EDITORIAL MAR 169
SOMERVILLE SOLD TO PROMODBy Rod Ward
We can now reveal that Promod Ltd has taken over all the assets of Somerville Models. The new proprietor Graham Ward has told us that he intends to continue the production of Somerville model cars to a high standard, and that he will add new subjects on a continuing basis, alongside reissues of earlier models. The brand under its new ownership will aim to carry on the traditions established by the late Doug McHard and his widow Roly, continuing to make the models in England. We look forward to seeing his ambitious plans when Graham, who has been in the model car business for many years, has had a chance to develop them more fully, and we will keep all Model Auto Review readers up to date with events.
The sale was successfully completed in December 2002, and all the masters, moulds, machinery and associated equipment have now been moved from Lincolnshire to Staffordshire, in readiness for the new beginning. We have no news to report so far on the proposed sale of the Minimarque 43 model range, following the death of Richard Briggs. The large collection of Richard's full-size vehicles was auctioned at his farm near Hull on 25 January, along with much else, but too late for us to report on here.
The model collecting industry is alive with unconfirmed rumours of further changes of ownership in the offing at a number of famous firms, large and small.
With the doubts and difficulties expressed of late about the future of well-loved ranges, following the deaths of their founding fathers, it is nice to be able to report that many ranges are looking forward to future growth under a second generation of owners. Children of the founders are taking up the reins in companies as diverse as Western Models, K&R Replicas, Roxley, Crossway, and JM Toys.
In addition, some firms have found new owners unrelated to the founders, including Brooklin, a current success story.
Not only are there changes in ownership, the technology of our world is also not standing still. After high pressure diecast zinc alloy and thermoplastics we saw low volume white metal and polyurethane resin breathe new life into the model industry. Now we have models with thin copper bodyshells, made by electro-deposition (in effect thick plating), and hints of model cars made with low-pressure cast zinc bodies and other techniques.
All good news for the future of collecting...
GREY CLOUDS? GOOD NEWS?
At the moment the only grey cloud on the horizon is the emergence of another bout of licensing fever, with new agents appointed to chase down unlicensed model cars which carry the names of certain famous marques, regardless of the quantities made. There have been recent cases where long-standing 'informal' agreements made with senior industry figures who were very happy to see nice scale models made, at no charge for a license, and even with assistance from the car firm, have been superseded by a new regime, demanding full written contracts, up-front fees and so on. In some cases the operational management of the company which owns the marque was assisting in production of scale models, unaware that their legal department had simultaneously appointed licensing agents to control such activity!
The good news here is that I was recently assured that a major British car marque which celebrates its centenary in 2003 is not proposing to charge licensing fees to produce models. In fact they have been going out of their way to encourage production of models to mark the centenary.
Strangely, in that same week I was told by a licensing agency that they had just been appointed to investigate all model cars and other products which relate to that marque.
WOLFSBURG TAKES BAT HOME
I was interested to hear that Herr Glaser of Volkswagen will no longer supply review models to Hans-Georg Schmitt for coverage in MAR because he and his head of design are not satisfied with the treatment their products are given. They feel that they are entitled to more space, bigger pictures, more colour etc, rather than their promotional products just being allocated the same amount of coverage as other model cars. So much for the old adage that all publicity is good publicity, as long as they get your name right. Maybe it doesn't translate into German. Well, in spite of them 'taking their bat home' and refusing to play, I will continue to mention VW Group products here, whenever we get the news, if it is of interest to MAR readers.
But they will never get any preferential treatment, and nor will anyone else. I wonder why they thought they would?
CLUB NEWS
Club Autos Miniatures Peugeot: CAMP is the Club for collectors of Peugeot models. New is a 1:43 model handbuilt in France, the 14th model exclusively for Club members. This one is made by Double File (Francois Debast), it is a Heuliez car recovery vehicle, in the livery of Peugeot Assistance. As well as special models, members also get a quarterly 80-page magazine and other benefits of interest to Peugeotistes. You can contact CAMP at BP 01, 75116 Paris Cedex 16, France.
Volkswagen Model Club: Jim McLachlan really means it, you know! In issue 99 of the VWMC magazine, he states that issue 100 will take the club into its 25th year (something he never imagined happening when it all began in 1978), and it had been hoped that this issue would be something special to mark this doubly important stage. This now appears unlikely, and Jim even thinks that issue 100 may be the last one published, and the VWMC may cease to exist after that. As he says to the membership of the VWMC, 'The future lies entirely in your hands'. It appears that around 80 members in total, very few of whom make any contributions to the Club magazine, is insufficient for Jim to carry on at the present level. perhaps someone will come up with some useful suggestions? maybe 25 years is long enough for one person to carry the torch? Is it time for someone else to put the magazine together, deal with subscriptions etc? Or is it time to combine with another Club, to augment the membership and share some overheads. Whatever, it needs some drastic decisions, if the VWMC is not to just fade away and become a cherished memory of the way things were. If you like to join at this late stage, and breathe some life into the Club, or if you have any useful suggestions, write to Jim at 20 Waverley Park, Redding, Falkirk, FK2 9RT, Scotland.
South Hants Model Auto Club: The latest issue of the SHMAC newsletter is as well-produced and illustrated as ever under the editorship of Stu and Sue Leake. The interesting spread of features includes trucks and buses, as well as Porsches and other cars. The Club gives itself a well-deserved pat on the back for the model displays at Modelex 2002, in the review of that event. My wife Val, however, wants to know who I was with when Sue met me at Modelex. She says, 'The first introductions were to Rod and Sue Ward of Modelauto Ltd, the Editors of Model Auto Review'. It took some fast talking to get me out of that one. If you'd like them to get your name right, just join the SHMAC. Contact Secretary Dave Painter (I think) on 01264 366408.
Herpa CarsClub: Hans-Georg Schmitt passes on these notes: 'In Autumn 2002 the Herpa CarsClub launched its club model. This year it is an open Audi A4 cabriolet, with black body and bright red interior. The lights, radiator grille and steering wheel are separate parts, the wheel-rims and some mouldings chrome plated. Herpa offers club membership in combination with a subscription to their house magazine Der Masstab, published six times per year. Membership applications to Herpa Miniatur-modelle GmbH, Redaktion Der Masstab, Postfach 40, D-90597 Dietenhofen, Germany.
Automania: Moscow Diecast Model Club: Vladimir Belyakov tells us that this is a club, well-known in Russia for its handmade car models and rare old Soviet cars and trucks. You can visit http://scalecars.boom.ru and if other model clubs around the world are interested in exchanging models, contact 14 Butlerova str, Bld 2, Moscow 117485, Russia. Tel-fax [095] 330 7915, or email scalecars@rin.ru
Maidenhead Static Model Club: Recent Clubnight talks were by John Wynn of the famous South Wales heavy haulage firm, and on the MG Competitions department, so there is a broad spectrum of interest in the Club. A note in the latest issue of Wheel Bearings, the MSMC newsletter, tells members that Ray Wittleton has rejoined the club and is a fully paid up member again. Once more we make the suggestion to Clubs with declining memberships that they contact ex-members. If they joined once before, they might just do it again. It's certainly easier than converting folk who have never heard of the club... But even if you have never been a member of the MSMC before, they'd like you to join now. The Club's Membership Secretary Alan Simpson (01494 813903) will be pleased to hear from you.
Lledo Enthusiast & Variations Club: The latest bi-monthly issue of the Enthusiast tries to disentangle the stroy of the Lledo Volkswagen models, including the Custom & Classic series. The aim of this Club is to cover all catalogued Lledo issues (not Lledo Promotionals) but this series falls into both categories, and many catalogued issues were made in tiny quantities due to the impending closure of the Enfield company, and apparently some were never made at all, just to confuse future collectors who rely on old catalogues for reference. Many VW models crossed ranges to become Days Gone, then Vanguards or even Custom & Classic.
Most notably the VW Beetle has appeared with many baseplates. Bill Alexander attempts to tell this story, but invites more contributions. He also describes the latest issues from Lledo, Days Gone and Vanguards.
All this useful information comes at the price of a small subscription; all you have to do is contact Bill by phone or fax on 01628 622318.
Wessex Model and Toy Collectors: The hard men from the South West have decided to toughen up on late renewals. WMTC membership runs from 1 January to 31 December, with a deadline for renewals on 1 March, but some members cannot seem to make their minds up, so that the Committee has in the past kept some names on the list, in the expectation that they will renew their memberships. Then after a few months of silence, the names are removed from the membership roll. Finally, after another delay, dilatory members renew, and have to be restored to the list, wasting a lot of everyone's time. In future, anyone who has not renewed by 1 March will be regarded as having left the Club. Anyone rejoining later will be seen as a 'New Member', and may pay a joining (or re-joining) fee if the Committee so decide. If this firmly disciplined group of men sounds like something you should to be part of, contact WMTC Membership Secretary Douglas Male on 01380 840356.
Natal Diecast Model Collectors: I have been accused of 'castigating' the NDMC. They say 'it is a tad unfair to pick on amateur enthusiasts who work in their own time and do their best to put together a club newsletter'. Well, I'm sorry, I did not realise I was picking on them. To quote Garrison Keillor, 'I'm like that with everybody'. Sometimes it is difficult to find much to say here about Club newsletters I receive as, understandably, much of the content may be about Club members who are unknown to MAR readers. This column attempts to support the existence of clubs as a vital part of the collecting movement, and hopes to attract new members, by making clubs sound interesting. Most clubs take the rough with the smooth, so to speak, and accept that any mention is better than no publicity. Those who don't want me to comment on their publications don't send them to me. So in future I'll only comment on the NDMC when I have something nice to say.
BOOK REVIEWS
THE CAR DESIGN YEARBOOK 1: The definitive guide to new concept and production cars worldwide, by Stephen Newbury (edited by Giles Chapman), published by Merrell (order line 01235 465500). Hardbound 250 x 290 mm, 288 pages, 850 illustrations. ISBN 1 85894 181 4. UK price £25.00.
This book is truly amazing, and I'll be referring to it regularly from now on. Whatever country we live in, we all buy the local version of the Cars of 2002, or 2003, or whatever, produced to coincide with the Motor Show season. These adequately cover cars currently in production, and may sketchily include some more notable concept cars and design studies, often as a way to hint to enthusiasts what the cars of the next couple of years may look like. This new book, intended to become an annual offering, includes for the first time every totally new concept car and production car introduced in the previous 12 months. That means 127 cars in this volume, each illustrated by an average of six pictures, a specification table, and a description by Stephen Newbury, Techical Project Manager of the TWR automotive design team. So, if you wondered about the Lancia Phedra that featured on the front cover of MAR 168, just look on page 120 of this superb tome. There we find two large colour photographs of the exterior, and two more of the interior, plus a description of the car, noting that it replaces the Zeta, which only sold 1764 units in 2001, a poor performance which contributed to Lancia's decline in sales of 13.7% that year.
A cogent analysis of the new car's styling features puts it in its design context, and also comments on how well it needs to perform in sales if it is to ensure Lancia's survival.
This same detailed coverage is given to the latest production cars, such as the BMW 7 Series or Ford Fiesta, via practicable, almost market-ready concept cars, like the Seat Tango Spyder to wilder flights of fancy typified by the Honda Unibox, a three axle tubular frame clad in flat transparent plastic panels. When we see a new model proposed for release we are often unsure exactly what it is. In particular it is sometimes difficult to tell, these days, if a car is in production, intended for production, or just a design study. Now this book gives us the means to find out. For instance, Chris Pryor, when sending in his Competition entry for the Peugeot Coupe, with all the 'retractable' questions, noted that Tomica make a small scale diecast model of a Daihatsu Copen, whose name is supposedly made up of Compact and Open (with perhaps a suggestion of Coupe thrown in?). This car has a retractable hardtop, like the current coupe-convertibles made by Peugeot and Mercedes-Benz. But is it a production car or a prototype? Well, this book tells us that in 2002 it was a concept car, but eminently suitable for production, if Daihatsu can be 'a little bolder than usual', to quote the author. There are also profiles of some key car designers, a useful glossary of technical terms (in case torque ever comes up in discussion) and a list of marques and their parent companies, among much else. The next volume in the series will be published in September 2003. I heartily recommend this book to everyone interested in modern cars. Rod Ward
Jouets avec le Feu: La Parade Detous les Jouets Pompiers Francais, by Mick Duprat, French text, ISBN 2-7268-8553-5, 176 pages, 300 colour photos. Hardbound with dust cover, 260 x 260mm. Published by and available from ETAI; 20 rue de la Saussiere, 92641 Boulogne-Billancourt Cedex, France.
Children have always liked to play with fire, and with toy fire engines as well. The long development of the fire appliance was always marked by the latest machines being quickly made as toys, beginning with early horse-drawn fire-engines and firemen in the 19th century. Tin toys of the first engine-powered vehicles followed around 1900 and in the 1930s the first diecast metal models appeared in the shops, often made from an impure zamak, which crumbled after a few years. Today manufacturers use much better alloys or plastics. The development of miniature fire appliances is shown in colour photos with descriptions of such manufacturers as Norev, Dinky, Solido, Eligor, Dubray, Majorette, Minialuxe, Clé, Safir, Joustra and JRD. Hans-Georg Schmitt
TOY AND MODEL TRAMS OF THE WORLD Volume 1: Toys, Diecasts and Souvenirs, by Gottfried Kure and David Voice. Published by Adam Gordon, Buckinghamshire. 128 pages. English text. ISBN 1-87442235-4. 210mm x 300mm. Cost £25.00 in UK.
This is a superb toy and model book absolutely, crammed with colour photographs. The first chapter covers the collecting of toy trams and their history. The following chapters cover the models themselves under the headings of historical tinplate, tinplate after 1950, models of wood, card, diecast, plastic and other materials. Each of these chapters has an alphabetical list by manufacturer together with details of the toys and models they produced. This covers models from all over the world and I have to admit that the authors have done an incredible job of bringing all this information together.
Every continent is covered and you will be amazed at the number of toy trams made over the years. Due to the many toys described, it is obviously impossible to have all of them photographed, but a wide variety of models is still shown, mostly in colour. I was able to identify some where I had not known the maker, and to find out about others I had not known existed. The authors also include trolleybus models in this book. The next volume, yet to be published, will look at the many trams produced as models rather than toys, with updates on items missing from this book. I look forward to it. Jim McLachlan
LES JOUETS CIJ EN ZAMAC by Thierry Redempt and Pierre Ferrer. Published by Editions Drivers, Toulouse, France. 160 pages. French text, some English descriptions. 250mm x 250mm. Cost €35 (Euro)
At long last we have a book covering the superb 1:43 diecast range from CIJ of France. This superb book is profusely illustrated mainly in colour with only some black and white photos. There is a short history of the company, followed by chapters on the JRD range which CIJ acquired, the 1:87 Micro Miniatures, promotionals, wheels, chassis types, boxes, catalogues, advertising etc. The main part of the book covers in detail each miniature with colour photographs of nearly all the colour versions of each model. Some are pictured with their boxes. The layout and artwork on each page is very colourful and well thought out. Some contemporary photographs and advertising of the real vehicles are also used to great effect. Finally there are complete listings of all the models with colour variations and a rarity rating using asterisks to denote the value. This is much better than quoting currency values which are seldom right and soon out of date. Besides being a superb history of the CIJ diecast range this has to be one of the most colourful and interesting model books to look at that I have ever seen. Jim McLachlan
COLLECTIBLE MINIATURE CARS by Dom-inique Pascal. Published by Flammarion, Paris. 382 pages. English text published by Flammarion USA Inc. ISBN 2-08010-718-6. 140mm x 140mm. Cost £9.95 ($14.95)
This is an interesting little book written by French collector Dominique Pascal. A different model is depicted on each page with a short description. The introduction is a potted history of model cars, how they came to exist and the early manufacturers. Included in this chapter are colour photos of early toy cars. The following chapters are divided into saloon cars, convertibles, coupes, racing cars, working vehicles. Most car makers are included in the book, and most models are from British or European toy and model makers plus some Japanese. These include such famous names as Dinky, Corgi, Cherryca Phenix, Model Pet, CIJ, Dalia, Diapet, Gasquy, GéGé, Jouef, JRD, Lion Car, Marklin, Mebetoys, Mercury, Micro Models, Minialuxe, Norev, Politoys, Prameta, Quiralu, Solido, Spot On, Tekno and others. There is something for everyone here. The working vehicles chapter includes trucks, buses, vans, taxis, military etc. My only criticism is that some of the models shown are not mint. Whilst I do not find this a problem when it comes to really rare items, it is surprising that a French collector could not find mint examples of French models to photograph! Still, a recommended pocket book. Jim McLachlan
BUGATTI Automobiles in the Czech Lands - Catalogue for the exhibition at the National Technical Museum in Prague, by Pat Garnier, lvo Janousek, Petr Kozisek, Dominique Paillarse. Czech and English text. 88 pages, 118 pictures, Paperbound. 210 x 300 mm. lSBN 80-7037-105-6. Published by and available from Narodni Technicke Muzeum; Kostelni 41, Praha 7, Czech Republic.
Ettore Bugatti had many customers in the former Czechosiovakia. Many cars came into the country only as a chassis and were fitted with interesting bodies by Czech coachbuilders like Sodomka and Uhlik. During the turmoil of the Second World War and the need to get hard foreign currency under the subsequent Socialist system meant that many cars disappeared into the shadows of history. This well-ilustrated exhibition (April to October 2002) catalogue is devoted to Bugatti, to Czech coachbuilders and famous Czech Bugatti drivers like the Juneks, husband and wife. Hans-Georg Schmitt
MAZDA MX-5 :The Full Story of the World's Favourite Sports Car, by Brian Long, English text, 192 pages, 358 photos and 10 drawings; Hardbound with dust cover, 215 x 260mm. ISBN 1-903706-21-1, Published by and available from Veloce Publishing , 33 Trinity Street, Dorchester, DT1 1TT, England.
This is the story of the Mazda MX-5, the car that re-invented the affordable lightweight roadster, a species many thought was extinct in the 1980s. The MX-5, or Eunos Roadster, has sprawned many imitators, but remains the world's biggest selling sports car, having overtaken the MGB, the previous record holder. Researched and written in Japan with the co-operation of Mazda, here is the story through three generations of production, plus the history of Mazda. Hans-Georg Schmitt
Lancia Thesis Faszination einer leidenschaftlichen Marke by Robert J Heinrich and Christian Schon, German text. 160 pages, 214 photos. Hardbound with dust jacket, 250 x 300 mm. ISBN 3 89880-086-5 Published by, available from HEEL Verlag GmbH; Gut Pottscheidt, D-53639 Konigswinter Germany
Lancia's Thesis is one of the most innovative saloon cars of today. lts technology and design-concept is based on the century-old history of one of the first Italian car manufacturers, founded by the visionary designer Vincenzio Lancia. In 1922 he developed the first car with an integral body, the basis of passive safety in today's cars. The Thesis was launched at the Geneva Motor show in March 2001. It unites modern design elements with those of old Lancias and the engine range covers 2.0 litre four cylinder to 3.0 V6 and a 2,4 litre five cylinder diesel. In co-operation with Lancia, Heel Verlag published this book on the car, its development and the history of Lancia. Many old cars are pictured as are prominent customers, such as author Erich Maria Remarque, Garbo and Hemingway. The old photos show old production methods, historic vehicles and the rebirth of Lancia under Fiat control. Hans-Georg Schmitt
Automobilia Hors Serie 24 Toutes Les Voitures Francaises 1954 by Rene Bellu, French text, 84 pages, 390 photos, some drawings. 230 x 300mm; Paperbound. Published by and available from Histoire & Collections, 5, avenue de la Republique, 75541 Paris, Cedex 11 France
This issue includes French vehicles exhibited at the Paris Automobile Salon 1953, including such names as Letourneur et Marchand, Arista, Chapron, Delage, Delahaye, Facel-Vega, Figoni, Hotchkiss, Rosengart, Rovin, Saoutchik and many others. Hans-Georg Schmitt
US Feuerwehr Giganten by Jurgen Kiefer, German text, 144 pages, 146 large colour photos, hard bound 230 x 280mm. ISBN 3-440-09379-4 Published by and available from Kosmos Verlag; Pfeerstrasse 5-7; D-70184 Stuttgart, Germany
America's fire fighting vehicles are big. Fire engines with a pump output of 13,000 litres per minute, tanker carrying over 40.000 litres of water, crash trucks for fighting aircraft fires with 1,600 hp engines, special incident vehicles for works fire brigades, turntable ladders on articulated trucks, quints which combine fire engine and ladder andeven heavy rescues. There are innumerable body variations, liveries in a multitude of colours, symbols and hand-painted decorations. This book pictures them all in excellent colour photos and describes them in detail. Hans-Georg Schmitt
BUS NEWS
Exclusive First Editions
News update from Frank JoyceThrough 2002, external factors have adversely affected our production lead times and the monthly advertising pattern for our models. Manufacturing in China is still suffering the long-lasting effects of 11 September. With the downturn in global demand, many factories have closed, or have seriously reduced their staff levels, which has increased lead times and slowed production. At the same time, those magazines where we advertise our products are struggling with falling sales and a battle for shelf space with the newsagents. To maximise sales by enabling magazines to remain on newsagents' shelves longer, they are being published earlier and earlier, prior to their cover date and this has caused havoc with our monthly advertising plans. One magazine has even gone to the extreme of creating a 13 month year, and their advertisers who were unaware of this, have had their budgets exceeded. (Editor's note: Frank is not, of course, referring to MAR, because he doesn't advertise with us. We publish this EFE news entirely free of charge!)
Official Transport for London Golden Jubilee After finally being given the detailed requirements for these models, they are now in various stages of production. The first models will be released in three weeks time and they are three RML Routemasters, each with Marks & Spencer advertising, Metroline RML 2431 on route 6, Arriva RML 2750 on route 38 and Stagecoach RML2450 on route 8. Limited numbers of these first RML models are only available from the London Transport Museum but there will be a further release of RMLs in 2003. The Golden Jubilee Gift Set is now in production, available from the Museum soon.
EFE latest models
18006 Daimler Fleetline Nottingham City Transport. 10130 AEC RT Bus London Transport 28601 GM Standard Atlantean Greater Manchester 27609 Wright Volvo Renown First Manchester 25513 RML Routemaster Showbus special model 16605 Leyland National MkI Cardiff City Transport 20629 Plaxton Pointer Dart Chester City transport 28804 Leyland Titan London Transport 26312 GuyArab ll Utility East Kent 23314 AEC RF Bus Showbus Model Premier Travel 80001 1938 Driving Carriage A Northern Line 80201 1938 Motor Trailer Carriage Northern Line 80101 1938 Driving Carriage D Northern Line 80301 1938Trailer Carriage Northern Line 20128 Bedford OB Coach Standerwick 28602 GM Standard Atlantean Type A First Pennine 27307 LeylandTD1 Closed Rear East Kent 25104 Bristol RELL West Yorkshire 26614 Plaxton Paramount 3500 Arriva Shires & Essex 29001 GM Standard Fleetline Birkenhead & District 28803 Daimler DMS 2 Dr Type A London Sightseeing 27809 AEC STL Bus London Transport 80002, 80102, 80202, 80302 1938 tube stock Bakerloo 26701 DL Plaxton Paramount 3500 First United Welsh 24902 Plaxton Minibus B First City Buses 28805 Leyland Titan 2 door Reading Buses 28901 G.M.Standard Fleetline Maidstone & District 17213 Leyland National MKI Long West Midlands 25105 Bristol RELL Southern Vectis 23205 AEC RF MKII Bus Greenline 12804 Atkinson 8W Flatbed British Road Services 20904 Leyland PS1 Windover Coach Southdown 10132 AEC RT Bus London Transport 27610 Wright Volvo Renown Ulsterbus Translink 22512 Alexander Y Type WesternNORTHCORD HINO BUS
The latest diecast bus model from Creative Master-Northcord of Hong Kong is a Hino Selega R FD coach in the two tone green livery of Kintetsu, based in the Osaka region of Japan. Other releases include 1:76 scale buses in UK liveries; Dennis Trident-Alexander ALX400 Stagecoach Manchester 'Going for gold' and Plaxton President open top double decker Lothian City Sightseeing, 'Edinburgh Tours'.
OXFORD diecast in China for UK
RT London double decker bus in red, with the same advertisements and destination boards as the one featured in the famous Clff Richard film from 1962 'Summer Holiday', in which a group of LT bus mechanics borrow a bus for a continental trip. The model also has a unique box specially designed for this issue.
TRUCK NEWS
First Gear 1:34 diecast in China for USA: Mack Granite Cab with McClain Galion dump body. It has an opening hood (bonnet), working dump body and tailgate, a fully detailed interior and undercarriage. The latter includes transmission, rear suspension bogie, differentials, air brake system, pusher wheel air bags, authentic drive train and hydraulic cylinder with hoses. The Mack EM7-300 E-Tech engine has authentic detail including turbocharger, radiator, shroud, fan and fan belt, coolant and washer fluid containers, fuel and oil filters, inner cooler; air intake system; splash aprons, hoses and tubing; and a single vertical cab-mounted exhaust system. This model is constructed from almost 200 parts and measures over 9.5 inches (240mm) long. For more information contact First Gear Consumer Service Dept in the USA on 563-582 2071.
First Gear 1:34 diecast in China for USA: Mack R-Model logging truck with trailer, cab guard, chain box, and log cradles with stakes. 'There are two unique sets of authentic, sculpted cold cast logs, one for the truck and one for the trailer, all of which are hand painted resulting in an amazing real log look!' say First Gear. Extra logs are included for display purposes, along with four chains that can be attached to the stakes to secure the load. The combination measures more than 16 inches (400mm) long. For more information contact First Gear Consumer Service Dept in the USA on 563-582 2071.
CORGI 1:50 diecast in China for UK, hand-finished by Dave Manterfield of DM Promotionals: MAN curtain-side artic Stok Cargo Services, commissioned by Davies Freight of Immingham (UK agents for Stok of the Netherlands) to produce a small run of tractors and curtainside trailers in Stok livery. These vehicles are a familiar sight on the roads of the UK, hauled by various types of tractor unit, which is how these models have also been produced. Dave says, 'The company have allowed us to offer a small quantity for sale to collectors. Anyone interested can contact me at the Brampton Centre, Wath-upon-Dearne, Rotherham, South Yorks. S63 6BB, or Tel-fax: 01709 876660'. The price is £120.00 including. p&p.
REVELL 1:24 plastic kit: 07566 DAF 95XF artic 'Koln-Truck' (Cologne-Truck). The DAF 95XF (530 hp) with super space cab and frig trailer is covered in a gigantic airbrush painting by Walter Rosner. The winter scene on the driver's side shows the Cologne skyline shivering in the icy grip of winter; even the Rhine is frozen. On the other side Rosner has applied the same view, but now on a balmy summer night showing Cologne Cathedral and the Hohenzollern bridge.The rear of the cab carries the arms of Cologne transport firm Manfred Brand, owner of the truck, whose head office is at Cologne abattoir. The real Cologne truck is a regular prize winner at many truck meets and shows in Germany. The built kit is 660mm long, needing skill level 5. (Notes Hans-Georg Schmitt).
BRITAIN
RICHARD BRIGGSMinimarque 43 have produced a limited edition model to commemorate founder Richard Briggs, who died in 2002. It is a 1934 Packard 12 Convertible Coupe in metallic silver with its top up and rumble seat open. Only 100 have been made, at a price around £200.00 and are 'going fast', we are told. K&R 1:43 white metal kit from UK: KR128 Ford Escort RS Turbo series 2.
K&R REPLICAS NEWS
By Stephen RoffOur latest 1:43 white metal kit and handbuilt releases at K&R Replicas are as follows:
KR128 Ford Escort Mk 4 RS Turbo Series II KR129 Ford Sierra RS500 ACE45 MG TA Midget ACE46 MG TB Midget ACE47 MG TA Midget Tickford body open ACE47CDV MG TA Midget Tickford Coupe de Ville ACE47H MG TA Midget Tickford hood up ACE48 MG TB Midget Tickford body open ACE48CDV MG TB Midget Coupe de Ville ACE48H MG TB Midget hood upSPA CROFT FOR 2003
Mike Coupe tells us of his plans for the Spa Croft range of 1:43 handbuilt models for 2003.
He says, 'Hopefully in the Spring a 1937 Morris 14/6 Series III (picture of actual car above), and in the summer, to celebrate 100 years of Vauxhall, a 1936 Vauxhall 25 GL. This is like the one in the Vauxhall Heritage Centre in Luton. I'll supply a picture when I've photo-graphed the actual car'. Mike is also exclusive distributor of the Newbank Models Hudsons, pictured in MAR 168. The next proposed model for 2003 is a 1942 Oldsmobile B44, body style to be revealed later. Also, the Hudson 112 is to be released as a standard road car. Telephone 01773 872780 or email spacroft@aol.com)
FRANCE
NOREV OLD AND NEW
By Hans-Georg SchmittA few years ago things went quiet at Norev but since then they have become very active. Their latest models are accurate and well-finished, but they also keep contact with their past, reworking old moulds to re-issue models in improved materials. For years Norev have made special models for the Tour de France cycle race. 2002 releases combine old and new:
Tour de France 47 44 06 Peugeot 404 escort vehicle Ford Cycle Team 1966 (above): In 1966 it was well shaped and realistically finished. Now in new materials and well painted, the model looks even bettere. The cut-out rear doors are for quick access for mechanics, and there is a carrier with three spare bicycles on the back.
Tour de France 1500162 Citroen 2CV Berger: The Citroen 2CV was seen at the Tour de France in the 1960s, advertising Berger Sirops de Luxe aperitif with a single-axle trailer as an oversized jug in yellow with red and black stripes. Tour de France 1013 Fiat Stilo Credit Lyonnais: Latest in the Credit Lyonnais Caravan is the Fiat Stilo, which follows the cyclist in the leader's yellow shirt until he reaches the Champs Elysées. It is diecast, with interior and baseplate in ABS plastic, pictured previously in MAR.
CC4523 Cyclist Credit Lyonnais
EC4008 Cyclists CreditAgricoleAt the Tour de France banks also compete, but for customers, by sponsoring teams. Norev's cyclists wear a yellow shirt, printed Credit Lyonnnais, and the Equipe Credit Agricole team has two cyclists still pedalling while another is raising his arms, to celebrate a stage victory.
15 5017 Citroen ID 19 Break Fire Ambulance Cavalaire; Norev reissued the Citroen ID 19 Ambulance in the livery of the local fire service at Cavalaire, in the South of France. In the 1960s this ambulance was common in France, and Norev's old model was accurate, including a removable stretcher, but its body deformed, as any temperature changes distorted the material to odd shapes. The reissue is in heat-resistant ABS plastic, painted red with a white roof.
15 53 04 Citroen C3 wine-red metallic
15 53 05 Citroen C3 silver metallicAt last the new Citroen C3, worthy successor to the legendary 2CV, is on European roads. At its launch at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2001 Norev's 1:43 model was used by Citroen as a promotional. Now it is on sale in the shops.
51 7S 05 Renault Clio La Poste
The latest Renault Clio is a popular car, but also used by many French companies and public bodies use them, including the French Post, who use the Clio 1,9 dCi. The model is zamak, in post yellow with La Poste lettering. The fog lamps are missing from the front grille so the French post must be economising, as the cutouts are blanked. Seen here with a first-generation Clio above, and with the old Citroen 2CV La Poste van, below.
518416 Renault Mascott Secours Routier
The Renault Mascott is placed in Regie Renault's range between trucks and vans. The vehicle, on a solid rigid chassis, is available at total weights between 3.5 and 6.5 tons. The engines and body are identical with the Iveco Daily; only the front end is Renault's own design. Many special vehicles are built on this chassis, including this fire appliance for road accidents with a powerful engine and special gear including a floodlight pylon on the roof. Big side shutters afford quick access.
518003 Renault Trafic dCi 100 metallic silver
Collaboration in the light van sector between Renault and Opel has worked well. The first fruits were Renault Trafic (previous version) Opel Athena and the Renault Master-Nissan Interstar-Opel Movano. Now the new Trafic generation (Nissan version expected soon) and Opel-Vauxhall Vivaro were developed together. It was voted Utility Vehicle of the Year 2002. The Opel Vivaro Combi and van were made in 1:43 scale by Minichamps, now the Trafic is made by Norev in the same scale and quality. The finish of some components is even better, the main difference is the un-detailed baseplate of the Norev model. They were made first for promotion purposes and were available only from Renault dealers, now on general sale.
51 80 53 Renault Trafic dCi Combi microbus metallic green with realistic interior, and seats printed as patterned cloth.
ITALY
BRUMM IN CONTEXTLots of paperwork from Brumm this time, all you would need to become an expert on this popular Italian diecast range. At last we have seen a copy of Librumm 1972-2002, the history of the company. It is an A5-plus 64 page hardback book (with a blue cover), published in three languages, 1000 of each, all numbered. The French edition also includes an exclusive model of the Simca 5 Paris Show car from 1938. The English edition was translated by old friend of MAR, Jonathan Scott. The three Tattarletti brothers, Rino, Nilo and Diego, set up various companies from 1952 onwards, including Stampoplastica, founded in 1961, which made moulds for model ranges like Rivarossi and Dugu. In 1962 they began their own model car range, Rio, so well-known as to need no description here. In 1972 Stampolastica was sold to Molteni and Bianchi, two long-standing employees, and Reno left the Rio company in the hands of his two brothers. Stampolastica had already produced a stock of Rio moulds for the foreseeable future, and was looking for work. Reno decided to found a new range, initially of plastic horse drawn carriages, in partnership with Molteni and Bianchi. This new range was called Brumm, after the local dialect name for a horse-drawn carriage (a 'brougham'). The horse-drawn carriages were followed by historic steam vehicles, and in 1978 by diecast cars, and the extensive range grew that we know today. Reno Tattarletti died in 1989 at the early age of 68, to be succeeded in the company by his young but gifted and capable son, Rio, who still runs the business today, in partnership with Emilio Molteni and Virginio Bianchi. This is today still a family business, with other members of the Tattarletti and Bianchi families involved, as are employees of over 25 years standing. Sales peaked in the early 1990s, but are still healthy today, as Brumm feels the pressure from all the Chinese-made ranges, whilst stubbornly remaining attached to its Lombard roots. This little book tells the story in great detail, adding a description of the production process, the chronology of the company and more, including advance news of the creation of a Brummclub. Copioni del Mondo is the 120 page softbound A5-plus size booklet (with a red cover) which pictures every Brumm model made from 1972 to 2001, from the early plastic models to all the various promotional models produced down the years. this is an invaluable reference source for all Brumm fans, alongside Carlo Rampini's substantial A4 size hardback book, Automodelli Brumm 1972-1998, which is also still available. Finally, the latest Brumm catalogue Quibrumm 2002/2, four A5 pages with a yellow cover, includes news of the last models released in 2002, the Lotus 25 F1 1963, Fiat 500 sport (open or closed), Fiat 600 (last version) in a choice of seven colours, the Abarth 850TC and the Abarth 1000. For prices of all these Brumm publications, contact them at Via Lomazzo Bizzarone 7, 22070 Oltrona San Mamette, Como, Italy, on the internet at www.brumm.it
MORE ALEZAN EXOTICA
Alezan continues to produce 1:43 scale kits, pre-painted kits or handbuilt. The three latest are:
249 Maserati Kyalami V8 1978
250 Alfa 147 five door Selespeed 2002
251 Alpine A610 Turbo Albertville 1992OTHER COUNTRIES
UNIVERSAL UPDATE
by Heather Rose (hobbico.com)Here are some of the new 1:43 scale diecast items available from Universal Hobbies:
UNHV1223 1932 Ford Street Rod - Yellow UNHV1224 1932 Ford Street Rod - Matt Black-Yellow UNHV1225 1932 Ford Street Rod - Turquoise-White UNHV1226 1932 Ford Pickup - Red UNHV1227 1932 Ford Pickup - Yellow UNHV1780 Renault Clio Maxi - Silver UNHV1911 1941 Willys Coupe - Matt Black UNHV1912 1941 Willys Coupe - Red-Black UNHV3752 1973 Saab Sonett III - Green UNHV1914 Maryann Harmon 41 Willys street version UNHV1915 Maryann Harmon 41 Willys race versionThe latter two are licensed diecast models of Maryann Harmon's instantly recognisable 41 Willys coupe, available in both versions, tricked-out street rod and competition race machine.
Legend 1:43 Series (economy price range) UNHV4610 Renault Dauphine - Beige UNHV4619 Mini Cooper - Burgundy UNHV4628 Austin Healey 1000 - Burgundy UNHV4629 Porsche 930 Turbo - Red UNHV4632 Lamborghini Diablo - Purple UNHV4638 Lamborghini Miura - Green UNHV4660 Ford Model T - Black UNHV4662 Morgan Plus 4 - Green UNHV4664 BMW 850i - Burgundy UNHV4665 Citroen DS - Black UNHV4668 Alfa Romeo 156 - Red And in 1:18 scale: UNHV4308 Ford T Delivery Truck - Amalie Chokolade UNHV4309 Ford T Delivery Truck - Choko Land UNHV4361 1941 Chevy Deluxe Convertible - White UNHV4362 1941 Chevy Deluxe Coupe - Black UNHV4414 Land Rover West Sussex FireREVELL RENAMED
Revell-Monogram activities worldwide are now under the control of RM Investments, a Chicago-based corporation with interests in the USA, Hong Kong and Germany.
NEW FROM KYOSHO
by Heather Rose (hobbico.com)New 1:18 scale diecast models from Kyosho:
KYOV0096 08161Y Ferrari 365 GTB Early - Yellow KYOV0097 08161R Ferrari 365 GTB Early - Red KYOV0156 08321P Lamborghini Countach - Orange KYOV0158 08321R Lamborghini Countach - Red KYOV0157 08321Y Lamborghini Countach - YellowMuch more news in the print version of Model Auto Review, together with articles, features and other fascinating material - over 250 models pictured in colour, more than 350 pictured in total!
Subscribe today!
Copyright Modelauto Ltd
e-mail mar@zeteo.com
