August 2001
HERE WE ARE AGAIN
Yes, we're back at last, to provide your 'fix' of MAR. Our Summer holiday is now over (sorry if that seems a bit odd to those of our readers wintering in the Southern hemisphere), and yes thank you, we enjoyed the much-needed break. Each year it seems to get harder to climb back on to the treadmill, but somehow we manage it. John and Richard are now back in action looking after matters at Modelauto, and I'm back here at the accursed computer keyboard. I hope you enjoy MAR 154.
OBITUARIES
HERB BROWAR
By Jean Mortemard de Boisse
Earlier this year a letter was published in MAR 152 which I sent, about the Duesenberg SSJ, mentioning my good friend Herb. I am very sad to have to report that Herbert W Browar, a long-standing MAR subscriber, passed away a few days after that issue was published and also a few days after his 83rd birthday, due to a cerebral haemorrhage. Formerly a successful television producer, involved in famous shows such as I Love Lucy and The Addams Family, Herb spent a good deal of his retirement to set up a marvellous collection of superb 1:43 models of classic cars from all over the world, as well as a huge library about the real cars of the period. Herb was a very go-ahead man, always ready to help fellow collectors, craftsmen or model car promoters with his vast knowledge of the subject and to supply them with rare pictures or technical data. But most of all he was a great friend with a high sense of humanity and understanding as well as a great sense of humour. When I feel a bit depressed I keep in mind his favourite words: Onward and upward!.TONY ROBINSON By Ron Ford
I am sorry to have to tell MAR readers that Tony Robinson of Levin, New Zealand has died. He was out on a 'tramp' (a bit more than a ramble!) and had a heart attack. He was 71 and will be sorely missed.TONY BELLM
It is with regret that we record the death of Tony Bellm, who was an avid car enthusiast and model collector. He first came to our attention with his Bellini range of large-scale handbuilt models, and MAR correspondence about their pricing led to Tony becoming a subscriber to MAR and a long-term reader of this publication. Tony was also a supporter of the Le Mans and other sports car races, his pharmaceuticals company sponsoring the participation of his son Raymond to good effect. Tony launched the Piccolino range of 1:76 scale white metal handbuilt models, produced for him by RAE. He was also the 'angel' who enabled RAE to purchase the ex-Mikansue patterns to augment their 1:43 scale range, and then passed on the Piccolino range to RAE as well. We are sure that MAR readers and all collectors will join us in passing on our condolences to Raymond and his family.
VITESSE GROUP COLLAPSE
We were sorry, though perhaps not very surprised, to learned of the collapse of the Vitesse Group, and the passing of the assets to a Chinese company, Ixo.
We have previously commented in MAR that someone had to be first to blink in the face-off between Minichamps and Vitesse for mastery of the 1:43 car collectors' market, and it seems it was the Portuguese company which was unable to continue the battle. We are told that a quantity of remaining stock is being distributed at reduced prices, and that this will be the last we see of such makes as Vitesse, City, Skid and Quartzo. Onyx, however, may live on, and some stock has appeared in Skid boxes via the new company, with a new range, Ixo, picking up current road cars where Vitesse left off.
FRENCH READERS TAKE NOTE
Readers in France may wish to know that from now on there are alternative ways to make payments (in cash or French cheques) to MAR or to Modelauto. Please see the announcement below:
If you live in France
You can now make payments to our French account at:Banque Populaire de la Cote d'Azur, International Branch, 22 Boulevard
Victor Hugo, 06000 Nice, France
R C Ward and VA Ward: Account no 69027477827Cash: You can pay in cash (argent comptant) at any Banque Populaire branch, in French Francs or Euros.
If you are in the Cote d'Azur region, the account name and account number will be sufficient, but outside the region please add the name and address of the bankFrench Personal Cheque: In FRF or Euros payable to 'R C Ward and VA Ward'. Send the cheque by post direct to the branch in Nice, at the address above, mentioning the account number, 69027477827. NOT to England!
Bank transfer: The easiest. Ask your bank to make a transfer to our account giving the following details:
Code Banque 15607 . Code Guichet 00051
Account number 69027477827 . Clé 03Exchange rate: Please check with us the amount to pay in French Francs or Euros.
For guidance: at the time of going to press the rate was ± 10.50 FF to the GB Pound, or ± 1.6 Euros to the GB Pound. (One Euro = ± 60p).
CORGI ORIGINAL OMNIBUS
Corgi's Original Omnibus Co has these 1:76 diecast model buses for release in September to December this year:
45701 AEC Q double deck London Transport red (9)
45702 AEC Q double deck Bradford City (10)
45704 AEC Q double deck London Trans. green (11)
42404 Leyland Leopard-Panorama Midland Red (9)
45804 BMMO D9 double deck Midland Red (10)
40901 Leyland PD2 MCW Orion Nottingham (10)
43905 Guy Arab Utility Western SMT (10)
43907 Daimler CW Utility Maidstone & Dist (11)
41904 Leyland PD3 Queen Mary OK Motor Serv (12)
45304 Bova Futura Woods Travel (9)
45105 MCW Metrobus II sd Coventry Corp (9)
45305 Bova Futura National Express (11)
44202 Neoplan Cityliner Kings Ferry (11)
45107 MCW Metrobus II sd West Midlands (11)
44901 Midland Red bus-coach station card kit (9)
PEAK HORSE 1:87 DRAGONS
Peak Horse of Hong Kong produce a Dennis Dragon double decker bus in the unusual scale of 1:87. Currently available liveries are listed here, thanks to Bachmann Industries Europe Ltd, all at around £16.50 each in UK.
22102 China Motor Bus White and Blue
22103 China Motor Bus Silver
22104 China Motor Bus Cream and Blue
22105 KMB Hollywood Plaza
22106 Texwood and Apple Jeans
22108 Caltex
22109 Eva Air
22201 KMB White Type 1
22202 KMB White Type 2
22203 KMB White Type 3
LLEDO SHOW AT CRICH
This year's Lledo Model show will be held at the National Tram Museum in Crich, Derbyshire, and a limited edition Lledo tram model will be produced as a souvenir of the show. It will be held on Sunday 16 September from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm.
COLLECTORS MODEL BUSES
Here is a roundup of 1:76 diecast models available in the Collectors Model range from China, courtesy of Bachmann Industries Europe Ltd. UK retail prices are all in the £21.00 to £30.00 range.
DA101B Dennis Dragon Canon Smartcam
DA102B Dennis Dragon Pocket Monster
DA103B Dennis Dragon Bosch
DA104B Dennis Dragon Bridgestone
DA107B Dennis Dragon AXA Insurance
DA108B Dennis Dragon Principal.com
DA114A Dennis Dragon CMB white
DGS001 Dennis Dragon 10.3m City Bus
DGS002 Dennis Dragon 10.3m Siemens
DGS003 Dennis Dragon Canan Ixus
SF101A Leyland Fleetline CMB
SF103A Leyland Fleetline CMB Deluxe
SF104 Leyland Fleetline Fuji Film
V104A Leyland Victory Clean Hong Kong Campaign
V105A Leyland Victory Fortune Realty
V109B Leyland Victory Plaza Hollywood
V110B Dennis Jubilant Red A
V111B Leyland Victory Caltex
V112 Leyland Victory Bridgestone
V114C Leyland Victory White Flower Embrocation
V115A Leyland Victory China Motor Bus
PHM1 Limited Dennis Condor silver plated
PHM2 Limited Dennis Condor gold plated
PEAK HORSE 1:76 TRAMS
Peak Horse make a range of 1:76 diecast double deck Hong Kong trams, which have featured before in Model Auto Review. Thanks to Bachmann Industries Europe Ltd we can list currently available liveries, all priced at around £17.00 in UK:
11101 Classic Gold
11103 Green and White Line 1920
11104 Green and White Line 1930
11105 Scotts Emulsion
11106 Longevity Milk
11107 Nissins Food
11109 Taikoo Sugar
11110 Double Happiness
11113 Pentax Camera
11201 Principal Insurance
11202 T&T Telecom
11203 Fishermans Friend
NEW COLLECTORS BUSES
News via John Ayrey Diecasts Ltd of new releases from Collectors Model of Hong Kong.
In 1:50 scale there will be an MCW Metrobus double decker in a British livery, London Northern, for release in August at a UK retail price around £37.50.
In 1:76 scale there will be a Leyland Victory with 'Milka Chocolate' advertising, and a Dennis Dragon in CMB Re-unification Celebration livery, both for August release at around £25.00 each.
CORGI 1:64 SPECIALS
Special releases for Summer 2001 from Corgi include two 1:64 scale curtainside artics:
TY86605 Scania artic MacFarlane
TY86704 Volvo artic Focal Point FiresAlso promised, and described as '1:64 scale' is a Routemaster Bus (CC82304) for the 75th birthday of HM Queen Elizabeth II this year. No doubt Her Majesty will be impressed by the appropriate choice of a double decker bus to mark her three quarter century, (she travels so often on so many of them, after all) but possibly she may be disappointed if it turns out to be the usual circa 1:72 scale bus, rather than 1:64, as claimed in the press release.
WIKING FOR KROMBACHER
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
The Krombacher brewery has increased its range of promotional models with a Volkswagen T4 Transporter van in 1:87 scale, made by Wiking. The body is white, the sides are printed with a landscape scene and the Krombacher logo. The driver's and rear doors read 'Krombacher on tour 2000'. The model is available direct from Krombacher Brewery, on their telephone hotline: 0180/5 669922, fax: 0180/5 669922 or website www.krombacher.de
LLEDO FOR BEN
LLEDO Days Gone diecast in China for UK: Foden steam wagon in BEN (Motor and Allied Trades BENevolent Fund) and Heritage Wood Appeal livery, to help purchase 100 trees to be planted in a Heritage Wood in the grounds of BEN's Town Thorns and Lynwood Residential Homes. A £2.00 donation from the sale of each model is given, by BFM for this project and a numbered donation certificate is included with each model. BEN helps and cares for employees and their families, from the motor and allied industries, in times of need. Collectors who purchase the model will contributie to the well-being of residents of the homes, as well as helping the environment.
The Appeal Model is available mail order at £10.95 (post paid) from BFM Collectables, PO Box 69, Fleet, Hants, GUl3 9YN, UK or by credit card by phone on 01252 617 952 (office hours).
VISCOUNT MODELS
New 1:43 conversion of Lledo model from UK: Volkswagen Beetle 'Busch-Roland Circus' with figure of clown sitting on roof with megaphone. 250 made, at £18.50 including UK p&p from The Toy Exchange, telephone 0238 078 7913.
VOLVO Construction
Oxford Diecast has had an association with Volvo Construction for some years and has recently agreed to represent it in the UK market. The first products available are all 1:50 scale and are as follows:
A40D Articulated Hauler
EC210 Excavator
A25C Articulated HaulerThe A40D is a particularly nice model featuring opening front engine section. The models are available direct from Oxford Diecast, or from certain dealers in the UK. There will be further releases during the course of this year. More information can be obtained from Oxford Diecast 01442 877757.
SCHUCO BERLIN FIRE
Schuco have introduced various diecast models to mark the 150th anniversary of the Berlin Fire Service. They include:
1:18 limited edition (500 pieces)
Mercedes-Benz 170V saloon Berlin Fire Service
1:43 limited editions (500 pieces)
Tempo covered truck Berlin Fire Service
Opel Manta Estate car Berlin Fire Service
Piccolo 1:90 limited editions (2000 pieces)
Magirus-Deutz TL Berlin Fire Service
Magirus-Deutz wrecker Berlin Fire Service
Volkswagen T2 van Berlin Fire Service
HONG KONG TRANSIT
Collectors Model of Hong Kong, hitherto known mainly for their bus models, will soon release a 1:43 scale Ford Transit van, as a Hong Kong Police Traffic Unit. It should hit the UK market by August, at a retail price around £23.00.
CLUB NEWS
Volkswagen Model Club:
There seems to be still no end to things to say about model and toy Volkswagens. Four times a year Jim McLachlan fills 22 pages with details about latest releases, obsolete models and rare discoveries, with the assistance of his generous band of contributors. Jim has been performing this service since 1978, and no doubt will continue to do so into the distant future, providing he gets sufficient member-ship to justify production of the magazine. If you want to help ensure its future, you can get details from Jim at 20 Waverley Park, Redding, Falkirk FK2 9RT, Scotland.
Dansk Modelbilklub (DMK):
was started almost four years ago by a handful of model car enthusiasts. Today, with its around 60 members the club is the biggest of its kind in Denmark. Members mostly collect 1:43 or 1:18 models of all types of vehicles, road cars and Ferraris to police and rescue vehicles. There is a monthly club meeting with presentation of latest model car news and a talk on a subject of interest to club members. The DMK also organises visits to museums and relevant companies, as well as trips ito swapmeets and exhibitions in neighbouring countries. In the Winter the club organises a monthly 'building weekend', where the members bring their kits or models which they want to build or modify. The club magazine Bilmodellen (Model Car) is published on alternate months, an A5 publication packed with news, pictures and articles. There is also an annual club model in both 1:43 and 1:18 scales. The first is a Porsche 911RS 2.7L 1973 with the club logo on the bonnet. The long-term aim is that club members should produce an annual club model based on cars made in Denmark in the past. MAR readers who want to know more about the DMK should contact the Club President, Curt Carlsen, via the website at www.danskmodelbilklub.dk/Generelt.htm or fax 0045 4819 2522, where it is also possible to order the club model, which costs DKK 175 in 1:43 scale or DKK 195 in 1:18 scale, plus postage (cash on delivery).
Durham Collector:
this is an eight-page newsletter published in-house by Durham Classics of Canada, to act as a one-make club and source for collectors. The publication is produced three times per year, and subscribers can purchase an exclusive model, issued once a year. Margaret Stewart says, 'Our model for 2000 is a 1941 Plyrnouth de Luxe Coupe with fender skirts finished in Airline Grey. The previous models offered to subscribers were 1939 Algonquin Parks Tour Bus with canoe, (1998) 1953 Chevrolet Tanker Stewarts Root Beer (1999), and 1934 La Salle convertible with open rumble seat in two tone blue and cream (2000)'. Newsletter subscription costs $20.00 including postage worldwide. For more information contact the Durham Collector, 595 Wentworth St E #63, Oshawa, Ontario. LlH 3V8. Canada. Tel-fax: 905-436-9140 or email classics@netcom.ca
South Hants Model Auto Club:
The SHMAC magazine reflects the diversity of interest within the club, with features on competition cars, buses, trucks and even aircraft. There are accounts of visits to shows, swapmeets and other events, by the globetrotting membership, including an interesting account by Chris Derbyshire of a recent trip to Aachen and Brussels for the two swapmeets held there, and calls at various shops en route. Chris notes that everything seemed quieter than usual, with an 'air of change'. This has been noted by other long-standing collectors, and probably reflects general subsidence in the market, which will never return to its former vigour. The SHMAC is still vigorous, however, so if you'd like to join in their jolly jaunts, contact Chairman Rod Fox on 02380 432226.
Wessex Model and Toy Collectors:
The change from a Brooklin to a Lansdowne model as the club special has had little effect on member-ship. A few dedicated Brooklinites left, but others joined to replace them, so total roll call remains at over 100. New members are invited to attend club nights, or to contribute to the club news-letter, Smalltalk. It is noted in Smalltalk that apparently most members don't go to classic car shows, swapmeets, club nights or club trips 'so what's in it for you?' is the question. Smalltalk of course! And the club model. Also noted is that Dave Brock is now Chairman of the Avon Model and Toy Collectors Society. We haven't heard from this club for some time. Has anyone any Avon news for us? In the meantime, for details of how to join the WMTC and have the chance to buy the special club Lansdowne model, contact Doug Male on 01225 755043.
The Toy Car Collectors Association:
Pete Foss says, 'The TCCA is a worldwide organisation, so a convention at this time is premature. But we can have a Get-Together Saturday evening before the Toledo toy show on 14 October. The first International Association of Automobile Modelers (IAAM) convention was in Toledo in 1958. Three guys were there. If we get four people to show up we can fill a whole booth in a restaurant. The more we get, the bigger the meeting will be, so I invite all prospective members to attend. Write to me if you are interested in coming. The Toledo Collectors' Toy Fair is one of the best model car shows in the USA, with 600 tables. TCCA is a merger of Dana Johnson's club and my club. I have been helping to put on conventions since 1966 in Hampton, VA (for IAAM). The biggest and best was in Dearborn, MI in 1979, all day Saturday, the day before the last Detroit Collectors' Toy Fair. All Detroit Collectors' Toy Fairs since then have been in Toledo, Ohio. The 1979 convention offered a banquet, speaker, door prizes, the first Indy Pace Car in 1:43 scale as a souvenir, a radio control demo and much more. Hopefully we can work up to this again, with more regional meetings, a national convention, then an international convention'. So, if you want to be in at the beginning of a truly international collectors' club, contact Pete soon:. Toy Car Collectors Association (TCCA), Peter Foss VP Marketing & Research, 4301 Orchard Lake, #163, West Bloomfield, MI 48323, USA. Tel: 248-682-0272 Fax: 248-682-5782. Website: www.toynutz.com Dana Johnson's email: toynutz@teleport.com e-group: diecast-toy-cars@yahoogroups.com email: FossOhl@aol.com online@flugzeug-publikation.de internet: www.flugzeugpublikation.de
ZEITHAUS Autostadt; 200 pp, 179 photos, paperbound, 240 x 300 mm; ISBN 3-7688-7248-0. From VW in Wolfsburg, or direct from publisher Delius Klasing Verlag; Siekerwall 21; D-33602 Bielefeld. Tel: 0521/559-0 Fax: 0521/559-113, www.delius-klasing.de
In June 2000 close to the VW plant in Wolfsburg, Auto Stadt, (auto city), opened to the public, a collection of pavilions, in which the various brands of VW group are shown, interesting cars and remarkable prototypes. The Zeit-Haus, (time-house), covers more than 110 years of auto history. Also on display are exceptional cars, like the first car, Carl Benz's three wheeler, and products of all the makes which are now in the VW group, Laurin & Klement, Horch, Audi, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Bugatti, DKW, Wanderer, Skoda, Lamborghini, Seat and obviously Volkswagen themselves. The collection is completed with pioneering classics, such as the Ford T which began assembly line production, and the great rivals of the Beetle, the Mini and the Citroen 2CV. Also present are technical triumphs, like a Cadillac 16 cylinder and an Auto Union Grand Prix racing car. Great milestones from the history of Volkswagen are shown, the prototype V3 from 1936 has been re-created using only photos by a Saxon car restorer.
A catalogue is available at the Zeit-Haus, showing all the vehicles on display plus those which are owned by the Volkswagen Foundation, and displayed in a former textile factory not far from the Autostadt.
Die Panzerindustrie (The Tank-lndustry); by Dieter Hanel, German text, 223 pages, 64 colour photos, many graphics, hardbound, 210 x 250 mm. ISBN 3-7637-5999-9. Published by and available from Bernard & Graefe Verlag; Heilsbachstrasse 26; D-53123 Bonn, Germany; Tel: 0228 / 6483-0; Fax: 0228 / 6483-106
This book gives a comprehensive portrayal of the tank industry of the world. Global developments are analysed, methods of market research, market potential and product planning, as are development and procurement of defence technical devices. International makers, technical data on vehicles and sales fairs are described.
Der Weg zur Borgward Isabella (The Way to the Borgward Isabella) By Heinrich Volker, German text. 256 pages, 300 illustrations. Hardbound, 210 x 300 mm. ISBN 3-98069774-6. Published by Verlag Edition B6, editor Peter Kurze; Breite Strasse 6; D-27305 Sustedt, Germany. Tel.: 04240 / 952990 Fax: 04240 / 952991; email: edition.b6@t-online.de On 13 October 1949 the first Borgward Hansa 1500 left the Bremen assembly line, proudly presented by the company's owner Dr Carl F W Borgward himself. It was the first post war German car in the new 'pontoon' shape. The car was a great sales success, but Borgward's development engineers were always spurred on to greater achievements, so in 1954 its successor was revealed. Heinrich Volker, the author, was involved in the development of the new car. With his old documentation, and with help from his former colleagues, he has written a comprehensive history of the Isabella, describing its development from first tests of prototypes and pre-production cars to intensive driving tests with early production cars. Also all the problems are covered, which still turn up on today's designs. Volker shows how the Borgward engineers solved them.
Not many insiders will talk this way about their work. In their most secret department, they dismantled cars made by competitors, so Borgward bought a revolutionary Citroen DS 19 for research purposes, to examine the hydro-pneumatic suspension system. After extended tests, in 1960 Borgward were the first German car maker to offer passenger car air suspension to the public. The Borgward P100 saloon is still a byword for progress in automobile design. Other chapters cover Borgward's pioneering work in building commercial vehicles, car braking systems and automatic gearboxes. The book is enlivened with many photographs from the design department. Collectors of Borgward cars will find information about the history of their darling Isabellas and other vehicles from this still much-loved company.
MATTEL HOT WHEELS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
New releases from Mattel in the Hot Wheels range. After a long wait, the first five new 1:18 Hot Wheels have appeared:21353 Ferrari GTB/4 1968
When their competitors turned to mid-engined designs, Ferrari introduced the front engined 'Daytona'. The stunning 365 GTB/4, with its long bonnet became one of Ferrari's most celebrated cars. The name 'Daytona' came from Ferrari's triumph in the Daytona 24 hour race the year before. The version with disappearing headlights was originally only intended for the US market, where plastic headlight covers were not allowed. The car had a 4390cc V12 engine, developing 340hp. at 6800 rpm. The red model reflects the design of the real car very well. The operation of the headlight mecahism can be seen through the radiator grille. Bonnet, doors and boot lid open, and the steering wheel works the steering realistically. The black interior looks ok, though the steering wheel is too low, leaving no space for the driver's legs. The orange indicator lights have large fixing holes in the front wings, which could have been designed better. The engine could be more detailed and the door hinges are not as good as Hot Wheels' F40, released at the same time. The baseplate is only just detailed enough for this scale, the high gloss chromed exhaust system looks unrealistic and toy-like. In the box the plinth looks like a pavement, the background being a Rome street scene. 23911 Ferrari F40 1988
In 1987 Ferrari celebrated its 40th anniversary by introducing the F40, an ultra-high-performance road car with competition potential. Its eye-catching design and state of art technology made the F40 a road-racer to remember. Its 2936cc V8 engine with bi-turbocharger developed 478 hp., enabling 200 kph to be reached in 11 seconds, a maximum speed of 324 kph. The model is well-shaped with a good finish, better than the 365 GTB/4. Front lid, doors and engine cover all open, and the steering works. The interior is red, the seats look like leather. Roll cage bars are finished in carbon-like black, but the levers around the steering wheel look poor in its bright chrome. The doors are correctly hinged, so why was this design was not used for all Mattel's model cars? The wheel rims are finished in matt chrome, more authentic than the high-gloss of the Daytona. The baseplate is flat like the real car. This box also contains a plinth, this time an asphalt surface, the background picturing Roman buildings.
27774 Ferrari 360 Spider
One year after launch of the Berlinetta 360 'Modena', the Spider was presented to the public, again at Geneva Show. The electro-hydraulic hood takes 28 seconds to open or close. The windscreen frame was specially reinforced to work as roll over bar and also the aluminium-baseplate was strengthened against distortion at important structural points. The car has the same engine as the Modena coupe, a 3586cc V8, developing 400 hp. at 8500 rpm. The red model is accurately shaped, the front lid for the micro boot, the doors and engine cover all open, and the steering works. The interior is coloured like beige-yellow leather wlth silver central console and black upper dashboard, which reveals obvious mould split lines. The space between the steering wheel and the surface of driver's seat is correct, and above the windscreen frame the sun-visors are included. All badging is there, the wheels are accurately shaped, and if you look through the spokes you can see brake discs and calipers. The engine, under its plexiglass cover, could be more detailed in this scale and the doors have old-fashioned hinges - a look at those on the F40 could be useful for the designers.
50423 Dodge Charger 1969
For model year 1969 the Charger returned with only minor changes. A split radiator grille graced the front end and the rear received new tail lights. The model has an accurately shaped body, in bronze metallic with black vinyl roof. The bonnet (hood) and doors open, and the steering can be operated realistically. The replica of the V8 engine could have been a bit more detailed. The interior is fine, but the gloss plastic looks cheap and the dashboard shows obvious moulding split lines. Bumpers, wheel-rims, door-handles and other parts are chrome plated, the simple windscreen wipers looking odd with a complete chrome coating. The baseplate is well detailed.
29226 Chevrolet Corvette 65 Pro-Street Dragster
>From a distance this model looks like a Corvette from 1965 or 1966, but close up it is revealed as a real dragster, with a huge V8 engine rising through its bonnet cut-out, the air cleaner higher than the roof. Extremely oversized rear wheels are needed to transfer power on the road, and small support wheels under the large rear spoiler prevent it from rolling over backwards under acceleration. The interior is dominated by the roll-cage, two bucket seats with suspended seat belts, a small steering wheel and an oversized rev counter. There are chrome plated wheels, engine, exhaust pipes and spoiler. The engine and baseplate could be more detailed.
ANSON MAKES CHRISTINE
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
in 1957 the Plymouth Fury hardtop was given a brand new engine, the biggest among low-price cars. More than three inches lower and four inches wider, with the lowest belt-line of any American car that model year, and with great shark fins at the back, Plymouths were among the best looking 1957 cars. They appeared to be longer than ever, but actually were slightly shorter overall. The wheelbase had grown to 118 inches. Even the aircleaners were gold coloured on the new V-800 dual-quad 318 cubic inch Fury engine, which developed 290 hp with 9.25:1 compression.
This engine was an option on any Plymouth model. Dealer-installed safety-belts were available, but not widely advertised. The Fury coupe rose to fame with the movie Christine, based on Stephen King's story. Anyone who has seen the movie will remember the low aggressive growl from the exhaust, as she went on to her next evil deed. Anson have reproduced the film star accurately into 1:18 scale, in red with white roof, gold side flashes and radiator grille. Bonnet, doors and boot lid all open, and the steering works realistically.
The engine is an exact replica of the original, even the gold painted areas are well executed. In the boot are the spare wheel and the jack, and a quite well-detailed baseplate and wide white wall complete the picture. Anyone who has seen the movie will be careful when smoking cigars and will keep fingers clear of the open bonnet. Once in the model collection, the Fury represents a interesting car from a marque which was sacrificed for commercial reasons, and also an interesting piece of movie memorabilia. Anson's catalogue number is 30398, Christine is colour-code C01. If you prefer ivory, you have to specify C45.
MATCHBOX UPDATE
Usually we get our Matchbox news for MAR from Mattel in the USA, or from one of their outposts in Germany or France. We still don't get news direct from Mattel UK (is it something we said?), but Matchbox products are now available from general retail outlets, not just by direct mail order or from a few appointed dealers. The current range available in the UK is as follows:
TEXACO 1:64 scale commercials: Chevrolet van 1939, Ford A van 1929, Ford pickup 1956, Ford F150 pickup 1997, Peterbilt tanker 1981, GMC wrecker 1987.
ELVIS Graceland 1:64 scale: Willys Jeep, Cadillac Fleetwood 1955, MGA 1960, Cadillac Eldorado convertible 1956, Thunderbird 1957, all in Graceland dioramas.
EMERGENCY vehicles, 'large scale': Volkswagen new Beetle 'DARE' Bellevue Police, Ford van 1940 Police, Chevrolet Suburban Mesa Fire (above).
EMERGENCY Services 'small scale' (1:64): Chevrolet Suburban Military Police, Suburban Police, Suburban Fire, Chevrolet Impala Police, Impala military police, KME pumper.
COCA-COLA 1:64 scale cars: Pontiac GTO 1970, Pontiac Firebird 1996, Chevrolet Corvette 1979, Chevrolet Camaro Z-28 1971, Ford Mustang Cobra JEt 1968, Ford Mustang Cobra 1994.
VINTAGE FIRE 1:43 scale: GMC van rescue squad 1936, Ford AA fire appliance 1932, Mercedes-Benz TL 1932, Ford AA open fire appliance 1932, Ford A 1930, Mack AC 1920.
TENARIV KIT UPDATE
it has been some time since we updated Model Auto Review readers on the Tenariv range of 1:43 resin kits from France. M Viranet, maker of Tenariv, specialises in Formula One and sports racing cars, and it is possible to follow the career of particular drivers, as well as teams, in the Tenariv range. 1:43 scale resin kits available currently are as follows:
005 LIGIER JS11/15 Belgium 1980 Pironi-Laffite
17A COBRA Daytona LM 65
17B COBRA Daytona LM 64
023 BRABHAM BT49C Las Vegas 81 Piquet-Rebaque
067 FORD GT40 Gulf Le Mans 1969
080 FORD GT40 Gulf 1968-1969
133 LOLA T70 Mk IIIB 13 versions 1969-70
146 TYRRELL 005 USA 72 Stewart-Cevert
147 TYRRELL 006 Monaco 73 Stewart-Cevert
148 TYRRELL 006 Germany 73 Stewart-Cevert
149 TYRRELL 005 Canada 73 Amon
150 TYRRELL 006 S Africa 74 Depailler-Scheckter
158 McLAREN M23 1973-74 Hulme Revson Ickx etc
164 FORD Mirage Gulf 1967-68
165 BRABHAM BT44 S Africa 74 Reutemann
166 BRABHAM BT44B Germany 74 Reutemann-Pace
184 HONDA RA301 Belgium 68 Surtees
185 FERRARI 312T Monaco 1975 Lauda-Regazzoni
188 RENAULT RS01 GB 1977 Jabouille
189 RENAULT RS02 Canada 1978 Jabouille
196 BRABHAM BT44 1974 Watson
197 BRABHAM BT42-44 Canada 74 Wietzes Gold
Cup 1975 Edwards
198 BRABHAM BT44C Belgium1976 Neve-Kessel
201 McLAREN M19 S Africa 1971 Hulme-Gethin
202 McLAREN M19 Canada 1971 Donohue
203 McLAREN M19 1972 Hulme-Revson
204 McLAREN M19 France 1972 Hulme-Redman
USA 1972 Scheckter
218 TYRRELL 005 test France Austria 72 Cevert-Stewart
222 ALPINE A500 test Castellet 1976 Jabouille
233 FERRARI 312 Race of Champions 1967 Bandini
234 FERRARI 312 Daily Express Trophy 1967 Parkes
235 FERRARI 312 Monaco 1967 Amon
236 FERRARI 312 Monaco 1967 Bandini
237 FERRARI 312 GB 1967 Amon
242 FERRARI 312 S Africa 1968 Amon-Ickx
243 FERRARI 312 France 1968 Ickx GB 1968 Amon
266 BRM P126-133 Monaco 68 Rodriguez-Attwood-
Courage
267 BRM P126 France 1968 Courage (Reg Parnell)
268 BRM P126-133 France 1968 Rodriguez-Attwood
269 BRM P126 Spain-Monaco 69 Rodriguez (R Parnell)
270 ALPINE A360 Rouen F3 1972 Guitteny
271 ALPINE A360 Magny-Cours Formula 3 1971
Depailler- Jabouille
272 ALPINE A364 Rouen F3 72 Leclère-Serpaggi
Monaco F3 72 Depailler
273 ALPINE ELF 2 Pau 1973 Cevert-Depailler
274 ALPINE A500 Show Car Jabouille
276 BRABHAM BT49D Brazil 1982 Piquet
277 BRABHAM BT49D Monaco 1982 Patrese
278 LIGIER JS11-15 Germany 1980 Laffite-Pironi
280 MATRA MS10 Germany 1968 Jackie Stewart
281 MATRA MS10 France 1968 Jackie Stewart
282 MATRA MS10 Italy 1968 Johnny Servoz-Gavin
283 LIGIER JS7 Sweden 1977 Jacques Laffite 140,00NEW RELEASES (see photographs below)
121 MATRA MS11 Holland 1968 Beltoise
284 MATRA MS11 France 1968 Beltoise
285 MATRA MS11 Italy 1968 BeltoiseRE-ISSUES
022 LIGIER JS17 Monaco 1981 Laffite-Jabouille
279A LIGIER JS17 Austria 1981 Lafffte-Tambay
279B LIGIER JS17 Canada 1981 Laffite-Tambay
089 MATRA MS120 France 1970 Beltoise-Pescarolo
107 MATRA MS120B France 1971 Amon-Beltoise
110 MATRA MS120C Monaco 1972 Amon
111 MATRA MS120D France 1972 Amon
128 MATRA MS120B Monaco 1971 Amon
129 MATRA MS120B ltaly 1971 Amon
1:24 RENAISSANCE SOON
Etienne Dhont always has a long list of forward plans on the go, in his Renaissance range, all of them made in France. We won't reproduce the list here, as it will only be frustrating, without any indication of when items may be available. Etienne does say, however, that the following items will be available from Renaissance soon, all upgrades for 1:24 Tamiya plastic kits:
TK24/65 Subaru Impreza WRC Jean-Joseph Champ de France 2000, decals for Tamiya base.
TK24/67 Peugeot 206 WRC Morel Catalunya 2000, decals for Tamiya base model.
TK24/71 Toyota Corolla WRC Tsjoen Fina 4th Ypres 2000, decals for Tamiya base model.
TK24/76 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 1st Monte Carlo 2001, transkit and decals for Tamiya base model.
TK24/79 Peugeot 206 WRC Gardemeister Monte Carlo 2001, decals for Tamiya base model.
TK24/81 Nissan R390 GT1 Jomo no 33 LM 98, body and decals for Tamiya base model.
TK24/85 Ford Focus WRC 'Galp' Rui Madeira 11th Portugal 2001, transkit and decals for Tamiya base model.
TK20/01 Fiat 131 Abarth Gr 4 'Didi' 1st Spa 1979, decals for Tamiya base model.
MORE ARGUS ON NOREV
Just published is Argus de la Miniature no 209, which includes the second part of the detailed coverage of Norev models. This one covers all the diecast Norev releases. It costs 70F in France (74F in Europe) including postage from SAFAM, Argus no 209, BP 40, F78231 Le Pecq Cedex, France.
PM-STARTER UPDATE
By Rémy Elkoubi
At last we have time to update everyone on our recent activities at Provence Moulage and Starter. As you know, Paris wasn't built in a day, and likewise our joining with Starter will take more than a few months. Fortunately, we can at last see a way out of the fog! We have had some difficultiess, with orders sent twice, but two computer systems and two different mail rooms have caused problems. But this is now in the past, as from June, all orders and invoices are handled on one computer. There are now only three persons working at the Starter premises in Marseille, they join us in August at our headquarters in Aubagne, where everyone else works. Both companies will then at least be in the same place! We have increased our total office space to 100m2. In future we will be distributing BBR models in France, and BBR will take on part of our suppliers network. Who says we cannot co-operate in the world of miniatures?
My thanks to our friend Jean Marc, who helped us to set this all up. What about our future products?
Buying Starter gave us the chance to increase the breadth of our range: Nationale 7 make built models of Peugeot 202 saloon, Peugeot 203 Coupe, Dyna Panhard decouvrable, Dyna Panhard Cabriolet, Renault 4cv Publicity, Simca Oceane, etc. And more new French cars of the 1950s to 1970s to come, including Facel Vega, Simca Aronde etc.
A new range will be released as well: Cars & Drivers, a very accurate handbuilt range, kits built at a very attractive price, only 100 built of each model, a new one every month. The first one in this range is our Chevrolet.
Starter new release: SL037 Austin-Healey 100-4 no 33 (very British). As I am writing this in Aubagne, we are all concentrating on Le Mans and we will have some surprises on that topic this year. More news later.
MASERATI COMPETITION
Maserati Models: The First International Competition and Census in collaboration with SAIMA AVANDERO member of ABX To coincide with the launch of the new Maserati Spyder in September 2001, Maserati is launching an international model collectors competition and the first official census of all Maserati models in the world.
The international competition is open to all Maserati models made from 1926 to today, GT cars, racing cars, engines, motorcycles, and dioramas, in all scales and materials, made by companies or individuals. Art works, such as sculptures and paintings are included as well. The final short list of models, chosen by a team of experts and Maserati staff, will be exhibited in Bologna for a month, in one of the historical Palaces in Piazza Maggiore, facing the Statue of Neptune, which inspired the Maserati Brothers' Trident logo.
During the exhibition, at the same time as the launch to the world's press of the new Spyder model, an expert jury, chosen by Maserati, will select the most beautiful models, with prizes to be awarded in these categories:1. Mass-produced models.
2. Artisan (hand-crafted) models.
3. Kits.
4. Art works.
5. Dioramas.
6. Special models.After the event, a catalogue will be published, which will be the first edition of the Maserati models catalogue. If you want to take part in the competition, send in the entry form by 15 August, with photos, technical description and owner's personal details. Entry form and regulations are available on Internet website www.maserati.it, under Heritage in the Model cars section; or by post from Maserati SpA, Via Ciro Menotti 322, Modena, Italy, fax. +39 (0) 59-222619 (fao Pamela Guarnieri), or email to: modellismo@maserati.it So, in the left hand column is the information about the Competition, as supplied by Maserati SpA to Model Auto Review.
Now for our comments: This sounds like a very interesting exercise, and is surprisingly different in tone from the attitude to model makers displayed by Ferrari, which is in the same ownership as Maserati. If Maserati SpA genuinely wish to expand knowledge of, and support for, their brand by a competition and a catalogue of every Maserati which has been made in model form since 1926, that is wonderful news. Just don't let the corporate lawyers see the catalogue. They might regard it as an easy way to track down unlicensed Maserati models and stop their production.
We can't help being a little suspicious, after Ferrari clamped down on production of all models of their cars, and awarded an exclusive license to Mattel. Let's hope that Maserati maintain an enlightened attitude to models of their cars, which give free publicity to their famous classic brand. Otherwise Maserati model cars, which are not all that plentiful anyway, may go the same way as Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Bentley and others.We hope our suspicious minds are incorrect this time, and wish anyone well who decides to participate in the Maserati initiative.
CORGI AMERICAN RANGE
More new releases in Corgi's US series:
Texaco Texas Pipeline Series
US 55704 Kenworth W925 with pipe load and 'Mutt' escort Texaco (Sep)
US51402 International Transtar artic lowboy and submarine Texaco (Nov)
US50407 Huey Iroquois Helicopter Texaco (Oct)
US51504 American Lafrance 900 closed pumper Texaco (Aug)
Vintage Bus Series
US53404 MCI 102 DL3 Greyhound (Sep)
US55019 PCC Streetcar Capital Transit (Aug)
US54310 GM Fishbowl Chicago Transit (Aug)
US55020 PCC Streetcar New Jersey Transit (Oct)
Canadian Series
US52905 Diamond T620 van Moosehead (Oct)
US52309 Mack B Box van Moosehead (Aug)
US54309 GM 5300 Fishbowl Gray Coach (Sep)
Fire & Emergency Series
US53803 Mack CF Tower Philadelphia PA (Aug)
US52208 E-1 Sidemount Pumper Fairfax VA (Jul)
US50801 Seagrave K Pumper Jackson TN (Aug)
US50503 Seagrave 70th Anniv pumper Miami (Sep)
US54905 E-1 Ladder Anne Arundel MD (Oct)
US50802 Seagrave K Pumper NASA FL (Nov)
Firebase Nam Limited Editions
US50406 UH-E1 Huey Gunship USMC (July)
US50304 M48 A3 Patton Tank US Army (July)
CORGI FRENCH COLLECTION
Here are more new releases planned in Corgi's Heritage series for the French market for this year. Certain models are available in other markets as well, including Britain:
Fire Vehicles
EX70616 Peugeot D3A Montel de Gelat (Sep)
EX72916 Unic Saverne Pompes Guinard (July)Road Transport Series
EX70515 Renault 1000kg van Valentine (July)
EX70203 Berliet GLR Henri Walbaum (July)
EX72012 Bernard T 110 Box Van Delices (Aug)
EX70516 Renault 1000kg Van Baroclem (Aug)
EX71008 Faineant Box Van Pere La Grolle (Sep)
EX70517 Renault 1000kg Van Schneider (Oct)
EX70204 Berliet GLR8 Box Van Berger (Sep)
EX70906 Renault JL20 artic tank St Gobain (Oct)
EX70904 Renault JL20 & Trailer Dunlop (Nov)
EX70617 Peugeot D3A Poulain (Nov)
EX70205 Berliet GLR8 van M Portenseigne (Dec)
EX70905 Renault JL20 Wagner+Bonnefois (Nov)Heavy Haulage Series
EX70206 Berliet GLR & Pipes Stag (Aug)
EX55105 Diamond T980 & Pipes Stag (Oct)Pinder Circus Series
EX72917 Simca Cargo Isotherme + Trailer (Nov)
EX11402 Bedford TK + Trailer Kangaroos (Sep)
FUTURE VANGUARDS
Here is an invitation to owners of classic cars: Lledo are investigating future subjects for release in the Vanguards range in 200s. If you send a colour photograph of your car and a 30 word advocacy of its future inclusion in the Vanguards range, a judging panel will make their choice. The winner will get a pre-production model and a special certificate, and the result will be announced at the NEC International Classic Car Show in November. The promotion is run in conjunction with Classic Car Mart, and more details can be found on www.lledo.com
RICHMOND TOYS PLANS
Richmond Toys are known for their series of 'Sooty'-related toys, milk floats, and special livery variants of Chinese (mostly Red Box) emergency vehicles. Among their future plans are some models related to past and present British television shows: Ford Granada (The Sweeney), Jaguar XJ6 (Minder) and Land Rover Discovery (The Bill).
NEW HERPA RELEASES
New models from Herpa of Germany, one 1:43 scale, all the others in 1:87 (HO scale) plastic:
1:43 scale: Smart City Coupe Hamburg Police
1:87 scale
BMW M3 Coupe E46 metallic blue
New Mini Cooper orange or black
VW LT2 Strobel rescue ambulance Prignitz
Opel Zafira with motorcycle on trailer ADAC
Mercedes-Benz Atego fire appliance Düsseldorf
Mercedes-Benz Actros Ruthmann Steiger fire
MAN E2000 Evo 4+16 axle artic low load 'Wirzius'
MAN TG-A XL artic tractor orange
DAF CF artic tipper
Scania bonnetted topline frig artic TCH
Renault AE frig artic Pirelli
MAN E2000 5+3+5 axle low load Mammoet-v. Seumeren
Iveco Eurotech tank container artic Kube+Kubenz
MAN TG-A L Tulo swap-body drawbar Danzas
Volvo FH tilt artic THW
Mercedes- Actros L curtainside artic Dehnhardt
Scania TL artic Leikeim beer
Scania TL frig artic Köstrizer beer
MAN F2000 artic tanker Ehmer German Truck airbrush
MAN TG-A XXL jumbo Hessen airbrush livery
MAN TG-A XXL artic tractor Blum airbrush livery
RIALTO ZAGATO JAGUAR
By Jan Miedema
The 1:43 Rialto model of the Jaguar Zagato is in production. Here is some background information about the Zagato-built Jaguars. In 1957 the well known coachbuilder Zagato of Milano in Italy bought a rolling XK140 chassis from Jaguar and bodied this chassis in the style of the Ferrari 250 GT Zagato from 1956. The aluminium coachwork was apparently hammered around the same wooden buck as the Ferrari, regarding the similarities between the two cars. Only the Jaguar does not have the Zagato style double-bubble roof and the front of the Jaguar is completely different so that a shortened XK140 grille could be incorporated, and the Jaguar does not have air-scoops on the front wings. Also the Jaguar has full bumpers, and not the half-style bumpers which were used on the Ferraris. The wheelbase of the Ferrari and the Jaguar differs only one centimeter, so using the same body panels did not pose any problems. It is not exactly known how many XK140s were built, but it was certainly not more than a few cars. The XK140 I modelled was sold to a Rome businessman around 1957. This car was was found in the USA in 1999 and transported to Italy where it has been restored. It is unknown where the car is at this moment. In 1958 Zagato has built another two Jaguars, these were XK150 types. The body was the same as the XK140, but the difference was at the front where Zagato used the original unmodified XK150 grilles.
The XK150 types have disappeared totally and were probably wrecked. The model is very detailed with chromed white metal, decals and photo-etched parts. Built models and kits are available from the trade or directly from: Rialto Models, Parkdreef 173, 2724 ET Zoetermeer, Netherlands, tel-fax 00 31 79 331 76 76, e-mail: rialtomod@hetnet.nl
NEW FROM MA COLLECTION
By Michel Sordet
Here are my latest Ma Collection (MaCo) models; they are 1:43 resin models with brass and photoetched parts, handbuilt to a very high standard, made in very small runs of 10 to 50 pieces, reserved for keen collectors and only supplied by direct mail order.93: 1936-37 Delahaye 135 Figoni short chassis roadster: Only 11 Delahaye 135 short chassis cars were built between 1936-37 by the great coachbuilder Figoni. They differed in colour, chromework and bumper shape. The body was designed by Geo Ham and built by Figoni, a very futuristic roadster with the headlights built into streamlined wings which totally enclosed the wheels. This car is interesting, as it was the first streamlined baroque roadster in the long series made by Figoni between 1936 and 1947 (Talbot T150SS 1938, Delahaye 165 V12 1938, Delage D6-D8 1939 and Delahaye 135 Narval 1947). The Delahaye 135 short chassis was the most powerful and fastest Delahaye, with a 3557cc engine which gave 100hp at 4000 revs/min, a speed of 160 km/h. Only two cars survive.
Ma Collection is making the four most representative models of these cars
93A Delahaye 135 Figoni roadster short chassis 1936 Paris Motor Show, the star of the show with its powerful motor, streamlined wings and its surprising colour: tea rose (pink) and orange.
93B Delahaye 135 Figoni roadster short chassis Aga Khan 1936: At the Paris show, the Aga Khan admired the Figoni 135 roadster and bought it immediately, on the condition that it was repainted in a more discreet colour, black with a brown interior. The bumpers were changed as well. We do not know if this car has survived to 2001. (Above).
93C Delahaye 135 Figoni roadster short chassis 1937: one of two existing restored cars. Ivory and blue body, with the same details as the Paris motor show car.
93D Delahaye 135 Figoni roadster short chassis 1937: the second of the two surviving restored cars. This roadster was found in Czechoslovakia and resyored in the USA; it won Pebble Beach in 2000. The detailing of the bonnet is a bit different from the other cars. Light grey and dark red in colour. This model will be available in September.
92: Renault Primaquatre AGS Ambulance 1939: This continues the MaCo story of the Renault Celta, Nova and Primaquatre, as we have already made the saloon, coupe, four seat cabriolet and two seat roadsters. Renault mostly built these ambulances for the French Air Force and for the War. Its engine was capable of 45hp at 3000 revs/min, had three gears, and 400kg capacity. It had the same wheelbase as the saloon, 2710 mm, and could reach a maximum speed of 102km/h. MaCo makes three versions:
92A 1939 Renault Primaquatre AGS civilian ambulance: cream with Red Cross flag.
92B 1939 Renault Primaquatre AGS French Air Force ambulance: called voiture medicale d'urgence: gloss dark blue with Red Cross flag. 92C 1939 Renault Primaquatre AGS French Army ambulance: called voiture medicale d'urgence: matt khaki with gloss black wings and Red Cross flag.
CARARAMA 1:43 CARS
By Maz Woolley
Cararama is a trade name used by Hongwell a Hong Kong based company producing models in mainland China. Under this name the models turn up at discount shops, market stalls, and gift shops. Indeed almost anywhere except model shops. The models are sold exceptionally cheaply, their 1:43 models can be bought for as little as 99 pence. The same models turn up in more traditional model shops under the Schuco Juniors brand in different packaging. Sometimes these are in different colours, or with items such as the small trailer caravan which have not appeared under the Cararama label. Some of the models pictured have already appeared in MAR as Schuco Juniors. Hongwell first came to my attention with the cheap and cheerful Action Toys brand and some of the Cararama models are re-releases of models that appeared in that range or are models produced in 1:87-ish scaled down from previous Action Toys such as the Land Rover Freelander. However Hongwell significantly improved the quality of the new range and some of these 'toys' now stand scrutiny against other ranges 'collectors models'. The healthy number of up-to-the-minute vehicles including saloons, estates and 4x4s is a striking feature of this range although some of the new releases are now aimed at the nostalgia market. The pick of the latest releases for me is the Lexus GS300 which is an attractive model. It has fully framed opening front doors so they do not spoil the lines, and some nice features such as the good painting and printing. Hopefully the picture shows the good front lights and wheels. In my view the BMW 5 Series runs it a close second and although the only the lower part of the door opens they fit well and look good closed. In contrast the Jaguar XK8 is a little more toy-like. Perhaps it is because of the larger gaps round the doors, which unfortunately do not show in the picture, and the heavy handed printing of the reversing light elements on the nicely moulded separate rear lights. What I do like about this model, and several of the others, is the way that the wipers are moulded as part of the screen and then matt printed which looks very effective. The last of the modern vehicles pictured here, the Saab 9-5 saloon (Carried over from the Action Toys range) and Saab 9-5 Estate are good with nice detailing although their door frames are 'split' to form the opening lower half. Some other modern vehicles available but not pictured here are a brace of 1:43 Porsche Carreras, open and closed which also appear in 1:87, some modern Mercedes vehicles mainly re-coloured from the Action Toys range, and open and closed versions of the Volvo S40, and a large Volvo estate. The Volvos are a carry-over from the Action Toys range and the Estate is widely seen in a generic Police Livery. The VW Bulli and Samba are to my mind rather nicer than the equivalent Solido Volkswagens in many respects, if not as good as the City Models (Vitesse Group) examples. The two colour areas are created by using a plastic upper half and the upper windows in the Samba are printed on in silver. The only curiosity is the treatment of the two tone paint at the rear where the upper colour covers the whole of the rear door rather than only the top half - can any reader tell me if this is prototypical? To cut costs the same interior tub is used for both models so the van has a lot of rear seats!
The MGB Roadster is possibly a little better than the Del Prado, except for the wheels where the spokes are printed on a flat black disc with a central spinner glued on top - they look better in the photo than in life. The wing mirrors are curiously like the ones used for the old Mettoy Corgi MGB and E Type 2+2 and the rear rack is over-scale as were similar ones used on early Retro-Vitesse models. Another 'oldie', the Mercedes-Benz 300SL has already been seen in MAR in Schuco Junior form, and it is a nice model, if a strange choice for mass sales. The picture shows that the gull-wings open without causing too much visual intrusion and it is based on a real Panamericana rally car. The baseplate is very plain, except for the exhaust which is a painted separate part. That leaves the Lexus RX300 which is a good companion to the Mercedes M Class and the Land-Rover Freelander that Hongwell produced as Action Toys (note: the M Class has appeared again under the Cararama label but I haven't seen the Freelander yet). Like the GS300 it has fully framed opening front doors, a separate exhaust, pretty good separate lights, and a well moulded interior tub. If that was not enough it also has delicately moulded roof bars. I am really impressed by the steady improvement in standards that Hongwell have achieved as well as their choice of vehicles, particularly the modern ones. I have to pinch myself when I remind myself how little they cost. In many cases the wheels and tyres are worth the purchase price alone, as spare parts for scratch builders!
Copyright 2001 Modelauto Ltd and Solnet Systems Ltd
e-mail mar@zeteo.com
