EDITORIAL
By Rod WardWE WILL BE CLOSED
With this issue of MAR, we complete 20 years in continuous publication, and six years on the web, so I look forward to a little rest, and maybe a beer or two, over the Holiday season.
During the Christmas 2001 to New Year 2002 period we will be closed from Friday 21 December to Tuesday 1 January. Our last day open is Thursday 20 December. We re-open on Wednesday 2 January.
Please accept the compliments of the season from everyone at Model Auto Review, and I hope that we all have a peaceful and prosperous 2002. Don't forget, there is never an edition of MAR published in January, so you'll have to wait a little longer for MAR 159, published on 7 February (leaving here in late January).
That issue will include coverage of the 2002 releases planned from some major makers (send news of your plans, please, chaps). It will also be the issue which marks the beginning of our third decade, so I still invite any suggestions as to how to mark the event. The only suggestion so far is that we should have more pictures of our trusty canine assistant Biggles, especially showing him in action choosing competition winners! If you get the print version of MAR, there is a little pic of him on the Contents page this time.
PCs UNDER ATTACK
Gary Oxley of the Jaguar Model Club has been victim of a virus attack. He opened an email attachment which penetrated his email system with disastrous results. So, a warning; everyone on the web gets annoying virus-laden messages, sometimes more such emails than genuine ones. Install anti-virus protection software today! Never open an attachment unless you know who sent it, and then only if the enclosing email explains what the attachment is.
If the email software you use automatically accepts, or even opens, attachments, remove that software from your system. Those nasty folk who send out disruptive viruses will obviously target the widest-used Operating System, email software and internet browser software. 90% of the world's personal computers run on Microsoft's Windows OS.
If you buy a PC, sold with Windows OS, your 'bundle' usually includes MS Internet Explorer and MS Outlook Express. This means that viruses only need to attack these systems to hit 90% of computers in use. So, if you are buying a new computer system, I recommend that you buy an Apple Macintosh, rather than a PC running on Windows.
It is highly unlikely that a virus will be targeted at Macs.
AVOIDING THE VIRUS
If you already own a PC, and don't want to change, then at least replace the MS Internet Explorer and Outlook Express in your system with alternative software such as Netscape Navigator which should stop viruses targeted at MS software, and also works better, as an internet browser and email system. I hasten to add that I have no financial interest in either Apple or Netscape, I am just a satisfied user of both products. The assumption by many PC users is that Windows is the only system, and there's no other choice. Hence the number of email attachments sent to MAR in Microsoft formats. Obviously I never attempt to open them, as they might possibly contain viruses.
If you don't own a computer, all the foregoing is probably meaningless. Never mind, maybe you will be given a computer for Christmas, then you can join us in all our troubles.
MORE OXFORD UPDATES
Oxford Die-Cast, as indicated in MAR 157, are getting back up to speed with promo releases and special issues. Many of their models are in distinct thematic groups, so we'll look at some of them here.
CIGARETTE LIVERIES: Started in 1999 and were so popular that a 'range' began. Early releases have been re-numbered to make themed collection. Original codes are in brackets. Quantity made is also given below.
CIG001 Turf Bullnose (171) 2,000
CIG002 Players (181G) 2,000
CIG003 Senior Service (186G) 2,000
CIG004 Lucky Strike (19TG) 2,500
CIG005 Gold Flake (A003G) 2,000
CIG006 Craven A 2,000
CIG007 Woodbine 2,000
CIG008 Capstan 2,000
CIG009 Park Drive 2,000
CIG010 Black Cat 2,000
CIG011 Kensitas 2,000
CIG012 Ark Royal 2,000
CIG013 Navy Blue 2,000
CIG014 Red & White 2,500
CIG015 Black&White 2,500
CIG016 Anchor 2,000
CiG017 Airman 2,000
CIG018 State Express 333 2,000
CIG019 State Express 555 2,000
CIG020 State Express 777 2,000
CIG021 Piccadilly 2,000
CIG022 Mayfair 2,000
CIG023 Pall Mall 2,000
CIG024 Du Maurier red 2,000
CIG025 Du Maurier blue 2,000COMICS range started 2000
CCOO1 Eagle 1,500
CC002 Tiger 1,500
CCO03 Adventure 1,500
CC004 Radio Fun 1,200
CCO05 Lion 1,500
CC006 Swift 1,500
CC007 Wizard 1,500
CC008 Champion 1,500MILITARY UNITS: a new series, the first one just released, more to follow.
MIL001 First Commando 2,000
MAGAZINES: This series also started in 2001.
MAG001 Practical Householder 1,500
MAG002 War Illustrated 1,500 (open top bus)ROUTEMASTER:
This series has been going for much longer, but now gets it first open top RM, Torquay.
RM1 Notts Council 2,500
RM2 Notts Energy 2,500
RM3 East Yorkshire 3,000
RM4 Sent to Coventry 2,000
RM5 Stardrops 5,000
RM6 Greenline 3,000
RM7 Northern 3,000
RM8U Days Inn 1,500
RM9 Training Bus 3.500
RM10 London Country 3,000
RM11 Dawsons 1,000
RM12 South Wales 3,000
RM13 Halifax 3,000
RM14 New Zealand 6,000
RM15 KD Bus 2,000
RM16 London Trans. 2,000
RM17 Cavalcade of Steam 2,000
RM18D BranthoKorrux 1,000
RM19 DawsonRental 1,050
RM20 Astra Zeneca 1,450
RM21 British Airways 2,000
RM22 Birkenhead Packet 2,000
RM23 Kentish Bus 1,500
RM24 Beefeater 12,000
RM25 BEA 2,000
RM26 Silver Jubilee 2,500
RM27 Foresters Fund for Children 1,500
RM28 Job Opportunities 3,500
RM29 Festival of Britain 2,000
RM30 Old Dublin Tour 2,000
RM31 Blackpool 2,000
RM32 Shop Linker 2,000
RM33 Omnibus (Shilibeer livery) 2,000
First open top Routemaster
RM33 Torquay 2,000OPEN TOP BUS:
This antique open top double decker bus is based loosely on a 1919 Thornycroft J Type.
B1 AEC General 4,000
B2 Renault Paris 4,000
B3 John West Bus 50,000
B4 Kings Head 7,500
B5 Beaulieu 10,000
B6 Fotorama 8,000
B7 Co-op 17,000
B8 Vimto 16,000
B9 Dri-Pak Soda Crystal 19,000
B10 Outspan 20,000.
B11 Streamline 25,000
B12 Heart of Britain 5,500
B13 OIe Bill 2,600
BI4 Country Life 8,000
BI5H Hamleys 10,000
BI6 Bekonscot 4 000
BI7 Wallace National 4,000
BI8 PG Tips 8,000
BI9 Oakey 4,000
B20 Waterford Crystal 6,200
B21N Internat. Medical 2,600
B22 Arsenal 2,500
B23 Booths 15,000
B24 RNLI 40,000
B25 NSPCC 40,000
BR26F IHT Renault 2,500
B27 Nottingham City Council 2,500
B28 Manor House 5,300
B29 Golden Annive. 5,000
B30 Budgens 7,500~
B31 Sainsbury Cereal 28,000
B32 Dublin Crystal 5,000
B33 WWI Victory 3,200
B34 Beamish 5,000
B35 Tullamore Dew 25,000
B36 Notts Forest 5,000
B37 Babbacombe 2,500
B38 Bovril 50,000
B39 Lincs Plum Loaf 12,500
B40 Days Inn 10,000
B41 Bolton Eve News 5.000
B42 Tesco 12,000
B43 Radio Times 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
B52U Colonial 20,000
B53U Rainbo 15,000
B54 Lancs Eve Post 2,500
B55 British Legion 55,000
B56 W H Smith 7.500
B57 Daily Telegraph 20,000
B58 Notts Transport 1,500
B59 New Zealand 6,000
B60 Diecast Collector 4,000
B61 Diecast Collector 4,000
B62 RHS 28,000
B63 Not issued
B64 Langham Hilton 2,000
B65 Sunday Post 7,500
B66 Crystal Palace 1,250
B67U Georgia Farm 2,500
B68 Notts Topper 2,500
B69 Gurkha Army 1,800
B70 British Legion 2000 15,000
B71 Bradite Paints 1,000
B72 Luton Town
B73 Manor House 800
B74 Waterford Crystal 750
B75 Beamish Open Air Museum 2002 5,000
B76 British Legion 2002 7,500BRITISH LEGION
The British Legion celebrates its 80th anniversary. For the third year Oxford Diecast is supporting them with a new Limited Edition diecast van offer. For each set of vehicles purchased via various newspaper offers Oxford make a donation of £3.00 to the British Legion. In 1999 and 2000 the demand for these sets was so high that the complete editions sold out.
OOC BUSES FOR 2002
Here are the 1:76 buses planned by Corgi's Original Omnibus Co for January to June 2002. Note Feltham tram and Lodekka LS:
OM43601 Plaxton Palatine Harris Bus, Grays Jan
OM40501 Feltham Tram LPTB Jan
OM43304 Plaxton Excalibur Elcock Relsen Jan
OM45705 AEC Q double deck Westcliff-on-Sea Jan
OM45109 MCW Metrobus Mk II West Brom Feb
OM43702 AEC 6641T trolleybus Cardiff Corp Feb
OM42405 Leyland Leopard-Panorama Ribble Feb
OM41905 Leyland PD3-QM open top Southdown Mar
OM43401 Plaxton Beaver Stagecoach Ribble Mar
OM40502 Feltham tram Leeds City Transport Mar
OM43908 Daimler CW Utility Belfast Corp Mar
OM42901 Optare Delta Metro Coastlines (Blackpool Transport) Apr
OM43504 Blackpool Balloon tram 'Eclipse' Apr
OM44004 Blackpool Brush railcoach Mystique Apr
OM40801 Bristol Lodekka FS Southdown May
OM45605 BMMO D9 Midland Red May
OM43303 Plaxton Premiere Blackburn May
OM45706 AEC Q double deck Hull Corp May
OM40802 Bristol Lodekka FS6B Brighton H&D Jun
OM45110 MCW Metrobus Mk 1 West Mids Jun
OM42602 Bedford OB Bibby's of Ingleton JunEFE IMPORT DRUMWELLS
Working with Drumwell Ltd of Hong Kong, Exclusive First Editions are offering their direct mail order customers these two 1:76 diecast Hong Kong buses:
99402 Neoplan Centroliner andylau.com
A standard KMB gold body, decorated in an all-over livery promoting the website of Asian super star Andy Lau. This bus, registered JB 319, is on route 296C to Shaim Shui Po, Tonkin Street. The model comes on a red felt mat topped plinth99502 Dennis Dragon 11m air conditioned
In the current standard livery of Kowloon Motor Bus Company. With greater use of air conditioning on Hong Kong buses the many opening windows are a thing of the past, giving a much cleaner appearance to the vehicles. This bus, is on route 59X to Tuen Mun Pier.EFE LATE 2001 RELEASES
New buses from Exclusive First Editions, all 1:76 models from China for UK:
Volvo Wright Endurance First Manchester
Scania Wright Access Kentish Bus
Guy Arab II Utility Edinburgh Corporation
Bristol VRIII open top Stagecoach Devon General
Leyland National Mk I London & Country
Leyland TD1 open rear Sheffield LMS-LNER
Bedford Vega SB Greenslades
AEC Routemaster Reading Mainline
Bristol MW-LS Royal Blue Southern National
Volvo Wright Renown First Northumbria
Leyland PD2/12 Orion Portsmouth Corp
Leyland PD2 lowbridge Todmorden LMS
Plaxton Paramount 3500 Wallace ArnoldTEKNO LATEST TRUCKS
New liveries on 1:50 diecast trucks from Tekno of the Netherlands:
DAF 95XF-430 SC 45-foot container Geest
Scania R114L-380 Topline Bas Transport
DAF 95XF-380 SC Hameleers
Scania R144L-460 Topline maxvol Aalburg
Scania R124L-420 Topline Flexos Hartmann
Mercedes-Benz Actros 1843L Silo Jung
Scania R144L-460 Topline Anhalt
Scania T124L-400 open top Maguires
Scania R114L-340 Shore Porters
DAF 95 XF-430 SC Paddy Murphy
Scania R144L-530 Topline frig Zingg
Volvo FH12-420 Globetrotter frig ZinggUSA IN UKRAINE
Here is some news of American vehicle models made in Kimmerija, Ukraine. For more info, email novo@fregat.com
Kenworth K100E, four different semi trailers
Kenworth K100E Aerodyne, four semi trailers
White-Freightliner WFP 1974 four semi trailers
Peterbilt 351 four different semi trailers
Peterbilt 351 dump truck
Peterbilt 351 container trailer
Ford LTL-9000 four different semi trailers
Ford LTL-9000 dump truck
Ford LTL-9000 container trailer
Peterbilt 357 four different semi trailers
Peterbilt 357 dump truck
Peterbilt 357 container trailer
Ford Crown school bus
Freightliner school bus
Freightliner fire engine Business Class
Peterbus recreational vehicle by Kingsley CoachKIBRI MILITARY KITS
By Hans-Georg SchmittKibri of Germany are making 1:87 plastic kits in German Bundeswehr military livery:
B-18046 Menck tracked excavator
B-18048 Liebherr A922 tracked excavator
B-18050 Mercedes-Benz three axle artic tractor
B-18052 O&K grader, UN white
B-18054 MAN three axle artic tractor
B-18056 Mercedes-Benz artic low loader, UN white
B-18058 Mercedes-Benz Actros fire with container
B-18060 Three axle trailer set (box and flat)
B-18038 Magirus-Deutz three axle Bilstein wrecker
B-18040 DUKW amphibious vehicle
B-18042 Liebherr breakdown crane LTM 1025
B-18044 Magirus-Deutz Jupiter fire applianceCLUB NEWS
Brooklin Collectors Club: In the latest edition of the Brooklin Collector it is noted that the Dealer Special scheme for collectors is now a 'sham' in terms of the sticker-voucher aspect. One has to collect stickers given free with eight previous Brooklin issues, then add them to the payment when buying a Dealer Special from a Brooklin dealer. 'Why not just release this as a standard, or late announcement factory special?' is the question, and we must agree. Why not? Brooklin Collector also has some additional notes on recent Lansdowne issues. The Bristol 400 is based on a restored example which originally belonged to the Director of the Bristol Aeroplane Co, but the real car is painted in Rolls-Royce Garnet, so dark as to appear almost black on the model, which is instead finished in a lighter shade. Apparently some collectors didn't like the blue colour of the Ford V8 Pilot as a Dealer Special, and it is now re-released in pale green, leaving only beige and black available of the original car's standard colours.
We might question why both versions are fitted with whitewall tyres, as even Brooklin's catalogue illustration of the Pilot shows the more typical black tyres. If you would like to contribute to the discussion, contact BCC membership secretary John Bowyer by telephone on 01276 473449, fax 01344 487336, email john_bowyer@ethyl.com.
Coventry Diecast Model Club: Mick Russell is now firmly putting his stamp on Wheelspin, the CDMC magazine, of which he is Editor. A lot more pictures, rather fewer jokes, and no mention of MAR (obviously Mick doesn't read it) characterise the current Wheelspin. We were a little concerned that Erik Frederiksen might be resigning as club chairman, when he was pictured with his 'resign model'. Then it turned out that this was a resin model that Erik had won. So Erik's position is safe after all, and in Wheelspin we can read of his mother's traumatic wartime experiences, being evacuated from Belgium in 1940. Many other members are helping Mick's editorial efforts, with their articles and features, notably the irrrepressible Will Roe, El Presidenté of the CDMC. For information on club membership, telephone 024 7630 7700.
The Period Motorcaravan Guild: The name of John Hanson is well-known to MAR readers. In addition to all his Modelauto and MAR activities, plus preservation of the many vehicles in the H-S collection (and a private life as well), John also runs The Period Motorcaravan Guild, The Society for the True Enthusiast, whose title tells you the member-ship aims. John writes most of the 28 page A5 quarterly newsletter, though he does not do the typesetting. He does, however, do the layout and paste-up, so perhaps that explains why we see a photograph of a Bradford-built Paralanian (John owns two or three of the handful of survivors) in the well-illustrated newsletter The Open Road. If you are a fan of motor caravans in model or full-size form, you should join this Club. Membership costs £14.00, and in addition to The Open Road you get access to spare parts, expert advice and rally information. Contact John Hanson, 116 Copgrove Road, Leeds LS8 2RS.
South Hants Model Auto Club: It must be the nice weather in the South of England. The SHMAC magazine includes lots of accounts of visits to outdoor shows and events in the area. Don't they know it makes the paint on your models fade? For the more indoorsy, John Kinchen notes that, following a display at just such a show, he was invited to appear on local television, describing his collection. He has been featured many times before on radio and television, but this time he managed to get a screen caption included, with the SHMAC details and a contact telephone number. A very enterprising way to increase membership, let's hope it was effective. If you are too far from Portsmouth to receive their local television station, membership details are available from Rod Fox on 02380 432226.
2CVGB Club: George Burton has sent us details of the 2CVGB Club and its shop for members. If you are a Citroen 2CV owner you probably already know about the Club, and you are probably already a member. But non-owners may also be interested in joining, in order to get their information about model Citroens for sale (not just 2CVs). Among the sweatshirts, licence holders, light lenses and the rest, the Club Shop stocks Citroen models by Corgi, Solido, Verem, Vitesse and many other makers. So if you are a fan of the double chevron, contact 2CVGB Club Shop, (George and Lynne Burton), 22 Arcadian Gardens, Hadleigh, Essex, SS7 2RP, UK
Jaguar Model Club: Gary Oxley continues to keep Jaguar model collectors well informed about new releases and other feline matters in his quarterly club magazine. He is rather peeved, however, at the lack of support he seems to be getting from some members. There has been little take-up of the discussion page on the Club website, members are not informing Gary about new models they come across, somehow thinking that he knows all and will tell them (how do they think he gets the information?) and few orders are being placed for models with the Club shop, which provides necessary Club income. Gary has also been annoyed to hear of members forming 'inner circles', passing information between themselves, rather than sharing with all the membership through the magazine or website. The latest Club model is a lovely resin kit, made specially by Provence Moulage, or handbuilt model of the rare Hartin-bodied fastback Jaguar XK150S. Only 100 were made, including both kits and builts, surely they would all sell out? 'Unless it breaks even, there will be no more Club models in future', warned Gary. There was a rush of orders at first, from committed collectors, some of whom bought more than one model in an effort to improve sales. But now, with only just over half of them spoken for, interest has waned and sales have scorched to a halt. If you want one, join the Club by contacting Gary at 11 Birchwood Drive, Ravenfield, Rotherham, S65 4PT, UK or email gary@jaguarmodelcub.demon.co.uk
Maidenhead Static Model Club: A recent talk was given to Club members by David Pressland, well-known authority and author on the tinplate model. David entertained the well attended meeting with facts, anecdotes and a history of well known and less well-known tinplate toy makers. His display of old tin toys was a delight to see, encompassing as it did land, sea and air, with clockwork models of aircraft, ships, old buses and cars. To round off the evening, the Club competition - on the theme of Tin Toys was won by Colin Penn's old station building. Second prize was awarded to Michael Driver for his large model lorry by German toy-maker Gama, and third place was taken by John Gartside's large CIJ Renault car. The MSMC will hold the next Windsor International Toy Fair on 26 January 2002. For more details visit the updated MSMC website at http://welcome.to/msmc, or ring Gary on 023 8078 4484.
Wessex Model & Toy Collectors: An interesting situation has arisen at the WMTC, where they have a number of families where more than one person is a Club member. Hitherto, every member has been sent their own copy of Smalltalk, the WMTC Newsletter, even if there is more than one member at that address. Now there has been a change of policy, and unless otherwise requested, only one copy will be sent per household. They will just have to take turns reading Smalltalk, and the postage saved by the Club will be significant. Other clubs may wonder why the WMTC has so many multiple family members. The reason is that the sought-after WMTC special Club models made by Brooklin and others are allocated in relation to paid-up membership. There is no problem with members enrolling wives, children, granny or the cat, in order to get more models, as it increases the Club's income from membership fees. But unnecessary printing and mailing of unread copies of Smalltalk is a strain on the Club funds that can now be reduced. Members can now take their turn to read about all the museums, collections, rallies and fairs visited by their pals, and the much more interesting articles by Alexandra Jones, teenage daughter of the Treasurer. Among all the museum chat, there is a note about Gaydon, which now belongs to Ford. Previously only BMC, BL and Rover cars were exhibited, but in future display areas will be offered to any car company that has been manufacturing in the UK for more than five years. For more details on club membership, which gives you the lowdown on all this in Smalltalk (plus the chance to buy a Club model) phone Doug Male on 01380 840356.
DPMV: The newly-founded Deutscher Plastik Modellbau Verband is an interesting development which may be an example to others. It is an umbrella organisation for the many German plastic kit clubs, to enable them to speak with one voice to the industry, the press and each other. The DPMV is sponsored by all the major plastic kit manufacturers or their German distributors, and it will no doubt be influential in future. If only other collectors' clubs could co-operate in this way! This might enable members to have their views respected by manufacturers (who might even sponsor such an organisation) and probably increase membership, if national exposure led to applications to join local 'chapters'. In the past, however, whenever MAR has suggested the idea to British clubs, the apathy has been deafening. It has been suggested that the reason for such disinterest is that some club committee members feel they would lose control over their empires, and would rather their clubs folded up altogether, rather than co-operate with anyone else. But maybe now that many clubs are finding it harder to find volunteers for committee posts and officers, this idea may be more attractive. If you would like to see how they do it in Germany (and if your knowledge of German is good enough) visit their internet site at http://www.dpmv.de
The Herpa Collectors Club has been renamed the 'Herpa Car Club', so its initials are the same, but the logo has changed. The Club model for 2001 is a New Mini in black with silver roof, red interior and highg loss chrome wheels. HCC members get this unique club model, Der Masstab, the Herpa magazin, data-sheets for models and news leaflets. It is also possible to place free adverts in the Herpa magazine. Membership applications should be sent to Herpa Miniaturmodelle, Leonrodstrasse 46-47; D90599 Dietenhofen, Germany.
CORGI PLANS FOR EARLY 2002
Lots of stuff promised from Corgi and from their associate companies for next year. New castings include Daimler ambulance, Dennis F15 fire appliance and Scania torpedo cab. Some planned releases are listed elsewhere in this issue, such as the Original Omnibus Co 1:76 models and Aviation Archive aircraft.
HAULIERS OF RENOWN 1:50 trucks
CC12901 Scania Topline curtainside Stobart Jan
CC12004 MAN container artic ARR Craib Jan
CC12801 Scania artic tank Feldbinder Hayes Feb
CC12409 Volvo FH Globetrotter frig McBurney Feb
CC12505 Atkinson Borderer tautliner Preston Mar
CC12410 Volvo FH Bulk Tipper Knowles Jun
CC12702 ERF ECS Curtainside Stoford Mar
CC12802 Scania Torpedo Bulk Tipper Stobart Jun
CC12211 Scania curtainside Fagan+Whalley May
CC12703 ERF ECS artic flat Vaughan Logistics JunROAD TRANSPORT HERITAGE 1:50 trucks
CC11504 AEC Mk V 4 axle + tyre load Spiers Jan
CC11607 Albion LAD 3 axle dropside Richards Feb
CC11403 Bedford KM artic + bricks Knowles Mar
CC10601 Leyland Octopus drawbar Road Services (Caledonian) Ltd Apr
CC10803 Foden S21 tipper + gravel Longson MayHEAVY HAULAGE 1:50 trucks
CC12210 Scania 3+5 axle low load artic+ Thames Trader Tipper 'load' W H Malcolm Jan
CC12506 Atkinson Venturer 3+2 axle low load artic Wynns Heavy Haulage MarDIBNAH'S CHOICE 1:50 steam vehicles
CC20301 Garrett 4CD Showmans Tractor 'The Mighty Atom' Jan
CC20203 Foden Steam wagon with oil tank Anglo American Oil Co Ltd JunLAND ROVER 1:43 scale models
CC07404 Land Rover soft top green+grubby Feb
CC07405 Land Rover with trailer Rover Mobile Service School Apr
CC07406 Land Rover RAC Jun9 DOUBLE 9 COLLECTION emergency vehicles
CC13001 Dennis F16 rear pump Blackburn Mar
CC06202 Morris J Ambulance Nottingham Mar
US53504 ALF 700 2 door pumper Elkhart IN Apr
CC06301 Daimler Ambulance Birmingham Apr
CC10304 AEC Pump ladder Leicester City FB May
CC02301 Ford Transit Warwickshire CFB JunQUEEN ELIZABETH II GOLDEN JUBILEE
CC25902 Routemaster bus, purple-cream Mar
CC25206 Open Top Tram, purple-cream Mar
CC09901 State Landau + horses Apr
CC25903 Routemaster Bus gold plated Apr
CC25207 Fully enclosed tram gold plated AprTRAMWAY CLASSICS circa 1:72 scale
CC25205 double deck closed tram Nottingham JanMINI MANIA 1:36 scale
CC82214 Mini 40 Ian Gunn Mini Miglia #6 Jan
CC82216 Mini Classic Dave Banwell #3 Mar
CC99109 'The Last Cooper S' set of 3 MayPREMIUM EDITION: First quarter: British Rail
CC11001 Thames Trader flat
CC11301 Scammell Scarab
CC11606 Albion Reiver flat + tank containerPREMIUM EDITION: Second quarter: Circus
CC02001 Minivan Billy Smarts Circus
CC12303 Scammell Contractor Austin Bros
CC12606 Scammell Crusader artic Robert BrosUS SERIES: various scales: FIRE
US06002 Dodge Monaco+figures Chicago FD Jan
US50504 Seagrave sedan pumper Detroit MI Feb
US50803 Seagrave K +figures Chicago FD Mar
US50804 Seagrave K Pumper Baltimore B47 May
US52007 Mack CF Pumper+figs Chicago FD Apr
US53504 Alf 700 2-door pumper Elkhart IN Apr
US53804 Mack CF tower ladder Bethpage NY Mar
US54905 E-One ladder Anne Arundel Cty, MD JanUS SERIES: 1:50 scale: TRANSPORT
US50706 Mack LJ + trailer Budweiser Jun
US51403 IH Transtar Souelly Trucking Feb
US52310 Mack B van Budweiser AprUS SERIES: 1:50 scale: PUBLIC TRANSPORT
US53405 MCI 102 DL3 bus TNM&O Apr
US54311 GM Fishbowl Baltimore Transit Jan
US55021 PCC Car LA 'Fruit Salad' Feb
US55022 PCC Streetcar Budweiser MayUS SERIES: MILITARY 1:48 - 1:50 scales
US51003 Sherman flame thrower tank USMC Feb
US51601 T34 Russian Tank Chinese Army May
US51703 Dodge Weapons Carrier US Army Jan
US51902 Bell H-13 MASH helicopter US Army MarTV & Film Favourites
CC05901 Bullitt Ford Mustang+Frank Bullitt Mar
CC99111 Only Fools & Horses set Ford Capri and Reliant Robin 1:43 May
CC87503 Scooby Doo Mystery Machine with Shaggy and Scooby figures Jun
CC07301 Heartbeat Morris Commercial with Greengrass & Alfred the dog Jun
CC01701 Heartbeat Morris Minor Traveller + Sgt Oscar Blaketon Feb
CC82217 The Italian Job, Mini 7 diorama Feb
CC01601 Last of The Summer Wine Triumph Herald Convertible + Edie Pegden Jun
CC07403 Last of The Summer Wine Land Rover with Compo in chair Mar
CC00301 Return of the Saint Jaguar XJS New Jan
CC00401 The Professionals Ford Capri New Jan
CC82215 The Italian Job Mini New Jan
CC00501 Kojak Buick New Jan
CC00201 Starsky & Hutch Ford Gran Torino JanThe Muppets
CC06601 Kermit's car Feb
CC06602 Fozzie Bear's car Feb
CC06603 Miss Piggy's car Feb
CC06604 Animal's car FebThe Definitive Bond Collection
CC04101 Stromberg helicopter, Spy Who Loved Me New
CC04401 Moon Buggy, Diamonds are Forever New
CC08401 Renault Taxi, A View to a Kill New
CC06101 Double deck bus, Live & Let Die New
CC04001 Space Shuttle, Moonraker New
CC85701 Citroen 2cv For Your Eyes Only NewCORGI TOYS FOR 2002
Here are some of the 'toys' planned by Corgi for release in the first half of 2002:
Manchester United
TY88001 Manchester Utd football on wheels May
TY82218 Manchester United Mini Apr
TY85901 Manchester United LT1 Taxi Apr
TY84102 Manchester United Team Coach Apr
TY81708 Manchester Utd Megastore Transit Apr
TY86707 Manchester Utd Megastore truck AprSuperhaulers
TY86608 Scania artic fuel tanker BP Jan
TY87004 DAF 95 artic P&O Nedlloyd Jan
TY86611 Scania curtainside Knights of Old Jan
TY86903 Renault Premium Curtainside City Jan
TY86609 Scania car transporter ECM Jan
TY99103 Truck set Royal Mail, 4 piece JanEddie Stobart
TY86705 Volvo with containers Jan
TY99108 truck set, 4 piece Jan
00001 'Steady Eddie' video and model set JanChitty Chitty Bang Bang (ex-Juniors)
TY87801 Miniature Chitty Chitty Bang Bang JanFord Transit 1:64 scale
TY81706 Ford Transit van James Irlam Jan
TY81707 Ford Transit van Tarmac JanConstruction
TY87901 Cement Mixer The Concrete Co. Jan
TY88101 Tracked tower crane JanEmergency Services
TY82701 Land Rover Coastguard Patrol JanThe Great Outdoors
TY88201 Unimog tipper truck Jan
TY99113 Farming Set: tractor, silo, grain lift Apr
TY82802 Range Rover Green JanVANGUARDS PLANS
Here are the planned models from Vanguards for the first half of 2002. New models include Sunbeam Alpine Mk II Herald 13/60 Convertible and Rover P5.
SALOON CARS
VA06802 Hillman Minx IIIA blue, grey roof Jan
VA06403 Vauxhall Cresta maroon-silver grey Jan
VA06505 Rover 3500 V8 Mexico brown Jan
VA06900 Rover P.5 MkII grey-green Jan
VA06303 Morris Marina white Feb
VA06101 Ford Zephyr MkII blue-white Feb
VA07100 Morris Minor Conv. cream-maroon Mar
VA05205 Ford Granada Ghia white-black Mar
VA04406 Austin A60 Cambidge blue-white Mar
VA07200 Ford Popular saloon grey Apr
VA00119 Ford Anglia Super gold metallic Apr
VA07300 Ford Cortina MkI green May
VA07400 Triumph Herald Conv. damson May
VA04106 Ford Cortina MkII Super red JuneSALOON CAR SETS
RC1003 Rover Collection: three models: P4 (100) Ivory, P5 Steel Blue,
3500 Cameron Green Feb
HI1003 Hillman Collection: three models; Hillman lmp, Hillman Minx,
Singer Chamois AprHIDDEN TREASURES (shabby condition)
VA04506 Austin Allegro Glacier white Jan
VA06304 Morris Marina blaze, wing primer Mar
VA06609 Ford Transit Mk 1 grubby white MayPOLICE VEHICLES
VA05203 Ford Granada Greater Manchester Jan
VA04405 Austin A60 Cambridge Cardiff City Feb
VA04105 Ford Cortina Mk II 1600 GT Lancs Mar VA04603 Ford Zephyr 6 Mk III Plymouth City Apr
VA00120 Ford Anglia Liverpool & Bootle May
VA06610 Ford Transit Mk I van -Lancs JuneSPORTS CARS
VA06704 Triumph Spitfire MkII hardtop Blue Jan
VA06705 Triumph Spitfire MkII softtop white Feb
VA05701 Austin Healey Blue-Ivory Mar
VA05003 MGA open top Chariot Red May
VA07000 Sunbeam Alpine MkII Carnival Red JunCOMMERCIAL VEHICLES
VA06607 Ford Transit Mk1 diesel van Blackpool Feb
VA07600 Land Rover Ser II Corgi Midland Red Mar
VA01118 Morris Minor van Oxford Motor Serv Apr
VA00414 Ford Anglia van - Stratford Blue May
VA00316 Austin A40 van Thames Valley JunDAYS GONE JAN to JUNE
Lledo have announced these releases in the Days Gone range for the first half of 2002:
Days Gone Standard Range
DG003019 Horse drawn van Royal Mail Jan
DG050045 Morris bullnose van The Macallan Jan
DG091009 Foden Steam Wagon Tate & Lyle Jan
DG127003 Morris Minor van Pond's Face Powder Jan
DG008024 Ford T tanker Dixons 2 Jan
DG125004 Burrell Showman's engine: Joseph Brewer & Sons Golden Gallopers Feb
DG126003 Burrell Showman's Roller: Dickinson Feb
DG085019 Renault veteran van Laphroaig Feb
DG043034 Morris van Regent Feb
DG071020 Morris LD150 Jacobs 1940 Assorted Feb
DGO13036 Ford A Van Balvenie Mar
DG050044 Morris bullnose van Royal Mail Mar
DG006168 Ford T Van Glenmorangie Mar
DG073017 VW Kombi van Starlight Matches Mar
DG063024 Bedford 30cwt van Mr Kipling Mar
DG052024 Morris parcel van Royal Mail Apr
DG3066024 Dennis Van Fisher Renwick Apr
DG057006 1939 Ford Tanker BP Apr
DG109002 Kerr tram open Woman's Own Apr
DG108004 Dick Kerr Tram closed Bandettes Apr
DG020026 1934 Ford A Stake Truck Mobil May
DG085020 Renault van Womens Land Army May
DG127002 Morris Minor van -ickfords May
DG059030 Bedford 30cwt Wynn's May
DG052023 Morris Parcel Van Eddie Stobart May
DG066025 Dennis Van Eddie Stobart June
DG006169 Ford T Van Brazil June
DGO21054 Chevrolet Van Royal Mail June
DG100008 Fordson 7V Truck BRS JuneDays Gone Trackside Range
DG149000 AEC Mammoth London Brick Jan
DG111002 Sentinel ballast low load+gun LNER Feb
DG146000 Guy Pantechnicon BRS Mar
DG147000 Foden S21 ballast British Railways Apr
DG112007 Scammell lowload Fisher Renwick May
DG150000 Foden S21 flat Blue Circle Cement JunShowmans: Nottingham Goose Fair Range
DG123003 AEC Mammoth Ballast generator + Dodgem trailer: R Edwards & Sons Ltd Feb
DG106002 Sentinel Ballast Tractor Tuby Mar
DG044034 Scammell Siddall's Fun Fair Apr
DG151000 Burrell Showmans Steam locomotive with trailer Pat Collins May GF1002 Scammell ballast Whitelegg with tinplate helter skelter JunCORGI SHOWCASE SERIES
This is a new range of products from Corgi, consisting of thematic groups of military models, emergency vehicles etc, in the smaller scales associated with Days Gone and similar ranges, for release in 2002. Following previous correspondence in MAR, it is interesting to note that the Korean War has now been remembered by Corgi.
FIGHTER SCRAMBLE - Classic fighter planes
CS90017 P-51D Mustang escort Bunnie Nov
CS90018 Mitsubishi Zero Pearl Harbour grey Nov
CS90019 Supermarine Spitfire D8 Nov
CS90020 Bf 109 Luftwaffe JG-3 Udet Nov
CS90021 P-38 Lightning Pacific Little Eva Nov
CS90022 F-4U Corsair US Navy (Pacific) NovPORK CHOP HILL - Forgotten Heroes of Korea
CS90023 Set: WC-54 4x4 Ambulance, Willys Jeep, Bell H-13, and M3 Half Track NovTOUR OF DUTY - Vietnam set
CS90024 Set: Bell Huey Iroquois US Army Medevac, M48 Patton tank USMC, Willys Jeep USMC, M3 Half Track US Army DecTHEIR FINEST HOUR Battle of Britain set
CS90025 Set: Supermarine Spitfire RAF, Bf109E Luftwaffe, Morris van RAF Ambulance, AEC Ballast RAF Airfield Tractor DecFOR KING AND COUNTRY Great War set
CS90026 Sopwith Camel RFC, Fokker Dr1, British Army troop carrier, Mk IV tank male 'Fray Bentos' Jan 2003THE TEXAS COMPANY vehicles
CS90001 Ford T tanker Texaco Petroleum Oct
CS90002 Dodge Airflow Texaco Motor Oil Oct
CS90003 Pontiac van Texaco Fire Chief Gas Oct
CS90004 GMC Tanker Texaco Paragon Oil Oct
CS90005 Scenicruiser Texas Pipeline Nov
CS90006 Dodge 4x4 Texas Pipeline Nov
CS90007 Chevrolet pickup Texaco salt prod. Nov
CS90008 Ford artic tanker Fire Chief Gas NovFIRE HEROES Commemorating America's Finest
CS90009 GMC Fire pumper Chicago FD Oct
CS90010 America La France Bethpage Oct
CS90011 Mack B Open Pumper Boston FD Oct
CS90012 Seagrave sedan pump San Francisco Oct
CS90013 Chevrolet Car Fire Chief Nov
CS90014 Pontiac van Newark FD Nov
CS90015 Ford Fire Pumper Millwood NYFD Nov
CS90016 Mack wrecker Baltimore FD NovWTC CHARITY BROOKLIN
By Dick BrowneThe San Francisco Bay Brooklin Club, in conjunction with the Brooklin Collectors Club (UK) and Brooklin Models Ltd. have joined to produce a special model with all profits going to the World Trade Center Relief Fund. The model is a 1:43 scale Brooklin BRK 51a Ford Fordor in fire engine red with black interior. It will bear the FDNY shield and gold letters on the door and a chrome light-siren on the roof. Quantity is limited to 350 and they will be shipped by January 15, 2002. There is no limit to how many any buyer can order, and they are sold on a first come, first served basis. The price for each WTC Relief Fund model is US$110 or £75.00 including shipping. Payment by cheque or money order in US funds to Roger Mateo/SFBBC, PO Box 61018, Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA. Payments of £75.00 may be made to Roger Perrie, 62 Morris Street, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN 2 2HU, UK.
RICHMOND diecast in China for UK
The next two tv spin-off releases are from classic London-based shows which both starred Dennis Waterman. He was often seen with co-star John Thaw in a Ford Granada Mark I in 'The Sweeney' (cockney rhyming slang for the Metropolitan Police Flying Squad, after Sweeney Todd, the murderous barber of Fleet Street). George Cole was Arthur Daley, the wide-boy car dealer who drove a Jaguar XJ6, and Dennis played his 'Minder' (bodyguard) in the show of the same name. The Granada and XJ6 from Richmond cost around £14.00 each.
PATHFINDERS CONFIRMED
Jeff and Sue Sharrock confirm the news of the last two Pathfinder models to be made, as previously mentioned in MAR.
PFM35 Singer Hunter 1956, ivory with red interior or dark metallic blue with mid blue interior. 500 made, for release in December 2001. The price will be slightly increased, to around £82.00.
PFM36 AC 2 litre saloon will be released in 2002 at the same price, colours to be confirmed later.
CROSSWAY RAPIER
The latest 1:43 handbuilt model from Crossway Models is a Sunbeam Rapier Mark III Convertible, available in a choice of colour schemes. It is a limited edition of 300.
In 2002 Crossway will release the prewar Morris Eight saloon, and the Morris Oxford MO saloon made from 1948 to 1954, to be produced with both grille variants.
BROOKLIN 1949 CHECKERS
The two latest 1;43 handbuilt models from Brooklin are BRK89 1949 Checker limousine in black and BRK89A 1949 Checker cab in a more familiar New York yellow livery.
In 1946 the Checker Cab Company lanched its new post-war design. In 1947 the A2 cost less than $2,500, and remained almost unchanged until 1955, when it was replaced by the A8. The A2's wings were designed to be unbolted for easy replacement, and the interior, finished in rubber and washable vinyl, could be hosed clean. Under this new skin the chassis and running gear was more or less the same as the 1939 Model A, with a solid axle suspension system and the venerable Continental six cylinder engine. The limousine version had a better-finished interior but taxis made up the majority of Checker production. For photographs, see the colour pages of this issue.
BROOKLIN FOR 2002
Here is the release schedule from Brooklin Models for their various 1:43 handbuilt ranges for 2002. Please note that the new retail price from 1 January 2002 will be £49.00 each for all models except the factory special (£55.00), US Model Mint models (£50.00), and the Humber caravan set (£98.00).
Note: US Model Mint US20 Autocarrier 1947 should be available Feb-March 2002.
Deletions are as follows, with month of deletion: Brooklin: 28 (Jan), 18A (April), 67 (June), 29A (Nov). Lansdowne: 6A (March), 6B (March), 16 (Sept). Robeddie: 6 (February).
NEW RELEASES PLANNED FOR 2002
JANUARY
Robeddie RE23 1953 Volvo PV Pickup NEW
Brooklin BRK91 1954 Kaiser Darrin top down NEW
FEBRUARY
Lansdowne LDM32 1972 Vauxhall Ventora MkII NEW
Robeddie RE6A 1964 Volvo PV544 reworked RE6
MARCH
Brooklin BRKFS02 1931 Studebaker President top down, with trunk, two tone green, factory special
Lansdowne LDM6C 1961 Austin A110 Westminster rework, replaces LDM 6A-6B
APRIL
Brooklin BRK92 1967 Ford Thunderbird four door landau NEW
Brooklin BRK18B 1947 Packard Custom Super Eight rework, replaces BRK18A
Robeddie RE28 1979 Saab 99 Turbo reworked RE3
MAY
Brooklin BRK93 1935 Studebaker Commander Roadster top up NEW
JUNE
Brooklin BRK67A 1961 Chrysler Imperial convertible rework, replaces BRK67
Lansdowne LDM33 1965 Bedford Dormobile Romany motor caravan NEW
Robeddie RE24 1938-47 Volvo PV802 NEW
JULY
Brooklin BRK94 1949 Lincoln Cosmopolitan convertible NEW
AUGUST
Lansdowne LDM34 1952 Singer SM1500 NEW
Brooklin BRK95 1948 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon NEW
SEPTEMBER
US Model Mint US31 1953 Dodge Semi tractor, two colour choices NEW
Brooklin BRK89B 1949 Checker taxi cab New livery additional version
SEPTEMBER
Lansdowne LDM16A 1961 Humber Super Snipe estate rework, replaces LDM16
OCTOBER
Lansdowne LDM30A 1948 Ford V8 Pilot Police additional version
Brooklin BRK96 1931 Marmon Convertible sedan top up NEW
NOVEMBER
Brooklin BRK29B 1954 Kaiser Manhattan rework, replaces BRK29A
Lansdowne LDM16A+17A 1961 Humber Super Snipe estate + matching caravan additonal versionTRAJECTOIRE KITS
Virages of France are producing a new series of 1:43 prepainted resin kits under the Trajectoire title. The first three are:
V1 McLaren M30 Dutch-Italian GP 1980 Prost
V2 Chevrolet Lumina NASCAR no 51 from Days of Thunder, the movie featuring Tom Cruise.
V3 Toyota Celica LB Gr 5 Turbo Super Silhouette 1979 Tachi.MORE ILARIO MODELS
The latest 1:43 handbuilt models from Ilario Chiera of France are, not surprisingly, all Ferraris, and all limited to 250 made:
43018 Ferrari CR25 Prototipo Studio Pininfarina 1974, white or red
43019 Ferrari 250GT TDF Zagato 0689 GT 1957 red
43012bs Ferrari 250MM Vignale 0334MM 1953, now burgundy with metallic grey roof and skirt.New Tomicas
By Chris PryorHere is some news of new Tomica releases.
Nissan Cima - This car is not sold in the UK but it is also known as the Infiniti Q45. It is a big car with 3.0 to 4.5 litre engines and two or four wheel drive and it is a competitor to the Lexus LS430
Toyota Celica - Rally version of the existing model in the range. It comes with stickers to apply. They are all cut accurately, provided that you get them in the correct place the first time. Removing them then tends to stretch them.
Honda Cub - Is this the most widespread motor vehicle in the world? It has far outsold the Beetle. The arrangement on the back is a gymbal-mounted box carrier.
Suzuki Wagon R/RR. This is a sporty version of the Suzuki Wagon R. It has a 660cc engine and either two or four wheel drive. There is a multitude of versions. Those sold in Europe are the wider bodied ones with five doors. The narrow one really does look narrow. At one time the original Wagon R (silver) was available as a four door hatchback. It is also sold, with GM engines, as the Vauxhall-Opel Agila. It is also made in India by Maruti. European models are made in Hungary and Poland.
Matchbox 1-75 for 2002
By Chris PryorI think that there may well be changes and regional differences in the Matchbox 1-75 range available listed here, not to mention their numbers. Also to come, delayed from 2001, should be the civilian Hummer H2. Some of those listed here look quite promising. Some of the names of proposed models imply fictional or generic models. I see that Mattel are aiming Matchbox at the under-six market and Hot Wheels at the over-six market. Personally I don't mind what they aim at so long as they are all realistic, though I know there will be a contradiction when it comes to Hot Rods and Custom cars etc.
4 Ford Falcon Taxi (Sydney)
9 BMW Z8 made by Maisto, Johnny Lightning, Majorette
15 Police Bus
31 BMW X5
53 Police Car
54 Fire Tanker
56 Bucket Fire Truck
58 Chevrolet Avalanche already made by Maisto
60 Emergency Power Truck
61 Ice Breaker
62 GMC Terradyne already made by Maisto
64 Fork Lift
65 Ice Cream Truck
66 Limousine
67 Ford Focus Panel Van
70 Chevrolet SSR already made by Maisto
72 VW Microbus Concept
73 Pontiac Piranha already made by Maisto
75 Fire TruckMORE FROM MATCHBOX - By Kelley Haughey
Matchbox have joined with Barrett Jackson, the classic car auction company to develop a collection of diecast car models. The models are authentically finished and include such facts as how much the actual car sold for at auction, odometer readings and specs.
The Barrett-Jackson collection is sold as both 'miniatures' and 'traditional scale models'.
NEW RELEASES IN ITALY
By Laura BrianzaNew models from ABC of Italy, though not all the models are Italian:
ABC 1:43 handbuilt models
ABC148 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500
ABC 129 Dedica Stola
ABC150 Mercedes 500K 1938 Eva Braun
ABC149 Alfa 1900 Gran Luce Francis Lombardi 53
ABC146 Alfa Vola LF Fioravanti Geneva 2001
ABC145 S.82 Stola 2001 Boxster Special EditionBRIANZA 1:43 kits
BRK43144 Alfa Romeo Dardo Pininfarina
BRK39 Monotipo Stola AbarthBARNINI 1:24 kits
BVK89 Alfa Romeo 33/TT3 Targa Florio 1972
BVK90 Alfa Romeo 33/TT3 1000 km Ring 1972
BVK91 Fiat Abarth 2000 Sport Bologna Passo Di Raticosa 1968MATILDE 1:12 kits
MATK1204 Ferrari F1 2001
MATK1202 Ferrari Dino 166TENARIV 1:43 kits
TEK285 Matra MS11 Italian GP 1968
TEK17D Cobra Daytona LM 1964PALLINO 1:43 built: ABCPLM Porsche 917 Martini LM
AMR 1:43 kit: AMRK042 Ferrari Pinin
VECTOR RUSSIAN PACKARD
More news from Model Group Dnieper-Mini-Classik of the Ukraine. Now available is a 1:43 diecast model from Vector Models, of a Leningrad L-1 sedan from 1933, a Soviet copy of the Packard from the same era. For more information, email novo@fregat.com
NEW KYOSHO MODELS
By Heather Rose (hobbico.com)Here are the latest releases in Kyosho's diecast range, in both 1:18 and 1:43 scales:
1:18 scale diecast
KYOV0150 Austin Healey 3000 MK-1 Black/Red
KYOV0151 Austin Healey 100-Six yellow
KYOV0189 Nissan Skyline KPGC10 white
KYOV0911 BMW 2002 Tii white
KYOV0912 MW 2002 Turbo silver
KYOV0913 BMW 325ti Compact street red
KYOV0914 BMW 325ti Compact street light green
KYOV0915 BMW M3 Cabriolet Street red
KYOV0916 BMW M3 Coupe Street yellow
KYOV0169 Datsun 240Z Safari 71 #11 red-black1:43 scale diecast
KYOV1050 Lamborghini Jota SVR red
KYOV1155 Toyota GT Convertible white
KYOV1156 Toyota 2000 Race yellow-green
KYOV1157 Toyota Race Fuji 67 #1
KYOV1253 Lancia Rally Monte Carlo 83 #1
KYOV1254 Lancia Stratos Pirelli
KYOV1350 Datsun 240Z Safari 71 #11 red-black
KYOV13511:43 Datsun 240Z 19721:18 scale extra detail diecast
Mini-Cooper with movable sun roof and back seats in two colour choices., and the Lamborghini Jota SVR:
KYOV0143 Mini-Cooper rhd with sun roof green
KYOV0144 Mini-Cooper rhd with sun roof red
KYOV0155 Lamborghini Jota SVR redREVELL TO ALPHA
Revell AG and Revell-Monogram in the USA have been acquired by Iowa-based Alpha International from Binney & Smith Inc. .
STRICTLY 43rd MOVES
There is a new location for the Strictly 43rd Show, for 23 March 2002. It will be held at The Park Place of Countryside, 6200 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL 60525, USA (near Chicago), and will incorporate the 12th Annual 1:43 scale model car contest. For table information: Don Anderson, 2 Sun Drop Court, Woodridge, IL 60517, USA, tel 630 964 6101, email strictly43rd@prodigy.net For contest information contact Bill Lastovitch on 708 484 9084.
HERPA FOR LATE 2001
Here is the final batch of Herpa 1:87 plastic models released at the end of 2001:
Porsche 911 Targa black or silver
Mercedes-Benz A Class facelift Polizei
Volkswagen LT BF3 heavy load escort van red
BMW X5 4.4i 'Mobile Tradition BMW'
MAN M2000L-Metz TL fire appliance Hamburg
MAN TG-AM compression refuse truck
DAF CF artic with tank container Bulkhaul
MAN TG-A XXL 4+3+5 axle low loader, red
Mercedes-Benz Actros LH artic tanker Rhenus
Mercedes Actros Titan 4+2+3 low load Baumann
Scania 164TL silo artic Hoyer-Talke
Volvo FH GL curtainside artic Roll
Mercedes-Benz Actros L box artic Schuon
DAF CF interchangeable body drawbar CargoLine
Volvo FH GL frig artic Milz
Scania bonnetted artic tractor black
Mercedes-Benz Actros L jumbo drawbar Schwank
Scania 124TL frig artic CS Cargo (Czech)
Scania bonnetted artic Girr
Mercedes- Actros LH drawbar Astra , Brewery Series
MAN TG-A XXL artic König Pilsener, Brewery SeriesNEW CMC SILVER ARROW
By Shuxiao Jia'Fascination in Silver' is our name for the fourth release in our series of Mercedes Silver Arrow models. It is the Mercedes-Benz W125 from 1937 in 1:18 scale. It takes racing drivers back to a time when instead of function buttons, they had to change gear with a lever. The W125 was Daimler-Benz's answer to the ever-improving Auto Union with top driver Bernd Rosemeyer. The response of the three-pointed star was sucessful, and 1937 could be marked down as another successful year for Mercedes-Benz in racing. We have produced a replica of this legendary Grand Prix winner. We believe that we have produced a master-piece, handbuilt from 677 components using high quality materials. Features include the finely cut louvres on the bonnet, the detailed grille and the exhaust system. We were able to introduce an extra feature to the exhaust system. In order to improve its quality and appearance we have used metal pipe for the first time for the exhaust manifold. The surface is chromed, and at the front end, near the engine (the hottest zone) the manifold is realistically discoloured with yellow-violet.
BMW'S LUCKY SEVEN?
By Hans-Georg SchmittSeven has always been a significant number. In the Old Testament there are seven good and seven bad years, and seven plagues. But what is significant about Seven for Bavarians from Munich? The new BMW 7 Series will definitely take some getting used to. The eyebrows above the headlights and the 'add-on' boot-lid are not to everyone's taste. Also the revolutionary iDrive system means that many functions operate with just one button, but it takes lots of practice to find the right menu, then the right function. An electronic pack, pushed into a slot in the dashboard, re-places the ignition key, there is just a switch for the parking brake, and the automatic gear lever is next to the steering column. Initially the 7 Series is only available with V8 petrol engines, 3.6 or 4.4 litre. The new 7 Series has been made for BMW in 1:87 by Herpa and 1:43 by Minichamps. The 1:18 model will come in January 2002. BMW require that the bonnet opens on all 1:43 scale models, so the V8 is clearly visible., and its interior looks good, the iDrive button dominating the centre console. These are the colours:
1:87: titanium silver 80410027862, silver green 80410027863, black 80410027864. 1:43: chiaretto red 80420027860, titan grey 80420027861, turmalin violet 80420029790, toledo blue 80420029791
REVELL Metal Premium
1:43 diecast in China for Germany. Most, if not all, ex-Eagles, including: 28200 Plymouth Prowler 2000 metallic silve, 28206 Dodge Viper Coupe Twin Stryker Turbo. (Why is the box marked 'Official licensed product - Ford Motor Co'?), 28222 Land Rover Freelander three door with open back, black with grey wheel arches, interior light grey with light blue dotted seats. 28224 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport 12 hours of Sebring 1964. in metallic blue with white stripe and black interior, 28227 Mercury 'Hot Rod' 1949, though this is a stock coupe. 28234 Renault 5 Turbo Alain Prost, white with dayglo sections. 28245 BMW Z8 titanium silver with red interior. 28210 Volkswagen Beetle 1303 Cabriolet open, red, (not improved down the years). 28214 Triumph TR2 LM 55 #29 (wrong number shown on box.), BRG with ivory interior. 28225 Ford Mustang Mach III orange with dark blue interior 28226 Ford GT40 Sebring 1969 #22., 28228 Porsche 911 Carerra RS 2.7 1973 red, based on the old Jouef model, but without opening doors and lids. The finish is a bit poor and the baseplate is much simpler than the Jouef, which had detailed engine underside and suspension. The steering wheel is incorrectly located. (Notes Schmitt).
Frankfurt 2001
Overshadowed by terrorism
By Hans-Georg SchmittThe 2001 Frankfurt IAA Motor Show found itself in the shadow of terror. It was planned that the IAA would be a showcase of glamour with a record 57 world premieres, but it became a silent motor show, with only minor displays and with little fuss made. The first press day began very cheerfully, but then in the afternoon the mood changed suddenly into paralysing horror, when the extent of the disaster in America became apparent. Over the whole fair period the spectre of recession caused an extra loss of confidence. In the USA sales of cars had already dropped between 25% and 30%. Then there was the additional fear of an attack on the world's biggest motor show, so the number of visitors dropped by 10% against the turnout two years ago, only around 800,000 car fans came. There were plenty of highlights on show.
Audi showed their new A4 Avant (estate), a 'close to production' design study of the A4 cabriolet and a study for a large estate based on of the next A8, called the Avantissimo. The A4 Avant is already on sale at Audi dealers or from Audi quattro GmbH., Ettinger Strasse; D-85045 Ingolstadt, Germany, in 1:87 scale in crystal blue, ref 2000000 1121004, made in plastic by Busch, and in 1:43 scale in ming blue, diecast by Minichamps ref 2000000 1111002, both of the three litre quattro version. The A4 cabriolet will be produced in small scale when the real car is launched in Spring 2002. Audi's gifts were A2 model cars in 1:87 scale by Rietze, in a large box including a road curved in a a '2' shape. Perhaps these model cars will boost the sale of the full size car. Apart from the facelifted 3 series, BMW caused a sensation with the new 7 series saloon, with a controversial design, especially the rear area where the boot lid looks like an afterthought. There is also the complicated iDrive, with which many functions are operated by one central switch. In 1:87 and 1:43 scales the new 7 series was already available at the fair, all in the familiar folding black plastic box with special printing. The 1:43 version is black with a beige interior, ref 80420139866, limited to 1000 pieces. Under the BMW model car philosophy the bonnet opens revealing a very detailed V8 engine.
Beside the BMW marquee was a New Mini pavilion with models in 1:87 scale by Herpa and a 1:43 Mini-Cooper by Minichamps, both also in typical BMW black boxes, also limited to 1000. As usual for a BMW model, its bonnet opens to reveal a detailed engine, even the labels on the radiator header are there.
Bugatti displayed the re-worked EB16/4 Veyron, now re-painted in black and red, together with a matching original Bugatti T57SC Atalante from 1937, but there were no model cars available. Like many other manufacturers, Cadillac also launched two new vehicles, designed in their new edged house style. The CTS saloon and the Vizon 4x4 concept car looked as if they had been carved out of pieces of wood and then kept under water, so they swelled up. Curved car bodies are currently out of fashion. Citroen proudly presented their new small car, the C3, also available in 1:43 scale at the fair, but only in small numbers, kept under the information desk. The model was made by Norev.
Chrysler showed their PT convertible study and the new Jeep Cherokee. In a showcase were some PT series model cars on display, but none of them for sale.
Ferrari displayed in some show cases their model range and some modelcars as well as a real Formula One racer. The models were mostly 1:18 scale, by Bburago and Mattel, but not for sale, nor was any catalogue available. Their parent company Fiat showed the new Stilo, successor to the Brava and Bravo. Model cars will be made for the launch of the car in Spring 2002. The highlight at the Ford stall was the new Fiesta, their second new iron in the fire after the new Mondeo. Together they have to get Ford back into profit. The car will not be available until Spring 2002, but models are already available. In 1:87 scale it is made by Rietze, and in 1:43 again by Minichamps.
Honda showed the new three-door Civic and Jazz, and Hyundai their new coupe, but no model cars were available at either stand.
The new Thesis was the star of the Lancia stand, which especially the front looks similar to the Dialogos, made in 1:43 scale by Solido few years ago.
The Mercedes-Benz SL and SL/K must have been the models for the Lexus Cabrio Coupe SC, because they could be brothers, and Maserati presented their new spyder, but neither car was available as a scale model.
Mercedes-Benz again occupied the whole of hall 2, the Festhalle, with their entire range of cars. The absolute stars were the new SL which was launched with the V8 engine first, and the Vaneo, a mini-van on base of the A-Class. There was an interesting display of design models for D class saloons and a 190SL in around 1:5 scale. A model car shop was on the ground floor, with almost the whole range available. The most popular models were the new SL in 1:87, 1:43 and 1:18 scales, and the first Mercedes car, in excellent finish, made in 1:43 and 1:18 scales by the re-launched Distler company. A special report on these models will appear in MAR in the near future. On the MG-Rover stand were the MG-Z cars, higher powered re-badged Rover 25, 45 and 75, Nissan unveiled the new Primera, Opel displayed only the new Combo, (Corsa C based), plus the Signum 2 and Frogster design studies, and Peugeot made a splash with the Moonster, a foretaste of 2020, but no model cars were available from any of these makers. Porsche presented their face-lifted 911 and the new Targa. Model cars were in a boutique on the ground floor of the stand. Renault revealed their future; on display were the new Avantime and Vel Satis, a combi-mpv-coupe combination and also the new upper class saloon. It will take a lot of time to get used to them. The Avantime is already available in 1:43 scale at Renault dealers, made by Norev. The Vel Satis will come out in smaller scales at the launch of the real car, in all probability Spring 2002. It will be hard to drive an Avantime in busy city streets, the huge A-pillars restricting forward visibility.
Two new cars were on display on the Skoda stand, the small notchback Fabia, called the Sedan (also available in 1:87 scale), and the Superb, a six cylinder luxury car based on the lwb Chinese VW Passat platform with more rear passenger leg room. The 1:43 Superb and the Octavia 100, a touring car racer, made for the 100th anniversary of Skoda). There was also an Octavia Combi 'Service Mobil' . All three were in 1:43 scale, by Kaden with good quality and finish.
The original Skoda Superb from 1938 is also shown here, as it was shown on their stand. But no model is available of it, unfortunately.
The Dutch company Spyker showed their Coupe and Roadster together with an interesting model car, a Spyker six-cylinder 60 hp racing car from 1904, finished in matt-silver looking sand cast metal, packed in an expensive presentation box. The scale is 1:24 and the price around 225 ¤uros.
Toyota presented their new Corolla, and a model of it in 1:43 scale was available on the stand, made by Minichamps.
On the Volkswagen stall were the new Polo, now only in with three door doors, and the upgraded Passat with W engine. The 3 door Polo was available in 1:87 and 1:43 scales, the latter nicely done by Auto Art. The five-door version came out of the usual operating injection moulding machine at the Show in 1:35 scale, as a pen-holder, made from recycled plastic.
Volvo showed some design studies alongside their current car range, but no model cars.
The new German Lada distributor displayed their reworked cars and gave a 1:36 model of a Samara hatchback with pull-back motor, and after a little persuasion I managed to get a 1:43 ZIL-115, as used by Mr Gorbachev.
The Mercedes-Benz tuner Brabus gave their customers a range of Herpa models in 1:87 scale, including a V8 C-Class saloon.
The Audi Tuner Abt offered a TT-R in 1:43 scale by Minichamps. Christian Abt drives the real car with some success in the DTM, the German Touring Car Championship.
Some automotive suppliers also offered model cars, but mostly only when I asked!
Beru promoted their Ultra X spark plugs with a competition. 1000 1:39 scale PT Cruisers in by Maisto , and a full size PT Cruiser were the prizes. Fresh air and a nice climate in the car is the aim of ClimAir.
To advertise their products, they sponsor Bertold Bermel's Ford Puma, in Puma Cup Races, available as a 1:43 model by Minichamps. US firm Johnson Controls , top in parts for the European automotive interior market, gave away a 1:18 Bburago Porsche GT3 Super Cup, no 5.
A surprise was in store for visitors to the Webasto stand, makers of car sunroofs and heating systems. The company exhibited a complete car as design study, the 'Welcome' based on a BMW 5 Touring and modelled in 1:43 scale by Norev of France to their current excellent quality in their typical presentation box. This model must be rare, as it has not been shown in model car magazines so far.
Only a vague idea of a car, or even a model car, was conveyed by the gift from aluminium profile maker VAW, sliced sections in the profile of a 'car'.
Finally, some model car manufacturers were present with their own stands in Hall 1.
Albedo offered their truck model range and a special fair model, a box artic with various tractors. The box side design referred to the poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, born in Frankfurt. Herpa offered a range of model cars in 1:87 scale in special colours with the baseplate of the presentation box printed with the IAA logo, the new Porsche 911 Targa shown above.
Minichamps showed their full model car range and also a special fair model, a silver Alfa 147, with a special livery.
Wiking presented their current model range, and their special fair models were a Porsche 356 Coupe (814 04) and a MAN TG-A XXL artic tractor (506 01), fitted with a chromed bull bar at the front, and packed in a presentation box. Both are silver, and the outer card box is over-printed IAA 2001.
Copyright 2001 Modelauto Ltd and Solnet Systems Ltd
e-mail mar@zeteo.com
