CONTENTS
of the print version of Model Auto Review 183
Publication date 7 June 2004
9224 Correspondence
9226 Corgi second half 2004
9227 Phone Truck John Quilter, USA
9228 Tucker Don Elliott, USA
9230 Chevrolet Corvette 1953-2004 Chris Sweetman, England
9231 The Crestoration Project Robert P Gunn, England
9232 Armchairs Tony Steenmeyer, Netherlands
9233 Parker Range Widens Maz Woolley, England
9234 Ford Full Size 1963 Dave Turner, England
9236 The A Team Don Elliott, USA
9237 Centurion BARV Graeme Watt, Scotland
9238 Captions to back cover ļ Captions to right centre page 9241
9239 Competitions MAR 181 and 183 ļ World news: Argentina and Italy
9242 Clubs ļ Tin-Tin Jeep
9243 Captions to left centre page 9202
9243 NEWS France: Provence Moulage, CCC, Copie Conforme' by SVM
9244 NEWS Emergency: MVI, Igra, Rietze ļ Militaria: Roco, Corgi
9245 NEWS Bus Stop: EFE, Rietzeļ Tractors, plant: Siku, Saller,
Norscot
9246 NEWS Germany: Minichamps, Revell, Wiking
9247 Truckstop: Revell, Roxley, Igra
9248 NEWS World: Hot Wheels, Revell, Kyosho, CDs, American Notes Ben
van Roode, Netherlands
9250 Book Reviews
9252 avia mini
9254 Super Models: 2 Robin Godwin, Canada
9256 Swapmeet Diary, Small ads, subscriptions
EDITORIAL
by Rod Ward
SEVEN WEEKS BREAK
It's that time again. As usual, there will be no issue of the print
version of MAR published on 7 July. This could have meant as much as a
nine week gap between this issue, MAR 183, published on 7 June and MAR
184, published on 7 August. But I have spared you such an ordeal. This
issue arrives on your doormat a day or two later than usual and the next
issue will be printed a little earlier in the month than usual. So there
will only be a seven week gap between this and the next issue, which is
thus only two weeks longer than the usual interval between regular
monthly issues. Those two weeks will be spent on our annual holiday, and
after a very busy year, I am really looking forward to the fortnight's
break.
TOYS IN ARGENTINA
By Roberto Frassinetti
I would like to inform MAR readers of the activities of the Buenos Aires
Toy Museum, a virtual museum on the internet, where I am working on a
research project on vintage toys and games from Argentina. This website
is not only a virtual museum with permanent exhibitions, but also has
information on shown items, their history and their cultural
significance to Argentina, Latin America and world wide. We cover hand
made toys as well as industrial items, objects abandoned in the last
decade in favour of electronic video games. The Buenos Aires Toy Museum
is intended to be a gathering point for those looking for collectors
items from Argentina or information on them.
I am the creator of the museum, an antique dealer and collector,
interested in all kinds of toys, including robots and space toys.
With the help of Florencia Rodriquez, Leonard Candiano, and Julian
Rodriquez the museum has tackled many research projects on vintage toys.
This group of three young university students works full time on the
project, putting their heart and soul into the museum. They are working
on two books, one on Argentine diecast cars, the other on toy robots,
both soon to be published. We invite visitors to the website at
www.ba-toymuseum.com.ar. The Spanish version has been updated and we are
in the progress of updating the English one. Or you can contact me:
Roberto Dar'o Frassinetti, Director, Buenos Aires Toy Museum, Albarellos
916. Acasusso. Buenos Aires, Argentina.
REVELL
1:18 diecast in China for Germany: 08832 BMW 503 Coupe, launched
in the autumn of 1955 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. The
design was by Count Albrecht Goertz, who had previously designed car
bodies in the USA and who would later create BMW's spectacular 507. This
was an attractive car, despite technical restrictions on creativity,
such as the height of the front headlamps, restricting the intended
downward curve of the front wings, but awards were regularly heaped on
the 503. It had a four speed gearbox, brake booster as standard,
electro-hydraulic window winders, light and accurate steering, a
comfortable interior and clear instrumentation. Its 140 bhp 3.2 litre V8
engine reached a top speed of 190 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100
km/h in 13 seconds. The mechanicals came from the 501-502 saloon car. In
the first cars the gearbox was under the seats with a column change, but
from September 1957 the gearbox was coupled with the engine with a floor
change. In 1956 it cost a hefty 29,500 DM, rosing by 2,000 DM two years
later, which explains why only 273 coupes were built in three years of
production. The model's two-tone paintwork shows its lines well. An
interesting detail is the Talbot streamlined outer rear view mirror,
popular in the fifties and sixties. The doors open like the real car,
the opening bonnet revealing a good engine replica. The interior is very
accurate, even the handbrake lever is in the right place and the right
size. The seats, which fold forward, have chrome plated reclining
handles. The gear lever is on the tunnel and the gearbox is with the
engine, so Revell chose to make the last version of the 503. The
baseplate is well detailed, including the complex exhaust system, which
was very prone to rust. Note that the model is not marked Revell, but
reads Jadi Modelcraft. So Revell must have bought or leased the moulds.
(Notes Hans-Georg Schmitt, pictured in MAR 182 and MAR 183).
REVELL
1:8 plastic kit: 07443 1965 Corvette Sting Ray Coupe. The second
generation Chevrolet Corvette (1963-67) differed from its predecessors.
At that time in the USA, a new car meant adding more gimmicks to an
existing vehicle. Chevrolet broke with this tradition, Bill Mitchell, a
keen angler, restyled the car inspired by the shape and colour of a
stingray. This car offered more interior space, better road holding and
more power. Its chassis design and 250 bhp 5.4 litre V8 engine gave the
Corvette real sports car qualities for the first time. But above all,
the body design, developed in the California Institute of Technology
wind tunnel, characterised the second generation Corvette. For the first
time a fastback coupe was sold alongside the roadster. Features included
pop-up headlamps, large doors that projected into the coupe roof,
independent rear suspension and ventilated disc brakes. 1965 is regarded
as the peak year for this Corvette, with its top speed of 228.5 km/h.
Though it weighed 1430kg, it accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9
seconds and from 0 to 160 km/h in 16.5 seconds with the 360 bhp V8 fuel
injection engine. Nowadays GM sees Corvette as an independent marque
without the Chevrolet name. The kit's 174 components includie a
one-piece coupe body with single rear screen, not the more sought-after
split window. The bonnet and headlights can be moved and the front
wheels are steerable. The kit appears to be a re-issue, so the
components have some flash, which has to be removed, and there are flow
and sink marks. (Notes Hans-Georg Schmitt).
Hot Wheels
1:18 diecast in China: B6054 Ferrari 166MM Barchetta 1948.
The 166 was first seen at the Turin Motor Show in 1948. Its new body
shape went down in Ferrari history as a great classic design. The
Barchetta, meaning small boat, was designed by the late Felice Bianchi
Anderioni, chief designer of Carrozzeria Touring, and became synonym for
Italian art of automobile body building. The body was built on a super
lightweight frame, of tubes, known as Superleggera, patented by Touring.
The engine was a two litre V12, from which Gioachiono Colombo, with
three Weber DCF carburettors, extracted more than 140 hp at 7000 rpm. MM
was added to the type 166 title after its first victory in the 1948
Mille Miglia by Scuderia Ferrari. The 1:18 scale 166MM is very
accurately shaped, with all openings and emblems in the right places.
the doors, bonnet and boot lid all open.The engine replica is very well
detailed, as is the simple dashboard. There is only an inner rear view
mirror, as standard in 1948. The steering works realistically, the wheel
with its wooden outer rim. The spoked wire wheels are also very
accurate. The doors are hinged unrealistically, but that is forgotten as
soon as you see the baseplate. Such a high detail level is surprising,
the underside of engine, gearbox and differential are very good, as are
the suspension, exhaust system, drive train and radiator. The rear rigid
axle is fixed on leaf springs, crude looking for a Ferrari, but
authentic. Only drum brakes on all four wheels for a car capable of 200
km/h looks inadequate today.
This model was pictured in colour in MAR 182. (Notes Hans-Georg
Schmitt).
KYOSHO BMW & LAMBO
By Heather Rose
Recent Kyosho diecast releases:
V0165 1:18 BMW Austin Healey Mk III black and white
V0166 1:18 BMW Austin Healey Mk III white
V0232 1:18 Lamborghini Countach LP500 white
V0901 1:18 BMW X5 black ļ V0902 BMW X5 white
V0921 1:18 BMW M3 CSL black
V0922 1:18 BMW Z4 blue
V0930 1:18 BMW 5 Series white
V0931 1:18 BMW 5 Series grey
V0932 1:18 BMW 5 Series blue
V1260 1:43 BMW 5 Series white
V1261 1:43 BMW 5 Series silver
V1262 1:43 BMW 5 Series black
CDs FROM SOUTH AFRICA
Fernando Soares is a commitee member of CARS (Collector's Automobile
Replica Society) in Johannesburg, South Africa.
He says, Last year I started to compile CD catalogues to raise funds
for our Club. Up to now I have compiled the following titles:
1 - South Africa Dinky Toys
2 - South African Toys & Models
3 - Tomte Laerdal
I am currently compiling the following titles:
4 - Manoil Toys
5 - Tootsie Toys
6 - Midget Toys (USA)
7 - Dinky Toys
8 - Triang Minic
The cost per CD is 30.00 Euros including postage and packaging. We
accept Paypal payment. Orders can be placed by emailing
nandosworxs@hotmail.com
MORE AMERICAN NOTES By Ben van Roode
On the website of Ricko America you can see some of the prototypes of
the 1:18 models they are making this year. Their emphasis on US cars for
2004 is worthy of note. The 1963 Lincoln convertible is a welcome
addition in this scale, a truly beautiful car. Welly also intend to make
one, but theirs will be the 1961 version. If we look at trends, we can
see that there are more models of pre-war cars.
Ricko plans a 1931 Lincoln Model K and a Cadillac V16 Aerodynamic Coupe,
plus three other Cadillacs in the works. The very large Cadillac Sixteen
prototype (2003) looks fantastic in prototype form. The other two are
the 2003 Escalade and 2004 CTS V series.
The Signature range includes many prewar cars. After the recently
released Cadillac there now will be a 1:18 1936 Chrysler Airflow.
Eligor continues its 1:43 US truck range. The Freightliner Sprinter van
result from collaboration between Mercedes and Freightliner. There are
five versions; Michelin, ambulance, American Lafrance, Fedex and five
unprinted colours. I like their typical US car transporters.
It looks as if slot car racing is going to have a revival. Revell
Germany offers four 1:32 Greenwood Corvettes, two Ford Mustang GT 350s
and two versions of the Corvette Gran Sport from the early sixties.
Schuco has already a 1:43 Ford Aeromax on the shelves and it is good
value for money.
Maisto's 1963 Dodge Dart 330 and 1955 Nomad are already available, and
the Dodge in particular is a very good choice. It is a two door sedan,
not a coupe or hardtop. We don't see this often. Only RC2's Chevrolet
Biscayne from last year. The Maisto 2004 programme is ambitious,
starting with three 2004 pickups, Ford F-350, Chevrolet 4x4 Colorado and
GMC Canyon. In the big scale the 1949 and 1950 Ford convertibles are a
great choice The differences between the two models are, for hardcore
Ford fans, enough to justify buying both models. The 1950 version has a
different grille and bumpers, soft top, fender skirts and a continental
kit plus wide white wall tyres. The 2004 Chevy Impala will be there in
SS trim.
Also from Chevrolet is their pickup with retro styling and a steel roof
that opens like that on the Mercedes SLK. The Maisto's does not have
this as a working feature. In full size it is already on the road in the
USA, different from the SSR concept car previously made by Maisto. The
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is open, whilst the Sahara has a hard top. This
has infra red controlled features, working lights and driving at your
fingertips. In their Porsche Boxster, Maisto has carried out this idea
very well. From the outside the model looks exactly like the static
version. Already in the 2003 catalogue, the 1953 Studebaker Starliner
will finally reach us this year. In 1:24 scale part of the 1:18
programme is repeated, but sometimes in different versions; Ford F150
pickup, Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, Dodge Neon SRT-4, Ford Mustang GT concept
convertible, 2004 Impala, 2004 Chevrolet SSR S (production version).
Another trend is that there are more 1:24 models than ever.
The Chrysler Crossfire is in the Solido range (the not so good model by
MotorMax). Now Bburago has made it too. It looks as if, like the PT
Cruiser, this is a car of which we will see many models. Too many.
Yat Ming's quality improves with every year. Their 1:24 Presidential
series will gain the 1961 Lincoln X-100 and a 1956 Cadillac. Looking at
the first two that were issued in 2003, I will buy these sight unseen.
Some manufacturers still have great ideas. In the same scale is a 1941
GMC fire truck. This could have been more original. It looks a lot like
the 1938 Ford fire appliance already in the Yatming range.
In 1:18 scale Yatming surprises us again. New are the 1970 Dodge Coronet
with real leather interior or without, 1985 Pontiac Fiero, 1964 Mercury
Marauder, 1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser, Buick Electra and 1971 Buick
Riviera GS. All are new in this scale. The Riviera has been made by
Western and Ertl made the Turnpike Cruiser in 1:43 scale. Someone at Yat
Ming did his homework.
I understand the 1957 Cadillac Brougham is now in the shops. Although I
have not seen it yet. Sun Star offers it in four colours.
I may be wrong, but I thought Cadillac made it in only one colour;
black. The 2002 Ford Excursion is already a very big car. But this is
even bigger, because it is the stretched version, as made in real life.
Somebody at Sunstar really likes looooong cars. The 2000 Lincoln
limousine will be updated to the 2003 model and the 1963 Chevrolet Nova
convertible also fills a gap.
Unique Replicas offer many models in 1:36 scale, both European and
American. These are cheap, but hard to find. They are good models and
detailed to Cararama' level. They are: Ford Expedition, Ford F150, Ford
Econoline (1:43 and very good, the Econoline is also cleverly disguised
as a camper or ambulance), Ford Aeromax with working lights, 1:43, box
trailer or tanker. Back to 1:36 scale, there is a Ford 1949 street rod,
In 1:24 scale there are 1956 Thunderbird street or rod, 1935 Sedan
Delivery, street or rod. In 1:34 scale there are 1961 Divco Dividend
step van, 1950 Ford step van, 1949 Ford custom or stock convertible and
hardtop. There is a 1:24 Lincoln limousine with working courtesy lights.
In the same scale there are 1937 Studebaker Woodies and pickups, both
stock and rod. See www.phoenixtoys.com
Welly has two catalogues each of around 85 pages, profilic in all
scales. From toys to improving quality in the larger scales and at a
reasonable price. The scales are 1:18, 1:24, 1:27, 1:32, 1:34, 1:36,
1:39, 1:43, 1:60, 1:64, 1:87. These catalogues give you an idea where
the products originate for many other brands. Among interesting 1:18
cars and trucks are 1953 Ford Sunliner, 1986 Ford Mustang SVO and 1970
Mercury Cougar.
CORGI Second half 2004
July to December 2004 releases planned in Corgi's various diecast ranges
Vanguards 1:43 diecast releases July to December
JAGUAR
VA08801 Daimler Sovereign 1969 OE White JUL
VA04907 Jaguar E-Type open bronze AUG
VA09101 Jaguar XJ6 2003 British Racing Green SEP
VA09102 Jaguar XJ6 2003 Nick Gwinnutt #18 OCT
VA08403 Jaguar MkII carmen red NOV
VA08404 Jaguar MkII Tour De France #85 DEC
FORD
VA05209 Ford Granada Ghia Miami Blue JUL
VA03506 Ford Classic Imperial Maroon AUG
VA04100 Ford Cortina Mk II GT White and Black AUG
VA07202 Ford Popular Bristol Fawn SEP
VA07304 Ford Cortina MkI John Woolfe OCT
VA06617 Ford Transit Van Southdown NOV
VA04606 Ford Zephyr 6 Mk III Apollo Taxis DEC
VA07203 Ford Popular Dorchester grey DEC
BMC
VA00318 Austin A40 van East Midlands Electricity JUL
VA01309 Morris Mini cherry red JUL
VA02500 Mini Cooper red, black roof JUL
VA08905 Austin 1800 glacier white AUG
VA01120 Morris Minor Van NRMA Service Aus. SEP
VA08906 Morris 1800 black SEPT
VA04500 Austin Allegro harvest gold SEP
VA05804 Morris Minor 1000 Restoration Progress OCT
VA08907 Austin 1800 World Cup Rally 1970 #32 OCT
VA06300 Morris Marina teal blue NOV
VA08503 Wolseley Six AAA Taxis Oxford DEC
MG-ROVER
VA06907 Rover P5 Rover white JUL
VA09002 Rover SD1 taraga red AUG
VA01915 Rover P4 midnight blue SEP
VA06512 Rover P6 3500 April yellow OCT
VA05006 MGA open dove grey NOV
VA09200 Rover 75 British Racing Green NOV
VA09300 MG ZT trophy blue DEC
ROOTES
VA06808 Hillman Minx foam white-apple green SEP
VA06800 Hillman Minx red-cream OCT
VA07004 Sunbeam Alpine lake blue OCT
TRIUMPH
VA04703 TR3A British racing green AUG
VA00515 Triumph Herald Saloon Monaco blue OCT
VA08206 Triumph 2000 London-Mexico Rally #88 NOV
VAUXHALL
VA08703 Vauxhall Viva peacock blue JUL
VA09400 Vauxhall Astra 2004 silver NOV
VA06408 Vauxhall Velox alpine green DEC
OTHER MAKES
VA01206 VW Beetle Retro California Street Racer JUL
VA07607 Land Rover Aeroport De Paris AUG
POLICE
VA08904 Austin 2200S Staffordshire Police JUL
VA05805 Morris Minor Met. Police 175th Anniv JUL
VA08607 Jaguar XJ6 Dunbartonshire Police AUG
VA09003 Rover SD1 Fife Police Traffic Dept Car SEP
VA08704 Vauxhall Viva Ayr Police Unit Beat Car OCT
VA01310 Mini NSW Australia Police NOV
VA06103 Ford Zephyr MkII Rijkspolitie, Police NL DEC
SPECIAL EDITIONS
MC1004 Monte Carlo Winners 1964, 65, 66 & 67 NOV
HEROES OF AUSTRALIAN MOTOR SPORT
VA02518 Mini Cooper S Bathurst winner 1966 AUG
RD4002 Bathurst Diorama with two cars, set SEP
CORGI COLLECTABLES 1:50 diecast July-December
HAULIERS OF RENOWN
CC12013 MAN F2000 flatbed trailer with three skips
Matlock Transport Co. Ltd JUL
CC13214 DAF XF SSC Curtainside Woodside JUL
CC11908 ERF EC Series log trailer A & J Nelson JUL
CC13108 Volvo F88 tautliner Mansel Davies JUL
CC12111 Renault Premium step frame van TNT AUG
CC12812 Scania T topline curtainside Geo Green AUG
CC13215 DAF XF SC livestock Bert Christie AUG
CC13503 Volvo FM low curtainside RMC PPL AUG
CC12223 Scania dropside Crane trailer Hawkins SEP
CC13404 MAN TGA XL curtainside with Moffett Mounty
Norman Emerson & Sons Ltd SEP
CC13216 DAF XF Space Cab curtainside Wreford OCT
CC11910 ERF EC Series flat trailer with crushed car
load Brian Harris Transport OCT
CC13505 Volvo FM Bulk Tipper Ed Weetman Ltd OCT
CC12918 Scania Topline Fridge Trailer Pentons NOV
CC13405 MAN TGA XL step frame curtainside Eddie
Stobart Ltd NOV
CC12424 Volvo FH Globetrotter livestock Jones NOV
CC11805 Leyland DAF 85 Flat with Steel Load Ernest
Thorpe Transport DEC
CC13109 Volvo F88 tautliner Andrew Wishart DEC
CC12811 Scania T Cab Curtainside Oakfield DEC
CC12426 Volvo FH Globetrotter bulk tipper Mitchell DEC
RIGID TIPPERS
CC13501 Volvo FM Bulk Tipper Davidson (Shotts) JUL
CC13502 Volvo FM Aggregate tipper Tarmac AUG
CC11804 Leyland DAF 85 tipper Hanson Aggregate SEP
CC13504 Volvo FM aggregate tipper WH Malcolm OCT
HEAVY HAULAGE
CC13213 DAF XF Space Cab with 3 Axle Low Loader
with tender load Allely's Heavy Haulage JUL
CC12422 Volvo FH Globetrotter, bogie with concrete
beam load John Somerscales Ltd AUG
CC12307 Scammell Contractor, girder trailer, bogies &
crate load United Heavy Transport SEP
9 DOUBLE 9 COLLECTION
CC07714 Land Rover Defender & Trailer RCT 5
Armoured Field Division JUL
CC13008 Dennis F12 Fire Engine Belfast Fire AUG
CC07715 Land Rover Defender RAF Police SEP
CC10307 AEC Turntable Ladder West Australia Fire
Brigades (Perth) NOV
CC07716 Land Rover Defender P.S.N.I. DEC
BUSES IN BRITAIN
CC25601 Leyland Atlantean Scout Motor Services AUG
CC25801 Leyland-Weymann Olympic Birmingham OCT
CC25905 AEC Routemaster Delaine Buses DEC
ON THE MOVE
CC13307 Austin Luton Van Brewer & Turnbull AUG
CC11002 Thames Trader luton Robsons Carlisle SEP
CC11411 Bedford TK Luton Van Pickfords OCT
MODERN SHOWMANS
CC11911 ERF EC series curtainside Anderton &
Rowland Waltzers AUG
CC12423 Volvo FH GT +trailer Wilsons Dodgems OCT
CC12425 Volvo FH GT +trailer Mannings Twister DEC
ROAD TRANSPORT HERITAGE
CC13306 BMC flatbed trailer + crates British Rail JUL
CC60307 Bedford QLD lime spreader BRS AUG
CC12512 Atkinson Borderer flat+reels British Rail SEP
CC13308 Austin cattle truck British Road Services OCT
MINI MANIA
CC82233 Mini Miglia Tim Sims Mini 7 Racing JUL
CC82234 Mini 40 British Racing Green-white AUG
CC82235 Mini 40 Kingfisher Blue-White SEP
CC82236 Mini 40 Anthracite/White OCT
CC99153 Mini Seven & Land Rover with trailer Robert
Stacey Limited edition NOV
CC86515 The New Mini Cooper Eddie Stobart Ltd DEC
Original Omnibus Co 1:76 diecast releases July-Dec
Note: Wright Eclipse Fusion is an articulated city bus
OM41204 Wright Eclipse Gemini Harrogate & Dist JUL
OM44105 Optare Solo First Manchester Metroshuttle JUL
OM99156 70th Anniv of the Balloon Tram Set JUL
OM42509 East Lancs Lolyne Blackpool Transport
(Metro Coastlines) AUG
OM44703 Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Thamesdown AUG
OM41205 Wright Eclipse Gemini London General AUG
OM43310 Plaxton Premiere National Express Airport SEP
OM44010 Blackpool Brush Railcoach Metro Coastlines SEP
OM45309 Bova Futura Maynes of Buckie SEP
OM41301 Wright Solar Fusion Go Ahead N. East OCT
OM43508 Blackpool Balloon Tram 1960s OCT
OM43707 Q1 Trolleybus London Transport OCT
OM41302 Wright Solar Fusion Nottingham City NOV
OM41206 Wright Eclipse Gemini First North East NOV
OM42510 East Lancs Vyking Delaine Buses NOV
OM41303 Wright Eclipse Fusion First Hampshire DEC
OM43402 Plaxton Beaver East Yorkshire MS DEC
OM40812 Bristol Lodekka FS Bristol Omnibus Co DEC
WORLD WAR II COLLECTION 1:50 diecast July-Dec
WWII TANKS
BATTLE of the BULGE COMMEMORATIVE COLLECTION
CC60207 Panther Ausf.G SS-Panzer Regiment 9, 9th
SS-Panzer Division OCT
CC51016 M4 Sherman Tank US Army, Team O'Hara,
CCB, 10th Armored Division OCT
CC60407 M3A1 Halftrack US Army, 331st Infantry
Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division OCT
THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE
CC60405 M-16 (M3A1 body) Quad-Gun Anti-Aircraft
Half-track US Army 457th AAA SEP
CC60504 PzKpfw VI Tiger Ausf.E 2.Kompanie, 2.Zug,
schwere SS PzAbt 101, Kurt Sowa, OCT
CC51017 M4A3 Sherman Tank US Army Company B,
35th Tank Battalion, 4th Armored Div. NOV
CC60208 Panther Ausf. G, Kampfgruppe Peiper, 1st
SS-Panzer Division DEC 26.49
WAR IN THE PACIFIC ? WWII LEGENDS
CC51014 M4 Sherman Tank USMC Guam JUL
CC60406 M3A1 Half-track USMC Bougainville 43 SEP
THE PUSH THROUGH HOLLAND & GERMANY 1944-45
CC51015 M4A4 Sherman V Observation Post Tank
147th (Essex Yeomanry) Field Rgt., AGRA,
2nd Army Germany 1945 AUG
CC60008 Krauss-Maffei 8 ton SdKfz.7/1 Half-Track 2nd
SS Tank Div Das Reich Ardennes 1944 SEP
CC60604 Cromwell Mark VI 'B' Sqn, 5th RTR, 22nd
Armoured Bde, 7th Arm Div, Holland 45 OCT
CC60605 Cruiser Tank A34 Comet MkI C Sqn, 29th
Arm Bde, 11th Arm Div, Germany 1945 OCT
CC60306 Bedford QLR 21st Army Group, North-West
Europe 1945 NOV
CC60505 PzKpfw VI Tiger Ausf.E 1.Zug, 2.Komp, sch
Panzer (Fkl) Abt.301, Waldfeucht 44-45 DEC
SHOWCASE COLLECTION diecast July-December
FIGHTING MACHINES
GREAT BOMBERS OF THE WORLD
CS90331 Avro Lancaster RAF 617 Sqn Dambusters Jul
CS90332 B-17G USAAF 447th BG Bit o Lace Jul
CS90333 B-1B Bomber USAF, 86-0121 Jul
CS90334 B-52D USAF, 307th SW, Vietnam Jul
CSFS14004 Four-Piece Great Bombers Set Jul
IRAQI FREEDOM
CS90202 B-1 Bomber Camouflaged Jul
CS90286 Abrams Tank 1st Armored Division Jul
CS90203 Abrams Tank 2nd Marine Tank Battalion Jul
CS90205 Hummer Military Police Jul
CS90207 Bradley Pay Back 1st Armored Division Jul
CS90284 B-52 40th BS God Bless America Jul
100 YEARS OF FLIGHT ? GLOBAL TRAVELLER
CS90335 Boeing Clipper BOAC, 'Bangor' Sep
CS90336 DC-3 Air Atlantique Sep
CS90337 Boeing 747-200 KLM Sep
CS90338 Concorde British Airways-Singapore Sep
CSCA13004 Four-Piece Global Traveller Set Sep
US MILITARY HELICOPTERS
CS90317 UH-1C Huey 17 AHC US Army Vietnam Sep
CS90318 AH-64 D Apache 3rd Infantry Division US Army Operation Iraqi
Freedom Sep
CS90319 H-47 Bell USMC -Korea Sep
CS90320 H-34 Choctaw USMC Vietnam Sep
CS90321 UH-1C Huey -USN Grey 1970's Sep
CS90322 Bell 206 Kiowa US Army Modern Sep
AMERICAN ACES
CS90208 P-38 Lightning USAAF Richard Bong Jul
CS90209 P-51 D USAAF Glamourous Glen Jul
CS90210 F-4 USAF Robin Olds Vietnam Jul
CS90211 F-14A Tomcat USN USS Ranger Jul
CS90212 Corsair USN Roger Hedrick WWII Jul
CS90289 F-16 USAF Wright Kosovo Jul
BOMBER MISSIONS
CS90328 B-52 7th Bomb Wing US Air Force Jul
CS90226 B-52 Diamond Lil Vietnam Jul
CS90227 B-17 Sweet and Lovely WWII Jul
CS90329 B-17 Sentimental Journey WWII Jul
CS90330 B-1 SAC Modern Jul
CS90229 Lancaster RAF Admiral Prune Jul
FIRE & EMERGENCY ? BIG CITY TRUCKS
CS90244 Ford Crown Victoria Chicago Police Jul
CS90245 Ford E350 Chicago Jul
CS90247 Huey UH1B NYPD Jul
CS90240 Ford E350 Phildephia Jul
CS90248 Bell 206 LA Police Jul
CS90243 Mack Pumper LA County Jul
BIG CITY DEPARTMENTS
CS90323 Ford E-350 Ambulance Seattle, WA Jul
CS90324 Seagrave Pumper Wyckoff, NJ Jul
CS90249 Ford Crown Victoria Calif. Highway Patrol Jul
CS90325 Ford Excursion -NYPD Jul
CS90326 Bell 206 Los Angeles City Fire Dept. Jul
CS90327 Ford Crown Victoria Illinois State Police Jul
DAYS GONE diecast releases July to December 2004
STEAM
DG101003 Sentinel 6 Wheel dropside Graham JUL
DG097006 S4 Sentinel with barrels, Courvoisier JUL
DG091012 Foden Steam Wagon Haulage JUL
DG125008 Showman's John Richards JUL
DG126005 Road Roller A H Thomson & Son JUL
DRINKS
DG006189 Model T Ford Orange Squash AUG
DG013095 Model A Van Corona Lemonade AUG
DG016046 Dennis Parcels Van Lambs Navy Rum AUG
DG041021 Karrier E6 Trolley Bus Nesquik AUG
DG051022 Box Van Baileys AUG
EDDIE STOBART
DG051023 Box Van Eddie Stobart SEP
DG006190 Model T Ford Eddie Stobart SEP
DG013096 Model A Van Eddie Stobart SEP
DG016047 Dennis Parcels Van Eddie Stobart SEP
DG197001 A35 Van Eddie Stobart SEP
FOOD
DG109007 Open Top Tram Bisto OCT
DG059035 Bedford 30cwt Truck Ryvita OCT
DG050058 Bullnose Van Poptart OCT
DG003021 Horse Drawn Float United Dairies OCT
DG063033 Bedford 30cwt Frys Chocolate Soldiers OCT
HOME & LIFESTYLE
DG070008 1930's Canvas Back Truck Camay NOV
DG067013 3 Ton Articulated Truck Dettol NOV
DG049026 AEC Double Decker Bus LUX NOV
DG006191 Model T Ford Windolene NOV
DG173007 Bedford CA Van Woman's Realm NOV
COMICS
DG043042 15cwt Van Adventure DEC
DG044042 Scammell 6-Wheeler The Hotspur DEC
DG071029 LD150 Van The Rover DEC
DG050059 Bullnose Van The Skipper DEC
DG021060 10cwt Light Van The Wizard DEC
SPECIAL EDITION SETS
KG4004 Kellogg's Rice Krispies SEP
BU1002 Bunty comic NOV
TRACKSIDE 1:76 diecast releases July to December
DG186002 ERF LV flat, wood load Brian Harris JUL
DG175007 Scammell Handyman flatbed trailer with
steel load BRS JUL
DG150009 Foden S21 Tanker Albion Sugar Co JUL
DG176012 Leyland 8 whl dropside Marston Bricks JUL
DG148011 Scammell Scarab flat United Glass AUG
DG176013 Leyland 8 wheel tanker Taunton Cider AUG
DG187003 Guy Big J tipper Eddie Stobart Ltd AUG
DG146009 Guy Pantechnicon Waring & Gillow SEP
DG175008 Scammell Handyman, low load trailer and
reel load British Rail SEP
DG176014 Leyland 8 wheel platform British Rail SEP
DG175009 Scammell Handyman Tanker Esso OCT
DG187004 Guy Big J Tipper Pointer OCT
DG148012 Scammell Scarab box artic British Rail OCT
DG186003 ERF LV Sheeted Trailer Pollock NOV
DG174007 Noddy Van Pickfords NOV
DG146010 Guy Pantechnicon Weetabix NOV
DG186004 ERF LV platform Ken Thomas DEC
DG150010 Foden S21 tanker Tunnel Glucose DEC
DG187005 Guy Big J tipperLondon Brick Co DEC
DG176015 Leyland 8 whl dropside Glasso Paint DEC
TV, FILM & CARTOON series diecast July-December
BATMAN
US77601 2004 Batmobile 1:18 JUL
US77501 1960 Batmobile 1:24 JUL
US77404 2000 Batcycle 1:6 JUL
US77302 2004 Batmobile 1:43 JUN
US77308 2003 Batmobile 1:43 OCT
US77304 1950 Jokermobile 1:43 AUG
US77307 1980 Batmobile 1:43 AUG
US77301 1960 Batmobile 1:43 JUN
US77309 1940 Batmobile 1:43 JUN
US77305 1970 Batmobile 1:43 JUN
US77303 1990 Batmobile 1:43 OCT
RED DWARF
TY96401 Red Dwarf JUN
TY96402 Starbug JUN
TY96501 Red Dwarf, Starbug and figures AUG
AVIATION ARCHIVE 1:72 diecast July to December
World War II LEGENDS
AA32507 Junkers Ju-87R-2 'A5+HH', 1./StG1, 1941 Jul
AA33105 Mitsubishi A6M3-22 Zero 201st AG, CPO
Takeo Okamura July
AA33809 P-47D Boche Buster, Lt. F Christensen July
AA31105 Boeing B-17F (1:144) Knock Out Dropper,
359th BS/303rd BG July
MODERN FIGHTER LEGENDS
AA32409 Hawker Siddelely Harrier GR.1, XV762, 233
OCU, RAF Wittering, Cambs. 1975 July
AA33607 Panavia Tornado GR4, ZA462/AJ-P, 617 Sqn.
RAF Lossiemouth, Moray, Scotland 03 July
AA33211 McDonnell F-4C Phantom USAF 171st FIS/
191st FIG Michigan ANG, Selfridge MI July
AA32308 English Electric Lightning F3, XR718/C, 56
Squadron, RAF Wattisham, Suffolk,1965 July
D DAY 60th ANNIVERSARY
AA32809 DH Mosquito FB VI HR118, 235 Sqn 44 July
AA32007 Hawker Hurricane Mk IIC RAF, 83 OTU Sep
WORLD WAR II: South East Asia Command
AA32006 Hawker Hurricane Mk IIC 258 Sqn, Race-
course, Ceylon, January 1943 Aug
AA34009 Consolidated Liberator Mk.VI, 215 Sqn, RAF
SEAC, Digri, Bengal,India Oct
AA34802 Vickers Wellington MkX 99 Sqn Burma Dec
WORLD WAR II ? ATTACK BY NIGHT
AA34801 Vickers Wellington MkIA 9 Sqn, 1939 Sep
AA33705 Heinkel He111H-6 1G+HK, 2/KGr 27, 43 Sep
AA34901 Messerschmitt Bf109G/R3/R6 (1:32)
2/JG300, Germany, Summer1944 Oct
AA34603 DH Mosquito B IX (1:32) ML907, HS-B, 109
Sqn, Late 1944 Nov
AA34305 FW-190A-4 SG2, Tunisia, 1943 Nov
AA31908 Supermarine Spitfire MkVB W3848, JU-H,
111 Squadron, Debden, December 1941 Dec
THUNDER IN THE SKIES: Modern Military Air Power
AA31203 Avro.Vulcan K2 tanker XJ7825, 50 Sqn 82 Jul
AA34106 Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer S.Mk.50, 24
Squadron, SAAF, Waterkloof, SA 1970 Aug
AA33608 Panavia Tornado IDS, MFG-1, German Navy,
Schleswig, Germany, 1988 Sep
AA33410 Westland Sea King HAS.1, 824 Squadron,
HMS Ark Royal,1971 Oct
AA32708 Hawker Hunter F Mk.58A J-4025, Swiss AF
La Patrouille Suisse Aerobatic Team 94 Nov
AA34205 Boeing-Vertol CH-47C Chinook 12 Sqn,
RAAF, Amberley ,QLD, Australia,1988 Dec
THE SUEZ CRISIS
AA34701 English Electric Canberra B Mk 2 RAF Aug
AA33010 Vought F4U-7 Corsair, Flotille 15F, French
Navy, Suez Campaign,1956 Oct
AA99151 DH Mosquito PR16 + NA P-51D Mustang,
Israeli AF Suez Campaign 1956 set Dec
WAR IN THE PACIFIC: THE BATTLE OF OKINAWA
AA33009 F4U-1D VMF-312, Okinawa, 1945 July
AA34404 P51D Mustang (1:32) Jumpin' Jaques, 3rd
FS/5th AF, Okinawa Sep
THE BATTLE FOR MONTE CASSINO
AA34010 B-24 Liberator Pistol Packin' Mama Aug
AA33305 Boeing B-17G 2nd Patches, 346th BS/99th
BG, Tortorella, Italy, May1944 Oct
AA34902 Messerschmitt Bf109G (1:32) Black Double
Chevron, Major Franz Gotz,III./JG53 Nov
AA32212 P-51D Mustang Tempus Fugit, Col. William A
Daniel, 308th FS/31st FG Dec 18.99
MODERN WARFARE
AA33506 Boeing B-52H Op Iraqi Freedom Oct
AA34702 Martin RB-57A 363rd TRW 55 Nov
AA31805 Boeing B-29 Atomic Tom 19th BG 30th
BS, Korea1950 Dec
CORGI TOY RELEASES diecast July to December
NODDY
TY89017 Noddy Car Set with Figures JUN
POSTMAN PAT
TY88707 Postman Pat Diecast Vehicle Set JUN
LITTLE RED TRACTOR
TY88609 Little Red Tractor Vehicle Set JUN
TY88606 Little Red Tractor Accessory Set SEP
TY88608 Sparky Accessory Set SEP
TY88607 Big Blue Accessory Set SEP
BUS STOP
EFE LATEST NEWS
By Frank Joyce
At the beginning of April, at Cobham Museum's open running day,
Exclusive First Editions showed production samples of our newAEC 10T10,
which caused a great amount of interest.
As most bus enthusiasts know, the prototype Routemaster RM1 appeared in
1954, followed in 1955 by RM2 and then the main production buses in
1956.
The 50th Anniversary of the Routemaster is being celebrated in many ways
and at EFE we are preparing a special treat for RM enthusiasts.
Exclusive First Editions, in conjunction with the London Transport
Museum, are making models of prototype Routemasters RM1 and RM2. The
original prototype RM1 will be available from normal stockists. Red RM1
and green RM 2 will be in a special gift set, available only from the
London Transport Museum. The models come at an opportune time to support
London Transport Museum as it prepares to close for an expensive major
rebuild.
Exclusive First Editions are producing a model for this year's North
Weald Bus Rally at the end of June, featuring a Leyland STD.
The next 'Special Subscriber models for members of our club will be two
further Australian Leyland TD1 buses in the liveries of Cronulla and
Brighton Mascot Railway, only available in extremely small quantities.
Recent releases from Exclusive First Editions
20431 Bristol VRIII Brighton & Hove
29502 Plaxton Panorama Type B United
29701 Leyland Olympian Type C Badgerline
17216 Leyland National Mk I Stagecoach new livery
29802 Wright Dennis Lance Westen National
16321 Bristol LS Jones of Aberbeeg
29901 AEC Regal 10T10 Greenline
15634 RM Routemaster Stagecoach Magicbus
16124 Leyland PD2 Highbridge Bradford City
20203 Leyland STD Class Bus London Transport
28808 Leyland Titan 2 door Metroline
24322 BET Leyland Tiger Cub Stratford Blue
26804 Leyland PS Duple Wallace Arnold
99926 Special Four Carriage Set 1962 Central Line
20432 Bristol VRIII Devon General
27505 Wright Scania Axcess Midland Bluebird
25403 Manchester MCW Fleetline City of Cardiff
99643 MGB/Sprite/TR2/Vitesse touring car set
27613 Wright Volvo Renown Brighton & Hove
11113 Leyland RTL1 London Transport
99645 Leyland TD1 Closed Rear Todmorden LMS
17701 Leyland National Mk I Long Colchester
16216 Bristol MW Coach Royal Blue
29603 Leyland Olympian Solent Blueline
29101 Daimler DMS 2 Door Metrobus
29503 Plaxton Panorama Type B Yelloway
22105 AEC Ergo artic box van British Road Ferry
25304 AEC Duple Half Cab Southern National
29005 GM Standard Fleetline Swindon Thamesdown
30201 RM1 Routemaster Prototype London Transport
CLUB NEWS
Collated by Rod Ward
Maidenhead Static Model Club: The MSMC held its Annual General Meeting
in March.
There was only one change to the committee, as Les Duplock was welcomed
back as the newsletter editor. Les has already put his inimitable stamp
on Wheel Bearings, with a 'cover-mount' by 'Del Cruddo' of the ultimate
partwork. 'Build your own half size replica of Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Here is your first part FREE! Normally £4.99'. The first part is a
washer in a poly bag. This partwork puts many other less generous offers
in the shade. Welcome back, Les.
I look forward to more fun offerings.
The Club is pleased with the continued success of Windsor Toyfair.
Whilst other established events report a downfall in attendance, Windsor
reports an increase in both trade and public visitors. March is also
trophy presentation time. Alan Simpson received the John Parker Trophy
for the second year in succession, for winning the most points in club
night display competitions. The Harry Gunner Trophy went to Paul Rowley
for his outstanding chops, legendary within the MSMC. The Tony Gleave
Trophy went to a surprised Bill Alexander for his exceptional efforts as
newsletter editor for six years.
If you'd like to share your enthusiasm for your hobby with fellow
collectors, how about joining the MSMC? Contact Membership Secretary
Alan Simpson on 01494 813903.
South Hants Model Auto Club: The cover of the latest issue of the SHMAC
magazine features Editors Sue and Stu Leake with other members
surrounded Sir Stirling Moss OBE at the Stoneleigh Park event, as
reported in the previous issue of MAR. I mentioned then that Stirling
Moss has been the hero of both Sue and Stu since their childhood. As a
special treat therefore, I found an old boys' story paper, the Wizard
from December 1951, when the Moss career was in its early stages. It is
reproduced in the print version of MAR 183, with 'Mr Stirling Moss'
pictured top right in a Kieft. Was that car included in the Moss-themed
display organised by the SHMAC? You don't have to be a Mossophile to be
a member, but it might help, if you want to join the SHMAC. The club
welcomes new members. Ring Secretary Dave Painter on 01264 366408.
West Australian Model Collectors Club: Ian Hind, editor of the WAMCC
Club publication, Showcase, notes that, working in the centre of Perth,
he is surrounded by several quality model shops. How lucky he is. That
sounds like European or North American cities of a decade ago. Not many
of our cities now have more than one shop, and they can rarely be
described as 'quality'. Maybe we should all move to Perth, enjoy the
shops, the weather and join the club. All we have to do is phone Ian
Hind on 934 9369 or email him on jhind@iinet.net.au
Wessex Model and Toy Collectors: New WMTC Chairman John Roberts doesn't
have much of an opinon of off-roaders, which he calls 'sheds'. His
description of the Porsche Cayenne is a 'frog that swallowed the Direct
Line wheeled telephone'. He reports on the absence of punters (and
dearth of stock on tables) at a recent Salisbury evening swapmeet. 'I
wonder if all evening meets are like this?' he asks. Editor of the club
newsletter Wessex Smaltalk, Barry Lloyd, always takes every opportunity
to exercise his sense of humour. Here is a recent choice snippet:
Politicians are like nappies. they should be changed often, and usually
for the same reason. If you'd enjoy a diet of this kind of fun coming
through your letterbox every month, why not join the WMTC? All you have
to do is phone Barry on 0117 986 6503.
BOOK REVIEWS
WYNNS: ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE by Mike Forbes. Published by Marquis Models,
The Old Marquis, London Road, Wollaston, Northants NN29 7QP. A4
softbound, 106 pages, profusely illustrated. £12.50.
MAR readers can save £2.00 on post paid prices: £12.50 post free UK,
£13.50 Europe, £15.50 rest of world (usually £2.00 more inc p&p).
Mention MAR when ordering, cheques or POs payable to Marquis Models, no
credit cards, sorry.
Mike will be best known to MAR readers as the Editor of Diecast
Collector magazine. In addition to a fascinating photo-history of the
Wynns heavy haulage company there are many pictures of scale models of
Wynns vehicles, from the collection of the late Roland Parry, many of
them first published in DC. Anyone interested in the history of
transporting awkward and indivisible loads around Britain will want to
add this book to their library. A superb selection of black and white
and colour pictures includes a shot of the new Wynns heavy transport
barge, which recently moved a Concorde by sea from England to
Scotland. Rod Ward
Hebble Super Prestige Series 4, by Keith Healey and Nicholas Harris,
published by Venture Publications Limited, 128 Pikes Lane, Glossop,
Derbyshire. SK13 8EH. 170 x 240 mm, 96 pages. Profusely illustrated.
ISBN 1 898432 86 4. £16.95.
Hebble, named after a local brook in Halifax, had one of the smallest
operating areas of any British bus company. It became established in the
bus business only after overcoming e entrenched opposition of local
authorities, were protecting their own tram and bus services. They
objected to anyone else carrying fare-paying passengers within their
service area, yet they did not operate outside their own towns. Hebble
offered services between towns from 1924, responding to public demand,
in spite of harassment by the local police, and court actions. In the
end only intervention by central government resolved the situation. The
tough working conditions in the wintry Pennines are seen clearly by the
photographs in this well-illustrated book. Hebble came under the control
of BET in 1932, then National Bus Company from 1969 to 1974. A final
period as part of coach company National Travel from 1974 to 1988 brings
the story to a close. Rod Ward
West Riding: 1. Super Prestige Series 6, by David Allan, published by
Venture Publications Limited, 128 Pikes Lane, Glossop, Derbyshire. SK13
8EH. 170 x 240 mm, 96 pages. Profusely illustrated. ISBN 1 898432 95 3.
£16.95.
In the 1950s West Riding (WR) was the largest British independent bus
company in private hands. Centred on Wakefield, its operating area
covered much of the Yorkshire coalfield and extended eastwards to the
Vale of York. A local tramway from 1904 led to bus operations from the
1920s, in competition with two firms set up by the Bullock family, B&S
(part of WR from 1950) and South Yorkshire (taken over by WR in 1994).
The story of WR is, to many bus enthusiasts, tied to the Guy Wulfrunian,
which the company helped to develop from 1959 onwards. 132 of the 137
Wulfrunians built saw service with the Wakefield concern. It suffered
reliability and maintenance problems, so after a decade of struggle, the
Gardner engines were transferred to new and better Daimler Fleetlines!
These problems contributed to WR's decision to sell out to the
nationalised Transport Holding Co, later National Bus Co (NBC) in 1967.
The 1985 Transport Act forced the NBC to privatise the bus companies it
owned, however, and WR came under the ownership of a management buyout,
Caldaire Holdings, which in turn sold out to British Bus Group in 1995.
In 1996 Cowie Group took over and rebranded their bus businesses as
Arriva, the WR subsidiary of which was renamed Yorkshire Bus Group. Got
that? Good; I'll be asking questions later. This complex and fascinating
story (I must confess, a total mystery to me up to now, even though the
buses passed the MAR Editorial window) is well told and superbly
illustrated. Rod Ward
Malta Bus Album. Colour Prestige series 4, By John A Senior, Published
by Venture Publications Limited, 128 Pikes Lane, Glossop, Derbyshire.
SK13 8EH. 245 x 180 mm hardbound, 80 pages, profusely illustrated,
mostly in colour. ISBN 1 898432 77 5. £16.95.
This book covers the bus scene in Malta from the 1950s to today.
Visitors to the island have witnessed a live museum with 40 year old
vehicles still in service, but not for much longer, as they are being
replaced with modern buses from China, Poland, Turkey and other
countries. This book shows the variety of vehicles that have operated
on the island and explains some of the background to the old fleet, much
of which locally bodied on British chassis, many from trucks. 240 fully
built British buses were imported in the 1980s, with unsuitable
sealed-shut windows, not replaced with sliders until 1995. Most of the
characterful locally bodied buses have already been scrapped, as there
was a ban on bus exports until 2000, and few left since, though many bus
museums would have been happy to adopt a Malta bus. There is now talk of
a bus museum on the island to house the best survivors. Rod
Ward
Art of the Automobile in Miniature by Gerald and Phyllis Wingrove,
Published by Crowood Press. ISBN 1 86126 632 4. Hardbound, 303 x 218 mm,
135 pages, £25.00 UK. ($39.95).
This isn't a formal review, more a commentary, as the Editor has already
published his own piece Exit Gerald in MAR 179. Reading my own copy of
this book, which I much enjoyed, an interesting point occurred to me. We
all know Gerald Wingrove's modelmaking skills are several orders of
magnitude higher than those of mere mortals like us.
In this book, Gerald the maestro includes numerous hints and tips, the
idea being to help us make models just like his efforts. Of course, Mr
Wingrove's style is disarmingly modest, but this seems to be the general
drift ofhis comments. But I think the illustrious Mr Wingrove is
actually having a bit of harmless fun in his latest book. Quite likely,
he knows perfectly well that not not one reader in 10,000 could
reproduce his efforts just by following his hints and studying the
excellent photographs of the models. In the same vein, Mozart might have
written a book on composing music, or Rembrandt could have penned How to
Paint Just Like Me. Gerald Wingrove remains safe at the top of the
model-making tree, and no amount of hints and tips will teach others to
copy him. I trust Gerald Wingrove is enjoying a well-earned retirement.
His books make fascinating reading about his career. Robert P Gunn
Editor's Note: It may seem unlikely, but Gerald genuinely believes that
anyone can do what he does. He was really surprised at the reaction to
his business coming up for sale, when so many folk said that they'd love
to buy it, but couldn't match his standards. He thought I was taking the
mickey when I passed on their views. He is certain that if only people
were exposed to it, anyone can do it. Phyllis and Gerald have now sold
their business and are planning to move to a sunnier clime, as they miss
the weather in Phyllis's native South Africa.
Tram and light Rail Systems in England 2004 by Bob Rowe. Published by
Venture Publications Limited, 128 Pikes Lane, Glossop, Derbyshire. SK13
8EH, A6 size, 64 pages. Profusely illustrated. ISBN1 898432 97 X. £2.95.
This is a pocket guide to the new light rail systems now operating in
England, with a brief operating history of each, system diagrams and
full fleet details. Blackpool, Docklands Light Rail, Midland Metro,
Metrolink (Manchester), Nottingham, Supertram (Sheffield), Tramlink
(Croydon) and Tyne & Wear Metro are all covered here in a nice compact
format reminiscent of the old ABC fleet books. It was published to
coincide with the opening of the new system in Nottingham at the end of
March 2004, and fills a reference gap between railway system and bus
fleet books in the UK. Enthusiasts in other countries were rather
bemused by the British eagerness to get rid of their long-established
street tramways.
A few systems are now returning, and now eight are in operation. We have
to go back to 1952 to recall that many in England. In truth these new
systems resemble more closely inter-urban tramways or branch line
railways, rather then the old trams we used to love or hate. They often
operate on reserved tracks, some of them with long multiple units, and
they often stop at locations more like railway stations than bus or tram
stops. Stops near the ends of lines often have large car parks attached,
to encourage passengers to 'park and ride'. Preserved or 'museum'
systems are not included (Crich, Brighton, Beamish etc). Blackpool is
included, however, as it is a 'proper' system, and the only one
operating through the lifetime of both the old and new tramway concepts.
It will be interesting to see if many more of the proposed new systems
are added in the future, to the eight described here.
This is a very useful little book which addresses a transport subject
which has been largely ignored until now. Rod Ward
AMERICAN WHEELS: 1:43 scale handbuilt and diecast models of American
marque cars and light duty trucks, second revised edition by Jerry
Rettig. 210 x 275 mm spiral bound with clear vinyl cover. $50.00 (each
book weighs 1.25 lb). From: Jerry Rettig, American Wheels, 2985 N Walnut
Ave, Tucson, AZ 85712, USA.
A new revised version of this reference book has been published, listing
almost every American model car made in around 1:43 scale, nearly 4000
in all. First to be listed are 2000-plus handbuilt resin and white metal
models by marque, the second lists the same handbuilt models but by
maker. There is a list of 370-plus manufacturers with a subjective
quality rating of their models. A colour photo gallery of 250-plus and a
mono gallery of 30 more models is included. A bibliography of toy and
model car books is included. Two new sections cover displaying models
and modifying existing models to new
versions. Rod Ward
Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Bentley S series, various authors, English
text, 218 pages, 379 photographs, around 60 drawings. Paperbound. 200 x
270mm, ISBN 1-855-20645-5. Published by and available from Brooklands
Books Ltd, PO Box 146, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 1LG, UK.
When the Silver Cloud and S-type models were introduced in 1955, there
was no question in the popular mind that these cars were the best cars
in the world. By the time the last one was built, 11 years later, the
question had been raised not once but several times, and the answer had
not always been in favour of Britain's most famous car manufacturer.
This, however, does not reflect on the quality of the Clouds and
S-types, rather the rate at which other makers improved their products
in the 1950s and 1960s. The days of the individual, hand-crafted
Rolls-Royce were long gone by the time these cars came on the market.
The majority were delivered with Standard Steel coachwork, which was
indeed finished by hand but originated in the dies at Pressed Steel's
body pressing plant. The story of the Rolls Royce Silver Cloud and the
Bentley S series is traced through contemporary magazine articles.
Included are road tests, touring trials, new model reports and full
specificationson the Silver Cloud I,II and III, Bentley S1, S2, S3 and
Continental. Hans-Georg Schmitt
Maserati Cars Performance Portfolio 1982 -1998 Various authors, English
text. 138 pages, 230 b+w and 43 colour-photographs, some drawings.
Paperbound. 200 x 270 mm; ISBN 1-85520-5998. Published by and available
from Brooklands Books Ltd, PO Box 146, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1LG, UK
Maserati is a great Italian name but one which has been given relatively
little attention by book publishers. The three volumes of this latest
Brooklands set (the others cover 1957-70 and 1971-82) aim to offer
enthusiasts an opportunity to rediscover how the cars were viewed in
their day, with reprints of test and driving reports about the Maserati
cars, written at the time, when the cars came first time on the road.
Road, track and comparison tests, new model introductions and buying
guides are expressive about models and make.
Hans-Georg Schmitt
Sturmpanzerwagen A7V Vom Urpanzer zum Kampfpanzer Leopard 2, Various
authors, German text. 480 pages, 388 b+w and 28 colour photographs, 100
drawings and battle sketches. Hardbound 215 x 275 mm. ISBN
3-7637-6243-4. Published by and available from Bernard & Graefe Vertag,
Heilsbachstrasse 26; D-53123 Bonn, Germany
In this book development of the first German Tank in the Great War I is
told and its enemy vehicles are shown. It came into service in Spring
1918. too late to bring a change in the course of the war. A special
chapter shows the efforts needed to rebuild this interesting vehicle
from German military history to end of the 1980s. Also explained is the
development of German tanks from the lost first war to second world war
and the re-birth of German Tank Force in the new German Bundeswehr. The
book is containing highly interesting informations for all who are
interested in military history and who like to build military miniature
vehicles. Hans-Georg Schmitt
GASSER WARS: Drag Racing's Street Classes 1955-1968 by Larry Davis,
hardbound 258 x 262 mm, 191 pages, profusely illustrated. ISBN
1-884089-77-1. Published by CarTech Inc, 39966 Grand Avenue, North
Branch, MN 55056, USA. Distributed in Britain by Brooklands Books in
Australia by Brooklands Books Aus.
Regular readers may remember my enthusiastic review a couple of years
ago of Super Stock, the sister volume to this new book, also written by
Larry Davis. As with the Super Stock era, Larry had the huge advantage
of actually being there at the time, often as an active competitor. And
in this book he enlists the help of many drag racing people, both
drivers and fans. A surprising number were using colour film in the
1960s, with the happy result that most pictures in the book are in
colour. Gassers were petrol-engined drag cars, based on street models
and sometimes supercharged. There were many different classes, based on
weight, wheelbase and so on, and Davis describes these clearly. He takes
us through the whole story, up till the time when rule changes finally
brought the Gasser era to a close, around 1968. Anyone who liked Super
Stock will love this book. It is available in Britain for about £30.00
and is recommended. Robert P Gunn
