Model Auto Review 199
Publication 7 February 2006
CONTENTS(Print version) - where you will also find over 300 illustrations, mostly in colour
04 Models seen at Frankfurt Motor Show Hans-Georg Schmitt, Germany * Fire Section 08 1936 US Fords: # 1 Dave Turner, England 12 Rolls-Royce Update André Blaize, France 13 Singer 12 Maz Woolley, England 14 Letters 16 NEWS Britain: K&R, Pocketbond, Corgi 18 NEWS World: Hot Wheels Robin Godwin, USA 19 World: Spark, Bizarre, Redline, Gearbox, Maisto 20 John Day Zephyr and Minor Maz Woolley, England 22 Paper Cars Maz Woolley, England 23 Marsh Models F1 John Simons, England * Matchbox Character Cars Don Elliott, USA 26 NEWS Minichamps * Captions to pages 28-29 30 NEWS Minichamps * Captions to page 32 31 NEWS Di Stasio * Captions to page 33 34 Brooklin * Fast & Furious Don Eliott, USA 38 NEWS Truckstop Wiking, captions to page 37 39 More Scamold Max Tomlinson, Wales 43 Competition page 44 Book Reviews 46 Club News 47 avia mini 56 Diapet 1:75 Military Chris Sweetman, England * Bouncy Chevy Graeme Watt, Scotland 58 Oxford * Captions page 60 59 NEWS Bus, Taxi, Emergency * Captions to page 61Note: hundreds of models are pictured in the print edition of MAR, most in colour. Why not subscribe today?
EDITORIAL
by Rod WardHERE WE ARE AGAIN
Yes, we're back already! You only had to wait a little longer for this issue, which means that I did not get much of a break in my work schedule over the 'holiday season'. I hope that you, however, had a jolly Christmas and a festive New Year celebration, and that you now eagerly await whatever 2006 has to offer.OUR 200th ISSUE OF MAR
This is the 200th issue of Model Auto Review (including 1983's unnumbered 'Colour Extra'). And 2006 begins our 25th year in continuous publication. It doesn't seem that long, does it?TWO LINES MISSING
Apologies for a missing couple of lines on page 198.11, due to a slight difference in computer software between mine and the version used by our printers. This part of Hans-Georg's Mercedes S-Class article should have read: In 1985, the engine range was also restructured. The most spectacular newcomer was a 5.6 litre eight cylinder 272 hp unit.NEW RELEASES FOR 2006
This issue includes news of new releases from Brooklin's various ranges, among other news. Most of the other planned releases for 2006 will be revealed in the next two issues of Model Auto Review, as the trade toy fair season gears up, and then they will gradually unfold throughout the year.ANNIVERSARIES THIS YEAR
Whilst I was doing research for a couple of projects recently, I noticed that some interesting anniversaries appear around this year. It is a century since Frank Hornby first patented Meccano, and half a century since Mettoy announced Corgi Toys for the first time. Sadly, on a much more sombre note, it is also a quarter of a century since much of the British toy industry collapsed.Over a three year period from 1980 to 1983 almost every big British toy firm and long-established brand went under, though most of the brand names survive today in different ownership, mostly non-British.
LATE NEWS
Some late news items, which came in just before we went to print: Dan-Toys of France are offering a 1:43 diecast Citroen H lwb van Philips at 59 Euros plus p&p * Corgi are jointly producing with National Motor Museum Mint of the USA a range of 1:48 historic US fire appliances * Mach One Models next releases will be the 1905 Napier WLSR car and MG Ex181 as driven by Moss-Hill * Rapide will relaunch as an 'economy handbuilt' range in 2006, simplified 1:43 handbuilts at around the price of leading diecast ranges * Oxford Die-cast, encouraged by the positive response to their Minivan and Morris Minor van, plan a Ford 'Anglia' van, the same van with windows, and more subjects in the pipeline...
Highlights of the Frankfurt Motor Show 2005
Selected by Hans-Georg Schmitt
Note: references are to colour pictures in the print edition of MAR
SO MANY new cars were displayed this year that they are too numerous to list. In general, this show looked similar to the last one, two years ago, but this year most stalls were smaller and displays not so glamorous. Some new cars were also available as scale models, but they were very hard to obtain. in particular Audi, VW, BMW and Mercedes-Benz had their own accessory shops where they sold models at exhibition prices. At the end of the show it was seen that the number of visitors dropped 7% from a million in 2003 to 930,000 this year, in spite of sponsorship by magazines and insurance companies. On the last two days, visitors only had to pay one Euro, rather than 13 Euros on other days of the last week. Numbers in the following text refer to illustrations on pages 4 and 5 (eg 8).
Centre of attention on Alfa Romeo's stand was the Giugiaro-designed Brera. We hope to see it soon in the Minichamps Alfa range.
New from Audi were the Q7 crossover SUV-estate with four wheel drive and a facelift design study of the A4 convertible. Both were available in 1:87 scale, made by Wiking.
BMW's highlights were a Z4 Coupe and a 3 Series estate. Citroen concentrated their activities on their stylish new C6, of which a 1:43 diecast model is already available from Norev.
Fiat is looking for smoother waters with their new Grande Punto, also made by Norev.
Ford had their new Galaxy design study and the Focus estate, the latter already available in 1:43 scale from Minichamps (1).
Mercedes-Benz launched two new models, the redesigned S-class and the new R-class, an estate cum SUV. Both cars are available with two wheelbase choices. The R-class will be produced at their US plant. The S-class was on sale in the three usual scales, the R-Class in 1:43 scale. On a staircase the S-Class range in around 1:5 scale was on display. A 1:5 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe from 1955 was also on display (2).
DaimlerChrysler's luxury brand, Maybach, had a 57S, the 'short' saloon with an even more powerful engine and the Exelero Coupe described in MAR 198.
Smart, their spendthrift daughter, was also in Hall 2, giving away Kinder-Surprise Eggs (3). Inside the chocolate egg was a kit of a Smart Fortwo, Forfour, coupe or roadster, the latter cars recently deleted by Smart. Nobody mentioned the previously planned Smart SUV.
Porsche presented the new Cayman coupe, based on the Boxster. Until the launch press conference, only a dummy Cayman crocodile sat on the new car's plinth. Cayman models were available in two scales (4).
Maisto made the 1:18 version, accurately shaped and finished. The front lid, properly hinged doors and rear lid all open, and the steering and suspension work. The interior is also good, though the steering wheel is set too low. The 1:43 version is by Schuco, also very well shaped and detailed. Both models are of the Cayman S, in metallic silver, and initially only available from Porsche dealers.
Seat presented the new Leon in 1:87 scale, a plastic model made by Herpa (5). Skoda presented the Octavia RS and the Yeti design study, a fully-developed SUV. Skoda Germany had the sexiest girls in the IAA (6).
1:43 models included the new Octavia saloon and estate and a Laurin & Klement Voiturette from 1905, from Abrex (7). The 1:18 model of a Fabia WRC by Solido, the 2003 Tour de Corse car of Gardemeister and Lukander, is well shaped and decorated, with opening bonnet and crudely-hinged front doors (8).
Volkswagen's highlight was the new Eos cabriolet, positioned between the Golf and the Passat. Its launch was postponed for some refinements, to get a better NCAP crash test result. The Eos is a developed Concept C, made by Norev in 1:43 scale, who also make the Eos in the same scale. Also new were the Passat estate and the Jetta. Not published by Volkswagen, but describing the firm, was a book launched by its author at the IAA (9). VW's former CEO, Prof Dr Carl H Hahn, son of a founder of the pre-war Auto Union, tells of his years with the firm. Up to his time the works council had to be negotiated with. Later they were sent on luxury trips of dubious benefit, in order to get their agreement.
Apart from car manufacturers, some service providers and automotive manufacturers also had model vehicles. Car renter Buchbinder gave away an Iveco Eurocargo in 1:87 scale (10), DHL had a Ford Transit 2000 hitop van and an Iveco Eurocargo, both made by Rietze in 1:87 scale (11). Automotive company Mann & Hummel once again had a special Wiking 1:87 model for customers and friends, a VW Karmann Ghia Coupe in green and silver (12).
A supplier of natural gas fuel equipment had a 1:64 new Beetle key ring by Kinsmart (13).
Three model car firms and one model railway manufacturer were also present in Hall 1. Herpa had three special 1:87 models in blue, printed with IAA Fascination Auto: BMW 3 series saloon (14), Mercedes-Benz B-Class (15) and Audi A3 Sportback (16), each in a presentation box, printed 61st Automobile Exhibition.
Märklin, the well known model railway firm, offered a rail platform car, loaded with two clear plastic boxes, each containing a 1:87 plastic Audi A8, made by Herpa (17).
Minichamps were selling a 1:43 scale Aston Martin V8 Vantage in silver metallic finish, printed with Minichamps and IAA logos, a limited edition of 500 pieces (18).
Wiking offered two 1:87 models, a 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda coupe (19) and a Volkswagen Golf Plus German Taxi (20). *
POCKETBOND MODEL TRUCKS
By Maz Woolley
I have come across some new 1:76 scale diecast commercial vehicles from Pocketbond. So far there are four models based on the Ford Thames ET6 and the Austin K2. They retail for a little more than Corgi's Trackside models but are finished to a higher standard; about the same as Lledo's ill-fated 1:64 commercials. Interestingly, the box has a line drawing of a BMC 'threepenny bit' cab. The models are made in China, and are clearly aimed at the model railway market. The competition for the railway modellers' money is really hotting up.
I for one would love to see a BMC box van done in Sunblest or Mother's Pride livery to capture days of home deliveries long gone.
MORE MODELS FROM CORGI
Corgi have announced more new releases, in addition to those described in MAR 198. There are Winter and Anniversary catalogues:
'CORGI WINTER CATALOGUE' ROAD TRANSPORT CC12931 Scania Topline Curtainside Topline Trailer Pollock (sights and sounds) March CC19905 Curtainside Trailer Pollock March CC19902 Frig Trailer Gibbs of Fraserburgh March CC19904 Curtainside Trailer Eddie Stobart March CC19903 Curtainside Trailer H E Payne March CC12818 Scania T Cab King Trailer & Tower Crane G O'Brian & Sons March CC99188 Stan Robinson set MAN TG-A, DAF XF, Scania Topine, Kenworth, curtainside trailer Mar CC13111 Volvo F88 Frig Trailer David McCulla Mar CC07802 Ford Transit Van Macfarlane March CC07803 Ford Transit Van Macleod Stornaway Mar CC07802 Ford Transit Van Stan Robinson March CC07801 Ford Transit Van W H Malcolm March VINTAGE GLORY CC20403 Working Carousel Anderton & Rowlands Steam Gallopers March CC20205 Foden Dropside with trailers & barrel load Fuller's Brewery March CC20003 Sentinel Flatbed Wagon Johnson March CC20305 Garrett 4CD Showmans Katrina March CC20109 Fowler B6 Showmans 'Lioness' March CC20108 Fowler B6 Showmans McGivens March WORLD WAR II COLLECTION CC51025 M4A3 Sherman Tank March CC60510 PZKPFW VI Tiger Tank March US59010 WWII British Paratroopers Set March US59003 WWII US Infantry Set 1944 March US59004 WWII German Infantry Set 1944 March US59009 WWII German Paratrooper Set March US59011 WWII US Ranger Set D Day March AVIATION ARCHIVE AA33310 Boeing B-17 (sights and sounds) March AA32611 Avro Lancaster flak attack (sights and sounds: visual effects and noises) March AA32411 BAE Harrier GR3 XV754 March AA35008 Gloster Meteor F.MK.8 WE9473:L March AA32012 Hawker Hurricane Mk1 P3169 JX-T Mar AA32711 Hawker Hunter FGA.9 March AA33907 Supermarine Spitfire (working model) Mar US59108 The Battle of Britain scramble set March AA35506 Hawker Hurricane Mk 1 (First shot) Mar AA31921 Spitfire and Merlin Engine March 'ANNIVERSARY CATALOGUE' AN01104 Great Book of Corgi 50th Anniversary 2nd edition, with Ford Consul model in green, 1,000 only made. October Vanguards AN01101 Ford Consul brown (repro of original 1956 model; 5,000 made) March AN01102 Gold Plated Ford Consul 500 made Mar AN04909 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 litre Roadster British Racing Green 2,006 made February AN09607 Range Rover 2002 Tdi White Gold 2,006 made March AN10004 Sierra Sapphire Cosworth 4x4 diamond white 2,006 made August AN02528 Austin 7 Mini Cooper Mk I tartan red 2,006 made Sept Road Transport AN13418 ERF ECT Olympic Curtainside J R Adams (Newcastle) Ltd 2,006 made February AN13805 Mercedes-Benz Actros skeletal trailer + Container John Mitchell (Grangemouth) 2,006 made March AN13710 Scania R Series Topline Curtainside Tinnelly International 2,006 made August AN14001 Volvo FH General Purpose Tanker Mansel Davies & Son 2,006 made September AN13009 Dennis F125 Simon Snorkel SS263 Hydraulic Platform Bedfordshire County Fire and Rescue Service 2,006 made May Aviation AN31919 Supermarine Spitfire MkI K9953/ZP-A, Flt Lt Adolf Sailor Malan, No 74 Sqn. RAF Feb AN32107 Messerschmitt Bf-109E JG-3, Udet, Hauptmann Hans Von Hahn March AN32224 P-51D Mustang USAAF 78th Fighter Group, Big Beautiful Doll Col J Landers August AN32011 Hawker Hurricane Mk I 85 Squadron RAF Sqd Ldr Peter Townsend September Public Transport AN40814 Bristol Lodekka FS5G Lincolnshire Road Car Company Feb AN45904 Van Hool T9 Caelloi Motors March AN41307 Wright Solar Fusion Doigs, Glasgow Aug AN40306 Burlingham Seagull Ulsterbus September
LATEST FROM K&R REPLICAS
By Stephen Roff
Forthcoming and recent releases from K&R Replicas, all 1:43 white metal kits or handbuilt models, made in England:
KR145 Caterham Seven, K Series with cycle wings KR146 Austin A55 Cambridge Mk II KR147 Morris Oxford Series V KR148 Austin A30 four door KR149 Austin A30 four door De Luxe KR150 Austin A35 four door KR151 Austin A35 four door De Luxe KR152 Caterham 7 K Series Swept wing KRRL76 MG ZR Edwards of Stafford sponsored MG Trophy winning car 2004, Barry Benham KRRL84 MGA Le Mans 1955 Team cars Miles, Lund or Jacobs KRRL85 MGA Dundrod 1955 Team Fairman or Lund KRRL86 Sunbeam Alpine Sebring 1962 Team cars Proctor, Shepperd or Miles KRRL87 Austin Healey 100S Le Mans 1955 Macklin-Leston KRRL88 Austin Healey 3000 Works Team Liege- Rome-Liege 1960 Moss, Gott or Siegel-Morris
Here is some additional information on Hans-Georg's photo and caption on the Hot Wheels Classics Firebird Funny Car in MAR 198. The photo shows an international version with three language text (English, Spanish and French) in the upper top corner and across the bottom. US issues are in English only. To quote the back of the US blistercard
'The Hot Wheels Classics are here. We've taken the most well known Hot Wheels designs, muscle cars and hotrods, which celebrate 25 of the most well liked and collectible Hot Wheels cars that have been made over the last 36 years! We've brought back the original Spectraflame colors that made the 16 original Hot Wheels models so cool. All the cars have die-cast bodies and chassis, just like the originals! Each car will come in a variety of Spectraflame candy colours throughout the year...'
There are up to eight colour variations for each of the 25 models. As usual with Mattel, some colours are harder to find than others. The front of the blister pack says Limited edition but not how many, or if they are limited in total, or by individual colours. At least five Classics Sets include Strip Action Set, two different Stunt Action Sets, and two different Mongoose and Snake Drag Race Sets. There are Hot Wheels cars in each set, but I can't say if they are different from regular Classics issues. Here are the 2004 Series 1 Classics:
1. 1957 Chevy Bel Air 2. 1965 Pontiac GTO 3. 1970 Dodge Dart 4. 1956 Ford F-100 5. 1967 Dodge Charger 6. 1932 Ford 7. 1968 Cougar 8. 1970 Chevelle 9. 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner 10. 1971 Plymouth GTX 11. 1940's Woodie 12. 1963 Corvette 13. 1963 T-Bird 14. 1967 Camaro 15. Baja Breaker 16. Chevy Nomad 17. Corvette Stingray 18. Firebird Funny Car 19. 1968 Mustang 20. Purple Passion 21. Pit Cruiser 22. Go Kart 23. Scorchin Scooter 24. T-Bucket 25. VW BugSeries 2 Classics (2005 issue) are now becoming available, expanded to 30 different models. The format is the same as Series 1 except as Mattel describes on the back of the blister card. '...look for some new twists on old favourites such as making hard tops into convertibles and even two brand new models that will debut in the line'. The words Limited edition are missing on this series. Here are the Series 2 models:
1. 1970 Chevelle Convertible 2. 1962 Chevy Bubble Top 3. 1965 Corvette 4. 1957 Chevy Bel Air Convertible 5. 1958 Corvette 6. 1965 Mustang 7. 1967 Camaro Convertible 8. Anglia Panel Truck 9. Ford GT-40 10. Ford Thunderbolt 11. 1957 Thunderbird 12. 1965 Pontiac Bonneville 13. Madd Propz 14. 1967 Pontiac GTO 15. Mustang Mach 1 16. 1969 Dodge Charger 17. Dairy Delivery 18. Three-Window 34 19. '40 Ford Coupe 20. Shelby Cobra 427 S/C 21. Baja Bug 22. '49 Merc 23. Hooligan 24. Hot Bird 25. Customized VW Drag Truck 26. Blast Lane 27. W-Oozie 28. Mustang Funny Car 29. 1955 Chevy 30. Plymouth Hemi CudaThese Classics cost three times as much as regular Hot Wheels. They get snapped up quickly from the store pegs but appear in great quantity at dealer tables at local swapmeets, with a price mark up, of course (sometimes substantial). As always, castings are generally good, even if some are non-prototypical. There is some excellent tampo printing but, as always, those wheels...
SPARK * BIZARRE * REDLINE
New 1:43 models (apart from the 1:24 items) from the three related ranges Spark, Bizarre and Redline for 2006 release. Some readers tell us that they have not been able to obtain certain models which were promised for 2005 release. A few of these are therefore indicated in the bracketed sections as well.
BIZARRE BZ59 WM P81 #83 LM 1981 Mamers-Raulet BZ199 WM P81 #82 LM 81 Boutsen-Pignard-Saulnier BZ197 WM P79/80 #4 LM 1981 Morin-Mathiot-Mendez BZ198 WM P79/80 #5 LM 81 Frequelin-Dorchy-Mathiot BZ203 Rondeau M482 #37 LM84 Ferte-Bohren-Mullen (2005 releases included Matra 640 LM test 1969, Alfa Romeo BAT 7 1954, Matra 530LX yellow or grey, Matra Djet road car 1963, WM P83 LM83, Cunningham Le Monstre LM 50, Nash-Healey LM50, Monopole X84 tank LM50, Ada 01 LM 1982, Bristol 450 LM 1954, three versions, Fiat 8V 1953 blue or red, Fiat 8001 Turbina 1954, Rondeau M482 LM 85, Thrust SSC WLSR 2002, WM P82 LM 1982 two versions, Cooper Monaco LM 59 McLaren, Matra Simca MS650 LM 1969, Matra Simca MS650 LM70 two versions, Matra 530 Sonia Delaunay 1967. Matra Bonnet Djet 1965 Gendarmerie) REDLINE Ferrari models RL060 Ferrari 430 Challenge RL(24)003 Ferrari 575 GTC Team GPC FIA GT 2005 Piccini-Deietraz (1:24 scale) (2005 Redline releases included Ferrari 575 Super America 2005, F40 Le Mans 1995, Ferrari F1 2005 Schumacher (1:24), Ferrari Modulo, F430 Spyder closed. Ferrari Super Enzo, F612 Scaglietti China set) SPARK S0472 Alfa Romeo 156 #2 WTCC 2005 Tarquini S0473 Alfa Romeo 156 #3 WTCC 2005 Thompson S0496 BMW X5 #318 Dakar 05 Al Attiyah-Guehennec S0497 BMW X5 #325 Dakar 2005 Monterde-Tornabell S0620 Suzuki Cappuccino open red S0621 Suzuki Cappuccino dark green S0622 Suzuki Cappuccino champagne open S0623 Suzuki Super 1600 S2400 Aston Martin DBR9 Presentation (1:24 scale) S0163 Mercedes CLK GTR Spyder S0185 Lotus GT1 Sympatex FIA GT 1997 S0199 Pagani Zonda F 2005 silver S0575 Aston Martin AM V8 Automatic 1973 silver S0427 BMW 320I #1 WTCC 2005 Priaulx S0428 BMW 320I #43 WTCC 2005 Muller S0429 BMW 320i #30 WTCC 2005 D'Aste(2005 Spark releases included Alfa Romeo Brera 2002, Zytek DBA 2005, Courage-Mazda C65 2005, Mini Limousine 2004, Mini Station wagon 2004, Aston Martin DBS red or blue, Aston Martin DB7 Zagato coupe green or blue, Triumph TR4 Le Mans 1960 three versions, Triumph TR4 Monte Carlo 1963, Volkswagen W12 2001, Morgan Aeromax 2005, BMW X5 LM concept, BMW X5 Dakar 2004, De Tomaso Pantera Gr4 and GTS 1972, Ligier JS02 road car 1972, Lancia LC2 Le Mans 1984, three versions, Lancia LC2-90 Le Mans 1991, Jaguar XJR12 Le Mans 1991, Dallara Oreca LM02, Alfa Romeo ES30 1989 red, Ruf CTR 1987-88 yellow or silver, Jaguar XJ6 Le Mans 1986 three versions, Jaguar XJ220 Le Mans 1993 three versions, Porsche 962C Le Mans 1986, and most of the Le Mans 2005 entrants, plus in the new USA Series: Dodge Magnum RT 2005 red or black, Dodge Durango silver or black, Dodge RAM SRT-10 red or black, Chevrolet SSR 2005 open or closed).
ALEZAN KITS, PREPAINTED KITS OR BUILTS
New 1:43 subjects from Alezan of France, all available as kits, pre-painted kits or handbuilt:
280 Alfa Delfino Bertone Geneva 1983 lichen grey 281 Alfa Delfino Bertone 1983 silver 282 De Tomaso Longchamp cabriolet GTS V8 1985
PROVENCE MINIATURES UPDATE
New kits or handbuilt models from Provence Miniatures:
Note: KC is the 1:43 kit reference; the equivalent handbuilt models are prefixed MC. KP means pre-painted kit (built prefix MP).
KC090 Porsche RS Spyder LMP2 DHL Laguna Seca 05 Postponed KC091 Porsche 962C #15 Raika Group Le Mans 1989 KC092 Talbot Lago T23 Baby Figoni Falaschi 1938 KC093 Talbot Lago T150C cabriolet Figoni Falaschi 1938 KC094 Aston Martin Nimrod NRA C2 #39 Le Mans 1983 KC095 Peugeot 301 aérodynamique CR TR5 roadster 1934 KC096 Alfa Romeo 8C spider Pebble Beach 2005 KC097 Aston Martin DB Mk III 1957 KP005 Aston Martin DBR9 #58/59 Prodrive Le Mans 2005 high detail. The handbuilt model is limited to 15 units KE001 Suzuki Swift S1600 #31/32 German Rally 2005, open door and tailgate, plus pit stop accessories included 1:20 Formula One car kits (new series) K20-01 Matra MS80 F1 1st French GP 1969 (Stewart-Beltoise) K20-02 McLaren M7A F1 1st Belgiian GP 1968 (McLaren-Hulme) K20-03 Lotus 72D F1 French Grand Prix 1972 (Fittipaldi-Walker) K20-04 Lotus Ford 49B Mk II 1968 Eco Line: inexpensive 1:43 handbuilt models EL01 Aston Martin Virage 1990 EL02 Corvette C6 street version 2005 EL03 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato 1961-62 street version
MORE ON THAT FIAT RACER
By Graeme Watt
Further to the Fiat racing car on the front cover of MAR 197, I can add a little more information. The model is 16 inches long, made of a heavy tinplate and has no indication anywhere of maker or country of origin. I have, however, discovered that there is a whole series of this type of model, imported new from Italy by the Sue Ryder chain of charity shops, which sells them at £19.99 each. So far I have seen an old type 'Runabout' car, a Mercedes racer of later vintage than the Fiat, a more modern racer, possibly a Jaguar, Fiat's version of a Dodge weapons carrier, a Farmall type tractor with close mounted row-crop front wheels, and a Fiat tracked tractor. The latter vehicle featured widely in a 1930s poster promotion with Mussolini standing on it, arm outstretched, exhorting the Italian peasantry to resettle in his North African colonies. But in true Musso style, he had his foot through the steering wheel; I wonder if anyone else remembers this? I have just bought a 4.5 litre Bentley as used by John Steed in The Avengers from the same stable.
I think it is the best model yet. All of these vehicles have an appropriately 'weathered' finish, making them look antique.
MARSH MODELS INTO FORMULA ONE CARS
By John and Pam Simons
Ever since our first model in 1984, we have always been known for our sports cars, especially CanAm cars. In a totally new departure, we are pleased to announce our first Formula One models. As we have produced most of the CanAm Shadows, it seemed logical to begin with the Shadow DN1 from 1973, so we have not only made the works UOP cars of Jackie Oliver and George Follmer but also the Graham Hill Embassy car.
MM117 Shadow DN1 Kyalami
MM118 Shadow DN1 Embassy Hill Spanish GPBoth of these models follow the typical Marsh principles by using folded etched tubs and thus ease of construction. If these models are well received, we will probably do the DN3, assuming Tameo does not get there first! We are currently awaiting decals for MM133 March 84G Wynns and test castings for the Cooke Woods LolaT600. New patterns to arrive are the NART Ferrari 512M, 58 Arciero Ferrari 375, Sunoco Lola T70Mk IIIB, and CroSal Cheetahs, both open and closed.
LATEST MINICHAMPS NEWS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
Some recent 1:43 Minichamps models:
436 139002 Bentley Arnage Red Label green metallic 400 032032 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2001, black 400 062421 Porsche 928 S4 1991, bright red 430 062035 Porsche 911 Carrera Conv 83, green met 430 065105 Porsche 911 RS 1995, white. 400 046213 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, Foxhill Racing, Daytona, Cawley-Davis-Espenlaub-Foster 400 041308 Audi R8, Audi Sport UK Team Veloqx, LM 2004, McNish-Biela-Kaffer. 400 041388 Audi R8, Audi Sport UK Team Veloqx, LM 2004, Davis-Herbert-Smith. 400 851201 Audi Sport Quattro Rallye, winner Acropolis 1985 Blomquist-Cederberg. 400 103301 Lamborghini Espada Coupe 1970, silver. 400 031431 Mercedes CLK Cabrio 03 open blue met 400 033022 Mercedes SLR McLaren 2003, dark silver. 400 061362 Porsche 911 Targa 1991, red. 400 062832 Porsche 911 S4 Convertible 2003 blue 439 140074 Magirus-Deutz S6500 Turnable Ladder fire appliance Frankfurt, 30m 1955-1957. 400 041328 Audi R8, Audi Sport UK Team Veloqx, Winner Sebring 2004, Biela-Kaffer-McNish 436 139071 Bentley Arnage T 2003, grey metallic. 430 028235 BMW Z3 Roadster 1999 open gold 430 103008 Lamborghini Miura 1966, now silver. 430 045626 Opel Kadett C Coupe 1973 bright green 430 046074 Opel Diplomat V8 1969, green metallic. 430 063011 Porsche 911 1993 purple metallic. 430 068009 Porsche 911 GT3 1999, blue metallic. 430 022405 BMW 502 Saloon 1953, now in green. 400 123321 Maserati Ghibli Coupe 1969, now red. 400 031511 Mercedes E-Class T estate 03 black met 400 033125 Mercedes-Benz CLK, DTM Capuava Team, Curitiba 2003 Diniz-Gomez-Gomez. 400 034101 Mercedes-Benz 190E 1984, silver metallic. 430 040005 Opel Kapitän P 2.6 1959 blue, white roof. 400 061164 Porsche 911 Targa 1965, now yellow. 400 062321 Porsche 968 CS now in bright red. 400 142262 US Hot Rod Kaercher. Initially a promo, now available limited to 2,005 pieces. 430 792577 BMW M1 Procar Uher, Team Cassani. Procar Series 1979 Hans-Joachim Stuck. 400 121231 Fiat 850 Sport Spider 1968 light green. 400 121431 Fiat Dino Spider 1972 now in yellow. 400 081002 Ford Escort Mk I 2-door 1968, lhd now white, limited to 500 pieces. 400 082100 Ford A 1928, cream, limited to 500 pieces. 400 082110 Ford De Luxe Woody station wagon 1940, turquoise, limited edition of 500 pieces. 439 141171 Magirus-Deutz 150D10 TLF16 tank fire appliance Lüneburg fire service late 1960s. 400 062121 Porsche 924 Coupe 1985, silver. 400 166272 Toyota Landcruiser 2002 green metallic
1:18 SCALE MINICHAMPS RELEASES
Recent 1:18 scale Minichamps releases include 180 772108 BMW 320i Group 5 Fruit of the Loom German Sport Championship 1977, Peter Schneeberger, 150 081000 Ford Escort Mk 1 1968 two door lhd red, and 100 040095 Jordan Ford EJ14 F1 as driven by Nigel Mansell on the Regent Street Parade 6 July 2004.
Di STASIO FAMILY NEWS
By Giovanni di Stasio
My range of Jolly Models, all 1:43 scale, made in Italy, includes these subjects:
Ferrari 250 Europa 1953, amaranth, blue, red, dk red. Ferrari 335S Riverside 1958 Ferrari 340 America red, dark blue, red-black, amaranth-black, blue Alfa Romeo Freccia d'Oro Carrera Panam 1956 #103 Bonnetto-Bonini, Carrera Panam #90 46 Taruffi, MM 50 #411 Cornacchia-Medici, MM 49 #346 Venturi, road 49 red, amaranth, blue, dark blue Ferrari 330P LM 1964 #14 Bonnier-Hill #14 Maserati 200 Michele Pastore TF 64 #62 road red 64 Ferrari 250 GTO TT 1965 Sutcliffe #28, road car green 1956, 500km 1965 Sutcliffe #33, Maggs #29 Ferrari 212 Ghia road car red 1952, Carrera Panamericana 1952 McAfee #17 Ferrari 340 America Michelotti red 1952 Ferrari 250 GTO road car red Ferrari TR 60 Sebring 1960 Lovely-Nethercutt #8, road car red or amaranth Ferrari 212 Spyder Giro di Sicilia #440, road red 1952 Ferrari 250 GT Rome-Liege-Rome 1956 Gendebien #60, Zandvoort 57 Ringor #46, TDF 1963 Gendebien #74, road red or amaranth 1956 Porsche 550 Spyder MM 53 Hermann-Lige #351, road car blue 1954, Nurburgring 1956 May #34 Ferrari 166 Campana Toscana 52 Cacciari #1242, Coppa d'Oro Dolomiti 1951 Fagioli-Cacciari #107, road car amaranth 1952, road red 1952 Ferrari Dino 2000 GP Ollon Villars 1965 Scarfiotti, Cesena Sestriere 65 Scarfiotti #482, Frinburgo Schauinsland 1965 Scarfiotti #64, road red 65 Ferrari 250 MM Vignale red, amaranth or blue 1953 Ferrari 166 Abarth road car red, TF 1953 Musitelli #28, Varese Campo dei Fiori 1953 Musitelli #145, Bologna Raticosa 1953 #254 Ferrari 225 Export red, amaranth, blue, dark blue 52 Ferrari Breadvan Brands 1962 Abate #8, LM 62 Abate #16, GP Ollon Villars hillclimb 1962 Abate #193, road car red or amaranth 1962 Ferrari 212 Export ed, amaranth, blue, dark blue 52 Ferrari 340 America Michelotti road car red, amaranth, blue or dark blue 1952 Ferrari 250S Carrera Panamericana 52 Bracco #8 Ferrari 375 MM Riverside 1954 Porsche RSK GP Reims 1958 Behra #14, Reims 1958 Behra #42, road car silver 1959My father, Francesco, whose FDS range was established in 1973, makes the Alfa Model 43 range of 1:43 handbuilt models:
Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Ala Spessa 1939: Tobruk-Tripoli 1939, Boratto-Sanesi, Targa Abruzzo 39: Pintacuda #2, MM 40: Chiodi-De Zorzi, Targa Abruzzo 1939: Leonardi #6, road car 1940, road car 1939
BROOKLIN FOR 2006
Here are the models planned in Brooklin's various 1:43 handbuilt ranges for 2006. Prices have risen by around £2.00 per model, the first rise for some time. In the list below, new means a new casting, rc means a recolour of an existing model:
BROOKLIN BRK118 Kaiser Henry J 1951 green new Jan BRK119 Packard Deluxe Eight 1950 new Mar BRK120 Chrysler Saratoga 1941 new Apr BRK121 Oldsmobile Super 88 Fiesta station wagon 1957 new May BRK122 La Salle 3 window coupe 1939 new July BRK123 Plymouth Belvedere Suburban 1954 new Aug BRK125 Nash-Healey Roadster 1953 new Sept BRK126 Pierce Arrow convertible 1936 new Oct BRK127 Studebaker Land Cruiser 1934 new Nov BRK128 Cunningham C3 Continental coupe 1952 new Jan 2007 BRK131X Factory Special #5: Cadillac 60 Special convertible 1938 blue metallic June ROD 43rd ROD07 Studebaker Commander conv bronze 1935 Mar ROD08 Chevrolet El Camino pickup purple met 1959 July ROD09 Chrysler C300 1955 July ROD10 Ford Mustang 1967 black Sept ROD11 Hudson Hornet Club Coupe 1954 Sept ROD12 Kaiser Henry J 1951 Nov LANSDOWNE LDM08A Triumph Renown 1954 maroon rc Feb LDM47 Railton Fairmile 3 position dhc new Mar LDM48 Hillman Minx Ser 1 1956 grey-blue new May LDM49 Triumph Mayflower 1951 new July LDM50 Humber Hawk estate 1957 new Aug LDM51 Morris Ten-Four Ser II 1936 black new Sept LDM52 Austin A90 1956 beige new Oct LDM53 MG SA Saloon 1936-39 new Dec INTERNATIONAL POLICE VEHICLES IPV14 Wolseley 18/85 Met Police 1939-48 rc Mar IPV19 Ford Corsair 1965 Cheshire black Apr IPV20 Mercury Commuter Milwaukee black-white 59 July IPV21 Plymouth Plaza Harwood Heights green Sep ROBEDDIE RE12A Volvo P36 Carioca 1935 rc Mar RE20A Volvo GT 2 door 1970 blue met rc Apr RE02A Volvo 144GL taxi 1973 yellow rc July RE15A Volvo 145 taxi 1973 yellow rc July RE15C Volvo 145 Express SAS 1973 blue rc Oct CSV RANGE: emergency vehicles CSV03 Packard Henney Junior ambulance red 1953 Mar CSV04 Chrysler Saratoga Fire Chief Reading PA red Oct
BOOK REVIEWS
BMW Profile: The legendary BMW 507 by Dr Karl-Heinz Lange. 260 pages, 155 photos. Hardbound. German text: ISBN 3-932169-50-6, English text. ISBN 3-932169-51-4. BMW MT profile vol 9, available from BMW dealers or Heel Verlag GmbH, Gut Pott-scheid, D-53639 Königswinter, Germany
The BMW 507 was made from 1957 to 1959, the most difficult years for the company since 1945, when production dropped to less than 2000 cars per year. The 503 and 507 sports cars only sold in tiny numbers. Over these three years even Isetta production dropped from 33,708 to 17,536. In 1958 27,187 of the 600 (the 'big Isetta') were made, but the following year saw only 6,799 manufactured. Motorcycle sales, previously a major factor, had also fallen. This critical situation led to the notorious general meeting which very nearly led to the firm losing its independence. The tide turned with the 700 and the 1961 launch of the BMW 1500. In spite of all the economic troubles, the BMW 507 was a masterpiece, designed by Goertz, schooled under the legendary Raymond Loewy. The 507 was presented at the 37th IAA in Frankfurt on Main, a great promotional tool for BMW, though never a financial success. This book marks the 50th birthday with the history of the 507, its background, main stages of production, technical data and colours.
Hans-Georg Schmitt
BUSES IN AND AROUND HUDDERSFIELD by Robert W Berry (Buses in colour Vol 2). Pub: Nostalgia Road, Units 5-8 Chancel Place, Shap Road Industrial Estate, Kendal LA9 6NZ. 52 pages, softbound. 210 x 200 mm. ISBN 1-90316-58-4. £9.95 + £1.00 p&p
Where? Huddersfield is in the middle of a triangle formed by the major northern cities of Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield. It is one of the largest 'towns' in Britain (as opposed to those with city status) and among important engineering firms in the town were Karrier Motors and David Brown (tractors and gears). At one time more Rolls-Royces and Bentleys were owned here than anywhere else in Britain, supplied by the local dealer, the famous luxury coachbuilder Rippon Brothers. I recall the sneaky peek into Rippons afforded when passing through Huddersfield by train at high level above their premises. Public transport developed in the usual way from horse buses via trams to motor buses, but with the extra element of trolleybuses, some locally built by Karrier. The Corporation's red bus livery dominates this book, with a sprinkling of other operators here and there. The story of public transport since Huddersfield became the first municipal tramway operator in 1883 is well told, though the pictures are all post-1950. This is due to the 'colour' emphasis of this series, using slides or photo prints for source material. It is a pity that it was not possible to illustrate the earlier decades in colour, perhaps by commissioned artwork or sales catalogue pictures. This will not, however, deter patriotic readers who share the local roots of author Robert Berry, and to them this book is warmly recommended.
Rod Ward
Lastauto Omnibus Katalog 2006. 356 pages, 734 colour photos 230 x 300mm. Paperbound. Published by and available from ETM EuroTransport Media Verlags und Veranstaltungs GmbH, Handwerkstrasse 15, D-70565 Stuttgart, Germany.
The 2006 edition of the catalogue of world commercial vehicles includes trucks, buses, trailers, bodies and special vehicles from all over the world. Makers include such names as Agrale of Brasil, Dong Feng of China, Roman of Romania, along with DAF, Mercedes-Benz and Iveco and all sizes of machine are included,up to Liebherr mining dumpers, the biggest in the world.
Hans-Georg Schmitt
LANKES Auction House September 2005. 240 pages, masses of excellent photos. Paperbound 220 x 300mm. Available from Lankes Auktionshaus, Triftfeldstrasse 1, D-95182 Döhlau, Germany.
The auction is over, but the catalogue is worth a look; an extraordinary collection of model trains and model cars, owned by the late Count Antonio Giansanti Coluzzi, founder of Fulgurex model trains and Rextoys model cars. He collected model trains in various scales, plus tin cars and ships, and diecast model cars as well.
Hans-Georg Schmitt
(I am told by a successful bidder at the auction that many lots went for less than he expected, including some rare Rextoys prototypes made for catalogue illustration purposes, but which never actually entered production. Ed. ).
DKW Meisterklasse: ein Wagen für die ganze welt by Peter Kurze, German text. 112 pages, 200+ illustrations. 210 x 240 mm. Hardbound ISBN 3-7688-1646-X. Published by Delius Klasing Verlag, Sieker-wall 21, D-33602, Bielefeld, Germany
The DKW Meisterklasse, Sonderklasse and the Auto-Union 1000/S represent both a high water mark and the end of an era in German car history. Auto-Union from Saxony resulted from the union of Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer. It reformed after the Second World War in Ingolstadt, and in 1958 was taken over by Mercedes-Benz. In 1965 the firm was sold to Volkswagen and a year later Auto-Union car production stopped. The robust two-stroke engine disappeared, along with its blue smoke. The early 1940s prototype led to the DKW, and to East Germany's IFA F9. This book gives the background to the DKW 3=6, which has been made in 1:43 scale by Schuco and the Auto-Union 1000, made in 1:18 scale by Revell. The author doesn't waste words, instead concentrating his efforts on the photo-graphs and on the reproductions of sales brochures.
Hans-Georg Schmitt
Das neue grosse Mercedes-Benz G-Klasse Buch (The new big Mercedes-Benz G-Class-Book ) by Jorg Sand, German text, 176 pages, 213 photos, 24 drawings. 250 x 290 mm. Hardbound with dust jacket, ISBN 3-89880-339-2 Published by and available from Heel Verlag GmbH, Gut Pott-scheid, D-53639 Konigswinter, Germany.
What started 25 years ago as a heavy commercial vehicle, hard to sell, has since become a cult car, the G-Wagen. It is still used by hunters, foresters, architects and horsemen, but now trendy V8 versions are seen around city streets. This book shows the evolution from the early G-Wagen to the current G-Class, at work, at play and in competition rally finishes.
Hans-Georg Schmitt
OPEL der Zuverlassige Drei Jahrzehnte Opel-Werbung collected by Bernd Tuchem, German text. 138 pages, 184 advert reprints. Hardbound 215 x 300mm. ISBN 3-89880-426-7. Published by and available from Heel Vertag GmbH, Gut Pottscheid, D-53639 Königswinter, Germany
Opel, the Reliable One. This dull slogan was used by the Rüsselsheim firm in advertising for four decades from 1936, so it is appropriate for a book about Opel advertising from 1949 to 1975. The book reproduces advertisements for every Opel model from these years, a quarter of a century from the first post-war Olympia, through various versions of the Kapitan, to the legendary GT, Ascona and Manta, the big Admirals and Diplomats and many others.
Hans-Georg Schmitt
CLUB NEWS
Collated by Rod Ward
Sydney Model Auto Club: The SMAC official journal Think Small, is now smaller, the latest publication to switch from A4 to A5 size. It also has much more polish, due to production on a colour laser printer by new Editor Neal Stirton. He volunteered to be Assistant Editor at the last AGM, then Tony Hanna, Editor for the last 13 years, decided to take a break, so Neal is in charge. Very smooth, Tony. A recent club competition featured 'Great model, rotten car', won by the Vanguards Morris Marina. If you would like to know what took the other places, you'll have to join the SMAC; phone Secretary John Maude on 9579 1257.
West Australian Model Collectors Club: Ian Hind, Editor of Showcase, the WAMCC Club publication, keeps his ear close to the internet, and reports that Corgi's parent company Zindart has changed its name to Corgi International Ltd, registered in Hong Kong. Zindart reported turnover of $10.4 million in the quarter ended 30.6.2005, compared with $9.2 million the previous year. They made a net loss of $1.5 million in that quarter ($1.9 million the year before). Corgi reported an improved economic position; a net loss margin of only 10 per cent, compared with 15 per cent a year earlier. Stronger results are expected for the future, when 'the division's strategies are expected to come to fruition'. There is lots more reading in every issue of Showcase, but you'll have to join the club to read it.
Phone 934 9369, or email jhind@iinet.net.au
South Hants Model Auto Club: Sue and Stu Leake, Editors of the SHMAC newsletter, note that 'last month's was a whopper and this month we are having to do a bit of squeezing'. Among the interesting items squeezed in are accounts of trips to Monaco (on the 50th Anniversary Monte Carlo Run), Bovington (for the model show) and the local boot sale (where a Leyland lorry badge and wheel bearing cover cost Skip White £2.00 for the two). If you'd like to add to the squeezing-in problems, you'll have to to join the SHMAC; contact Secretary Dave Painter on 01264 366408.
Maidenhead Static Model Club: Wheel Bearings Editor Les Duplock is definitely trying to get away from four wheelers. last time he featured the SS France/Norway, and this time it is a single-wheeler featured on the cover. But I won't tell you what it is, as Les would obviously like you to join the MSMC to find out. Among other interesting features in this issue, I was pleased to see a bit of industrial archaeology; a description of Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum in Cornwall.
To join the Maidenhead Static Model Club, contact Membership Secretary Robbie Bennett on anorack821@yahoo.co.uk.
New Zealand Model Vehicle Club: Ron Ford, editor of Miniature Auto, newsletter of the CMTC, once again, is managing to persuade lots of useful material out of the membership. A full issue includes pieces on Kingsbury, the Conrad Mercedes Renntransporter, the Trax Holden Commodore VB,Mazda Rotary cars and the continuing history of Micro Models. Collecting is still healthy in New Zealand, it seems. And Ron is still on good form, moaning about seeing models he'd like to buy pictured in MAR, (the photos sent by a US contributor who bought them in his local discount store), but with no indication how Ron can get them in Upper Hutt. If you'd like to hear more about it from Ron, just join the NZMVC. First contact Eric Brockie on (03) 448 9276 or email austinrk@paradise.net.nz
Wessex Model and Toy Collectors: Barry Lloyd, Editor of the WMTC newsletter, always produces an entertaining, fun-packed Smalltalk. There were so many jokes in the Christmas issue that it would take too much space to tell them here. The WMTC subscription is worth it for Smalltalk alone. Contact Doug Male on 01225 755043 to join.
The Miniature MG Car Club: President and Editor of the club newsletter Miniature Garage Alan Long apologised for the late arrival of issue 42 (a double issue) due to the birth of his first daughter, the well-known spelling mistake Elsie (or Elise). This issue was as packed as usual with MG model news, including the reprint (with permission) of Graeme Ogg's MAR article on the conversion of the Schuco Rover 75 into the pre-facelift MG ZT. Graeme is referred to as an ex-patriot. What does Alan know that we don't? He must have access to the National Police Computer. To read more about MG model matters, you'll have to join; contact Alan Long at his new address: 3 Thorniecroft Drive, Condorrat, Cumbernaud G67 4JT, Scotland, or email minimgcarclub@blueyonder.co.uk
OXFORDS IN THE PIPELINE
Oxford Die-Cast have lots of new releases in the pipeline.
Morris Minor Vans: Oxford 'First release' British Legion: Lest we forget British Legion: Remembrance Sunday British Legion: Going down of the sun British Legion: Flanders field British Caledonian Airways British Army Bomb Disposal GPO Telephones Co-operative stores Oxford Club: Christmas 2005 Volkswagen split screen Vans: Arthur Askey: 'Hello playmates' Charlie Drake; 'Hello my darlings' Heinz Baked Beans 'Good for him' Minivans: London Fire Brigade Incident Support Ever Ready batteries British European Airways Bedford 30cwt van: Royston Crow (local newspaper title) Open top 1920s double deck bus: Limited eleases for Australia, four buses, each featuring different liquor advertising: Booths, Cinzano, White Horse, VAT 69
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