June 2001
SUMMER CLOSING 2001
At Model Auto Review and Modelauto we will be closed from Saturday 9 June to Sunday 1 July.
Last day open Friday 8 June.
We re-open Monday 2 July.
AN APPLE EVERY DAY
In a recent Editorial describing the history and current production of MAR, I noted the amount of time I spend at the computer keyboard. I omitted to mention that the keyboard has a little Apple on it. That means we use Apple Macintosh Operating System, different from that used by PCs, which run on Microsoft systems such as Windows. So when Mac users, like MAR, are sent email attachments, floppy diskettes, CD-roms etc in software intended for Windows compatible machines, we can't use the data. Please send any digital material to us in plain email text or jpeg format, not in any software. Or just send a clearly printed or typed manuscript to us by snail mail, for scanning by Optical Character Recognition. Mind you, all is not plain sailing in the happy world of computers. With less than a week to our print deadline for this issue, we experienced a major computer failure. This was not a permanent problem, and has now been resolved. Everything has been rescued and set up as before, if not better. It did mean, however, that for a few days, in order to meet the deadline, we had to complete a number of pages using another of our computers, which has some different fonts (typefaces) installed, so you will see some slightly different-looking pages in this issue. Who knows, when we see the different-looking pages in print, we may even prefer these typeaces for future use.
SEE YOU IN AUGUST
If the foregoing means nothing to you, as you have avoided contact with computers up to now, this could be your chance to come to terms with the apparatus which fuels modern life. I'm not a computer buff. To me they are just useful machines, like domestic appliances. You don't need to be a techno-geek, but to ignore their power and potential benefits could be a touch of Luddism too far. For instance, I estimate that we save around £1,000 of the cost of our annual holiday by finding accommodation on the Internet. That would pay for a little Apple iMac and a few peripherals in itself. So, while I'm on the vacational subject, this is the last MAR issue before we close for our annual summer break. Please don't badger your stockist for the 'July' issue, there is never an issue published on 7 July. The next issue will be MAR 154, published 7 August. See you then!
BUSINESS BRIEFING
One of our correspondents in the MAR 153 (print version) letters pages asks 'Why must the British always be too late, and sadly very unprofessional?' The implication is that British model businesses are not as professional as their equivalents in other countries. Other readers may respond in the letters pages, but first I'll add some observations. The famous 'master liquidator' of British companies was Sir Kenneth Cork, who had to sort out the mess after spectacular crashes at such companies as Handley-Page, Rolls Razor and Delorean. He developed a set of eight basic rules for all businesses, learned from sad experience, with interesting resonances for small model companies.
My comments follow each 'principle'..
Never get emotionally involved in your product:
'It is a myth that you have to believe completely in your products'.
This runs contrary to all the ideas of most craft-based businesses, of course, but should still be considered. Are you making the models you like, or models your customers want?
Don't let technicians run the business: 'They are never ready to go into production, they always have a better idea'
Most model firms are owned and run by technicians, who must stand back and see the bigger picture sometimes. Does it matter if you can improve a model, if it delays its release and loses sales? Will customers be able tell the difference?
Beware of depending on one line of business:
Diversify if you can, if only in some small ways.
Don't get bogged down in trivia:
Concentrate on where your profits are made, don't waste creative time on unprofitable activities, paperwork etc.
Manage your cash flow:
Understand what turnover you need to survive, and constantly check that you are achieving it. Be sure you have borrowing facilities to carry you over lean periods.
Make haste slowly:
Only expand your range when you are sure you can. If you aren't certain, don't.
Watch your assets:
Are they really assets? Do you list items in your balance sheet as 'assets' which are actually unsaleable, such as obsolete patterns? Is this giving a false value to your business?
Don't cut yourself off from advice:
Obvious, maybe but advice scares many small businessmen, who don't want to face the truth about their business.
BUS STOP
St Petersburg NEWS
By Leonid Khoykhin
The St Petersburg Tram Collection series of the San Francisco transit vehicles has started now with two models, in 1:48 scale. 151b 1946 San Francisco Municipal Railway St Louis Car Co 1100-series PCC (ex-St Louis Public Service, acquired in 1957-62). San Francisco Municipal Railway acquired 70 PCCs from St Louis Public Service Co between 1957 and 1962. The first 66 cars were leased in 1957 (purchased 1963) and four more cars purchased in 1962. This group, numbered 1101-1170, was all reconditioned and repainted in MUNI colours at SLPS Park Shops before shipping to San Francisco. The 1100 class ran on the J Church and M Ocean View lines. The last 1100 cars went out of service in 1982.
404 1949 San Francisco Municipal Railway Twin Coach 44TTW Trolleybus. After the Second World War, the San Francisco Municipal Railway decided to open more trolley coach lines and orders for new trolley buses were placed to St Louis Car Co, Marmon Herrington and Twin Coach. In 1949 90 model 44TTW Twins were delivered to San Francisco, being numbered 570-659; they remained in service until the late 1970s; coach #614 (serial number 045) is preserved now in Orange Empire Railway Museum in Perris, CA. The St Louis Public Service 1700-series PCC (151) is also being released, in addition to the Shaker Heights and San Francisco versions of these cars. For more information, contact St Petersburg Tram Collection PO Box No 16, 196158 St Petersburg, Russia. Fax: +7 (812) 164 5254 Internet: www.sptc.spb.ru email: sptc@sp.ru
THREE WHEEL BEER TRUCK
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
In 1436 Wernesgrün began brewing beer in a small village in Vogtland, East Germany, and fondness for their history is why they choose old vehicle subjects for their model promo trucks. First was an old Barkas, former DDR production, now they have chosen a Goliath three wheeler, made for 10 years under the Nazis and 45 more under Socialisim. Goliath commercials were built in Bremen by the Borgward group from 1933 to 1938, available as the single cylinder F200, or the F400 with a two cylinder two stroke engine. Payload was 500 or 750 kg., maximum speed 38 or 50 km/h. The model is around 1:40, in the company colour dark green, the body sides in wood, the dark green tilt bearing Wernesgrün logos on three sides. The model is not super detailed, but is supplied in a blister pack with a photo of the brewery building.
KROMBACHER OLD TIMER
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
Krombacher have a range of model trucks which show changes in truck design and liveries down the years. New is a 1:87 Mercedes-Benz L6600 (L304) with trailer, 1950-1954, light blue, with black chassis and grey tilts advertising Krombacher Pils in yellow. The model is made by Wiking, available as reference 3403, from the Krombacher Collection, Koblenzer Strasse 11, D-90451 Nürnberg, Germany. Tel hotline: 0180 / 5 66 99 22, Fax: 0180 1 5 66 99 20.
MINICHAMPS RACE TRUCKS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
In recent years truck racing has become very popular in Europe. It looks always very impressive, when these colourfully painted, noisy monsters hurtle around the race track. It is hard to believe that a race truck is based on a conventional artic tractor unit, modified in a similar fashion to racing cars. This interest has led Minichamps to launch their 1:43 model race trucks, each limited to 912 pieces.439 000306 Mercedes-Benz Race Truck Tiger Racing Team Dehnhardt no 6. Red with adverts for main sponsor Esso. Driver Ludovic Faure.
439 000307 Mercedes-Benz Race Truck DKV M-Racing Team no 7. White with adverts for main sponsor DEA. Driver Markus Oestreich,.
439 000308 Mercedes-Benz Race Truck BP Atkins Racing Team no 8. Metallic green, Steve Parrish.
All three models are well-finished, with the left side window beside the driver's seat covered with security netting.
CLUB NEWS
Brooklin Collectors Club: All BCC members are invited to a special open day at the Brooklin factory, on a non-working day, 20 May, after which the club AGM will be held at Bradford on Avon. Yet another benefit for BCC members as well as everything else they got. Not least is The Brooklin Collector club magazine, which recently covered Tucker, including the fate of every car built. Club membership this year is 245 (down from last year's 280) and 240 of them ordered this year's special model (Stardust Olds) before the order book closed. So it's too late for this year's model, but not too late to go on the factory visit. For details contact John Bowyer, 57 Gloucester Road, Bagshot, Surrey GU19 5LT
Jaguar Model Club: Gary Oxley continues to spread his net wide to capture every model or toy Jaguar. In the latest JMC mag he covers slot cars by Ninco, solid cast 'sculptures' by Marque Models and all kinds of conversions and scratchbuilds. The latter include Wilfried Schoen's upgrade of a 1:8 plastic Barbie XJS to make a JPS racer and a Swallow sidecar made by Thierry Thiellon. In spite of all his efforts on behalf of members to turn out an outstanding magazine single-handed, they still give him lots of stick. They complain that he includes full-size cars as well as models, factory visits and other 'irrelevant' topics, and that specially commissioned club models (handbuilt Provence Moulage) are just 'over-priced toys, not as good value as Bburagos', and too small at 1:43 scale. It makes one wonder if it is worth trying to provide a service for such folk. Gary ploughs on, however, and he can be reached at 01709 372003, fax 01709 372002, if you'd like to become an appreciative member of the JMC.
AIPETHOAC: Once again, we chicken out from listing the name of this French-based club in full. Suffice it to say that this is the specialist club for construction and other heavy machinery (models and full-size). Francis Pierre says that due to the low level of club activity, the AGM combines with an ordinary meeting at the Road Museum, Mons, Belgium on 13 October 2001. Sadly, founder member and treasurer Pierre Chamont has died, and also Domnine Pico has to relinquish her role as President. It is hoped that AIPETHOAC will revive itself soon, so prospective members should contact Jean-Claude Cassagnole, 2 Passage Benoit, 92330 Sceaux, France.
Wessex Model and Toy Collectors: Barry Lloyd edits Smalltalk, the WMTC newsletter, but he says 'I'm getting fed up with sending out all these Smalltalks, and not knowing if they're read, ripped up or misunderstood'.
Well, we read it, here at MAR, though we don't get mentioned in it as often as other magazines. Mind you, that is probably just as well, as what they have to say about the other magazines is not always very complimentary. It doesn't pay to put your head above the parapet when Barry's about.
One WMTC member complained that he had never been mentioned in Smalltalk, so he became the repeated target of Barry's barbs for the current issue.
There are not many contributions from amongst WMTC members to Smalltalk, it must be said. The most interesting piece comes from Alexandra Jones, the 14 year old daughter of the Treasurer.
If you'd like the chance to join the Club and be targeted, contact Doug Male on 01225 755043.
NAMAC The Dutch club has a membership of 5000, the envy of almost every other club worldwide. Annually members vote for best model of the year. This time the Onyx 1:43 Panoz Esperante won its own category, Rally and Racecars 1:43, and is also overall winner this year. Panoz cars are produced by father Don and son Dan Panoz, who funded Panoz Auto Development from money earned in the pharmaceutical industry, and they offer two models; the Panoz AIV roadster with a 309 bhp 4.6 litre Ford engine and the Esperante with the same engine, tuned by Jack Roush, giving an output of 320 bhp. There are seven categories in all, and other winners were: Cars 1:43: Opel Rekord C Minichamps; Commercial vehicles 1:43-1:50: Nooteboom Euro low loader with interdolly by Conrad,; Commercial vehicles 1:87: Mercedes-Benz Atego race truck by MGM; Cars 1:87: Ford 1948 convertible by Classic Metal Works; Large scale road cars: Jaguar XKSS by Auto Art and Large scale Rally and Race cars: Peugeot 206 WRC by Solido. For more informnation on the club, write to NAMAC, Postbus 16004 NL-2301 GA Leiden.
Maidenhead Static Model Club: At the MSMC Annual General Meeting, some members were honoured by the Club for their efforts during the year: Colin Penn received the John Parker Trophy for winning the most points in Clubnight Theme Competitions, Paul Rowley took the Harry Gunner trophy for the best entry in the Club's Chop Competition, and Cliff Maddock was awarded the Tony Gleave Trophy for his work supporting and promoting the CIub. MSMC members were seen recently racing Lledo Days Gone cars, buses and lorries down a 20 foot long model 'ski slope', won by Robbie Bennett with a standard production Ford Transit van. The prize for the shortest distance was taken by Vic Davey, who managed to overturn his horse-drawn tram within 12 inches of the starting line. The Clubnight theme was Three Wheels, won by Martin Jewell with a plastic Bond Minicar of unknown origin. Second and third prizes went to Robert Newson with his tandem bicycle combination and Bill Alexander with his 1:76 Post Office motorcycle combination white metal kit (above centre). the Bennett family, dedicated Club members, have given advertising space on their re-engineered Coventry Talbot Stock Racing Car to the MSMC Windsor June Swapmeet, pictured above. Other Clubs will be very jealous of such publicity! Also supporting the June event are Lledo Collectibles, who will be present at the show and will bring their latest models. For more details including table availability, ring Gary on 023 8078 4484.
Natal Diecast Model Collectors: The NDMC notes that their fellow South African club in Cape Town only manages to attain 20% attendance by members at meetings, whereas in Durban 66% of members attend, including several who have to make the long journey from Pietermaritzburg. The club's 21st birthday was on 22 April, so it is hoped that an even bigger percentage was able to get there to participate in the celebrations. It is worthy of note that all of the original founder members from 21 years ago are still alive and well. It must be the healthy Natal climate. Many other clubs will be envious of the Natal Club's attendance record, which must be due, at least in part, to the strong leadership from the club committee, in their Mercedes parade cars. The March NDMC newsletter included a feature on the origins of various car badges and emblems, at two or three per page. Except for Mercedes. The three-pointed star 'gunsight' got a full page to itself. For membership details of the NDMC, contact chairman Terry Morgan on 031 701 3927.
South Hants Model Auto Club: The new-look SHMAC magazine, edited by Sue and Stu Leake, goes from strength to strength. Thanks to all their efforts, and a good response from members for articles, this publication is now up among the other 'good reads' in club magazines. Features on model cars, real cars, visits, events and club matters, all help to make a varied and interesting mix. If you'd like to help the process by joining the SHMAC and contributing to the magazine, phone chairman Rod Fox, 02380 432226.
Enfield and District Veteran Vehicle Society Model Collecting Branch: At the April meet, Rob Miles showed his three-wheelers and hearses, both topics widely collected but largely ignored by manufacturers, as MAR readers will realise. Rob is not alone even in the group, as a couple of other members also collect hearses and they brought along their models too. The fact that three people in such a relatively small group collect model hearses suggested to members that manufacturers are missing a marketing opportunity.
The consensus of the group was that the best hearse model was Diapet's ornate Japanese Lincoln hearse and the group was able to see three different examples of this rare model. The next meeting is on Wednesday 13 June at 8:00 pm at the Whitewebbs Museum, Enfield, when Colin Penn will talk on techniques for chops and restorations.
There will be a small prize for the best chop or restoration brought along. Admission is £2.00 for non-EDDVS members.
1/87 Vehicle Club: Wayne Calder edits the club magazine with a light touch, a glossy 32 page publication 280 x 215 mm in size, packed with photographs. Wayne obviously does not subscribe to the 'photographs should not be bigger than the original model' principle followed by most other magazines. Many of his photographs show 1:87 scale models much bigger than life-size, which does not do some of the models any favours. Most modern HO scale models are little gems, for their size, but over-enlargement often reveals over-scale details. That said, however, the magazine is packed with useful information for HO scale vehicle enthusiasts. For more info, contact the 1/87 Vehicle Club, 102 Plymouth Park S/C 168, Irving, TX 75061, USA
BOOK REVIEWS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt TOW TRUCKS: Amerikanische Abschlepp-wagen, By Klaus Lassen, German text, 160 pages, ± 250 colour photos, 9 drawings. Hardbound 215 x 305 mm. ISBN 3-88776-1154. Published by and available from EFB Verlagsgesellschaft mbH, Postfach 720263; D-50757 Köln, Germany. Tel: 0221-59098-0
American trucks are very large, so if they have to be removed after an accident or breakdown, there are special tow trucks, three or four axle giants with very powerful engines. The author describes the history and development of these bruisers, and he visits the factory of America's biggest tow truck manufacturers. Various vehicles are shown in colour photos, and many detail views, plus dimensioned drawings, help to make the book useful to model truck builders.
BUGATTI Type 46 and 50, By Barrie Price, English text. 144 pages, 220 b/w photos, 215 x 255 mm. Hardbound with dust cover. Published by and available from Veloce Publishing Plc, 33 Trinity Street, Dorchester; Dorset DT1 1TT, England; Tel: 01305 260068
The Bugatti Type 46 was announced in Autumn 1929. The new chassis, almost 12 feet long and powered by an eight cylinder engine of 5300cc, was intended to be the basis of a superlative large luxury car, and so it proved to be. Bodied by the greatest European coach-builders to the highest standards of quality and style for a rich and discerning clientele, the T46 was in many ways a smaller version of the T41, a Petit Royale, and is said to have been the favourite car of Ettore Bugatti. Later an optional supercharger became available to create the T46S model. In 1930 the Type 50 superseded the T46, The new model still used the chassis of its predecessor and most of its running gear, but had a new, high-perform-ance twin overhead camshaft engine of just under five litres capacity. This supercharged unit gave the T50 very spirited performance for such a large and luxurious car, placing the model firmly in the Grand Sport category. In total, less than 500 T46 and T50 Bugattis were built, but,with the obvious exception of the Royale, these cars represented the pinnacle of luxury car manufacture for the famous Molsheim marque. This work is a concise history of these impressive Bugatti types, an engineering analysis and the most thorough survey yet of the many coachbuilt bodies fitted to these chassis. Appendices include a complete chassis listing and reproductions of promotional material produced by the Bugatti company, their agents and others. There is a great number of historic photos showing the history of these two important Bugatti types. This is the updated and revised second edition, many more photos, some of which have never been seen before.
112 Magazine for Fire-Fighters
EFB regularly publish a magazine especially for firefighters, containing all the news for their profession. Two issues are described here, of interest to MAR readers. A special issue for 'lnterschutz 2000', the leading trade fair for fire prevention describes all new vehicles which were on display at the fair with colour photos. The special issue for the 25th anniversary of 112 Magazine, published in October 2000, describes American La France, its history and current production. Also described is the action of Dusseldorf fire brigade after the bomb attack in July 2000.
US Fire Engines By Dirk Wieczorek, German text. 160 pages, 750 colour photos. Hardbound, 215 x 305 mm, ISBN 388776-118-9. Pub by, available from EFB Verlagsgesellschaft mbH
'Even the fires are bigger in America,' goes the popular saying. But there must be an element of truth, when houses, vehicles and distances are bigger than in Europe, so Americans need bigger fire engines. They also use a lot more timber construction than in Europe, which we Europeans always feel should more of a fire risk, in spite of assurances to the contrary. The author surveys the development of these vehicles from 1950 to today. More than 900 photos show these fascinating fire engines all over North America in blazing colour.
Broken down by vehicle type, these enormous fire trucks are shown from different sides, detail photos completing the picture.
These publications are all available from EFB Verlagsgesellschaft mbH, Postfach 720263; D-50757 Köln, Germany. Tel: 0221-5909W, Fax: 0221-59098-33 email EFB-Verlag@t-online.de
Les Salons de l'Automobile; Collection hors serie Automobilia: 17: Salon 1960 Toutes les Voitures Francaises 1961 et leurs rivales etrangeres. By Rene Bellu, French text. 82 pages, 230 b/w and 71 colour photos, 26 drawings. 230 x 300 mm; paperbound.
The series of special issues of Automobilia covers old French automobiles from the 1930s to the 1960s. The latest issue is 17, which shows the French cars of model year 1961 together with major competitors from UK, Germany, Italy and the USA. Long forgotten cars are next to landmarks like the Renault R4 and Jaguar E-Type, which were launched that year. This booklet will help to identify formerly unknown model cars, or real cars in photos. Also it will tell the reader a lot about the history of the French automobile industry
Charge Utile Magazine, Hors serie No. 20 Les Routiers au Relais, By Jean-Francois Colombet and Francois Coeffier, French text. 82 pages, 110 b/w and 120 colour photos; paperbound; 210 x 300mm.
This magazine pictures trucks in front of French truckers' restaurants beside main roads and motorways. Trucks with sonorous names such as Berliet, Bernard, Citroen, Latil, Renault, Saviem and Willeme, are seen, as are Büssing, Henschel, Mercedes and Mack. The bodies looki strange, the combinations of trucks and trailers are also in some cases unusual. Collectors of model trucks will find many ideas for to create new true transport rigs and interesting dioramas.
Both the above are published by and available from Histoire and Collections; 5, avenue de la Republique; F-75541 Paris Cedex 11, France. Tel: 01 40 21 18 20
DIECAST CARS of the 1960s, by Mac Ragan, English text, 96 pages, 80 colour, 10 b/w photos, softbound; 210 x 230 mm; ISBN 0-7603-0719-9. Published by MBI Publishing Co, Osceola, Wl 4020-0001, USA. Available from Motorbooks International, 729 Prospect Avenue, PO Box 1, Osceola, Wl 54020-0001, USA. Tel (715) 294-3345; Fax (715) 294-4448 In the 1960s production of miniature diecast cars and trucks reached a peak and opened millions of children's imaginations to the adult worlds of automobiles and car ownership. Fueled by nostalgia, today's flea markets and auction websites abound with thousands of pocket-sized vehicles sporting such brand names as Matchbox, Hot Wheels, and Corgi Junior. Arranged by vehicle types, sports cars, muscle cars, race cars, trucks and more, this colourful book features specially commissioned studio photographs depicting significant miniatures. Brief histories of the manufacturers are accompanied by over views and descriptions of the individual toy vehicles. A price guide supposedly provides reliable market values for the most popular and significant examples.
NEWS: BRITAIN
CORGI SECOND HALF
Here are Corgi's model vehicle plans for the second half of 2001. The month of intended release is in brackets (9) = September. Apart from a 'special' limited edition Southdown double decker there are no 1:50 scale buses proposed for future release. There are two artic tractor units to be offered without trailers, and a plain curtainside trailer as well. If these turn out to be popular, more will follow in future. This is in an effort to save display cabinet space for collectors of modern trucks, who otherwise end up with a row of identical trailers, just to get all the tractor units used by an operator. It remains to be seen if buyers see it the same way. The Film and TV Favourites series is also expanding with old favourites and newer subjects.
CORGI COLLECTABLES July - December 2001
Modern Trucks Limited Editions
CC11904 ERF EC powder tanker Redland (7)
CC12206 Scania tractor unit MacFarlane (7)
CC19901 Curtainsider trailer plain blue (7)
CC12207 Scania curtainside artic Pete Osborne (8)
CC12405 Volvo tractor unit Eddie Stobart (8)
CC12001 MAN curtainside artic John Mitchell (9)
CC12701 ERF ECS artic ERF The New Generation (10)
CC12402 Volvo curtainside artic Owens (10)
CC11905 ERF EC artic, log load Jos Millican (11)Kings of the Road Limited Editions
CC10301 AEC Ergo sheeted artic flat Wilmotts (7)
CC12601 Scammell Crusader artic J R Adams (8)
CC10701 Scammell Highwayman tanker British Oxygen (8)
CC12501 Atkinson Borderer tautliner Ridings Preston (9)
CC12602 Scammell Crusader tilt Ackworths (10)
CC12503 Atkinson Borderer Gibbs of Fraserburgh (11)
CC12504 Atkinson Borderer flat artic Pollock (12)Heavy Haulage Limited Editions
CC11802 Leyland DAF 85, jeep dolly and bogie
with beam, GCS Johnson (7)
CC12604 Scammell Crusader-King trlr Wynns (8)
CC12406 Volvo-King trailer Banks Brothers (10)
CC12302 Scammell Contractor Sunters (11)Pickford Collection Limited Editions
CC10202 ERF V Artic low loader Pickfords (9)
CC11401 Bedford TK artic van Pickfords (10)
CC12605 Scammell Crusader-King trailer Pickfords (11)Tramway Classics Limited Editions
CC25202 Fully closed tram London Transport (7)
CC25203 Fully closed tram Liverpool Corp (8)
CC25204 Fully closed tram Bolton Corp (10)
CC25206 Closed tram Nottingham Corp (11)Charity Connection
CC87003 Leyland DAF 95 Jimmy (James Irlam) 1:64 (7)Dibnah's Choice Limited Editions
CC20301 Garrett 4CD showmans tractor Mighty Atom (8)
CC20202 Foden + Trailer Openshaw Brewery (7)The New Mini Cooper
CC86504 New Mini Cooper Dakar Yellow (7)
CC86505 New Mini Cooper Flamenco Orange (8)
CC86506 New Mini Cooper British Racing Green (9)Mini Mania
CC82206 Mini 40 Dark Mulberry Red (7)
CC82207 Mini 40 Old English White (7)
CC82206 Mini 40 Island Blue (7)
CC82209 Mini 40 Rover Coupe Sports 1998 (7)
CC82211 Mini Se7en Racing Club Baldwin Mini Miglia (9)
CC82212 Mini Se7en Racing Club D Braggins (Mini 7) (11)Film & TV Favourites
CC05601 Knight Rider Pontiac Trans Am with Michael Knight figure (7)
CC50902 Green Hornet Black Beauty + Kato (8)
CC87502 A-Team van with B A Barrachas (8)
CC01901 Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels Rover 3500 and Big Chris figure (8)
CC87501 Charlie's Angels van (9)
CC52405 Monkees' Monkeemobile (11)
VANGUARDS SECOND HALF
Here are the plans for the Vanguards range for the second half of 2001, July to December. The hoped-for month of release is in brackets (9) = September. Main new models are Hillman Minx and Triumph Spitfire.
Classic Eddie Stobart Commercials
VA01116 Morris Minor van Eddie Stobart (7)
VA06603 Ford Transit Diesel Eddie Stobart (8)Police Vehicles
VA06401 Vauxhall Velox Stockport Borough Police (7)
VA06302 Morris Marina 1600 Essex Police (8)
VA06503 Rover 3500 V8 Hampshire Constabulary (9)
VA06605 Ford Transit I van Cumbria Police (10)
VA04104 Ford Cortina Mk II Thames Valley Police (11)
VA06801 Hillman Minx IIIA Salford Police (12)Sports Cars
VA06700 Triumph Spitfire Mk II signal red (7)
VA04902 Jaguar E-Type 40th Anniv. carmen red (7)
VA05002 MGA open top iris blue (8)
VA05901 Jaguar XK120 black (8)
VA06703 Triumph Spitfire Mk II wedgwood blue (9)
VA05101 Austin Healey BR Green/OE white (10)
VA06702 Triumph Spitfire Mk II conifer green (11)
VA04701 Triumph TR3A apple green (12)Snapshots in Time
RD3002 Racing Diorama Ford Anglia and Hillman Imp (8)
VA01416 Mini Van Royal Mail, postman and pillar box (8)
VA06606 Ford Transit Notts Motorway Unit, policeman and signs (9)
PD3002 Rover 3500 V8 Metropolitan Police, 10 Downing Street with figures (10)
VA00413 Ford Anglia van RAC, patrolman, phone box (10)
VA06604 Ford Transit PO Telephones, repairman, box (7)Saloon Cars
VA04103 Ford Cortina II DL 35th Anniv) lagoon blue (7)
VA06301 Morris Marina 1300 harvest gold (7)
VA00117 Ford Anglia lime green/white two tone (7)
VA06502 Rover 3500 V8 Monza red-ebony (8)
VA02509 Mini Cooper S fiesta yellow-white (8)
VA03805 Vauxhall Victor horizon blue (9)
VA04404 Austin A60 Cambridge white-maroon (9)
VA03405 Ford Capri 109E GT ermine white (9)
VA06402 Vauxhall PA Cresta lime yellow-swan white (10)
VA02108 Ford Popular vulcan grey-imperial maroon (10)
VA08002 Ford Zephyr 4 Monaco red (11)
VA05305 Triumph Dolomite 1800 automatic white (11)
VA06800 Hillman Minx ember red-cream (11)
VA05202 Ford Granada Ghia onyx green met. (12)
VA05802 Morris Minor convertible black-maroon (12)Classic Commercials
VA03015 Austin A40 van Castrol (7)
VA01706 Austin A35 van Midlands Electricity (9)
VA01117 Morris Minor van Hoover (10)
VA01416 Mini van Bristol Water Board (11)
VA06600 Ford Transit Mk I PO Telephones (9)
CORGI FUNFAIR MODELS
There are a number of fairground models for release from September 2001 to March 2002, all 1:50 diecast in China for UK. The month of release is shown in brackets (9) = September.
Fred Harris Limited Editions
CC10705 Scammell Highwayman tractor +caravan (9)
CC10802 Foden S21, platform trailer and load (10)
CC10303 AEC Ergomatic Pole Truck (11)
CC20303 Garrett Showman's Tractor (12)
CC20401 Galloper Carousel (12)
CC55104 Diamond T Ballast tractor generator, trailer (1/02)
CC20103 Fowler Showman's Locomotive (2/02)
CC07401 Land Rover and trailer (3/02)
CORGI DUTCH TRUCKS
Corgi were not too successful in their foray into the German market with some special liveries a while back, but this looks more promising. There are four 1:50 trucks to be released in Netherlands liveries. These will surely sell to the avid Dutch truck collectors.
CC12003 MAN artic transformer load Nederhoff Gouda (Jul)
CC12208 Scania artic log trailer Van der Weil Drachten (Jul)
CC12407 Volvo curtainside artic Van der Linden Waalwijk (Sep)
CC12408 Volvo curtainside de Boer (Doorenbos) Schettens (Sep)
LLEDO DAYS GONE NEWS
Here are the plans for Lledo's Days Gone range for the second half of 2001, July to December. Month of release in brackets (7) = July. Note the new series of French trucks, (above) for the first time in this scale.
DAYS GONE STANDARD RANGE
DG127001 Morris Minor van PO Telephones (7)
DG050039 Bullnose van Harvey's Bristol Cream sherry (7)
DG013083 Ford Model A van Vaseline (7)
DG050038 Morris Bullnose van His Master's Voice (7)
DG013082 Ford Model A van Blue Bird (7)
DG006263 Ford Model T van Yorkshire Tea (7)
DG100007 Fordson 7V truck Lux (7)
DG085015 Renault van Pears (7)
DG043033 Morris van Kiwi Boot Polish (7)
DG085014 Renault van Swan Vestas (7)
DG041020 Karrier Trolleybus Castrol (7)
DG006164 Ford Model T van Castrol (7)
DG006162 Ford Model T van England's Glory (7)
DG085018 Renault van Nestlé's Fruit & Nut (8)
DG109000 Open top tram London Nestlé (8)
DG108002 Closed top tram Glasgow Crosse & Blackwell (8)
DG006165 Ford Model T van Bushmill's (8)
DG006166 Ford Model T van Mackintosh's (8)
DG085017 Renault van Jamesons (9)
DG109002 Open top tram Blackpool Saxa Salt (9)
DG108000 Tram closed top London Whitbread (9)
DG050042 Morris Bullnose van Thornton's (9)
DG012025 Dennis 1934 Fire Engine Devon CFS (10)
DG125003 Burrell Showman's engine Gascoigne (10)
DG121000 Renault 1000kg van Renault (10)
DG119000 Citroen H type van Michelin (10)
DG050043 Morris Bullnose van Famous Grouse (10)
DG013084 Ford Model A van Glengoyne (10)
DG126001 Dennis 1956 F8 fire engine West Sussex FB (11)
DG066022 Dennis Delivery van Homepride (11)
DG120000 Berliet GLR Perrier (11)
DG085016 Renault van Fairy Soap (11)
DG015042 AEC Renown bus Schwartz (11)
DG052022 Morris Parcel van Whitworth (11)
DG118000 Citroen Type 55 van Danone (12)
DG050040 Morris Bullnose van Persil (12)Trackside Range 00 Scale Limited Editions
DG123002 AEC Mammoth low loader, tank Army (7)
DG114003 AEC Mammoth Ballast tractor BRS (8)
DG111001 Sentinel Ballast low loader, propellor Wynns (9)
DG044033 Scammell Six Wheel van Wynns (10)
DG112005 Scammell Artic low loader cable drum GPO (11)
DG110004 Scammell Ballast low loader, boat Hills (12)Billy Smart's Circus Collection Limited Editions
DG113000 AEC Mammoth artic wardrobe van Smart's (8)
DG112004 Scammell Artic low loader and load Billy (9)
DG044032 Scammell six wheel van Billy Smart's (10)
BS1002 AEC Mammoth Tractor and tinplate big top (11)
DG110003 Scammell low loader with load Smart's (12)
SMTS JAGUAR AND TVR
Latest news of 2001 releases from SMTS, 1:43 kits or built models. Tom Walkinshaw-prepared Jaguars first:RL48a Jaguar XJS 'Motul' no 7, which won the 1983 Donington 500km race, Martin Brundle at the wheel.
RL48b Jaguar XJS 'Jaguar' no 3, winner of the Brno 1984 3.5 hour race, a 1,2,3, finish. Built models cost £82.50, kits £34.50.
CL77 TVR Tuscan Speed Six. This car was shown as a prototype at the 1998 London Motor Show, in production form in 1999 and 1300 orders were taken for 2000 delivery. Built models, in Burnt Orange Pearl or Lilac Metallic, cost £60.00, kits £25.50.
NEW MODEL CAR MUSEUM IN FRANCE
Alès is a pleasant town of 41,000 inhabitants, at the foot of the Cévennes mountains, north of Nimes in southern France. In 1996 the municipality established a centre for mechanical sport (mostly motor sport). Now, in the town's Cultural Centre they have set up the Espace de la Miniature, claimed to be the largest model car museum open to the public in Europe, possibly the world, including 17,000 items. 12,000 models are from the collection of Christophe Gaillard, which was previously exhibited elsewhere in France. To show their commitment to the project, the town of Alès acquired a 5000-piece collection from the City of Nice which includes cars, aircraft and railways, and which complements Christophe's collection. The new museum is housed in a restored glass factory, fully renovated and fitted out with 50 showcases and other displays. Mini Auto Club d'Alès et des Cevennes developed the museum, and intends to install a shop at the museum, to promote swapmeets and to offer organised visits from clubs. Opening hours: 10.00 to 17.00, October to May, 10.00 to 18.00 June to Sept, closed for lunch 12.00 to 14.00. Open every day, closed Tuesdays October to May. Adult entry 20F, child or group rate 15F. Contact Espace de la Miniature, Pole Culturel de Rochebelle, Montée des Lauriers, 30100 Alès, France. Tel: 99 33 (0) 4 66 55 63 32. Fax 00 33 (0) 4 66 55 63 33.
NEWS FROM GERMANY:
MINICHAMPS NOTES
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
MINICHAMPS 1:43 diecast in China for Germany:
430 043209 Opel Rekord P1 two door saloon 1958. The first Rekord with a body in the American dream-boat style with wrap round front and rear screens and with more inner space, the P1 was the sensation of the Frankfurt Automobile show in Autumn 1957. Never again would a new Opel attract so much attention. The modelis in new colours, Bermuda green and Chamonix white, the interior in the same colours, a limited edition of 2016 pieces. (Hans-Georg Schmitt).
MINICHAMPS 1:43 diecast in China for Germany: 430 065660 Porsche 914 1969-1973. At thend of August 1969 the VW-Porsche 914 appeared, a Targa-like coupe with detachable plastic roof section and mid engine in front of the rear axle. Based not on this design concept, but rather on price the 914 managed to attract lots of buyers. With VW participation, this car was developed by Porsche and managed to reach acceptable sales-numbers, mainly due to good US sales. At first it had a 1.17 petrol engine from the VW 411, then the 1.8 ltre petrol-injection-engine from the 412. Alternatively it was available as the 914/6 with the two litre engine from the Porsche 911T. This was hard to sell, so it was replaced by a two litre four cylinder engine in 1972, and renamed the VW-Porsche 914-2.0. All four cylinder versions were built by Karmann at Osnabruck, only the few six cylinder cars being built at the Porsche plant in Stuttgart. The model is of the less attractive later version with matt black bumpers. The lights and other details are separate inserts, the interior looks quite realistic in white and black, and the body is 'lemon yellow', more of a beige than a yellow. The model is limited to 1536 pieces. (Hans-Georg Schmitt).
Minichamps 1:43 diecast in China for Germany: 430 112625 Peugeot 406 Coupe 1996. After five years of production, the 406 coupe still looks very pleasing. It was designed by Pininfarina and since autumn 2000 has also been available with a 2.2 litre V6 turbo diesel engine which develops 138 hp. The model car now appears in scarlet with black interior, a limited edition of 1536 pieces. (Notes Hans-Georg Schmitt).
MINICHAMPS 1:43 diecast in China for Germany: 430168921 Toyota Celica Coupe. The Celica first appeared in 1970 with rear wheel drive but since 1985 the Celica has been front wheel drive, and in Autumn 1999 this, the seventh edition, was launched.It has a choice of engines, both 1.8 litre capacity, straight-four with 16 valves and petrol-injection, of 143 or 192 hp. The body is shaped accurately, lights and other features are separate inserts, the interior and wheels are realistic. The baseplate is adequately detailed, the rear silencer of the exhaust system a separate part. In astral black this model is limited to 2736 pieces. notes (Hans-Georg Schmitt).
MINICHAMPS 1:43 diecast in China for Germany: 430 010100 Audi A4 saloon 2000. After the first batch was made exclusively for Audi promotional purposes, the new A4 saloon is now available on general sale, in laurel green metallic and the Ingolstadt license plates are missing. The boot-lid is badged '3.0' instead of '2.8' on the promo version. The interior is also different, the applications in the black interior are painted silver, not wood brown. The A4 saloon in this colour is a limited edition of 2016 pieces. (notes Hans-Georg Schmitt).
Minichamps 1:43 diecast in China for Germany: 430 166961 Toyota MR2 cabriolet, which appeared with new styling in Autumn 1999, fitted with a 1.8 litre 16V. straight four cylinder engine, of 140 hp. The model is Astral black, and the interior is also finished in black, a limited edition of 2640 pieces. (notes Hans-Georg Schmitt).
Minichamps 1:43 diecast in China for Germany: 431 028312 BMW 328i Touring (estate) 1999. The latest BMW 3 Series estate, once again named the Touring, was launched in late summer 1999. It is available with a choice of powerful petrol or diesel engines, with optional four wheel drive. The first batch was made exclusively for BMW, apparent from the special feature, important to BMW, of an opening bonnet, revealing an excellent replica of the 2.8 litre engine. The body is light red, and fitted with all details of its original, including the typical bags under the eyes of the headlights. The light grey interior is also authentic, as are the wheels and baseplate. Only the side windows could sit a bit better in the body, some gaps reveal a little carelessness. The BMW 3 Series Touring in this colour is available in a limited edition of 1632 pieces. ( notes Hans-Georg Schmitt).
Minichamps 1:43 diecast in China for Germany: 430 058102 Volkswagen Lupo 1998, the smallest car in the Volkswagen range, which did not sell in the expected numbers. The similar Seat Arosa is much cheaper, and production costs at the Wolfsburg plant in Germany are too high to make money with this car. So perhaps its successor will be built in a low wage country such as China. The Lupo model is now uni-black with light grey interior, limited to 1440 pieces. ( notes Hans-Georg Schmitt).
MINICHAMPS 1:43 diecast in China for Germany: 430019420 Audi Quattro Coupe 1981, first shown to the public at the Geneva Show in March 1980, the first cars were supplied to customers in late November that year. It had permanent four wheel drive and a turbocharged engine with inter-cooler. It car attracted attention with all wheel drive, previously known only on off road cars, not on road cars and definitely not high performance cars. The 2144cc engine of the Quattro had an exhaust driven turbocharger, (KKK K26), and intercooler, Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical petrol injection, a five speed manual gearbox behind the front-axle, and the central and rear axle differentials could be locked whilst running. The model is red, and reflects the Audi design very accurately; its main handicaps are clear, a poor rear view and tiny boot, with space for only a narrow emergency spare wheel. All badging is in the right places and the right sizes. The black interior looks like leather and even instrument dials can be seen. The wheels look like the originals and the baseplate shows drive train and the two support frames at the front and rear axles. The model is a limited edition of 3024 pieces. (notes Hans Georg Schmitt).
Minichamps 1:43 diecast in China for Germany: 430 089501 Ford Galaxy Facelift 2000. The face-lifted Galaxy is now deep black. The original vehicle is still produced in co-operation with Volkswagen in Palmela, Portugal. The interior is light grey, authentic looking, but the steering wheel is set a bit too low, there is no space between it and the seat for the little driver's legs. The black Galaxy is limited to 1008 pieces. ( notes Schmitt).
Minichamps 1:43 diecast in China for Germany: 430 019310 Audi RS4. For the last year of its production Audi upgraded the A4 Avant range with a special highperformance-model. lts 2.7 litre V6 petrol engine with bi-turbocharger develops 381 hp, capable of reaching 250 km/h. The first batch of the model cars were made especially for Quattro GmbH., subsidiary of Audi AG. for sale as exclusive accessories. Now it is available in normal model car shops. The body is painted in brilliant black, the interior in onyx, which is also a version of black. All features of the real car are accurately transferred into the small scale, even the large four ring symbol in the front-grille. The premium brand of the Volkswagen group has a very self-confident front. The baseplate is well detailed, to the two chrome plated tailpipes of the exhaust system. If compared with a model from the batch made for Audi, both are identical, but the Audi model was fitted with a license plate from Heilbronn, the second Audi plant, where the RS4 is finished. The Audi RS4 is limited to 2832 pieces. ( notes Hans-Georg Schmitt).
Minichamps 1:43 diecast in China for Germany: 430015931 Wartburg 311/2 Cabriolet 1959. The open version of the 311 is today a very rare car, not many were made, and only few survived the socialist era. Once again the second colour variant of this interesting model car is authentic, Krapp red and white with a beige interior, The seats are piped in red pipes as well, to make a nice colour combination, a limited edition of 1920 items. (notes Hans-Georg Schmitt).
Minichamps 1:43 diecast in China for Germany: Left; 430 065534 Porsche 356A Speedster 1956, now in a new colour, willow green, the interior in matt light red. The original car has become very rare, so many replicas have been built which can fool you at first glance. In this colour combination it is limited to 1728 pieces. Right: 430 069302 Porsche 911 (model 996) Turbo 1999, also in a new colour, frosty blue, with grey interior, a limited edition of 2544 pieces. (notes Hans-Georg Schmitt).
SCHUCOS IN THE SPRING
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
1:43 diecast Spring releases from Schuco Miniatur-modelle include some old friends in new colours:02154 BMW Dixi saloon now light beige with contrasting brown wings, and grey interior.
02295 BMW Dixi open cabriolet, now two tone blue with grey interior. Both were made initially exclusively for BMW, which says much about their quality and finish. In 1929 the first cars appeared, when BMW car production started in Eisenach, after taking over the former Dixi company. Production continued there until 1945.
02504 Porsche 356A Coupe, racing version; a limited edition in white with a red central stripe and race number 32. Supplementary lights were for night racing. The rear air intake grille is photo-etched, adding to the realism, but the chromed hub caps arrived early from the 356B and the exhaust pipes look strange. The 356A was built from 1955 to 1958, then was followed by the 356B. The red interior looks quite authentic, but the steering wheel would be better brown and silver.
04752 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2000 Avantgarde now in brown-grey metallic with brown interior with excellent photo-etched radiator grille and three-pointed star on the bonnet, plus separate lights and mirrors.
04581 Opel Speedster, now on general sale after the first batch was made in orangey-red or yellow exclusive for Opel promotion purposes. It is black with light beige interior. This new sports car was developed at, and will be built at, Lotus Cars Ltd in England.
04631 Volkswagen Passat saloon, dark green: 04621 Volkswagen Passat Variant estate, dark blue: In Autumn last year Volkswagen launched the face-lifted Passat saloon and its estate version, the Variant. The model cars were available at the launch, but only for VW promotional purposes. Now Schuco can offer them to model car dealers. This may upset collectors who don't know a friendly VW dealership, but it saves money for Schuco and other model car makers when a manufacturer takes the first batch and pays for the mould. Both models are accurately shaped, the impressive new chrome plated radiator grille and the newly designed front and rear lights are separate ipieces. The interior is light beige, but some more colour on the covers and dashboard would make it look even better. The finish is at the typical high Schuco level, no change noted under the new company ownership.
The Schuco Piccolo range has not been forgotten, there are three new models released, in approximately 1:90 scale:
05161 Mercedes-Benz searchlight truck, forward control lorry from the early 1960s, in dark green with movable dummy searchlight.
05181 BMW 1500 saloon 1962, dark blue.
05191 BMW 507 roadster, built from 1956 to 1959, designed by the legendary Count Goertz, only 254 cars were built, 200 still exist today, as very sought-after cars. It is dark red, with matt black interior. The dashboard is dominated by a huge gold steering wheel.
TWO OPEN AIR OPELS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
Spring time is also cabriolet time; warm spring sun, fresh verdure, nice smelling flowers, blue sky, all these make us want an open car. An Easter spin in their new open cabriolet is the dream of many car enthusiasts, but this year in Europe a ski run was more realistic. To fulfil these dreams, Opel launched their open Astra, a cabriolet designed and developed by Bertone in Turin, based on the coupe, also a Bertone creation, now an open four seater without the strange looking 'handle'. The folded hood is completely covered by a lid behind the rear seats. Raising and lowering the hood is done automatically by electric power. The new Astra cabrio has an completely zinc-coated body and has ABS, DSA sport suspension, airbags, three point automatic seat belts on all four seats and electric windows. The safety design of the body was developed by computers, and the hood works without any need for manual effort. These are all features which were impossible dreams in 1951 when the Opel Olympia appeared, proudly launched with new hydraulic shock absorbers and a newly designed rear end, the boot lid now accessible from outside the car! Comparing the two cars the tremendous progress in automobile design in the last 50 years is obvious. The stately Olympia Cabriolet-Saloon retained the side window frames to maintain rigidity, and the sausage-shaped folded hood almost completely blocked the driver's rear view. But the need for fresh air, for sunshine and to experience nature as much influenced the choice of a cabriolet as it does today. Both cars have now been released as 1:43 models, by two different departments of Opel. The model of the new Astra cabriolet comes from the sales promotion department, and the Olympia comes from General Motors Aftersales. Both models were made by Minichamps. The Astra is in Mirage, a metallic grey, in full-size a two-pack mineral effect paint. The interior looks like black leather, highly detailed, even the needles show on the white instrument dials. The wheels and baseplate look like the real thing, and the exhaust tailpipe is aseparate part. The Olympia is also shaped very well, finished in lrish grey, a sort of blue. The interior is in matching two tone blue and the finely executed radiator grille looks excellent. Other chromed parts, like bumpers and hub caps complete this important piece of Opel history. The wheels baseplate and interior are all well-detailed, but one feature is missing: the grab rails behind the rear seats. These could lead to painful visits to the dentist for rear seat passengers, after sudden braking by the driver. Both models are only available from Opel dealers, the Olympia under reference 17 99 533 GR 08.800.
JUNIOR LINE BRIDGEWORK
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
Model car prices are getting higher and higher, so that models are too good to be toys for children. Also they rarely have any movable parts, and just pushing a model car around soon becomes boring. Children aged from 3 to 5 are given small scale Matchbox or Siku models with a few movable parts, but when they get older, the personal computer soon wins their attention. Schuco product engineers have created a special Junior Line, two model car ranges in different scales, 1:72 and 1:43 with more movable parts. The interior is simplified and the outer finish less detailed. It is also important that packaging is less expensive designed. The finish is good enough to be also collectable for those who have more modest demands, or more modest amounts of money. There is thus a bridge between those children who like to play with their models and those collectors who want to start by collecting cheaper models. This is valid for the 1:43 range and also for 1:72, where the models can compete in finish with Siku and Matchbox. New for Spring are:27006 Porsche 356C Coupe, 1963-1965 metallic silver, with red interior. The scale is not 1:43 as shown on the box, but 1:40. The doors can be opened. Wheels are good, and the baseplate is sufficiently detailed.
27116 Porsche 911 GT2 1998 (Type 993), red with grey interior, doors can open The finish is similar to the 356C, but the scale is 1:43.
27115 BMW 5 Series saloon 1997, dark blue with grey interior. The scale is 1:43. The wheels and baseplate are well detailed, the exhaust system is a separate component.
331 6118: In the smaller scale of 1:72 has appeared a box containing two models, a Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe, in metallic silver livery for the Carrera Panamericana 1952, and an MGB open cabriolet, red with brown interior. Both are, for their small scale, well detailed, with no movable parts.
BUSCH SPECIAL RELEASES
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
1:87 plastic models from Busch of Germany:
New model, first delivery exclusive to DaimlerChrysler:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class T estate in Elegance version in brilliant silver, japis blue or travertine beige in a Mercedes-Benz card box.
These have been made as limited editions:43199 Borgward Isabella Coupe, dark green with beige seats for the International model railway exhibition in Cologne, November 2000
45324 Renault FR1 Sabena, Belgian airline, used as a shuttle-bus between France and Belgium.
47822 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter fire chief vehicle, Austria, Country fire brigade association, Salzburg.
Auto Union Type C racing car for magazine Modell-Fan for Nuremberg toy fair 2001.
Audi A4 Taxi, for the European Taxi fair, Cologne 2000.
Smart city coupe TUI, made for the travel company TUl from Hannover.
HERPA FOR MAY-JUNE
Latest models in 1:87 scale from Herpa of Germany for May-June 2001:
BMW M3 cabriolet black or metallic yellow
Mercedes C Class sport coupe red or metallic green
Mercedes-Benz A Class Fire car
Volkswagen LT II ambulance German Red Cross
Audi A4 THW Pfaffenhofen
MAN M2000-Metz TL fire appliance
MAN TG-A artic flat container for wide load ChoYang
Freightliner artic tanker Exxon
Mercedes-Benz Actros silo artic Will
Mercedes-Benz Actros L drawbar car transporter ADAC
Mercedes-Benz Actros L artic tank container Talke
MAN TG-A XL silo artic Steinkühler
MAN TG-A XXL frig drawbar Wagenstetter
MAN TG-A XL silo artic Bouss
DAF CF artic tractor green
Volvo FH GLXL 2+3+2+3 axle road train TIP-CTR
MAN TG-A XXL curtainside artic Altenmünster beer
MAN TG-A XXL box artic Fürstenberg Pilsener beer
MAN F2000 frig artic Nordfrost
WORLD NEWS
F1 FROM HOT WHEELS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
Mattel give us news of thier range, including Formula One model ranges, but as toys for children, nothing for model car collectors. The Formula One ranges of Hot Wheel include all the major teams in 1:64 or 1:24 scales, McLaren, Jordan, Jaguar, and BMW-Williams. And the winning team of Scuderia Ferrari in 1:24 scale. For girls who like Formula One and the 2000 World Champion, Barbie is the new star of Formula One, on the start line for Ferrari!
For motorcycle fans Mattel offers a special highlight, Ernie and Bert from Sesame Street mounted on a motorcycle and sidecar combination, with working lights and sound.
VITESSE GROUP NEWS
Here are the Vitesse Group diecast models delivered in April 2001:
SKID 1:43 scale
SKM162 Ford Focus WRC Red Bull
SKM185 Peugeot WRC Total Gronholm
SKM186 Peugeot 206 WRC Total Auriol
QUARTZO 1:43 scale
QLM029 Aston Marin DB3S LM 53
QLM032 Mazda 767B Renown LM 91
ONYX 1:43 scale
XLM045 Porsche 911 GT3R SeikelLM 00
XLM046 Porsche 911GT3R Chereau #77
TWO WHEELS 1:24 scale
TWR046 Yamaha YZR500 Red Bull #24
TWR055 Honda NSR500 Repsol YPF #1
TWR056 Honda NSR500 Repsol YPF #8
TWR059 Yamaha YZR #7 Checa 2000
TWR063 Honda NSR 500 Repsol YPF
TWR064 Yamaha YZR 500 Antena 3 #6
TWR065 Yamaha YZR500 Red Bull #55
SKID Special World Champion 1:43
SKW024 Peugeot 206 WRC San Remo
SKW025 Peugeot 206 WRC Australia
QUARTZO Le mans & touring cars
QLM028 Lotus XI LM 51 #62 Fraser
ONYX Le Mans cars 1:43 scale
XLM044 Porsche 911 GT3R SILC LM
XLM047 Porsche 996 GT3R Barbour
XLM054 Porsche 911GT3R Castrol #80
XLM061 Chrysler Viper GTS-R/T Playstation #51
XLM062 Chrysler Viper GTS-R/T Playstation #53
XLM063 Chrysler Viper GTS-R/T Playstation #52
ONYX GT cars 1:43 scale
XGT014 Porsche 996 GT3R Red Bull 00
XGT017 Porsche 911GT3R Pennzoil GT
L'ART ET L'AUTOMOBILE
In a recent MAR correspondence page, mention was made of a Manhattan gallery devoted to automobilia, no longer there. This was l'Art de l'Automobile, founded by Jacques Vaucher, based in midtown Manhattan for over 20 years. Now the gallery is based in East Hampton, NY, and now conducts Automobilia Auctions by mail, fax, email and telephone. Included in the sixth auction on 14 June are the Rolex trophy awarded to Stirling Moss when he won the 1955 Mille Miglia (right), a bronze plaque by Lalique for the first Targa Florio in 1906 and more. Catalogues cost $20, by post from l'Art et l'Automobile, 74 Montauk Highway, East Hampton, NY 11937, USA.
BAN SENG 1:43 MODELS
There is a new range of 1:43 handbuilt resin models from Malaysia called Ban Seng Models, concentrating on sports cars, concept cars and cars that have been crowd-pullers at Motor Shows. The first eight are in preparation. The eight models are as follows:
Toyota 4500 GT 1989
Ital Design Scighera 1997
Honda HPX 1984
Citroen Karin 1980
Nissan MID-4 II 1987
Toyota EX III 1969
Bentley Hunaudières 1999
Isdera Commendatore 1993Mr Oon, long time friend of MAR and maker of this new range says, 'These cars are all individually hand-built and professionally painted, made to order only, and therefore very limited. Most of these cars have never been modelled in this or any other scale, making them more desirable. Despite their exclusiveness, prices are reasonable'. For more information, contact Ban Seng Models, PO Box 9152, Pejabat POS Kelana Jaya, 46806 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. email: bansengmodels@hotmail.com
RIALTO LATEST NEWS
By Jan Miedema
All models I have previously mentioned in MAR are now in production, and there is one more, all are 1:43:RM007 Opel and Vauxhall Omega 2000. The up-dated Omega introduced at the Frankfurt Show in 1999. The model consists of a new body, new rear lights, new exterior mirrors, headr ests for rear seats, Opel or Vauxhall decals, photo-etched two part Opel or Vauxhall grilles and screen wipers. The rest of the parts come from the Schuco Omega B 1995 diecast model, made for Opel and Vauxhall. The model is available ready built in star silver or nocturno blue, or in kit form. Donor models are sill easily obtainable, but we can not obtain Vauxhall models in the Netherlands. So if customers want the Vauxhall version built they must supply the Schuco Vauxhall to us and we build it for them. RM008 Jaguar XK140-XK150 Zagato. The picture in the centre pages shows a prototype with XK150 grille as shown at Nuremberg Toy Fair. Built models will be BRG.
RMtk002 Vauxhall VX220 transkit. The model is based on the Schuco Opel Speedster. The transkit consists of Vauxhall decals, right hand drive dashboard, passenger footrest, Vauxhall grille and etched perforated sporting pedals. It was not necessary to supply a new wiper, the original wiper can be bent over to the right of the screen. The VX220 is available ready built or as a transkit in a plastic bag with clear building instructions, easy to build, but it requires care to dismantle the Speedster, as the baseplate of most Schuco models is glued to the body with superglue. I have found how to take them apart quickly without damaging the Schuco. I advise if customers want to build a transkit themselves that I dismantle the Schuco model for them and the customer then finishes the model.
RMtk003 Vauxhall Astra-G Coupe. While I was working on the VX220 transkit I thought, why not to try the Astra Coupe as well? I had to print the decals anyway, so here it is. This model is based on the Minichamps Opel model. This transkit consists of Vauxhall decals, rhd dashboard, Vauxhall grille and etched wipers. This transkit builds very easily and there are no problems dismantling the Minichamps model. The Vauxhall Astra Coupe is also available ready built. I hope I have pleased Vauxhall collectors with Vauxhall variations, when you are working on modern Opels the Vauxhall versions are not far off. All models available from the trade or direct from: Rialto Models, Parkdreef 173, 2724 ET Zoetermeer, NL. tel-fax-+31 79 331 76 76, e-mail: rialtomod@hetnet.nl website: http://www.rialtomodels.nl
MINICRAFT MOVES
The Minicraft range of plastic kits y was begun by Al and Mary Trendle in 1969 in California. After 47 years in the business and 31 years with Minicraft they have handed over the reins to David and Norma Huff. The stock and equipment has moved to Elgin, IL, but production in China continues without interruption. The new owners have been in the model business for 30 years, on their own account for 16 years, and look forward to a 'future bright with challenge'. We wish them success in continuing the Minicraft story, with the assistance of Al, who will act as a consultant.
MATCHBOX FUTURE PLANS
Future plans released by the US-based Matchbox ranges include the following:
ELVIS PRESLEY DIORAMAS, available July 2001
In honour of the King of Rock n' Roll's extensive collection of vehicles, Matchbox will make five models based on exhibits in the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum. Each vehicle is displayed in front of a miniature setting of the Elvis's home, Graceland, in plastic box. On the back of the case is a collector card with information about the vehicle and its connection to Elvis. Fully authorised by Elvis Presley Enterprises, the collection includes the following: 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood 60 Special
1956 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible Biarritz
1960 MGA Convertible
1960 Jeep Surrey
1957 Ford ThunderbirdCOKE AROUND THE WORLD COLLECTION: available July 2001. A range of six artic trucks, each seven inches long, with authentic Coca Cola graphics from around the world, including a flag of the country it represents on the cab. Countries represented include the USA, UK, Australia, Germany, France, and China. These vehicles are claimed to be authentic as the tractor units are as used in the country which uses the artwork on the trailer. Fully authorised by The Coca-Cola Company, the collection includes the following:
DAF Space Cab - UK
Mercedes-Benz Actros - Germany
Mercedes-Benz Actros - China
Kenworth T-2000 - USA
Scania - France
Scania - AustraliaKELLOGG'S & NICKELODEON five-packs:
available July 2001. This line features licenses from Kellogg's and Nickelodeon, colourfully decorated with some of the world's most popular cartoon characters. Popular icons from Kellogg's include the following: Tony the Tiger, Dig 'Em, Snap! Crackle! Pop!, Toucan Sam, Corny These are included in the Nickelodeon five-pack:
Nick Car, Cat Dog, Wild Thornberrys,
Hey Arnold!, Rugrats Car
Also from Nickelodeon, these five-packs include
these characters from the animated Rugrats series:
Tommy, Angelica, Phil and Lil, Chuckie, Dil
Kellogg's and Nickelodeon five-packs are sold exclusively at K-Mart stores.
CREATIVE FERRARI 312B
Creative Miniature Associates, Inc of the USA have released a highly detailed Ferrari 312B. It was very successful for Ferrari, the only flat-12 powered car that season, developing more power than any other engine in 1970 Formula 1 racing. It was visually one of the more exciting F1 racers of the early 1970s and was regarded by many as the best looking F1 car of 1970. Ferrari had four wins and five second place finishes in 1970 with the 312B which even came back to win the first and third races of the 1971 season, as the B2 was not ready for those first few races. Over five years were spent researching and making the original master pattern for this limited edition of 25 handbuilt models, the second model in the CMA Racing Models series following their 1:14 Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta. Each model takes over 100 hours to build up almost 400 metal and resin components.
The 312B model features details such as the intricate dashboard and exposed wiring behind the dash, and the wired and detailed engine. Hours were spent adding the rivet detail to the master body pattern. Each model has 53 individually machined aluminum parts, 20 cast bronze suspension and engine components, and another 36 aluminum, steel, brass and pewter parts to complete the accurate suspension detailing! The bronze parts are cleaned and polished by hand, then Rhodium plated and polished again. Numerous other parts are also machined and over 40 more are photo-etched. Each 312B even has specially formed domed steel mesh screens over the tops of each of the 12 velocity stacks and miniature springs holding the exhaust pipes in place. Gold Firestone lettering and rings are added by hand to each tyre on both sides, and the red and black seat fabric pattem is replicated. Each model comes in a wood and acrylic display case and comes with two plaques personally autographed by Jacky Ickx. One plaque is on the underside of the model and the other on the display base. A certificate of authenticity is also included, and all for a price of only $3,595.00. For further details, and delivery information contact Creative Miniature Associates, Inc, 40 Corbin Avenue, Unit #40-M Bay Shore, NY 11706, USA, Tel: (631) 667-5423, fax: (631) 667-5419.
Copyright 2001 Modelauto Ltd and Solnet Systems Ltd
e-mail mar@zeteo.com
