June 2000
SKID MARKS FUTURE
Here are the planned releases in the 1:43 diecast Skid range from the Vitesse Group:
RALLY CLASSICS
SKC99003 PORSCHE 904GTS TdeF Buchet 64
SKC99006 FlAT124 Abarth E African Safari 75
SKC99007 OPEL Kadett Fastback 1900 TdeC 69
SKC99008 MlNI Cooper British Motor MC 1997
SKC99009 RENAULT 5 Turbo Gitanes TdeC 1980
SKC99011 LANCIA Stratos Siroco Acropolis 1978
SKC99012 RENAULT 5 Turbo TdeC Ragnotti 80
SKC99013 PEUGEOT 205 T16 Tdec Darniche 85
SKC99014 RENAULT 5 Turbo TdeC Saby 1982
SKC99015 RENAULT 5 Gr2 MC 78 Ragnotti
SKC99016 LANClA Stratos TdeF Darniche 1981
SKC99017 RENAULT 5 Maxi T, TdC 85 Ragnotti
SKC99018 PEUGEOT 904GTS MC 65 Bohringer
SKC99019 RENAULT 5 Gr2 TdeC 79 Ragnotti
SKC99020 PEUGEOT 205 T16 Ypres 86 Darniche
SKC00021 OPEL Ascona 400 BP TdeC 82 Clarr
SKC00025 FERRARI 308 GTB Entremont TdF 81
SKC00028 RENAULT 5 Gr2 Calberson MC78
SKC00029 RENAULT Maxi 5 Turbo TdC 89
SKC00030 ClTROEN ZX Dakar 91 Vatanen-Berglu
SKC00031 FlAT1 24 spider S Remo 73 Verini
SKC00056 OPEL GT 1900 TdeC 70 Beaumont
RALLY MODERN
SKM99015 MITSUBISHI L200 Galp Dakar 1999
SKM99016 MITSUBISHI L200 Dakar 1999
SKM99028 MlTSUBlSHI Lancer MC 99 Makinen
SKM99037 MITSUBISHI Lancer Evo MC 99 Loix
SKM99042 TOYOTA Corolla Spain Delecour 1999
SKM99043 FORD Escort WRC Eos Sweden Martin
SKM99044 RENAULT Megane Bastos Princen 99
SKM99045 MITSUBISHI Pajero Dakar 99 Guinot
SKM99046 MlTSUBlSHl Pajero Dakar 99 Woolridge
SKM99047 SEAT Cordoba WRC MC 99 Liatti
SKM99050 MITSUBISHI Carisma GT MC 99 Duez
SKM99051 MlTSUBlSHI Lancer Evo Vl Safari 99
SKM99056 FORD Escort WRC Spa 99 Vandewaywer
SKM99059 MITSUBISHI L200 Sonauto Dakar 98
SKM99060 PEUGEOT 306 Maxi B&H rally 1998
SKM99061 SEAT Cordoba WRC Repsol Sweden99
SKM99063 SEAT Cordoba WRC Repsol Safari 99
SKM99064 MITSUBISHI Lancer Evo V Sweden 99
SKM99066 MITSUBISHI Carisma GT Safari 99
SKM99069 RENAULT Megane Lyon Galpin 1999
SKM99070 MITSUBISHI Carisma GT Portugal 99
SKM99071 FORD Escort WRC Totip Ciocco 1999
SKM99072 PEUGEOT 306 Maxi Spain Monzon 99
SKM99074 MITSUBISHI L200 Dakar Sousa 1998
SKM99076 PEUGEOT 206 WRC Esso Panizzi SR99
SKM99077 MITSUBISHI Lancer Evo V MM 1999
SKM99079 RENAULT Megane Maxi Portugal 99
SKM99081 P.EUGEOT 206 WRC Esso Acropolis 99
SKM99082 SEAT Cordoba WRC Repsol TdC 99
SKM99084 VW Beetle Yacco Andros 99 Dillmann
SKM00085 MITSUBISHI Lancer Evo Acropolis 99
SKM00086 TOYOTA Corolla WRC Acropolis 1999
SKM00087 FORD Escort WRC MC 99 Delecour
SKM00088 PEUGEOT 306 Maxi SR 98 Travaglia
SKM00089 RENAULT Megane Maxi Spain 98
SKM00090 MITSUBISHI Lancer Evo MC 99
SKM00091 PEUGEOT 206 WRC MC 99 Pannizi
SKM00092 FORD Focus WRC Martini MC99 Sainz
SKM00093 FORD Escort WRCS pain Picar 1999
SKM00094 RENAULT Megane Maxi Cevennes 99
SKM00095 TOYOTA Corolla WRC MC 1999
SKM00096 MITSUBISHI Pajero Evo Dakar 2000
SKM00097 FORD Escort WRC Liban Nasrallah 99
SKM00098 FORD Focus WRC Valvoline SRemo99
SKM00099 MITSUBISHI Pajero Evo Dakar 2000
SKM00100 FORD Focus WRC Liban Sulayem 99
SKM00101 SEAT Cordoba WRC Evo 2 Finland 99
SKM00102 SEAT Cordoba WRC Evo2 England 99
SKM00103 TOYOTA Corolla WRC EOS SRemo 99
SKM00104 PEUGEOT 206 WRC test 1999
SKM00105 MlTSUBlSHl Lancer Evo Vl TdC 99
SKM00106 MERCEDES ML430P Dakar 00 Alliot
SKM00107 PEUGEOT 206 WRC MC 00 Delecour
SKM00108 PEUGEOT 306 Maxi Spain Ponce 1999
SKM00109 FORD Focus WRC Martini MC 2000
SKM00110 TOYOTA Corolla WRC MC 2000
SKM00111 MlTSUBlSHl Pajero Evo Dakar 2000
SKM00112 FORD Focus WRC test 1998
SKM00113 MITSUBISHI Lancer Evo Vl MC00 Loix
SKM00114 RENAULT 4GTL S Remo Santos 1999
SKM00115 RENAULT Megane Madeira99 Bertone
SKM00116 ClTROEN Xsara test 1997
SKM00117 MITSUBISHI Pajero Evo Dakar 2000
SKM00118 MITSUBISHI Lancer Evo 2000
SKM00119 TOYOTA Landcruiser Portugal 1998 WORLD RALLY WINNERS
SKW99002 MlTSUBlSHI Lancer Evo VI MC 99
SKW99003 MITSUBISHI Lancer Evo Vl Sweden 99
SKW99009 MITSUBISHI Lancer Evo Makinen NZ99
SKW99011 T0YOTA Corolla WRC Auriol China99 SKW99012 MlTSUBlSHI Lancer Evo Makinen SR99
SKW00015 MITSUBISHI Lancer Makinen WC 99
MONTE CARLO WINNERS
SMC00007 LANCIA Delta Integrale Auriol 1992
SMC00008 PORSCHE 911S Waldegaard 1969
SMC00009 OPEL Ascona 400 Rothmans Rohrl 82
SMC00010 MINI Cooper S Aaltonen-Lindon 1967
SMC00011 LANClA Stratos Alitalia Munari 1975
SMC00012 RENAULT 5 Turbo Elf Ragnotti 1981 1
SMC00013 MERCEDES 220SE Schok-Moll 1960
SMC00014 PORSCHE 911 Waldegaard-Helmer 70
VITMC001 PEUGEOT 205 Turbo 16 Vatanen 1985ONYX NEWS
Here are the planned releases in the 1:43 diecast Onyx range from the Vitesse Group:
CLUB RACING
XCL99001 PORSCHE 911 GT2 French flag Jarier
XCL99011 PORSCHE 996 Pirelli Huisman cup 98
XCL99012 PORSCHE 996 Pirelli Ortelli cup 98
XCL99013 PORSCHE 996 Pirelli UPS Basseng cup
XCL99015 PORSCHE 911 GT3 Pirelli Maylander
XCL99016 RENAULT Spider Eurocup Maillet 99
XCL99017 PORSCHE 911 GT3 Pirelli Couceiro 99
XCL99018 RENAULT Megane French cup Simon
XCL99020 PORSCHE 911 GT3 Pirelli Heger 1999
XCL99021 RENAULT Megane Caparros 1999
XCL99022 PORSCHE 911 GT3 Pirelli cup Jarier
XCL00023 RENAULT Spider Newcourt UK cup 99
XCL00024 PORSCHE 996 Teldafax Pirelli Kelleners
FORMULA 3
XFC99005 DALLARA F398 F3 Crevels Italy 1998
GT CARS
XGT99004 BMW V12 LMR test car LM 99
XGT99005 BMW V12 LMR Lehto Sebring 1999
XGT99006 BMW V12 LMR Dalmas Sebring 99
XGT99007 PORSCHE 911 GT2 FIA GT 1999
XGT99008 PORSCHE 911 GT2 FIA GT 1999
XGT99009 PORSCHE 911 GT2 FIA GT 1999
XGT00010 TOYOTA GT-One Esso Kat-Suz Fuji 99
XGT00011 BMW V12 LMR Beck Lehto Las Vegas
XGT00012 BMW V12 LMR Beck Winkelhock 99 1
LE MANS
XLM99020 BMW V12 LMR BMW LM 99 Lehto
XLM99021 PORSCHE 911GT2 Freisinger Jurasz
XLM99022 PORSCHE 911GT2 TSW Kaufmann 99
XLM99023 PORSCHE 911 GT2 Navision Hurtgen
XLM99024 PORSCHE 911 GT2 Konrad MS 1999
XLM99025 PORSCHE 911 GT2 Chereau 1999
XLM99026 PORSCHE 911 GT2 Montoit Monteiro
XLM99027 PORSCHE 911 GT2 Labre Jarier 1999
XLM99028 PORSCHE 996 GT3 Dave Maraj 1999
XLM99029 PORSCHE 996 GT3 Manthey Alzen 99
XLM00030 NISSAN R391 Nissan Motoyama 1999
XLM00031 NISSAN R391 Nissan Poele-Suzuki 99
XLM00032 PANOZ LMP spider Visteon Magnussen
XLM00033 PANOZ LMP spider Visteon Brabham 99
TOURING CARS:
XTC99005 RENAULT Laguna J. Plato BTCC 1999
XTC99006 RENAULT Laguna Bouillon BTCC 99
XTC99007 VOLVO S40 R. Rydell BTCC 1999
XTC99008 VOLVO S40 .Radermecker BTCC 1999
XTC99010 NISSAN Primera L. Aiello BTCC 1999
XTC59011 NlSSAN Primera Leslie BTCC 1999
XTC99012 VAUXHALLVectra Y Muller BTCC 99
XTC99013 VAUXHALL Vectra J Cleland BTCC 99
XTC99015 VAUXHALLVectra DRM Blair BTCC 99
XTC99016 HONDA Accord Rockit Brookes BTCC
XTC99017 NlSSAN Primera Dynamic Neal BTCC
XTC99018 HONDA Accord Cook BTCC 1999
XTC99019 RENAULT Laguna Arena Spence BTCC
XTC99020 NISSAN Primera Swedish TCC Rustad
XTC99021 RENAULT Megane French TC Malbete
XTC99022 PEUGEOT 406 French TC David 1999FUTURE ON TWO WHEELS
Here are the planned releases in the 1:24 range of motor cycles now named 'Two Wheels' by the Vitesse Group:
TWR99014 YAMAHA YZR500 TeamRainey Abe98
TWR99015 YAMAHA YZR500 Team Rainey Bayle
TWR99016 YAMAHA YZR500 Rainey Nanba 1998
TWR99017 YAMAHA YZR500 Red Bull Crafar 98
TWR99018 YAMAHA YZR500 Red Bull Laconi 98
TWR99019 YAMAHA YZR500 Haga GP Japan 98
TWR99021 YAMAHA YZR500 Rainey Cadalora 98
TWR99022 HONDA NSR500 Pons Lavilla 1998
TWR99023 APRILIA RSV250 Aprilia Capirossi 98
TWR99024 APRILIA RSV250 Aprilia Harada 1998
TWR99025 APRILIA RSV250 Aprilia Lucchi 1998
TWR99026 APRILIA RSV250 NastroAzuro Rossi98
TWR99027 APRILIA RSV250 Docshop Fuchs 1998
TWR99028 HONDA NSR500 Repsol Doohan 1999
TWR99029 YAMAHAYZR500 Marlboro Biaggi 99
TWR99030 DUCATI 916 Ducati test Corser 1999
TWR99031 SUZUKI RGV500 Suzuki Roberts 1999
TWR99032 HONDA NSR500 Repsol Criville 1999
TWR99033 YAMAHA YZR500 Marlboro Checa 99
TWR99034 HONDA NSR500 Kanemoto Kocinski
TWR99035 DUCATI 916 Ducati Carl Fogarty 99
TWR99036 HONDA NSR500 Repsol Okada 1999
TWR99037 YAMAHA YZR500 Antena Abe 1999
TWR99038 DUCATI 916 R&D Romboni 1999
TWR99039 HONDA NSRN500 Repsol Gibernau99
TWR99040 YAMAHA YZR500 Red Bull Crafar 99
TWR99041 HONDA NSR500 Movistar Barros 99
TWR99045 HONDA NSR500 Movistar Borja 1999
TWR99046 HONDA NSR/V500 FCC Aoki 1999
TWR99047 SUZUKI RGV500 Suzuki Aoki 1999
TWR99048 DUCATI 916 Ducati Corser 1999
TWR99049 YAMAHA YZR500 Red Bull Laconi 99
TWR99050 DUCATI 916 Vance USA Gobert 1999
TWR00051 DUCATI 996 Vance USA Bostrom 99
TWR00052 DUCATI 996 Kosme USA Pedercini 99
TWR00053 DUCATI 748 Ducati Casoli 1999
WORLD CHAMPION SETS
TWX00002 DUCATI 996 Ducati Fogarty 1999
TWX00003 HONDA NSR500 Repsol Criville 1999
STREET BIKES
TWS99002. DUCATI 996 Biposto yellow 1998
TWS99003 DUCATI 996SPS red 1998
TWS99004 DUCATI 996SP yellow 1998
TWS00005 DUCATI 996 SPS/F superbike replica
VESPA STORY COLLECTION
TWC99001 VESPA 98 green 1946
TWC99002 VESPA 125 metallic grey 1948
TWC99003 VESPA 125 green 1951
TWC99004 VESPA 150 GS silver grey 1955
TWC99005 VESPA 150GL white 1963
TWC99006 VESPA 125 beige 1966BOOK REVIEW INDEX
Trevor W A Morley of New Zealand is in the throes of producing an index of all the book, calendar, catalogue, magazine and video reviews there have been in MAR since the first issue. He says, 'I have so far got to MAR 60, and the draft index so far lists 132 titles, has 25,000-plus words and takes up 71 A4 pages. The Index lists all items alphabetic-ally, an index of reference material for model and toy collectors over the last 20+ years, so if collectors are looking for out-of-print reference material, or they come across an item they think they might like for their library, they will able to look it up in the Index and check out how it was reviewed when it first came out. I intend to publish it in A4 format, spiral bound. It mainly consists of reviews as printed in MAR, so there is a lot of text, but I hope to liven up the text with pictures of covers as pictured in MAR'. We will keep readers informed of progress on this project.
OOCo FOR JULY-SEPTEMBER
Here are the models to be available from Corgi's Original Omnibus Co from July to September 2000. All are 1:76 diecast models.
PLAXTON SERIES
Daimler Roadliner Panorama 1 Black & White Leyland Leopard Panorama 1 Southdown
Bedford VAL Panorama 1 Magical Mystery Tour
CLASSIC SERIES
Leyland PD3 Queen Mary open top Lallys of Galway
BUT 9641T Trolleybus Nottingham City
Daimler CW Utility Southport Corporation
Leyland PD3 Queen Mary Lancaster City
AEC Regent/Weymann Morecambe & Heysham
Bedford OB Coach Edinburgh Corporation
Leyland PD3 Queen Mary London Country
Guy Arab Utility Southampton Corporation
BLACKPOOL CORPORATION
Blackpool Balloon Tram Goosebumps
Blackpool Brush Railcoach Hot Ice
Blackpool Brush Railcoach Blackpool Zoo
Blackpool Balloon Tram Michelin
Blackpool Brush Railcoach Wartime
MODERN IMAGE BUSES
MCW Metrobus Mk I single door GMB
Leyland Olympian-ECW Southern Vectis
MCW Metrobus Mk II dual door London Transport
Dennis Dart SLF Pointer 2 dual door Bus Eireann
Plaxton Premiere W Robinson & Son (Tours) Ltd
Plaxton Beaver 2 First Calderline
Neoplan Cityliner Z Cars of BristolHONG KONG 1:87 BUSES
In addition to their well-established diecast range of Hong Kong buses and trams, Peak Horse have now launched a 1:87 (HO) scale range of plastic buses, starting with the Dennis Dragon double decker.
St PETERSBURG NEWS
By Leonid KhoykhinA new North American PCC model is now released, an MTA Boston ex-Dallas PCC of the 3322-3346 series (158). Boston's Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) purchased eight used PCC cars from Dallas in September 1958, built by Pullman-Standard in 1945 (order W6699), the only double-ended PCCs of standard length. 17 more cars were bought in 1959. All 25 ex-Dallas PCC underwent a three month rehabilitation by MTA. They were repainted to MTA colours, handbrakes and Tomlinson couplers were installed and the reversible seats along one side were removed and replaced by longitudinal seats. They were numbered 3322-3346 in Boston and were known as Texas Rangers. In 1972-77 some of them were converted to single end operation, three PCCs were rebuilt to service cars. For more details, contact St Petersburg Tram Collection, PO Box No 16, 196158, St Petersburg, Russia. Fax: +7 (812) 164 5254 Internet: http://users.nevalink.ru/~sptc E-Mail: proserv@neva.spb.ru.
EXCLUSIVE FIRST EDITIONS DELAYED RELEASES
Due to the recent financial difficulties of the Beatties stores within the Era Group Plc, Gilbow, which is also an Era company, advise that there will be serious disruption to the EFE release programme. As a result April releases fall back to June, and May releases will be available In July-August. New releases now planned therefore include:
27205 LEYLAND TD1 THAMES VALLEY
26609 PLAXTON PARAMOUNT 3500 WESTERN NATIONAL
22711 ALEXANDER Y SOUTH YORKSHIRE
23312 AEC RF BLUE TRIANGLE Essex
17211 LEYLAND NATIONAL STAGECOACH
20125 BEDFORD OB EDINBURGH
22401 MCW ATLANTEAN FLUSH BOAC
15907DL LEYLAND PD1 LYTHAM St ANNESCROWN PUMPER
Latest from Code 3 Collectibles of the USA in their Code 3 Classics Series is a 1:64 diecast Crown open-cab fire pumper. 12951 is a two-piece set of one red and one yellow Crown pumper at $68 (approx £40.00) sold direct through mail order ads in US magazines.
CLUB NEWS
Durham Classics 1:43 handbuilt in Canada: 1934 La Salle Convertible Coupe, produced for Durham Collector newsletter, subscribers only in cream and dark blue with open rumble seat.
Durham Collector: Durham Classics publish a newsletter thrice yearly, available for a subscription of $20.00 (US) per year including postage. Subscribers are also eligible to obtain an exclusive model, in the past a 1939 Ford tour bus Algonquin Park Tours with canoe on roof (1998), 1953 Chevrolet tanker Stewarts Root Beer (1999), this year 1934 La Salle convertible with open rumble seat and rear fender skirts in cream with dark blue fenders. Contact Margaret Stewart at Durham Classics Inc. 595 Went-worth St E, Unit 63, Oshawa, Ontario, LlH 3V8, Canada, tel-fax: 905-436-9140, email: classics@netcom.ca web: www.durhamclassics.com
Natal Diecast Model Collectors: Geoff Sear, who keeps us up to date with NDMC matters, has been running a little behind of late, due to the interest in his GSM Delta model as pictured in MAR. So far he has made over 50 of them! The Club is still healthy, with a constant level of membership and attendance at meetings, plus an always-interesting bi-monthly newsletter. As befits the high social profile of the NDMC, the Club held its 20th Birthday Lunch at a restaurant called 'The Hungry Duck', between Durban and Pieter-maritzburg. The NDMC newsletter still always mentions food frequently in every issue. It's nice to see that they have their priorities right. For more South African culinary delights, contact Secretary-Treasurer Jan de Winnaar, 19 Florence Road, Sarnia 3610, RSA.
CAMP, the Peugeot model club has commissioned from Mini Racing this Peugeot 505 Coupe, as exhibited a the Sochaux Museum. Only 300 made, for members only. The special model for 2001 will be a Peugeot 306 HDI shooting break, 350 made in 1:43 scale by ACM 43. For more details of the club, fax 00 33 145 939629.
Volkswagen Model Club: Jim McLachlan continues to pack his VWMC magazine with news and pictures of Volkswagen models new and old. Jim is preparing a book on all known miniatures of the KdF car produced before the end of the Second World War, and invites any input from anyone who can help. Member Robert LaPorte obtained a very rare and attractive VW Microbus made entirely from wood, about 400mm long, and factory made by 'Dansk Legetojsfabrik'. If anyone has information about this company, Jim invites letters to 20 Waverley Park, Redding, Falkirk, FK2 9RT, Scotland
Maidenhead Static Model Club: In the Club tradition, the MSMC presents trophies to members who have made outstanding contributions. Pat Tanner received the Tony Gleave trophy for Club effort, and John Moore received the Tony Armstrong trophy for international effort. John Bennett won both competition trophies, the Harry Gunner chop trophy and John Parker trophy for monthly themed efforts. To mark a Club visit to Jaguar the next day, there was a clubnight talk on the company by Mike Driver, and a themed competition, won by Colin Penn's large scale diecast C-Type. Some entries are shown right.
Strictly 43rd Club: In time for the Club's tenth annual Expo in March, a special model was made, of the 1999 Dallara-Oldsmobile Indy car of Kenny Brack. 50 were made, 35 fully finished and 15 transkits, before the mould was destroyed. Even a new tailfin and camera are included. Finished models cost $85.00 post paid, and pre-painted transkits cost $40.00 each. Contact Strictly 43rd Model Car Club, c/o Don Anderson, 2 Sun Drop Court, Woodbridge, IL 60517 USA.
Jaguar Model Club: The JMC newsletter continues to describe and review all the latest model Jaguar releases, including the 1:18 Auto Art C-Type, JF 1:10 D-Type, TL 1:24 XK120, New Ray 1:43 SS100, Rialto 1:43 Vicarage Mark II drophead, and much more. For more information, and on special offers available to club members, phone Gary Oxley on 01709 372003 or fax 01709 372002 or email gary@jaguarmodelclub.demon.co.uk.
BOOK REVIEW
BRITISH FIRE ENGINES of the 1950s and 60s
by Simon Rowley.Pub Trans Pennine Publishing, PO Box 10, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria CA16 6FA, 52 pages, 210x200 mm softbound. £6.50 This book, the third in the Nostalgia Road series, aims to cover a complex field of British motor history, by arbitrarily taking a two decade slice from it. This is always a tricky task, as the subject matter rarely starts or finishes with a given decade. It is also often difficult to do justice to a wide-ranging topic in this way, but Simon Rowley has done his best. All the usual suspects are here, Dennis, Bedford, AEC, Austin and the rest, with clothing by Merryweather, Carmichael, HCB and many others. The individual, sometimes eccentric, tastes of local Fire Brigades are reflected in the many photographs of fire appliances (here described as 'engines') in this interesting little book. As a snapshot of typical British emergency vehicle practice of the era, and for its informative text, it will be appreciated by many fire fans. AFS, military and lightweight appliances are treated separately, and many of the photographs depict appliances at work, a pleasant change from works or brigade pictures in pristine condition. RCW.
BOOK REVIEW MECHANICAL HORSES by Bill Aldridge.
Pub. Trans-Pennine Publishing, PO Box 10, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria CA16 6FA, 52 pages, 210x200mm softbound. £6.50.
This is Volume Five in the Nostalgia Road series, covering the 'mechanical horse', which was designed, literally, as a horse replace-ment vehicle. Many firms, in particular railway companies, had large fleets of horse-drawn drays, and needed a way to motorise them without total replacement by motor lorries. Various systems were adopted to replace the horse shafts and front trailer wheels with a drop-over turntable to fit on to compact three-wheeled tractor units, which became known as 'mechanical horses'. The world-wide need for such vehicles led to broadly similar solutions in many countries. The famous Karrier vehicle which fulfilled the need was the 1930 Cob (a small draught horse), as made by Dinky Toys. Coupling the Cobs to the trailers was a slow business, so when Scammell patented an automatic coupling device, it was soon specified for fitting to three-wheeler Cobs and to the later four wheel Bantams. This coupling design originated with the famous Napier company, who passed the rights to Scammell lorries. They developed the design further and produced the all-conquering Scammell Mechanical Horse, which by 1938 had virtually eclipsed the Cob. The little Scammell vehicle was widely used in the UK by all the railway companies and by many other operators. 1948 saw its replacement by the familiar pointy-nosed Scarab, the name reflecting its beetling appearance and activity, though apparently it originated in a 'horsey' connection. Sc was for Scammell, and arab was for the breed of horse. These vehicles were rated up to six tons, which extended their capabilities, but for heavy 'horse' duties the Scammell coupling was, of course, fitted to all kinds of tractor units based on conventional four wheeler trucks. Many of these are featured in this well-illustrated book, as are some offerings from smaller firms, such as the Jen-Tug, Electricar and FAR (the French licence-built Scarab). The last version of Scammell's three wheeler was the GRP-bodied Townsman of 1964, but it wasn't the last three wheel tractor, because Reliant built the TW9 in the 1960s, later to become the Ant when built by BTB. The story of the mechanical horse is well-told and nicely illustrated in this welcome book. RCW
TEKNO NEW TRUCKS
Latest 1:50 diecast truck models from Holland are:
Volvo FH12 Globetrotter Inter Rutges
Scania R114L-380 topline De Graaf
DAF 95 XF-380 space cab Silo Lumpens
Scania R124L-360 Maxvol Reining
DAF 95 XF-380 space cab Maxvol Bergwerff
Scania R114L-380 Topline frig Post Kogeko
Scania R114L-380 Topline frig Van Die
DAF 95 XF-380 space cab Beens
DAF 85 CF-380 tanker Esso
Volvo FH12-420 Globetrotter De Bruin
Volvo FH12-420 Globetrotter Maxvol De Bruin
DAF 95 XF-430 space cab De Bruin
Mercedes-Benz Actros L 1840 frig Offengeld
Scania R124L-400 Topline Silo Quoos
Scania T144G-530 6x2 tanker King of the Road
Scania R144L-460 Topline frig Blaettler
Volvo FH12-380 Globetrotter PlanzerBR DECAL SHEETS
Classic Commercials has issued two sheets of waterslide decals for British Railways vehicles in 1:43 scale, also suitable for 1:48 or 1:50, produced in cooperation with Canterbury Miniature Commercials. CCBR-1 features a range of BR totems in cream on maroon and maroon on cream, plus rectangular and square registration plates, at £7.50 post free. CCBR-2 has a selection of depot codes, tare weights etc as on cab doors etc, plus BRITISH RAILWAYS lettering for the sides of flatbeds etc, in white. Over 100 items at £7.50 post free. Available from Classic Commercials, PO Box 800, West Wratting, Cambridge CB1 5LU.
AMT-ERTL KITS FOR 2000
Plastic kits for this year from AMT-Ertl include the following, distributed by 'The Toy Company', all are 1:25 scale unless noted:
Edsel 1958 . Ford Starliner . Chrysler 300C 1957
'Black Force' . Rumblin Rambler (both snapfast)
Corvette Mako Shark . Dodge Charger R/T
Chevy Wagonrod 1939 . Pontiac Catalina 1962
Buick Riviera 1966FAMOUS WHEELS
Sean McKenna makes 1:8 scale model wheels in France, that are offered in the USA exclusively by Creative Miniature Associates. Each wheel is about four inches (100mm) in diameter and hand made on a built to order basis, though CMA does keep a small selection in stock as orders permit. Wire wheels have machined brass rims and hubs with hand-laced brass wire and are available chrome plated or painted silver. Bugatti T55 wheels are made of cast aluminum and bronze. A Dunlop wheel as on Jaguar D-Types is machined and pressed aluminum. A Halibrand style wheel is cast and machined aluminum with a choice of painted or plain aluminum centre. With the exception of the Bugatti 19 inch T55 wheel, threaded knock off spinners are removable and made of solid Sterling Silver. Each wheel is mounted on an aluminum bar which is attached to a polished acrylic base with an engraved aluminum plaque. Prices range from $149.00 to $169.00 per wheel. For more information, contact Creative Miniature Associates, Inc, 40 Corbin Avenue, Unit #40-M, Bay Shore, N.Y.11731
FRANKLIN MINT BUGATTI
By Hans-Georg SchmittAt the Grand Prix of France in Lyon in August 1924, five new Bugatti T35 racing cars appeared, but the race was a disaster for the company, due to faulty Dunlop tyres, but the cars went on to unprecedented success, going on to race into the early 1950s. The first Type 35 racing cars were fitted with a two litre engine with two Solex 35 carburettors, developing 95 hp at 5000 rpm. The front suspension had half elliptical springs, the rear quarter elliptical. The wheels were cast aluminium with wide spokes, the wheelbase was 2.4 m, the length over all 3.7 m. The maximum speed was around 190 km/h, depending on the gear-ratio of the rear axle. In 1925 31 were built, plus 46 cars of the cheaper T35A version, which had less engine power and spoked wire wheels. By the end of 1928 170 Type 35,130 Type 35H and 250 four-cylinder Type 37, in total 550 units had been built, and a further 75 to the end of production in 1931, an astonishing number for such an expensive racing car and its spartan sports version. Franklin Mint have reproduced all the salient features of this successful racing car in their 1:25 scale model. The bonnet held closed by two belts made from real leather, can be opened to unveil a beautiful engine replica, looking like a work of art, The driver's seat can be removed to reveal the fragile frame structure. The steering works realistically and the alloy wheels and tyres look good. Perhaps we will see later some more derivatives, like the T35A Tekla and others.
VITESSE NEW FOR 2000
Here are the other planned releases in the 1:43 Vitesse range, apart from the Millennium series already announced in MAR 142:
VITESSE CLASSIC CARS
VCC99002 LOTUS 7 S3 1600 open silver-green 68
VCC99003 MINI Beaubourg black 1978
VCC99011 MORGAN Plus 8 top up green 1968
VCC99017 CHEVROLET Bel Air open red 1955
VCC99018 MORRlS 1100 saloon ivory white 1962
VCC99019 AUSTIN HEALEY 3000 open black-red
VCC99021 CITROEN first DS19 dark red 1956
VCC99027 LOTUS 7S3 1600 open + doors yellow
VCC99032 FlAT 124 Spider 2000 50 years champagne 81
VCC99033 NASH Metropolitan open white-red
VCC99034 AUSTIN Vanden plas 1300 met brown
VCC99035 MINI MOKE Australia closed blue 68
VCC99037 MESSERSCHMITT Kr200 ivory-red 60
VCC99038 PORSCHE 911 Carrera 4 met green 92
VCC99039 FERRARI 365GT4BB red 1973
VCC99041 MINI Neon blue 1991
VCC99043 ASTON MARTIN Zagato 182R LM61
VCC99048 CHEVROLET Nomad Che Guevara 57
VCC99049 RILEY Kestrel 1100 saloon red 1965
VCC99050 CITROEN 2CV Fireball red 1985
VCC99051 VOLKSWAGEN Beetle African Tour 55
VCC99052 PORSCHE 904GTS LM64 Pon-.Zalinge
VCC99054 ALFA Spider junior closed met blue
VCC99055 RENAULT 5GTL Le Car black 1978
VCC99056 ClTROEN Traction 11AL blue 1934
VCC99057 LOTUS 7 S3 Racing Car Show 69 red
VCC99058. RENAULT 5 Montecarlo yellow-red
VCC99059 ASTON MARTIN DB4GT Zagato LM 61
VCC99060 WOLSELEY 1100 saloon green-beige
VCC99061 CITROEN Traction 11B black 1949
VCC99062 RENAULT 5 Turbo 2 saloon white 83
VCC99063 PORSCHE 904GTS LM 64 Muller-Sage
VCC99064 OPEL Ascona 400 saloon white 1980
VCC99065 MINI Moke Cagiva closed yellow 1965
VCC99067 CHEVROLET Corvette coupe black 69
VCC99068 MG 1100 saloon red 1966
VCC99069 ALFA Spider 1750 Veloce open red 68
VCC00070 LANCIA Delta 4WD red 1986
VCC00071 PEUGEOT 205 T16 dark metal grey 85
VCC00072 LOTUS 7 S2 aluminium 1962
VCC00073 AUSTIN 1300GT saloon white 1969
VCC00074 RENAULT 4L Cartes Jeunes blue 1991
VCC00078 RENAULT 5 Turbo metallic silver 83
VCC00080 OPEL Kadett B coupe yellow 1966
VCC00081 ALFA Spider 2000 Veloce red 1971
VCC00088 PORSCHE 904 GTS black 1964
VCC0090 AUSTIN 1300 Mk II saloon green 1967
VCC00091 MINI MOKE California open blue 80
VCC00093 RENAULT 5 TX metal champagne 82
VCC00096 OPEL GT 1900 coupe white 1970
VCC00109 RENAULT 5 Alpine Turbo black 1981
VCC00116 ALFA Spider 1300 junior red 1972
VCC00118 MINI MOKE 25 anniv closed black 89
VCC00120 RENAULT 4 GTL red 1985
VCC00125 PORSCHE 904 GTS blue 1964
VCC00128 RENAULT 5 Campus red 1983
VITESSE MODERN CARS:
VMC99008 PORSCHE 996 Carrera 4 silver grey 99
VMC99018. CORVETTE coupe open roof red 1998
VMC99019 MITSUBISHI Lancer Evo Vl RS Sprint
VMC99022 PORSCHE 996 Carrera 3.4 black 1999
VMC99027 LOTUS Elise Sport open yellow 1999
VMC99028 PORSCHE 996 top up yellow 1999
VMC99029 RENAULT Megane coupe II cerise 99
VMC99032 RENAULT Megane saloon II brown 99
VMC99A33 CORVETTE Le Mans pace car blue 99
VMC99B33 CORVETTE Le Mans pace car red 99
VMC99034 PORSCHE 996 Carrera 4 met red 1999
VMC99036 RENAULT Megane cabrio II sienna 99
VMC99038 RENAULT Kangoo Pampa Argentine
VMC99039 MITSUBlSHI Lancer Evo Vl met blue
VMC99040 PORSCHE 996 Carrera 4 open lt grn
VMC99041 RENAULT Megane Classic II boreal
VMC99042 VW new Beetle Doohan Daytona 1999
VMC99043 MINI MOKE Macau handover 1999
VMC00044 RENAULTClio II 16V red 1999
VMC00045 TOYOTA Landcruiser LWB green-silver
VMC00046 JAGUAR XK8 open metallic red 1999
VMC00047 VW new Beetle 1.9 TDI met grey 1999
VMC00048 MITSUBISHI Lancer Evo Vl Makinen
VMC00049 PORSCHE 996 Turbo red 2000
VMC00050 PEUGEOT Partner 4x4 Combi Space
VMC00051 RENAULT Megane Scenic II gypsum
VMC00052 MITSUBISHI Pajero Pinin met blue
VMC00053 PORSCHE 996 Carrera met beige 1999
VMC00054 RENAULT Kangoo van UPS 1999
VMC00055 RENAULT Laguna ll saloon red 1999
VMC00056 TOYOTA Corolla Hatchback G6 black
VMC00057 MERCEDES M430 metal silver 1999
VMC00058 CHEVROLET Corvette Hardtop red 99
VMC00075 RENAULT Megane Break ll grey 1999
VIT 98002 CITROEN 2cv Sahara 4x4 snowplough
VIT 98055 LOTUS 7 S2 1500 open red, with doors
VIT98084 CITROEN Berlingo Citroen assistance
VIT98128 CHEVROLET Corvette Coupe black 98
VIT98135 LOTUS 7 S2 1500 closed blue
VIT98136 MORRIS 1100 saloon light blue 1962
VIT 98146 PORSCHE 996 Carrera Coupe red
VIT98154 ASTON MARTIN DB4 BTCC racing 61
VIT98163 PORSCHE 996 GT3 yellow 1999AUSTRALIAN CRESTA RUN
Model Cars Australia have a new production run of their 1:43 handbuilt Vauxhall Cresta 1960 available in three versions:
Road car: White and Rose pink two tone
Road car: Kawanee Green single tone
Bathurst race car: Wedgwood Blue
For more info, write to Allan Smith, 90 Trevitt Road, North Ryde 2113, NSW, Australia.GUILOY MOTORCYCLES
By Hans-Georg SchmittThe Honda Gold Wing is an icon of the motorbike world which appeared in 1988, a six-cylinder-legend, developed for the US market with its long straight roads, but in Europe this impressive motor-cycle also has fans. Is it still for bikers with its stereo radio and huge luggage boots? The water-cooled six-cylinder boxer engine with two valves per cylinder develops 98 hp at 5200 rpm, good for a top speed of 205 km/h. The heavy bike has a five-speed and reverse gear box. Guiloy of Alicante, Spain makes a wide range of motorcycle models and they have modelled the Honda Gold Wing in their 1:6 Superbike Range 16201. Body shape, seats, wheels and outer engine surfaces are excellent, and other detail is included, even the oil-filter has authentic printing, but in spite of the impressive scale, no parts open or move, except the steering. For collectors with less space, Guiloy also offers models in 1:10 and 1:18 scales. The 1:10 range is called Custom Giants, also well detailed. 17281BMW R1100 German Police version is authentic, only the silencer looks a bit odd, completely bright chromed. The engine is not highly detailed, but the wheels and the Police equipment are very good. But why does a fully equipped Police bike with blue lights have a civilian license plate from Trier? If you can't find Guiloy locally, the German trade distributor is Handels-agentur Jorg Imme; Kornweg 4a; D-21218 Seevetal, Hittfeld, Germany. Tel.: 04105/2031/2032 Fax: 04105/53662
TIDINGS FROM TROFEU
Here are the planned 1:43 scale releases from Trofeu of Portugal for 2000
TROFEU 1:43 SCALE MODELS
116 FORD Sierra Cosworth Portugal 88: crash
118 FORD Sierra Cosworth Ireland 89 McRae
526 FORD Escort RS1600 Broadsp'd Fitzpatrick 74
527 FORD Escort 1600TC Silverstone 70 Stewart
624 SUBARU Impreza 4x4 Turbo police 1997
714 TOYOTA Celica GT4 Castrol Safari 1996
812 ALPlNE RENAULT A110 1800S Safari 1974
813 ALPINE RENAULT A110 1800S Nicolas 1973
814 ALPlNE RENAULT A110 Defense MC 1973
905 PORSCHE WSC95 Joest Donington Johansson
1002 FORD Escort Mk II 1300 Ghia 1978
1003 FORD Escort Mk II 1600 Sport 1978
1004 FORD Escort Mk II 1600 Harrier 1978
1005 FORD Escort Mk II Mexico 1979
1006 FORD Escort Mk II 1800RS 1979
1103 SUBARU Impreza WRC Safari 97 McRae
1107 SUBARU Impreza WRC Russia98 Uspenskiv
1108 SUBARU Impreza WRC Q8 San Remo 1998
1109 SUBARU Impreza WRC RAC De Mevius 98
1116 SUBARU lmpreza WRC England Burns 1999
1201 PORSCHE 936 Martini LM 78 lckx-Pescarolo
1202 PORSCHE 936 Martini LM 78 1ckx-Wollek
1203 PORSCHE 936 Essex LM 79 Ickx-Redman
1204 PORSCHE 936 Essex LM79 Wollek-Haywood
1205 PORSCHE 936 Jules Le Mans 1981 Ickx-Bell
1206 PORSCHE 936 Jules LM 81 Mass-Schuppan
1303 PORSCHE LMP1/98 LM 98 Alboreto
1304 PORSCHE LMP1/98 LM 98 Raphanel
1305 PORSCHE LMP1/98 RoadAtlanta98 Alboreto
1401 FIAT 131 Abarth test red 1977
1402 FIAT 131 Abarth Portugal Rohrl 1980
1403 FIAT 131 Abarth Portugal Alen 1977
1404 FIAT 131 Abarth Monte CarloAndruet 1977
1405 FIAT 131 Abarth Monte Carlo Venni 1977
1406 FIAT 131 Abarth Alitalia Portugal Alen 78
1410 FIAT 131 Abarth Alitalia Portugal Alen 81
MINIPARTES RALLY SPECIALS
103 FORD Escort RS Martini Madeira Thiry 1997
104 FORD Escort RS Cosworth Portugal Peres 93
105 SUBARU Impreza Azores A McRae win 1997
106 SUBARU Impreza Galp Portugal Madeira 99
107 SUBARU Impreza Valencia Portugal Climent
108 SUBARU Impreza Winfield Portugal 1999
109 SUBARU Impreza Climent Catalunya 1999
110 FORD Escort Cosworth Bastos Spa Snijers 97
111 FORD Escort Cosworth Azores Thiry 1997
112 FORD Escort Cosworth Azores Louro 1997
RP067 RENAULT 8 Gordini Portugal winner 1967
RP074 FlAT 124 Abarth Portugalwinner 1974
RP075 FlAT 124 Abarth Portugal winner 1975
RP081 FlAT 131 Abarth Portugal Alen accident81
RP086 RENAULT 5 Turbo Portugal winner 1986
RP093 FORD Escort CosworthDelecourPortugal93
RP097 MlTSUBlSHI Lancer Evo lV Portugal 1997MODEL MUSEUM MOVES
Thierry Sée tells us that the Museum of Miniature Automobiles at Mulhouse in France has now moved across the road, and the 8000 models can now be seen at the National Automobile Museum (Schlumpf collection) in Avenue Colmar, Mulhouse. The National Museum reopened at the end of March after extensive works.
ARGUS ON DINKY TOYS
Argus de la Miniature's latest issue, 202, is devoted to French Dinky Toys from 1934 to 1981. The price is 70 FF (73FF in Europe) for this French-language publication, from SAFAM Editions, Argus Miniature no 202, BP 40, F78231 Le Pecq, CEDEX, France.
FUTURE RR MINIATURES
New releases in Régis Guyot's RR Miniatures 1:43 range of resin kits from France:
RR08 Citroen GS X2 1975 road car
RR35 Citroen Saxo kit car 98 '3615 Leatitia', driven by Berenguer in the Challenge competition organised by Citroen Sport
DEC04 Small decal sheet to improve the Tamiya 1:24 Ford Focus WRC kit by adding driver names and national flags for McRae-Grist and Gallagher-Jean-Joseph.PROVENCE MOULAGE HISTORY Part 2
By Rémy Elkoubi1986 was another year where one man made his mark: Patrick Cornu came from Automany to join Provence Moulage, a top pattern-maker, and a Le Mans fanatic. His first Provence Moulage model would be the Nissan 86V Amada LM 1986. Today he has made nearly 400 of our prototypes. Each one is made from a single block of Syntofer, shaped with files and mini-drill. Other famous names from the world of miniatures joined us during this period, including Frederick Perche who came from Record. He made many of our Ferrari and Alfa Romeo models. Etienne Dhont also worked for us in this period but wanting to work on his own, he later created the Renaissance range. Grosdidier came to us from Starter, and Olivier Domecq who specialises in racing boats are both still with us. Our aim is to create new items. Other ranges just make lots of variations on a single mould, but we always place emphasis on our creativity. Equally important are the production stages such as careful mould making. Since the first days of Provence Moulage, Francois Vaiarello has ensured top quality mould making. 1986 saw a great increase in production, forcing a move from the inadequate back room at XVM to a new 400 square metre space at the Boulevard de Roux, but still in Marseilles. 1987 saw the purchase of Sibur, which required much more space but subsequently ceased activity. It was decided to build an entirely new building for our purposes, with potential for expansion. In 1990 the new building of 100 square metres was ready at the Les Paluds industrial estate in Aubagne. We are still there today. In 1991 we bought Graphyland's patterns and in 1992 we purchased Record when it closed down. In 1995 the 1000th Provence Moulage model was released, the superdetail Subaru Impreza Monte Carlo 1995. Also for the first time in the model car field, we offered the entire Le Mans starting grid for that year. We continued to produce items under sub-contract, such as missile replicas for Matra Defence, and some 1:1 scale components for the Citroen Mehari. We also made many components for Verem-Solido ready-made models. In 1999 Provence Moulage was at a turning point, so in order that the company could continue to expand, Xavier de Vaublanc decided to sell the company to me, Rémy Elkoubi, also an automobile enthusiast. Bernard Orengo, a well known illustrator, recently took on the computerisation of the kit assembly instructions, and we have also begun a pre-painted kit range. We are developing our own club and have other plans in progress. Watch this space.
BOOK REVIEWS
Guida illustrada Polistil, 114 pages, 1300+ photos, 210 x 300mm, softbound, available from Libreria dell Automobile, Corso Venezia 43, 20121 Milano, Italy; Tel: 0039 0227301462; Fax: 0039 0227301454 The Politoys brand was launched in 1960, all plastic models, mostly 1:41, of old and new cars from Europe and the USA, plus racing cars and Fiat trucks. From 1965 models were diecast with plastic parts. In 1967 a cheaper range, Economica, appeared, plus many military vehicles. In 1970 the name changed from Politoys to Polistil. From 1973 to 1988 a range of 1:24 motorcycles was made, and 1:16 to 1:18 cars from 1975 to 87. The Walt Disney range included cars with Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse and others, and Herbie the film star. Now we have this illustrated guide to Polistil from 1960 to 1988, showing every model made, in colour photos with number and correct name. Hans-Georg Schmitt
Technik der Eleganz (Technique of Elegance). A history of German auto design to 1965, shown by Auto Union and constituent companies. By Ralf J F Kieselbach, with support and supervision of Audi AG. German text, 240 pages; 12 colour, 222 b/w photos, 119 drawings and sketches. Clothbound with dust cover. 230 x 280mm; ISBN 3-87584-864-0. Pub and available: Nicolai Verlag, Neuenburger Strasse 17; D-10969 Berlin, Germany. Tel 030/25 37 38 0, Fax 25 37 38 39 Early cars looked like horse-drawn carriages, then, with more power, speed and reliability, automobiles gained their own style, which in principle is still in use today. Changing fashions, new production methods and needs for more comfort and higher speeds led to other design changes. It is hard to show these changes in the products of different firms, so Ralf Kieselbach concentrates on one maker, Auto Union, from early days in constituent makes, Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer, up to 1965, when Auto Union was sold by Daimler Benz to Volkswagen. He writes interestingly about the history of auto design with many photographic examples, original drawings and design sketches. Maybe one day there will be a second book, on how design changed under the VW Group since 1965. Hans-Georg Schmitt
Fahrzeug Profiles, Nine booklets, each 50 pages, 210 x 300mm, many photos, available from: Flugzeug Publikations GmbH, Thomas Mann Strasse 3; D-89257 Illertissen, Germany. Tel: 07303/964220; Fax: 07303/964241 In the last 50 years many foreign armies have beenbased in Germany, using huge numbers of different vehicles. A small publisher of aircraft profiles has introduced the Fahrzeug Profiles in which are described vehicles of Second World War armies. The range is:
9001 VW Iltis, 4x4 cars of German Bundeswehr
9002 The Tiger family (German tanks)
9003 The Artillery of the German Bundeswehr
9004 The Tank-infantry of German Bundeswehr
9005 The Tank Corps of German Bundeswehr
9006 Canadian armies in Europe
9007 Tank reconnaissance force of Bundeswehr.
9008 The Kubelwagens of the NVA
9009 The French armies in Germany
The latest issues are 'Kubelwagens' (Off-road cars) of the NVA, the National Peoples Army of the former DDR and vehicles used by the French army in Germany. DDR cross-country vehicles were built by their auto industry and also adopted vehicles from the former Soviet Union, Many interesting conversions are shown. Also the French Occupation Army in Germany operated some strange vehicles, many different horse-transporters (for food?) and even tankers to transport red wine for the soldiers. Hans-Georg SchmittTHE GREAT AMERICAN ANTIQUE TOY BAZAAR 1879-1945:
5000 old engravings from original trade catalogs. Edited by Ronald S Barlow. ISBN 0-933846-06-1. Pub: Windmill Publishing Co, 2147 Windmill View Road, El Cajon, California 92020, USA. 312 pages, soft-bound, 230mm x 305mm, 5000-plus b&w engravings. Price: US$19.95 + US$3.00 post within USA (other areas: contact publisher)Ron Barlow combed the fleamarkets of the USA for this collection of 33 catalogues from 1879 (Davis Brothers) to 1945 (John Plain & Co). And no, these are not rough photocopies of dog-eared old pages. Ron spent a year re-touching and restoring to camera-ready form over 5,000 engravings of toys of long ago. Indeed, Ron pays tribute to the original artists, estimating that over a million man-hours of work went into preparing these finely detailed woodcuts and ink drawings for print. Ron has done an excellent job in putting together a history of American toys over 66 years. He describes the evolution of toys, from a 16th century engraving of children at play, touches on such well-known toy makers as Arcade, Ives, Milton Bradley, Meccano, Hubley, Erector, Hornby, Tinkertoy, Hasbro, and McLoughlin, to name a few, and also devotes a page to children's books.
The catalogue pages include dolls, blocks, wood, tinplate, pressed steel, rubber, diecast, iron, cloth, rocking horses, uniforms, guns, scooters, trikes, carts, trains, microscopes, planes, trains, autos, police, military, fire, rescue, dolls houses, musical instruments, pedal cars, games, money boxes, still banks, I could go on and on. There's even a photo of the real Buddy L, who gave his name to the line of steel toys made by Moline Pressed Steel Co, East Moline, IL. Some of the better-known catalogues are from Sears, Roebuck & Co (1929), Tinker Toy (1923), Schoenhut (1908-1915), Arcade Manufacturing Co (1930) and Marshall Field & Co (1890-1893.) Sears, Roebuck and Marshall Field were not toy mkers themselves they advertised a heap of toys from a wide range of manufacturers in their regular catalogues. Buying by catalogue, whilst still prevalent today, was used more, particularly in America, in the 19th and even, to some extent, into the 20th century. The size of the country meant that many families were hundreds of miles from the nearest town, let alone a town large enough to have a depart-ment store. Much of the artwork in this book is clear enough for clip-art repro, and Ron Barlow allows copies (restricted to ten) of illustrations from the book to be used for craftwork, graphic design, advertising, etc. Even if you only have the slightest, perhaps only fleeting, interest, in the history of toys, then this book is for you. Of course, if your interest is more substantial, then you must have this book for your reference library. Essential for toy historians. Trevor W A Morley
TECHNO CLASSICA 2000
By Hans-Georg SchmittAs usual in the first week of April Europe's biggest oldtimer fair took place in Essen. About 800 exhibitors from 18 countries filled all 16 halls, with classic cars, motorcycles, restoration services, new and used spares, accessories, literature, auto art and model cars. In halls 2, 8 and 9 many dealers offered model cars in all scales and conditions. Few prices were cheap, but the high stall rents must be taken into consideration.
Audi occupied a huge area in hall 7 with Audi Tradition alongside old cars, restored or rebuilt 16 cylinder racing cars and their Büssing transporter. Surrounding were many smaller stalls of Auto Union car clubs and dealers. Many old Audis, DKWs, Horches and Wanderes were on display. Audi Tradition had a Busch 1:87 Auto Union Type C racing car with 16 cylinder rear mounted engine from 1936/37 (above), and a 1:43 12 cylinder Horch 670 from 1932, open or closed, finished very nicely with many photoetched parts. The Revell 1:18 Auto Union 1000S Coupe is made in carneol red with roof in ivory as a limited edition only for Audi. Revell also makes the NSU 1000TT in a special colour as limited edition of 5000 pieces only for Audi. The Auto Union D type pre-war-racing car will appear in 1:24 scale at the end of 2000, as will the current R8 Le Mans racing car in 1:43 and 1:18 scales.
From Minichamps will come a 1:43 NSU Ro80 saloon, in rally yellow. At the end of the year the new Audi A4 saloon will be available in 1:87 and 1:43 scales. The third volume of Im Zeichen der vier Ringe, the full history of Auto Union, will soon be published, and Wheels of Time sees a new issue in September 2000. In hall 12 BMW Mobile Tradition dominated, still with some Rover cars on show, and Rover Friends IG. Reps still had business cards with Rover badges printed on them, as there was no time for them to be reprinted. BMW's show model was a Schuco Piccolo BMW 502, limited edition of 1000, medium blue and printed Techno Classica 2000. Moblle Tradition will offer some interesting models this year. In 1:18 scale will be the Brabham BT52 F1 racer in which Nelson Piquet won the World-Championship in 1982, and the Benetton B186 F1, also with a BMW engine, won the Mexican Grand Prix 1986, the last BMW F1 success and first GP victory of current BMW racing sport director Gerhard Berger. The BMW 2002 tii sports saloon in 1:18 scale by Kyosho will come in July 2000. In 1:43 scale is a type 507 made of solid silver, fixed on a mahogany base, limited to 100 made by a jeweller in Karlsruhe, estimated price DM 1600. For less deep pockets a Schuco Piccolo 502 is available silver plated for your key ring. BMW had planned a new 1:43 range to be called British Classics, but this plan has been abandoned in light of recent events. A book about BMW model cars will soon be published.
Mercedes-Benz displayed some old cars from their collection and some owners' clubs were present. The Mercedes Classic Center offered their model car range. Specially for Techno Classica they had two Schuco Piccolo limited editions, a Mercedes-Benz 300 Adenauer saloon in wine red, printed with silver 2000, and a Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Monte Carlo winner 1960, in light grey , number 128. In the Summer Minichamps will release a range of 1:43 scale old S-Class cars, 108, 109, 280SE 6.3, 116 6.9 and 560 SEL. Foreign buyers cannot order model cars from the Classic Center, as they don't accept payments from abroad. You have to go to your local dealer. Opel only discovered Techno Classica in the last couple of years; they displayed coupes from their collection, Kadett A and B, Manta A, Rekord 1960 and Diplomat A, by Karmann.
Again Wiking, Revell and Schuco had a combined stall and offered special models. Wiking showed their 2000 plans including the 1:24 Hanomag tractor which will appear in Summer, and they offered the 1:87 Isetta and Messerschmitt cabrio in boxes with the show logo. Revell also showed their latest 1:18 models, Volvo and NSU 1000TT. Their show model was a 1:18 Isetta, white with black roof, limited edition of 50 items. Schuco also showed their 2000 news, a range of Mercedes-Benz 300SL roadsters, open, with soft top, hard top and racing versions. Also on display were the new 1:43 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Rover 75, and various tin toy cars. For the fair Schuco offered their BMW Isetta, white and black, with the show logo,in 1:43 and as a Piccolo in 1:90 scale. both limited editions.
The German old car magazine Motor-Klassik offered a Schuco Piccolo set, a Volkswagen microbus in dark green, with Motor-Klassik logo, and a red and ivory caravan with the show logo. Finally the Automobile Club of Germany, AvD, offered a range of models, mostly already shown in MAR, but new was their first service vehicle from the mid-fifties, a 1:90 DKW van by Piccolo.
REVELL VOLVO PV544
By Hans-Georg SchmittA great surprise at the Nuremberg Toy Fair 2000 was the1:18 scale diecast Volvo PV 544 by Revell, 08887 (burgundy) or 08886 (blue). The real car was the last evolution of the legendary PV 444, with a one-piece wind-screen, launched in 1958, available with the B-16 85 hp sport engine. The Revell diecast model accurately reproduces the shape. Bumpers, grille, lights and other parts are brightly chromed, but some mouldings are silver painted. The bonnet and realistically hinged doors open, and the steering works. The interior is quite well detailed, the engine with air-cleaner, servo, radiator etc looks real, as does the baseplate, showing suspension and exhaust system. The wonderful wheels have painted steel rims with chrome hub-caps and Dunlop Nylon tubeless 7.50x13 whitewall tyres
HERPA FOR MAY-JUNE
Herpa 1:87 plastic models from Germany, due for release in May and June:
VW LT2 ambulance, Münchengladbach airport
BMW 5 series estate Bavarian Police
Mercedes-Benz CL coupe Brabus
Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster facelift
MAN GA XXL tilt artic Wandt
Scania 144TL curtainside artic Kay Schultz
Mercedes Actros jumbo cc drawbar Gutekunst
Mercedes Actros swap-body drawbar ABX
BMW 3 series estate Fire
BMW X5 5.3 diesel 4x4
Mercedes-Benz Binz ambulance ASB Erlangen
Scania 124 double deck jumbo artic Emons 2Win
Mercedes-Benz Atego road sweeper
Scania 144TL lowline curtainside artic Contrans
Volvo FH GL jumbo artic tanker Den Hartogh
MAN TGA XXL artic tractor unit
Scania 144TL frig artic DEA red indian airbrush design for Auhaber
DAF 95 XF SSC frig artic Schumacher, Andalusia airbrush designRR MINIATURES DECALS
Régis Guyot gives us news of his latest RR Miniatures products from France. His first 1:24 decal sheet is for the Peugeot 206 WRC which can reproduce three runners from Monte Carlo 2000 or two from the Swedish Rally 2000, including Gronholm's winning car. There is also a 1:18 decal set for the LM 96 Porsche GT1 of the Konrad Team, no 37.
CHECKMATE FROM CHINA
By Hans-Georg SchmittAfter first seeing themat Nuremberg Toy Fair, now I have been able to examine two Checkmate models in detail. Firstly, why Changchun? In this a large city, north of Peking, the Chinese capital, German is widely spoken. Since 1991 there has been a joint venture there between the Chinese FAW First Automobile Works and the VW Group to build Jettas under licence, then the old Audi 200, and since last year a stretched version of the current Audi A6 for Chinese executives. For FAW promotional purposes, and also as toy car or collectors item, Checkmate developed 1:24 diecast models of the Jetta, as civilian and taxi, and a 1:18 scale Audi A6. The Jetta model reproduces the shape of the car very accurately. It is highly detailed, but some lines are a bit wavy. Lights, radiator grille, outer mirrors, some interior details and exhaust system are separate components. Bonnet and front doors open, the steering works, the engine iand the baseplate look authentic. Paintwork is smooth and fault-free. Badging and license plates in Chinese give the model a different touch, an interesting addition to any Volkswagen collection.
The stretched Audi A6 looks like the German version, but the rear passenger space is 90mm longer. In 1:18 scale the model car looks impressive. The body is accurate and many parts are separate components. Bonnet, front doors and boot lid open, the steering works and the baseplate is very well detailed. The V6 engine is accurate, and the alloy wheel rims are brightly chromed, to Chinese taste. The front doors are without the upper parts of the door frames and have huge old-style hinge bars. It will be a desirable item in any European Audi model car collection. Neither Audi Quattro Boutique nor Audi Tradition will import the models, as they do not reach their quality standards, and also because the real cars will not be imported to Europe. Each working day 15 stretched A6s and 300 Jettas are built for the Chinese market, to European standards, but without environmentally friendly water based paint. In Autumn this year Checkmate will look back into the history of the Chinese car with a model of the Dong Feng Jin Long (Golden Dragon, made by Dong Feng Auto Factory).
Copyright 1999 Modelauto Ltd and Solnet Systems Ltd
e-mail mar@zeteo.com