CONTENTS
Model Auto Review 194
Publication 7 August 200506 Techno Classica Hans-Georg Schmitt, Germany 07 Trucks Trax * Captions to pp 04-05 08 Woodies: Part Four Scott Brown , USA 10 DIY Decals Maz Woolley, England 12 NEWS France Norev, Prestige 13 Italy Racing 43, ABC, BBR 14 Correspondence 15 Mini Cabriolets Hans-Georg Schmitt 16 NEWS Germany Wiking, Preiser figures 17 NEWS Germany Minichamps, Preiser 18 Racing Marsh, CMC, Quartzo, Vitesse, Mini Racing 19 NEWS Racing Camp, SunStar 20 World Oxford, Spark, Bizarre, Redline, Corgi, Eligor 22 Metro Hans-Georg Schmitt * Iveco Dave Turner, England 26 Seraph Graeme Ogg, England 27 NEWS Cars * Captions to p 28 30 NEWS Germany Minichamps * Captions to page 29 31 NEWS Captions to pages 32 and 33 34 Spanish Classics by Altaya Scott Brown , USA 35 Six Pack Don Elliott, USA 37 Ferrari 38 Bus Stop EFE 39 World Signature 40 Concept cars & Supercars avia mini Herpa, Skymarks, Dragon 42 Competitions 43 Book Reviews 46 Club News Collated by Rod Ward 48 Swapmeets, small ads, Subs 56 Magnum, P.I. Don Elliott, USA 58 NEWS Military Preiser * Captions to page 60 59 NEWS Military Preiser * Captions to page 61 60 Buses & taxis Rietze, Pinko, SunStar 61 Emergency: Schuco, Lansdowne, Norev, MVI, Progetto-K, Rietze, Universal, Eligor, Highway 61
EDITORIAL
by Rod WardHERE WE ARE AGAIN
Yes, we're back, refreshed after a short break and ready to produce another five issues of MAR before Christmas 2005. This is the first of those issues, and it is packed full of features, news and photographs.
For those who wonder how much I pack into each issue, this one has over 300 photo-graphs, more than half of them in colour.
I have been reading some book publishers' catalogues, where less than 100 photographs, almost all black and white, are included in a book which costs £7.95 a copy. You have a real bargain in your hands, it seems.
Leslie Smith 1918-2005
We are sad to report the death of Leslie Smith, 'Les' of Lesney (his unrelated schoolfriend Rodney Smith was 'ney'). They set up the company to make diecast toys in the postwar period of shortages. When Rodney left the fledgling company, Jack Odell joined Leslie, and the pair went on to establish Matchbox Toys as the brand leader around the world.
WORLD NEWS
Skoda Models
By Jiri HavlicekIn MAR 190 Dennis Osmond asked if there is a listing of Skoda models. There is no complete listing of all of them. No-one here in the Czech Republic has produced such a list. The information has to be extracted from catalogues etc. No 'model' Skoda was made before 1990, only toys in various scales, by Igra, Ites, Smer etc, or small production 1:43 resin models by Bohemia and Retro 43. After 1990 1:87 plastic Skodas were made by Igra. V&V made 1:87 white metal models, and Kaden made 1:43 diecast models and 1:87 plastic. Limited production resin 1:43 models were made by HK and Retro 43. In recent years Skodas have been made by other international ranges such as the Ixo Octavia WRC rally cars in many liveries. They have also now made a 1:43 Skoda Fabia. Other Skoda models include the Solido Fabia in 1:43 and 1:18 scales. Recent 1:43 diecast releases have come from Cararama (Octavia hatchback and second generation Octavia estate) plus the 1:24 scale Superb and Fabia estate, displayed at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 2005. In regard to reference material about real Skoda cars the situation is much better. Recent Czech titles include: L&K-Skoda by Peter Kozisek and Jan Kralik, in two parts 1895-1945 and 1945-2003. Published by Moto Public, A4 in Czech, German, English. 700 pages, 1400+ photos, essential reference. Skoda: From Kvasiny to the world, 1934-2004 by Vladimir Holoubek and Jan Kralik is also from Moto Public, A4 192 pages Czech text only, describing the plant at Kvasiny where the Felicia, 110R and Superb were made. Skoda 100MB by Jan Tucek, published by Gilada, A5: also Czech-only text, but includes lots of wonderful photographs.
Techno Classica 2005
By Hans-Georg SchmittFrom 7 to 10 April 2005, Techno Classica Essen took place again, and is still growing, at a rate of which the German economy can only dream. More than 141,000 visitors came to look, but they did not spend as much as exhibitors hoped. Classic cars on sale ranged from a Mercedes-Benz 540K special roadster for 1.5 Million Euros to a Mercedes-Benz W123 saloon for 2,500 Euros. Some model car manufacturers were present. Minichamps had on sale a 1:43 Mercedes-Benz W123 T-estate, in dark blue (topleft) printed with Minichamps and fair logos, a limited edition of 288 pieces. Revell had right, a 1:18 Fiat-Abarth 1000 TC as a fair model in a special livery, also a limited edition of around 100 pieces. Schuco were selling two Piccolos, the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR '722', in which Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson won the 1955 Mille Miglia in a record time, and an Opel GT, as a fair model finished for the first time in yellow, with the Techno Classica logo and marking the 10th anniversary of Piccolo models. All the main European car makers or their clubs were also present. Audi celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Quattro coupe with a specially boxed 1:87 Herpa model. BMW's hall 12 featured the 50th anniversaries of the Isetta and the 507 sports. The 3 series also celebrated its 30th anniversary.
The official fair model was a Schuco Piccolo 328 roadster in red, limited to 1000 pieces. The main subject of the Mercedes-Benz presentation was the 50th anniversary of the SL, so models included a black gull wing coupe #428 and the '722' roadster together in a presentation box, made by Bub in Piccolo scale. Volkswagen marked the 50th anniversary of the Karmann-Ghia, (Beetle in Italian clothes) with a blue 1:87 Wiking (top of next column) and a Schuco Piccolo cabriolet, limited to 500 pieces. The Autostadt gave a New Beetle squeaky toy for child-ren to play with in the bath. Volvo had two books, one telling the story of the Dutch plant of Born from Daf cars, through co-operation with Mitsubishi up to their recent divorce. The other book was Volvo for life, the history of the company from 1927 to 2005.
Skoda, celebrating their 100th anniversary and now in the Volkswagen group, offered a brochure on their history including an account of how they built steam buses and trucks under licence from Sentinel. Opel were not there, just a club with some cars. Finally for the first time at an oldtimer fair, a new car was launched; the Aston Martin DB9 Volante, on the stand of its main German importer.
NOVELTIES FROM NOREV
By Hans-Georg SchmittNew models from Norev of France, all 1:43 diecast models made in China:
840102 Volkswagen Concept-T, VW's take on the SUV idea, revealed at the Detroit Motor Show in 2004. Inspired by Sixties buggies, the roof can be removed and the interior rearranged. The exhaust pipes are an element of the design, the underside is robust, but to respond to changing life-styles the interior is equipped for a mobile office. It has a a 3189cc, 241hp V6 engine. Lke the real car the model is bright red with tinted windows and black interior. (See picture in this issue).
840101 Volkswagen Concept R. The 2003 Frankfurt Show saw this stunning roadster, inspired by the classic sports cars like the Porsche Spider. The simple instrument panel is set in chrome, the V6 3189cc 265hp engine can reach a top speed of 250 km/h. The model is light silver metallic. (See picture in this issue).
770101 Fiat Dino 2000 Coupe Introduced at the 1967 Geneva Motor Show, the Dino Coupe was designed by Bertone, powered by a Ferrari engine and sold with a Fiat badge. Potential buyers thought the downmarket brand was unappealing and the car far too expensive. Also it was always overshadowed by the mid-engined Ferraris with which it shared power units and five-speed all-synchro gearboxes. Thus ended the short life of the Dino after two years and 3,670 cars. built. It was named after the Enzo Ferrari's son, who died young from cancer. The model is bright yellow, a bit too thickly painted. (See picture in this issue).
571003 Simca 1000 Bertone Coupe. Simca launched this Coupe in the early Sixties to rival Renault's Floride, but it was not sporty enough, with a 944cc four-cylinder 42hp rear-mounted engine. 1967's 1200S was more successful. The model is Bordeaux red, The model is a re-issue of one from the early 1970s, then made from heat-distorting plastic. (See picture on page 191.57).
845010 Willys Jeep. Dating back to 1937, one of the most successful designs of light military vehicle, after the war it found many civilian uses. It was powered by a four cylinder 60hp 2199cc engine with a three speed gearbox and four wheel hydraulic drum brakes. (See picture in this issue).
517985 Renault Laguna Concept Car Roadster Paris Motor Show 1990, influenced by classic 1960s roadsters, with a turbocharged 210bhp two litre engine. Due to the mid engine layout, the interior was well forward. The roof would always be open when driving but a roll-over bar would appear in case of danger. The model is bright blue metallic. (See picture in this issue).
153711 Citroen Dyane 1967. The Dyane was sintended as the 2cv replacement, more of an evolution than a new design, sharing the platform and gearbox. The first Dyane in 1967 had a 425cc engine, upgraded a year later to 602cc, the Ami 6 engine. More than 1.4 million were made, and it was withdrawn, six years before the 2cv it was supposed to replace. The design was by Louis Bionnier, inspired by the 2cv, created by Flaminio Bertoni. The model has plates for the French department Mayenne, between Rennes and Le Mans and is primrose yellow. (See picture in this issue).
513150 Renault Caravelle 1964. A young car for youngsters of all ages was the slogan for the introduction of the Floride in 1958. Renaults target was the US market. Rivalling Simca's Oceane and Plein Ciel, this sporty coupe-convertible was an instant success. Based on the Dauphine, the Floride and its US-market sister the Caravelle had bigger engines and better styling. The model is Kilimanjaro white and includes a black closed soft top, open top and a white coupe hard top. The car's plates are for Tarn-et-Garonne, near Toulouse. Did an aircraft engineer bring the car back from the States? (See picture in this issue).
152012 Citroen 22cv Cabriolet. André Citroen's intention with this car was to break into the American market. Launched in October 1934, it was based on the 11cv, but it differed significantly. The wheelbase and bonnet were longer and the headlights were not part of the body. The grille was curved and bore a figure '8', relating to the engine, a choice of straight eight or Ford V8 units. This model is black with a red interior. (See picture in this issue).
474660 Peugeot 406 Break Pompiers (fire). The Peugeot 406 estate as used by emergency doctors, equipped with blue beacons and three antennas. The real car had a 110hp two litre Hdi diesel engine, with manual five speed gearbox. The registration plate shows department number 25, which is for Doubs, near the Swiss border. (See picture in this issue).
158057 Citroen DS Chapron Coupe Le Paris. Soon after the Great War, Henri Chapron set up as a coachbuilder and soon established a good reputation. In the late Fifties, he mostly worked for Citroen, with several DS variants. His last plan, to re-design the SM, came too late, when Citroen and Maserati split. Chapron died in May 1978. Le Paris was introduced at the 1958 Paris Show, with a standard DS engine The model is metallic silver and gold-green with a red interior. The plates are for 68, for department Haut-Rhin, upper Alsace, centred on Colmar. (See picture in this issue).
472093 Peugeot J7 minibus and caravan Circus Pinder. In 1855, the Pinder Circus moved from England to France, where it is now by far the most popular circus. Ever since the 1930s, the parade of the fleet of vehicles has been an event in itself. In their Circus Pinder series, Norev have released the sound studio, fitted into a Peugeot J7 and caravan. The model features miniatures sound equipment: record player, amplifiers and a turntable. (Pictured on page 192.28).
360010 Opel Insignia design study 'We want to show what our engineers are capable of' were Opel CEO Foster's words at the launch of the Insignia concept car at the 2003 Frankfurt motor show. Neither a coupe nor a saloon, it has simple lines and impressive performance, thanks to its Corvette V8 engine. Norev shows the Insignia as shown at Frankfurt in dark grey metallic on 21 inch alloy wheels. It is excellently shaped, the interior is authentic and the baseplate is detailed. The wheels have high gloss polished alloy rims, in the American idiom. It now seems that the Insignia will not have a future, due to the new austerity at General Motors. (Pictured on page 192.33).
351103 Mercedes-Benz SL 500: The SL 500 has been nicely captured by Norev. A surprising feature of the model is the hood, which can be shown open or closed, if you carefully follow the detailed instruction sheet. It is sky blue metallic, with a white interior, with high gloss chrome wheel rims. (Pictured in this issue).
783010 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1965: The Lancia Fulvia Coupe was introduced at the Geneva Motor show in 1965. Compared to the then-current four door version, this car was truly elegant. It had 14 inch wheels, and an 87 hp engine, attaining a top speed of 168 km/h. Four years later, at the time of Lancia's merger with Fiat, the car was revised to make a real sports car, winning the world championship in 1972. This car also appealed to ladies, who appreciated its stylish design and the mahogany and wool interior. Norev's Fulvia is saratoga white with a leather interior, like the car in the Lancia museum in Turin. (Pictured on page 192.32).
783011 Lancia set: Fulvia 1965-2003. At the Frankfurt motor show in 2003, Lancia presented a new Fulvia Coupe show car, 40 years after the debut of the first Fulvia and 31 years after Munari's victory. The designers of Centro Stile Lancia wanted to re-style the Fulvia Coupe in light of modern developments. The project was clearly set out, no nostalgic compromises, a post-modern interpretation. The dimensions and the notchback design came from the 1965 Fulvia, but the track was wider for more stability and better road holding. The body is aluminium, shaped to achieve a very low cd-value, and it has a 1.8 litre 16V 140 hp engine. The box contains this 2003 Fulvia in ivory metallic, with an original Fulvia from 1965. (Pictured on page 192.33).
880011 Mega Club Buggy with Michelin Unicycle: Another from the fleet of vehicles, which escort the cyclists on the Tour de France. A leading sponsor is the French tyre manufacturer Michelin. One of their vehicles is this little Buggy, towing the strange 'monowheel' motorcycle on a trailer. (Pictured on page 192.29).
RACING 43 ELITE MODELS
By Laura Fabbri Brianza, ABCThe latest releases from Racing 43 Elite of Italy:
031 Ferrari 575 GTC 2005 Presentation 016 Ferrari 575 GTC Peter-Babini #11 Monza 04 3rd 017 Ferrari 575 GTC Naspetti-Hezemans #13 Monza 04 018 Ferrari 575 GTC evo Morbidelli-Babini #11 Dubai 04 019 Ferrari 575 GTC evo Naspetti-Peter #13 Dubai 2004 023 Alfa GTV red 024 Alfa GTV black 025 Alfa GTV grey 026 Alfa GTV Cup red street 027 Alfa GTV Cup 99 official 028 Alfa GTV restyled red 029 Alfa GTV restyled black 030 Alfa GTV restyled grey
PREISER FIGURES
By Hans-Georg SchmittPreiser plastic figures from Germany, many pictured in this issue:
1:87 Military kits, unpainted: 16548 Tank crew US Army 2000; 16 unpainted soldiers 16550 German Band; 51 unpainted army musicians 1:87 'Stimulating Accessories': 17161 Bicycles, bicycle trailers, unpainted kit 1:87 Figurines, hand painted: 28000 Conductor 28001 Railway official in office work 28002 Stationmaster giving the departure signal 28003 Stationmaster waiting to give departure signal 28004 Conductor 28005 Stationmistress ready to give departure signal 28006 Female railway official, wearing red dress 28007 Female railway official, wearing blue dress 28008 Railway worker, hi-vis coat 28009 Shunter 28010 Shunter 28011 Railway policeman 28012 German Policeman hi-vis 28013 Porter 28014 Traveller 28015 Vicar in hurry 28016 Standing newspaper reader 28017 Actress in yellow dress 28018 Man, coat over his right arm 28019 Man with leg in plaster cast 28020 Female executive, black suit 28021 Photographer in action 28022 Pedestrian hailing a taxi 28023 Woman with small boy 28024 Traveller in great hurry 28025 Man blue coat, briefcase 28026 Artist 28027 German post-war Chancellor Konrad Adenauer (1876-1967) 28028 Adenauer's successor Ludwig Erhard (1897-1977) 28029 Bridegroom carrying bride 29000 Balloon seller 29001 Clown with umbrella 29002 Exotic dancer 29003 Lady with top hat 20004 Grim reaper 29005 Sumo wrestler 29006 Golf player 29007 Football player 29008/29009 Baseball players 29010 Statue of an angel 29011 Water sprite 29012/29013/29014 mermaids 29015 Walking fairy 29016 Sitting fairy 29017 Standing fairy 29018 Bavarian King Ludwig II 29019 Swiss man, in Umer traditional costume 29020 Swiss woman, in Umer traditional costume 29021 Black Forest woman Gutachtaler costume 29022 Black Forest man Gutachtaler traditional dress 29023 Black Forest man Uracher traditional costume 29024 Black Forest woman, Uracher traditional costume 29025 Man, in costume of Spreewald, near Berlin 29026 Christmas girl 29027 Santa Claus with sack 29028 Christmas girl with sack 29029 Santa Claus 1:87 Horse and Cart ready made: 30445 Brewery dray Landwehr-Beer with beer crates, two horses and a driver, hand painted. 1:87 Vehicles and figurines: 33243 Mitsubishi Pajero Riding Court White Beauty with horse trailer, horse and two people. 1:43 Miniature Figurines 65348 Industrial Workers: Six handpainted workers in helmets. 1:72 Military kits, unpainted: 72518 Team for 7.5 cm Pak 40 gun 1939-45: five unpainted soldiers of the German Wehrmacht. 72522 Russian infantrymen and partisans 1942-43: 12 unpainted 72523 Russian infantrymen on a tank USSR 1942: 12 unpainted. 72524 Tank crews US Army 2000: 16 unpainted American soldiers 72526 Tank crews USSR 1942: 10 unpainted Soviet Red Army soldiers 1:144 Miniature figurines 75032 Business men: Six men in elegant suits, carefully handpainted 1:144 Miniature figurines 77102 Civil airline pilots, stewardesses, air travellers: 18 unpainted figurines, kit see avia mini 1:400 Miniature figurines 89400 Civil airline pilots, stewardesses, air travellers: 18 unpainted figurines, kit see avia mini MERTEN FIGURES 1:87 from the Preiser sister company Merten: HO 2543 Family meeting - six handpainted in summer clothes HO 2546 Female Travellers - six handpainted figurines. HO 2549 Apes - ten detailed handpainted apes in different positions.
MARSH MODELS NEWS
By Pam and John SimonsWe now have three new releases.
MM24L McKlusky Pacesetter Homes Lola T70
MM107 Ken Miles Comstock Racing Cobra 289
MM96 Shadow Mk III 1972 Jackie Oliver or Carlos PaceThe Shadow Mk III will also be available as LE22, 30 signed by designer Peter Bryant. We have test castings of the Chaparral 2H . New patterns are MM131 early version Shadow Mk III with front wing, MM132 the Goodwood version of Bruce McLaren's Cooper-Zerex and the IMSA BMW M1/C, and we hope to have the Shadow DN1 pattern completed soon.
Aircraft enthusiasts will be pleased to know that we now have Macchi MC72 test castings.
MORE SPARK, BIZARRE, REDLINE
New 1:43 models announced in these ranges:
SPARK S0218 TVR Sagaris dark silver 2004 S0219 TVR Sagaris metallic red 2004 S0375 Aston Martin DB7 Zagato Coupe Green S0376 Aston Martin DB7 Zagato Coupe met blue S0395 Alfa Romeo Brera 2002 S0463 Alfa 156 GTA #1 ETCC 2004 Tarquini S0464 Alfa 156 GTA #2 ETCC 2004 Giovanardi S0521 De Tomaso Pantera #30 LM 72 De Baviera S0522 De Tomaso Pantera #31 LM 72 Mueller S0548 Ligier JS2 #14 LM 74 Maserati Chassseuil S0549 Ligier JS2 #15 LM 74 Maserati Laffite S0572 Aston Martin #50 LM 1979 Hamilton S0610 Alfa Romeo Junior Z Red (1300) 1970 S0611 Alfa Romeo Junior Z White (1300) 1970 S0650 Lancia LC2 #4 LM 83 AIboreto-Fabi-Nannini S0651 Lancia LC2 #5 LM 83 Gninzani-AIboreto S0652 Lancia LC2 #6 LM 83 Andruet-Barilla-Nannini S0700 Mini 'Limousine' 2004 S0701 Mini Station Wagon 2004 SO382 Iso Grifo A3C dark blue BIZARRE BZ109 DB Panhard Tank LM 50 #58 BZ114 Frazer Nash MM LM 51 #34 BZ115 Frazer Nash MM LM 52 #41 BZ116 Corvette Spirit of Sebring Daytona 76 BZ28-30 WM P79/80 turbo LM 80 #5, 6 and 7 BZ87 De Cadenet LM79 #8 Migault-de Cadenet BZ137-138 Mazda 737C LM 85 #85 and 86 BZ151 Lola T381 Ford LM 79 #3 Cooper-Lovett REDLINE RL036 Ferrari 575 Super America dk met blue 05 RL039 Ferrari 575 Super America red 2005 RL055 Ferrari F40 LM #40 LM 1995 OIofson RL056 Ferrari F40 LM #41 LM 1995 Ayles-Monti
OXFORD KEEPING BUSY
First, our congratulations to Oxford supremo Lyndon Davies on his recent marriage. It hasn't stopped his flow of new releases, but apparently the honeymoon suffered:
Bedford K van VE Day Winston Churchill Bedford K van VE Day King George VI Bedford K van VJ Day 60th Anniversary Ford A van Chips comic 1953 version Volkswagen split van Kiwi Boot Polish above Bedford K van Women's Royal Army Corps Bullnose van Glen Moray whisky Bedford K van West Midlands Police football club Ford T van Eglinton Classic Club, Northern Ireland Bedford K van Civil Defence Corps Bullnose van Gordon Highlanders Bullnose van Hull City AFC Bullnose van Notts County football club Bullnose van Royal Tank Regiment Bedford K van GWR signal department Bedford K ambulance with windows GWR Bedford K van Railway Country Lorry Services Ford A van Bell's Three Nuns cigarettes
CHANGES AT CORGI CLASSICS
We have been advised by Corgi of changes to their previously-announced releases for 2005:
CORGI CC26001 Bedford VAL North Norfolk has been dropped from this year's product range.
Vanguards VA09103 Jaguar XJR Ebony.
Unfortunately this model has been produced with an incorrect number plate. The plate should read RF03 RKV but was produced with number plate RF03 XJR, also incorrect in having white text on a black background. A new number plate is being produced to reflect the correct registration and colour scheme and will be available from our Spares Department. Should you require a replacement plate, contact your dealer where you bought the Jaguar, and he can obtain them from Corgi Classics for you.Due to licensing issues the following items have been removed from the Corgi product range. Any orders for these products will be cancelled.
US52209 E1 Pumper-Washington DC
US55029 PCC 1976 Centennial AABTA Boston
CORGI FOR FRANCE
New Heritage Collection models made by Corgi for France:
TRANSPORT D'URGENCE EX70627 Peugeot D3A Fire Ambulance Ouroux. EX70534 Renault 1000 kg van Blase with ladders EX07717 Land Rover Defender fire Bouches du Rhone EX70538 Renault 1000 kg fire ambulance Val d'Oise. LES TRANSPORT ROUTIERS EX70531 Renault 1000 kg Rondeau EX70628 Peugeot D3A Lait Mont Blanc EX70532 Renault 1000 kg van Berger EX70533 Renault 1000 kg Royal Mint chewing gum EX70629 Peugeot D3A van Faraghi Vins EX74005 Citroen C44 L'Air Liquide EX70535 Renault 1000kg Chicoree Williot, pack on roof EX70630 Peugeot D3A Motocycles Lyon EX70537 Renault 1000 kg Milliat Freres EX70631 Peugeot D3A Michelin EX70539 Renault 1000 kg Sic, EX70632 Peugeot D3A Peugeot with Mobylette on roof EX70633 Peugeot D3A Chicoree Williot EX70540 Renault 1000 kg PernodPINDER JEAN RICHARD
New additions not yet confirmed.
ELIGOR 1:43 SCALE UPDATE
By Claire Zara MarmethHere are our latest 1:43 scale models, all available now:
Mercedes-Benz Actros race transporter 05 Sauber MAN TG XXL race transporter 2005 Toyota F1 Renault Master ambulance SAMU 30 Citroen 2cv van Tefal Citroen 2cv van Fisset Citroen 2cv van Postes France grey, featuring slogan Don't juggle with the postcode Citroen 3cv van Posterijen Netherlands
J-COLLECTION RELEASES
New models from J-Collection of Japan:
JC027 Mazda MPV red 2004 JC045 Nissan Navara pickup Dakar 03 Vatanen JC053 Nissan Copen yellow JC055 Nissan Cabstar white JC057 Nissan Primera 2.0C grey facelift 04 JC058 Toyota RAV4 5 door Dubai Police JC059 Subaru Impreza WRX ST1 black JC061 Nissan 350Z Nismo white JC066 Nissan Murano silver JC068 Nissan Z Nismo 'S-Tune'
Highway 61
METROPOLITANBy Hans-Georg Schmitt
The range of Highway 61 Collectibles was launched in 2004, 1:18 replicas for collectors to a high level of accuracy.
50268 Metropolitan 1500 Convertible 1959: Variously badged as Austin, Nash or Hudson, then finally just Metropolitan, conceived by Nash president Bill Mason as a small car for the US market, built by Austin from 1954 to 1961. It was never a huge success, but at one time it was the second-best-selling US import after the VW Beetle. 1959 saw big changes in the US auto industry and Metropolitan was a brand of the new American Motors Corporation. This tiny convertible was given a trunk lid and wing vents, and a more potent 1500cc Austin engine. Later American Motors, along with Jeep, came under the control of Chrysler. So, oddly, it turns out that this 'Austin' model was made with the permission of Daimler-Chrysler Corporation. But what a model!
The body is shaped exactly like the real car and painted in authentic two-tone cream and black. The bonnet, doors (on realistic hinges) and trunk lid all open, and the steering and suspension work. The jointed transmission rotates, when the rear wheels are turned. The engine is detailed, as is the interior with movable seat back rests and sun visors.
The soft top is included in the box, with optional open or closed versions. For information about the real car, a scaled-down replica of the original sales brochure from 1959 is also included.
EXCLUSIVE FIRST EDITIONS NEWS
By Frank JoyceThe great interest generated by our Guy GS Special has exceeded even the larger-than-normal production run we had already ordered. Beware of the confusion, stories and rumours surrounding this model. We decided in November 2004 what quantity to produce, based on the first release of our 10T10 Regal.
We looked at the original orders for the 10T10 and added 1100 pieces, which should have satisfied the market. What we did not foresee was the mass of over-ordering that took place on this model. Local stockists can buy direct from us or from a wholesaler, and to hedge their bets some buy from both sources.
Many retail shops who only buy from a wholesaler are unknown to us, so we don't know if they bought this model.
We think that the quantity produced was not far wrong and it annoys us to see high prices being asked for the Guy GS, so I would urge enthusiasts not to pay extortionate prices for it. The model was sold by us at a standard price, but once it has left our premises we have no control over distribution or retail prices. We have now moved forward the second release of the Guy GS for release in June.Models now released,
29404 Bristol RELH D/P Coach East Midland 27901 Daimler DMS open top 1 door Big Bus Co 20436 Bristol VRIII Yorkshire Rider Bradford 18007 MCW Daimler Fleetline Belfast Corporation 13916 Bristol Lodekka FLF Stagecoach 29607 Leyland Olympian London United 24904 Mercedes Minibus South Wales 20633 Plaxton Pointer Dart Western National 30901 AEC MkIII flat + trailer British Road Services 99200 AEC Regal 10T10 London Transport bus 99201 AEC Regal 10T10 US Army Red Cross 99202 Daimler Utility London Transport brown 99203 Guy Arab II UtilityLondon Transport grey 99204 AEC STL Bus London Transport 99205 Guy Arab II Utility Southdown 99206 Daimler Utility Bus Birmingham City 99207 Leyland TD1 Closed rear Plymouth City 15002 Leyland National 1 long 2 dr Brighton+Hove 12307 Harrington Grenadier North Western 30503 Guy GS Special London Transport 28810 Leyland Titan 2 door Go Whippet 29804 Wright Dennis Lance Tyne & Wear Coastline 20634 Plaxton Pointer Dart Stagecoach HullOther EFE model news.
Sutton United Football Club and their sponsors Securicor have commissioned a fund raising model for this year which features RTL 682 on route 88 to Belmont, the model is numbered 11113B.North Weald Bus Rally: Model, 11113A has been made to support this year's rally but unfortunately at the last minute the event was cancelled, but the model exists and like the recent Royal wedding souvenirs with the wrong date, they may create their own unique value. The model features RTL106 on route 175 to Stapleford Abbots.
The North Weald and the Sutton models each cost £23.50 plus £1.50 p&p and are available from Peter Coe, 10 Hurst Close. Headley, Surrey, KT18 6DZ.
Australian Special Models: We have been commissioned to produce two new models of Australian buses, this time featuring Leyland TS8s of Melbourne Transport, fleet number 117 on route to Port Melbourne and 119 on route to Collingwood.
LT Museum Acton Depot Open Weekend 2005: We have produced a model for the open weekend on 4-5th June. Model 29903 features 10T10 Regal T682c on route Y to Brentwood and it is available from the LT Museum shop at Covent Garden.
CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD
Special model bus releases announced by CMNL, all 1:76 diecast in China:UK0007 Plaxton President Open Top - Cambridge Sightseeing Tour
UK1020 Alexander ALX400 London United 'Back the Bid' (sky blue colour)
BRITBUS ADDITIONAL ITEMS
More 1:76 diecast buses promised by Britbus:
AS2-04 AEC Swift London Country SM515 - 446B GS07 Guy Arab III Western SMT reg XS 6558
BOOK REVIEWS
WEST RIDING (Buses) 2: Super Prestige Series 8, by David W Allen, 170 x 240mm softbound, 96 pages, ISBN 1 898432 40.6. Venture Publications Ltd, 128 Pikes Lane, Glossop, Derbyshire SK13 8EH, UK. £16.95.
This book tells the rest of the story of West Riding buses, and confirms the stereotype of the intransigent Yorkshireman who can't even get on with his own family. Rather like John Smith who stomped out of the family Samuel Smith brewery vowing to build a bigger and better one (which he did), a Pontefract man called Ernest Bullock fell out with his brothers and left the family bus company. Bullock and Sons (B&S) operated buses from 1909 until 1950, when they were taken over by the West Riding concern. In 1928 the disagreement between the Bullock brothers ended up in the High Court, and Ernest left. He bought a local bus company, South Yorkshire, which had been placed in liquidation by the founding Winder family, and based it in the Pontefract property previously rented from Ernest by B&S. The company prospered and the largely Albion fleet in its attractive livery always engendered popularity among enthusiasts out of all proportion to its size. MAR contributor John Hanson has even preserved one of their Albion Valkyrie single deckers. After various vicissitudes and reorganisations, the firm finally sold out to the Caldaire Group in 1994, and thus to British Bus Group along with (the ex-Bullock) West Riding, both finally losing their identities under Arriva. A nice story, matched with really good photographs.
Rod Ward
SPIELZUGAUTOS DER DDR (Toy Automobiles of the DDR), 415 pages, 673 photos, many company portraits. Paperbound, 160 x 210 mm. ISBN 3-910186-49-1, published by Verlag Heimatland Sachsen, Chemnitz, Saxony, Germany.
Children in the old DDR were given toys, not the computers and high tech items as in Western countries, because their parents could not get foreign currency. But now those unloved toys have become collectors' items with rising values. Some years ago, Battenberg published the first book, covering models of cars made in the DDR. Then they 'jumped ship', so the authors had to find a new publisher for the second volume, this time on commercial vehicle models. A new publisher, Heimatland Sachsen, was found, so collectors can now refer to rare trucks, tractors, military and 'utopian' vehicles and check current market prices. The large colour photo are very clear, making the reference value of this excellent book even better.
Hans-Georg Schmitt
Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Racing cars and Racing Sports Cars 1934-55 German text, English edition later. First published in 1997 in Japanese. 239 pages, 228 illustrations, Hardbound with dust jacket 220 x 295 mm. ISBN 3-89880-399-6. Edition for DaimlerChrysler Archives. Published by, available from Heel Verlag, Gut Pottscheid; D-53639 Konigswinter, Germany
Lifelong fan Louis Sugahara takes us with him into the glorious era of the Silver Arrows. The Mercedes motor sport department under Alfred Neubauer set new standards. With great drivers like Karl Kling, Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss the Stuttgart team won victory after victory. No other book has so meticulously covered the development and evolution of the cars from the W25 to W196. In outstanding illustrations and in many rare photographs we can see these extraordinary racing cars. The lively retelling of the racing story, along with views of the company, gives us an exciting insight into one of the most remarkable epochs of motor sport. A description of race tracks of the period completes this unique work.
Hans-Georg Schmitt
Wiking: die Peltzer Ära. People and miniatures: The story of a Berlin model company by Rudiger Walsdorff, German text. 332 Pages, 848 photos. 215 x 300mm. Hard-bound. ISBN 3-00-014769-1 Published by, available from: Portus Verlag, Sandhauser Strasse 127; D-13505 Berlin, Germany
The life of Friedrich Peltzer, founder of Wiking, was quite colourful before he started to make ships, aircraft and military vehicles as training models for the German Wehrmacht. After the war, he began anew, making 'traffic models', at first mostly 1:100, later 1:87 scale. An order for promotional models from VW was a boost for the young company. The models had no windows and had crimped axles, then had baseplates and rotating axles, though still no windows. Then Wiking 1:87 models were given windows, and later interiors as well. Larger scale models were also made, the first ones in 1:40 scale for Volks-wagen. The Glass Beetle is one of the most desirable, a Beetle kit with clear plastic body, so the tank, engine and seats can be seen fixed on to the baseplate. An excavator, tractors and a truck for Hanomag and some Tempo commercials followed. This book includes products other than vehicles, such as the Noah's ark (complete with animals) and miniature gardening tools. The author grew up near Wiking in Berlin, Unter den Eichen 101. He has collected Wiking models since childhood, and he tells the story of Friedrich Peltzer's life and work, complete with rare photographs of Peltzer's life. The second part of the book is filled with brilliant colour photographs of the wonderful models, which left the Wiking plant during Herr Peltzer's era. The account begins with his death in November 1981, then looks back over his life. All Wiking collectors will have to add this very informative book to the library.
Hans-Georg Schmitt
CHARLTONIAN (Buses) , by John Dobson and Philip Battersby, A5 softbound, 32 pages, ISBN 1 898432 59 7. Published by Venture Publications Ltd, 128 Pikes Lane, Glossop, Derbyshire. SK13 8EH, UK. £4.75.
The first A5 book we have seen from Venture, this neat little company history recalls a bus business founded by the author's grandfather in a village called Charlton, in the 'Cleveland Ironstone' district of North Yorkshire. Illustrated with early snapshots and time-tables, this is the story of the grim struggle from 1909 to 1930 to make bus operation pay in the rural Cleveland hills. The author paints a sympathetic portrait of his crippled grandfather, John Dobson, as a man of vision and a true gentleman, but 'probably not as pushy or ruthless as his competitors'. His ailing business was bought in 1930 by a new competitor, Smith's Safeway Services. They almost immediately sold out to the behemoth United Auto-mobile Services, who gained a virtual monopoly on bus operation in the area.
Rod Ward
MERCURY. 470 pages, 500-plus photos, Italian and English text. Pub: Edizioni Libreria Cortina Torino, Corso Marconi 34/A, 10125 Torino, Italy. 140 Euros + p&p.
This important book has taken three years of research by five keen collectors from Turin, and is now the one single source of reference on this famous Italian maker of diecast toys. The name Mercury was chosen because this god was the patron of trade and commerce and they chose the English version of the name so that it would be easy to pronounce in any language. The authors plundered the Mercury archives for information on production, previously unseen prototypes, and added the reminiscences of the company's staff and managers. Coverage is comprehensive; road vehicles, aircraft and ships among everything Mercury ever made. No Mercury fan can manage without it.
Bruno Boracco
THE COMPLETE CAR MODELLER: 2, by Gerald Wingrove MBE, 296 x 210mm softbound, 136 pages, ISBN 1 86126 750 9. Pub: Crowood Press, Crowood Lane, Ramsbury, Wilts SN8 2HR. £14.99.
This book has been reviewed in these pages before (originally published in hardback in 1991), but it is a welcome return at this low price, now that Gerald has retired, and a new generation can marvel at his techniques. Will anyone ever again make 1:15 scale models to the exacting standards he and Phyllis set? Gerald could never understand why everyone didn't make models his way; to him it seemed the obvious method. His work was revered and his opinions were respected. I have to admit that after he told me so often that his choice of car (the Pinifarina-bodied Peugeot 406 coupe) was the most stylish and best engineered of its kind, I now own one! Such is the influence of the master's word. If you don't already own a copy of this book, now is your chance to buy the reissue and see how the expert did it.
Rod Ward
CITROEN 2CV: The Complete Story, by Matt White, 246 x 189mm softbound, 136 pages, ISBN 1 86126 731 2. Pub: Crowood Press, Crowood Lane, Ramsbury, Wilts SN8 2HR. £14.99.
This is another softbound reissue of a hardback book, this time originally published in 1999. The 2cv still exerts its fascination on enthusiasts, with a steady stream of scale models constantly flowing. Everything you really need to know about the flying dustbin is contained in this book; 150 photos, the full design and development history and specs of every major variant. There is even a chapter on model 2cvs, compiled with the assistance of David Conway (aka erstwhile MAR contributor 'CV2'). This book is essential reference for all Deux Chevaux fans.
Rod Ward
HEP! TAXI, by Philippe Moro. Pub: Editions Drivers, BP99, 31013 Toulouse cedex 6, France. French text, 250 x 250mm softbound, 232 pages, 1000+ photos. ISBN 2-9520491-5-7. 42 Euros.
After co-authoring the book Autocars & Autobus with Mick Duprat, French collector Philippe Moro's new book is devoted to taxi collecting. It covers everything from tinplate toys to more recent diecast, plastic and resin models. Most countries in the world are represented in over 1000 photos of their 'public service vehicles' in glowing colours. The concise text is in French, but this should be no obstacle to non-Francophones, as the basic information and the pictures will be internationally understood. These vehicles are part of everyday life all over the world, and this excellent book will nicely fill the gap on any collector's bookshelf.
Gérard Palazy
GROWING UP WITH BUSES: Prestige Series no 29, by Barry Turner, 170 x 240mm softbound, 64 pages, ISBN 1 898432 47 3. Pub: Venture Publications Ltd, 128 Pikes Lane, Glossop, Derbyshire. SK13 8EH, UK. £9.50.
This is a personal memoir of buses in south east England in the 1950s, with a passing reference to toy buses of the era. It has a whiff of 'vanity publishing' about it, but is in fact more interesting than that might suggest. The illustrations will interest transport enthusiasts of a certain age. There is even a photograph in this book of the aircraft in which the author first flew, an Island Air Services Dragon Rapide.
Rod Ward
CLUB NEWS
Collated by Rod WardMaidenhead Static Model Club: At the Club's 36th AGM Robbie Bennett was appointed Membership Secretary. The Club's annual trophies were also awarded. John Bennett, received the John Parker Trophy for winning the most points in clubnight display competitions. The Harry Gunner Trophy was returned to Paul Rowley for his 'outstanding chops'. The Tony Gleave Trophy went to Ron Simmonds for the exceptional club effort he had contributed in the past year. A 'where are they now?' feature notes that old pal of MAR Pete McAskie was Green Party candidate for Tottenham in the recent General Election.
The MSMC have organised a members' trip to the Jaguar factory near Birmingham, where apparently they can't stand the sight of old gnarled southern feet, requiring that visitors do not wear open-toed shoes. Another Club trip is to Houten Swapmeet and the Tekno factory in December. No footwear specification. An 'April Fool' joke offered a free visit to the Skoda factory, but a number of members tried to sign up... The Maidenhead Static Model Club welcomes gullible members; contact Membership Secretary Robbie Bennett on anorack821@yahoo.co.uk for further details.
Natal Diecast Model Collectors: Geoff Sear keeps us up to date with Natal happenings, and he is very disappointed by the lack of members to contributions to the club newsletter. Nobody offered to take over the vacated Editor's role, so the publication has degenerated into an actual news-'letter', rather than a mini-magazine. It's not too late to join the NDMC and help to return the NDMC magazine to its former glory by volunteering to be its new editor. Just contact Geoffrey Sear at 7, Dryden Place, Umbilo, Durban 4001, South Africa. Tel: 031205 0100.
South Hants Model Auto Club: Sue and Stu Leake are still trying to squeeze the backlog of members' contributions (including perhaps just a smidgeon of racing car stuff) into the SHMAC newsletter, and having to leave a lot out. Do I hear groans of envy from other Editors? To find out why this is such a keenly-supported Club, you'll have to join; contact Secretary Dave Painter on 01264 366408.
West Australian Model Collectors Club: In the latest issue Ian Hind has printed the pages of Showcase, the WAMCC Club publication in black type, less of a strain on the eyes than recent various-coloured versions. The contents are as interesting as ever, apparently mostly written by Ian, some of it gleaned from the internet. A typically amusing item relates to problems with planes as logged by Qantas pilots (P) and the corrective action recorded by the mechanics (M) in Qantas maintenance records.
P: Something loose in cockpit M: Something tightened in cockpit P: Left inside main tyre almost needs replacement. M: Almost replaced left inside main tyre. P: DME volume unbelievably loud. M: DME volume set to more believable level. P: Suspected crack in windscreen. M: Suspect you're right. P: Dead bugs on windshield M: Live bugs on backorder. P: Evidence of leak on right landing gear M: Evidence removed. P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick. M: That's what they are there for P: Aircraft handles funny. M: Aircraft warned to straighten up and be serious. P: Radar hums. M: Reprogrammed radar with words. P: Mouse in cockpit. M: Cat installed.Other interesting items include a history of Quiralu and news that the DeAgostini rally partwork is going on sale in Australia, with only ten models of the 50 offered in Europe, supposedly due to a fire in the UK stock... They certainly didn't last long here. To read Showcase; you have to join the club, phone 934 9369, or email jhind@iinet.net.au
The Lledo Enthusiast and Variations Club: In The Lledo Enthusiast, which presumably does not have much longer to live, Bill Alexander asks if members would like to have Days Gone listings on a CD-ROM, and notes that in future DG models will only be available through the Collectors Club and Corgi Direct Sales, not through the retail chain. Other DG releases will be exclusive releases for stores like Littlewoods, or in partworks. If you would like this sort of info (on CD-ROM or not) contact Bill at 33 North Town Moor, Maidenhead, Berks SL6 7JR.
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