Model Auto Review 198
Publication 7 December 2005
CONTENTS(Print version) - where you will also find over 300 illustrations, mostly in colour
04 CORGI January-June 2006 08 The Ferraris of Miami Vice Don Elliott, USA 10 Story of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hans-Georg Schmitt, Germany 14 Letters 16 NEWS Germany: Schuco, Minichamps 17 US Cars: Revell * Notes: Ben van Roode, Netherlands 18 NEWS World: Racing 43, Bburago, Italeri, Academy 19 Europe: Italian plates, Cursor, Spa Croft 20 Elastolin Horst Macalka, Austria 22 Parker Maz Woolley, England 24 Rextoy John Quilter, USA 26 NEWS World: Jada Toys Dub City * Captions to pages 28-29 30 Captions to pages 30-31: cars 34 Cat D8 Angledozer Graeme Watt, Scotland 34 Louisville trucks Dave Turner, England 37 Truckstop 38 Exelero Hans-Georg Schmitt, Germany * Franklin Willie Coon, USA 40 avia mini Corgi, Herpa, Dragon 43 Competition Page 44 Book Reviews 46 Club News 47 Project Sword Peter Paine, England 56 Brum Don Elliott, USA 58 Bus Stop EFE * Captions page 60 59 Bus Stop CMN, Oxford * Captions to page 61 (where there is a nice vintage ad)Seasons Greetings and thanks to our contributors from all over the world for the past year's efforts. We look forward to more in 2006!
EDITORIAL
by Rod WardFIRST THE BAD NEWS
The 'black period' for toy and model firms used to be after Christmas. If sales were good enough to rescue a struggling company, it collapsed before (or during, in some cases) the January-February trade toy fairs. Now that Christmas sales represent a smaller part of turnover, however, companies can collapse at any time. The difficulty of making a profit from scale models is illustrated by the number of companies which have foundered recently, all in different market segments.Bburago of Italy, at one time the market leaders in 1:18 diecast models have gone into liquidation, along with their Polistil brand.
Schabak of Germany, erstwhile makers of 1:43 diecast cars, more recently surviving on their smaller scale diecast aircraft, have declared insolvency. It seems that Kaden of the Czech Republic have also collapsed, presumably in face of Hongwell's Skodas. Roco of Austria, the long-established 1:87 scale plastic model makers are also insolvent.
A feature that these companies all have in common is that they tried to continue with European production in the face of competition from Chinese-made products.
It may be said that some also shared the problems of outdated ranges and low investment, but it is still sad to see them go...
TWO WEEKS LONGER
We will be closed from 23 December until 4 January, for a little break in the workflow. This is our 'winter gap', so it will be about seven weeks before you see MAR 199, instead of our usual four or five week interval. Please be patient; MAR 199 will be our 200th issue, (in case you had forgotten, there was an unnumbered issue in 1983) but we won't make any special fanfares about it. It's not seemly at our age. Have a jolly Christmas and New Year. See you in 2006, our 25th year.
ST MARTINS ACCESSORIES
We are sorry to lose our central London stockist, St Martins Accessories, who have been with us for 24 years, since MAR's beginning. If anyone has any suggestions as to an alternative central London MAR stockist, please let us know. Otherwise ex-St Martins buyers will have to subscribe direct.
CHRISTMAS AT THE BEEB
UK readers, look out for a television programme to be aired by BBC2 just before Christmas. James May (Jezza's tall friend) reminisces about postwar toys, touching on the launch of Corgi Toys 50 years ago in 1956, and how brand leader Dinky Toys suffered from this and from other competitors.
CORGI January-June 2006 planned releases
On these two pages are the plannned releases in all of Corgi's diecast vehicle ranges for the first half of 2006.
VANGUARDS 1:43 scale ANNIVERSARY MODEL VA10002 Sierra Sapphire Cosworth moondust silver NEW TOOL February release (higher price) JAGUAR VA08614 Jaguar XJ12 Ser1 Silverstone fire tender May VA08612 Jaguar XJ6 4.2 British Racing Green Jan VA09106 Jaguar XJ Sport Ultra violet Mar JA1003 Jaguar 3 Piece Set Jaguar Racing Jun FORD VA02111 Ford 100E lime green June VA06201 Ford 'Pop' van D.Woolfman Radio and Television Cream Mar VA09506 Ford Escort Mk 1 electric blue Jan VA10000 Ford Sierra Sapphire nouveau red limited edition NEW TOOL Feb VA06106 Ford Zephyr Mk II 1959 RAC Rally Gerry Burgess cirrus white Jan VA04111 Lotus Cortina Mk II 1967 Gulf Marathon Ove Andersson saluki bronze May VA09507 Ford Escort Mk1 RS2000 diamond white Apr VA05210 Ford Granada 2.5 V6 L modena green Feb MG ROVER VA06514 Rover 3500 P6 Tobacco Leaf May VA09303 MGZT Solar Red Feb VA09008 Rover 3500 SE SD1 Cashmere Gold Jan VA06908 Rover 3 Litre Mk II P5 Pine Green June TRIUMPH VA05310 Triumph Dolomite Sprint Magenta Jan VA10101 Triumph Stag pimento red Hidden Treasure NEW TOOL Jun VA08210 Triumph 2500S Inca Yellow Feb VA10100 Triumph Stag Tahiti Blue dual reg limited edition NEW TOOL Mar POLICE VA09703 Land Rover Defender Northern Ireland PS May VA09405 Vauxhall Astra Metropolitan Police Mar VA01124 Morris Minor Van Cardiff City Mar VA10001 Ford Sierra Sapphire Devon & Cornwall Police NEW TOOL Apr VA09603 Range Rover Greater Manchester Police Feb VA08211 Triumph 2.5 Pi Cleveland Police Traffic Jun VA08708 Vauxhall Viva Hertfordshire Constabulary Jan VA08613 Jaguar XJ6 4.2 Dumfries and Galloway Traffic Patrol Car Apr BMC VA08302 Morris 1000 Pickup Stratford Blue Mar VA10200 Austin Princess Brooklands green limited edition NEW TOOL May VA01421 Minivan Enfield Brake and Clutch Yellow Feb VA04510 Allegro SS Lagoon Blue Jan VA05105 Austin Healey Old English White Apr LAND ROVER VA09701 Land Rover Defender Van Epsom Green Apr VA09604 Range Rover Monte Carlo Blue Mar LR1002 Land Rover Experience Set Apr VAUXHALL VA09803 Vauxhall Cavalier Mk II CD Orient Blue Jun VA09404 Vauxhall Astra Sxi Breeze Blue Jan VA09802 Vauxhall Cavalier II SRi130 nordic blue Apr VA08709 Vauxhall Viva Brabham Grecian White May ROOTES VA02618 Hillman Imp blue metallic May VA04007 Hillman Imp Californian gold bronze Jun CORGI COLLECTABLES 1:50 scale (mostly) HAULIERS OF RENOWN 1:50 scale CC13227 DAF XF Curtainside LV Transport (30th Anniversary) JAN CC12929 Scania Topline frig artic Dennis Oates MAR CC12430 Volvo FH skeletal trailer + container N T Whitfield Transport Ltd FEB CC13610 DAF CF Feldbinder Tanker A K Longson FEB CC12928 Scania Topline livestock transporter R W Stewarts JAN CC13902 Foden Alpha Log Trailer R & H Scott NEW TOOL JUN CC13801 Mercedes-Benz Actros frig artic Eddie Stobart Ltd NEW TOOL JAN CC13708 Scania R Ser flat trailer+ rails-Lawson APR CC13706 Scania R Series Step Frame Curtainside Trailer Knights of Old FEB CC12930 Scania Topline skeletal trailer+ container R S Carmichael Haulage MAR CC99185 150 Years of Foden Set 1856-2006 NEW TOOL MAY CC13707 Scania R Series Topline GP tanker S J Bargh Ltd MAR CC13804 Mercedes Actros Crane trailer + brick load A Howe & Sons Ltd NEW TOOL JUN CC13416 MAN TGA XXL skeletal trailer + container Hanbury Davies Ltd APR CC13228 DAF XF Space Cab Curtainside Craib MAR CC13803 Mercedes-Benz Actros Curtainside Robert Summers Transport Ltd APR CC13612 DAF CF Curtainside J S Hislop/Bedmax MAY CC13229 DAF XF Curtainside David Murray JUN RIGIDS 1:50 scale CC13903 Foden Alpha curtainside Stan Robinson Ltd NEW TOOL JUN CC13609 DAF CF aggregate tipper Thomas Armstrong (Holdings) Ltd JAN CC13515 Volvo FM frig artic The Real McKay Ltd NEW TOOL MAR CC13611 DAF CF Curtainside artic Pollock (Scotrans) Ltd NEW TOOL MAR CC13516 Volvo FM Curtainside artic Countrywide Farmers APR CC13901 Foden Alpha aggregate tipper JH Jones NEW TOOL MAY TRUCKFEST 1:50 scale CC13802 Mercedes-Benz Actros Jack Richards & Son Ltd NEW TOOL JAN CC13417 ERF ECT Ian Wright Transport MAY CC12817 Scania T Cab C E Fuller & Son JUN POLLOCK 70th ANNIVERSARY 1:50 scale CC10606 Leyland Octopus four axle flat lorry JAN CC11416 Bedford TK two axle flat lorry FEB CC10309 AEC Ergomatic three axle flat lorry MAR CC11611 Leyland LAD two axle flat lorry APR US HEAVY HAULERS LTD EDITION 1:50 scale US55709 Kenworth W925, Lowboy & Boat Load Mar US51405 International Transtar flatbed & tyre load Jun US50711 Mack LJ + box trailer Vernor Ginger Ale Feb US52912 Diamond T 620 box Chicago & NW Jun US HEROES UNDER FIRE LTD EDITION 1:50 scale US53205 Mack C Pumper Eng 31, Baltimore FD Jun US52605 Ahrens Fox piston pump Morristown NJ Feb US VINTAGE BUS LINE LTD EDITION 1:50 scale US54021 GM Old Look 4515 Carolina Trailways Feb US53909 Yellow Coach 743 Greyhound Pittsburgh May US54204 Flxible Clipper bus Greyhound May US55204 Birney Trolley Car Baltimore Jun US LEGENDS OF VIETNAM 1:50 scale US50308 M48 A3 11th Cav US Army, Vietnam Feb US50309 M48 A3 1st TB Disaster USMC Vietnam Feb US51104 M113 ACAV, D Co, 1st Sqn, 11th Armored Cav Draft Dodger US Army, Vietnam 69 Mar US51105 M113 ACAV, 8th Inf US Army Vietnam 70 Mar CORGI TRACKSIDE MODELS c. 1:50 and 1:76 DG201000 Morris LD van Gas NEW TOOL JAN DG200000 Ford Transit van White NEW TOOL JAN DG202000 Austin J2 van BR Swindon ambulance NEW TOOL MAR DG203000 Bedford CA Evening News NEW TOOL MAR DG201001 Morris LD Van Royal Mail NEW TOOL MAR DG200001 Ford Transit van Post Office NEW TOOL MAR DG202001 Morris J2 van Yellow NEW TOOL JUN DG203001 Bedford CA matador red NEW TOOL JUN DG148016 Scammell Scarab dropside with sheeted load Firth Brown JAN DG199006 Scammell Mechanical Horse Van Trailer Southern Railways JAN DG186011 ERF LV sheet flat trailer BRS Western FEB DG198006 Scammell Contractor Sunters FEB DG175014 Scammell Handyman flat Whitbread FEB DG146014 Guy Pantechnicon Luckings APR DG148017 Scammell Scarab van Eskimo Foods APR DG176021 Leyland Octopus tank Tunnel Cement APR DG186012 ERF LV flat +sacks W H Malcolm MAY DG174010 Noddy Van London Brick Stores MAY DG199007 Scammell Mechanical Horse dropside trailer with parcel Load BRS MAY DG198007 Scammell Contractor, trailer, and load Econofreight JUN CORGI SHOWCASE c. 1:76 scale CS90478 King Tiger Hungary, February 1945 June CS90475 Stuart Tank Desert Rats, Bellman Mar CS90461 Scimitar Light Dragoons Bosnia 93 UN Jan MINI MANIA 1:36 scale CC82245 Mini Miglia Bill Sollis, Mini 7 Racing Club (Union Jack) Jan CC82247 Classic Mini-Team 66, Italian Job Rally 2005, working headlights Jun CC82246 Mini Miglia Peter Baldwin, Car No.1, Mini 7 Racing Club Mar CC86525 BMW Mini Cooper S (Irish Tricolour) British Racing Green (Met) Working lights May CC86522 BMW Mini Cooper S (St Andrews Flag) Hyper Blue (Met) Working lights Jan CC86523 BMW Mini Cooper (St George's Cross) Chilli Red, working lights Feb CC86524 BMW Mini Cooper S (Welsh Dragon) Liquid Yellow, working lights Mar ORIGINAL OMNIBUS COMPANY 1:76 scale OM43510A Balloon Tram Mystique (2) Bispham FEB OM43510B Balloon Tram Mystique (2) Cabin FEB OM43511A Balloon Hot Ice (2) Pleasure Beach MAR OM43511B Balloon Tram Hot Ice (2) Cabin MAR OM44011A Blackpool Brush Railcoach- Fleetwood Market Starr Gate APR OM44011B Blackpool Brush Railcoach- Fleetwood Market Fleetwood APR OM43912A Daimler CWA6/Duple Douglas Corporation Transport Douglas Head 25 JAN OM43912B Daimler CWA6/Duple Douglas Corporation Transport Victoria Pier 10 JAN OM42412 Bedford VAL Kenzies Coaches Ltd FEB OM40813 Bristol Lodekka FS United Welsh MAY OM41701 RTW London Transport NEW TOOL MAY OM41401A Roe Trolleybus Tees-side Railess Traction Board North Ormesby NEW TOOL APR OM41401B Roe Trolleybus Tees-side Railess Traction Board South Bank NEW TOOL APR OM41402 Daimler CVG6-Roe Northampton CorporationNEW TOOL MAY OM41403A Leyland PD2-Roe Lincoln Corporation 12 Boultham Moor NEW TOOL JUN OM41403B Leyland PD2-Roe Lincoln Corporation 2 West Parade JUN OM45903 Van Hool T9 Fraser Eagle JAN OM41306A Wright Eclipse Fusion First York Grimston Bar 8 MAR OM41306B Wright Eclipse Fusion First York Askham Bar 3 MAR OM43313 Plaxton Premiere McKindless Bus Group MAR OM41214 Wright Gemini Eclipse First Leicester JUN OM44706A Dennis Dart SLF/Pointer 1 Brighton & Hove Buses Southwick Square 46 JAN OM44706B Dennis Dart SLF/Pointer 1 Brighton & Hove Buses Hollinsdean 50 JAN OM44111A Optare Solo Trent Barton 1A Ripley FEB OM44111B Optare Solo Trent Barton 92 Derby FEB OM42514A Dennis Trident-East Lancs Myllennium Blackpool Transport Blackpool 14 APR OM42514B Dennis Trident-East Lancs Myllenium Blackpool Transport St Annes Sq 14 APR OM99186 Corgi 50th Anniversary Bus Set MAYFor news of the new models for the first half of 2006 in Corgi's Aviation Archive and other aircraft ranges, see pages 40-42 of MAR 198.
NEWS Germany
LATEST FROM SCHUCO
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
Schuco, diecast in China for Germany:SCHUCO CLASSIC 010554 Set with book and Wendeauto 060313 Studio VI Auto Union Streamliner Avus 500 SCHUCO CLASSIC MOTORCYCLES 1:10 065462 Kreidler Florett Super 066018 Zundapp KS 601 Nostalgic SCHUCO CLASSIC PICCOLOS 013432 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 50171048 Set PTT 1 50171049 Set PTT 2 50180001 Set Ramazzotti 019038 Set Christmas Special 2005 051038 Mercedes 300 SLR Mille Miglia 1955 SCHUCO CLASSIC 1:43 historic 020966 Set BMW 1955 025787 Volkswagen T1 Dachser 026159 Porsche Diesel Junior K Nostalgic 026463 Lanz Bulldog with three-furrow plough 028245 Setra S6 Bus Marti 028573 Set 75 years Fendt Dieselross with DVD 028627 Lanz Eilbulldog +2 ax trailer Dachser cheese 028832 Deutz Ft M414 with one furrow plough 031191 MB Unimog, trailer, Christmas tree, figures 031931 Ford FK 1000 van Sinalco 033119 Disc harrow 033133 three furrow plough SCHUCO CLASSIC 1:18 001022 Porsche Diesel Junior K +DVD Porsche tractors SCHUCO CLASSIC 1:43 current 047215 VW, magic black 047222 VW Fox, imola yellow 047314 VW Jetta beige met 047321 VW Jetta blue met 048335 Opel Corsa Super 1600 Irmscher SCHUCO EDITION 1:87 CARS 250233 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Bartholomeyczik 250264 Mercedes 300 SL #16 250271 Mercedes 300 SL #18 250288 Mercedes 300 SL #20 250295 Volkswagen Beetle with caravan Sinalco 250493 Mercedes M-Klasse Doctor St Johns 250523 Porsche 911 Cabriolet 250592 Jaguar E-Type #439 250608 Audi A4 Cabriolet SCHUCO EDITION 1:87 TRUCKS 226764 Mercedes Actros Rudges Cargo 226771 MAN TG-A Dachser Lebensmittel Logistik 242092 Scania Topline Christmas 2005 245192 DAF 95 XF Bosman 250448 Mercedes Atego Sinalco JUNIOR LINE 1:43 272297 Maserati 250F F1 272303 Maserati 8CTF Boyle Indianapolis 272310 Triumph Spitfire Mk IV 272327 Volkswagen New Beetle Cabriolet 272334 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Volante 272341 Fiat Dino Spider 2400 272358 Fiat X1/9 272365 Ford Mustang Convertible 272372 Mercedes SLK 200 Kompressor 272389 Volkswagen Golf I Cabriolet 272396 Triumph TR6 272402 Alfa Romeo Spyder 1600 Duetto
REVELL 1:18 diecast in China for Germany:
08808 Mercedes-Benz 230E light beige with beige interior. Mercedes had to develop a successor to the W114-115 series from 1967-68, better known as the /8. Particular attention was paid to safety, service, reliability, comfort and a modern but timeless design. The first prototype W123 came out in 1974, and it was soon a success. In 1980 carburettor models were given the new M102 four cylinder engine, replacing the 20 year old units, more powerful, and more economical. The best seller was the 230E (2299 cc) of which 245,000 were built. The model is shaped very accurately, the bonnet and front doors open and there is a detailed petrol injection engine replica. The interior is also finished very accurately, the steering wheel turning the front wheels. 08809 Mercedes-Benz 240D light green with a beige interior. The new W123 was first shown in January 1976. The first significant development arrived in 1979: apart from detail modifications the water-cooled four cylinder diesel engine of the 240D now developed 72 bhp. The 240D was the most popular version, with over 450,000 built. The model is supplied with a diesel engine replica, and on the boot lid the different badging can be seen. (Notes Hans-Georg Schmitt).
MORE FROM MINICHAMPS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
Recent diecast releases from Minichamps, other than those recently pictured in MAR
1:18 scale 100 050073 BAR Honda 007 F1 presentation 05 Button 100 050074 BAR Honda 007 F1 presentation 05 Sato. 1:43 scale 403 511222 Alfetta 159 Spanish GP 1951 Fangio 430 019315 Audi RS4 Avant 2000, blue metallic. 400 041422 Audi A4 S-Line Audi Sport Infineon Joest; Petronas Shanghai race, Rinaldo Capello. 400 082401 Mercury Monterey Coupe 1950, cream. 430 046115 Opel Rekord C-Type Caravan 1966, red. 430 060125 Porsche 911 GT2 Coupe 2001, grey met. 400 082224 Ford Capri III 1979, now in orange. 430 046105 Opel Rekord C two-door 1966, now white. 400 061264 Porsche 911 Targa 1977, now in white. 540 844329 Toleman TG184 F1 Senna, Portugal 1984 430 171214 Volvo V70 estate 2000, now in red. 400 171211 Volvo V50 2003, now in green metallic. 400 052201 VW T5 Multivan 2003 now in green.
NEWS World
MORE American Notes
by Ben van RoodeHot Wheels are busy with 1:18 scale model releases, announcing a 2005 Ford Mustang convertible, for which there is now a choice between several brands including AutoArt. The Hot Wheels model, however, will be much cheaper. They also offer a 1:18 Maybach, but this one is a low-rider, with a very un-Maybach paint job and wild wheels. Presumably DaimlerChrysler don't care, as long as the license fees were paid? Johnny Lightning (now part of RC2) promises a few 1:24 scale cars, but don't hold your breath in anticipation. For the record they are 1968 GTO, 1970 Trans Am, 1969 Charger RT, 1971 Duster 340 and a 1965 GTO. If you are interested in monster trucks, Johnny Lightning has made one in Coca-Cola livery.
From Precision Miniatures we can expect a 1959 Cadillac Flower Car. Still no trace as yet of the 1959 Cadillac limousine previously mentioned. Another black car from PM will be a 1938 Cadillac Hearse, promised for December this year. We are also waiting for the 1950 Ford Crestliner and I have seen pictures of a four-door Ford Custom, which is a good choice. The same car will also be available in taxi cab and LAPD liveries. New in their lineup will be three funny car dragsters, one with a Fiat Topolino body. These bodies were used on dragsters, but I don't suppose they were originals, just copies in fibreglass.
I have mentioned Athearn before, in connection with 1:50 Ford trucks. More variations are available, such as stake and box trucks. But their 1:87 (H0) range is immense.
The 1:18 scale 1964 Buick Riviera from Diecast Promotions or Highway 61 is beautiful and offered in good colour choices.
In November Yat Ming will release their first 1:18 2006 product, a sixties Ford Falcon Futura coupe, like the 1:43 Brooklin model of the same car. Phoenix Toys are not very well distributed outside the USA. But their 1:24 1937 Studebaker Hearse looks good from the pictures. They also have a 1:32 International Emergency Command Centre, which is not really very cheap. This is the same vehicle as made by First Gear in 1:34 scale.
There's more repetition at So Real Concepts. They are new to me, but their products look good, so it's a pity that they have started their range with another two Hummer H2s, a closed one and a pickup, both in 1:24 scale.
NEW RACING 43 ELITE F430
By Laura Fabbri Brianza, ABC Italy
The latest models from Racing 43 Elite of Italy are all Ferrari F430s:
051 Corsa red, beige interior 052 Modena yellow, black interior 053 Daytona black, red interior 054 Tour de France blue, beige interior 055 spider Corsa red, beige interior 056 spider Modena yellow, black interior 057 spider Daytona black, red interior 058 spider Tour de France blue, beige interior
BBURAGO IN TROUBLE
The administrator of Bburago has put the firm into liquidation at Monza High Court, and all assets, including Bburago and Polistil brands were to be disposed of by open auction, with a reserve of 21 million Euros (around £15m). At time of going to press we do not know the result of the sale, if anyone wants to continue production, or buy the brand names, or not.
ITALERI PLASTIC KITS
New plastic kits of armoured fighting vehicles and other vehicles from Italeri of Italy:
Morris Quad tractor and 25 pdr gun British 1:72 Sd.Kfz.162 Jagdpanther tank Germany 1:72 Sd.Kfz.234/1 Puma armoured car Germany 1:72 Sd.Kfz.186 Jagd Tiger tank Germany 1:72 Leopard 1A2 tank Germany 1:72 Sd.Kfz.232 6 Rad armoured car Germany 1:72 LVT (A-1) amphibious apc USA 1:72 S.P.G. 75/18 M40-M41 tank 1:35 Kfz.1 Horch field car Germany 1:35 GMC 2.5 ton cargo truck US Army 1:35 LAV 25 air defence armoured car 1:35 Jagdpanther Germany 1:35 Sd.Kfz.232 6 Rad armoured car Germany 1:35 M4 A3 Sherman cast turret 1:35 Demag Sd.Kfz. 10 halftrack Germany 1:35 Crusader anti-arcraft tank British 1:35 Sd.Kfz.232 6 Rad armoured car, resin parts 1:35 Volvo VN780 three axle artic tractor unit 1:24 Volvo artic Yamaha with bike 1:24 US conventional wrecker truck Santa Fe 1:24 Volvo VN670 three axle artic tractor unit 1:24 Mercedes artic Honda Movistar with bike 1:24 Scania R580 V8 two axle artic tractor unit 1:24 Renault artic Citroen WRC team 2004 + car 1:24 US artic cargo trailer two axle 1:24 US conventional artic Baywatch 1:24 Scania R144L artic Dragon 1:24 DAF XF95 SSC two axle artic tractor unit 1:24 Mercedes-Benz 230G Paris-Dakar #142 1:24 Lancia Stratos HF Alitalia #1 1:24
ACADEMY MINICRAFT AFVs
Military vehicle and AFV plastic kits from Academy Minicraft of the USA, new for 2005:
1384 US machine gun set, from the Second World Warto the modern day. 1:35 1397 M10 tank destroyer US Army, late version with 'duckbill' turret. 1:35 13010 M4A2 Sherman tank, diesel engined version, used by allied armies. 1:35 1395 M36 Jackson tank, based on the M10, fitted with a 90mm gun 1:35 13011 M551 Sheridan airborne assault tank, used from Vietnam to the Gulf War 1:35 13012 M151A2 Mutt with hardtop and trailer 1:35 13401 Set: German ground support vehicles: T-Stoff tanker and Schwimmwagen 1:72 13402 Set: US ground support vehicles: 2.5 ton 6x6 steel cab truck with accessories 1:72 13403 Set: US ground support vehicles: Dodge ambulance and aircraft tow tractor 1:72 13404 German cargo truck WWII 1:72 Snapfit motorised r/c tanks 1341 Panther G late version (static kit: 13018) 1:25 1342 Jagdpanther early version (static kit: 13019) 1:25 1343 Leopard 2A4 1:25
ITALIAN PLATES AND CURSORS
By Fabrizio Panico
In regard to the Alfa Crosswagon registration plate, (Norev 790201 pictured in MAR 197): Sorry Hans-Georg, but since 1994 Italy changed its coding: now our registration numbers are composed of three parts (two letters, three numbers and two letters) and they are assigned at national level, no longer at provincial level. That means that they started with AA001AA, followed with AA002AA and so on until AA999AA and AA000AA, which was followed by AA001AB and so on. Today we are at CYxxxyy, that means that the Norev Alfa registration number (NO156CW) is not related to Novara and, more importantly, it is completely fictional. The same plate now stays on a car all its life, even if it is sold after a few years in a different province.
The province code can be applied (but is not compulsory) in the lower right corner, and correctly the Norev Alfa plate reads TO for Turin. It is interesting to note that the Alfa Crosswagon model supplied by Norev to Fiat Boutiques has a different registration: AR156CW (for Alfa Romeo 156 CrossWagon), a different colour (dark metallic green) and a different production code (Norev 790200). Clearly also this registration plate is incorrect, because that code was assigned many years before the Crosswagon was built.
Also a note about the Cursor Mercedes article in MAR 189: I recently looked at my Mercedes promotional models and was surprised to see that the first model (the Daimler first car) was engraved WIKING and not CURSOR.
Were they produced by both companies?
I don't think so. And the red 1923 Targa Florio car has racing number 10, while the black and white 1903 racing car has no racing number at all. I'm sorry, but the published listing doesn't seem to be definitive at all. By the way, the larger scale similar models (1:24) were supplied respectively by Danhausen (first Daimler car) and Rio (first Benz car).
SPA CROFT REVIVAL
We are glad to hear again from Mike Coupe, that he is slowly getting back into action after his bereavement over a year ago. He tells us that the long-delayed 1:43 handbuilt Spa Croft Humber Super Snipe Mk IV will soon be available at last. The master has been sent for casting and painting. It will be available in four colour schemes; tyrolean green/forest green with tan interior, pearl grey/mayfair grey with red interior, all black with red interior, in the Le Car Noir range, or black pearl over shell grey with grey interior. The latter is a non-Rootes colour scheme, but it is a very classy livery adopted by Marshalls of Hull who own a fleet of Humber wedding cars, all in the same livery. The three other schemes are all authentic schemes for the Mk IV Super Snipe. 200 of the green and grey versions will be built, whereas the all-black model will be limited to 50 pieces. The Marshall-liveried model will be limited to 25 pieces. The model will feature a fully detailed interior including separate plated door handles and window winders, rear view mirror, two piece steering wheel, detailed dash and fascia, foot pedals and brake. The outside has separate plated door handles, boot and bonnet badging, bonnet mascot, windscreen wipers, clear headlamps, plated radiator and side grilles. Mike doesn't know yet what the price will be, but assuming that costs haven't increased dramaticall since he originally planned the model, then it will be priced at under £100, and hopefully in the £90-£95 bracket. Mike Coupe can be contacted on 01773 872780, or by mail at Spa Croft Models, 98 High Street, Tibshelf, Derbyshire DE55 5NU.
ERTL RANGE ROVER SPORT
Ertl are producing 1:18 scale diecast models of the Range Rover Sport in their Land Rover branded series, in a choice of colours, black or orange. They are made in China for this US division of Racing Champions.
MORE ITALIANS FROM ALEZAN
All four of the latest 1:43 resin kits or handbuilt models available from Alezan of France are, like many others in this long established range, of Italian sporting machinery:
277 Maserati 'Racing' 1991 278 Alfa 147 Selespeed JTD three door 2005 279 Alfa 147 Selespeed JTD five door 2005 280 Lamborghini Silhouette Targa 1977
FRANKLIN MINTED OFFERS
By Willie Coon, Sulphur, Oklahoma
In reply to David Ferguson's question on what happened to Franklin Mint, they are still around and doing well. They still send adverts by mail and by email. To get on their mailing list write to them at The Franklin Mint, 105 Commerce Drive Aston, PA, 19014, USA or g to their homepage on the website. They say they only ship to the US and US territories when ordering from the site. I'm not sure if you can order by mail for European delivery. It is worth asking. I have several of their 1:24 models and they are good value for money. Here is a list of what they offered in their latest mailing:
Christmas Box Egg NEW! Christmas Box Gift Package NEW! Stained Glass Angel Doll Limited Edition 750 2005 Christmas Fire Engine Limited Edition 2,500 2005 Christmas Harley-Davidson Limited Edition 2,500 2005 Christmas Truck Limited Edition 2,500 The Princess of the Christmas Court Doll Limited Edition 750 Gibson Girl Vinyl Doll - Holiday Splendor Limited Edition 750 Swarovski Crystal Christmas Brooch NEW!
BOOK REVIEWS
THE CAR DESIGN YEARBOOK 4: by Stephen Newbury, 280 x 240 mm hardbound, 288 pages, 550 colour illustrations. ISBN 1 858942 85 3 (UK and export). 1 858942 86 1 (USA). Merrell Publishers, 81 Southwark Street, London SE1 0HX. £25.00.
In the early days of the automobile, when every car had a separate steel chassis, it was possible to build any style of body. Expensive marques would supply bare chassis to coachbuilders who would build any body the customer chose. Indeed, some exotic chassis were reputed not to have had any two identical bodies fitted. Even mass-market car firms would offer up to a dozen body styles on the same chassis, for every customer preference. The advent of unitary construction made it more difficult to produce lots of different body styles, so car makers took to building prototypes and concept cars to demonstrate their thinking about future car developments, which they displayed at the car shows. This activity still goes on today, though now many such concepts will quickly be translated with little change into production vehicles. This is thanks to the 'platform technology' adopted by car makers in the wake of computer aided car design. We are all familiar with the '57 varieties' of vehicle on the VW Golf platform, from sports cabriolets to mpvs, many of which started life as concept cars. So now the stands of the major manufacturers are stuffed with concept cars, and the purely 'show car', which was a cul de sac in design, is mostly a thing of the past. We now need someone to lead us by the hand through this labyrinth of car designs. Was that a new production car? Or a limited production special? Or a concept car promised for production in slightly adapted form? Or was it a concept car too extreme to appear soon, but which incorporates design aspects already planned for inclusion further into the future? For the fourth year we have this guide to what's what. I don't have to repeat how comprehensive and useful it is. You must know by now, so I'll just list below all the cars unveiled in the past year, which are included here. Highly recommended.
Rod Ward
Cars included in The Car Design Yearbook 4
Acura RD-X Acura RL Alfa Romeo 159 Alfa Romeo Brera Aston Martin V8 Vantage AudiA4 Audi RSQ AviChina Hafei Saibao Bertone Villa BMW 1 Series BMW 3 Series Buick Lucerne Buick Velite CadillacBLS CadillacDTS CadillacSTS Chevrolet HHR Chevrolet Impala Chevrolet Matiz Chevrolet S3X Chrysler Firepower Citroen Cl Citroen C4 Citroen C6 Dodge Caliber Dodge Charger Dodge Nitro Dodge Ram Mega-Cab Etud Integral Scooto Farboud GTS Fenomenon Stratos Ferrari F430 Fiat Croma Ford Explorer Sport Trac Ford Fairlane Ford Focus Ford Focus Vignale Ford Fusion Ford SAV Ford Shelby GR-1 Ford SYNus GM sequel GMC Graphyte Honda Civic Honda Civic Si Honda FR-V Honda Ridgeline Hummer H3 Hyundai Portico Hyundai Sonata Infiniti Kuraza Infiniti M Italdesign Mitsubishi Nessie Jaguar Advanced Lightweight Coupe Jeep Gladiator Jeep Grand Cherokee Jeep Hurricane Kia KCD-II MESA Kia Rio Kia Sedona Kia Sportage Lamborghini Concept S Land Rover Discovery LR3 Lexus IS Lexus LF-A Lexus LF-C Lincoln Zephyr Marcos TSO Mazda 5 Mazda MX-Crossport Mazda MX-5 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Mercedes-Benz B-Class Mercedes GST Vision R Mercedes-Benz M-Class Mercury Meta One Mercury Milan Mitsubishi Eclipse Mitsubishi Raider Nissan Azeal Nissan Tone Nissan Xterra Nissan Zaroot Noble Ml 4 Opel-Vauxhall Astra GTC Opel-Vauxhall Tigra Opel-Vauxhall Zafira Peugeot 1007 Peugeot 107 Peugeot 907 Peugeot Quark Pininfarina Birdcage 75th Pininfarina Double-Face Pininfarina Nido Pontiac Torrent Porsche 911 Porsche Boxster Range Rover Sport Renault Fluence Renault Modus Renault Zoe Rinspeed Sense Saab9-7X Saturn Aura Saturn Sky Seat Leon Seat Toledo Sivax Xtile Skoda Yeti Stola S86 Diamante Subaru B9 Tribeca Suzuki Concept X Suzuki Swift Tata Xover Toyota Avalon Toyota Aygo Toyota FJ Cruiser Toyota FT-SX Tramontana Volkswagen Passat Volvo 3CCCAR DESIGN by Paolo Tumminelli, professor of design. English, German, French and Spanish text. 400 pages, 428 photos. 130 x 190 mm Paperbound. ISBN 3-8238-4561-6 Published by teNeues Verlag GmbH + Co KG Kempen, Germany. Available from: teNeues Publishing Co, 16 West 22nd St, New York; NY 100010, USA, teNeues Book Division; Kaistrasse 18; D-40221 Düsseldorf, Germany, teNeues Publishing UK Ltd, PO Box 402; West Byfleet, KT14 7ZF, Great Britain, teNeues France SARL, 4, rue de Valence, 75005 Paris, France,
This big reference work, published for the first time in this form, is a comprehensive and informative look at the development of European, American and Japanese car design from 1947 to 2004. Past, present and future design trends are shown in original photos of 370 vehicles and concept cars. A biographical survey of leading international car designers is included.
Hans-Georg Schmitt
Dream Cars: classic beauty on wheels. by Rob de la Rive Box & Mirco de Cet, English text. 320 pages, 500 colour photographs. 220 x 300mm. Hardbound. ISBN 90 366 1570 4. Published by, available from Rebo International bv, 1e Poellaan 6, 2161 LB Lisse, PO Box 314; 2160 Lisse, Netherlands.
This is a book about remarkable cars, vintage and more recent, many of them sports cars, especially the famous makes such as Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini. Attention is also paid to popular models including the Fiat Nuova 500, Citroen Traction Avant, Renault 4CV, Nissan 350Z and even the most recent VW New Beetle Convertible. Each car in this book is accompanied by detailed technical specifications, design descriptions and production histories. Included here are small BMWs of the 1950s, Maserati racing cars and American street cruisers, British shooting brakes, Ferrari sports cars, rare MGs, the Renault Avantime, Veritas postwar sports cars and VW New Beetles.
Hans-Georg Schmitt
COACHING REFELECTIONS: by John Banks, 240 x 180 mm landscape hardbound, 80 pages, ISBN 1 898432 62 7. Venture Publications Ltd, 128 Pikes Lane, Glossop, Derbyshire. SK13 8EH. £16.95.
It would appear that more psv enthusiasts are interested in buses than are in coaches, often springing from early allegiance to a local bus operator from childhood bus-spotting days. Yet most people have happy memories of travelling by coach to holidays or leisure events. This book is filled with large and lush colour photographs of such coaches, from a 1935 Bedford WTB to modern multi-axle double deckers. The photos are good quality, but the vehicles are mostly parked up, rather than snapped in action with happy holidaymakers embarking, or disgorging at their destination. Alone in a coach park, without a crowd of trippers around, these gaily painted coaches often look a little forlorn. Perhaps one of the reasons why they do not attract as much interest from bus fans? If you like coaches, however, you'll love this book
Rod Ward
Klassische Automobile. Photographs and German text by Michael Furman. 264 pages, 178 colour photos, 250 x 330mm. Hardbound, with dustjacket. ISBN 3-7688-1671-0. Published by and available from Delius Klasing Verlag, Siekerwall 21. D-33602 Bielefeld, Germany.
These excellent large format photographs capture cars from 1925 to 1948, a classic period in automotive history.
Hans-Georg Schmitt
CLUB NEWS
Collated by Rod Ward
Coventry Diecast Model Club: It seems to be a while since I have seen a copy of Wheelspin, the CDMC magazine edited by Mick (Mixxy) Russell. 'The friendly one' as this club likes to think of itself, has now been in existence for 30 years, and Mick is saddened by the way the club has gone recently. No-one has volunteered to take over the onerous job of editing Wheelspin, and there is a dearth of contributions from members. The doughty Will Roe has stepped to fill the gaping void with his coverage of taxi models in the latest issue, but new blood is really needed, as between them Mick and Will have had to fill Wheelspin themselves. If you think you could help, join the long-established Coventry Club by writing to PO Box 3078, Coventry CV2 2ZD.
Natal Diecast Model Collectors: Geoff Sear, Chairman, editor of the club newsletter (and chief bottle-washer) is also disappointed by how few members contribute, in any way. Meetings are now 'a dead loss', he says. 'I believe that everyone is sincere and passionate about collecting, but not interested in our club as such. The days of chatting about models, discussing their good and bad points, seem to be over. The low turnout is becoming the norm. If members don't want to come to our meetings, that's their business. The same can be said for our social get-together at the home of Rod and Jewell Guerin. Where was everybody? Jewell went to a lot of trouble supplying snacks and tea and few people were there to enjoy it'. (Ron Gersbank has since then reported the accidental death of Rod Guerin at the age of 80. He had one of the largest collections in South Africa). Non-participation in clubs is seen in other interest fields as well. As an artist, I belong to three art clubs and societies, all of which hold regular meetings, exhibitions etc. One, which has 'passive' meetings, where members just turn up to hear a speaker, is struggling at the moment. The other two, which are more organised with 'active' workshops, are doing well. Maybe model clubs also need to rethink what they do? If you have any ideas or suggestions, contact Geoff at 7, Dryden Place, Umbilo, Durban 4001, South Africa.
Cape Model and Toy Club: The Cape Model Collector, newsletter of the CMTC, includes an enthusiastic report on their annual Toy Fair, which had 400 people through the door. There seems to be a big following for a wide range of collectables in their area, and some stallholders came in from very long distances, as far away as Bloemfontein, according to Secretary Graham Ramsay. If you'd like to join this keen group, you can phone Graham on 072 156 6806 'at any hour', he says.
South Hants Model Auto Club: What is it about the keen members of the SHMAC? Sue and Stu Leake, joint editors of the newsletter, have no trouble filling the pages with loads of articles and pictures from members. The latest issue has 20 pages filled to the brim. Maybe a factor is the 'participatory' nature of this club, which continues to put on exhibitions at shows such as the Hampshire Pageant of Motoring, where the organiser was so pleased with their contribution that he wants them back next time. They even managed to attend two separate shows on the same day with model exhibits in September! If you are keen enough to join the SHMAC, phone Secretary Dave Painter on 01264 366408.
West Australian Model Collectors Club: Ian Hind has been Editor of Showcase, the WAMCC Club publication, for almost 40 editions. Do club members appreciate the unpaid efforts of such stalwarts? Among the many typical issues facing officers of clubs and societies is a demand by the Western Australian Government that all such clubs and societies develop a 'risk management strategy' including a requirement that a qualified First Aider be present at all club-organised events, in case of illness or injury. Presumably, if no qualified club member is available, someone will have to be paid to do it. Risky terminology seems to be a WAMCC theme: they recently reprinted an advert by FAO Schwartz of New York for the original Corgi Batmobile under the strapline 'five inches of danger'. If you are not deterred by danger, and have a nurse's outfit, the WAMCC would like you to join; phone 934 9369, or email jhind@iinet.net.au
PROJECT SWORD
by Peter Paine
MAR 188 and 189 included notes on Century 21's Project Sword. I recently found a Moon Prospector from this series at a local car boot sale for 20 pence, and I thought readers might be interested to see it. This vehicle is featured in the Project Sword Annual, also shown here. Were other models made of the vehicles pictured in the Annual? Incidentally, none of the vehicles pictured on page 9427 is pictured in the Annual, and the logo on the side of the ship is different. Do you think it was worth more than the 20 pence I paid?
Editor's note: this certainly looks like an early go at the now-popular process of designing and marketing the toys first, then producing the films, books, comics etc to fit. The Annual obviously pictures the toy, rather than the toy trying to reproduce a complex design from a book or film. SWORD stands for Space World Organisation for Research and Development. They could have offered Space And Undersea Search Anti-Gravity Expedition, Gromit.
BUS STOP
News & Views
BIGGER BUSES FROM GILBOW
By Frank JoyceIt was great to see so many friendly faces at the EFE Showbus Rally, but a few visitors commented on admission fees. The standard entrance fee is paid to the Imperial War Museum; none of this goes to Showbus. As main sponsor, the costs for the event are all paid by EFE, so in effect all Showbus visitors are our guests. Visitors saw a surprise item; first shots of a 1:24 Daimler DMS which we are developing with the Chinese manufacturer. Originally designed to represent the DMS as used in Hong Kong, our model will be the bus as used in London. When completed, it will be available in UK liveries under the Gilbow brand. The DMS is pictured in the print version of MAR.
Other news: Leyland Titan model, made for the TfL Acton Depot open day in October: 28806C in East London livery on route 69 to North Woolwich. Subscriber Christmas Special model: Guy GS, still in London Transport livery, as used in Great Yarmouth on trials for one-man-operated buses.
Recent and future 1:76 releases from EFE
28811 Leyland Titan Reading Buses 30506 Guy GS Special Southern Motorways 30601 AEC Renown Type A King Alfred route 8/9 30602 AEC Renown Type A King Alfred route 11 27616 Wright Volvo Renown Strathtay 30004 AEC Regal 10T10 London Transport 25106 Bristol RELL bus West Yorkshire 31301 B20 DM Fleetline Shillibeer Omnibus 17304 Leyland National Mk 1 long Greenline NBC 20905 Leyland PS2 Windover coach North Western 29405 Bristol RELH D/P Eastern Counties NBC 27615 Wright Volvo Renown First Badgerline 28503 Leyland TD1 closed rear Western 29609 Leyland Olympian B Northern Scottish 99101 Daimler DMS 1:24 scale London Transport
CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD
1:76 diecast buses promised from Creative Master Northcord Ltd of China for release from now until February 2006:
Leyland Olympian-Alexander RX Stagecoach Manchester Dennis Trident ALX400 First Wyvern Dennis Trident ALX400 Stagecoach C&G Unimotion Dennis Dart MPD Wight Bus Dennis Dart MPD Plymouth Park & Ride Dennis Dart MPD Southern Vectis Volvo Olympian-Alexander Royale First West Yorkshire Volvo Olympian-Alexander Royale London United Mercedes-Benz Citaro rigid First Slough Heathrow Mercedes-Benz Citaro G artic Go Ahead London General Mercedes-Benz Citaro G artic Stagecoach London UEL
LATEST TIDINGS FROM OXFORD
News from Lyndon Davies of Oxford fame, who is busy setting up many new projects...
Chevrolet truck Bovril Open top dd bus Maples Bullnose van Nelson Navy Cut Bullnose Royal Scots Greys Bullnose Royal Military Police Ford T van Double Diamond VW van Morecambe and Wise Routemaster bus London Transport Golden Shred red Routemaster bus GE promotional model blue Volkswagen van Captain Mainwaring (Dad's Army) Bedford van Camel cigarettes Bedford van Oxo Ford T van Murray Mints Chevrolet truck Cherry Blossom boot polish Morris Minor van Oxford (Club members only) Morris Minor van Oxford Christmas 2005 (Club only) Mini saloon Oxford (Club only)
Future issues include new vans, among them a Minivan and a Ford, plus a new ice cream van series for 2006
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