CONTENTS of the print edition
Model Auto Review 213
Publication 7 June 200704 Ford Fiesta part 2 Dave Turner, England 08 Kojak Don Elliott, USA • Wacky Races Don Elliott, USA 11 News Kenna 12 Lagonda Ron Gersbank, South Africa 13 O&K Dragline Tony Steenmeyer, NL 14 Letters 16 Eko Jaguar Maz Woolley, England • Parker Maz Woolley, England 20 HO at Wal-Mart Maz Woolley, England 22 Taxi Topics Brian Warne, England 23 American Notes Ben van Roode, NL 24 Siku Horst Macalka, Austria 26 News Militaria: Revell, Roco 27 News Starline 28 4x4 Softies Jean-Louis Pothin, France 30-33 News Cars 34 News Brumm 35 News Truckstop 38 News Europe 39 News New Ray: Hans-Georg Schmitt 40 Avia Mini 42 News Minichamps, Avenger Tiger 43 Competitions 44 Book Reviews 45 Club news Collated by Rod Ward 46 300SL 50th Anniversary Hans-Georg Schmitt, Germany 48 News World: Lansdowne, Schuco, Carpin, Minichamps 56 Techno Classica Essen: the 19th event: Models found among the exhibitors by Hans-Georg Schmitt, Germany 58 EFE Frank Joyce, England, captions page 60: Emergency 59 Modeltrans Victor Otero, captions page 61: Buses and taxi
EDITORIAL
by Rod WardARE YOU GOING SKI-ING?
As this issue is being finalised I am looking forward to my two week summer break, and marvelling at so many of my contemporaries who are on ‘permanent holiday’ (ie retired). Much is made in newspapers of the potential market among the over-50s, who have the majority of spending power and leisure time in which to spend it. Firms who specialise in the SKI-ing market are in the most successful business sector today. (SKI-ing? Spending the Kids’ Inheritance, of course). The attitude of these firms implies that ‘oldies’ are just passive consumers, incapable of contributing anything. MAR proves that the opposite is the case. Our articles and news come mostly from those in their 60s to 80s, and many small manufacturers upon whose products we report are in their 50s to 70s. We are not just passive targets for stair lifts, retirement homes, ‘investment’ advice and walk-in baths (how come the water doesn’t all gush out when they open the door?). We MARtians (as a contributor calls us) have more to contribute. Our productive lives don’t stop just because we have bus passes in our pockets. See you in July...
RETAILERS HARD PRESSED
The model market is suffering from under-supply. In spite of all the big 2007 release lists, new models are only slowly dribbling out to retailers, many of whom are finding it hard to cover costs. Dumping of ex-partwork models at giveaway prices doesn’t help; models sold at 80% discount reduce profits by 80% too.
TOY CAR COLLECTOR
MAR will no longer be acting as the host publication for Toy Car Collector Magazine (TCCM). Dana Johnson says, ‘I have decided to try producing TCCM as on online e-zine’. Dana and his team of contributors were unable to produce a flow of material enabling MAR to include a dedicated TCCM section within this magazine. We wish Dana well with his TCCM e-zine project: we will follow it with interest.
A MYSTERY SOLVED?
In MAR 212 we noted that Hongwell had announced a new series of British Classic Cars, which replicated Corgi’s Vanguards 1:43 listing exactly. This seemed like a pretty strange idea; why would anyone just produce a clone of someone else’s range, whilst not taking the opportunity to make some different subjects?
I may now have the answer. It seems that a partwork publisher asked Corgi if they were interested in producing a series called (you guessed it) British Classic Cars, and assembled a list of potential subjects from Corgi’s 2007 catalogue. In the confusion following Corgi’s change of ownership, they offered the project, with the identical list, to other ranges, including Hongwell. The Chinese firm either assumed that they had secured the contract, or at least wanted see if the range would sell on the general market, so they announced it. I am assured that no partwork contract has been signed as yet (if it ever will be), so it is not clear if Hongwell’s British Classic Cars will be made. They might make them anyway...
MAR MUSIC FESTIVAL 2007: THE BALHAM BALLADEER
By Rod WardFrom time to time I comment on the multifarious talents of our contributors. As someone with absolutely no musical ability whatever, but someone in whose life music plays a big part, I always admire those who can make their own music. In my library I have music from many MAR contributors and readers, most of them too professional and too famous to mention. There are also CDs from ‘semi-professionals’ (ie those who once made a living out of music, or who earn a little money from it now). These include Pete Kenna’s ‘Dynamite’ group, Gunnar Bernstrup’s very professionally-produced album and John Alderslade’s west country ballads.
The latest addition to my library comes from a surprising source. Graeme Ogg has been writing songs for nearly half a century, since he left school in 1960. He has now produced a 16-track CD, Blemished Pearls, mostly of his own compositions, on which he sings and plays piano, keyboard and guitar. The CD is great fun; Graeme’s slight Aberdonian accent has survived his sojourn in Balham, and it gives his performances a tinge of the Incredible String Band, or perhaps even Ivor Cutler (of Y’hup OMP). When he had a ‘proper job’, before his retirement from the Civil Service, Graeme worked as a translator, so it is inevitable that one of the songs is not in English. It is in French, composed in Belgium, but Graeme kindly provides a translation of the lyrics. If any of his many fans wish to order a copy of the CD, just email Graeme at graeme.ogg @ btconnect.com
American Notes
By Ben van RoodeI am excited about the two models MotorMax recently released in their new 1:24 series called Fresh Cherries. In American slang the word cherry means something like cool or outstanding. Or is it a Chinese joke? The idea behind these series is cool indeed. Who would bring out models like the boring, forgettable 1974 Ford Pinto or 1974 AMC Gremlin? Not the most prestigious cars on earth. So let us applaud MotorMax for making these pretty models which are of ‘average’ quality. Just like the real cars? And, even better, there are more to come. Like a 1985 Plymouth Horizon and Dodge Omni. Or what about 1971 Mercury Comet, 1974 Chevy Vega and 1979 Chrysler Le Baron Town and Country. All for around $10 in the USA and €12.50 in Holland. American differential pricing?
This brings me to the pricing of diecast models. These cost 30% more in Europe than in the US. Lower taxes and deduction of local sales tax must make a big difference. If I order models from the USA, it still works out cheaper than buying them here in the Netherlands, even if you include shipping costs and customs charges. American trucks in model form I obtained some 1:43 scale New Ray trucks from their vintage series. These cost $12.95 in the States. They are more than acceptable, though plasticky. From Athearn I ordered a Ford C series box van from the late 1950s in Union Pacific colours. This one costs a bit more, at $26.50, but is a heavy metal truck with a diecast body. Beautiful. Tamiya has produced a large plastic kit of the Dragon tank transporter used by the US armed forces in the Second World War. And this year Forces of Valor will release a 1:72 model of the same very impressive truck.
It was the largest truck operated in the war. Bruder is a German company that makes a large range of big-scale plastic models. These are sturdy toys, mostly trucks and farm models. See them at www.bruder.de This year their most impressive items are models of Mack Granite concrete trucks and garbage trucks. I wish I was still a little kid, so I could play with them. New Ray have added 24 1:43 trucks to their range. Five truck types with four different bodies.
American firms in difficulties?
The Ertl company has been put up for sale after a poor financial year. Ertl’s parent company RC2 wants to get rid of it. I do not see any new car models coming from them, but not very long ago some new farm machinery was released. Johnny Lightning will not be sold, but they will in future steer away from the collector’s market and instead will target their products more at young children. But that is no problem because, if I remember a quote from the Bible correctly, if you are not like a little child, you will not go to heaven...
MORE BUSCH HO
By Hans-Georg SchmittRecent additions to their range of 1:87 plastic models by Busch of Germany:
42204 Multicar small municipal vehicle; Fire Department Brandenburg Emergency vehicle with snow plough. 43005 Toyota Land Cruiser in Zebra livery, typical of vehicles used in Safari parks. 44655 Dodge Ram van Baltimore City Fire Department Fire fighting vehicle. 44980 US ‘Airstream’-style caravan 1950s, now available without a tow vehicle. Its aluminium finish looks very authentic. 47386 Peugeot Boxer Bavarian Red Cross ‘Water-Watch’ Hersbruck, Bavaria. Inside the vehicle we can glimpse compressed air bottles 47409 Ford Probe Ninja 47557 Ford Mustang Historic Touring Car Trophy #101 in Gulf blue with orange stripes. Inside the car you can see the roll-cage and it also has chromed brake discs. 48522 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Emergency Doctor’s vehicle of North Vorpommern, Germany. 48542 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Facelift Taxi Berlin. 48974 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet in Zebra livery, no doubt for the city jungle. 48993 Smart Fortwo Hesse Broadcasting in blue with a foldable antenna. 49222 Audi A4 saloon Driving School with roof sign. 49457 Mercedes-Benz E-Class T-Model estate DRK, German Red Cross, local branch Reutlingen. 49462 Mercedes-Benz E-Class T-Model estate of the fire department of the city of Trier, which was founded by the Romans.
The Story of Siku
The Siku story began in 1921, when German inflation was burgeoning. Richard Sieper founded a casting firm in Luedenscheid, still the home of Sieper-Werke. He made inexpensive consumer goods between the wars, such as aluminium cutlery and ashtrays, and developed new products made of hitherto unknown thermoplastic synthetic materials. In 1950 the company registered the brand name SIKU, from SIeper KUnststoffe (Plastics). Siku exhibited at the first Nuremberg Toy Fair toys made of plastics including a farm with animals. In the following years the product range was expanded further. In 1954 the first 32 Siku 1:60 plastic vehicles were made, in contrast to their main competitor at that time, Wiking, who were making 1:87 (HO scale) models.
In 1959, with Germans flying once more, Siku released their first 20 1:250 model aircraft.
In 1963 they began production of their first 16 zinc diecast models. Today there are 250in the range. In 1983 the 1:32 Siku Farmer series was introduced, This would become one of the most successful Siku ranges. In 1984 Siku took over the long-established Berlin-based company Wiking Modellbau, who make 1:87 and 1:160 plastic vehicles. In 1993 the new Siku logo was created.
1995 saw construction of a new logistics centre in Luedenscheid, a 25m high, fully automated storage centre with space for 6000 pallets. In 2002 the 1:32 Siku Farmer Classic range was launched with detailed vintage tractor models. Then in 2004 Siku Control 32 meant that for the first time Siku tractor models could move electronically with remote control; the range began with two tractors. In 2005 the Siku Control 32 range gained two electronically controlled powered trailers, compatible with all Siku Farmer tractors and accessories. In the same year, the 1:50 Siku Super Classic range was launched, including highly detailed vintage fire appliances. The Lanz-Eil-Bulldog was launched in 2006 in the Slku Control 32 series, with speed-related realistic sound effects. For 2007 Slku Control 32 launched a new radio-controlled range, starting with a new MAN truck with a low loading semi-trailer. Siku is also taking a new direction this year by making its first horse-drawn carriages.
Today the company has 344 employees, and the Managing Directors are Volker Sieper and Ulrich Urban. Their main export countries are Benelux, France, Britain, Austria, Switzerland, Scandinavia, USA and Ireland.
Thanks to Sieper GmbH, Schlittenbacher Strasse 60, 0-58511 Luedenscheid, Germany
Catalogue Corner: Siku
By Horst MacalkaSIKU is one of the last model car makers which still issues small- format catalogues free of charge in the traditional way, like old Matchbox or Corgi catalogues.
These catalogues have always been nicely produced; from 1968 there were some colour pages, along with eight pages printed in blue on white, like old Canadian Dinky Toy catalogues. After this, the catalogues were always in full colour.
Here are shown some examples from my collection, and I have their 2007 catalogue, though only one shop in Vienna still offers free catalogues.
1968: 16 pages, eight of them in colour. All models are 1:60 scale, from V218 Porsche diesel tractor to V275 car transporter.
1969: Horizontal format, like a Norev catalogue of that period. A very nice picture of an Autobahn on the front. 24 pages; Siku catalogues do not hve numbered pages. This includes models from V218 Porsche diesel tractor to V288 Aral tanker.
1970: Horizontal format, 24 pages; again models from V218 Porsche diesel tractor to advance news of the new V306 Binz ambulance and V313 ADAC Strassenwacht road service vehicle.
1971: Horizontal format, 24 pages; from V218 Porsche diesel tractor to V325 Menck excavator
1972: Horizontal format, 24 pages; models shown are again from V218 Porsche diesel tractor to V332 Metz airfield fire appliance.
1974: From now on all catalogues are in the smaller size and shape, 28 pages; including models from V294 Jaguar to V355 Aral petrol station kit.
1975-76: Almost square format, 32 pages, showing models from 1010 Porsche 911 to 3712 Aral petrol station kit.
1976-77: Same format, 32 pages. Models from 1029 Volkswagen Passat to 2818 Gepard tank.
1977-78: Small, vertical format 32 page catalogue. Models from 1022 Volkswagen 1300 to 2216 Michigan tractor dozer.
1992-93: Small horizontal format 32 page catalogue. Models from 1801 digger to 1953 Deutz rotary mower.
1993-94: Same size catalogue, 28 pages. Models from 1926 Boeing 747 (Siku began diecast aircaft production that year) to 3427 Mercedes 500 SEL.
2005: Small vertical shape, 34 pages. Showing new releases for January 2005, 1001 to 7069, up to 2252NL vacuum tanker.
2006: Same size as 2005, 48 pages. Showing new releases for January
2006, 0863 to 7412, up to 3121NL Urban city bus.
Starline Plans for 2007
Via Hans-Georg SchmittHere are the Starline Models planned for current and future release, all diecast in China for Germany. Cars are 1:43 scale, motorcycles are 1:24 scale.
Note that items listed as ‘later’ have no specified release date as yet. Some of these models were pictured on MAR page 212.35.
Alfa Romeo 510912 Alfa Romeo 1750 1968 Dutch Blue 510929 Alfa Romeo 1750 1968 Medium Grey 510936 Alfa Romeo 1750 1968 Prune 510943 Alfa Romeo 1750 1968 Le Mans Azure Autobianchi 506816 A112 1971 red 506823 A112 1971 blue 506830 A112 1971 grey 506847 A112 1971 brown 509114 Y10 1986 sky blue 509138 Y10 1986 red 509121 Y10 1986 green 509145 Y10 1986 grey DKW 509817 Munga 4 NATO open 609814 Munga 4 NATO closed 509824 Munga 4 Fire service open 609821 Munga 4 Fire service closed Fiat 000000 1100 R Familiare later 506519 1100 Special 1960 blue 000000 1100 TV 1959 later 506618 124 Spider 1969 silver 506625 124 Spider 1969 black 506632 124 Spider 1969 red 506649 124 Spider 1969 blue 000000 124 Abarth Rally 1972 later 000000 124 Sport Coupé 1969 later 000000 125 Special 1968 later 507127 126 1972 turquoise 507110 126 1972 yellow 510318 130 saloon 1969 Red Amaranto 510325 130 saloon 1969 dark Grey 510332 130 saloon 1969 Azure 510349 130 saloon 1969 Black 000000 130 Coupé 1971 later 000000 131 Mirafiori 1974 later 000000 2300 Coupé 1961 later 000000 2300 Cabriolet later 000000 500L 1968 later 000000 508 Balilla Berlinetta MM 1935 later 104517 Barchetta 1995 green 104524 Barchetta 1995 blue 104531 Barchetta 1995 red Lamborghini 511216 350 GTV 1963 Green Met open lights, 611213 350 GTV 1963 Green Met. closed lights, 511223 350 GTV 1963 Grey Met open lights, 611220 350 GTV 1963 Grey Met. closed lights, Lancia 511414 Fulvia Sport 1.3 S 1968 Hug Red 511421 Fulvia Sport 1.3 S 1968 Saratoga White 511438 Fulvia Sport 1.3 S 1968 Dutch Yellow 511445 Fulvia Sport 1.3 S 1968 Lancia blue 509015 2000 saloon 1971 red 509022 2000 saloon 1971 brown 509039 2000 saloon 1971 grey 509046 2000 saloon 1971 Vincennes blue 000000 2000 Coupé HF 1971 later Motorcycles Moto Guzzi 99001 V7 Special July 99002 Falcone July 99003 850 Le Mans August 99004 Galletto August 99005 V 850 California September 99006 Normale September 99007 Griso October MV Agusta 99100 750 S July Gilera 99101 Saturno July
ALEZAN ALFA 145 AVENTURA
The latest 1:43 handbuilt model from Alezan of France is AC13 Alfa 145 Aventura Berman 1998 in blue metallic, limited to 200 models.
LATEST NEWS FROM BRUMM
More new models issued in Brumm’s 35th Anniversary year, 2007. All are 1:43 diecast models, made in Italy.
New issues in the Revival range R404 Fiat 500D (1960) open (12 colour choices) R405 Fiat 500D (1960) closed (12 colour choices) R406 Fiat 595 Abarth (1963) R407 Fiat 595SS Abarth (1964) R408 Fiat 500D Amaro 18 Isolabella (1960) R409 Fiat 600D Amaro 18 Isolabella (1960) R410 Fiat 600D Multipla Amaro 18 Isolabella (1960) R411 Fiat 600 Multipla Cimbali coffee machines 1960 R412 Fiat 600 Intimo Lovable (1960) R413 Ferrari 512BB LM Daytona 1979 Andruet-Dini Pozzi-JMS #66 R414 Ferrari 512BB LM 1980 Dini-Violati-Micangeli Bellancauto #79 R415 Ferrari 512BB LM 1982) Ballot-Andreut-Regout Pozzi #71 R416 Ferrari 512BB LM Monza 1982 Del Buono-Govoni Guercino #98 R417 Ferrari 512BB LM 1979 Henn-Delaunay-Grandet NART #64 R418 Fiat Abarth 1000 Zandvoort Trophy 1969 2nd Marsilio Pasotti Pam Scuderia Abarth #28 R419 Fiat Abarth 1000 Zandvoort Trophy 1969 1st Rob Dijkstra Sony Racing Team #38 R420 Fiat Abarth 1000 Zandvoort Trophy 1969 Wim Boshuis Scuderia Lach SRT Holland #41 R421 Fiat Abarth 1000 Zandvoort Trophy 1969 3rd Ed Swart Team Radio Veronica #42 R422 Porsche 917K 1000 Km Monza 1970 Neuhaus-Kelleners Gesipa Racing #14 R423 Porsche 917K 9h Kyalami 1971 Attwood-Love Team Gunston/David Piper Racing #1 New Promotional Models 2006-7 Ecurie Francorchamps Official Collection EF05 Lancia Ferrari D50 chassis 0009 GP Belgium 1956 #20 Andre Pilette 6th place EF06 Ferrari 512S Coupe chassis 1030 1000Km Spa 1970 #23 Derek Bell-Hughes De Fierlant 8th place Magazine promotion S05/06 Seat Panda 45 (1980) Carlos Sainz (exclusive model for subscribers to Modelli Auto magazine) Second Edition reissues KIT 2006/2 S06/01 Fiat Abarth 1000 Trento Bondone (1964) Arturo Merzario #454 KIT 2006/2 S06/03 Alfa Romeo 1750GS (1930) Milano-Sanremo cup centenary #100 (1906-2006) KIT 2006/2 S06/04 Ferrari 512S Norisring (1971) In Memoriam Pedro Rodriguez #26
NEW RAY PRODUCT RANGE
Report and photos by Hans-Georg SchmittAfter setting up their own marketing companies in Italy and France, New Ray have now opened a new subsidiary in south west Germany, NewRay GmbH. They have their own factories in South China, with product development in the Hong Kong headquarters. A new catalogue was produced especially for Germany at Nuremberg toy fair. Some representative products are shown here. They make a wide range of radio controlled vehicles, F1 racing cars, fork lifts, fire appliances and tanks. The diecast vehicle ranges are 1:32 and 1:43 scale, and racing motorcycles are made in 1:12, 1:18 and 1:32. I picture some examples here: one of them is a 1:6 Vespa 150 VL1T scooter (#48983), or with a sidecar (#48993). This scooter was built in 1954, followed by the VL2T and VL3T. The VL1T had a two-stroke single 5.5hp cylinder engine, giving a top speed of 80 km/h. The VL1T did not have a battery. After starting with the kick starter, a dynamo generated electricity. The ivory model has an Italian registration plate from Pisa, home of the leaning tower. Another interesting two wheeler is a 1:12 Lambretta 125D, with its uncowled engine and wheels with cycle wings fenders, not covered as on Vespa scooters. New Ray also make quad-bikes and go-karts in 1:32 scale, and 1:64 competition cars. In their 1:87 scale range, the MAN TG-A racing truck is very accurately finished. Readers of avia-mini will be interested to know about New Ray’s diecast aircraft models, in various scales. New releases include the Airbus A320 and and A380, both well finished, but not in the same scale (the A320 is 1:550 and the A380 is 1:1100). Also interesting, possibly to both avia mini and Model Auto Review readers, is a 1:100 Agusta A109 Power Elite helicopter in Ferrari corporate livery.
LATEST MINICHAMPS
By Hans-Georg SchmittMinichamps 1:12 diecast in China for Germany:
540 851292 Lotus Renault 97T F1 Ayrton Senna, winner of the 1985 Grand Prix of Portugal. Limited edition of 6,194 pieces. Excellently detailed model, supplied complete with an Ayrton Senna figurine.Minichamps 1:18 diecast in China for Germany:
100 060008 Toyota TF106, F1 Jarno Trulli, 2006.
540 911805 Williams Renault FW14 F1 British GP 1991: Senna riding with Mansell 14 July 1991, when Nigel Mansell took Ayrton Senna back to the pits.
100 060014 Red Bull racing RB2; F1 Coulthard 06
100 060015 Red Bull racing RB2; F1 Klien 2006
518 034316 BAR Honda 005, F1 Japan 2003 Sato
530 064303 McLaren Mercedes MP4/21 RaikkonenMinichamps 1:43 diecast in China for Germany:
400 060015 Red Bull Racing RB2, F1 Klien 2006
400 056237 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. 24 hours of Daytona 2005 Matos-Fitzgerald-Assentato-Longhi. Limited edition of 3,024 pieces.
400 066415 Porsche 911 GT3 MRS PC-Service Team PZM. Porsche Super Cup 2006 Duncan Huisman. Limited edition of 1,680 pieces.
400 066407 Porsche 911 GT3, Konrad Motorsport, Porsche Supercup 2006 Hannes Neuhauser. Limited edition of 1,440 pieces.
400 063592 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Vodafone, Brands Hatch Test, 23 June 2006; Damon Hill. Limited edition of 1,536 pieces.
400 063511 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Weigl, DTM 06 Alexandros Margaritis, limited to 1,008 pieces.
439 030181 Mercedes-Benz Travego Coach 2000 Bührer Travel, limited edition of 1,111 pieces. 400 063421 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Young used cars, DTM 06 Mathias Lauda, son of ex-F1 World Champion Niki Lauda, limited to 1,104 pieces.
400 063581 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Mercedes-Benz Museum DTM 2006. Alexandros Margaritis. On the sides is the silhouette of the 300SLR in which Stirling Moss won the 1955 Mille Miglia.
400 066416 Porsche 911 GT3, Team Morellato, Porsche Super Cup 2006 Olivier Maximin. Limited edition of 1.440 pieces.
400 940032 Simtek Ford F1 1994 Ratzenberger
400 060193 Super Aguri F1 Honda SA05, F1 2006 presentation car, limited edition of 1,368 pieces.
400 063517 Mercedes-Benz CLK TV Spielfilm; DTM 06 Muecke, Stefan Muecke. Limited to 1,008 pieces.
400 066408 Porsche 911 GT3; Konrad Motor Sport. Porsche Supercup 2006 Michael Schrey. Limited edition of 1,344 pieces
400 066417 Porsche 911 GT3; Racing Team Morellato. Winner of Porsche Supercup 2006, Richard Westbrook. Limited edition of 1.440 pieces.
400 061300 Aston Martin DBRS9 sports racing car, Presentation 2006. Limited edition of 2,688 pieces.
400 060117 BMW F1.06 Just married Jaques Villeneuve. Free practice for British Grand Prix 2006. Limited edition of 2,736 pieces.
400 066424 Porsche 911 GT3; Porsche Carrera Cup 2006 Martin Brueckl. Limited edition of 1,344 pieces.
400 760110 March Ford 761 F1 1976 South African GP. Ronnie Peterson. Limited to 2,544 pieces.
400 121490 Fiat Panda Polizia Italian police, limited edition of 1,536 pieces.
Avenger Tiger APPRAISED
by Maz WoolleyThe 1:43 diecast Vanguards Avenger Tiger is a nice model; if you like Avengers. The more common type 2 Tiger is a good choice; it was offered in two colours, which gives scope for another model in sundance yellow later.
But the model raises a few thoughts. Its quality is on par with Universal Hobbies partwork models, acceptable for models that sell for a lot less than Norev or Minichamps. It would have been nice if their painting process had covered all the bonnet down to the grille; and it would have been nice, as Corgis are more expensive than partworks, to have the dashboard etc detailed inside. For those who want a picture of the car as modelled, the Wikipedia entry for the Avenger pictures ORW424M, as does www.asoc.co.uk. I am not sure why the original car has black number plates but the Corgi has white and yellow. In addition the Corgi has different wheels, not bad copies of the cheaper alloys fitted to second series Tigers. Those shown in the pictures look like aftermarket alloys as often fitted to Tigers. Corgi did not re-make the grille to feature the Tiger’s round Avenger badge; they just matt painted over the GL badge to hide its square shape.
As for the collectors card of which the pack outer makes a big thing; it has been done before by Matchbox-Dinky. The ‘Top Trumps’ style card is not likely to appeal to Vanguards collectors; cigarette or trade card style might have had more resonance. Such cards might fit much better with modern vehicles, which may be bought for kids, such as the Astra. The too-young collector’s card contrasts with the too- old sepia street scene in the packaging, which looks like late 1940s, an era where Corgi now has few vehicles. It is also interesting that the pack lists the original 2007 range, some of which are now ‘held over’. Oh well, after wanting an Avenger for years it is pleasing that Corgi have modelled several key variants. Now who will make a 1:76 model?
Book Reviews
MODEL CARS IN THE WORLD 1900 to 1985 by Paolo Rampini, pub Rampini, Casella Postale 223, 20100 Milan, Italy. English/Italian text. 832 pages, 19,000 models pictured in colour. Hardbound, A4. Price €156 plus €24 p&p
Now that useful cover-mounts are popular features (packets of seeds with gardening magazines, needles with knitting publications) I have a suggestion for this one. How about a truss? If you thought Paolo’s ‘Golden’ book was massive, it is now even bigger; it weighs about 3.5 kg, and costs 24 Euros (about £17.00) to post. It will be the first place you turn to when looking up a model vehicle manufacturer. Where else can you see 250 old Diapet models pictured? Or 570 Mebetoys? The illustrations are mostly in Paolo’s now-familiar style; a full page colour photograph of five or six glass shelves, each with a row of models - 20 or 30 models to a page. As always, I have a few minor quibbles. For instance a ‘Made in America’ heading includes models made in various countries of the Americas without clarifying which ones; Jué are not described as being Brazilian, and Gorgo not specified as made in Argentina. I have an enormous reference collection which I use for MAR production, catalogues, photos etc, but it will be much easier and quicker just to look here first in future. From AHI to Ziss-RW, from 1:70 to 1:10, there is far too much to take in all at once. It’s like having a complete library of illustrated histories of dozens of toy and model firms all in one place. Amazing and indispensible. Rod Ward
LAND ROVER 1948 bis heute by Matthias Pfann-müller and Boris Schmidt, German text. 184 pages, 353 illustrations. Hardbound with dustjacket. 210 x 285 mm. ISBN 978-3-7688-1709-7 Price €34.90. Published by and available from Delius Klasing Verlag; Siekerwall 21, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany.
Two German authors write a book about an icon of the British automobile industry, and thanks to its careful and comprehensive research, it is now the German standard work, now in its fourth edition, updated and enlarged. The full development of Land Rovers, Range Rovers and all other derivatives is described in detail, and illustrated with many previously-unpublished photos. The new life under Ford ownership, and the latest Range Rover Sport and Freelander II are covered. Technical data and production quantities of all the different models complete the story. Hans-Georg Schmitt
POLSKIE KONSTRUKCJE MOTORYZACYJNE 1947-1960 Polish motor vehicles 1947-1960 by Andrzej Zielinski, Polish text. Published by and available from Wydawnictwa Komunikacji i Lacznosci Sp. z o.o. Ul. Kazimierzowska 52; 02-546 Warszawa; Poland. 236 pages, 281 illustrations. 165 x 240 mm. Paperbound. ISBN 83-206-1541-0 Price 49.00 PLN.
Little is known in the west about Polish motor vehicles from the period after the Second World War. Here is an opportunity to get some information. Every car, truck, bus, emergency vehicle and motorcycle of Polish or Comecon production between 1947 and 1960 is shown here, mostly with good quality drawings, many of them complete with dimensions, or with black and white photographs. You can see rare prototypes, nowadays long forgotten, of early Syrena and Warzawa cars, Star trucks and fire engines. But to read the text you will need a Polish dictionary. Hans-Georg Schmitt
CLUB NEWS
Collated by Rod WardWessex Model and Toy Collectors:
John Roberts, WMTC Chairman announces the 2007 Club model as ‘something rather special’, thanks to Nigel Parker at Brooklin Models. For a few years there has been an Austin A110 in the Lansdowne range. Nigel has agreed to make it into the earlier Austin A99 for the WMTC. The A99 will appear as a police car in the IPV range in future, but it will never be released as a standard Lansdowne issue as a normal road car. The colour of the Club release is still to be confirmed, but anyone who is a member by June will get an order form for this, the 20th Anniversary Club model, with their copy of the WMTC newsletter Smalltalk, edited by Barry Lloyd. Barry has been checking out toy and model production quantities as published in old magazines. Dinky Toys made about 1.5 million of their Talbot Lago racing car, and around a million of each of the rest of the 23 Series racers, as opposed to the modest 50,000 of each Crescent racing car made. In the 1950s, Scalex and Startex production was 7,000 per day! Even SMEC produced around 10,000 models per year in 1960. In 1967 Lesney were reported to be making two million of each new Matchbox release; 5.5 million before it became obsolete. And at a recent WMTC meeting, Mike Stephens noted that in the 1970s Western Models made 15,000 of their first model, the Mercedes 540K. This puts into perspective the quantities made by artisan firms today, even limited editions made by big diecast firms. To join this well-informed Club, contact membership secretary Doug Male on 01225 755043.
Natal Diecast Model Collectors:
Following the resignation of long- time Chairman Geoff Sear, Philip Ellis has taken over that role, along with his other duties as Secretary and Treasurer, where he is aided by Colleen Ellis. Philip has been an NDMC member for 12 years. The Club newsletter is now in the safe hands of Editor Simon Bruton, so Geoff Sear now has a PR role. Contact Philip with any membership enquiries on 031 266 3138 (from within South Africa).
South Hants Model Auto Club:
The SHMAC magazine, under the leadership of Sue and Stu Leake, has been asking for suggestions for a title. So far there have been about 20 ideas put forward, and it is hoped that a decision will be made in time for the new title to grace the cover of the next edition. I’m surprised that the suggestions haven’t so far included South Hants International Toy Enthusiasts. More suggestions welcome, if you are quick; contact Secretary Dave Painter on 01264 366408.
West Australian Model Collectors Club:
Since the resignation of Ian Hind as both Club Secretary and Editor of Showcase the WAMCC Club publication, no-one has stepped forward to fill the vacancy. ‘Unless this role is filled, then we will have no Showcase; at least not on the monthly basis and in the form that it now reaches us’, says Treasurer Max Doust. It’s a familiar story, members take their magazine for granted, then complain after it has gone. A member has asked for suggestions for a suitable 1:12 scale late Victorian vehicle to accompany a doll’s house. It would have to be a very early horseless carriage, or possibly horse-drawn I suppose. How about a Franklin Mint 1903 Harley Davidson motorcycle? It is 1:10, but should look ok. If you want to join the WAMCC, phone President Martyn Overy on 9310 1790
Maidenhead Static Model Club:
This is still one of the widest- travelled clubs, judging from accounts in Wheel Bearings, the MSMC magazine. An excursion to Brooklands is described, and advance notice of many other club-organised trips, including Fuller’s Griffin Brewery, Basingstoke Festival of Transport, Kew Bridge Steam Museum, Buxton Swapmeet , Go-Karting at Tolworth and Houten Swapmeet in the Netherlands. Wheel Bearings also includes a reference to the Whitewebbs Model Group. I am glad to see that they are still in existence, though they never send news for this column. If you’d also like to become a well- travelled MSMC member, contact Membership Secretary Alan Simpson on 01494 813903.
Cape Model and Toy Club:
The Cape Model Collector, newsletter of the CMTC, has a little piece on an early Renault car, borrowed from the website of Fremantle Museum in Australia. A sidebar notes that after Marcel Renault was killed in a road race in 1903, his brother Louis found that Marcel’s shares had all been left to his mistress. He immediately rushed round to tell her the shares were worthless and offered to take them off her hands. In return he kept her in a Paris flat, with a new car and an annuity for life. To join, contact Secretary-Treasurer Graham Ramsay on 072 156 6806 ‘at any hour’.
50th ANNIVERSARY of the 300SL
by Hans-Georg SchmittIn Spring 1952, Mercedes-Benz launched the new 300SL Coupe, SL meaning super-light. This exciting new sports car, with works number W198/I, soon had competititon success in the Mille Miglia, Carrera Panamericana and other races. From this racing car they developed the legendary Gullwing coupe, introduced in 1954 and built until May 1957. The coupe with its expensive tubular lattice frame was very uncomfortable to drive, so there was demand for more interior comfort and exterior style. So Mercedes-Benz, with an eye to the American market, where the new BMW 507 Roadster had just been introduced, wanted to make an open roadster. So the 300SL W198/II was developed, with normally-hinged doors and a cloth roof.
It was in production from February 1957 to February 1963. From September 1958 onwards, the car was also available with a detachable hard top. An early problem was insufficient braking capacity, due to the too-small wheels, which also led to tyre problems. The 300SL roadster was popular with buyers, and also with manufacturers of model and toy cars.
In 1962 Berlin-based Wiking launched their 1:87 plastic 300SL roadster, with an accurately shaped body, detailed baseplate and with a driver and his female companion.
In 1991, it was re-issued from new moulds now without passengers, but with an engine and an opening bonnet.
In 1961, Corgi Toys of Britain launched a 1:46 diecast 300SL as open roadster or with a hardtop. Around the same time, the Danish Tekno firm introduced a 1:42 300SL as an open roadster or with a hardtop. The model was very accurately shaped, an the bonnet and boot lid could be opened. The engine, baseplate, and interior were adequately detailed for the time. The boot contained the spare wheel.
Not much happened over the next few years, but a German 1:22 model appeared, with a well detailed one piece body, but with roughly painted silver details. The wheels look good, but the baseplate has no detail. It has friction power to the rear axle.
Around 1987 Revell made a 1:24 plastic kit and soon after the Italian Bburago range released a 1:18 diecast 300SL roadster. In the 1990s Guisval of Spain made a 1:30 roadster, open in silver or red with a black hardtop. The bonnet and doors opened, the engine, interior and baseplate are well detailed. The headlights were in the North American export configuration.
In the late 1990s, Corgi came out with a W198/II, in cream with a black soft top. Matchbox-Dinky made one in dark blue with a red plastic interior. Schuco followed with an accurate silver model, open or with black hardtop. All three of these 1:43 diecast models were continental versions.
Then Minichamps released a 1:43 roadster at the dawn of the new century, with the head lights for the American market. In 1963, the 300SL W198/II was replaced by the ‘Pagoda’ SL and later by other versions, all called the SL, but the original car is still today the origin of the Mercedes-Benz open sports car range.
Techno-Classica
The 19th event
By Hans-Georg SchmittFROM 28 March to 1 April 2007, Essen hosted the world’s largest classic car fair. The admission fee was €20 for a day ticket, but a special press ticket just for Wednesday afternoon cost me €30 and the catalogue cost €10. In spite of these costs, over 150,000 people visited.
The biggest German and European car manufacturers had large stands at the fair. Most of the main classic car dealers were there, offering cheapies at condition 5 up to high class items in condition 1 for prices in seven figures. A number of continental model car manufacturers were also present displaying their latest products. As usual, some promotional models could be purchased from car and model manufacturers.
Auto Union celebrated their 75th anniversary, founded in 1932 with the merger of the Saxon car firms Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer. They had a Wiking 1:87 model of the DKW 3=6 Sonderklasse (special class) which took the 1954 European championship for production touring cars, with a class win at the Monte Carlo rally. The model also marks the tenth Silvretta Classic Rally 2007, sponsored by Audi. Hall 12 was completely filled by BMW, celebrating their 90th anniversary, 30 years of the 3 Series cabriolet, and the centenary of the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. The fair model from BMW Mobile Tradition was a Bub 1:87 red BMW 320i Baur cabriolet, in a square tin box, limited to 700 pieces.
The Citroen stand featured a 1939 TUB van and Peugeot the 402 Eclipse, the early predecessor of today’s coupe-cabriolets. Mercedes-Benz celebrated the 50th anniversary of the 300SL Roadster, and also their claim to be builders of open prestige cars. So they exhibited the last open convertible of Kaiser Wilhelm II, a 300D convertible and the latest Ocean Drive design study. They had two sets of special fair models: Bub 1:87 scale /8 saloons, a 200 in beige and a 200D in red and Schuco Piccolo Mercedes-Benz Renndienst 1952, a 300SL Gullwing coupe and an O3500 bus as a workshop, limited to 777 pieces.
The AutoMuseum of Volkswagen, located in Diesel-strasse, Wolfsburg, not in the Auto-Stadt, offered the 25 Millionth Golf, a Schuco Piccolo limited to 500 pieces.
Volvo had a number of classic cars on display and offered for a bargain €4 the old AHC 1:43 diecast Volvo 480 in dark grey metallic. The plinth of the transparent box reads ahc, the cover pilen. ADAC, the biggest automobile club in Germany, offered a Schuco Piccolo set for the ADAC Trentino Classic 2007, a classic car run from the Dolomites to Lake Garda, 29 August to 2 September 2007. The set is of a BMW 328 Cabriolet and a Jaguar XK120 Drophead, limited to 1000 pieces.
The main model car manufacturers were in Hall One. AutoArt exhibited their models and offered a catalogue of accessories, watches, lamps, umbrellas etc.
Brekina’s fair model was a 1:87 Porsche 911 Targa printed with the fair logo.
CMC presented their range, with the new 1:18 Bugatti T35 developed a lttle further than at Nuremberg toy fair. Minichamps had a 1:43 Trabant 601 Kombi in light green with their logo and the event, limited to 107 pieces. Norev, showing for the first time at Essen, offered a 1:43 Ford 12M saloon from 1952, limited to 400 pieces. Revell also had a Ford 12M, this one the last version from 1959, and in 1:18 scale, as their fair model, as a limited edition. Schuco sold a Piccolo Porsche 356A Carrera Mille Miglia 1957 #225, a limited edition of 1000 pieces.
Finally, I was presented with a 1:72 miniature Ford GT, well detailed and nicely finished by Yat Ming (ref 73000). It was gift from American MAR contributor John Whitehead, who I arranged to meet with his friends at the Essen fairground.
EXCLUSIVE FIRST EDITIONS
As China continues to develop, market forces are beginning to have the same effect on industry as it had on manufacturing in Europe in the past. The mass of industrial development taking place at Shanghai in north China is overshadowing similar developments in the south, closer to Hong Kong. This is creating labour shortages. Although labour in the south has always enjoyed higher wages and better conditions, an abundance of job opportunities means that workers can choose their type of work and for whom they work. This is yet another factor helping to push up prices of Chinese-made models.
By Frank JoyceLondon Transport Museum refurbishment: re-opening of Museum Shop. Special model 31904 RML2306 London Transport green route 409 to Forest Row and gold RT bus in LTM new corporate identity.
Cobham Bus Museum Two fund-raising models for Cobham Annual running day and Bus Gathering: RML 2700 red and RMC 1461, a vehicle donated to the Trust by Stagecoach East London, on Green Line route 715 to Guildford. For further information: Alvin Hale, 15 The Fairway, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 9BB.
Models now released. 27311 Leyland TD1 Cork City Services 29614 Leyland Olympian East Yorkshire 27620 Wright Volvo Renown Translink 32302 Bristol Relh Coach Eastern Counties 30706 AEC Renown Barton Transport 26319 Guy Arab II Utility Burton Corporation 32203 Bristol Relh Coach Crosville 32601 AEC MkV 4 axle tank Milk Marketing Board 26320 Guy Arab II Utility Southdown 15806 Leyland PD1 Lowbridge Western 17306 Leyland National Mk1 First Midland Red 20440 Bristol VR III Crosville NBC 22715 Alexander Y Type Eastern Scottish 30508 Guy GS Special Southern Motorways 11904 Harrington Cavalier Southend Transport 30801 AEC Roe Renown Rotherham Transport 17307 Leyland National Mk I Brighton Buses 29201 Leyland Titan 1 Door Glen Dale Transport Ltd 16529 Leyland Atlantean Great Yarmouth Transport 32801 Thames Trader swb Tipper W F Button & Son 26619 Plaxton Paramount 3500 Jetlink 32901 Trader Short Dropside Southdown 29303 Leyland Olympian A Stagecoach Swindon 20134 Bedford OB Coach Southern National 20705 AEC Duple Coach Surrey Motors 23206 Aec RF Mk II Bus Greenline NBC 26321 Guy Arab II Utility Bus Ashton Under Lyne 33001 ERF two axle Dropside Derek Horton
MODELTRANS STORY
By Victor OteroModeltrans is a very small Spanish company founded in 1993 by Javier Castro and myself. I am listing here our entire 1:43 production from the last 14 years; 14 buses, 29 lorries and five fire appliances, plus two new models in 1:87 scale, a scale that many of our clients ask for, and one that seems to keep on growing. Since this is a completely new challenge for us, we are working on a step by step basis, starting with two model buses, though we plan to have four more ready before the end of 2007. We are working on a website www.modeltrans.com to show our 14 years of output.
MODELTRANS TRUCKS 201 Pegaso Diesel 125cv * 202 Pegaso 1063 Campsa * 203 Pegaso Z-206 * 204 Mafsa IPV 950 * 205 Pegaso Diesel 140cv Riva * 205t Pegaso Diesel 140cv Tractor * 206 Hispano Suiza G-66 * 207 Pegaso 1060 Encosa * 208 Pegaso 1065 Campsa * 209 Pegaso Comet Transportes Pirinaicos * 210 Pegaso II Largo Gasolina ENASA * 211T Pegaso 2011 Tractora * 212 Pegaso Barajas Campas 1958 * 213 Pegaso 1091 Mop * 214 Pegaso 1065 Caja * 215 Pegaso 1063 Ruta * 216 Ebro B-35 * 220 Pegaso 1066-A * 223 Barreiros Super Azor * 401 Pegaso II Gasoline ET * 401 C Pegaso II Gasoline Campsa * 501 Pegaso Bacalao Coche Taller * 217 Hispano Suiza T-69 1945 218 Ebro B-35 Metal Mazda 219 Ebro BC-35 221 Avia 2500 1st Series 1961 222 Pegaso 3076 Dumper 1972 224 Sava Austin SZ521 1962 225 Barreiros Saeta 35 Butano 1966 MODELTRANS BUSES 101 Leyland Royal Tiger MCW EMT Madrid * 102 Pegaso 1-404 Seida EMT Madrid * 103 Pegaso 5070 Setra Seida S14 * 104 Hispano Suiza T-69 El Carbon Ero * 105 Hispano Suiza T-69 Norte * 106 Pegaso 5020 A Seida (Barcelona) 1961 * 107 Pegaso 1-408 Seida Emt Madrid * 108 Pegaso Z-408 Seida Emt Madrid * 109 Pegaso 5020 Seida Urbas 1962 110 Trolleybus MAN AEG Coruna-Carballo 1950 111 Pegaso Monotral 6030N (Alsa) 111b Pegaso Monotral 6030N 1964 Pulmans Llaneza 113 Autobus Empresa Fernandez Leon 1965 114 Trolebus Tipo B Gilda Barcelona 1948 115 Chevrolet 1928 Alsa/ La Noveldense MODELTRANS Fire Appliances 301 Pegaso Ii Gasolina Autobomba De Avilés * 302 Pegaso Z-207 Barajas Autobomba De Mieres * 303 Pegaso 1063-A Algibe De Ensidesa * 304 Pegaso Comet Autobomba De Zaragoza * 305 Ebro B-35 Autobomba 1961 Uno 87 HO Scale 1:87 Models 87001-A Pegaso 6038 citybus EMT Madrid 87002 Noge Titanium coachIn the listing above, * means that the model is no longer available.
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