1st September 1999
CORGI CLASSICS SOLD . . .
On 29 July 1999 Corgi Classics was sold for around £30 million to Zindart Limited. Corgi was purchased from Mattel in 1995 by a management buyout led by Cinven, the venture capital group, for £13 million. Aggressive market growth since then has led to sales of £18.7 million last year (a claimed 55% of the UK market), and an operating profit of £3 million.
The forecast for the current year is £22 million turnover. Zindart Limited, a Hong Kong-based diecasting company quoted on the NADSAQ stock exchange, was founded in 1978, and supplies diecast collectible models from China to ranges including Hallmark, Mattel and Ertl. 'Corgi have already developed a good relationship with Zindart', says Chris Guest, Chief Executive of Corgi, 'And we look forward to the next few years with confidence'.
AND LLEDO UP FOR SALE
On a somewhat similar note, Lledo Plc are now seeking potential buyers for their business, including the Days Gone and Vanguards ranges of diecast models, and the recently launched Noddy series and Millennium Dome. The company has recently been restructured, giving what they feel is 'A strong platform for future growth ... best supported under new ownership.' Their current forecast is for £500,000 profit for the next financial year, ending on 30 September 2000.
CHANGING FACES AT MAR
After seven years, we sadly say farewell to Michael, who is aiming to expand his mind with a degree course in Peace Studies at Bradford University as a mature student. And we welcome Louis, who will work alongside John in the future at Modelauto and on MAR.
MORE CONSOLIDATION
After all the expansion in new publication titles, now a bit of consolidation. Collectors Gazette has taken over its recently-established competitor Collectors Chronicle.
OBITUARY:
ARTHUR KATZ 1908-1999Arthur Katz was born in 1908 of German parents in South Africa, but ten years later his widowed mother returned with him to Germany. After completing his education in Germany, and his apprenticeship with a toy wholesaler in Nuremberg, he joined the family firm of Tipp & Co, makers of the famous Tippco tin toys. The family fled Hitler's Germany in 1933, and founded the Mettoy company in Northampton, England.
By 1939 600 employees were making toys at Mettoy before production switched to the war effort against Germany. These demands led to more factory space in Swansea being added, all run by Arthur Katz. After the war, he assessed the state of the German toy industry on behalf of the Government, in the uniform of a Colonel in the British Army. Postwar toy production expanded, with plastic replacing the prewar tinplate, and experiments with diecast toys eventually led to the launch of Corgi Toys in 1956 named partly in tribute to the ex-Govern-ment, now Mettoy, plant in Swansea, Wales, where they were made. Katz oversaw a 20-fold expansion in factory space in the 30 years after the war, reaching £20 million turnover by 1976. Arthur Katz took his company to a leading position in many market sectors, with brands such as Playcraft and Wembley as well as Corgi. He was chairman and president of the British Toy Manufacturers Association, was appointed OBE in 1961 and CBE in 1973. Arthur Katz was a popular character in the British toy industry, whose influence was enormous, especially in the field of diecast model vehicles, and he was justly proud of his achievements. We pass on our sympathy to his widow Agnes and his children.
As a footnote, Arthur Katz was proud of his adopted country, so one must wonder what he would think of the recent purchase of Corgi Classics, the inheritor of his chosen diecast brand name, by a company based in Asia.
Maybe they will follow his example, and name their product range after the national dog of the country where they are made. How about Pekingese Classics?
St PETERSBURG NEWS
By Leonid Khoykhin
St Petersburg Tram Collection recent releases:
TRAMS: A new tram in the Stockholm Series is ready now, 124, a Stockholm suburban tram set of power (A29) and trailer (B29) cars. The A29-class were the last new cars delivered to Stockholm, built in 1954-55 by Hagglund and ASEA using parts of old A11/A12-class cars. 30 trams, 170-199, were used on long routes 13, 14, 16 and 17 to southwest Stockholm suburbs. 55 B29 trailers were rebuilt by by Stockholm Tramways from old B12 class for use with A29 power cars, numbered 559-618. The A29-B29-class was only nine years old when it was withdrawn from service in 1964, with the opening of the second phase of the Stockholm subway. Hong Kong Tramways considered acquiring them, but the price was too high. Failing to find a buyers, SS sold them for scrap. Our first Australian tram is also ready now, 181, a Melbourne Z3-class of 1979. Melbourne's tram system began in 1885, the first electric line opened in 1889 In the 1970s a new programme of new tram purchase began, and the first new Melbourne tram for 20 years arrived in 1975, a Z-class, based on prototype tram 1041 and on the Gothenburg (Sweden) M28-class. 100 trams (1-100) were built from 1975 to 1979 and 15 Z2 cars delivered in 1979. One of the main problems of the Z and Z2 trams was the door arrangement with front entrance door and centre exit doors near the rear of the car. To resolve this problem a new class, Z3, was delivered in 1979 to 1984 (115 cars total; numbered 116-230), now with centre exit door in the middle of the tram. As a result of the success of the Z class, more modern trams were ordered in 1980s (A and B classes). TROLLEYBUSES New Milwaukee trolleybus is out now, a 1939 Twin Coach Model 41GTT (164-173 series). BUSES Twin Coach Model 40 is available now in Eastern Mass Street Ry livery (218f) and Chicago Surface Lines livery (218g).
For more information contact St Petersburg Tram Collection, PO Box No 16, 196158 St Petersburg, Russia. Fax: 7 (812) 164 52 54. Internet: http://users.nevalink.ru/~sptc E-Mail: proserv@neva.spb.ru
CLUB NEWS
Wessex Model & Toy Collectors
John Roberts tells us that the 1999 Wessex Model & Toy Collectors special will be the 1951 Chrysler Imperial, which will be number BRK79 in the Brooklin Collection. He says, 'Our version will differ from the standard model in being in top up trim with wire wheels and special WMTC licence plates. Instead of the usual American State on the plate, ours will have 'Wessex' and the plate will read WMTC 15. As the stock model is still being worked on, our colour scheme has yet to be decided but rest assured it will look great! The price per model is £50.00 which at UK rates is little more than the standard version. UK members who collect their models at the 1 November Club meeting will have £5.00 refunded per model making the cost £45.00. This is a special Club Birthday price.
NEW FIRST GEAR MODELS
By Terry G Leonard
The latest releases in the First Gear line of precision diecast models include a 1:34 scale 1939 Chevrolet Canopy Express bank and a 1:54 scale Mack 'Vision' tractor with trailer. The diecast metal 39 Chevrolet Canopy Express half ton replica features opening hood sides with an accurately detailed 216 cu in stovebolt ohv six cylinder engine and a functioning tailgate that conceals the coin slot in the load of crates stacked on the simulated wood grain floor. Coins are retrieved by removing the spare tyre assembly on the chassis. This replica is available for custom imprinting.
The Vision by Mack is a 1:54 scale authentic replica of the newest highway truck release from Mack Trucks, Inc. Measuring almost 15 inches (375 mm) in length, this diecast metal truck-trailer combination features colour co-ordinated side mirrors, dual exhaust stacks, Millennium sleeper, fully detailed interior and undercarriage, and sculptured Mack Bulldog hood ornament. Even the replica 48 foot trailer has bumper/underride guard, hand painted marker lights, landing gear with sand shoes and road side crank, mudflaps, and optional new Thermo King Whisper Edition frig unit.
BRUMM LATEST NEWS
New diecast models from Brumm of Italy:
R292 Morgan MX-4 Super Sport Open 1936 white, yellow red or brg.
R293 Morgan MX-4 Super Sport Closed 1936 white, yellow red or brg.
R294 Ferrari 312 F1 Prova high wing 1969 Chris Amon
R295 Ferrari 312 F1 Prova low wing 1969 Chris Amon
R296 Ferrari 158 Italy 1965 Nino Vaccarella
R297 Ferrari 512 Italy 1965 Lorenzo Bandini
R298 Ferrari 512 Italy 1965 John Surtees
90th Anniversary Bugatti 1909-1999:
S99/07 Bugatti Brescia 1921 R39
S99/08 Bugatti Type 59 1933 R41
S99/09 Bugatti T57S Atlantic 1936 R87
S99/10 Bugatti T57S 1936 R169
P001 Ferrari 126C2 Prova Belgium 1982 Gilles Villeneuve
AOO2 1Cooper T53 and chassis (two model preview set) British GP 1960 Jack Brabham.
MINICHAMPS QUARTET
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
Four 1:43 diecast models by Minichamps:
430 017221 Audi TT Coupe 1998 in authentic charm-red with black interior, after the first batch made only for Audi, now available to all.
430 087000 Ford Focus 3-door saloon 1998, bright red with black and dark grey interior. Also first used as promotion model for Ford until the launch of the real car is over.
430 112621 Peugeot 406 Coupe 1996. This very nicely executed model has already been shown in MAR, now available in metallic blue.
430 142621 Chevrolet Corvette 1997 .Metallic blue with two-tone-grey interior. The agressive looking body is saccurate, lights and rear view mirrors are separate inserts, nterior and alloy wheel rims look accurate, and the baseplate is sufficiently detailed.
MAISTO RELEASES
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
The three 1:18 scale models released by Maisto in June 1999 cover a wide range of auto production. First is the little Smart city-car now the unloved child of the marriage between Swiss watch company Swatch owned by Nicolas Hajek and the former Daimler-Benz AG, now divorced. Daimler-Chrysler boss Jurgen Schrempp has given it one last chance, if sales don't rise out of the cellar soon, the Smart will be dead. Maisto translated the shape and all features very exactly, but even the best mould-maker cannot make a model look better than the original. The body is made like the real car, a silver steel skeleton is clothed in plastic parts for the front, rear and doors, painted black and then a second set of parts, painted white, an option on the real car, on which the colour scheme can be changed. Lights, outer rear view mirrors and antenna are separately mounted. The interior is accurate, even the dashboard watch and rev counter, available on the real car only as extra cost options, are included. Finally the seat-belts and buckles are clearly visible. Doors and rear lids open, as does the panel under the small luggage space behind the seats, which reveals the 45 hp engine, which cooks your luggage on longer journeys. The steering works realistically and the accurate alloy wheel-rims with exactly scaled tyres and adequately detailed baseplate complete this interesting model, catalogue number 56045.
50335 Thunderbird Show Car. Ford design vice-president J Mays insists that the lithe lemon yellow Thunderbird born-again roadster is not a retro reworking of the 1950s and 1960s drophead icons. Instead he describes it as a modern interpretation, 'loaded with cues, a decidedly modern machine'. Whatever the rationale, the Thunderbird's hardtop porthole, bonnet scoop, mouthorgan grille and oval headlights plus lashings of chrome trim and brushed aluminium, are more than evocative of the past. Ford is not in the business of design indulgence for its own sake and the toned-down production car, due on the market within 12 months, will be built in Wixom, MI, alongside the Lincoln LS with which it shares a common platform, (and also with the Jaguar S-Type) and V8 four litre power train. The model of the roadster, which was shown first at the Detroit Motor Show in January 1998, gives a very good impression of why it excited the Show visitors. The body of the model looks accurate, with separately inserted lights, mirrors and grille, opening bonnet, doors and boot-lidand working steering. The interior looks very realistic, even the seat-belts are not missing. The baseplate is quite good, though the completely chromed exhaust-system looks a bit overdressed.
The fastest car in this trio is the Porsche 911 GT1 from 1998. The original car ran for the Zakspeed racing team in the FIA GT races, only reaching fourth place, due to problems with tyres and gearbox. The turbocharged engine, which developed 550 hp is accurately reproduced. Cables, hoses and many carbon-fibre-like parts are help the authentic feel. The exactly shaped body is fitted with separately inserted lights, similar to the standard 911, rear-view mirrors and a huge rear spoiler. The doors are to open, the steering works and the bonnet is detachable,. This model is a must in the collection of any serious Porsche modelcar collectors. (Catalogue no 56085). The models are available from Maisto dealers, ior from Heinrich Bauer Spielwaren-Import, Hans-Bunte-Strasse 2, D-90431 Nurnberg, Germany. . Telephone: 0911/32 45 20;Fax: 32 45 240.
BMW MOTORCYCLES
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
75 Years of Success on two Wheels
Since confused beginnings as Flugzeugwerk Deutschland and Rapp Motorenwerke, the company was re-named as Bayerische Motoren Werke in 1917. BMW supplied the still-young Imperial German Air Force a sensational aero-engine, which broke some high-altitude flight records in 1919. After the surrender of the Imperial Army, demand switched to peacetime goods and BMW produced horizontally-opposed motorcycle engines for Helios. Victoria, another customer, cancelled their order and the company got into difficulties. To stay in business, the engineers developed and produced their own motorcycle, whose concept was so revolutionary that it is still valid today. The two cylinder boxer engine was fitted transversely into the frame, so cooling through airflow was much easier. The fly-wheel turned in a housing and carried the single-plate clutch. An automobile-style gearbox and cardan shaft drive made the design more convincing than most of the competition. Amazingly, the BMW R32 was presented to the public in October 1923 at the Paris Motor Salon for the first time. Even 75 years later the original concept of that 95 km/h first BMW motorcycle is still current. For their 75th anniversary BMW present a model of this motorcycle in 1:18 scale, the 1924 version, already fitted with front-wheel brake. Photo-etched spoked wheels, inscribed tyres, a meticulously detailed copy of the two cylinder boxer engine, ignition cables, spark plug leads, gear-lever, lights, legible speedometer with cable and horn, nothing has been forgotten. Even the saddle-springs are there. To show progress in motorcycle development, BMW have also launched a model of the current R1100S ,which is fitted with the most powerful flat-twin (boxer) engine BMW has so far offered to the public. This faithful replica, also in 1:18 scale, for easy comparison, is finished to the same level of authenticity and quality, showing the progress in motorcycle development in 75 years of BMW history.
BMW R32 BMW part no 80 43 9 421 543
BMW R1100S BMW partno 80 43 9 421 480The models are available from BMW dealers or from the BMW museum in Munich.
NEW BMW CARS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
In spite of all the problems at of BMW, billions of DM lost at the Rover subsidiary and leaders resigning, progress in developing new models has not stopped at Munich. In Autumn 1998 the new M5 saloon was launched, the top version of the 5 series. It is fitted with a 4.9 litre V8 engine, which develops 400 hp. At the Nuremberg Toy Fair in February Schabak presented their 1:43 diecast model of it. Its body is very accurate, the bonnet, front doors and boot lid open, the engine is ok and the baseplate well-detailed, but Schabak have made better models. The doors do not fit the body, the door-frame have wide gaps. Emblems and number-plates are sloping at angles, and the separate light inserts have flash sprues, and gaps where they fit the body. The black interior is too glossy and the wood details are decals, which have started rolling off. The alloy wheel rims and tyres look accurate. Herpa made the M5 in 1:87 scale to their usual very good quality. The shape is accurate, separate light inserts and radiator grille are in the right positions, paintwork is good, interior and baseplate sufficiently detailed for this scale. Finally the wheels are accurate.
Both models are fixed to black baseplates and covered with clear plastic covers, in black card-boxes, printed with logo and photos of the real car. M5 saloon 1:43 BMW part no 80 42 9 423 088 M5 saloon 1:87 BMW part no 80 41 9 423 091
The BMW Z3 roadster got its first facelift, with minor changes at the front end, but the body contour above the rear wheels is more arched and the rear lights are now shaped like the 3 series saloon. The engines are now a 1.9 litre 4 cylinder and two 6 cylinders of 2.0 and 2.5 litres. Herpa made the model in 1:87 scale highly detailed and well finished. The body is metallic silver, the interior is black. Lights, outer mirrors with reflective surfaces, and radiator grille are separate inserts. The alloy wheel rims look like the originals. Z3 Roadster 1:87 BMW part no 80 41 9 411 719
At the Geneva Motor Show March 99 BMW presented the 3 Series Coupe 1999 for the first time to the public. Herpa also made the 1:87 model car for BMW with metallic silver body with black interior and with the same good finish than the Z3 roadster. Type 3 Coupe 1:87 BMW part no 80419 423 121
The 1:43 BMW Classic Line has three more models, by Schuco in outstanding quality and finish, in presentation boxes with black baseplate and clear cover, in black card boxes, with a white drawing of the car. First is the BMW 315/1, made from 1935 to 1936 with six cylinder 1490 cc engine, developing 40 hp. It is black and white, with black interior and black hood. The wheel-rims are also in white.
BMW 315/1 1:43 BMW part no 80 42 9 421 542
The second new release is the type 600, the big Isetta. It was produced from 1957 to 1959 with minor success, the two cylinder motorcycle-engine developed only 19.5 hp. and the timing for such an odd-looking car was too late. Blue painted lower body and light grey roof with grey interior are typical colours of the era. BMW 600 1:43; BMW part no 80 42 9 421 540
The third release is a BMW 2500 saloon, which was developed to compete with the Mercedes S-class and produced from 1968 to 1977, fitted with six cylinder engines, at first 2500 cc and later 2.8 and 3.3 litre. The body of the model is medium metallic green, interior is black.
BMW 2500 1:43 BMW part no 80 42 9 421 541
REVELL SUMMER ISSUES
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
Revell 07217 Porsche 911 GT1
1:24 scale plastic kit
After the legendary Porsche works team had celebrated a successful comeback in the Le Mans 24 Hour Race in 1996, the 590 hp Porsche 911 GT1 started in the 1997 FIA GT championship. The Porsche fireball that cost 1.76 million Deutschmarks also made a good showing in 1997 at Le Mans, holding the lead until it dropped out two hours before the end of the race, but unfortunately this success did not carry over to the GT series. The Porsche GT1 has a water-cooled, six cylinder 3,163 cc horizontally opposed engine. The kit includes a bodyshell with structural details, pre-painted to an acceptable quality. The interior, dashboard, engine and baseplate are adequately detailed, and the steering works. Authentic rims and tyres are also look accurate, as does the exhaust system. Completion with sponsors' decals and start number must be done with stickers, though printing them on to the pre-painted body-shell would have produced a better result.
Revell 07321 FORD 1948 Woody station wagon 1:25 scale plastic kit
In many respects this Ford estate car built in 1948 marked the end of a special car design which completely changed with the 49 Ford generation. The 48 Ford Woody was only made in small numbers, 8912 in fact, and at the time it was one of the most expensive Fords. The sides of the body were made of mahogany, that was given three coats of paint, hence the nick-name"Woody. There was room inside for six people, or the rear seats could be removed to carry goods. The kit contains an one piece body, with authentic-looking wood grain. Internal fittings, including the dashboard, the suspension, chassis and V8 engine are all carried out very true to the original. Many chromed parts and authentic decals are included. The instruction manual is easy to follow, and before assembly extensive paintwork is necessary. The moulded parts have only minor flash and fit together well.
Revell 07335 Volkswagen New Beetle 1:24 scale plastic kit In the early 1990s American Volkswagen designers developed a design study, called the Concept 1, which was shown at the Detroit Motor Show in 1994. The unanimous opinion was that this car must be mass-produced. The New Beetle was then exhibited at the Detroit Motor Show on 5 January 1998 and was delivered to the US market in March with great success. Since Autumn 1998 the Beetle is on sale in Europe with more minor success, due in part to its uncompetitively high price. (In Germany the car's basic price is DM 35.000, but in dealers' showrooms the cars are between DM 40.000, and 44.000.) This kit includes a one-piece-body-shell with fine surface finish, and the main features are modelled well. The parts are moulded in only two colours, body in red and interior in black. The wheel rims and the headlights are chromed. Extensive painting is necessary to get a decent model. Some moulded parts have obvious flash, so careful fettling before assembly is an absolute necessity. Oddly, there are different-sized cut-outs in the bumpers for the license-plates. The front-bumper has the opening for a European-sized number-plate and the rear one has the opening for smaller American plates. It appears that this model of the New Beetle was not developed with too much affection for the real car.
NEW HERPA RELEASES
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
Herpa new releases, all in 1:87 scale plastic:
022736 BMW 3 Series Coupe 99 bright red 032735 BMW 3 Series Coupe 99 Biarritz blue metallic. Following the presentation of the original 3 Series Coupe in February 1999, the Herpa release their version, with details like the unsupported rear-view mirror and the minutely chromium plated grille.
044325 Mercedes-Benz l90E THW, which operates this saloon for the regional unit.
044301 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Strobel RTW ASB Grunstadt, The Arbeiter Samariter Bund (Worker's Hospital Union) in Grunstadt have operate the original vehicle.
044318 BMW 3 Series saloon 1998 Fire Service. The original version of this new generation Series 3 saloon was liveried as a fire vehicle by utilising foil-gluing techniques. The Herpa miniature has the typical white corners and is equipped with a Hella blue light bar.
188753 Volkswagen Golf III GL four door saloon Policija Bosnia., limited edition.
188746 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter box-type HD Albert Munkel. Berlin artist Torsten Rachu airbrush painted the original vehicle with a flame design.
044332 Mercedes-Benz Atego 1828 DLK 23/12 Fire Metz (Rosenbaum) ladder truck in the weight-class over 18 tons.
145701 Scania 124 artic dump truck Schmitt Peterslahr. Blue chassis, yellow bodies.
145725 Scania 144 Topline Jumbo cutainside truck with tandem-axle-trailer. Schuon in Haiterbach, Swabia, owns ten of these trucks.
145718 Scania Bonnetted tractor 1996 with artic flat-bed trailer, loaded with steel.
145688 MAN F2000 Evo artic bulk silo truck Sudkraft from Munich, Bavaria.
188760 Volvo FH XL artic frig box Bahlsen-Messino, operated by Wesemann of Stolzenau, near Minden.
145695 Mercedes-Benz Actros L tilt artic Kleine
188739 Scania 124TL frig artic Wirtz Bornheim
188777 Mercedes-Benz Actros L artic curtain-side, Tucher brewery Nuremberg, elaborately printed and with many details like ram protection and side-panelling.
ANSON 1:18 CADILLACS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
Many Americans first saw the Cadillac Eldorado on television. On 20 January 1953 Dwight D Eisenhower, easily the most popular American hero of the Second World War II, was being driven down Pennsylvania Avenue to his inauguration as President of the USA. Setting a jaunty tone for the new administration, the new leader was seen in the back seat of the exotic new Cadillac they had only read about up to then. So recently a President could greet crowds from an open car without needing a bullet-proof barrier. Many of those watching television or lining the streets were not looking at their new President, but at the gorgeous Eldorado, the most glamorous machine so far from post-war Detroit. A huge chromed grille, a flood of other chromework, bright colours and tail-fins were the most eye-catching features of this impressive new car. Anson's 1:18 scale bonnet opens to reveal an accurate replica of the V8 engine, complete with ignition cables, air cleaner, radiator etc. Even the sun-visors on the windscreen-frame have not been forgotten. The interior is plastic, the doors open and the steering works, the base plate is quite well detailed. The front-wheels are on wish bones, the rear rigid axle is on two leaf springs. 0371 Cadillac Eldorado 1953, open convertible in pink or burgundy. Twenty years later car design had changed from curves to sharp edges and the cars had to meet new crash regulations, so that bumpers and grille could retract on impact. The 1973 Eldorado also has much chromed decoration, and the roof is divided into painted and vinyl-covered parts, popular at that time. The real car has been scaled down to 1:20 scale, though the baseplate and the box say it is 1:18. Direct comparison with the 1953 Eldorado shows this clearly. The body is shaped very accurately, the square opera-windows behind the doors are not the correct size. Doors and bonnet open, and the steering works. The V8 engine is very good, some parts are coloured, and also the baseplate and interior are well detailed. The baseplate shows 20 years of technical progress, independent front wheels are fixed on wishbones with trailing links and the still rigid rear axle has trailing links. 30357 Cadillac Eldorado 1973 Coupe, available in black or cream-white. Both models are executed very well, except for the different scales and once again we ask why models of such good quality must have door-hinges the size of stove-pipes? The best way to display them is to keep the doors closed. Both models are available now from model car dealers who stock Anson models. In case of difficulty the German distributor can help: JMV GmbH, Wildermuthstrasse 88, D-80993 Munchen, Germany. Tel 089 148866-0.
VOLVO BOOK REVIEW
VOLVO by Christer Olsson and Henrik Moberger. 265 pages, 500+ photos, mostly in colour, 200 x 320 mm, hardbound with dust cover. Available in Swedish, English, German, French or Dutch text. ISBN 3-907150-59-7. For English text ISBN 3-907150-58-9 is valid.
Available from Volvo, price unspecified.
Today the biggest industrial group in the Nordic countries, Volvo started automobile production in 1927. In 1924 businessman Assar Gabrielsson and engineer Gustaf Larson put their talents together to realise a common dream of building a Swedish automobile for Swedish roads. A first batch of 10 prototypes was assembled in 1926 and the OV4, the first Volvo passenger car, left the factory at Lundby near Gothenborg on 14 April 1927. In 1928 the first Volvo truck followed. Passenger cars, trucks, buses, industrial, ship and aircraft engines were developed in the following decades. One of the best known passenger cars was the PV444, which more than any other symbolised the success of Volvo in the years after the Second World War. At the end of 1998 the production programme contained cars, trucks, buses, earth-moving vehicles and engines for many purposes. Some cars were developed jointly with Mitsubishi and built in the Netherlands. Volvo plants are also in Australia, Canada, Malaysia, the USA and Thailand. In 1998 the board of directors discovered that cars don't bring in enough profit, so Volvo looked at other solutions and decided to sell their car production. In Spring 1999 the Ford Motor Company purchased the Volvo car division and added it to their range of premium brands, Aston Martin-Lagonda, Jaguar and Lincoln. Boss of these brands is now the former head of BMW development, Wolfgang Reitzle. He should give these premium brands new splendour. The Volvo car programme (and also many of the trucks and buses) is available in model car form, mostly in 1:43 scale. When the older 850 estate (made by Doorkey) and the V40 estate (made by Minichamps) stand side by side, the enormous progress in design during the last five years is visible. The S40 saloon or C70 Coupe, developed with Mitsubishi, help to give these Volvo cars a new image. Safety is still valid, but sedateness has gone. The latest new model, the S80 will be the prototype for future Volvo car design, but at all it is not clear in which direction the future of Volvo cars will go under the new ownership. For all who would like to know more about the history of all Volvo divisions, this excellent new book is available from Volvo dealers and from Volvo direct. The two authors describe all the vehicles in the 75 years of the make.
SNOWSTORM IN SUMMER
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
Last Christmas the Audi board donated a special gift to business partners and especially good customers. It was a snowstorm globe, featuring a 1:87 scale Rietze Audi TT Coupe fixed in a small snowy landscape. When it was shaken, a terrible snowstorm flowed round the car. One of the companies who received this eccentric present would like to do the same for their customers, only with a snow-plough next Christmas and one of their PR people phoned me up to ask for the address of the maker. After many phone-calls to different Audi departments I got the address from a member of the board, but no photo or model, because they only had one left in the archives. So I passed on the address and I also phoned up the company who made the snowstorm. They were pleased that I had found them a possible new customer and for this they gave me their penultimate Audi 'snowball'. So if anyone wants to have an extraordinary, though not cheap, gift just ask Uedelhoven Studios, Daimlerstrasse 6-10, D-85080 Gaimersheim, Germany. Tel 08458 3270-O; Fax:3270-70.
MORE ANNIVERSARIES
Some more anniversaries have come up in 1999. Herpa celebrates its half-century (though model vehicles were not made in the early days) and Tekno its quarter century this year. They celebrate at different times, Tekno with an 'open house' day on 2 October, Herpa had a 'Happy Herpa Party' on 3 July.
GATE PEUGEOT COUPE
Now available is a 1:18 diecast model of the Peugeot 406 Coupe, made in China by Gate. It is available in a choice of three colours, red, yellow or blue.
NO BROOKLIN PACE CAR
The Brooklin 'factory special' for August 1999 was planned to be 28x, the 1957 Mercury Indy Pace Car. It will not now be made, due to the high royalties demanded by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Instead there will be the 'last Cameo', a 1955 Chevrolet Cameo pickup with partly rolled-back tonneau cover in a matching paint scheme to BRK71 Speedboat.
Only 750 will be made, as a one-off production, and as the regular BRK 53 Cameo and 53x-62 Horse trailer set are to be deleted in August, there will be no more Brooklin Cameo pickups.
ROXLEY COMMER PB
Roxley Models have produced a 1:76 white metal model of a 1960s-70s Commer PB van in standard and high top versions. Both are available built in a choice of plain colours, or in kit form. For more information contact Roxley Models, 19 Smithbrook Kilns, Hors-ham Road, Nr Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8JJ.
LATEST JPS RELEASES
New 1:43 scale prepainted resin kits available from JPS of France:
184 BMW 2002 LM 75 no 91
185 Porsche 908/03 LM 76 no 16
186 Nissan Micra Andros trophy 99 no 6B
187 Mercedes-Benz SLK Carlsson presentation
188 Simca 1100 five door estate
189 Simca 1100 five door estate Gendarmerie
TOWER TRAM KITS
Remember Tower Trams? The plastic kits which came from Blackpool now have a new owner, the same company which makes BEC white metal 1:87 continental-outline tram kits up the road in Lancaster.
The Tower 1:76 kits all cost £7.00 each, and include London E1 tram, SHMD bogie tram, Feltham trams (London, Leeds or Metropolitan) and Cissie tram (London, Sunderland, Metropolitan and British Steel). One cannot immagine beefy British Steel workers getting on to a Cissie tram, but apparently they did.
TEKNO TRUCK NEWS
Latest 1:50 diecast truck liveries from Tekno of the Netherlands:
DAF 95XF 380 space cab Veenstra
Volvo FH12 380 Globetrotter maxvol Veenstra
DAF 95XF 380 space cab tanker Albert Keijzer
DAF 95XF 380 space cab silo Albert Keijzer
DAF 95XF 380 space cab silo Zijderlaan
DAF 95XF 380 space cab open top bulker Zijderlaan
DAF 95XF 390 space cab Zijderlaan
Scania R144 360 Shell
Volvo FH12 380 Shell
DAF 95XF Shell
Scania T144L 460 tanker Klaeser (Germany)
CLUB NEWS
Club Grub
Some clubs go to the trouble of describing what they eat, and none more so than the South African clubs. We have previously mentioned the Cape Model & Toy Club's predeliction for Anita Miljof's five star chocolate cake, and they are apparently still enjoying it. On the other hand, the Natal Diecast Model Collectors get boerwors rolls with their drinks. A sausage by any other name... We don't get enough of this inform-ation. Come on, newsletter editors, reveal all about the culinary tastes of your member-ship. We realise that the Wessex Toy and Model Collectors all drink up their cider, but is it all Pils and wurst at the VW Model Club? The world must be told.
CLUB NEWS
Jaguar Model Club
Gary Oxley continues to dig up Jaguars from unusual sources to describe in the JMC newsletter, including pointing out that the 22 ct gold plated 1:18 XJ220 offered by Lledo Collectables is a Maisto.
What's more it appears to be the one commissioned by Gwilo. Lledo are apparently marketing this item in a 'Mint-style' instalment plan, direct to the public. For more fascinating big cat insights, contact Gary on 01709 372003.
JEMMPY LATEST MODELS
Pascal Martin's latest 1:43 scale models from France are all available as kits, prepainted kits or handbuilt:
156 Ford Escort Gr 2 Zakspeed Denim, Zolder 82 no 82 Braun, no 83 v Ommen
158 GMW 1800 Ti Spa 64 no 204 Aaltonen-Hahne
159 Mitsubishi Galant hatchback road car
157 Cummins diesel Special Indianapolis 52And, about to become obsolete is 039B BMW 635 Belga Spa 85 no 23 or 24.
ORIGINAL OMNIBUS PLAN
Here are the Original Omnibus Company planned releases for the last quarter of 1999, and thus of course, their last in the 20th century, Corgi There is a totally new casting, a Dennis Dart SLF, there are new liveries for the Neoplan Cityliner and Optare Solo and there is a revamp of the existing ECW-bodied Leyland Olympian.
The first two releases on the Dennis Dart SLF (Super Low Floor), have Plaxton Pointer 2 bodywork and dual doors. Further variants, such as Pointer 1 bodywork and single door versions, will be released next year. Among the first UK liveries on the Dennis Dart SLF will be Airlinks and London United, but Hong Kong liveries will also appear soon in Corgi's Oriental Omnibus Company range. The new livery on the Neoplan Cityliner for the fourth quarter is Harris Coaches of Grays, Essex, and the Optare Solo will be in the liveries of Go Wear Buses and First Leeds.
Angus Macleod, Corgi marketing director says in regard to the revamped Leyland Olympian-ECW, 'We fully admit that the first release of the bus was not up to our usual high standards, so taking the comments of collectors on board, we have completely remodelled the casting.' The first livery on the new model is Yorkshire Rider of Halifax.
There is also a Plaxton Premiere of National Express, decorated in special poppy livery to be used by the British Legion to boost awareness of Remembrance Day 1999. Corgi will be making a donation to the charity from the proceeds of this model.
Here is the full list of fourth quarter releases from OOC:
Dennis Dart SLF-Pointer 2, Airlinks
Dennis Dart SLF-Pointer 2, London United
Optare Solo, Go Wear Buses
Optare Solo, First Leeds
Leyland Olympian-ECW, Yorkshire Rider Halifax
Daimler CW Utility Bus, Glasgow Corporation
Daimler CW Utility Bus, Sheffield Corporation
Guy Arab Utility Bus, Birmingham City Transport
Bedford OB coach, Yelloway Motor Services
Bedford OB coach, British Rail
AEC Regent Mk V-Orion, Devon General
Leyland Titan PD2-Orion, Walsall Corporation
Leyland Titan PD2-Orion, Plymouth City Transport
Leyland Titan PD2-Orion, Blackpool Transport
Plaxton Premiere, National Express British Legion Remembrance Day Special
Neoplan Cityliner, Harris Coaches
Plaxton Premiere, Scottish Citylink
Van Hool Alizee, Shearings
Palatine II, Go Coastline
UPDATE ON EFE MODELS
Exclusive First editions announced an open top version of their 1:76 diecast DMS in Big Bus livery for September release. Some July programme models did not appear until August, including 22709 Alexander Y Type Maidstone & District, 25102 Bristol RELL PMT, 15907 Leyland PDl Highbridge Lytham St Annes, 18107 Leyland Atlantean XA Park Royal Stockton, and 20624 Plaxton Pointer Arriva South London.
EFE's first rendition of the Daimler Utility was released at the end of July in Midland Red livery. It has a Daimler radiator with revised headlamp configuration and uniquely positioned driver vents in the front of the cab. The Daimler version also features a different chassis from the Guy Arab Utility, highlighted by the squared-off front wing. Characteristic air vent grilles on the side of the engine cover also identify this version as a Daimler.
1999 is a double anniversary year, 60 years of the RT bus, and also ten years of Gilbow (Holdings) Ltd, proprietors of the EFE brand. The first EFE release was an RT bus in London Transport livery with a Duracell advert on both sides, and in the past 10 years they have made 41 more versions of the RT and its derivatives. For 1999 EFE gave the moulds a good clean-up, improved the radiator tooling, added indicators and re-tooled the guard rails at the side of the chassis ready to release a run of 7000 Anniversary RTs.
EFE AUGUST-SEPTEMBER release list
16405 AEC RT ANNIVERSARY MODEL LONDON TRANSPORT
26501 BRISTOL UTILITY MAIDSTONE & DISTRICT
25804 DAIMLER DMS 1 DOOR WESTERN NATIONAL
25804SB DAIMLER DMS 1 DOOR SHOWBUS MODEL
20420 BRISTOL VRIII UNITED TYNE & WEAR
15106 LEYLAND NATIONAL MIDLAND GENERAL
18408 LEYLAND TS8 BET FISHWICK & SONS
23311 AEC RF LONDON TRANSPORT
22603 ERGO ARTIC FLATBED WESTERN BRS
26302 GUY ARAB II UTILITY BIRMINGHAM CITY
25705 DAIMLER DMS LONDON TRANSPORT
26802 LEYLAND DUPLE COACH SCOUT
24315 BET SALFORD CITY
26101 DAIMLER DMS O/TOP BIG BUS CO
20623DL POINTER DART BLUE BUS
14010 BRISTOL FLF SOUTH WALES
22604 ERGO ARTIC FLATBED TRUMANS
10004 RMS BRITANNIC
CLUB NEWS
San Francisco Bay Brooklin Club
Dick Browne tells us that the SF Bay Brooklin Club's 1999 Club Model is a BRK 70 1950 Dodge Wayfarer Coupe in the livery of the Accident Investigation Unit of the San Francisco Police Department. The Wayfarer is gloss black with white doors displaying the SFPD Traffic Bureau logo. Safety lights and a speaker horn are mounted on the roof. Only 200 of these customised Wayfarers were produced. Dick says that if you don't already belong to the SF Bay Brooklin Club you will want to join, order this model. Membership is only US$25 in the USA and $30 overseas. The 1999 Club Model is US$105, including shipping, in the US, $110 in Canada, and $115 overseas. Members in the U.K. can send payment of £62.00 to: Roger Perrie, Bay Brooklin Club, 62 Morris Street, Swindon, Wilts SN2 2HU.
Member-ship and non-UK model orders should be sent to: Roger Mateo, SF Bay Brooklin Club, PO Box 61018, Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA.
MATCHBOX DARE AMERICA
Matchbox diecast vehicles were shown at the 1999 National D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Officers Association Conference. Matchbox have an exclusive five-year licensing agreement with D.A.R.E. America to create, manufacture and market D.A.R.E. branded die-cast vehicles. Diecast models in l:64, 1:43, and 1:18 scales, will be available in January 2000.
COCA-COLA BY MATCHBOX
Matchbox Collectibles' new Coca-Cola Series is now available, including their first 1:43 scale Coke vehicles. The new series, in 1:64 and 1:43 scales, features advertising memorabilia associated with the vehicle's era. Each series will include six vehicles The 1:64 series will includes a 1921 Ford Model T, 1933 Ford Coupe, 1955 Chevy Bel Air, 1957 Corvette Convertible, 1962 VW Beetle and 1968 Mustang Cobra. The 1:43 series will include 1926 Model T, 1930 Model A Van, 1937 Dodge Airflow, 1955 Ford Pickup, 1957 Chevy Bel Air and 1959 Cadillac. US retail prices are $4.99 for 1:64th scale models, $12.99 for 1:43 scale.
ARGUS ON QUIRALU
Argus de la Miniatur's latest special number is devoted to QUIRALU, the famous French model range, including figurines (military, fire, circus, farm etc), agricultural machine-ry, cars and trucks.
Three other makes are also covered in this special issue: Jouets Monneret (wooden toys, celluloid, etc), Eria and Eria-Nova. Available from SAFAM, Argus de la Miniature no 198, BP 40, 78231 Le Pecq Cedex, France, for 67F inc p&p (Europe 70F).
MORE OXFORD DIE-CASTS
Oxford Die-Cast releases, updating the list published on page 6824 of MAR 132. Many have already been pictured in MAR.
Ref Livery Quantity
Bullnose van
160G Radio Times 70,000
161 Pascoe 3,000
162G Liverpool Echo 3,000
163 Blythswood 3, S00
164G Take A Crossword 8,000
165G Simpson 3,000
166U Kountry Fresh 20,000
167G Frank Cooper 7,500
168GU Days Inn 5,000
169G Metro Technologies 1,000
170G Loctite 2l000
171 Turf 2,000
172GU Elks 2,000
173G Celtic Manor 2,000
174 Express 20,000
175 Magnolia Park 1,800
176G Chivers 29,000
177 Express second 12,000
178G Prince Charles 20,000Chevrolet truck
C009 Radio Times
C010 Brakspear
C011 Broncho Bill Ricardo
C012 Waterford Crystal
C013U Bergen Daily Record
C014 Alcoa
C015U Kountry Fresh
C016 Aylward Beer
C017 Marcel family
C018 Brunswick Breweries
C019 Celtic Manor
C020 Daily Express
C021 Imperial Ale
C022U Grants Farm
C023 Turtle Wax
C024 Edward & Sophie
C025 Kroger Pickle
C026 Victoria Beer
C027U Colonial
C028U Rainbo
C029 MarshBeerThornycroft bus
B43 RadioTimes 40,000
B44 Pascoe 3,000
B45 Coventry 2,000
B46 Loctite 2,000
B47 Celtic Manor 2,000
B48 Sunday Express 15,000
B49U Grants 27,000
B50 Chivers 29,000
B51 Edward & Sophie 20,000
B52 Colonial 20,000
B53U Rainbo 15,000
B54 Lancashire Evening Post 2, 500Boxed Sets
Set 3 Titanic Set 6,000
Set 4 Army Set 3,500
Set 5 Coventry 2,000Ford Model T van
076T ILPH 1,000
077TG Pharmacy Live 2,500
078T Radio Times 70,000
079TGU Georgia Farm 3,000
080T Pascoes Truck 3,000
081T Pascoes Van 3,000
082TG Liverpool Echo 3,000
083TU ZEP T Can Truck 6,000
084TU Safety Tanker 1,300
085TGU Swaner Hardwood 1,250
086TU Purity DairiesTanker 9,000
087TU Purity Churns 9,000
088TGU Gold Kist 9,000
089TU Kountry Fresh 20,000
090TU ZEP T Can Truck Yellow 6,000
091TG Take a Puzle 8,000
092T Die Cast Collector 5,000
093TGU Days InnTrucks 5,000
094TG Loctite Van 2,000
095T Loctite Truck 2,000
096T Longacre Nursery Vans 3,500
097T Stockhams 1,000
098T TomlinsonVans 2,600
099T Celtic Manor Hotel 2,000
100T Daily Express Vans 1 5,000
101TU Kroger S/W withpack 30,000
102TGU Kroger Shredded Whe. 30,000
103TU Grants Open Back 27,000
104TU Guldens Tanker 2,500
105TGU Days Inn T 5,000
106TG Chivers Roses 29,000
107TG Chivers Aristocrat 29,000
108 Edward & Sophie 20,000
109TU Colonial 20,000
110TU Rainbo 15,000Routemaster Bus
RM1 Nottingham Council
RM2 Nottingham Energy
RM3 East Yorkshire
RM4 Sent to Coventry
RM5 Stardrops
RM6 Greenline
RM7 Northern
RM10 Bondon CountryBoxed Sets - Mini Classics
MC1 Southern 2,600
MC2 Northem 5, 500
MC3 LMS 5,500
MC4 Scottish 5,500
LATEST NEWS FROM RAE
RAE tell us that they have been working on developing some new and exciting hand-built models.
The l:8 Scale Jaguar XK 120 is now in production and only available direct from RAE Models and a few selected retailers. The models are manufactured to order and normally delivered in four to six working week. Each model is priced according to the customers requirements. The average price for each model is £695.00, which includes a simulated burr walnut display base and acrylic dust cover. As RAE say, this represents a fraction of the price that you would expect to pay for a similar one off commissioned model to this very high professional standard.
RAE also make 1:8 scale models of the Porsche 356 Speedster, Porsche 550 Spyder and the Lotus 18, either the Stirling Moss Monaco version or the Jim Clark car.
RAE propose to produce 1:8 scale models of the Aston Martin DB5, Jaguar E Type and possibly a Ferrari 250 GTO. We also offer a service to manufacture any one off model in 1:8 scale, for further details of this unique service, see RAE Models. advertisement in this issue of MAR for contact numbers.
1:43 Scale Land Speed Record Models: Following the release of the 1964 and the 1933 Bluebird LSR Models, RAE are continuing the series with the release of John Cobb's 1939 Railton, George Eyston's 1938 Thunderbolt and Seagrave's 1929 Golden Arrow. Each model is manufactured from a combination of resin and white metal components. These models retail at £69.50 built and £29.50 for the kit version.
SPRINT 43 WHEELS
Sprint 43 produces a wide range of 1:43 scale model wheels from its base in Switzerland. All of the famous names are represented, BBS Oz, Speedline, Borrani, Cromodora, and the rest. There is also an extensive range of wipers, belts, brakes, and so on. Sets of wheels cost 15.50 Swiss France, 100 tyres cost 20 SFr, and a transkit for a Cobra costs 21.50 SFr. The transkit consists of a set of wheels, inserts and tyres, photoetched parts including screen frames, number plates, steering wheel etc. The transkit is suitable to upgrade most of the Cobras on the market in 1:43 scale. It was originally designed for the Kyosho model, but is suitable for others including Bang, Solido, PM etc. For more information contact Sprint 43 at PO Box 2610, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland, fax (00 41) 91 825 6471.
LATEST TENARIV KITS
New 1:43 resin kits from Tenariv of France:
22 Ligier JS17-Matra Monaco 81 Lafitte or Jabouille
279A Ligier JS17-Matra Austria 81 Lafitte or Tambay
279B Ligier JS17-Matra Canada 81 Lafitte or TambayTenariv has also reissued kit 133, the Lola T70 MK IIIB, with 13 versions possible from one kit, all from 1969-1970.
JAL 43 LATEST NEWS
Latest 1:43 kit from JAL 43 of Spain include:
47 Renault 5T Gr 4, Renault Madrid, Sainz
107 Renault 5 Turbo Gr 4, Fasa, Costa Brava Rally 82
108 Renault 5T Gr 4 Red Catalunya Costa Brava Rally 83
109 Lancia Stratos Caroche, Costa Brava Rally 81.
CONQUEST COP CAR
Henk van Asten tells us that Keith Williams of SMTS (who make all Conquest and Madison models for him) offered to make a sample of a Rover P6B 3500S police car, based on the Conquest model. Henk was rather taken aback when, instead of a sample, he received a production batch of police cars. 'Therefore', he says, 'Conquest 115P is available from now onwards.' We will publish a photograph of the model in MAR as soon as one is available.
HIGH PLAINS COLLECTOR
By John Whitehead, Wyoming
More and more 1:43 scale die cast cars are becoming available here at mass market discount stores. K-Mart is carrying a line of cars from Road Champs that are well finished and great subjects though they are generally cheaply and crudely engineered (especially opening door features) and poorly researched. Recently appearing on the market are a pair of first series Mustang fastbacks. They use the same casting, which has the quarter window rather than vents. That body was only used on the 1966 Shelby GT-350. Road Champs incorrectly finished one of the models as a red 65 Ford (not Shelby) Mustang. The other model fairly well represents a blue 66 Shelby GT-350 though it is not identified as a Shelby anywhere. This is just another sample of sloppy, careless work by this company. The models really are ok, but historically they are often inaccurate. Also new from Road Champs in 1:43 scale are a good 67 Camaro coupe and a flawed 98 Camaro coupe.
Yat Ming has released a very nice 1:43 silver 1971 Plymouth GTX whose lines appear quite accurate and a somewhat suspect 1968 Shelby Mustang GT-500-KR in a couple of colours.
The very best of the cheap new releases here is Maisto's stunning model of the new Thunderbird show car, soon to be a product-ion car for the 2001 model year. The model is well finished in the show car's pale yellow and is built to a standard better than that found on the company's recent 1:43 Mercedes CLK-GTR and S500 releases. The best feature is the removable hard top. The T-bird can be displayed in either open roadster or closed coupe versions. The part is very well engineered, and works and fits as well as the same feature when found on a 1:87 herpa top up convertible model. This very carefully detailed model is an incredible bargain from Wal Mart at $6 and eclipses easily the much more expensive current 1:43 product from Schuco.
MODELEX 99 IMMINENT
Ray Strutt tells us that his lucky red trousers will definitely make their appearance again at the Tenth Anniversary Modelex Show at The National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham, England on the weekend of 16-17 October. Around 60 manufacturers of, and dealers in, white metal and resin handbuilt models and kits will be there.
This year, there are exhibitors from Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain and the United Kingdom. Some are regulars, many others first-timer exhibitors.
If you have been going every year since 1990 you will know that this is an event not to be missed by any model vehicle collector. If you've never been to Modelex, this is your last opportunity to do so in this millennium, and what better time than on its tenth anniversary? The tenth annual Brooklin promotional model for Modelex 99 is a Mercury Commuter Station Wagon, in pale mint green, with Modelex green roof and beige interior. The show is open to visitors from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Saturday 16 October, and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sunday 17 October. Overseas visitors and trade representatives can get in from 11:00 am on Saturday, by prior application to Ray, who can also answer queries from intending visitors. Write to Ray Strutt, PO Box 39, Uckfield, TN22 2ZL, England, Tel-Fax +44 (0) 1825 760600 e-mail modelexray@tesco.net
KIT BUILDING COMPETITION
Modelex 99 will also host the tenth National Kit Building Championships, for which the classes and sponsors are as follows:
A MARSH MODELS Trophy For open or closed, sports or competition cars, from any manufacturer. (Kit Class)
B SHOWCASE MODELS Trophy For any rally car. (Kit Class)
C MERRYMEET MODEL CARS Trophy For any Le Mans car, pre 1980, from any manufacturer. (Kit Class)
D ENOTTS COACHWORKS Trophy For sports, Fl, road going Ferraris, 1950 to 69. (Kit Class)
E K&R REPLICAS Trophy For 1:24 sports, Fl, rally and roadgoing cars, from any maker. (Kits) resin-white metal-PE only, no plastic.
MAKE-UP CO SUPERIOR MODELS Trophy for the Overall Champion.TIIE RULES
All entry forms to be returned to the organiser by 10 October 1999. Enter as many models as you wish; each entry must be on an official entry form or photocopy. All models must be the sole work of the entrant. It is the responsibility of the entrant that all models are delivered to and collected personally or by a third party from Modelex 99 on Sunday 17th October 1999 No damaged or posted models will be accepted for the competition. Models should not be identified with the owners name, thereby enabling each model to be judged on its own merit. Bases will not be taken into conslderation by the judges. The model must be firmly secured to the base if one is used.
Kit classes: Defined as those constructed from a single commercially produced kit and built as the manufacturer intended. i.e. Only the parts supplied in the kit may be used. A concession to the use of carbon-kevlar decals, decals from other sources, seatbelts, tyre sidewall decals or paint, aerials and metal foil, are the only extras allowed. All models must be 1:43 scale (Except Class E, 1: 24) in resin, or white metal or combination of both. Absolutely no diecast or plastic models will be accepted. There must be entries from three different people for a class to stand; if this is not reached the class may be withdrawn. All models will be on display at owner's risk but showcases are provided by the organisers. No previous Modelex class-winning models are eligible for Modelex 99, or future Modelex competitions. Anyone who has been Overall Champion on three occasions will be asked to retire from future competitions and invited to be a judge. Anyone who has won any one class on three occasions, cannot enter that class again. All other classes will remain open. The judges will be announced at a later date and their decisions will be final. The organisers reserve the right to amend the rules and regulations without prior warning, but all entrants would be informed on the day. Spirit and goodwill is important in any competition: The pleasure should be in taking part. Good Luck! The success of the competition is down to you. Please encourage others to enter; only then will the prizes get even better. For entry forms contact Ray Ashworth, 1, Poplar Avenue, Claypool. Horwich, Nr Bolton, Lancs, BL6 6HZ
VOLKSWAGEN MUSEUM
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
New models from AutoMuseum Volkswagen The museum is still at the same location in an old textile factory in the eastern part of Wolfsburg,. A few cars will be exhibited in the new customer centre at the east end of the factory, opposite the power-station.
Two new model cars have been released by the museum, first a Volkswagen (old) Beetle cabriolet in wine red with cream interior, a limited edition Schuco Piccolo in a specially printed box, released at the 2000 km Tour of Germany Tour 1999. The doors are printed with the tour logo. The other is a VW K70 in 1:87 scale by Wiking in gold metallic with black interior.
BIJOU AEROCAR
JOHN ROBERTS made the pattern (master) for the Bijou 1:43 resin kit of the Curtiss Aerocar articulated trailer caravan. His newly established business of building kits professionally (full-time, now that he has ceased to be a head teacher) has led to a number of projects for special builds on the Aerocar. Among them is a woody version towed by a Brooklin Mercury Sportsman, ordered by Bruce Gibbins of Autocraft South Pacific in New Zealand. This woody version has whitewall tyres, two spare wheels on the tail, a radio aerial and curtains in the windows! The main body colour of both car and trailer is dark metallic blue. John has built four other Aerocars, all white over pale yellow with matching tow cars. He made one in this livery for the Brooklin 25th anniversary weekend and three orders followed for the same colour scheme! John now plans to make an ambulance version, and hopes to have a couple of special versions, possibly modified somewhat, ready in time to display at Modelex 99 in October.
CORGI PREMIUMS
CORGI 1:50 scale diecast Premium issues for September, limited to 2000 of each include the Duple-bodied half cab single decker bus, now with a Dennis Lancet identity, in the livery of Smiths of Reading. There is also a a trio of showmans vehicles, a Diamond T generator lorry in Thurstons livery, Land Rover Biddals and Scammell Highwayman Jennings.
WIKING LATEST NEWS
WIKING 1:87 plastic from Germany: Latest releases include Mercedes soccer team bus HSV, Mercedes Econic brewery truck Riegeler, and Mercedes Actros Easy. Other items include VW New Beetle 'Expo 2000' and Mercedes A Class AvD road service.
PROTO MOVES
Proto, the MAR stockist to the south of Paris, has moved premises to another part of Chaville. The new address is: BP 66, 39 Rue Anatole France, 92370 Chaville, France
Copyright 1999 Modelauto Ltd and Solnet Systems Ltd
e-mail mar@zeteo.com
