the privileges of NAC individual members. Membership costs $5 per year payable to: NAC, 18222 Flower Hill Way #299, Gaithers-burg, MD 20879, USA. Include your full name, address and email address if you have one.

NAMAC (Nederlandse Algemene Miniatuur Auto Club): Every year, the 5,000-plus members of NAMAC, the Dutch club, vote for their model of the year. For 2001 it is the Norev Peugeot 206 CC, not only winner in its own category of 1:43 cars, but also overall as well. The Peugeot 206 CC is the coupe-convertible in the 206 family. Originally shown as a concept car, the 20§ (20 Coeur, a pun on vainqueur, meaning winner), it soon entered production. The 206 CC with its retracting hardtop roof, in the tradition of the 1930s Peugeot 402 Eclipse, is already a very popular seller. Winners in the other categories were: 1:43 rally-race: Bang Maserati 450S, 1:43-1:50 commercial vehicles Minichamps Büssing 8000S, 1:87 cars: Herpa New Mini, 1:87 commercial vehicles: Herpa DAF CF series, large scale cars: Minichamps Alfa Romeo Giulia, and large scale rally-race: Auto Art Subaru Impreza WRC. See below. More information about the Dutch club can be obtained from NAMAC, Postbus 16004, NL-2301 GA Leiden, Netherlands.

Book Reviews
by Hans-Georg Schmitt

Pietro Frua und seine Autos by Detlef Lichtenstein, German text. 96 pages, 178 illustrations, paperbound 210 x 295 mm. ISBN 3-9806977-8-9 Published by and available from Verlag Peter Kurze, Schwachhauser Heerstrasse 247a; 28211 Bremen, Germany.

Pietro Frua is less remembered than some other car designers. He lived from 1913 to 1983, a freelance car designer, working for AC, Audi, BMW, Borgward, Citroen, Fiat, Ford, Glas, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Lloyd, Lotus, Maserati, Monteverdi, Opel, and Rolls-Royce. The Saint's Volvo P1800 Coupe was designed by Frua. But he didn't only design cars, he also built them in his Turin workshop. This book describes his story as well as his most interesting cars.

Spielzeugautos der DDR, by Stefan Gartner and Frank Lange, German text. Vol 1: Cars, racing cars, small commercials and two wheelers. 246 pages, 354 colour photos. Paper bound, 160 x 215 mm. ISBN 3-89441-506-1

Toy cars were hard to find in the DDR, mostly produced only for export. Then after the great change of 1989-90 many were thrown away, so it is interesting to see how many toy vehicles are included. here This, the first of two volumes, covers 260+ cars, vans, sports and racing cars and tells the story of toy car production in the German Democratic Republic.

Lastwagen und Omnibusse von MAN Chronicle, history, background, by Matthias Rocke, German text. 200 pages, 275 photos, hardbound, 200 x 270 mm. ISBN 3-89880-006-7. Published by, available from Heel Verlag GmbH., Gut Pottscheidt, D-53639 Konigs-winter, Germany Tel: 02223 9230-0 Fax: 02223 19230-26 email: info@heel-verlag.de

The first MAN truck in 1915 was made under licence from the Swiss Saurer company. The author describes the development of the brand until today, the ranges of trucks and buses and the future of commercial vehicles. MAN, located in Munich, Bavaria, retain their independence from bigger competitors. The book tells of an interesting chapter in the history of commercial vehicles, and will also interest model truck collectors. Cursor, Ziss, Conrad, NZG, Herpa, Wiking and Albedo are among those who have made models of MAN trucks and buses.

VW Kafer Prospekte by Rudi Heppe, German text. 144 pages, 180 illustrations, hardbound. 210 x 295 mm. ISBN 3-86133-271-X Published by and available from Verlag Podszun-Motorbucher GmbH. Elisabeth-strasse 23 - 25; D 59929 Brilon, Germany.

This book is sourced from the author's collection of VW Beetle literature, with Beetle types and variations, special bodies, technical data, options and accessories, a unique, excellently presented chronicle of interest to Beetle fans.

LA CIGOGNE Hispano-Suiza, bi-monthly, French text, ± 32 A4 pages, from La Cigogne; 33, rue de l'arbre de la Liberte; F-28130 Mevoisins, France. Tel 0237 324127, Fax 0237 323847; email: revuelacigogne@wanadoo.fr

La Cigogne (The Stork) is a magazine for fans of Hispano-Suiza cars, aircraft, aero and marine engines, with sales literature, photos and reports on restoration projects.

Deutsche Reiseomnibusse Historische Dokumente (German Coaches: historical documents) by Wolfgang Gebhardt, German text. 126 pages, 172 photos, hardbound 255 x 255 mm. ISBN 3-613-87225-0 Pub: Schrader Verlag, member of Paul Pietsch Verlage GmbH+Co, Postfach 10 37 43, 70032 Stuttgart Germany. Tel: 07112108065

At one time the coach represented how we now see airliners. Quick, easy, comfortable travel, reflected in advertising; happy people, waving children, colourful coaches. The author loves this magic and shows the highlights from his brochure collection, Adler, Büssing, Mercedes-Benz, Neoplan, Vomag Ford, Lloyd and Robur. This is also a survey of German bus design from early bus travel, streamlined coaches for 1930s autobahns and austere postwar designs. (Right).

Modellautos der DDR, by Stefan Gartner and Heinz-Hartmut Graf, German text. New enlarged edition with drawings of all models. 1:87 road vehicles since 1949, 486 pages, 252 colour photos and many drawings. Paper-bound 160 x 215 mm. ISBN 3-89441-508-8. Pub by, available from Battenberg Verlag München Pub. Group Droemer Welt-bild GmbH & Co KG; D-80632 München, Germany.

Soon after the end of the Second World War, model cars were made initially as model railway accessories in Thuringia. Generic toys evoved into real model cars, reproducing vehicles on DDR roads. This catalogue covers 50 years of 1:87 model car making.

US Army 1945-1995; Volume II by Peter Blume, German text. 112 pages, 140 photos. 215 x 300 mm. ISBN 3-927132-35-7 Pub and available: Unitec Medienvertrieb eK, Ludwig Strasse 11, D-86669 Stengelheim, Germany, email: unitec_medienvertrieb@web.de

The second volume in this series covers the US Army in Germany from the 1960s to today including Bosnia, covering wheeled vehicles, helicopters, divisional signs and markings.

PANHARD PANORAMIQUE
The origin of the species
by Rod Ward

The Parisian firm Panhard & Levassor is well-known as an early pioneer in the automotive world, but it had a long life in motoring, distinguished by an eccentric approach to design, rarely following the crowd.

Louis-René Panhard and Emile Levassor were students in Paris in the nineteenth century. In the 1870s they took over a small engineering concern, and a decade later Levassor married the widow of their colleague Edouard Sarazin, who held the Daimler patent rights for France. In the 1890s they built their first cars on the Daimler principle, with engine amidships. These were replaced by front-engined cars, which pioneered the standard layout for the succeeding century. These early cars were very successful in the road races which were esential to promote sales in those days, but unfortunately Levassor was killed in the Paris-Marseille race in 1897. Between 1895 and 1900 Panhards won 15 out of 22 races entered, far outstripping the competition.

Panhard died in 1908, having already handed over control of the company to his sons Paul and Hippolyte. They immediately updated their father's conservative designs, with pressed-steel chassis and Knight sleeve-valve engines. Cars of the period were aimed at well-heeled buyers, and the substantial designs found many uses during the First World War. Postwar designs followed the same principles, large and quite speedy (the four-cylinder sleeve valve engines were as large as 5.3 litre by 1929), though still with quite conservative body styling. Panhard's market position was in the upper echelons, and the most expensive cars in the range carried elegant bodies by all the famous French body builders of that period, now with six-cylinder engines. In the mid 1930s Panhard introduced a modernistic range which cleverly incorporated a unique feature, making every Panhard instantly recognisable, without making too extreme a design statement for their more conservative buyers. These cars were the Panhard 'Panoramique' range, the idea being that the driver had a 'panoramic' view by removal of the 'A' post which produced a 'blind spot' at the front corners of the windscreen. A small curved window was added, between the windscreen and the door, with thin frames on each side of it. This may seem to have introduced two blind spots in place of one, but in fact it caused a sensation at the time, for the clarity of vision provided.

Indeed, when the Panoramique series was replaced by the Dynamic range in 1937 with its very futuristic flowing lines, the Panoram-ique windows were retained. Extreme styling then became the pattern for Panhard, who continued with the Dynavia, Dyna and 24CT, until the company was closed by Citroen in the 1960s. But to return to the Panhard Panoramique of the 1930s. There were many types of body included in the series, from two door coupes and cabriolets via four door saloons and the famous 'Parisienne', up to six-light limousines, all including the characteristic Panoramique design features, and powered by the 16 horse power 6DS engine.

Two new 1:43 kits have been announced by Rapide, both made in England, but based on masters produced originally by Gérard Dahinden for his Belle Epoque range, which went out of production over a decade ago. Panhard Panoramique Coupé d'Orleans 1934

This stylish six-cylinder two door hardtop coupe featured twin side spares, and the important feature of right-hand drive, used by most top-quality French cars of the period. This car was owned by the famous entertainer Mistinguett (see notes at the end). Mme Bourgeois must have appreciated the power of the six cylinder valveless engine, twin carburettors, four-speed gearbox, Dynastart starter, anti-vibration suspension and four-wheel brakes. In preservation the car has been seen in all-over ivory finish, and also with blue wings and an ivory body. It is not clear which was the original scheme when the car was owned by Mistinguett, but it was probably overall ivory.

Other colours on Coupes of the period include midnight blue, violet with dark purple wings and other two-tone colour schemes

Panhard Panoramique Cabriolet 1935

This car shares many of the characteristics of the Coupé d'Orleans, but it has a single rear-mounted spare wheel instead of twin side spares, and oddly it does not have the characteristic 'Panoramique' windows at the A-pillars. It makes a very pretty cabriolet of the period, and typical colour schemes include amaranth red, white (ivory or off-white rather than brilliant), pale green, bright yellow and various two tone versions with complementing colours such as light blue with dark blue wings. In future there may be more Rapide Panoramiques, including the Parisienne.

MISTINGUETT

Jeanne Bourgeois was born in 1875 and died in 1956, one of the great stars of French musical theatre from 1899 onwards at the Folies Bergère, Casino de Paris and Moulin Rouge. She partnered Maurice Chevalier and was a world-famous entertainer, noted for her beautiful legs, used to good effect as she sang and danced before packed theatres. 'Mistinguett' would have been around 60 when she owned the Coupé d'Orleans, rich, famous, still beautiful, and not much more than half way through her working life.

Book Review By Rod Ward

BENBROS TV Series and Mighty Midgets by Robert Newson Published by author, first pub 1989, 2nd edition 2002. A5, 24 pages plus cover. £5.00 plus p&p: UK 50p, Europe £1.00, rest of the world £1.50. Order by email from: robert.newson@btinternet.com

Robert Newson's Benbros booklet has been a standard reference for over a decade. It was originally published in 1989 and has been out of print for many years. Robert tells us, 'The new edition was thoroughly revised with the help of leading Benbros collectors. It lists all the variations (colours, wheel types, etc) on the Matchbox-size TV Series and Mighty Midget ranges of diecast toy vehicles made in England by Benbros in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It is the definitive guide to Benbros miniatures, which I have been collecting for over 20 years'. Once again Robert's little book will become the essential reference work on this nostalgia-provoking range of little toys, made half a century ago.

NEWS - Britain
NEXT SOMERVILLE FORD

The next 1:43 white metal model in the Somerville range will be 153, a 'coffin-nose' side-valve Ford Anglia, handbuilt in buff, green or black. It will also be available in kit form when the models are released later this year (exact date not yet certain).

NEWS FROM AUTOCRAFT

Dave Gilbert has updated us on his latest Autocraft releases, which include these:

'54mm' (approx 1:32) solo motorcycles:
S5418 Indian Chief
S5419 Indian Chief NYPD

'54mm' (approx 1:32) combinations:
C5415 Triumph army;
C5419 Triumph Police;
C5429 Philadelphia Police;
C5437 Indian Chief, sidecar and passenger
C5438 Indian Chief Rig Airmail
C5439 Indian Chief Rig
C5440 Indian Chief Rig Lucky strike
C5441 Triumph 1920s, sidecar and passenger
C5442 Triumph Royal Mail 1920s.

There are also 12 additions to the 00 scale (1:76) Autocraft range of white metal kits, including Morris Eight, Austin Seven and Ford Y Type pickups, tourers, and saloons as well as a 1920s style caravan (above). 1:76 scale figures on offer include a baked potato vendor and a barrel organ player.

SPA CROFT AUSTIN NEWS
By Mike Coupe

Here is a bit of advance information on the next Spa Croft Model for MAR readers.

As the master of the Austin 14 hp Goodwood is more or less complete, I have decided to bring the issue of this model forward, and I am looking for a release date around May-June. Proposed colours are Westminster green and maroon, both with black mudguards and running boards. All the usual refinements associated with Spa Croft and other white metal models will be included. Once again, it has been mastered by Pete Kenna. The second model for 2002 release will now be the Standard Vanguard Sportsman which it is hoped will be available at Modelex 2002 in October. It is also hoped to produce a third model for 2002, but no final decision has been made on the subject. When I've got a picture of a finished model, we'll show it in a future issue of Model Auto Review.

TRUCKSTOP
DUTCH CORGI

Following their usual principle of dedicating model ranges to specific markets, Corgi have now taken on Tekno head to head with a 1:50 Dutch range, for release in June to October :

CC11803 Leyland Daf bulk tipper Spaansen
CC12902 Scania Topline frig Tundermann
CC12413 Volvo low loader with boat v d Wetering
CC12006 MAN Feldbinder tanker NTM
CC12103 Renault Premium frig Veenstra

MORE GERMAN POST
By Hans-Georg Schmitt

The Post Museums Shop in Frankfurt has released four more models or sets related to the German Post and their vehicles.

VW 1300 Deutsche Bundespost ref 178309, 1:40 scale. The most popular car for mail and telecommunications was the VW Beetle, replaced by the Golf in the 1970s. The model is by Wiking, a reactivated mould from the 1960s, originally for VW promotional models, the only modifications being inner linings, decals for doors and panelling to make the interior more realistic. The body is moulded in German Postal yellow, as are wheel rims. The baseplate is black. The doors bear the Post horn and Deutsche Bundespost.

Wiking Edition 2002, ref 178006, five re-issued 1:87 Wiking models, from the 1950s and 60s: Mercedes-Benz Unimog Type 34 1969, used for telecoms tasks, such as construction, cablng or carrying cable winches. VW minibus 1961, mostly used for parcels. VW pickup, double cab and ladder 1959, used by telecoms construction. Büssing Trambus TU5000 1949, standard bus of the Bundespost transport service, often the only way to get between small villages at the time. Opel Caravan (estate) 1958 radio interference checks.

Opel Blitz S 3 ton truck 1938 ref 178818 After the War, the German Postal system had to be rebuilt, and most vehicles had to be replaced., often twith ex-military vehicles including Opel Blitz trucks. Especially needed were trucks to repair the telephone system all over Western Germany, and the Opel Blitz S 3 ton 4x4 truck was useful in this task. It was built in large numbers for the Wehrmacht in Brandenburg on the river Havel near Berlin.

This plant was totally destroyed during the war and never rebuilt. ln 1946 Blitz production re-started in Russelsheim near Frankfurt, but only the 1.5 ton version, initially mostly assembled from remaining spare-parts. Schuco made this Opel Blitz S 3 ton 1938 in 1:43 scale, excellently detailed and in German Bundespost telecommunications grey. The license plate shows is AB 45-2001, white on black denoting, the American occupied zone.

Goodbye to the D-Mark: When the Euro became the only means of payment in Germany 48.5 thousand million old coins with a total value of 12.2 thousand millions Deutsch-Marks became superfluous. Before the Euro was launched, in December 2001 so called starter kits, containing all the new coins, were available in all European banks and Post offices for familiaris-ation with the new currency. The old coins, weighing around 100,000 tons of metal, were a logistical nightmare. What would happen to these coins?

How could they be stopped from going around by some devious route, to be once again changed into Euros? EuroCoin AG of Schwerte, Gerrmany, world-market leader in making coins and coin-slugs, developed for the currency exchange a mobile devaluation device, to make coinage unusable, to the order of the National Central Banks in Germany, Austria and Italy.

This so-called 'Decointer' can be transported to various destinations, so the risk during transportation of old coins has gone, as only scrap metal is on the move. The set 'Abschied von der D-Mark', ref 178114, (top left) contains 1:87 plastic models by Wiking of the decointer transporter, (a Mercedes-Benz Actros three-axle truck), a Mercedes Sprinter to carry the scrapped coins, a Volvo 850 estate for the process director and one devalued 1 DM piece.

KROMBACHER BEER TRUCKS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt

The Krombacher Collectors Edition gains one new and two re-issued 1:87 Wiking models. The new one is 2844 Iveco Daily van, in white with the 'Krombacher Landscape' as seen their advertising campaigns. In the historical range are 2846 Büssing 8000 tilt artic, used for carrying beer in barrels, and a Hanomag ST 100 tractor with two tilt trailers. All three models are available from Krombacher Collection, Postfach 837160; D-90255 Nürnberg, Germany. Tel: 0 180 / 5 66 99 22.

WORLD NEWS
BMW F650CS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt

The Bavarian Motor Works began by building motorcycles and the company still does today. Many are available in miniature, mostly in the impressive scale of 1:10. The latest item is the F650CS, the 'Scarver', which features easy handling and easy riding. The model (above) is auzure blue metallic, ref 80430029827. It is accurately shaped and highly detailed. When the bike rolls forward, the drive chain works realistically. The rear end has a Munich license plate and the models is available along with 1:1 scale versions at BMW dealers.

NEWS FROM RUSSIA
By Alex Yurcenko

Here is news from Russia: Agat has begun producing a new model of the Lada-2110. MAR readers interested in Russian models, might ask 'What new model?' when it has been out since 1995, so I will give the background to this model. The first models of the Lada-2110 appeared in 1995 from the works now occupied by Agat (previously known as Radon, before it was associated with Tantal). The model was issued in small quantities over about a year, and then it was stopped. After Tantal was broken up into a series of smaller independent enterprises, models began to appear from two enterprises, Radon and Litan. In 1998 the Lada-2110 came out again, but from Litan. Now it is hard to tell how the complete set of tools for the Lada-2110 ended up at Litan. It is difficult to tell also why Agat decided to make a complete new set of tools for the same Lada-2110 all over again. It would be possible to make variants of this automobile, such as the Lada-2111 Estate or the Lada-2112 Hatchback, which would be really new models. It is necessary to note, that by the time the first models of the 2110 were released in 1995, all necessary drawings for the 2112 were already practically finished and the new pattern for the body was made. But the decision had been taken to make the Lada-2110. Agat still had the documentation, patterns etc for the earlier model. By this time the real car had already been modified, and these changes was made on the new model. Manufacturing of the new tooling has taken almost three years. You can compare the models. The new model is silver metallic, the old model was sea wave metallic. The first model had separate radiator grille and side sections with apertures for the windows. They are now incorporated in with the body on the new model. Like the real cars, all of them are painted in body colour. There is no sunroof, which originally was intended to be standard on all cars, but then the plan changed. The shape of the front and back bumpers have changed. The mirrors are now made as separate parts. And the attentive collector will see other differences. As the design of model changed little, the previous faults also remain. The bonnet opens and closes only with difficulty and if you are too strenuous in your efforts, it is possible to pull the bonnet off the model completely. Following an order from the AutoVAZ factory that produce the real Lada-2110, a small series of models in competition livery was made. The livery is reproduced quite accurately. The cars participate in the Lada Cup, which is similar to the VW Cup, Renault Cup, Opel Cup or other manufacturer-sponsored one-make competitions. As usual, I can supply these and other models. Ask for lists: Alexander Yurcenko - 410 026, Saratov-26, box 382, Russia, email: al_yr@renet.com.ru.

KYOSHO BMW 7 SERIES
By Hans-Georg Schmitt

The product managers at BMW who are responsible for miniature cars ensure that there is a wide range of old and new cars in various scales, all well finished. The current car programme is available in three scales, 1:87 by Herpa, 1:43 by Minichamps and 1:18 by Kyosho of Japan, but it is less well-defined in the historical range. Schuco have made excellent BMW models in 1:43 scale, as have Minichamps in 1:18 scale. BMW's top of the range car, the new 7 series, is now available in 1:18 scale from Kyosho. The quality and finish of the model car is once again outstanding. The body shape accurately reflects Chris Bangle's design, the bonnet, all four doors and the boot lid all open and the front wheels are turnable. All lights, emblems, radiator grille, mouldings and many other components are separate parts. The light beige interior is also very authentic, the seats and inner door covers look as if they are leather covered, and all instruments and switches are clearly visible, especially the huge i-drive joystick. The central armrest in the rear seat is movable. The engine looks very realistic, with all cables, hoses, labels and type plate, and the inside of the boot is lined with textile fibre. The aluminium cast wheel rims with realistic tyres and brake discs with calipers are also top quality. But turn the car upside down and the baseplate shows the complete suspension, the complicated exhaust system with two silencers and much more. The colour is called 'sapphire black', and the model, like the real car, has white front indicator glasses. It is available from BMW dealers under part-number 80430141397. Other variants of the new 7 Series BMW in 1:18 scale are:

80430027858 titan silver, yellow front indicators
80430027859 dark blue, yellow front indicators
80430141398 chiaretio red, white front indicators

EMMY MODELS PLANS
By Mario Marti

Here is just a quick note to let MAR readers know about Emmy Models plans for the near future. The Hillman Husky 1955-57 (rhd) should be out by the end of June in green and in golden sand beige. We also intend to produce a kit of the Commer Cob van (rhd) which hopefully will be available before autumn. There is one problem with the Cob - and maybe some readers of MAR could help. We are looking for authentic liveries. I would like to offer a free kit to everyone who comes up with enough information to allow us to produce the necessary transfers. Send the information via MAR, at the usual contact addresses and numbers. Also due out this year are two additional versions of the Enzmann; one is a race car in red and the other is blue (the real car is owned by Karl Enzmann, son of designer Emil Enzmann).

IT WON'T GET BETTER...

A C Bedford of Streatham Vale, London notes that our Swapmeet diary listed an event at Picketts Lock on 30 June. he says 'At the March event notices were displayed stating that, due to the closure of the hall, the March event was to be the last. As this has been a popular event, it will be as well to point this out to readers, to prevent wasted journeys.'

COOPER BY KYOSHO
By Hans-Georg Schmitt

In 1961 John Cooper transplanted a hotted-up Formula Junior engine intoa Mini, improved the suspension and brakes and finally persuaded the British Motor Corporation to produce a batch of 1000 of the first Mini Cooper. Now the new Mini also has a Cooper version. John's son, Michael Cooper has created a new Mini Cooper, in the old tradition. This Mini Cooper is now available as a 1:18 model made by Kyosho, to their usual excellent standard. Excellently detailed and neatly finished, the bonnet, doors and boot lid all open, the steering works and inside the rear seat backrests can be lowered separately and the luggage cover removed. The dash-board is realistic, with its central speedometer and the rev counter above the steering-column. The engine is also accurate, with all hoses and cables. There is a large glass sun-roof, realistic white wheel rims revealing the brake discs and brake cylinders inside.

1:18 Mini Cooper British Racing Green
right hand drive ref 80430130277
left hand drive ref. 80430029833
1:18 Mini Cooper Chili Red
right hand drive ref 80 43 0 139 276
left hand drive ref 80 43 0 029 832
1:18 Mini Cooper Pure Silver
right hand drive ref 80 43 0 139 275
left hand drive ref 80 43 0 029 831
The Mini Cooper model cars are available initially only from Mini dealers.

EAGLES RACE SPECIALS

Eagles Race have produced two special issues in Pickfords blue livery, both in 1:18 scale, retailing at around £25.00 each:

Ford T van Pickfords early livery 'Dover'
Land Rover 109 hardtop Pickfords modern livery

COMMONWEALTH CORGIS

To mark the XVII Commonwealth Games in Manchester this summer, Corgi have a series of models, including LTI taxi (1:64), Route-master buses (open and closed top, described by Corgi as '1:64', surely not), Scania truck (1:64), Morris bullnose van ('1:76'), Mini (1:36), Boeing 707 (1:144) and open top tram (1:72).

SDV PLASTIC MODELS

SDV make a 1:87 scale range of plastic models in the Czech Republic, now rivalling the best German ranges for quality and accuracy. Subjects are Czech or East European, trucks, buses, cars and emergency vehicles.

WELLY FOR 2002

Welly Die Casting Fty Ltd is one of the larger Hong Kong operations, with production in China, who have traditionally served the cheaper end of the diecast toy market, but of late they have been making more detailed collectors models as well. Welly produce models and toys in various scales and sizes, but they have so far avoided the international standard scale of 1:43.

Here is an update on Welly's plans for 2002.

1:18 Scale Collection
Oldsmobile Super 88 Convertible open 1955
Ford Thunderbird Convertible closed 1962
Ford Deluxe Convertible open 1936
Chevrolet Chevelle SS396 hardtop 1968 (centre)
Chevrolet Impala convertible open 1963
Chevrolet Impala convertible open 1960
GMC Yukon Denali 4x4 2002
Chevrolet Special Deluxe convertible open 1941
Mercedes-Benz convertible open 1955
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sport coupe 2002
Chevrolet Camaro SS 2002
Peugeot 206 CC 2002
Peugeot 406 coupe
Pontiac GTO 1966
Chevrolet Chevelle SS454 1970
Chevrolet Suburban 2001
Chevrolet Avalanche 2001
Mercedes-Benz C-Class saloon

1:10 Scale bicycles
BMW, Audi and Porsche branded push-bikes

1:24 Scale Collection
Chevrolet Impala convertible open 1963
Oldsmobile Super 88 convertible open 1955
Ford Thunderbird sports roadster 1962
Buick GSX 1970
Chevrolet Borrego
Cadillac Escalade XT 2002
VW Bora
VW Golf estate
VW Passat estate
VW Passat saloon
Mercedes-Benz C-Class sports coupe
Chevrolet Camaro SS 2002
Opel Speedster
Ford Deluxe convertible open 1936
Pontiac Firebird 2001
VW Microbus 2001
Mercedes-Benz 300S convertible open 1955
Chevrolet Impala SS396 1965
Chevrolet Impala 2001
Chevrolet Impala convertible open 1960
Chevrolet Camaro Z28 1968
Peugeot 206 CC
Cadillac Escalade 2002
Chevrolet Special Deluxe convertible open 1941
Peugeot 406 coupe
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
VW Microbus 1962
Ford Victoria hardtop 1953
Pontiac GTO 1965
Chevrolet Avalanche pickup 2001
Audi A2
Mercedes-Benz Unimog U400 (top right)
Chevrolet Impala Police car

1:12 Scale Collection
Kawasaki Prairie 650 V-twin quad bike
Kawasaki Prairie 400 4x4 quad bike

1:32 Scale Collection
Mercedes-Benz Actros artic tractor unit
Kenworth T2000 artic tractor unit
Freightliner Century Class artic tractor unit

Freightliner Columbia artic tractor unit
Freightliner Coronado artic tractor unit
Peterbilt 379
(The above also available with trailers attached )
Mercedes-Benz Unimog U400 (top right)

1:28 Scale Collection
Honda Civic

1:36 and 1:38 scale
Many new releases, including some of the same subjects listed in larger scales, including Borrego, Impalas, VW new Microbus etc.

1:60 Scale
Not surprisingly, this small-size range also features many of the same subjects among its new releases, and all are optionally available attached to keychains.

WAI TAT

Under the Wai Tat label, Welly offer many of the same ranges listed above in multi-packs for own-brand labelling. The 1:36-1:38 scale range here feature pull-back mechanisms in otherwise similar bodies. There are lots of gift-pack assortments in smaller scales, under the City Team and other titles, many of which show up as own-brand ranges around the world. There are extensive ranges of playsets on many themes, as well as aircraft, motorcycles and military models.

Wai Tat- Welly Buses include the following:
Neoplan Starliner 1:64
Mercedes-Benz Travego 1:60
Mercedes-Benz 0404 DD 1:64
Mercedes-Benz 0303 RHD 1:60
Routemaster bus
Routemaster bus open top
FX4 London taxi

UNIVERSAL HOBBIES NEWS FOR 2002

We must confess to finding Universal Hobbies a bit of an enigma. This range began with the launch of a diecast car range by the charming and enthusiastic proprietor of the long-established French model railway company, Jouef. His range was one of the first to succumb to the now-familiar pressure to relocate production from Europe to China, with an administrative base in Hong Kong. The range titles changed from Jouef to Eagles (-Race, -Collectibles or whatever), and the holding company to Universal Hobbies. We no longer get any news from France, or from Hong Kong, but we occasionally receive news from the US distributor (thank you Heather). The range has expanded enormously, in both 1:18 and 1:43 scales, and includes a number of interesting subjects, all produced to a high standard and in many variants. But now the enigma. We have seen a number of models released in other competing ranges which are obviously Universal-Eagles products. So Universal are now offering their models to other ranges to minimise risk and investment, rather than continue distributing the models themselves? No, they have an extensive catalogue of current and future releases, still including those we have spotted which were re-branded in other ranges. Their catalogue also includes some models which have previously appeared elsewhere, the ex-Del Prado 1:43 models, which have been offered to many companies, some of them already available via Revell in Europe. Also, as it happens, Revell is one of the companies which has offered Universal products under its own name. Confused? Ah, well - here is a list of Universal's promised releases for this year:

1:18 diecast
Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7l 1973 white
Porsche 911 2.4l 1972 burgundy
Porsche 917K Interserie 1970 # 12
Porsche 962C - Le Mans, Sebring etc
Chevrolet Deluxe convertible 41 white
Chevrolet Deluxe coupe 1941 black
Ford GT40 Mark II LM 67 # 57 green
Ford GT40 Mk II Daytona 67 #11 Gulf
Ford Mustang Cobra coupe 1994 red
Ford 1940 Hot Rod matt black-red
Ford 1940 Hot Rod grey-red
Ford T van Choko Land
Ford T van Amalie Chokolade
Land Rover 109 West Sussex FB yellow
Renault Clio Sport V6 street black
Renault Clio Sport V6 street silver

Renault Clio Sport V6 street version red
Renault Clio Sport V6 Clio Trophy # 24
Renault Clio Sport V6 Clio Trophy # 2
Renault 5 Turbo I red
Renault 5 Turbo I blue
Renault 5 Turbo II white
Renault 5 Turbo II burgundy
Renault 5 Turbo MC 81 # 9
Land Rover Defender 90 - various
MGB GT - various versions

1:43 scale diecast
Mercury Hot Rod 1949 red-white
Mercury Hot Rod 1949 matt black
Plymouth Belvedere Daytona 64 # 54
Plymouth Belvedere Hardtop street 64
Plymouth Belvedere Daytona 64 # 28
Dodge Charger Daytona 1970 # 42
Dodge Charger Daytona 1970 # 30
Willys hot rod Steve Castelli with wing
Willys Coupe 1941 red-black
Willys hot rod matt black
Ford Street Rod 1932 turquoise-white
Ford Street Rod 1932 yellow-black
Ford Street Rod 1932 matt black
Ford Pickup rod 1932 red
Chrysler Prowler 2002 Inca gold
Ford GT40 Mk II LM 66 # 3 red
Ford GT40 Daytona 66 # 95
Ford GT40 Daytona 66 # 97
Chevrolet Corvette GS Nassau 64 # 00

Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7l yellow
Porsche 934T LM 79 # 82
Porsche 911RSR Ring 74 # 56 GT
Porsche 911 RSR LM 76 # 49
Porsche 911 RSR LM 77 # 47
Porsche 911 Carrera RSR LM 75 # 58
BMW 503 coupe silver
BMW 503 convertible blue
BMW 327 convertible white-black
BMW 327 coupe black-red
BMW 502 coupe red
VW Beetle 1303 hot rod 'Zip'
VW Beetle Zurich fire service
Saab Sonett II burgundy
Land Rover 109 soft top chestnut

MGB Mk II hardtop Ring 67 # 102 GT
MGB Mk II hardtop Silverstone 67 # 30
MGB Mk II convertible open cream
MGB Mk II convertible open orange
MGB Mk II convertible open blue
Renault Super 5 GT Turbo Ivory 89 # 9
Renault Super 5 GT Turbo MC 89 # 19
Renault Super 5 GT T TdeC 85 # 113
Renault Super 5 GT Turbo MC 90 # 11
Renault Super 5 GT Turbo TdeC 89 #17
Renault Super 5 GT Turbo phase 2 blue
Renault Super 5 GT Turbo phase 2 red
Renault Super 5 GT Turbo ph 2 white
Renault 5 Turbo Cup 84 # 3 Momo
Renault 5 Maxi Turbo # 1 Budget
Renault Clio 1 'Williams' road car
Renault Clio 1 Argentina 97 # 16
Renault Clio 1 16 valve red
Renault Clio 1 16 valve white
Renault Clio 1 3 door black
Renault Clio 1 3 door pale yellow
Renault Clio Maxi TdeC 95 # 21
Renault Clio Maxi RAC 95 # 25
Renault Clio Maxi street silver
Renault Clio Maxi presentation yellow
Renault Clio Maxi TdeC 95 # 17
Renault Clio Maxi champ 95 # 5
Renault Clio Maxi Portugal 95 # 30
Renault Clio Maxi Spa 95 # 10
Renault Clio Maxi Var 95 # 15
Renault Clio Maxi MC 95 # 14
Renault Sport Clio V6 Trophy 2001 # 5
Renault Sport Clio II Phase II red
Renault Sport Clio II Phase II silver
Renault Sport Clio II Phase II blue
Renault Clio II Phase II steppe
Renault Clio II Phase II cherry red
Renault Clio II Phase II EDF-GDF
Renault Clio Cup 01 #2 MacDonalds
Renault Clio Cup 01 # 21 Ericsson
Renault Scenic RX4 iceberg blue
Renault Scenic RX4 metallic green
Renault Scenic RX4 maroon
Renault Laguna II estate metallic grey
Renault Laguna II saloon metallic grey
Renault Laguna I ph II saloon (future)
Renault Laguna I ph II estate (future)
Renault Espace I 1984 (future)
Renault Mégane Scenic ph II (future)
Renault Maxi Mégane (future)
Renault Espace III (future)
Renault Espace IV 2002 (future)
Renault Formula 1 2002 (future)
Porsche 935 - various versions (future)
MGB GT - various versions (future)

Legend 1:43 diecast (ex del-Prado)
26 models from the del Prado range, which was a 'free' on-pack promotion with a part-publication. Some models have already appeared in the Revell range, and may also come out under other names.

1:32 scale diecast
Renault Atlas tractor, double wheels
Renault D22 tractor

ORIGINAL MINIATURES

Here is an update on Original Miniatures 1:43 resin kits and handbuilt models, made in France:

86 Peugeot 604 Heuliez Limousine, the
Pope's visit to Lisieux 1980
87 Peugeot 604 Heuliez Limousine, the
Pope's visit to Nigeria 1982 (bottom picture)
88 Peugeot 403 Millesime saloon 1957
89 Mazda RX7 #86 LM80 Soto-Honegger
90 Mazda RX7 #37 LM 1981
91 Mazda RX7 #38 LM 1981
92 Mazda RX7 #81 or #82 LM 1982
93 Citroen CX25 Evasion Break, series 2
94 Citroen CX25 Enterprise Break, series 2
95 Citroen CX25 Break Citroen Assistance
96 Citroen Dyane 6 MC 1976
97 Citroen Dyane 6 MC 78, Mille Pistes 78
98 Peugeot 403 Millesime Cabriolet
99 Citroen XM Millesime saloon 1995
100 Ford GT40 Gulf LM70 Pescarolo, with two
cameras on front (from the Le Mans movie)
101 Ford GT40 Gulf LM70 central camera 2 crew
102 Ford GT40 Gulf LM70, rear camera, 2 crew
103 Maserati A6 GCS #66 TF 53 Fangio
Maserati A6 GCS # 98 TF 53 Giletti
104 Maserati A6 GCS # 60 TF 54 Musso
105 Peugeot 604 lwb armoured Presidentielle
106 Renault 9 Alliance Coupe Millesime 1985 .
108 Peugeot 403 1957 East African Safari #40
1958 d'Unienville-Rogers
Peugeot 403 1957 East African Safari #57
1962 Little-Harris
109 Peugeot 403 Millesime saloon 1955
110 Citroen CX Break Series 2 Hollander
111 Tissier twin axle trailer Hollander

Future releases:
107 Saviem S45 Transporter Ligier Team 1970-75
Ligier JS1 TdeF 1970 #142 Andruet-Behra
Ligier JS1 TdeF 1970 #143 Vinatier-Jacob
Mazda RX7 #77 test LM79 Terada-lkusawa
Mazda RX7 #39 test LM81 Honegger-Stiff
Formula France Record 1999 Suzuki power
Matrix-Nissan #16 test LM 1997

50 YEARS AT RENAULT
By Hans-Georg Schmitt

Although the Renault Frégate was revealed in November 1950, the official launch was in October 1951. At the time the 'Pontoon' body was revolutionary, and coil-spring independ-ent suspension to all four wheels was also advanced. The 1996cc 11CV engine was rather small for 1280 kg weight. The car was not really very successful, but another later technical advance was the Transfluid automatic gearbox. For the 50th anniversary of the Frégate Eligor-Leader made a 1:43 resin model. Renault's reference. is 1 UV 77 11 218 605. It is beige with medium grey interior. Only the windscreen wipers are chromed, all other 'plated' components including the bumpers are painted metallic silver. It has realistic white wall tyres, but the baseplate is not detailed. 50 years later, another Renault has appeared with some revolutionary design features. The Renault Vel Satis is a progressive design concept for a large saloon car, after the launch of the Avantime. Vel Satis is roomy, with a powerful 3.5 litre engine, high safety features and an innovative interior. Norev make the 1:43 Vel Satis Initial:

Angora beige, Renault ref. 7711218646
mother of pearl black, Renault ref. 7711218648

The models are available in Renault Boutiques or to order from Renault partners in Europe or the German Renault, section Sur la Route, can help. Tel: 02232/73-0.

JPS Triumph 1800
Reviewed by Geoff Sear

Isn't it nice when we have new and refreshing models to write about? Like the Hartin Jaguar XK150 I described in MAR 161, and now the JPS Triumph 1800 Roadster. Not many model makers have produced a model of this car, but EFE make it in1:76 scale, Minimarque 43 made one, and Mikansue also made one. By the way if anyone has a Mikansue kit 10 to trade please contact me! This JPS fills an important gap in anyone's collection who specialises in Triumph, but I must confess I am in two minds about this model. On the plus side, the first impressions are excellent. It is easy to build, everything goes together just as it should. The kit is prepainted a dark British Racing Green and the paintwork standard is outstanding, but I would prefer maroon or burgundy like the Bergerac car from the television detective series. The wheels also are outstanding. There are, however, a few points that niggle. The rear track is a shade too wide, making the wheels sit a bit too far outside the bodywork. There is little interior detail, no gear lever or hand-brake, no number plates, no exhaust pipes etc, items which other kit makers supply, and to which we have become accustomed. I believe the picture supplied is also incorrect, in that the windscreen wipers are top hung. I think they should be bottom hung, but with a little effort this is easy to rectify. The biggest mistake is the grille. Clearly the pattern maker either hadn't seen a full size car, or was trying to cut costs a bit too much? One doesn't need to have the intelligence of a brain surgeon to see that the grille supplied is for a Bentley or Lagonda, and the shape at the top is totally wrong for a Triumph, as is the position and shape of the badge. This is unacceptable in my view. I strongly suggest that JPS correct this on future models.

It is nice, and an important model, but JPS should correct the grille, before it could come highly recommended by me.

(Editor's note: See also Alan Fairclough's letter in MAR 161, where he points out that in addition to the grille inaccuracy there should be three wipers, a three spoke steering wheel, and stone guards. I would not want to put off Mr Schwartz of JPS from making more models of British cars, by too much criticism, but I did invite him to comment on the obviously incorrect shape of the grille, and in his reply he insisted that he has the shape right. Maybe the car he measured had been retro-fitted in France with an old Bentley grille, in place of the distinctive Triumph shape?).

NEWS FROM ALEZAN

The latest 1:43 resin kits and handbuilt models from Alezan of France include:

241 Pontiac Banshee show car 1988.
242 Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio 1999
243 Lamborghini Urraco P250 1973
244 Maserati Merak US version
245 Maserati Merak 2000 1975.

CCC NEW RELEASES

Here is a roundup of 1:43 resin kits and handbuilt models from CCC of France for 2001 and 2002.

F142 Hotchkiss AM 2 Cabriolet 1930
F143 Renault VP Le Mans #52 1953
F144 Rosengart Supertraction Cabriolet 1939
F145 SM Citroen Prototype 1971
F146 Panhard X84 LM 50 Escale #57
F147 Renault 4 cv Prototype 1942
F148 Peugeot 402 Legere Monte Carlo 1938
F149 Salmson 2.3 litre Le Mans 1955 #27
F150 Citroen AX 4x4 Yacco 1992
F151 Talbot T.26 GS Saoutchik 1948
F152 Citroen SM Prototype Michelin
F153 Delage D6 Monte Carlo 1937
F154 Delahaye 135 Chapron 1938
F155 Hotchkiss 20CV GS Monte Carlo 1949
F156 VP Renault coupe Le Mans 1953
F157 Adler Trumpf LM 1937 #33, #34 or LM38 #28
F158 Adler Trumpf Le Mans 1937 #35 or LM38 #33
F159 Adler Trumpf Le Mans 1939 #30
F160 VP Renault Tank Le Mans l954 #49
F161 DB Panhard HBR5 LM61 #45, mid-engined open
F162 DB Panhard Tank LM50 #58, #59 or LM51 #57
F163 DB Panhard Barquette Le Mans 1952 #5
US7 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport 1963
VICTORY Cadillac ser 62 four door convertible 1941
Transkit: TK1 Decals, p-e parts for DS and DS Chapron
LA FAMILIA 5A Buick Special Convertible 1938 brown
LA FAMILIA 5B Buick Special Convertible 1938 grey
ROYALES Voisin record car 1927
ROYALES Voisin C22 coupe 1932
OVALE 43 Ford Thunderbird Wrangler 1982

NEWS - Germany

VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON
By Hans-Georg Schmitt

'We are just beginning, where others are coming to the end' Volkswagen say on the advertising strapline for their new top car, the Phaeton, competing with the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class. In Greek mythology, Phaeton was the son of Helios the sun god who wanted to drive his father's magnificent sun-chariot, but he could not control the fiery horses, so Zeus had to step in. In the 19th century a Phaeton was a fast carriage driven by the owner, rather than by a coachman. Then, in the early 20th century a Phaeton became an open four or five seat drophead tourer. Today in the mind of Volkswagen, Phaeton recalls a tradition of exclusivity and craftsmanship, with added technology and luxury. Most luxury cars are desirable for the social status of the brand. But technology alone won't provide this, as can be seen in the Lexus, which has not been a great success in Europe. So Volkswagen has a hard job ahead, building the image for their car. Outstanding technical features and a completely new factory in Dresden, made of glass, where German buyers can witness the birth of their own car, may help this new image. At first sight, the Phaeton looks like an expanded Passat saloon, but this family resemblance is part of the company philosophy. The Phaeton can have a six cylinder engine with six speed manual or five speed automatic gearboxes and front wheel drive, or a W12 engine, which only has a five speed automatic gearbox and four wheel drive. Top speed is around 250 km/h. The interior is available in four or five seat versions. Prices begin with the five-seater V6 at 56,200 Euros (£35,000) with no top limit, thanks to all the possible options.

The Phaeton was also available in miniature at the real car's launch at the Geneva Motor Show, in the usual three scales of 1:18, 1:43 and 1:87. The 1:18 version is made by Gateway Global Limited, and represents the most expensive W12 four seat version, in piano black with sun beige interior. The design is accurately reproduced in the model. The bonnet, all four doors and boot lid all open like the real car, no stovepipe-hinges or odd opening angles. The engine is also realistic, as is the interior. The dashboard has the screen of the navigation system, all switches and buttons, all wood cappings, and on the centre console are both communication systems. The seats have the switches for adjustment and the seat-belts are outstandingly realistic; even the chrome-plated fittings are movable.

The steering works realistically, the wheels are accurate and the baseplate is super-detailed. The exhaust system, 4x4 drive-train and all other details are also excellent.

Minichamps made the 1:43 version, also accurately shaped in 'silver atmosphere', with anthracite interior. It is also the four seat version. The wheels look realistic, but the baseplate could be more detailed. The license-plates are DD for Dresden, where the factory is located. The interior has all instruments, navigation system, wood cappings and a well detailed middle console. Wiking of Berlin make the 1:87 version, also accurately shaped in piano-black with sun beige interior, the four seat version. Considering the scale, all details are well finished. All three models come in silver card window boxes, initially only available from VW dealers.

BUB, DISTLER AND NZG
By Hans-Georg Schmitt

The first Bub models, pictured in MAR recently, will appear around July 2002.

The Distler Mercedes 1901 in 1:8 scale will come out in late 2002. It will be developed by DaimlerChrysler. At the moment the prototype is being examined by the Mercedes-Benz designers The split window VW Beetle in 1:8 scale should be ready in time for the next Nuremberg Toy Fair in early 2003.

MINICHAMPS BMW 3.0 CSL
By Hans-Georg Schmitt

The BMW 2800CS Coupe was first shown in September 1968 and production started in December that year. The body was built by Karmann in Osnabrück, the same as the 2000CS, but it looked much better, due to its longer and more shapely front end. May 1971 saw a lightweight version, intended as a competition platform, as which it was very successful, but most were bought by private owners, who used the 3.0 CSL with extra trim as normal daily transport. lt was built from 1973 to 1975, the 3.0 litre straight six petrol injection engine developing 206 hp at 5600 rpm, with a top speed of 220 km/h, needing its disc brakes on all four wheels. It only had a manual four speed gearbox. Minichamps have made a very accurate model in 1:18 scale, with bonnet, doors and boot lid all opening and working steering. The body is 'greenish yellow' and the interior is black. Brown wood cappings and aluminium-like silver paint are lightens the otherwise dark feel. The engine is well detailed, with all hoses, ignition cables even type plates on the sides of the engine bay. The wheels and baseplate are also realistically detailed. The green-yellow 3.0 CSL is ref 80430137980.

EMERGENCY
OUR ITALIAN AMBULANCES
By Stefano Guidotti

Two friends and myself are volunteers of the Venerabile Arciconfraternita della Miseri-cordia di Firenze (a voluntary ambulance association founded in 1244) who for 25 years have collected emergency vehicle models (police, fire brigade, and ambulances). In our archives we have many pictures, publications, articles from specialist magazines, badges etc. In 1994 we set up a website to show the best of our Italian emergency models. We work with several model producers to make emergency models on behalf of most of the important ambulance associations in Italy. We produce character figures in various uniforms, from all historical periods, to be placed next to the model vehicles. For visitors to Florence we can arrange a free visit to the Historical Museum of the Misericordia di Firenze and Museum of Old Italian Ambulances at Montemurlo near Prato. See our website: www.florenccemergencymodels.it.

 

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