CONTENTS of the print edition
Model Auto Review 209
Publication 7 February 200704 Up on three wheels: 2 Don Elliott, USA 07 Corporal Graeme Watt, Scotland 09 Toy Car Collector Dana Johnson, USA 09 Plastic: Minix, Eko Maz Woolley, England 11 Small Wonders Maz Woolley, England 14 Correspondence 16 IAA Hannover 2006 Hans-Georg Schmitt, Germany 21 Bahnshop 22 Two Tall Vans Rod Ward, England 24 The Italian Job Don Elliott, USA 26 News: Cars, Captions to page 28 27 News: Cars, Captions to page 29 30 News: Cars: Norev, Starline, Captions to page 32 31 News: Cars: New Ford mpvs, Abrex, Captions to page 33 34 News: Europe: Brooklin, Western, Model Garage, Alezan, Captions page 36 35 News: Europe: Rialto, Captions page 37 38 Military Models Robin Godwin, USA 40 Militaria Herpa, Roco, Preiser 41 Avia Mini 42 In the Bay 43 Competitions 44 Books 45 Club News Collated by Rod Ward 46 Ambassador John F Quilter, USA 47 Late News Norev, Minichamps 56 American Dimestore Repros Don Elliott, USA 57 Buckler, Brumm 58 Maserati Ron Gersbank, South Africa, captions page 60:?Emergency 59 News: Minichamps, Captions page 61: Buses
EDITORIAL
by Rod WardWE’RE BACK!
Here we are, daisy-fresh after our Christmas and New Year break. By all accounts 2007 could be a very interesting year. But possibly not for the ‘right’ reasons, we’ll see...
LENCINA INFO WANTED
Bernard Ford of Derby has come across a 1:43 metal model of a Citroen 10hp type A torpedo 1919 by Lencina, and would like more information. The trade mark appears to be a cockerel, but with a triangular mark over its tail. There is also ‘no 44’ painted on the base, presumably a limited edition number. Bernard also comments on our recent three wheeler coverage with news of a very good bubble car museum in Cornwall with 50 exhibits.
HECO RELAUNCH PM
Heco Miniatures (Hervé Colombet) has acquired the assets of the defunct Provence Miniatures and intends to reissue old 1:43 kits and handbuilt models and produce new releases. A price rise is inevitable, further reducing demand for what was already a struggling product line, but M?Colombet is used to finding buyers at a higher price level than most other model ranges.
A THIRD COMPACT YEAR
We have not only completed 25 years in publication; we have also completed two years in A5 format. As we begin our third year in the ‘compact’ size it is hard to remember the old format. Everyone says they now prefer A5...
CORGI COMPLETE MERGER
On 26 December 2006 Corgi International Ltd announced that their merger with Master Replicas Inc of Walnut Creek, California, was complete. Michael Cookson and Jennifer Klatt of Master Replicas Inc have been named CEO and CFO respectively of Corgi. Cookson said, ‘The new Corgi combines three high quality brand names (Corgi Classics, Master Replicas, and Cards Inc) into a single entity that expands the depth of its licenses, its collectible categories and its range of products.’
Corgi International has its headquarters in Hong Kong, with offices in Walnut Creek, CA, Chicago, IL, and the UK. Darren Epstein, MD of Cards Inc, has joined the Corgi Board of Directors and will be Executive Vice President of Business Development.
The new Corgi now holds licenses for many of the highest grossing film franchises of all time. The company will be developing unique collectible products under three brands. New products from spring 2007 relate to Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Wars 30th Anniversary, and Transformers and The Golden Compass in autumn 2007. Corgi Classics will focus on collectible diecast vehicles and figurines, Master Replicas will continue to develop and produce movie prop replicas and high end collectibles and a third brand will develop licensed products for gift and toy outlets.
The ex-Zindart Corgi manufacturing subsidiary in China has been disposed of to the local management team, led by previous managing executive Christopher Franklin.
FREE Mini ‘Crepes Maison’ for every reader of the print version of MAR!
Thanks to the generosity of Taff at Oxford Diecast, to mark the completion of 25 years of Model Auto Review in publication, you can have a free model of the latest Oxford 1:43 scale Mini sales vehicle. It is in Crepes Maison livery. This recalls a vehicle we used to see parked outside the big Paris department stores, selling hot crepes to the public. Only 1600 of this model have been made, and if any remain after this offer is completed, they will cost £10.00 plus p&p. All you have to do to get this free model is to pay the post and packing, which costs £1.50 to UK addresses.
Overseas addresses: Europe £2.50 or EUR3.70. Rest of world £3.50 or US$6.70. Payments accepted in GB Pounds, Euro and US Dollar cheques, or cash. Note: All payments must be sent to to Oxford Diecast Ltd, not to MAR. The model will be despatched within 28 days of receiving your order. This offer is subject to availability; only a limited number of models in this livery will be made. Not suitable for children under 36 months. Only one free vehicle model per household. Offer expires 31 March 2007.
Cut out and send the token in the print edition of MAR to qualify for the model.Send your payment and token to:
Oxford Diecast Ltd, Dept MAR, PO Box 62, Swansea SA1 4YA, UK
NEW MODELS FROM BAHNSHOP 1435
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
The 2007 catalogue includes some interesting new items; two of them, pictured on page 36, are made by Brekina in 1:87 scale: 62617 Kaelble K631L 1950-54 drawbar in DB livery. In 1927 Karl Kaelble of Backnang near Stuttgart started producing trucks. Since 1895 they had made saws, rock crushers, and tractors. From the 1930s, Kaelble tractors pulled the road rollers of the Reichsbahn. Kaelble re-started postwar truck production and in 1950 introduced the 16-ton K631L with a 14.3 litre six cylinder diesel engine. This Kaelble is towing a three axle Kässbohrer trailer with single tyres in Bundesbahn grey with light grey tilts. The other Bekina model is 62627 Mercedes-Benz O6600H 1951-58 DB long distance bus from 1951, the first postwar forward forward control Mercedes bus. H stood for Heck (rear) engine. The six speed gearbox changed electrically. The 11 metre body was the longest permitted at the time, available as a coach, long distance bus or city bus. By the end of 1958 1,166 buses had been built, nearly half of them for the German Post. The Railways only bought two, preferring buses from Büssing or Krauss Maffei. This model was one of the two test buses, in DB red. The catalogue is available from BahnShop 1435, Die UKW Vertriebs GmbH, Rudolf-Diesel-Strasse 9, 56220 Urmitz/Koblenz am Rhein, Germany.
MAR MEDICAL REPORTS
An update on some personalities frequently mentioned in MAR: Bill Barnes, patternmaker and MAR advertiser, goes into hospital in the near future for an eye operation. ‘I hope he will have better vision after the op’ says his wife, Sandra.
Geoff Sear of Durban has been in hospital recently for major colon surgery. he says, ‘I have stepped down as chairman of the Natal Diecast Model Club. At least we have a new editor who is doing a good job’. Geoff is producing new 1:43 releases, including a Buckler 90; nothing stops a true enthusiast.
John Simons of Marsh Models has been unwell for a while. ‘This has been diagnosed as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, an aggressive form of lymphatic cancer’, he tells us, ‘I am on a five-month course of chemotherapy. The prognosis is very good but no doubt the treatment will be gruelling’.
OXFORD PROGRAMME
While on the subject of Oxford, here is their current programme including 1:43 models:
December 2006 - January 2007 CS046 Ford A 1928 Campbells 1928 2000 made MAG019 Ford T van 1912 Britannia 2000 MM016 Morris Minor AA old logo 2000 MM022 Morris Minor van ATV television co 2000 MP001 Mini Lyons Maid Ice Cream 3000 MP006 Mini Tonibell Ice Cream Pink 2100 MP007 Mini Tonibell Ice Cream Blue 2100 MT001 Mini Traveller 2000 MV006 Minivan AA old logo 2000 MV015 Minivan Lest We Forget 3000 MV016 Minivan Remembrance Sunday 3000 MV017 Minivan In Flanders Field 3000 MV018 Minivan At the Going Down of the Sun 3000 PP009 Morris Minor van white 500 RT019 AEC?Regent bus National Savings 2000 ANG015 Ford Anglia Supervan 2000 MAG020 Bedford van Railway Locos 2000 CS049 Bedford van Colgate 2000 CS048 Ford Model A 1928 Polo 2000 MM027 Morris Minor AA new logo 2000 MP002 Mini Pickup grey 2000 MP004 Mini sales van Mister Burger 2000 MP008 Mini sales van Walls Ice Cream 2100 MV010 Minivan AA New logo 2000 MV013 Minivan Royal Mail 2000 ANG009 Ford Anglia van old AA logo 2000 CIG076 Ford Model A 1928 Players Richmond 2000 GR023 Bullnose van South Wales Borderers 2000 ANG018 Ford Anglia Funny Face Walls ice cream 2500 ANG019 Ford Anglia Funny Face Walls ice cream 2500 ANG020 Ford Anglia Walls High Top Ice Cream 2500 CS050 Minivan Kodak 2000 MM028 Morris Minor Post Office London 2000 MM031 Morris Minor van Hitop Currys 2000 MP003 Mini pickup with tonneau cover 2000 MP005 Mini sales van ‘Crepes Maison’ 1600 February - March 2007 ANG011 Ford Anglia van DER television rental 2000 B088 Thornycroft bus 1909 Pears soap 2000 GR024 Bullnose van Royal Ordnance 2000 JA001 Austin Omnivan Walls 2000 JA002 Austin Omnivan Royal Mail 2000 MM030 Morris Minor van British Rail 2000 MM034 Morris Minor Gown van 2000 MV008 Minivan RAC 2000 MV019 Minivan West Riding Police Panda 2000 ANG010 Ford Anglia van AA new logo 2000 JM001 Morris J2 Van GPO 2000 JM002 Morris J2 van BMC Parts 2000 MIN008 Mini saloon Monte Carlo 1982 2000 MM032 Morris Minor Camper van 2000 MP009 Mini ‘Batman’ style ice cream van 2000 MT002 Mini Traveller Singer 2000 VW030 Volkswagen van Dave Allen 2000OXFORD 1:76 (00 scale) models
As hinted in MAR recently, Oxford are embarking on an extensive range of 1:76 (00 scale) models, 12 body styles, total 36 liveries for 2007, released from April onwards, plus a Chipperfields Circus series from May:
76ANG002 Ford Anglia Walls ice cream van 76ANG004 Ford Anglia van Royal Mail 76ANG005 Ford Anglia van Post Office Telephones 76MM015 Morris Minor van Royal Mail 76MM030 Morris Minor van British Rail 76MV003 Minivan London Fire Brigade 76P009 Minivan Police
‘THE WAIT HAS ENDED’
By Hans-Georg SchmittWith these words, the two new Ford mpvs introduced in 2006 are released in 1:43 scale. The S-Max was launched at the Geneva Salon in 2006. It has five seats, optionally seven. The model is very accurate, the seven seat interior is black leather, the exterior metallic silver, it looks like leather-covered. The new Galaxy was first seen as a design study at Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005, the production car launched in Summer 2006. It has seven seats as standard and is the top model in the German Ford range. The new Galaxy no longer shares any parts with the VW Sharan and it will not be built in Portugal. The model is very accurate and detailed in Ghia finish, the emblems are clearly printed. It is dark grey metallic and also has a leather interior. Both 1:43 scale models are made for Ford by Minichamps and come in Ford’s standard promo boxes, grey with an orange stripe. Initially they are only available from European Ford dealers. (See photos on pages 28 and 29).
ABREX CATALOGUE
Thanks to Jirí Havlicek, we have seen a 2007 Abrex catalogue of Skoda models made for them in China by Hongwell. Lots of interesting issues planned include the following, all made in 1:43 scale, (* means also made in 1:72 and • means also made in 1:24 scale):
Skoda Roomster * Skoda Octavia * Skoda Octavia Estate * Skoda Superb * • Skoda Fabia estate * • Skoda Octavia estate ‘tour’ * Skoda Yeti Skoda 120L saloon * Skoda Felicia convertible 1963 open * Skoda Octavia saloon 1963 * Skoda 110L saloon * Skoda Superb 1938 Skoda Popular Sport Monte Carlo 1935 L&K Voiturette 1905 L&K combi body open cabriolet 1927 L&K combi body pickup with tilt 1927 Skoda Octavia Cup race version:?eight liveries Skoda Fabia estate Policie, Fire, road service, Coca-Cola, Pet medic * Skoda Octavia estate road service, Rabobank, Klokocka, Reserved, Policie * Skoda Superb taxi * Skoda Ocavia saloon taxi *
Brooklin Deletions
Further to the list of new 1:43 Brooklin models for 2007, listed in MAR 208, here is the list of models to be deleted this year:BRK47 Ford Thunderbird 1965 BRK59 Rambler Rebel 1959 BRK80 Pierce-Arrow Travelodge (repl by BRK80a) BRK82 De Soto Adventurer 1959 BRK83 Ford V8 Station Wagon 1947 BRK84 La Salle Coupe 1934 LDM2a Vauxhall Cresta E type 1957 LDM7b Ford Zephyr Six convertible LDM13aa Humber Sceptre 1965 LDM24 Ford Capri Coupe 1961 LDM35 Hillman Avenger 1970 RE18 Volvo PV51 1937 ROD01 Muntz Jet 1952 ROD02 Plymouth Coupe 1935 ROD03 Lincoln Zephyr 1938 ROD04 Chevrolet Impala 1961 ROD05 Graham Hollywood 1940 ROD06 La Salle two door sedan 1939The Brooklin 2007 catalogue should be available by the time you read this, at £3.50.
LATEST WESTERN MODELS
Two new 1:43 handbuilt models from Western Models of Devon:
WMS104B Vauxhall 14/6 DX with luggage boot and spare wheel carrier 1938: black. mid grey, golden beige or deep green. Retail price £80.00
WMS104B Cadillac Club Coupe (Sedanet) closed 1949: cypress green metallic, horizon blue or ivory. Retail price £100.00
MODEL GARAGE MOVES
MAR stockist Model Garage of Devon has moved premises. Proprietor Rod Hunt, who owns Colyton Antiques Centre, has moved the whole outfit to Old Station Yard, Station Road, Colyton, Devon EX24 6HA.
MORE ALEZAN MODELS
Michel Ducleux has two more 1:43 handbuilt models in his Alezan Collector series:
AC08 De Tomaso Guara Spider 2000 (80 made)
AC09 Alpine GTA Turbo Kleinemeyer1989 (80 made)
Rialto Models News
by Jan MiedemaI would like to introduce some new Rialto Models to MAR readers. Sometimes it seems like a long silence from Rialto, but this is inherent in the way handbuilders work. Long time no see, then suddenly a few new releases at once. Currently I have three new models: RM026 Opel Astra-G OPC Caravan, 2001: This model, pictured on page 28, uses parts from a Schuco donor model. The OPC body, photo-etched parts, decals, rims and tyres are added by Rialto. Available as a kit or handbuilt in magma red solid, star silver metalic, arden blue mica or black.
RM031 Opel (also Vauxhall or Holden) Corsa C1 five door, 2000 Never released as a diecast model, and now available from Rialto. This model uses parts from a Minichamps donor model. The five-door body, side windows, screen wipers, decals and grille (and eventually right hand drive dashboard for Vauxhall and Holden versions) are added by Rialto. Available as a kit, or handbuilt in city red metallic, star silver metallic or magma red solid. The picture on page 209.28 is of a right hand drive Opel for the South African market.
RM030 Lancia Appia Sport Zagato 1961 Strictly speaking this subject, pictured on the cover of MAR 209, does not fit in with my model policy. It has been made before in 1:43 scale in the eighties by an Italian manufacturer, but in such a disappointing quality that I never added it to my own collection. The Appia Sport Zagato deserves a good model, so I went to work and finally I think there is now an acceptable model of this legendary car. Zagato built approximately 200 cars on a special short chassis based on the Appia third series with a wheelbase of 235 cm (92.5 inches) , instead of the normal wheelbase of 251 cm (99.8 inches). The long Appia GTE Zagato from 1959 with a 99.8 inch wheelbase was a bit to heavy and too long to be competitive, so this lighter and shorter car was built to compete with the Alfa SZ. The model is available in kit form or handbuilt in blue, white or red. There are two versions, a basic street version with uncovered wheels and no bumpers, and an ‘elegant’ version with chromed wheels and bumpers. The short and terse style of the body is clearly visible on the model. The Appia logo is even included on the dashboard. It is always nice to incorporate such half-hidden details.
MILITARY MODELS TODAY
By Lt Col Robin GodwinWhether it is to do with the global situation, or saturation of the diecast market, military model availability has never been better. I have been a military collector for a long time, and thought I was fairly up to speed with available products, but was surprised recently by a couple more new companies devoted to military models. Here is a summary of leading manufacturers, excluding the well known firms in the military game, such as Corgi (1:50 scale and thereabouts), Solido-Verem (1:50), Minichamps (1:35), Franklin Mint (1:24) and 21st Century Toys (1:32 and 1:18). Significantly, most new models are ‘hard military’ like tanks, that cannot be used in a civilian application. It wasn’t long ago that all new military issues were staff cars, ambulances, or trucks that can be issued in civilian pattern to optimise tooling costs.
Dragon Armour by Doyusha www.dragon-models.com are the benchmark models for 1:72 scale (they also recently introduced a 1:35 range) with well over 100 models, of which many are significant variations. There is a good mix of older and newer tanks and soft-skinned vehicles, even a landing craft. The tanks feature separate, but non- rolling tracks (I'll state my preference right here for rolling tracks) and the wheels on HMMWV (Humvee) models are fixed. These used to have a quite high metal content, and Dragon made a big issue of this in their catalogue, but it is hard to find any metal at all in newer issues like the recently released Sherman. They seem to be all- plastic or perhaps resin, and yet the boxes, which are specific to the model, still advertise Die-Cast Model. I guess plastic and resin are formed in a die, but we collectors usually think diecast denotes metal. Dragon also issue all the 1:72 range as plastic kits; it seems their metal kits are no more.
Can.Do Pocket Army also by Doyusha, are 1:144 plastic or resin models which often duplicate their larger 1:72 Dragon cousins. There are some superb super-large German rail mounted (Leopold 28 cm Railway Gun) and track mounted Giant Armour artillery pieces (GERAT Gun), released in batches with half a dozen variations on each model. These are superb little jewels in miniature.
Admiral Toys 1:72 Armor www.admiraltoys.com a new US firm selling Chinese made 1:72 tanks, reminiscent of CDC Armour of Italy in the late 90s (and Matchbox, after they reissued some of the CDC vehicles). These are well done, mostly metal, but not up to CDC or Dragon standards of fidelity and finish. The one model I have is a Panzer III AUSF L in Afrika Korps finish, but the colour cast plastic bits do not match perfectly with the painted metal. High metal content with plastic add-ons. Tracks are separate and well detailed, but non-rolling. This range has great potential for serious collectors with an interesting list of unique future releases. Hobby Master Ground Power Series www.hobbymaster.com.hk another new brand, the first two issues were an Abrams and a Tiger 1 but to an odd 1:56 scale. Newer models will be 1:48, which with 1:35, 1:72 and 1:144 seem to be ‘serious’ military scales. The first 1:48 model is a King Tiger. Superbly detailed, these are on a par with anything out there and retail for less than Corgi tanks. Mostly metal body and turret with plastic bits. Tracks roll. The same static models are available as radio controlled vehicles.
Forces of Valor (FoV) by Unimax Toys Ltd www.forcesofvalor.com or unimax.com.hk the best price/quality ratio on the market. The bulk of the range is in 1:32, which I don't collect. The 1:72 range is less extensive, but is designed to compete with Dragon 1:72, at a lower price. Very detailed, reasonable amount of metal used in main body parts, and tracks roll. The range is expanding slowly, currently comprising 14 models; a mix of old and new tracked vehicles. Carros de Combate by Altaya (Spanish partworks, cast by Ixo). www.altaya.es an excellent series of 50 models in 1:72 scale sold with a magazines covering tanks. 30 or so models released to date. Difficult to come by if you do not live in Spain or are not a subscriber. (I got mine from an eBay store in Barcelona, but be aware that a model costing 10 Euros at a Spanish news stand or by subscription becomes a $42 model delivered to your door in the USA). These are mostly metal, well detailed, but not as good as Dragon or FoV. There are interesting subjects not covered by other companies, like a Merkava III, Gepard AAA (on Leopard chassis), and a Chieftain. Tracks are separate vinyl but the road wheels do not roll. Of note, there is a US online store already advertising Ixo (non-Altaya) versions of these models at about $18 each for pre-orders. The Altaya bases are unlettered, but I presume Ixo issues will have their name cast in. These are not yet on the Ixo website.
Criel-De Agostini-Edison-Schuco-Doyusha www.schuco.de or www.edisongiocattoli.it discussed in MAR 203 and 204. It doesn’t matter who issues the models, they are the same except for some base changes to reflect which company is marketing them. A fair bit of plastic on these, but some interesting issues. There were 40 De Agostini models, but the others have trimmed the range by deleting some less interesting items. Some moulds have origins in the old Vitesse-Victoria range, others appear to be original. The only tracked vehicles are two US and one German half-track, all Second World War vintage, but there are some interesting modern wheeled combat vehicles. These are very reasonably priced, all to 1:43 scale, and consequently fairly large.
Tamiya Military Miniature Series www.tamiya.com or www.tamiyausa.com I have included this range of Tamiya kits in 1:48 scale because they advertise a diecast hull that ‘enhances’ realism (weight, I presume). Also Tamiya is now issuing these kits as finished, built models (expensive: $60-$70 in the US) in the Masterworks Collection. Detail is exceptional but these are just plastic kits with one diecast component; glueing and painting to do. Tracks are multi-piece plastic for assembly. A broad range specialising in the Second World War with interesting tracked subjects; also includes wheeled vehicles such as a VW Type 82E staff car and a Citroen 11CV staff car. Classic Armor Diecast by New Millennium Toys, from China for Wal-Mart (I assume, I have never seen them anywhere else), so are the least expensive models here. There is a 1:32 range, a 1:48-1:43 range and a 1:144 range (with diecast removed from the boxes, as the small ones are resin or plastic). A first group in 1:48 scale seems to be unique to this range and includes a couple of Humvees and the only tracked vehicle, an M-113. The second series of six models is 1:43 scale with some dies salvaged from old Vitesse-Victoria range, but simplified. These include a Mercedes 170 staff car, VW Schwimmwagen, and a Dodge WC series truck. The 1:144 range is very reasonable for $1.97 per model, but less detailed than Dragon Can.Do Pocket Army. There are six different 1:144 models. I cannot find a website. I checked a couple of Wal-Marts recently and they don’t seem to be on there any more; perhaps they were unprofitable.
MRC Easy Model Modern Ground Armor Series www.trumpeter-china.com As the range name says, these are modern vehicles, but are made up and finished versions of Trumpeter 1:72 plastic kits. Detail is superb, if you can live with plastic. MRC stands for Model Rectifier Corporation, who have been in the US for a long time, and they are US distributors of this range. I have one model, a British Army AS-90 Self Propelled Gun. Tracks and wheels are one piece plastic on each side of the model, but are so well done that it is difficult to tell. These sell for about the same price as Dragon 1:72 in the US. Takara World Tank Museum www.world-tank-museum.com is another 1:144 range; a scale popular with wargamers. The quality is equal to or better than Can.Do models. The range features modern and historic vehicles. Of note, Takara also produces a series of 1:144 radio control tanks (no, that is not a misprint, I have their King Tiger). Wheels and tracks operate (static models do not), and the thing is little bigger than a medium-sized grasshopper. It goes a long way to relieving stress at work, as it quite easily traverses keyboards. I discovered some of this information on an outstanding private website called Mikes Tanks and Military Vehicles www.mikes-tanks.com Mike lives in the US and updates this site continuously, concentrating on tanks, with a recent expansion into some soft- skinned vehicles. He shows multiple views of models, has virtually all variations of newer ones, and even shows comparative photos where more than one company has made the same model (Abrams by Dragon, Forces of Valor, and Altaya-Ixo, for instance). Mike has also catalogued obsolete models alongside modern products. It is a popular site, and other collectors contribute pictures where Mike does not own a particular model. There are some gaps, but I learn something every time I visit the site: Highly recommended.
There it is: a quick but, doubtless incomplete survey of some of the established and newer players in the military vehicle world
Book Reviews
Forty Years Of The Ford Transit by Robert Berry Series Editor Alan Earnshaw. 52 pages 210 x 200 mm softbound. Trans-Pennine Publishing. Pub: Nostalgia Road, Units 5-8 Chancel Place, Shap Road Industrial Estate, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 6NZ. ISBN 1 903016 61 4. £8.95
This book fills an important gap on the shelf, not only telling the story of Ford’s Transit vans from the Mark 1 of 1965, through all the types in between to the Mark IV of the 21st century, but also its pre-history. The author sketches in the story of all Ford light commercials before the Transit, lingering longer on its immediate predecessors, the German Taunus FK and the British 400E. (Look out for a new series of 1:43 diecast models of the Ford 400E van in 2007 at last). After 13 years in which the van market was dominated by the Bedford CA, the Transit set new standards for the van industry, in particular for emergency vehicles, whose users were closely consulted by Ford when developing the ‘Van for Europe’ concept. The design team, led by the American Ed Baumgartner, produced a simple, practical and functional vehicle which soon became the standard van in almost every European country. The story is nicely told in detail in this extensively illustrated book, and comes right up to date with the 2006 restyled version. Rod Ward
BRITISH POLICE CARS OF THE 1950s and 60s by Alan D. Johnson and Robert Berry Series Editor Alan Earnshaw. 52 pages 210 x 200 mm softbound. Trans-Pennine Publishing. Published by: Nostalgia Road, Units 5-8 Chancel Place, Shap Road Industrial Estate, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 6NZ. ISBN 1 903016 14 2. £8.95
Alan Earnshaw died in 2003, so his plan to write a series of books on police vehicle evaluation at the Home Office never came to fruition. His notes and records, however, have allowed Robert Berry to assemble this book, which takes us from the early black police cars to the speedy patrol cars in a multitude of liveries that followed. In fact, as is the way with Nostalgia Road, the background story is told, from early uses of motor vehicles by the police forces of Britain. There are evocative photos of Riley, Vauxhall, Morris and other police cars in service from the 1020s to the 1950s. Then we really get into gear with the forbidding black machines which struck awe into 1950s kiddies. All of them were British-built, under instructions from the Home Office. The familiar Wolseleys, Austins and Fords are all here, in their uniform black. Then suddenly white cars appeared and the occasional ‘foreigner’ (perhaps a Volvo) and from then on police cars blossomed into a riot of colour. Pale blue Panda cars, dayglo orange motorway patrol cars, ‘jam sandwich’ stripes and all kinds of local variations appeared on the roads. Also shown here are Black Marias, dog vans, and escort vehicles, plus some unusual cars assessed for service. A 1958 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 was considered for motorway patrol work, as was the Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire 234, and hard though it may be to believe, the Mini-Moke was not only assessed, but a number entered service with Merthyr Tydfil Borough Police. This book includes a really fascinating collection of photographs, accompanied by authoritative text, and is highly recommended. Rod Ward
AIRPORT CRASH TENDERS by Ron Henderson Series Editor Alan Earnshaw. 52 pages 210 x 200 mm softbound. Trans-Pennine Publishing. Published by: Nostalgia Road, Units 5-8 Chancel Place, Shap Road Industrial Estate, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 6NZ. ISBN 1 903016 18 5. £8.95
Among the byways of emergency vehicles, airport crash tenders are poorly documented but keenly followed by enthusiasts. Early aviators were served by standard municipal type fire appliances or converted private cars, but it soon became apparent that the needs of airfields were specialised. During the Second World War, the RAF ordered large quantities of standardised appliances, which eventually evolved into different ypes to serve larger or smaller aircraft and airfields. The foam monitor was developed, to rise above a large aircraft fire and direct foam down on to it. Postwar designs gradually developed into powerful multi-wheel drive enclosed vehicles with roof-top monitors and sohisticated equipment, and the whole story is told here in detail by an expert, who is a serving emergency services officer. Every major type made in, or which saw service in, Britain is pictured here, though not the Merryweather Musketeer, as made by Sun Motor Co; noted, but not pictured. The story of these fascinating vehicles is obscure to many enthusiasts; all will come clear to anyone who reads this book. Rod Ward
CLUB NEWS
Collated by Rod WardWessex Model and Toy Collectors:
Wessex Model and Toy Collectors: Barry Lloyd, editor of WMTCnewsletter Smalltalk, notes the existence of a model museum on the Lincolnshire coast. On Your Marques is on the A52 between Skegness and Mable-thorpe, open April to October. Barry also has articles on the GM Streamliner and Futur-liner display vehicles and on journalist Denis Jenkinson’s Christmas Day 1957 drive on ordinary roads in a Formula 2 Lotus 12 in full race trim, unnoticed by the police. The John Parker Trophy competition was won by Mike Jennings’s Focke-Wulf Condor in 1937 Lufthansa livery, extensively converted from a Revell bomber kit. There were fewer entries than usual for the Trophy, so if you join you stand a chance of winning it; contact membership secretary Doug Male on 01225 755043.
West Australian Model Collectors Club
My copy of the latest edition of Showcase, the WAMCC Club publication, edited by Ian Hind, Club Secretary, had half the pages blank, but the remaining pages were as interesting as ever, though I suspect that at least 90% of it is written by Iain. If you can contribute to Showcase, join the WAMCC; phone 934 9369, or email jhind@iinet.net.au
Maidenhead Static Model Club
Further to my note in this column that Ray Strutt had been hospitalised, as noted in Wheel Bearings, the MSMC organ edited by Cliff Maddock, he is not only back in the collecting world; he also attended an MSMC clubnight and took third place in the Disney characters competition with his Pluto in a racing car. If you’d like to join the MSMC, contact Membership Secretary Alan Simpson on 01494 813903.
South Hants Model Auto Club
The Club has just marked its 25th anniversary with a special Volvo PV445 pickup model made by member Rodney Fox of Concours Models. Rod’s name is often seen in the MAR competition entrants colums, but he didn’t send us a picture of the model. They are now sold out, but if you join the SHMAC now you are in good time for the 50th anniversary. Contact Secretary Dave Painter on 01264 366408.
Sydney Model Auto Club
The SMAC official journal Think Small, continues with its coverage of the Bathurst race, the story of the World Land Speed Record and lots of colour pictures of recent clubnight competition entries. From the look of the Australian and Chinese buffet menu for their 2006 Christmas Dinner, the Sydney Club are slowly outstripping the South African clubs in the grub stakes. If you have the appetite for it, join the SMAC in good time for the 2007 buffet; phone Secretary John Maude on 9579 1257.
Brooklin Collectors Club
he Editor of the Brooklin Collector is Uncle Jack Patrick (Auntie Denise is the treasurer) and he reports on the AGM, held at the Brooklin factory, with a tour round the production process for those who had never been before. Around 60 members came from all over Europe, and from as far away as South Africa, from where Allan Labouschagne brought a diamond, to be auctioned for charity! That sets the bar a little higher for the charity auctions of other clubs. Brooklin MD?Nigel Parker donated two colour trial models of the BRK 126 Pierce Arrow for the auction as well. Amanda (‘from cooking the books to cooking the dinner’) and her sisters laid on a ‘fantastic’ buffet, including beef stew and potatoes. Lots of members asked if the AGM could be held in Bath again, but the 2007 AGM will probably be held in the Midlands, with a return to the factory in Bath for the 20th Anniversary event in 2008. For membership details, contact John Bowyer on 01276 473499.
Bonny Buckler SEAR MODELS
1:43 handbuilt in South Africa: Buckler 90 sports, the original prototype car, built in 1954. Geoff Sear says, ‘It still survives today, in pristine condition. It seems to have undergone body changes including short doors, full rear wheel spats, twin aero screens and a long nose. The model is of the car as it exists today. It costs £35.00 includng p&p, but excluding bank charges, commissions etc. Contact me at sear2@absamail.co.za or 7 Dryden Place, Umbilo, Durban 4001, South Africa’.
Maserati
By Ron GersbankCompared with the number of 1:43 Ferrari models, the number of Maseratis is minimal, though fortunately there has been a marked recent improvement. I was therefore very pleased to see a new range of Schuco Junior Line models titled Maserati Evolution display set, particularly as they cost just 69 Rand each in South Africa (around £4.00). Despite the low price, they are well-detailed, accurate models with perfect correct scale decals.
As older readers will be aware, I am a great admirer of Stirling Moss, having written an article on his career, illustrated by models in my collection, published in MAR 137 and 138. I was consequently thrilled to see that Schuco’s new set includes a model Maserati 1958 Type 420/M/58 Eldorado Special which he raced on the Monza banked circuit, suffering a horrendous crash at over 160 mph when the steering sheared. Full details with photo are in the book Stirling Moss: My Cars, My Career and the Shuco model captures his car down to the last detail, including minute Stirling Moss script above a Union flag on each side and the unique five spoke cast Halibrand wheels. As only one Tipo 420/M/58 was built for the Monza race with a two speed gearbox (and one for the 1959 Indianapolis 500) we are fortunate to have a model of this unique car.
The next Evolution model I obtained, of an almost equally unique Maserati, was the 1962 T151 Coupe which competed at Le Mans in 1962, the red car with white and blue central stripes entered by Col André Simon on behalf of Maserati France and driven by Trintignant and Bianchi. Two other T151s were entered by Briggs Cunningham in his white US livery, making a total of only three cars built. This model is also well-detailed, with very good multi-spoke wire wheels, but it is a pity that Schuco put the wrong race numbers on their model. They have used #2, the number on the McLaren-Hansgen white car, whereas the correct number on the Maserati France car was #4. This can be corrected by fixing roundels with #4 over the incorrect numbers. Then I bought a dark blue with fawn interior 1998 Quattroporte 3.2i V8 saloon: the four door version of Maserati’s 1980s two door Bi-Turbo, fitted with their new V8 engine. It has good eight spoke alloy wheels.
Another Quattroporte in this range is the latest 2004 version, also dark blue but with a black interior. Like the superb Ixo model, has 11-spoke alloy wheels.
Other models in this Evolution display set, which I did not purchase because I already have models in my collection, were the Ghibli Coupe, 250F F1 GP and the Type 8CTF as raced by Wilbur Shaw at Indianapolis, which was originally modelled by Brumm, back in 1984.
MORE MINICHAMPS
By Hans-Georg SchmittRecent diecast models from Minichamps, not otherwise pictured or captioned in MAR
Rapide hand-finished models scale ltd quantity price
MINICHAMPS 1:18 diecast in China for Germany: 100 910005 Williams Renault FW14 F1 Mansell 91 100 171612 Volvo P 1800 ES Coupe 1971 orange. 540 941802 Williams Renault FW16 F1 Senna 1994 100 713435 Mercedes 300SEL 6.8 AMG Hockenheim 71 100 060077 Toyota 1 presentation 06 Ralf Schumacher 100 060077 Toyota F1 presentation 2006 Trulli, ltd 504 100 910006 Williams Renault FW14 F1 91 Patrese MINICHAMPS 1:43 diecast in China for Germany: 400 069604 Audi A4 Red Bull DTM 2006 Martin Tomczyk 400 069605 Audi A4 Red Bull DTM 2006 Ekstroem 400 069606 Audi A4 Veltins DTM 2006 Frentzen 400 069607 Audi A4 Siemens DTM 2006 Tom Kristensen, 400 044110 Renault R26 F1 World Champi 06 Alonso. 400 060192 Super Aguri F1 Honda presentation Sato 06 400 060077 Toyota F1 presentation Ralf Schumacher 06 400 012121 Audi Sport Quattro Coupe 1984 street in red 430 760010 March Ford 761 F1 Peterson, Italian GP 76. 400 063422 Mercedes CLK Auto Scout DTM 06 Stoddart 400 064330 Porsche 356B Cabriolet open 1960 blue 400 062190 Porsche 924 Coupe 1984 Autobahn Police 400 716119 Porsche 917K Wyer, LM 71 Müller-Attwood. 430 046075 Opel Diplomat B saloon 1969 bright yellow 400 840003 Tyrrell Ford 012 F1 Martin Brundle 1984 400 137422 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 2005 metallic blue 400 043001 Opel Astra 2004 current 5-door blue metallic 400 056261 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, Daytona 05 Nearn. 400 716122 Porsche 917K Martini LM71 Marko-v Lennep 400 780032 Wolf Ford WR1 F1 Theodore Rosberg 78 400 120332 Alfa Romeo Spider 2003 red limited 1,296. 430 022110 BMW 1600-2 1966 green limited to 1,008 400 082071 Lotus Cortina Mk I saloon 1963 white. 439 034040 Mercedes Atego 815 box 2004 Sinalco 400 166212 Toyota Avensis Break 2002 green metallic 431 051290 VW 1200 Export 1951 fire Dortmund 400 061512 Audi A4 Playboy Phoenix DTM 06 Abt. 400 120326 Alfa Romeo GT Coupe 2003 dark blue met 400 061514 Audi A4 Castrol DTM 2006 Pierre Kaffer 400 061515 Audi A4 S-Line DTM 2006 Frank Stippler 400 061516 Audi A4 Used Cars Plus DTM 06 Scheider 400 111091 Citroen SM 1970 URIC yellow, green print 400 082111 Ford De Luxe Woody 1940 brown 400 601205 Maserati T61 Ring 1960 Moss-Gurney. 400 601298 Maserati T61 Winner Riverside 60 Shelby. 400 043021 Opel Astra GTC 2005 three door magma red
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