CONTENTS of the print edition
Model Auto Review 249
Publication 7 February 201104 Cars (captions on page 06) 07 Ford Escort Mk III part 1 Dave Turner, UK 10 Mine clearing Graeme Watt, UK 11 LBS catalogues Horst Macalka, Austria • Bazaar Virgil Christianson, Germany 12 Tesori Bruno Boracco, Italy 13 Dino Maz Woolley, UK 14 Bond Maz Woolley, UK 15 avia mini Max Tomlinson, UK • 18 Funtoys Bruno Boracco, Italy 19 Padova Bruno Boracco, Italy 20 Correspondence 21 Competitions, clubs 24 Book Reviews HG-Schmitt 25 Truckstop 26 News Argentina Robin Godwin, Canada • Captions to page 29: buses, emergency 27 Brooklin 2011
EDITORIAL
by Rod Ward
(A happy 2011 to everyone)30 YEARS ON; JUST ENJOY YOUR COLLECTION
So here we are, beginning our 30th year in continuous publication. Who’d have thought it? Ben van Roode writes: ‘20 years ago when I was chairman of NAMAC I advised Dinky Toy collectors to sell their collections soon, before a new generation lost interest in that kind of model. Young people are uninterested in any model cars, never mind Dinky Toys from another century.
Now, what will baby boomers do with their collections? I am 64 and want to sell most of my collection before I die. I don’t want my heirs to be bothered with selling a model car collection. That is really a tough job, especially if they don’t know anything about the subject. Only very special collections sell at auction or in private sales. Most of us just have a lot of ordinary, well-known models that have a theoretical value, but are already in every collection. So a lot of the same stuff will come onto the market. Who will buy it all? (PS: I’m not intending to die soon).’
There is no easy answer. Maybe we should not expect a lot of money. If your collection has given pleasure, and you at least get back the money spent down the years (without even any increase due to inflation) you can’t complain. If you had spent the money instead on golf club subscriptions, or expensive holidays, or loose women, you wouldn't have got any money back. So if you even recoup your original investment it's not a bad deal. After all, you weren't investing, you were collecting.
AUTO REVIEW: GRP in GB
The latest Auto Review book is now available, ‘GRP in GB’ (British Plastic); covering over 40 makers of ‘plastic’ cars including Reliant, TVR, Gilbern, Fairthorpe etc, (see page 22). The next title to be published will be on Steam Cars, Wagons and Buses, followed by Moths & Dragons (de Havilland aircraft to 1939), Morris cars, Bristol cars (and their antecedents) and British Hearses, all in the first half of this year. If you have any illustrations (adverts, sales brochures, your own snapshots etc) or any personal anecdotes you can offer on any of these or other subjects, please send them to me as soon as possible for inclusion in future publications. I also invite your suggestions for future titles; we have around 30 already pencilled in.
Are you missing out? The eMAR newsletter is sent out by email. It includes news and special offers (sometimes in advance of the offer appearing in MAR, sometimes unique to eMAR). If you don’t want to miss out, send us your email address and we’ll add you to the list.
UPDATES AND NOTES
Scandinavian response from Gunnar BernstrupHaving read John Toldsted’s letter from Denmark in MAR 248 with a smile, I can only reply that finding an ‘angle’ for an article is essential for any writer or journalist. And MAR 246, which included my piece on buses seen from behind, is now really a ‘back’ number. The Volvo bus is definitely a genuine Tekno. I have 15 different versions in my collection, all of the same construction with the correct inscriptions underneath. I chose the SJ (Swedish State Railways) version because of its plain look. Yes, humour is essential, and I have certainly made lots of comedy shows for radio, telly and the stage down the years, even longer than MAR has been around. And also quite a few gigs in Denmark (I speak decent Danish too) but not enough to get on to fjernsyn (Danish for television) more than once. A radio show I made years ago, however, was called Music I love to hate, an angle for another article from me for Rod to print in MAR during ‘year 30’. I also like the back of a beautiful sports car, such as my own MGB. And though I live in Limhamn, Sweden, my name, Bernstrup, originally comes from a place in Denmark...
PAUDI MODEL 1:18 diecast in China:
Infiniti FX50, the massive model in our competition in this issue. It comes in three colour choices: moonlight white, obsidian black or midnight mocha (brown). Our prize model, thanks to the generosity of Kelvin Jhong at Paudi Model, is black. Infiniti is well-known in the USA, where it has been marketed as an upmarket Nissan brand since 1989 (in the same relationship Lexus has to Toyota). Only now are Infiniti cars available in the UK, including the FX, though here we don’t have the five litre petrol V8 version, only a more modest three litre V6 diesel. Priced at £50k, the FX30D is aimed at the same UK buyers as the BMW X6, Audi Q7, Range Rover Sport and Porsche Cayenne. On the model, a button under the front end opens the bonnet to reveal the detailed engine.
RASTAR
by Robin GodwinA couple of issues ago, Phil Campbell introduced MAR readers to Rastar products that he bought in Germany. The company is actually Xinghui Auto Model Co Ltd of China. They make a reasonably large range of 1:43 scale models, including other than German prototypes (I have their Nissan 350Z that I bought on eBay from a Malaysian dealer). The models are basic but decent, and are very reasonably priced. Rastar makes multiple ranges in multiple scales, along with some radio control cars. A 1:64 R/C line seen at Wal-Mart is what got me interested in Rastar. I have not seen any of the 1:43 diecast models here in North America, but that doesn't mean they aren’t here somewhere. The website is www.rastar.cn and it offers details in English.
NEO 1:43 from China for the Netherlands
44275 Daimler Majestic Major 1964. When Maz Woolley saw the photo on Neo’s website, he shouted out, ‘Hurray. Can't believe someone is finally doing it! I am absolutely chuffed, my stiff upper lip is even trembling!’ Well, it affects us all differently, Maz.
Argentine Tactics
By Robin GodwinAI recently came across a 1:72 tank in a new series from Argentina called Tactical Models. Their website is www.unobarramodels.com (the English language part is under construction). Unobarra seems to be the manufacturer. Bucking current trends, the models are made entirely in Argentina, and are advertised to be all-metal. The first issue is an SK-105 A1 Kurassier above, an Austrian-built light tank. Its turret is based on that of the French AMX-13. Argentina bought 118 Kurassiers. Collectors who are interested can buy direct from the manufacturer, if I read the website correctly, or have a look on eBay. They are bit pricey for 1:72 scale model tanks these days, but they seem to be pretty unique subjects. I will follow up with a hands-on assessment in a future MAR issue, after my model has arrived.
BROOKLIN 2011 PLANS
Here are Brooklin’s planned new releases for 2011: month of release in brackets (5:= May).
BROOKLIN COLLECTION BRK167 1952 Willys Overland Station Wagon (1) BRK168 1952 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible (1) BRK169 1934 La Salle Series 350 four door Sedan (3) BRK170 1950 Dodge Wayfarer Sport Roadster (4) BRK171 1957 Packard Clipper Town Sedan (5) BRK172 1937 Lincoln Le Baron Convertible Sedan (7) BRK173 1954 Mercury Monarch 2-tone plated frames (8) BRK174 1954 Hudson Hornet four door Sedan (10) BRK 175 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 2-door Holiday (12) BRK176 1954 Desoto Firedome V8 2-door HT (01.12) BRK161a Willys Jeepster yellow-black new colour (8) Factory Specials BRK124x 1966 Ford Mustang GT 350-H white (6) The last of five special colours, only 350 made, first come, first served BRK129x 1963 Oldsmobile Starfire Convertible Top-Up triple black (9) BRK155x 1958 Buick Roadmaster 75 black (3) LANSDOWNE MODELS LDM85 1973 Bristol 411 Series III (1) LDM86 1950 Humber Super Snipe Tickford DHC (2) LDM87 1939 Lagonda V12 Long Saloon (4) LDM88 1957 Hillman Minx Series I Estate (6) LDM89 1957 Aston Martin DB2-4 Mk II (6) LDM90 1956 Bristol 406 (8) LDM91 1936 Riley Adelphi (10) LDM92 1956 Ford Zephyr Mk II Saloon (11) LDM93 1936 Bentley 4.25 Litre FHC Barker (12) LDM94 1966 Sunbeam Tiger (01.12) Factory Specials LDM76x 1957 Sunbeam Rapier Mille Miglia Spl red (1) LDM78x 1939 Lagonda V12 Rapide black (7) BUICK COLLECTION BC-017 1939 Buick Century 2-dr touring sedan M-68 (1) BC-018 1936 Buick Special Victoria Coupe M-48 (3) BC-019 1937 Buick Spl 2-dr plain back sedan M-44 (6) BC-020 1934 Buick Club Sedan M-61 (8) BC-021 1938 Buick Special Sport Coupe M-46s (10) BC-022 1936 Buick Special Sport Coupe M-46s (11) Factory Specials BC-011x 1939 Buick Century Convertible M-66c black (5) BC-013x 1936 Buick Speclal 4-Dr Sedan M-41 black (9) Brooklin are often asked to produce Buick Collection models in black, so all future Buick Collection Factory Specials will be issued in black. INTERNATIONAL POLICE VEHICLES IPV40 Ltd 1958 Austin A55 Cambridge Hull black (3) IPV41 Ltd 1947 Bedford Utilecon Nottingham City (8) ROD 43rd MODELS ROD27 Ltd 1948 Willys Overland Jeepster Surfer (6) ROD28 Ltd 1956 Ford Mainline two door Pro-Street (9) PRICES: Retail prices from 2011 including 20% VAT: Brooklin Collection, Lansdowne Models, Buick Collection, Community Service Vehicles, International Police Vehicles, Rod 43rd: all £72.00 each Lansdowne pre-war Bentleys: £76,50 each Two tone & Factory Specials: £74.50 each Brooklin Collection with extra detail: £78.50 each US Model Mint: £74.00 each US Model Mint Wrecker & Fruehauf: £77.50 each NEW BROOKLIN PONTIAC RANGE The first six models in a pre-war Pontiac Collection will be released in 2012. More information in a future issue. The 2011 catalogue should be available mid-January DELETED MODELS The back catalogue of International Police Vehicle and Rod 43rd ranges is now deleted. All deleted models listed here are available at 2010 prices, while stocks last. BROOKLIN COLLECTION BRK23AA 1956 Ford Mainline Michigan Police BRK51 1951 Ford Victoria two door BRK90 1935 Plymouth Coupe BRK96 1931 Marmon Sixteen magenta BRK97 1955 Dodge Coronet four door BRK98 1939 La Salle two door Touring Sedan BRK103 1956 Plymouth Plaza two door Club BRK112 1963 Ford Falcon Futura Sports BRK116 1931 Marmon Sixteen 2 Passenger' BRK117 1939 Mercury 99 Sedan Coupe BRK121 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 Fiesta BRK122 1939 La Salle five Window Coupe BRK128 1952 Cunningham C-3 Continental BRK128a 1952 Cunningham C-3 Coupe two tone BRK132 1954 Chevrolet 210 Handyman BRK134 1955 Chevrolet Suburban Carryall BRK135 1955 Hudson Hornet four door Sedan BRK136 1947 Chevrolet Stylemaster Sedan Delivery BRK147 1952 Cadiliac Series 62 four door Sedan BRK152 1954 Mercury Monterey two door Hard Top BRKX4 1956 Ford Mainline (D/S) Red BRKF-S 03 1956 Plymouth Fury Pike’s Peak BRKF-S 05 1938 Cadillac Sixty Special Convertible BRKF-S 06 1953 Buick Skylark Hardtop Prototype ROBEDDIE COLLECTION RE32 1987 Volvo 740GL RE34 1987 Volvo 745 estate RE37 1940 Volvo Eftertanken LANSDOWNE COLLECTION LDM33A 1965 Bedford Dormobile maroon LDM39 1965 Bedford CA Van LDM40 1960 Austin Gipsy LWB Hardtop LDM41 1964 Ford Corsair four door LDM43 1960 Bedford CA Canopy Pickup LDM53 1936-39 MG SA Saloon LDM56 1979 Ford Cortina Mk IV four door Saloon LDM58 1949 Lagonda 2.6 Litre DHC LDM35x 1971 Hillman Avenger: Factory Special LDM40x Austin Gipsy with trailer AFS ROD 43rd MODELS ROD01 1952 Muntz Jet ROD03 1938 Lincoln Zephyr 4-Door Sedan ROD05 1940 Graham Hollywood Convertible ROD06 1939 La Salle 2-Door Sedan ROD07 1935 Studebaker Commander Convertible ROD12 1951 Henry J ROD17 1948 Ford Pilot ROD18 1947 Chevrolet Stylemaster Sedan Delivery COMMUNITY SERVICE VEHICLES CSV08 1950 Packard-Henney Ambulance red CSV09 1949 Packard-Henney Ambulance white INTERNATIONAL POLICE VEHICLES IPV09 1954 Kaiser Manhattan Ohio IPV10 1951 Ford Fordor SF PD IPV11 1949 Oldsmobile 88 Rocket CHP IPV13 1971 Hillman Avenger Garda IPV16 1952 Ford Ranger Israel IPV18 1936 Hudson Terraplane Pennsylvania IPV21 1956 Plymouth Plaza Harwood Heights
CLUB NEWS
Collated by Rod WardIn a game of musical chairs at the Wessex Model and Toy Collectors, Chairman John Roberts will take over from Barry Lloyd the job of editing Smalltalk, Doug Male replaces John as Chairman, and Barry becomes secretary in place of Doug. Let’s hope Barry passes on the Smalltalk joke book to John; we need the humour. Will Roe, editor of Coventry Diecast Model Club magazine Wheelspin retains his sense of humour as well, with ‘I’m addicted to brake fluid, but I can stop any time’. It’s nice to see from the Maidenhead Static Model Club newsletter Wheel Bearings that members retain a broad interest in transport, not just cars. Colin Penn describes the Lappa Valley light railway in Cornwall, and the Club is considering a visit to the RAF Museum in Hendon. Members of the South Hants Model Auto Club magazine Wheel Nuts, must have been worried that their remaining brain cells had suddenly shrunk alarmingly when trying to read an article by Charles Morris, but editor Sue Leake confirmed that it was a technology glitch; something called ‘match and merge’ (must be a PC term). When I use OCR (optical character recognition) to scan typed or printed manuscript texts into our Macs I have similar problems with the resulting garbage. It’s sometimes quicker just to type it all out afresh.
HERPA 1:87 plastic from Germany:
Herpa Cars Club Model 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG with German registration plates H CC 2010 and special fine high gloss chromed wheel rims. The Herpa club sends out one annual club model and six times per year the Herpa magazine Der Maßstab (the scale) along with brochures showing the latest new releases. (Notes Hans-Georg Schmitt).
Book Reviews
by Hans-Georg SchmittThe Malta Buses by Joseph Bonnici and Michael Cassar. 208 pages, 1050 photos. Paperbound 210 x 300 mm. Published by and available from Book Distributors Ltd 13 Giorgio Preca Street, San Gwann, SGN 3511, Malta.
In 1904 the first buses in Malta were Thornycrofts running between St Julian’s and Valletta. Their success forced the closure of railway and tram-way. In 1932 the buses were coloured by route, and in the late 1970s they were painted green. Nowadays the bright orange Malta buses and grey-and-scarlet Gozo buses are mainly Leylands and Bedford Plaxtons. New buses are replacing old ones, more comfortable, but not as charming.BUGATTI Type 10 to Type 251 by R M Clarke. 476 pages, ±1,000 illustrations. 280 x 210 mm. Paperbound. Published by and available from Brooklands Books Ltd, PO Box 146, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1LG. ISBN 978 1 855208 76 6. £45.95
Ettore Bugatti developed and built the prototype for his first car, the Type 10, when he was still working for Deutz in Cologne. The last ‘real’ Bugatti, the T251, was entered in the 1956 French GP, but retired after 18 laps. 149 reprints of articles from many publications are include here, covering the T35 racer, the successful T57, the Royale and the Atlantic, from 1909 to 1956.DAUERPARKER: Im Zauberwald vergessener Oldtimer-Legenden (Long-term parking in the magic forest of forgotten classics) by Christoph Engel & Knut Gielen. German text. 144 pages, 113 colour photos. 185 x 245 mm. Hardbound with dustjacket. Published by, available from Delius Klasing Verlag, Siekerwall 21, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany. ISBN 978-3-7688-3229-8. €22.90
The unique automobile scrapyard of Franz Messerli in Swiss Kaufdorf has returned to nature and has been lost for ever since September 2009. More than 1,000 sleeping beauties from the 1930s to the 1970s once populated this forest; today it is almost empty. This photo album recalls a lost paradise of forgotten classics.AUTOMOBILES LOST AND FOUND by Michael Ware, foreword HRH Prince Michael of Kent. Published by, available from Haynes, Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7JJ. 176 pages, 349 photos. 220 x 275 mm. Hardbound with dustjacket. ISBN 978-1-84425-438-5. £19.99.
A collection of cars abandoned in barns, scrapyards and more unusual locations. An Essex built into an underground air-raid shelter, a veteran Darracq chassis supporting the veranda of a bungalow which itself was built around an old bus body, and one still not yet found, the Renault in the hold of the Titanic; just some of the wonderful tales of discovery in this fascinating book.
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