CONTENTS
Model Auto Review 189
Publication date 7 Feb 200504 The Simpsons Don Elliott, USA 07 Resin World 08 Rocky Don Elliott, USA 10 Correspondence 14 Buby Bob Frassinetti, Argentina 15 NEWS Bus Stop 16 The Meccano Years 18 Competitions 20 NEWS Germany: Schuco 22 NEWS Europe Vanguards, Western, Tenariv, Polar 23 Stude Beef Robert Gunn, England 24 Rolls-Royce Elegance, The Coachbuilt Era: The final part Scott Brown, USA 26 B&B II, Brief History Richard Elliott-Smith, England 27 Hongwell Maz Woolley, England 30 NEWS Europe Minimarque. Captions to page 32. 31 Captions to page 33 34 NEWS: Minichamps Hans-Georg Schmitt, Germany 38 Captions to page 36 39 NEWS Trucks Roco Minitanks. Captions to page 37 41 Cursor for Mercedes G Grassi, England. Catalogue corner: FJ Horst Macalka, Austria 42 Book Reviews 44 Club News 45 aviajmini Dragon Wings, Corgi 46 NEWS Germany Revell 1:18 scale 46 Swapmeets, small ads, subscriptions 50 Stockists 56 Band of Little (Dodge) Brothers Graeme Watt, Scotland 58 NEWS World News Rialto Zagatos, Wallis & Wallis auctions. Captions to page 60 59 NEWS Military * Emergency * Tractors Schuco Eicher. Captions to page 61
EDITORIAL
By Rod WardSURPRISE!
This month MAR appears in its new print-version format. Now we are A5 size, which I have always liked for this kind of publication. Many readers expressed regret when avia mini ceased as a separate publication, saying that they preferred its A5 format. Now the magazine publishing industry is re-visiting smaller formats, popular in earlier decades as 'digest size', and they have been successfully re-introduced to the mass magazine market, now called 'travel size', for ease of carrying and reading when on the move, plus being tidier to store on a bookshelf. I have spent the last year looking at ways to improve the product and ensure our future. We now only print a quarter of the number of copies we sold 23 years ago, but I did not want to increase the current cover price (held at the same level for almost five years), though in reality it should have been doubled to reflect our costs. 20 years ago ten per cent of our copies were sent to individual subscribers around the world; now more copies are posted to subscribers than are sold via stockists. Postage costs have increased and there is the likelihood of more postal price increases soon. Much calculation and negotiation meant that I can now produce MAR at the same £3.90 cover price, with double the amount of colour, but only if it is printed in A5 size, which also happens to be cheaper to post than A4. We have returned to Duffields, who printed the early issues of MAR 23 years ago, and I have spent months designing new page layouts to give just as much useful and interesting content as before. So we now have the A5 magazine you see before you, including 16 pages in colour, better distributed throughout the magazine, with colour illustrations closer to relevant text. We should also see an improvement in the quality of our reproduction; not only more colour pages but better repro of the black and white pages as well. That will not be confirmed until it is printed... I hope you like the 'new MAR' as much as I do. I value your opinions and look forward to your comments. Constructive criticism will enable me to continue the process of improvement to MAR, but there is no going back; the future is in our new compact format.
NOTE: Please note a change to our email address: editor at mar.zeteo.com (insert @ for at).
Corrections and Comments
The note on page 9449 of MAR 188 on the 'Weico Ford Van' was wrongly attributed to John Roberts. Actually it was supplied by Maz Woolley. Oops. Apologies to both...
Further to my reply to John Quilter's letter on page 9425 of MAR 188 which asked about models of the Wolseley 1500 and Riley 1.5, Mike Stephens of Western Models asks, 'Surely Minimarque 43 also made 1:43 handbuilt models of this car?' Yes, they did, but I prefer to draw a veil over them. Even the late Richard Briggs of MM43 indicated to me that they were not up to the standards of fidelity required for his range (or for the same price level in any range).
So there is still a gap for a good model to be made.Rod Ward
News & Views * BUS STOP
BRITBUS 1:76 DIECAST RELEASES
These are the latest 1:76 diecast buses made in China for Britbus:
GL07 Guy Arab III Provincial (with long bonnet and mudguards)
GS03 Guy Arab III Provincial
GS04 Guy Arab III Newport Corporation
GS06B Guy Arab III Lincoln City Transport
L001 Leyland Titan Southdown. Titan PD2 with Beadle body, fleet number 783, on route 12 Eastbourne', limited edition 1008 pieces
N6106 Scania Metropolitan Trathens
N6107 Scania Metropolitan West Midlands: Queen's Silver Jubilee
N6211 Scania Metropolitan Guide Friday: Shakespeare Connection
N6403A Scania Metropolitan Hull Corporation.
Kingston-upon-Hull Scania Metropoiitan fleet number 401 in the livery for buses delivered new to KHCT, with shallow dark blue skirt, operating on route 63C Rokeby Avenue, limited to 504 pieces, due in the first half of 2005.
N6403B Scania Metropolitan Hull Corporation. Kingston-upon-Hull number 436 in livery of ex-Merseyside vehicles, features a deeper lower blue band, reaching up to the lower of two silver/red strips. Operates route 32A WAWNE. Limited Edition of 504 pieces, due in the first half of 2005.
N6501 Scania Metropolitan Leicester City R701 Leyland Olympian-Alexander Dublin Bus. Bus Atha Cliath Olympian with Alexander RH type body, fleet number RH 156. It is operating on route 27B An Las-City Centre via Fail-view. This model features higher levels of detail than previous models, with separate seats including handrails, roof detail, full stanchions, detailed cab and tampo printing in the interior, opening engine cover and steerable front wheels, limited to 1008 pieces in the 'Irbus' range.
CREATIVE MASTER NORTHCORD
Creative Master Northcord 1:76 buses are diecast in China. Here are their planned future releases, which will appear in various liveries and colour schemes:
Shanghai Sun Win single deck trolleybus Alexander Royale double deck bus (UK Bus range) Mercedes-Benz Citaro city bus (UK Bus range) Mercedes-Benz Citaro G artic city bus (UK Bus) Isuzu BX341 bonnetted bus Mitsubishi Fuso Aero King double decker coach (the last two listed are in the Japan bus range)
The Meccano Years: Some Key Dates
In March 2005 it is 25 years since the Binns Road factory closed.
1863: Frank Hornby was born in Liverpool, in adulthood going on to work as a cashier and book-keeper. He had no formal training in engineering, but as a hobby he made toys in his own workshop, eventually making constructional toys from sheet metal, to amuse his young sons. This developed into a standardised set of drilled metal strips, interchangeable to make different items.
1901: The first of many Patents was lodged. Hornby began to market the invention as Mechanics Made Easy (MME) in his spare time, whilst bringing up a young family. His employer, a meat importer called David Elliott, was also his partner in the new Elliott and Hornby venture at this stage, though for some reason Hornby went to some lengths to erase any mention of Elliott in later years.
Production of components was contracted out to local engineering workshops, the resulting sets were expensive.
The MME address in James Street was just a packing and shipping operation. 1907: Hornby left Elliott's employment (though Elliott remained as partner) and set up a workshop in Duke Street, registering the name Meccano that year.
1908: Seven local businessmen, including Hornby, set up a new company, Meccano Ltd, which bought all the assets of the old Elliott and Hornby company.
Elliott now disappeared from the scene. 1909: new, larger premises were taken over at West Derby Road, to expand production and keep up with a growing order book for Meccano. 1911: to mark the accession of the new Monarch, Royal Meccano was made. 1912: A French subsidiary was set up in Paris, controlled by Hornby's elder son, Roland. Other overseas connections included having clockwork motors made by the famous German firm of Märklin, who went on to set up a joint operation with Hornby to make Märklin-Meccano.
1914: The company moved to the now-famous factory in Binns Road, Old Swan, Liverpool, which eventually grew to a great size.
1916: Meccano Magazine was published for the first time. Originally intended for Meccano builders, it became one of the biggest selling news-stand magazines of the Twentieth Century, with a general-interest content for 'boys of all ages'.
1920s: The first Hornby tinplate clockwork trains were introduced, and remained in production until the late 1950s. Hornby was now very rich, owning a mansion bought from the wealthy Vestey meat packing family, and being chauffeured to Binns Road every day by limousine. His two sons were in the business but preferred spending the profits to hard work, so Frank continued to be the driving force in the expansion of the business, adding new-fangled radio crystal sets and other modern inventions.
The world slump at the end of the decade resulted in Hornby selling off his American factory in New Jersey.
1930: Hornby was elected as an MP for the Everton Ward of Liverpool, and eventually he left the running of the company to his co-Directors and staff.
Meccano then became a Public Company. 1933: the first cast metal 'Modelled Miniatures' were introduced. These were scale model figures. This led to vehicles being produced under the Modelled Miniatures name, which then became in: 1934: Dinky Toys which soon became the leading UK brand of diecast vehicles.
1936: Frank Hornby died, succeeded as Chairman by his son Roland. 1938: the popular and soon to be market-leading Hornby Dublo 00 scale model railway range was introduced.
1940s: The company turned to war work. Postwar shortages made it difficult to build up toy production again.
1950s: Sales were expanding, and a new factory was opened in Speke to deal with increased demand for Dinky Toys. Competition in this sector was increasing, however, with new diecast ranges such as Mettoy's new Corgi Toys (at a lower price with more features) and Matchbox Toys (with an even lower price and a much wider range). Meccano France sold their Paris premises and opened a big new factory at Bobigny. As the 1950s wore on, and the main product lines were struggling, some new, mostly plastic, lines were added (Bayko building sets, speedboats etc), but Meccano sets were already in difficulties up against new cheap plastic kits by such makers as Airfix. 1960s: The company's position worsened, with stiff competititon in the market place, and though they owned the leading brands, the products were perceived as stuffy and old-fashioned. The Hornby tinplate trains were sold off, poorly-conceived new products (slot cars, roller skates, even a hovercraft) wasted much-needed capital, and management was out of touch with the 'Swinging Sixties'.
1963: in spite of exports worth over £1m, the company was making big losses. Meccano Magazine was also loss-making, so its publishing was off-loaded to its printers, Thomas Skinner. 1964: Meccano's biggest competitor, London-based Lines Brothers (Tri-ang) took over the company and sacked the last members of the Hornby family. Frank's massive fortune had evaporated; spent and taxed. The old-fashioned metal Hornby-Dublo railways tooling was sold, and the Hornby name was applied to the Tri-ang plastic trains made at their Rovex factory in Margate. Lines brought in Doug McHard (later of Somerville fame), newly appointed Editor of Tri-ang Magazine, to take over Meccano Magazine.
1967: Skinners terminated production of Meccano Magazine, which in 1968 passed to MAP of Hemel Hempstead.
1970: Lines changed the company name to Meccano-Tri-ang in 1970 and Meccano was trading successfully, but... in...
1971: The main Lines Brothers Tri-ang group went into voluntary liquidation. Meccano was re-formed as Meccano (1971) Ltd. American group General Mills bought the French Meccano company. The Airfix Group took over the Liverpool company, and the name reverted to the earlier style of Meccano Ltd. Some new products were launched, such as Mogul, Multikits, and some girls' toys, but Airfix neither understood the company, nor its market, nor invested in its future. 1977: 'Asset stripping' managers were installed by the owners, without the knowledge of the existing Directors.
The new management decided to close many existing departments and dispense with the services of respected Managing Director Joe Fallmann, all carried out while much of the management was away representing the company at the Nuremberg international trade fair.
The remains of the Meccano company meandered on in a rudderless fashion, with rapidly falling income and no investment in new plant or products. November 1979: The cash ran out and the workforce was sent home. Some of the Liverpool workers organised a sit-in aimed at preventing total closure, but after three months, when rescue was seen as obviously impossible, and they had received redundancy payments, the workers left and the bulldozers moved in.
Final closure of the 245,000 sq ft premises was in March 1980, 25 years ago.
GERMANY * News & Views
SCHUCO LATEST NEWS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
Latest releases from Schuco of Germany:Schuco Classic Motor Cycles 1:10: 06514 BMW R25/3 Solo motorcycle Fire service 06610 BMW R50 TT Schorsch Meier TT 1939 Schuco Classic Piccolos: 01527 Mercedes-Benz 170V van Hearse 01653 Mercedes-Benz 180 Pontoon Polizei 05480 Maserati racing car Langenburg Classic 04 05603 Smart city coupe Hamburg Police 50155005 DKW van Franken Benefiz Rallye 2004 05752 Wild 1970s: VW Microbus T2 Sun of Capri 05803 Wild 1970s: Set MAOAM Sweets Schuco Historical Miniature Models 1:43 02634 Opel Kapitan 1956 British occupied North- Rhine Westfalia, Germany 02644 Lanz Bulldog Nostalgia 02795 Volkswagen Split window Beetle 1951 Storck Karamellen (Caramel sweets) 02796 VW Split window Beetle 1951 Lufthansa 02813 Mercedes-Benz 0319 Bus THW Nuremberg 02771 Opel Commodore GS B Coupe sierra beige 02743 Diorama Mercedes-Benz bus 06600 02822 Setra S6 coach with trailer Schuco Historical Tractors in 1:43 scale 02726 Diorama Eicher ED16 with plough 02783 Diorama Hanomag R40 tractor with long timber trailer Schuco Reference book 02145 Schuco: Wonder of Technique book with Micro-Racer Go-Kart. Schuco Miniature Models 1:43 Motor Sport 04831 Opel Corsa Super 1600 Study 01 Schuco Edition 1:87 scale: 21784 New Mini Cooper Sony X-Plod 21823 New Mini Cooper Nuremberg fire 21826 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Nuremberg fire 21845 Mercedes Unimog U300 Nuremberg fire 21847 VW Beetle Bundeswehr medical service 21853 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Europcar 21855 Mercedes Sprinter German Red Cross 21887 VW T1 Samba microbus Flower Power 21888 Volkswagen Beetle Rally #53 ('Herbie'?) Schuco Edition Motor Sport 1:87 scale: 21846 Opel Corsa Super 1600 Study 01 21851 Opel Astra V8 Coupe H-H Frentzen 2003 21852 Opel Corsa Super 1600 2003 21854 ABT Audi TT-R VLN Long distance cup 04 21856 ABT Audi TT-R Racing-Taxi Hasseroder 04 Schuco Edition 1:87 Motor Sport Sets: 21786 Porsche Carrera GT 2003 21829 Porsche Carrera Cup Rockefeller, 2003 21831 Porsche Carrera Cup Asch 2003 21832 Porsche Carrera Cup Menzel 2003 21848 DTM 2003 Opel Performance Set of Year 21849 DTM 2003 Abt Set of the Year 2003 21850 DTM AMG Set of the Year 2004 Schuco Edition 1:87 Trucks 22026 Mercedes-Benz Axor Unitas 2000 artic tanker Shell 22662 MAN TG-A artic Schneider Weisse 22655 MAN TG-A MAN TG artic truck Achensee 23005 MAN F2000 drawbar DHL 24514 DAF XF 95 Curtainside truck Schuco Edition Artic Solo Tractors: 22612 MAN TG-A XXL tractor puzzle. 23908 Scania T124L tractor Splash. Schuco Piccolo limited editions * Opel Manta A Techno Classica 2004 * Mercedes 170V Bestattungsinstitut Ewige Ruhe * Lanz Eilbulldog tractor with closed soft top * Mercedes L319 (1:43) + crated Heinkel scooter * Set: Croce Rossa (VW T1 Bus and Fiat 500) for La Mini Miniera, Italy * Set: AMI Leipzig 2004 (VW Golf 1 x 2) for VAPS * Porsche 356A Coupe PS for Präsent Service * VW Karmann Ghia Autostadt for Motor Klassik in set: 20 years Motor-Klassik * DKW Schnelllaster Franken Benefiz Rallye 2004 for Rallye & Fachhandel * VW T1 100 years Vedes 35 years Spielzeugring for Vedes/Spielzeugring Geburtstagsgala * BMW 507 Silvretta Classic for Motor Klassik in set: 20 years Motor-Klassik * VW T1 WWK for Agentur Loubaresse+Partner * Porsche 356A Coupe AvD for Motor Klassik in set: 20 years Motor-Klassik * Set: Ramazotti (Fiat 500 and enamel sign) for Pernod Ricard Deutschland * Set: Post Edition 2004 (MB O3500 bus BRK) for Post Philatelic * Mercedes-Benz L319 KaDeWe for KaDeWe Berlin & Fachhandel * Set: 20 Jahre Rotkreuzmuseum" (Unimog 411 pickup and Unimog 411 van) for The Rotkreuz Museum Nürnberg
BUSCH 1:87 MODELS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
Busch 1:87 plastic models from Germany:40150 American Motorcycle: finely finished with accurate spokes and many chrome plated accessories. The engine is captivating in its super-fine details. A tiny stand is supplied, so the model can be propped up. See page 9441 for picture.
41553 Mercedes-Benz 170V pickup Market Gardener Schmitz, loaded with sacks and a tree
41853 Ford E-350 Ambulance FDNY, ambulance as used by the New York Fire Department with clear printing of the New York city arms.
42201 Multicar Municipal Utilities, orange with white and red hazard bands
44619 Plymouth Voyager Woody, an elegant variation, painted in champagne metallic and teal pearl metallic (blue) with realistic wood decoration.
44718 Buick saloon from the early 1950s with Airstream caravan. See picture on page 9441.
45013 Chevrolet Bel Air Coupe Chicago Fire Department, red with black roof.
47214 Renault R312 Paris bus, 11th version, Line 75 Pont Neuf.
47551 Ford Mustang Coupe Historic Touring car Trophy #95. The Historic Touring car Trophy is the biggest touring car championship in Europe. 2004 is the 13th season, raced all over Europe. The driver of this green Mustang is Reinhold Gropper.
48218 Chevrolet Pickup Carpenter, dark brown.
48532 Mercedes-Benz ML Class Paderborn fire service fire chief in dayglo red and melon yellow with blue light bar and chrome plated horns.
48534 Mercedes-Benz ML Class Malteser Hilfsdienst Notarzt, emergency doctor. The car has a blue light bar and chrome plated horns.
49013 Ford Crown Victoria Frisco Police, Texas. Finely printed; the blue bands include tiny white horses, repeated at intervals.
49084 Ford Crown Victoria Pennsylvania State Police. In 1905 Pennsylvania founded two police departments, the State Police, and Highway Patrol. In 1937 they were united as Pennsylvania Motor Police, again re-organised in 1943 to Pennsylvania State Police. #43 in the US State Police range.
49159 Mercedes-Benz C-Class T model (estate) Ulm Fire service fire red with yellow stripes. The box shows Ulm cathedral and in front of the car is a fireman with a child he has just rescued.
49203 Audi A4 saloon Bavarian Police in the new design in light silver with a mint green band, and the Bavarian state arms on each side.
49257 Audi A4 Avant Johanniter Emergency Doctor; the logo is even there on the roof spoiler.
49300 Smart roadster, standard version in jack black or spice red, both with silver Tridion frame.
RIETZE HO NEWS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
New Rietze 1:87 plastic model releases from Germany, some pictured in MAR 188:31126 Ford Transit pickup with double cab Marti AG, Zurich, Switzerland. Marti AG (high level and underground engineering) was founded in 1922. The Lotschberg tunnel was cut through the Alps using Marti equipment. The Ford Transit has yellow cab, silver body and the front doors carry Marti logos.
31127 Ford Transit pickup with double cab HAVAG. The city of Halle has operated its own tram company since 1882. More than 60 million passengers are carried every year in up to date vehicles. The Transit is a tram stop service vehicle with a double cab in orange, with silver body and black chassis and interior.
31132 Ford Focus Turnier (estate) MAN Truck Service. Even the best trucks break down sometimes. Then MAN's own truck service turns out to help. The Focus is metallic silver, with its sides printed in black.
51026 Ford Transit 2000 bus Austrian Red Cross, Salzburg. It has no blue warning lights as the bus is only used to carry disabled people. The model is white, red printing, black chassis, and grey interior.
61921 Van Hool T9 Acron coach Gilles, Brussels, Belgium, with black standard bus interior.
62640 Mercedes-Benz Citaro Verkehrsbetriebe Kreis Plon. Following the Citaro G, launched in 2002, now the single-section version appears. The bus serves line 200 between Plon and Kiel. It is blue, over-printed in blue and light grey. It has a city bus interior, moulded in light grey.
63901 Neoplan Tourliner prototype, pre-production model, launched at the commercial vehicle show in Hannover, and again a year later at Busworld, Brussels. One of the intermediate versions is depicted in this model, but the mould will now be finished to the final design. This version is a limited edition, in light green, with light brown luxury bus interior.
65209 MAN NG artic low-floor city bus SBG Freiburg. The South Baden Bus Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn AG (German Rail). The bus is medium blue with lots of detailed printing and a light grey city bus interior.
65221 MAN NG artic low floor city bus RBS Stuttgart. Regionalbus Stuttgart covers all of North Wurttemberg with 116 routes. The real bus runs from Stuttgart via Jagstfeld to Heilbronn. It is yellow, with a light grey city bus interior.
65222 MAN NG artic low floor city bus Verkehrs-betriebe Pforzheim. 'Pforzheim is using the Bus' is the advertising slogan used by Pforzheim public transport when advertising in regional newspapers. it is white with blue bands and a light grey city bus interior.
65224 MAN NG artic low floor city bus Verkehrs-betriebe Steyr, Austria. The 1000 year old city of Steyr is well-known, and not only because of the vehicle factory of the same name. The bus is is beige with blue and green stripes, and a light grey city interior.
65226 MAN NG artic low floor bus Voyages Ecker, Steinel, Luxembourg. Strawberries can be associated with cream or ice cream, but in Luxembourg it means La Praise of Voyages Ecker. The bus is white with green stripes and red strawberries, plus a light grey city bus interior.
16077 Mercedes-Benz Citaro city bus in 1:160 (N) scale, plain silver metallic.
EUROPE * News & Views
VANGUARDS NOT LLEDO
It seems that the new management at Corgi want a clearer perception by the public of what they make, one casualty of which will be the Lledo brand name. They tell us that they are relaunching the Vanguards range, previously a Lledo subsidiary, as a 'stand-alone brand' in 2005. They say, 'Sales have increased dramatically since Vanguards was repositioned as a marque-driven range in 2004. The range is to appear under the Corgi name and corporate colours from 2005'.They claim that the change of brand from Lledo to Corgi will give major benefits, as increased sales will enable additional investment in new tooling. They add, 'Corgi has been driving the quality of Vanguards with the introduction of higher specification since we bought the tooling in 1999. Although we appreciate and respect the history and tradition associated with the Lledo name, the re-branding is necessary in order to achieve a worldwide presence'. During 2005, the Days Gone and Trackside ranges will also be 'brought under the Corgi umbrella' though they will retain their individual brand names. It was sometimes difficult to see where the Lledo title fitted; below Corgi, but above Vanguards. This simplification of the Corgi structure should help clarify public perception of the Vanguards range (though long-time Lledo fans will no doubt be disappointed) and may also help Vanguards to compete better with such top quality ranges as Auto Art, Minichamps, Schuco and Norev.
In another re-branding move, Corgi have a 'major overhaul' to their corporate identity in which their red, white and blue is joined by a rainbow of colours from pink and purple to orange and green, though 'the trademark dog will remain the central motif'.
WESTERN MORRIS TOURER
The latest 1:43 handbuilt model from Western Models is WMS102 Morris Eight Tourer open 1947, in single tone black. Also available, at a slightly higher price, is WMS102TT Morris Eight Tourer open 1947, in two tone finishes green-black or maroon-black.
TENARIV LATEST NEWS
New 1:43 resin racing car kits, available from Tenariv of France:
302 Cooper T81B-Maserati Italy 1967 Jacky Ickx
303 Cooper T81B-Maserati Monaco 1967 Rindt-Rodriguez, France 1967 Ligier-Siffert
304 Brabham BT20-Repco Monaco 1967 Hulme, France 1967 Ligier, 1968 Love-Moser
305 Brabham BT19-Repco France 1966 Brabham
306 Brabham BT19-Repco Monaco 67 Brabham
POLAR CARAVANS
Motorart of Sweden are becoming well-known for their models of Volvo cars and commercial vehicles (including construction equipment). They have spread their wings into other car types, such as the 1:43 Ford Corsair two-door saloon, and now a series of three Polar trailer caravans. One is a 'classic' 1960s-1970s van, another is a large modern twin axle device and the third is a smaller modern single axle van. All are sold with a tow car and are made for Motorart by Hongwell. The same caravans are already appearing in Hongwell's own Cararama range at remarkably cheap prices, complete with a tow car. So cheap in fact that the car or the caravan in the set would alone be regarded as good value. Our letters pages often refer to Hongwell making models for other companies, such as Schuco, which then appear later at a lower price under the Hongwell's own name. One assumes that the companies in question are aware of the possibility, and just try to make as many sales as possible before Hongwell pull the rug...
MODELTRANS HISPANO
Hispano-Suiza is one of the classic marques which always has a following among collectors, and there are still many gaps to be filled (not least a good 1:43 Alfonso), so a new Hispano model is always welcome. But: it's not a classic car. What is it then? An aeroplane? An aero engine? A bit of militaria? No, it's a resin kit of a Hispano-Suiza T-69 bonnetted truck, by Modeltrans of Spain. ENASA acquired the Hispano truck factory in 1946, launching their own Pegaso trucks in 1949.
B&B II: A Brief History
By Richard Elliott-Smith
In early 2003 I went to see Len Buller, having purchased some of his completed B&B models from a local toy dealer. I had not seen Len for many years as he no longer attended toy fairs. Then for a short time I acted as his agent until his untimely death later that year.
Subsequently I purchased all of his stock, then spent some time building a sample of every model, so as to familiarise myself with their construction, putting a picture of each in a folder and placing them on the website. Many years ago I renovated and rallied a number of Second World War military vehicles, and I was at that time serving in the Territorial Army, useful for manuals and spares. This lead me to start collecting pre and post war military Dinky Toys. All this background meant that it was a natural move for me to get involved with the old B&B company, which is now being re-launched as B&B II on the mail order market and at toy fairs, backed up by a website illustrating every model, but to be sold as kits, under the name of Kenttoys. * See pictures on page 28.
MILITARY VEHICLE KITS IN 1:60-1:55 SCALE
Finished models usually US Olive Drab Brown, GB Green Sand, RAF Blue, Canadian Brown, German Field Grey, French Dark Khaki Drab, GB Khaki Drab
1 AEC Matador Gun Tractor, Army or RAF cab roof * 2 Bedford OYD 3 Ton GS Lorry & canopy 3 Bedford MWD15 cwt GS Truck. Cast canopy 4 Austin K9 Ambulance 5 Austin K9 Radio Lorry 6 Austin K2 Ambulance 7 Diamond T Heavy Tractor Unit 8 Dodge WC27 Ambulance 1941 Bullnose grille Mk1 9 Jeep US or GB+ Crew, also Red Cross and RAF 10a Bedford OYD 3 ton ex army British Railways 10b Bedford OB 3 Ton 4x4 command vehicle 11 Water Tanker Trailer Dinky Style 12 Dodge Ambulance 3/4 ton 1942 flat grille WC54 13a Dodge 6x6 Trooper open, 13b Dodge as above but half track cogs and chain 14 18 pdr Gun, ref 162C. see item 24 15 18 pdr Limber, ref 162B. see item 24 16 25 pdr Gun. 17 25 pdr Limber. 18 Chevrolet 4x4 Small Utility Cab 13 C8 4x4 19 Bedford OY 350 Gall Petrol Tanker + hose boxes 20 Leyland Retriever 3-Ton GS Lorry 21 Universal Bren Gun Carrier 22 Scammell Pioneer R100 heavy gun tractor * 23 162a Lt Dragon Tractor, Cogs, chain track 24 162a Lt Dragon Tractor, Original rubber wheels 25 RAF Bedford QLD Bowser 26 5.5 Medium Gun. Not Available 27 Rogers 24 Wheel Trailer for Tank Transporter 28 Cooker Trailer Dinky Style 29 40mm Bofors Gun Trailer in action for towing 30 German Kübelwagon, 31 Austin 7 Open Staff Car + Driver, Dinky Style 32 Studebaker 6x4 Lorry. Cast canopy, US or GB 33 7.2 inch Howitzer 34 17 pdr anti tank gun 35 Chevrolet Ambulance Cab 13 C8.4x4 36 Austin K9 1.5 Ton Cargo Lorry 37 Bedford 15 cwt Radio Van Full cab 38 Bedford 15 cwt Crane Jib Full cab or half cab 39 Bedford 15 cwt Water Tanker Full cab or half cab * 40 Scammell R100 closed jib or heavy gun tractor 41 Bedford RL 3 ton Ambulance 42 Bedford RL 3 ton Radio Command Vehicle 43 Ford 15 cwt Water Tanker Army or RAF. 44 1938 Ford 30 cwt GS worldwide style, or Tanker 45 Sherman tank M4A3 76mm rubber tracks GB-US 46 Ford 15 cwt WOT 2E GS Army or R.A.F. 47 Jeep Royal Signals Line Layer or Military Police 48 Marmon Herrington Mk2 Armoured Car 49 Morris Commercial CDSW 6x4 Gun Tractor 50 Morris Reconnaissance Car, added headlamps, plain or with seats, open or closed roof. Dinky or stop ended wheels or halftrack-cogs or chain 50a Plain. Choice of wheels 50b Plain. Half track cogs and chain track 51a Roof on. Six wheeler 51b Open roof. Six wheeler 52a Roof on. Halftrack, six wheeler 52b Open roof. halftrack, six wheeler 53 Bedford 15cwt MWG Polstan 20mm cannon turntable. Half Cab 54 Bedford 15cwt MWG AA mg GS Full or half cab 55 Chevrolet 4x4 Field Artillery tractor * 56a Crusader Tank Mk II 2pdr gun 56b Crusader Tank. Mk III 6 pdr gun 57 Panhard EBR heavy 8-w Armoured Car, original middle 4 road wheels and 4 off-road wheels up. 57a (1) Panhard EBR off-road wheels up, turret FL10 57a (2) Panhard EBR off-road wheels down, FL10 57a (3) Panhard EBR all 8 road wheels, turret FL10 57b (1) Panhard EBR off-road wheels up turret FL11 57b (2) Panhard EBR off-road wheels down, FL11 57b (3) Panhard EBR. All 8 Road wheels turret FL11 58a AMX13 Lt Tank. Rubber track with FL10 Turret 58b AM X13 Lt Tank Rubber track with FL11 Turret 61 Daimler Dingo Scout Car, Bren Gun, Lights 63 Chevrolet 30cwt cab 13 GS cast canopy or radio 64 Ford WOT 6.3 ton 4x4 GS plus canopy 65 Austin K5 3 ton 4x4 GS plus canopy 66 Dodge WC 52 4x4 Weapons carrier or Trooper 67 Morris Commercial CS8 tractor, limber, 25 pdr gun 68 Audi-Horch 4x4 Command Car. SOLD OUT 69 GMC Closed cab. 6x6 GS UK, USA +canopy 70 37mm Anti Tank Lt Airborne Gun. SOLD OUT 71 Bedford QL 4x4 GS and canopy 72 Commer Karrier GS or Command or Wrecker Continued from page 26 74 Leyland Retriever 6x4 3 Ton Command (Monty's) 75 White Scout Car Personnel or with Heavy Gun 76 Guy Ant 4x4 GS. With Canopy 77 Chevrolet 4x4 3 Ton with chemical detector body 98 Long Range Desert Group Jeep 99 Bedford QL 4x4 Radio Command 100 Bedford K 3 Ton 4x4 GS RAF colours CIVILIAN These civilian vehicles are tankers and covered wagons on Bedford OY, OB, K and Commer Karriers 79 Sargeant & Parks 80 T Denne & Sons Ltd 81 Richman Removals 82 Lenham Stores 83 H S Pledge & Sons 84 Meccano 85 Manchester Guardian 86 Reeds Paper Mills 88 Sharps Toffee 89 Mobiloil 90 National Benzole 91 Power 92 Esso 93 Shell B.P. 94 Mobilgas 95 Texaco 96 Pool * 97 Lyons
MORE MINIMARQUE MODELS TO COME
Steve Overy, of Illustra and Midlantic Models fame, was one of the principal sub-contractors who used to make the models for Richard Briggs' Mini Marque series, and confirms that he is re-launching the MM range, 'With what would have been Richard's next releases manufactured by us', as he puts it. These new models include the following (pictures in MAR 190):
GRB1/2: Packard 400 1956 *
GRB5/6: Hudson Coupe 1947 *
GRB7/8: Hudson Six Club Coupe 1947
MINICHAMPS MODELS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
Recent releases from Minichamps, all diecast in China for Germany, first 1:43 scale:
430 033195 Mercedes-Benz 180 Saloon Taxi 1955. The 180 (W120) was the first Mercedes car with the then fashionable pontoon body, which was more roomy, with less air resistance and integral construction. The four cylinder petrol engine delivered 52 bhp at 4000 rpm, the diesel version 40 bhp at 3200 rpm. The black colour was standard for German taxis at the time. The interior is also in commonly used light grey, though the taximeter is missing. It is a limited edition of 1,632 pieces and it was pictured on the back cover of MAR 187.
400 082001 Ford Cortina Mk 1 1962 now in blue.
436 039404 May bach Zeppelin Cabrio 1932, green
430 033434 Mercedes-Benz 350SL Cabriolet 1972:
400 880019 Benetton Ford B188 F1 1988 Nannini
430 062034 Porsche 911 Carrera Convertible 1983 in black, with interior also black. It is painted a bit too thickly; some details are blurred. Limited edition of 3,408 pieces. Pictured in MAR 187.
400 061082 Porsche Cayenne Turbo IMSA Medical Car ALMS 2003.
400 036896 Gunnar-Porsche 966 GTI Shark Miami GP 2003, Jeanette-Jackson.
400 171210 Volvo V50 estate, launched in eariy 2004, silver metallic, well-shaped with a good interior. The rear suspension is a separate part and even the wheels are exact reproductions. In silver with light ivory interior it is limited to 1,632 pieces.
430 065104 Porsche 911RS 1995. Excellently detailed and engraved, the details a bit lost in the black paintwork. It has a realistic red interior, with nice wheels. In black it is limited to 4,032 pieces.
400 081070 Ford Escort Mk 1 TC 1968, intended to compete with the Opel Kadett and VW Beetle, but it never outsold them in Germany. Even the Twin Cam engine did not do much for sales. The model would show the design well if it wasn't so thickly painted. The black right hand drive interior is very realistic. The baseplate is excellent, showing the independent front suspension and rigid rear axle on leaf springs. In ermine white with a black interior it is limited to 3,024 pieces.
400 061162 Porsche 911 Targa 1965, now green.
430 069108 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe 1990, now in a new colour, red metallic.
400 910020 Benetton Ford B191 F1 1991 Piquet. 400 052002 Volkswagen Touareg 2002 black met
439 069025 Krupp Titan truck with tilt 1951 in the beige and red livery of Baumann. based in Bonn on the river Rhine, a limited edition of 750 pieces.
439 161097 Kässbohrer three axle trailer with tilt, to match the Baumann Krupp Titan. In Baumann livery it is a limited edition of 600 pieces.
431 020204 BMW 7 Series saloon 2001. BMW specify that all models made for their sales. must have an opening bonnet, to reveal a good engine replica. The 7 Series is now in blue metallic.
400 032343 BMW M3 GTR racing Nürburgring 2003 Mueller-Huertgen-Duez.
400 171200 Volvo S40 saloon 2003. This revised car shares some genes with its stepbrother, the Ford Mondeo. The model car captures its lines well, with detailed interior, including the screen for the navigation system in the upper dashboard, seats and door linings in different colours. The wheels look like cast aluminium, and through their spokes the brake discs and calipers are clearly visible. In Svart solid (black) it is limited to 1,440 pieces.
400 082330 Ford Model T open Tourer 1914, the last year with the brass radiator. It sold for $550 fully equipped. Ford made headlines in 1914 by announcing a $5 minimum wage for an eight hour working day, while competitors were still paying their employees an average of $2.50 or less for a nine-hour day. Ford produced 300,000 cars that year, and made a profit of $30 million. The model is highly detailed and is black, the only colour choice at the time, because only black enamel dried quickly enough. It is a limited edition of 2,016 pieces.
439 141170 Magirus-Deutz 150D10 TLF16 fire appliance 1964 Ulm. In 1962 Magirus reintroduced the square bonnet. On this 150, the crew cab and tanker body were made of steel with sound absorbent linings. The low centre of gravity water tank was flexibly mounted on three points on to the chassis. It had an aircooled 150 bhp diesel engine. The model is outstandingly detailed with blue lights, searchlight, ladders and sturdy crew cab interior.
400 082070 Lotus Cortina Mk 1 two door 1963.
400 688101 Ford Escort Mk 1 RS 1600 AVO, red.
430 065538 Porsche 356A Speedster 1956, black.
430 060124 Porsche 911 GT2 Coupe 01, black met
431 028476 BMW X5 4x4 1999, the first SUV made by BMW, now in blue metallic.
400 910020 Benetton Ford B191 F1 1991 Piquet
400120324 Alfa Romeo GT Coupe 2003, blue met
400 910019 Benetton Ford B191 F1 1991 Moreno
402 826503 Porsche 956L LM 1982 three car set.
400 040084 Jaguar F1 2004 Presentation Webber
400 648257 Lotus Cortina Mk1 Team Lotus, Winner Crystal Palace British SCC 64 Jim Clark.
430 019425 Audi Quattro Coupe 1981 now blue.
430 055006 Volkswagen Beetle 1302 1970, silver .
400 042101 Opel Meriva mpv 2003, based on the Opel Corsa platform and built in the Spanish Opel plant near Zaragoza. It is now available in Rubens red metallic with a light grey interior, a limited edition of 1,008 pieces.
430 043007 Opel Kadett A saloon 1962. The first postwar Kadett, for which the Opel Bochum plant was built in the heart of the Ruhr coalfield, today under pressure from GM in Detroit, as it is too old and inefficient (though no more than many US GM plants). The interior has the belt speedometer showing the speed in different colours. There are no headrests or safety belts, as interior safety was still not considered. The detailed baseplate shows the rigid rear axle on leaf springs, giving uncomfortable roadholding. The model looks good in ocean green with white wall tyres, limited to 1,008 pieces.
430 171619 Volvo P1800 ES Coupe 1971 Hjulfarg-grey (silver) with ivory interior limited to 1,728 made
400 120990 Alfa Romeo Giulia 1600 Carabinieri 1970. The 1600 derived from the Giulia GT of 1962, with twin Weber carburettors and 98 bhp instead of 92 bhp, disc-brakes and a five-speed transmission. It had rather roly-poly handling, but nice trim and fittings. It was updated twice, first in 1969 with better trim and rear anti-roll bar. In 1971 it reached 102 bhp, a split braking system and pendant pedals. AII Italian authorities used these powerful saloons, including the Carabinieri. The model is black and white (painted a little thickly), accurately shaped, well detailed and limited to 3,024 pieces.
400 062631 Porsche Carrera GT 2003. This car has a carbon fibre monocoque, a mid mounted 5.7 litre V10 engine, rear wheel drive and ceramic brake discs. This detailed model is now in black, with leather brown interior, limited to 7,008 pieces.
400 103420 Lamborghini Islero Coupe 1968.
430 069208 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe 1995, now in Arena red metallic with interior in medium blue-grey, a limited edition of 3,504 pieces.
430 033424 Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC Coupe 1974, anthracite metallic, limited to 2,016 pieces.
430 040004 Opel Kapitan saloon 1959. After only one year in production, the Opel Kapitan P2.5 (P for panorama - ie wrapround - screens) was replaced by the more nicely designed P2.6, of which 165,616 were built from 1959 to 1963. The model captures the impressive design in Iceland green metallic with a light grey and anthracite interior, it is a limited edition of 1,008 pieces.
400 082030 Ford Thunderbird open 1955, white with a red and white interior, limited to 2,544 pieces
400 033021 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren coupe 2003, now available in black.
400 051002 Volkswagen Phaeton saloon 2002, Tarantella black pearl effect with an interior in light beige, a limited edition of 1,008 pieces.
436 139022 Bentley Continental GT Coupe 2003, now in metallic blue.
400 030112 Jordan Ford EJ13, F1 Baumgartner 03.
400 030036 Jordan Ford EJ13, F1 Test driver S Motoyama. Limited edition of 2,448 pieces.
400 031450 Corvette C5R, Team Corvette Racing, Le Mans 2003 Gavin, Pilgrim and Cotlins.
540 834399 Brabham BMW BT52B, Test car Paul Ricard 1983 Driver Ayrton Senna.
400 062021 Porsche 911 GT3 Coupe 2003 with 3.6 litre 381 bhp boxer engine, launched at Geneva motor show 2003. The model is excellently detailed. The brake calipers are painted red, visible behind fine wheel rims. In lapis blue metallic and with a leather brown interior it is limited to 5,616 pieces.
400 062032 Porsche Boxster. The open Boxster now replaced by a new version, in Indian red with brown leather interior, limited to 3,024 pieces.
430 125024 Lancia Stratos coupe 1974. This two door coupe was launched as a homologation special, with rallying in mind. The racing version was enormously successful, developed and assembled by Bertone with all independent suspension, disc brakes, glass fibre body panels, cramped interior and distinctly nervous handling. This mid-engined masterpiece is now much sought after and the highly detailed model is now out in bright green.
430 055304 VW 1600 notchback saloon 1966 beige
430 039390 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL saloon Polizei Saarbrucken, in the Saarland. This is a limited edition of 1,440 pieces.
430 063010 Porsche 911 coupe 1993, turquoise metallic with black interior, limited to 3,024 pieces.
430 103007 Lamborghini Miura Coupe 1966, blue.
430 055109 Volkswagen Beetle 1303 saloon 1974. The Beetle's last development with a roomy front boot in the front end. tanks to modern McPherson front suspension. It is now orange.
400 137322 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe 2003, black with beige-brown interior, limited to 3,024 pieces
430 046126 Opel Rekord C Coupe 1966.
430 171629 Volvo P1800S Coupe 1969, black.
430 082105 Ford Escort Cosworth, bright yellow.
400 062072 Porsche Boxster S 2002, now yellow with a black interior.
439 070192 MAN TG-A LX artic. tractor TCH. In 1:43 scale this is an impressive model.
400 012192 BMW M3 GTR Jarama ELMS 2001, Lehto-Mueller.
430 051041 VW Karmann Ghia Convertible 1957. The Beetle in its Sunday frock; something for the ladies in the late 1950s and the 1960s, now in Iberian red with black and grey interior. The outer rear-view mirror appears to be missing, but it is correct. When the Karmann Ghia was launched in 1956, this was still not a legal requirement.
436 139001 Bentley Arnage Red Label 2001, now in light blue metallic.
439 350060 Mercedes-Benz L3500K Tipper with detachable tank Gilles.
400 031453 Corvette C5R Team Corvette Racing; Le Mans 2003 Fellows-O'Connell-Freon.
BOOK REVIEWS
AEC VEHICLES. origins to 1929: by Brian Thackray, A4 hardbound, 144 pages, ISBN 1 898432 44 9. Pub: Venture Publications Ltd, 128 Pikes Lane, Glossop, Derbyshire. SK13 8EH, UK. £24.95.
This impressively comprehensive study of AEC vehicles starts with London General's need for a new bus. They built the immortal B-Type in their own workshops, leading to a stream of successful bus designs including the K, S, NS, Renown and Reliance, as well as a series of popular lorries and trolleybuses. The complexities of the Associated-Daimler relationship, the technical advances made by AEC, and the many bodywork offerings are all described and illustrated here. You need no other reference on AEC.
Rod Ward
SUNBEAM TALBOT: A definitive model car listing? By Chris Derbyshire. A4, 48 colour illustrations. In clear plastic wallet. £7.00, posted in carded envelope £2.00 UK, £4.00 elsewhere from Chris Derbyshire, 01794 390036, email: c.derbyshire@virgin.net
Toy range collectors, Corgi, Dinky etc, know exactly what they are looking for, whereas theme collectors, especially those interested in car marques, have a more frustrating time as they usually haven't a clue what they're looking for, but they sure as hell know when they find it! Histories of model and toy makers include comprehensive listings of products, making it easy for collectors to know what they are missing. If you are looking for models of Sunbeam Talbots, however, here is a comprehensive and well-researched listing. We are dealing here with an enthusiast of the ultimate order. For years a collector and modeller of rally subjects, Chris acquired and restored an ex-works Sunbeam Talbot rally car. His model collecting activities expanded into Rootes subjects, Sunbeam Talbot in particular. This listing includes the results of his researches, the publication of which should inspire feedback with additional information. It is produced on a home computer, with an easy to follow and neat layout, from the 2 Litre saloon by Brimtoy and the Dinky 3 Litre Drophead to models of Sunbeam Talbot 80s, 90s, Mark IIIs and Alpines. There are no less than 43 models, with 121 colour variations, together with a guide to production periods. No specific valuations are given as these are soon out of date, though some extreme auction results are included. The result is so complete that collecting the actual models might even become unnecessary!
Dave Turner
CAMBRIDGE (Buses) 1: Super Prestige Ser no 7, by Paul Carter, 170 x 240mm softbound, 176 pages, ISBN 1 898432 43 0. Pub: Venture Publications, 128 Pikes Lane, Glossop, Derbyshire. SK13 8EH. £17.95.
The author was born in 1950, the year in which this book ends, but he tells the story of the early years with confidence. There is a familiar pattern of trams followed by privately operated motorbuses. One company soon came to the fore, Ortona, which came under control of the BET group in 1913. The title of the company came from the name of a ship which caught the proprietor's fancy. Ortona operated most of the bus services within Cambridge between the wars, and in 1931 Ortona disappeared into the Eastern Counties Omnibus Co, itself a result of the division of United Automobile Services into its component parts. When the Tilling companies were nationalised in 1948, ECOC became part of the THC. This fascinating book includes potted histories of dozens of operators and masses of rare photographs, as well as an overview of transport in the Cambridge area. Highly recommended.
Rod Ward
TRENT (Buses) 2: Prestige Series no 27, by John Banks, photos by G H F Atkins, 170 x 240mm softbound, 64 pages, ISBN 1 898432 99 6. Pub: Venture, 128 Pikes Lane, Glossop, Derbyshire. SK13 8EH, UK. £9.50.
When BET and Tilling split up in 1942, Trent (in the Nottingham and Derby areas) ended up in the BET camp, and thus avoided the nationalisation of the Tilling companies in 1948. But it still ended up in government ownership from 1969, as part of the National Bus set-up. Trent did a litle better out of NBC than some other companies, inheriting parts of North Western and Midland General. In 1986 a management buyout saw Trent return to private hands. Trent Buses were later voted 'The UK's best bus company'...
Rod Ward
Toy Cars of Japan and Hong Kong by Andrew G Ralston. Published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd, 4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310, USA. Hardbound, 220 x 284 mm, 160 pages. ISBN 0 7643 1196 4. Distributed in Europe by Bushwood Books, 6 Marksbury Avenue, Kew Gardens, Surrey TW9 4JF, UK.
This book, which came out in 2001, has a self-explanatory title. After a preface and notes on valuations, Andrew covers his subject in six chapters on the whole history of toys from Japan and Hong Kong, tinplate and diecast, postwar until around 1970, when safety regulations ruled out toys made of sharp-edged tinplate. He tells a fascinating story in his easy but informative style. The book is illustrated with excellent colour photographs throughout, helping to make the book a 'must-have'. It is a companion to two books on tinplate toys I reviewed in MAR 186, and is definitely recommended.
Robert P Gunn
VILLA D'ESTE - the Italian Concours by various authors, English and Italian text, 230 pages. 120 photos. 250 x 285 mm. Hard-bound with dustjacket. ISBN 88 88165 02 9. Pub: Le Edizioni dell 'Opificio. Available from Legenda sri, via Albert Sabin 28, 20019 Settimo Milanese, Italy.
The Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este now takes place again annually, re-activated after some years. This beauty contest for unique and outstanding automobiles has a long tradition. It always took place in the grounds of the famous Villa d'Este hotel near Cernobbio on Lake Como. Today it is sponsored by BMW Group. The Coppa d'Oro di Villa d'Este was judged for the first time in September 1929, a joint initiative between the Automobile Club of Como, the Grand Hotel Villa d'Este and the Comitato di Cura di Como. With over 80 entries of top quality cars from the first event, the Concorso di Villa d'Este put it on a par with the prestigious concours events of Paris and Monte Carlo. The concours was held annually until 1937, then the Second World War cast its shadow. The recovery was long and difficult, but in September 1947 next concours took place at the Villa d'Este. but only for two years, then it was cancelled again. The book tells the story of the first 20 years of the concours, picturing many of the participating cars. It recalls a bygone era of beautiful cars and their great designers, the photographs evoking the period.
Hans-Georg Schmitt
CLUB NEWS * Collated by Rod Ward
Coventry Diecast Model Club: The Club will be 30 years old in February 2005, an event to be celebrated with a birthday party complete with 'jelly and everything'. There will be a Club model to mark the occasion, but at the time of going to press the subject was still undecided. Mick (Mixxy) Russell, Editor of the Club magazine Wheelspin, notes that the committee is now back on track, after losing its way a little and is now more positive and focused on generating new members.
To join the long-established Coventry Club, write to PO Box 3078, Coventry CV2 2ZD.
South Hants Model Auto Club: Sue and Stu Leake, joint Editors of the SHMAC newsletter, are in the fortunate position of having lots of interesting contributions from members. The latest issue included features on Foden, McLaren, Lamborghini, the Club's exhibition at Bovington Tank Museum, and Chris Derbyshire's entertaining account of navigating in a 'banger' rally to Naples. Chris's friend Peter, took his mother's Austin Maestro Vanden Plas with only 55,000 miles on the clock. Anyone who has had the exciting experience of driving in Italy will appreciate Chris's tales of other road users. There is no indication, however, of what the locals thought of the Maestro mumsying along among them. To read about it all in detail, you have to be a member of the Club; ring Secretary Dave Painter on 01264 366408.
The Lledo Enthusiast and Variations Club: In the latest issue of the Lledo Enthusiast newsletter, Bill Alexander discusses the new Days Gone, Vanguards and Trackside products for 2005. He also describes the changes in management at Corgi. David Turner has replaced Chris Guest as CEO of Corgi Classics, Jill Davey is Marketing Manager and Samantha Kiff is European Sales Manager. Among those who have left are Colin Summerbell and Len Mills, the Senior Designer, but Paul Lumsdon and Martin Hickmore are still there 'at present'. Quite what other changes are in store at Corgi will soon be revealed. To join the Club, contact Bill Alexander at 33 North Town Moor, Maidenhead, Berks SL6 7JR.
Maidenhead Static Model Club: The latest requests in the 'Where are they now?' column by Les Duplock, Editor of Wheel Bearings, the MSMC newsletter includes these names (my comments in italics): Barry Lester (kit manufacturer from Poole in Dorset) moved to France with his French second wife, and wound the business down, offering it for sale a few years ago, Fratton Bargain Shop if it is no longer in Fratton, it must be offering its bargains elsewhere, Harry Lewin (Modeltime shop and wholesale distributor) retired from the business, James Castle (TV star and Dinky dealer in the London area) and 'Frank the taxi' (taxi driver-dealer from Harrow). Les is also into 'difficult-terrain' vehicles, picturing models and real vehicles and describing in detail the Amphibious Jeep and the Snow-Trac in recent issues of Wheel Bearings. Clubnight competitions continue to be a popular club feature, one on cars and stars being won by John Elphick's Buick Roadmaster Convertible from the Dustin Hoffman-Tom Cruise movie Rainman. Other prize winning entries were Elvis Cadillacs, Steve McQueen's Bullitt Mustang and a stretched Herbie 'Lovebug' Volkswagen Beetle. If you'd like to join in, contact membership secretary Alan Simpson on 01494 813903 for more information.
West Australian Model Collectors Club: Showcase, the WAMCC Club publication, continues to present a world view of model collecting, some of it apparently gleaned from the internet. Editor Ian Hind reports on 'Zindart in Turmoil'. The parent company of Corgi held its AGM on 30 September 2004, where a 22% increase in sales was reported for the June quarter. Shareholders refused to re-appoint five Directors, leaving only one in office, Paul Kolos, who had to ask the CEO, Peter Gardiner, to postpone his retirement and continue during an interim period while a new Board was found. By the time you read this, Paul Kolos should have recruited a new Board. Ian also sets aside a part of Showcase each month for contributions from members. And he leaves it blank if there aren't any...
Neat. Maybe if you joined, you'd contribute? Phone 934 9369, email jhind@iinet.net.au
WORLD NEWS * News & Views
RIALTO ZAGATOS
By Jan MiedemaI have added four 1:43 models to the Rialto classic series, all Zagato bodied cars:
RM020 Lancia Appia GTS Zagato 1957 Salita (Hillclimb) Sicilia: This car ran in a hill climb in Sicily in 1957, but no details are known about the car. There is a picture of this car in La Lancia by Wim Oude Weernink. RM021 Lancia Appia GTs Zagato 1957 Mille Miglia #024. The car of Anselmi finished second in the 1,100 cc class in the 1957 Mille Miglia race. It has a third windscreen wiper. RM022 Alfa Romeo Junior Zagato Prototipo #1 1968. The first prototype of the Junior Zagato, made for testing purposes. This car was very different from the later production versions, it had a Kamm tail, the rear wings were smooth and the grille and bumper were different. And many small details differed as well. After the tests the car was deemed unsuitable for production and was destroyed. RM023 Lancia Appia GTs Zagato 1957 Mille Miglia #012. The car of Mantovani, winner of the 1,100 cc class in the 1957 MM event. It had additional rear fins. The first 30 Appia GTs had these wings. Later the fins were dropped because they probably offered no benefits. Idriz seems to have been one of the first sponsors in motor racing, so the Idriz logo is on both front wings. All are our models are available handbuilt or in kit form direct from: Rialto Models, Parkdreef 173, 2724 ET Zoetermeer, The Netherlands. Tel-fax 00 31 79 331 76 76. email: rialtomod@hetnet.nl or from specialist shops and dealers.
Copyright Modelauto Ltd
e-mail mar@zeteo.com
