EDITORIAL by Rod Ward
ANSON GOES TO ERTL
Following the comments by Frank Joyce of EFE in MAR 170 about manufacturing problems in China, I am sorry to note that one of the most ambitious companies there, Anson, has been declared bankrupt. This the first sad result (but probably not the last) of the chill wind that has blown through Chinese model car making since the US sales market collapsed in the wake of the World Trade Centre disaster. The good news is that Ertl have very quickly purchased the Anson assets, and Anson's former Sales and Marketing Director, Andy Tsang has been appointed to the same position in Signature Models Ltd.
OUR CONTRIBUTORS
As everybody now knows, MAR is what an American contributor once called a 'volunteer' publication. All of our contributors are unpaid, and just send in material in order to share it with fellow enthusiasts. I am often told that their first effort was an attempt to pay back some of the enjoyment they have had from reading what others have given to MAR. Recent issues have included some new names in the Contents list, and I hope that they will submit more material in future.
By now they all know MAR well enough to know what sort of stuff we like to read, and also what we haven't covered. So they offer something which they think will fill a gap; a subject about which they have knowledge they would like to share with other readers. Thus the 'volunteering' means that I don't commission articles. I might suggest appropriate subjects, once I know the strengths of a contributor, but I accept whatever is offered. Any duplicated subject matter may delay its publication a little, but it is never held back for long. At various times certain names have been prominent in these pages, with an article (maybe even more than one) in every issue, then they may take a rest for a while, the baton being taken up by others. In recent times, for instance, Maz Woolley wrote letters to MAR, then he sent short news items and features. Now he is in the middle of two series of articles. Similarly, Tony Steenmeyer gradually got himself up to speed, and now his name appears in almost every issue's Contents list. On the other hand, some of our 'old faithfuls' are having a little (temporary?) rest.
There is no 'Ford' article from Dave Turner in this issue, for instance, though he'll be back next month. Others who produced long series of articles in the past seem to have worked themselves to a standstill. I am often asked if Fred Käsmann will ever update his long-running Land Speed Record serial. It appears not. Some contributors on a particular theme find they have little to say if their subject has been well-covered, or if there is little new. André Blaize, for instance, bemoans the lack of new Rolls-Royce models to report. Graeme Ogg's jolly articles are enjoyed by all MAR readers, and he needs no further encouragement here.
It is nice to see some MAR contributors returning to better health after long and, in some cases, life-threatening illnesses. We have recently published contributions from Don Elliott, Horst Macalka, Ron Crawford and others, after periods in which they were unavailable due to poorliness. Glad to see you back! can also report health improvements from Graeme Watt, Imre Szanto, and Richard Ineson, among others, though I have no fresh contributions from them as yet. I cannot omit mention of the indefatigable Hans-Georg Schmitt. As I write this he has just finished toiling round Nuremberg Toy Fair on MAR's behalf, burdened by the crippling weight of 40 kilos of catalogues and leaflets. Thanks to his persistence and his insight, MAR is often the first magazine to break a major story. Hans-Georg never flags in his dedication to his chosen task, whatever may be happening in the rest of his life, and his efforts are always appreciated by me, and by other MAR readers. The first fruits of his visit are noted on page 8669 of this issue, with much more next month. As well as material from our faithful ranks of regular and occasional contributors, I also have some very interesting features promised, or already in the pipeline awaiting publication, from names new to Model Auto Review; but we always need more new blood. So, if you would like to add your name to the roster of MAR contributors, past and present, get finger to keyboard, or pen to paper now. If you aren't sure about the subject matter, or treatment, just ask me...
NUREMBERG REPORT
by Hans-Georg SchmittHere is a first taste of the news gathered for us by Hans-Georg Schmitt at Nuremberg Toy Fair in February, just a quick skate over the subject. Each maker will be covered in more detail over the next two issues of Model Auto Review. In Hans-Georg's own words, here is the story of two cold and snowy days in Bavaria, which sounds more like military boot camp:
On the first morning there was a heavy snowfall, so I could only drive at 30km/h (less than 20mph), and it was the same in the evening when I left for my hotel in the country to the south of Nuremberg. Many of the drivers who chose to use the Autobahn were marooned in their cars overnight, due to the snowy chaos. At the fair, I had a difficult task, as in previous years, managing to reach all the appointments I had made, dispersed over the many different halls in which the Toy Fair takes place. I had to run from stand to stand, snatching opportunities to take photographs when I could, laden with bags full of catalogues, leaflets and other paperwork (40 kilos in all).
Overall, there were less visitors than in previous years, so that by mid-afternoon the aisles in some halls were empty, so stall-holders played with their remote control cars in the vast open spaces. Manufacturers are all waiting for a market upturn, with lots of future plans, rather less for immediate release. In retrospect, I recall a lot of military items, subjects from the Second World War to the Gulf War, reflecting the present state of war preparedness. The big Toy fair news in the local media was that 'Barbie is pregnant', but actually it was only one of her friends, displayed by Mattel. Now to models:
adp: 1:43 scale: Adler LM 37 in resin, and in 1:87 scale: Steyr 55, Adler Autobahn coupe, Opel Admiral, Opel Blitz and Magirus S3303.
Albedo: As well as their own 1:87 models, they displayed the Euro Modell range by Herr Stettnisch, now based in the Netherlands, many of whose products appeared to be copies of early solid-window Wiking models. Armour Collection: Now owned by Franklin Mint, the aircraft, military vehicles and cars are all available by direct mail order from the USA.
AWM: their 1:87 scale fair model was a Peugeot 206CC in pink and turquoise.
Bburago: 1:18 scale: BMW Z4, Aston Martin V12 Vanquish, Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG, Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR MM #722 Moss, Giugiaro Prima Speedster, Maserati GT Spyder, Smart Roadster and Coupe, Mini Cooper (old) Monte Carlo, Chrysler Crossfire, new Dodge Viper, VW Touareg. Some of these will also be made in 1:24 scale, along with Ford Street Ka and BMW Z8. There were also more Disney models, and Polistil models on display.
Brekina: 1:87 scale: Alfa Romeo Giulia Super 1962-76, Peugeot 404, Mercedes-Benz 190C estate, Volvo Amazon, Mercedes /8 variants, VW Type 3 1600TL, Glas Goggomobil small commercial, Ford Transit IIb, Scania L110 and Magirus 150R12 Bahnbus.
Busch: 1:87 scale: Smart roadster, Dodge Power Wagon pickup and variants on existing models.
CMC: 1:24 scale: Audi 920.
Code 3 Collectibles: 1:23 and 1:64 scale: US fire appliances shown here for the first time, good sellers since the events of 11 September 2001.
Eligor: 1:43 scale: New models planned include Renault Dauphine and Mégane, as well as some new trucks.
Fine Art Models: 1:8 scale: An impressive GMC military truck and an early 1930s Mercedes-Benz SS open tourer, followed next year by a Bugatti T41 Royale Coupe Napoleon.
Guiloy: As well as some new large scale motorcycle models, there are three unidentified cars in their catalogue, which are obviously Ferraris.
Herpa: 1:87 scale: New MAN LE2000 in various fire versions, Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes-Benz E-Class saloon (already available from Wiking) Liebherr 954 excavator, DAF XF face-lift, and many variations on the Mercedes-Benz Actros. A new range of Max Bögl construction vehicles replaces the Hoch-Tief series. A new series, Herpa Magic Trucks, consists of simplified models for new collectors or promotionals, initially Mercedes Actros and Axor, or MAN TG-A.
HiMoBo: 1:50 scale: A Berliet T100 oilfield truck, at its time the biggest truck in the world.
HMB: (Huppertz) An extensive range of 1:32 scale military models, in the style of prewar Hausser Elastolin soldiers, buildings and vehicles. New this year is a V2 rocket on a trailer towed by a Hanomag SS10. Also displayed was a Junkers Ju52/3m in the same scale, impressively large, with over a metre wingspan.
Italeri: New plastic kits include a 1:35 scale Afrika Korps KdF (Beetle), 1:12 scale Fiat Mefistofele, and 1:24 scale Mercedes-Benz 300SL, Mercedes-Benz 600 and new truck kits.
IXO: 1:43 scale: New plans include two more Bugatti T57S Le Mans cars from 1937 and 1938, a Mexican Volkswagen Beetle and a new series of Maserati models.
Joal: new Komatsu models: HD605-5 dumper, and PC1100LC-6 crane. Joy City Automaxx Collection: 1:60, 1:72 and 1;87 scale: some familiar models here.
Kaden: 1:43 scale: the usual range of diecast Skoda models, plus the 1:24 scale tin and plastic Gonio models on display.
Lemke: This company distributes many items in Coca-Cola livery, including the 1:40 scale plastic Wiking Volkswagen T1b Transporter.
Märklin-Trix: Among all their railway models, some with road vehicle interest, such as car transporter wagons loaded with Herpa cars.
Maisto: new releases planned include Audi Le Mans 2002 cars, Hummer H2, mercedes-benz SL55 AMG, Chevrolet Nomad 1956, Chevrolet Impala NYPD and Military Police, Porsche Cayenne S and Turbo, BMW Z4, Dodge 330 1963 and much more...
Majorette, Solido-Verem: Majorette products were as toy-like as ever, but Solido plan to make 1:18 scale Peugeot 203, Subaru Impreza WRC 2002 and Peugeot 206CC. In 1:43 scale, a Citroen C3 and various fire vehicles, including some ex-Mira and Detail Cars models. Verem models are all reissued Solido variants.
Mattel: as usual it was forbidden to take photos of display models, but plans include 1:18 Maserati Quattroporte, BMW 6 Series and Porsche GT3. Lots of Schumacher-related Ferrari releases, and other Formula 1 models.
Minichamps: Another immense flood of new releases include 1:18 Ford Escort Mark I, BMW 2002, Morris Minor 1959, Volkswagen Kdf and Kübelwagen and Mercedes-Benz 300SL roadster. In 1:43 scale: Alfetta 1972, Dodge Viper 2003, Ford Taunus P5 1964 saloon, estate and coupe, Ford Capri Mark II, Ford Taunus 1970 saloon, estate and coupe, Street Ka, Iso Grifo 1968, Lincoln Continental parade car Berlin 1963, Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing 1952, Mercedes-Benz SL 2002, Moon buggy 1971, Smart roadster and coupe, VW Beetle 1951, MAN F8 truck, Magirus round bonnet truck, and an impressive 1:18 Mercedes-Benz L6600 truck was also on display...
MR Collection: Among the usual high quality 1:43 models there is a new range 'Look Smart' at almost the same quality level, at half the price.
NZG-Bub-Premium Classixxs: Herr Brunner, formerly head of Schuco, had a period selling real cars, and now appeared on NZG's stand, with his Premium Classixxs range. First releases will be Isetta (1:12 scale, June), Mercedes-Benz L319 van and truck (1:43), Goggomobil commercial (1:43), Mercedes-Benz G-wagen (1:35), followed by Munga and Iltis, also 1:35. The Bubmobile 1:87 releases will include VW Beetle, VW van and Mercedes-Benz L319 van. And NZG showed Caterpillar 797B dumper, Faun 1206 heavy tractor, Mercedes-Benz Unimog U4000, and Fuchs F301 excavator. Also new is a range of 1:87 construction vehicles.
Pocher: The Lima-Arnold stand had some 1:8 scale Pocher models on display, including the Ferrari F40 'new for 2003', but no other information was forthcoming.
Progetto-K: New models were the Alfa Romeo Giulia 1970, Fiat 238 minibus and van, Alfa Romeo Matta 4x4 and Fiat 500 Abarth. Also on this stand, Exem had a Maserati 151.1 prototype and Mamone a 1:18 resin Fiat 1100 1930s.
Revival: Auto Union record car 1938, in which Bernd Rosemeyer died (1:20), plus 1:43 models of Carraciola's Mercedes-Benz record car and Mike Hawthorn's Ferrari Dino V6 1958.
Ricko: the fast pace of new releases continues with Mercedes-Benz Adenauer 300, Mercedes-Benz 300SL Carrera Panamericana Kling-Klenk, BMW Z4, Alfa Romeo 147 and Le Mans
Rietze: new 1:87 moulds include Opel Vectra, Signum, Mercedes-Benz Citaro and Centroliner plus N scale models and a new projected series of 1:25 scale bus models, suitable for radio control or as display promotionals.
Rio: a Fiat 238 is proposed (competing with Progetto-K?).
Schuco: Lots of new models proposed, but some unfortunate duplication (Mercedes-Benz L319 van, like Premium Classixxs). Schuco will make the Signum for Opel in 1:43 scale.
Signature Models: an interesting range, in 1:18 and 1:32 scales, more news later.
Sun Star-Vitesse: Interesting news for 2003: Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman-Landaulet, Facel Vega HK500 1957, and the 1932 Cadillac owned by the last Emperor of China.
Tin Wizard: New 1:43 model of the Mercedes-Benz 230 saloon 1938.
Trofeu: BMW 2002 in rally trim, 1:43 scale. 21st Century Toys: Military vehicles; 1:25 scale tanks, plus Jeep and Dodge WC51 in 1:8 scale.
Unimax: Military models and aircraft in 1:72 and 1:48 scales, but photography was forbidden on their stand. Universal Hobbies: most releases are related to models by Revell, Detail Cars or Del Prado.
Welly: 1:18 BMW Z4, VW Passat, new Range Rover, VW Microbus 1962, Lotus Elise, Mercury Cougar, Mercedes-Benz SL500, BMW 7 Series and Lamborghini Murciélago.
Wiking-Siku: The usual cautious programme of releases includes a John Deere 6920 tractor, and emergency vehicles plus a new series of reissues, marking the centenary of founder Friedrich Karl Peltzer.
Yat Ming: 1:18 Presidential series: Cadillac V16 limousine 1938, Cadillac de ville 2001. Other 1:18 models: Ford Thunderbird 1957, Pontiac Bonneville 1958, Cadillac Coupe de Ville 1949, Chevrolet Bel Air 1956. Road Signature series: Nissan 350Z, Datsun 240Z, Chevrolet Corvair Monza 1969, Toyota Matrix, Pontiac Vibe 2003, Studebaker Champion 1950, Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am 2002, Volkswagen W12 Nardo 2003.CLUB NEWS
Collated by Rod WardFerrari Model Club: After 28 years the FMC has ceased to produce its superb magazine for members. Various propositions for the Club's future viability have been discussed, and discarded, but there is still a remaining possibility. This is that the Club may be taken under the wing of the Ferrari Club Deutschland. A final decision is still awaited from Ferrari of Germany, as we go to press, but it seems likely that there will not be a decision until the annual general meeting of the FCD in Spring 2003. Dominique Lahuec has put in a tremendous amount of effort over the last eight years that he has run the Ferrari Model Club, producing eight packed issues of the magazine every year. He is obviously unhappy at the present outcome, but he hopes for a successful future for the club in some form. He will post news of the latest position on the FMC homepage on the internet, once something is decided. If nothing else happens, I repeat my offer to publicise any club news on this page in MAR on behalf of any club which is unable, for any reason, to produce a publication for its members. For more information email Dominique at Ferrari_Model_Club@compuserve.com
Coventry Diecast Model Club: Paul and Hilary Kennelly were treated to a surprise 'This is Your Life' night by other members of the Club, in expectation that they would be closing their shop and moving to Wales in a joint venture with Vic Davey, but it seems they haven't quite moved yet. Other changes for the CDMC include the decision of Erik Fredriksen to stand down as Chairman, due to family pressures. He will be much misssed, though he still intends to attend as many Club meetings as possible. The Club contributes much to the overall world of collecting, not the least of which is the provison of a team of stewards to the Modelex shows. So, if you wondered why the Stewards were unusually well-informed when you visited Modelex, it's because they are all collectors as well! The Club magazine, Wheelspin, is always packed with features and pictures, and in the latest edition Will Roe notes a project to start up a club for collectors of Russian models. Contact Pete White, 26 Westbourne Road, Penarth, Cardiff, CF64 3HF if you are interested in becoming a member. If you would also like to join the Coventry club, just write to 242 Abbey Road, Whitley, Coventry CV3 4BE for details.
Brooklin Collectors Club: This Club is still very popular, with 270 members currently. At its peak some years ago, membership was around 500, but 270 seems very healthy indeed by modern standards. Even the almost 30 folk who turned up at the Annual General Meeting last October would outnumber the total membership in many other clubs, though one member thought this turn-out was very small considering the size of the club. The club funds are also very healthy, and the intention is to always carry at least £10,000 in liquid cash in future. This has raised eyebrows among some members, including ex-Chairman Bill Frith, but there is a need in this case to fund the purchase of special Club Brooklin models before members have paid for them. On the question of future Brooklin choices, the Plymouth from the movie Christine has been suggested (wasn't that once made by Western?), and Editor of The Brooklin Collector Jack Patrick asks for confirmation if this was a Fury or a Belvedere. (Jack favours the latter). If you'd like to aid the effort to regain the 500-member level, just contact Membership Secretary John Bowyer by telephoning 01276 473499.
Herpa Wings Club: This club for collectors of Herpa miniature airliners produces an annual model exclusively for members. This year the model is an Airbus A300B4 in the livery of Bavaria Germanair. This rare livery was only in use for a short time after the two airlines merged in 1977, then it disappeared into a further merger with Hapag-Lloyd in 1979. Members are now invited to choose their next model from a shortlist of nine: Boeing 707-300C Ecuatoriana 1976, DC-10-30 JAT Yugoslav Airlines, Junkers Ju-52 LOT Poland 1938, Boeing 747-300 Corsair F-GSEX (with kissing lips insignia), Boeing 767-200 TransBrasil Blue, from their rainbow series, Boeing 737-200 US Airways, Vickers Viscount Aer Lingus pre-1966, L-1011-1 Tristar LTU interim livery 1991, or Airbus A300-600 Thai Airways Star Alliance. The annual special model is only one of the benefits of belonging to the Herpa Wings Club. There is also the Wings World bi-monthly glossy magazine and much else. Contact Herpa Wings, PO Box 40, 90597 Dietenhofen, Germany, for membership information.
The Fairground Society: The Society will be holding its third Annual Fairground and Model Engineering Show, on Sunday 2 March 2003, again sponsored by Blackpool Pleasure Beach Ltd, and once more held in the Paradise Room in the Casino building on the famous Pleasure Beach, the roller-coaster capital of Britain. The Pleasure Beach will be open on the day with reduced price tickets on all the rides. The Paradise Room has full facilities with catering, and a licensed bar. The Society has invited the best UK fairground modellers to exhibit their latest models and leading fairground and circus model traders will be present. For more information contact Malcolm Slater, 75 Broome Close, Huntington, York, Y032 9RH.
Club Mulhouse 1/43: Mulhouse in Eastern France is best known to most car enthusiasts for the ex-Schlumpf collection, now a national Museum, with many Bugattis and other classic cars. This town is also the home of a nice model car shop (La Boite à Tacots) and the Club Mulhouse 1/43 which organises a swapmeet said to be the 'oldest and most important in the east of France and one of the oldest in Europe'. It is interesting, in light of recent developments at UK swapmeets, to note that among the Mulhouse show regulations are requirements that 'amateur' stallholders submit a photocopy of their identity card, and that 'professional' stallholders provide their business registration or Excise (VAT) registration number. As one of the organisers of the swapmeet is Thierry Sée, a long-standing friend of MAR and a prominent local lawyer, we should take these requirements seriously. If you would like more details of the Club or the Swapmeet, write to Thierry at 29 Rue Jean Mieg, 61800 Mulhouse, France.
South Hants Model Auto Club: We all are aware of the great contribution to many shows and fairs made by the SHMAC with theire displays of model cars, which help to make collecting visible to a wider public. This is at its height in the contribution of SHMAC in co-ordinating the exhibits at the Modelex shows. It is fitting, therefore that the SHMAC magazine was the first place where the new look for the 2003 Modelex show was revealed. it will be held on one day only, Sunday October 19 2003 at the same Stoneleigh venue as in 2002. 'The reason for this is to cut down on costs', says Chris Derbyshire, 'Modelex needs to re-establish a good crowd and start to realise profit, rather than a loss'. If you would like to contribute to the displays this year, you can contact Chris. In the latest SHMAC magazine there are also lots of interesting articles, on the Lamborghini Jota, on Atkinson and Foden lorries, and a note about an ERF bulk flour tanker which has been converted into a mobile home. Was it a Homepride flour truck, I wonder? Another fascinating feature is an attempt to list model shops, town by town, with a note of their stock levels, as well as those which have closed since the last visit. Rather depressingly, four out of the nine shops listed in the first episode have already closed. For membership details contact Secretary Dave Painter on 01264 366408.
Maidenhead Static Model club: The MSMC celebrated Christmas with a Party Clubnight with lots of food, music, and raffle prizes. Music was supplied by the Elderly Brothers, and this even led to an outbreak of dancing amongst the members and their partners! The Club celebrated the past year with a free gift to all members, a Corgi Classics Austin Healey 3000 Mk II, for which Bill Alexander prepared numbered certificates. The Club's next toy fair is on Saturday 14 June 2003. It is usually on the first Saturday in June but unfortunately the hall management double-booked the Montem Centre in Slough, so there was no option but to take the second Saturday. For more details (note the new contact number) ring John Garside on 07729 910632.
The Lledo Enthusiast and Variatons Club: When a Club devotes itself to promoting the collecting (ie the sales) of a particular make or range of models, at no expense to the maker, one would think that the manufacturer in question would be helpful to such a Club and its members. That has not been the experience of this Club in relation to customer complaints by members to Lledo. The Enthusiast, the Club magazne edited by Bill Alexander, gave an address for Hallmark Consumer Services, supplied by Jennifer Wilson, with her promise that all such enquiries would be dealt with promptly. The Club receives a stream of letters from members complaining that they get a total lack of any response when they contact the address and numbers given. It seems that Ms Wilson is no longer with Lledo, and indeed many staff seem to have left the Corgi group of brands in the past few months. Perhaps it is no longer anyone's job to respond to contacts from the public, even by sending out a reply along the lines of, 'Sorry we are too busy to answer your time-wasting enquiry' (or perhaps worded more diplomatically). In spite of this lack of co-operation and interest from the makers of the products his members love so much, Bill continues to produce a highly detailed analysis of Lledo, Days Gone and Vanguards models six times every year in The Enthusiast. You can contact him for membership details at 33 Town Moor, Maidenhead, Berks SL6 7JR.
BOOK REVIEWS
By Hans-Georg SchmittJEUX & JOUETS des Vins & Spiritueux by Serge Defradat, French text, 208 pages, 546 photos. Hardbound, dust cover. 220 x 290 mm. ISBN 2-8410-2078-9. Published and available Du May; 20, rue de la Saussiere; 92641 Boulogne-Billancourt Cedex, France. For centuries wine, beer and spirits have been advertised, then in the 1930s toy cars were discovered as an advertising medium. Trucks and vans, but also cars and buses in many scales were specially painted and printed. This became popular quickly, especially in France. The author has collected a huge amount of promotional material including model cars promoting liquor, such as wine and beer trucks from the 1930s made by CIJ, an artic Berliet GAK beer truck from Spain made by Guisval in the 1960s, and another Berliet beer truck made in the 1950s by Clé. Berliets were often used for transportation of liquids, especially alcohol. The Berliet GAK Kronenbourg beer, made by Dinky France in 1964 is said to be the most expensive Dinky model made in France. One of them can be seen in the model collection at the Schlumpf Museum at Mulhouse, Alsac. There are Guinness adverts on Corgi models, Tuborg on Tekno, Jim Beam Whisky and Beefeater on Matchbox, Pernod and Ricard on Solido, wines from the Cotes de Rhone on Norev; the number of models depicted is tremendous.
AC Two-litre Saloons & Buckland Sports cars by Leo Archibald, English text, 128 pages, 167 illustrations, hardbound with dust cover. 210 x 260mm. ISBN 1-903706-24-6 published by and available from Veloce Publishing Ltd, 33, Trinity Street, Dorchester DT1 1TT There have been other books on AC, but this is the first to concentrate on the Two-litre Saloon and the coachbuilt Tourer which shared its chassis and six cylinder engine, the Buckland Sports. It tells the story of development, production and motor sport plus advice on ownership and maintenance, and even tips on performance tuning the classic AC two-litre engine. Appendices show specification changes and a record of every chassis, including year of registration, body colour, chassis and engine number. The illustrations include such rare items as the original designs for the Two litre Saloon.
Carrosserie francaise Jean Antem by Dominique Pagneux, French text. 157 pages, 226 photos. Hardbound 220 x 290mm. ISBN 2-7268-8571-3. Published by and available from ETAI, 20, rue de la Saussiere; F-92641 Boulogne-Billancourt Cedex, France. In 1919 the first Antem company was founded, making bodies for luxury cars, commercial and special vehicles for nearly 80 years. Bodies were fitted to chassis built by Renault, Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Benz, along with forgotten names like Delahaye, Delage, Chenard & Walcker, Aries, Panhard & Levassor, Bugatti and many others. They all wore the label: Carrosserie Antem. Commercial vehicles with Antem bodies included sales and promotion trucks, buses, caravans and tractor cabs. Even roundabout and auto-scooter vehicles were built. The photographs exemplify French bodywork design over almost 80 years of the various Antem companies.
FEUERWEHR-SONDERMODELLE, Magirus Kranwagen, Ford Feuerwehren, bu Udo Paulitz, German text. Hardbound 269 pages 257 illustrations, 220 x 240mm ISBN 3-613-02234-6. Published by and available from Motorbuch Verlag GmbH, Olgastrasse 86, D-70180 Stuttgart, Germany. This special issue presents two of the most popular out of print volumes now reissued in one book. Magirus crane trucks are shown from the first vehicles in the early 1930s to the last three axle cranes of the 1970s before truck production became part of Iveco. Ford fire engines run from the first Tin-Lizzies to current Transits. Also included are fire-chief cars from the prewar Eifel to the Escort and Scorpio.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, by Brian Long, English text. 192 pages, 284 photos. Hardbound with dust cover 210 x 260mm. ISBN 1-903706-27-0 This book is a definitive history of the Mitsubishi Lancer including Dodge, Plymouth, Proton and Hyundai variants, concentrating on Evolution models, including all turbocharged versions, wolves in sheep's clothing. Also of interest are historical notes about Mitsubishi, including, for example, the early Colt cars.
Faszination SL (W194) by Gunter Engelen, Dieter Landenberger. German-English text. 96 pages, 98 illustrations. Hardbound 230 x 320 mm. ISBN 3-8936-5133-0. Pub: Delius Klasing for DaimlerChrysler. Contact Delius Klasing Verlag, Postfach 10 16 71, D-33516 Bielefeld, or D-C AG, M-B Classic Center 096/R051, D-70456 Stuttgart, Germany On March 12, 1952 Daimler-Benz, the world's oldest car maker, presented its first post-war sports car. The 300SL (W194), was impressive with its streamlined silver bodywork. Its unusual gullwing doors, at first only reaching the lower edge of the side windows, gave it a futuristic appearance. Few predicted that the 300 SL, developed with limited means from existing components, would be a great success . After spectacular victories, two years later it entered production and today the current SL-class sets the standard for its competitors.
50 Ans de Vehicules Militaires Armée de l'Air, Marine Nationale, by Jean-Michel Boniface, French text. 192 pages, 485 photos. Hardbound, dust cover 240 x 320 mm, ISBN 2-72268-85764. Published by, available from ETAI, 20, rue de la Saussiere, F-92641 Boulogne-Billancourt Cedex, France. Here are 50 years of military vehicles of the French air force and navy. It includes staff cars, buses, vans, trucks, tankers, fire vehicles, and such vehicles as Hotchkiss Jeeps, the odd looking Citroen 450 truck, Latil artic tractors, Saurer 3CM trucks and ex-US Army vehicles.
Fahrzeug-Profile 19: Die Flugabwehrtruppe (Anti-Aircraft Troop) 1956-2002, by Peter Blume, German text. 52 pages, 127 illustrations. 210 x 300mm. Pub: Unitec, Ludwig-strasse 11, D- 86669 Stengelheim, Germany. Since 1956 the German army AA troop has protected the forces and the country against air-raids and aerial reconnaissance. This is the story from 1956 with quad AA guns on half-tracks and ex-US M42 AA tanks, to current Gepard tanks and Roland AA rocket systems.
Mythos Maybach by Harry Niemann, German text, 348 pages, 350+ illustrations. Hardbound with dust cover 240 x 270mm. ISBN 3-613-02275-3. Pub and available from Motorbuch Verlag GmbH, Olgastrasse 86, D-70180 Stuttgart, Germany. In the history of the car, Wilhelm Maybach is one of the great names, not only curing the Otto engine of its young ailments, but also designing the first real automobile, the Mercedes. Maybach's story is told, from poor orphan to top government building surveyor and honorary Doctor. Dr Harry Niemann, in charge of archives at DaimlerChrysler, who chose his name for their luxury saloon, tells the story of the Father of Mercedes. And, of course, the new Maybach cars are included.
BUS STOP
ORIENTAL BUSES
New 1:76 diecast buses from Oriental Omnibus range, and from Creative Masters-Northcord:ORIENTAL OMNIBUS CO
OM44801 Victory MKII KMB March
OM45108 MCW Metrobus KMB March
OM45201 MAN Berkhof Double decker KMB March
CREATIVE MASTERS NORTHCORD
2002 Dennis Trident-Plaxton President Lothian Airlink
2003 Dennis Trident-Plaxton President Metroline
2004 Dennis Trident-Plaxton President Lothian
1009 Dennis Trident-ALX 400 Coventry
Volvo B7 Sunwin city bus Shanghai Shen Xin
Hino Selega coach JR Tohoku Bus.
TRUCK STOP
First Gear 1:25 diecast in China for USA: International TD-25 Crawler. This is the first in what will become a series of vintage International construction replicas know as the Construction Pioneers series. it has a diecast two barrel multi-shank ripper, metal tracks that actually roll, authentic ROPS unit with realistic mesh screen, and a semi-U dozer blade. Also included is a reproduction of the original Owner's Manual, complete from the Table of Contents all the way through to the Maintenance Schedule. This model is constructed from more than 250 parts, the International DT-877B engine includes a dust ejector, turbocharger, air cleaner, starter, alternator, water pump, radiator and exhaust stack with cover. The control centre has decelerator and brake pedals, foot rests, gear selector and warning labels, instrument console, and diamond plate floor with textured step mats. The two-barrel diecast metal ripper has simulated hoses, and cylinders and individually adjustable shanks. The International ROPS 2525 features a realistic wire mesh screen covering the rear, and the semi-U dozer blade moves accurately with push arms, cylinders and hydraulic lines. This model is more than 11 inches (275 mm) long and weighs almost five pounds (two kilos). Contact the First Gear Consumer Service Dept at 563-582-2071 (USA) for ordering information.
First Gear 1:34 diecast in China for USA: Ford F-250 crew cab pickup and Exiss four horse trailer, with opening rear doors, interior stall dividers and saddle racks, dressing room, escape doors, extruded aluminum exterior detail, and kingpin hitch design. The pickup includes a detailed interior, opening hood with Triton V-10 engine, opening tailgate, chrome step bar, dual side mirrors, and fully detailed undercarriage. The truck and trailer measures 16 inches (400mm) long. For more info, contact First Gear Consumer Service Dept (USA) 563-582 2071.
NEW FROM Wm BRITAINS
New 1:32 military models from William Britains for release in 2003 include such 'wheeled items' as artillery pieces, bicycles and even a wheel-chair, so they are listed here:
Thornycroft lorry, AA gun +four crew
German PAK 40 anti-tank gun +crew
105mm gun and four man crew
Panzer IV tank, Germany
Union limber set (US Civil War)
Confederate limber set (US Civil War)
Austrian dog stretcher party and crew
German 77mm gun, limber and crew
British 6 inch howitzer +four man crew
English 15th century artillery (Agincourt)
Gatling gun and figures (Zulu Wars period)
Bicycle+sergeant walking: Dorset Yeomanry
French 75mm gun, caisson and US Marines
Vickers Maxim machine gun and US Marines
Hospital wheelchair and three nursing figures
French 37mm trench gun +US artillery crew
Bicycle and four Queen Alexandra's RANC nurses
Confederate six-horse caisson set (US Civil War)
BRITAIN
OXFORD UPDATE
Recent releases from Oxford Diecast:
Cigarette Series
41 Bullnose van Player's Bachelor tipped
42 Bullnose van Player's Weights plain cream-blue
Magazine Series
07 Practical Mechanics
08 Woman's Realm - women's magazine
Buses
RT08 Regent d/d bus McClennan: Charlie Stuart
RM53 RM bus Wales: Celtic Manor resort
Comics
16 Volkswagen van Girl comic
18 Ford A van Victor comic Morgyn the Mighty
Corner shop series
16 Chevrolet Army & Navy stores
17 Ford A Walls Ice Cream
Military series
05 Bullnose van Arnhem . 06 Thornycroft Somme
07 Bullnose Falklands . 08 Bullnose El Alamein
09 Bullnose van Falklands
Special issues
218G Bullnose van Neighbourhood Watch
B80 Thornycroft bus: Christmas 2002 club model
CORGI US RANGE
New for 2003 in Corgi's US diecast range:
2002 Special items * not available in UK US51203 AH-1G Huey Cobra helicopter Jan
US50507 Seagrave Anniv pumper Wilkes Barre PA *
US50305 M48A3 tank US Army *
Heroes Under Fire
US50508 Seagrave anniv Shippensburg PA Mar
US50807 Seagrave K open Kansas City MO Jun
US52008 Mack CF pumper Bethpage NY Feb
US53507 ALF 700 open cab Conshohocken PA Jun
Chicago Police Dept
US06004 Dodge Monaco 1974 CPD Apr
US51903 Bell H-47 Sioux helicopter May
Unsung Heroes
US50306 M48 Tank USMC B Company Jun
US50409 Bell Huey UH-01B Gunship 1st Cav Apr
US51102 M106 Mortar tank US Army Feb
US51204 Huey Cobra AH-I 1st in Vietnam Jun
Vintage Buses
US54405 Scenicruiser Greyhound Pittsburgh May
US55026 PCC Street car Detroit DSR Mar
US55027 PCC Street car Chicago CSL Jun
US55028 PCC Street car Kenosha 2nd version *
WESTERN MODELS
1:43 kit or handbuilt from UK: 1941 Oldsmobile. Dick Browne of Georgia says, 'It is an excellent model and I am very glad to see that Western is at last producing the long-promised new masters. The box states that this is a Custom Cruiser. The 1941 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser (Series 90) was a four-window town sedan. This fastback six-window sedan is actually a model of the Dynamic Cruiser (series 70). Regardless, I am highly pleased with the model and I look forward to the 1948 Lincoln'. Regular Model Auto Review readers won't be surprised to know that Dick told Mike Stephens of Western about this, and he replied. 'Thanks for your nice comments about our latest model. I got it out of the original brochure. How did I do that? It must have been because we were originally going to do the Custom Cruiser Convertible and changed our minds! It will be changed, and if you supply your address I will send a new box label!'
CORGI TOY RANGE: 2003 PLANS
Items in the Toy range made by Corgi, in addition to those listed on page 8559, MAR 168:
James Bond New Tooling - March
95101TY Gyrocopter Little Nellie
95201TY Aston Martin Vanquish
95301TY Aston Martin DB5
95401TY Jaguar XKR
95501TY BMW Z3
95601TY Rolls-Royce
95701TY Lotus Esprit, underwater
95801TY Space shuttle
95901TY Jaguar XKR+Aston Vanquish
95902TY Rolls-Royce+Aston DB5
95903TY Film can 4 piece set
99135TY Film can 8 piece set
Eddie Stobart - July
86622TY Scania artic curtainsider
86623TY Scania rigid and c-c trailer
Noddy Range New Tooling - July
88501TY Noddy car and figure
88502TY Mr Spark's breakdown truck
88503TY Big Ears bike and figure
88504TY Noddy plane Noddy+Tessie
88505TY Noddy play set +carry case
Noddy and Play Tile Sets - March
89001TY Noddy car and figure
89002TY Mr Sparks breakdown truck
89003TY Tessie Bear car and figure
89004TY Big Ears fire engine+figure
89005TY PC Plod police car and figure
89006TY Gobbo car and figure
Noddy and Play Pieces - July
89007TY Noddy car and figure
89008TY Mr Sparks breakdown truck
89009TY Tessie Bear car and figure
89010TY Big Ears fire engine +figure
89011TY PC Plod police car and figure
89012TY Gobbo car and figureFRANCE
NOREV UPDATE
By Hans-Georg SchmittAfter releasing the 1:43 scale Lancia Phedra mpv, Norev has now also launched the Peugeot 807 and Citroen C8, with the same body, the so-called Eurovan, only differing at the front and rear ends. The Fiat Ulysse also belongs to this group. The Citroen C8 represents the new generation of upmarket mpvs. Compared with the previous Evasion, it offers more interior space, more flexible seating for up to eight, and improved passive inner safety with side air bags for all the rows of seats and also electric powered sliding doors. For the first time engine choices include a 204 hp 3.0 litre V6 petrol engine. The model is very accurate, especially the driver's position, where the centrally placed instruments look just like the real car. The C8 is 15 92 03 in Royal blue, 15 92 04 in Cognac or 15 92 05 in Lucifer Red. The Peugeot 807 differs at the front, the radiator grille bearing the Peugeot lion, and there are other small changes at the rear. The 807 is 47 87 01 in Iceland grey, 47 87 02 in Intensive green or 47 87 03 in Aster grey.
Harking back to the 1960s, Norev have reissued the Renault R8 Major from 1962, now with a heat-resistant ABS body, diecast metal chassis and a better detailed interior. It is yellow, faultlessly printed and has chromed bumpers. Its reference is 51 24 07. Also in the smaller 1:87 scale, Norev has released some new models and improved re-issues, now in heat-resistant and deformation-free ABS plastic with metal inserts. The Unic Izoard artic tanker in red Esso livery (55 00 00) and the Unic Esterel artic tanker in BP livery (55 00 01). Two re-issued Renault 4s are in fire chief Gendarmerie liveries sold together, (51 00 82). Also new is the Renault Kangoo La Poste (51 11 17), Gendarmerie (51 11 16) or municipal van (51 11 18).
CCC LATEST NEWS
We last updated Georges Pont's future plans for his CCC range of 1:43 resin models on page 8416 of MAR 165. Then we had the news, in MAR 167, that there would in future be no more handbuilt models made, only kits. Now there is another slight change of plan. It will be possible to pre-order handbuilt models of new releases, but with a strict time cut-off for the orders. Unfortunately, the final date to order those models listed below in handbuilt form has already gone...
CCC new 1:43 kits F172 Peugeot 174 1929 chauffeur driven coupe F173 Hotchkiss Grégoire 1952 with engine detail F174 DB Panhard 'glasshouse' LM60 #56, LM61 #47 F175 VP Renault 1953 road car
Royales new 1:43 kits Bugatti T41 Royale chassis (26 builts) Rolls-Royce Phantom Maharajah Rajkot
Oval 43 new 1:43 kit: 8 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Budweiser #8 Earnhardt
RENAISSANCE NEWS
Latest releases in the Renaissance range of kits from France:
24/7c Porsche 911SC RS Belga Droogmans Haspengouw 84 (1:24 resin kit)
TK24/140 Ford Focus WRC 2001 bonnet (1:24 resin and p/e parts for tamiya kit)
DU181C Rally plates Cyprus, Acropolis 02 (1:24 decals)
DU182C Rally plates Germany, Finland 02 (1:24 decals)
43/25c Ferrari TR1 62 LM 63 #10 (1:43 kit)
43/4b Ferrari 500 TRC LM 57 #27 (1:43 kit)
43/4c Ferrari 500 TRC LM 57 #61 (1:43 kit)
As usual there is an immensely long list of proposed releases, but no idea of when they may be made...GERMANY
THE GERMAN POST
By Hans-Georg SchmittFrankfurt is the home of the German Postal Museum, with historic stamps, letters, telephones, and postal vehicles. Souvenirs on sale include models of postal and other vehicles.
Wiking 1:25 Clark forklift Deutsche Bundespost 83-10, re-issued now-rare Wiking promo model. Wiking 1:87 plastic from Germany: Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan MAN TGA-A XXL artic box van 7W2-15: The impressive livery with the Bavarian state coat of arms in authentic colours also includes the statement Ursprung des Bieres (Origin of the Beer).
Wiking Edition Historica: 2 Postbräu Thann-hausen 1:87 plastic 81-16: Brewery-Restaurant Schwarzer Adler (Black Eagle) in Thannhausen, Bavaria was first mentioned in 1450 (at that time Kayserlicher Reichsmarkt Thainhausen). Around 1890 the Schreiegg family of brewers became a Königlich Bayerische Posthalterei (Royal Bavarian Post Office), the start of the 'Post-Brewery' Thannhausen. After over 500 years the Post-Brewery Thannhausen continues the tradition. This boxed set includes 1:87 vehicles used by the brewery in the just after the war: Mercedes-Benz L2500 truck with tilt and open trailer, 1932-40. This example was rebuilt after the war and used for many years delivering to restaurants and shops. Mercedes-Benz L319 1957-68, not received with great enthusiasm when launched at Frankfurt show in 1955, with its rigid axles, leaf springs, weak engine and a noisy body. In spite of this, it found many uses, including breweries. Hanomag Kurier I drinks float, 1958-62, a robust vehicle with ifs, popular with breweries. Mercedes-Benz 300 saloon, 1951-57, the Adenauer Mercedes.
Minichamps 1:43 diecast Setra S8 Coach 19-91-01. In 1951 Otto Kässbohrer conceived the integral chassis (in German selbsttragend = Setra) for buses. This Setra S8 (eight rows of seats) was bought by DBP from a private bus company, so it was not fitted with the usual post box. Also the post-horn was 'forgotten' when it was repainted in postal yellow. The model has authentic number plates for the American occupied zone of Bavaria 1945 to 1956, white letters on black field.
As well as old postal vehicles, there is also a set of current vehicles: Wiking Post Museums Shop Gelbanlage (yellow investment) 81-150. It its second year after its successful stock exchange listing, the German Post World Net is a logistics company. Three vehicles from their current fleet are in the 1:87 set below: VW Polo diesel, Mercedes Atego van and Iveco Daily.
MORE ON EVA's CAR?
by Hans-Georg SchmittFurther to the discussion in MAR about the ABC model by Brianza of the Mercedes-Benz 540K supposedly owned by Eva Braun, I found an interesting note in the German magazine Classic Automobile Market. Possibly knowing about this car prompted the idea of building a replica, or maybe even the remains of this car were used as the basis of a reconstruction? The story of the Nazi emblem on the radiator cap in particular is nonsense. No known Mercedes owned by any Nazi 'bigwig' had a Swastika instead of a three pointed star. The only car with such a modification was the last car of former emperor Wilhelm II, who had the Hohenzollern arms as a mascot. The magazine said: One of two still exists. Well known Spanish eye specialist Ignacio Barraquer, popular for his medical treatment of cataracts, bought in 1936 a Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn-Kurier with a pseudo-streamlined body, of which only one other was built to this design, for Eva Braun. The Spanish car is still owned by the Catalan family, the other car destroyed in the Second World War. Mercedes-Benz Club of Spain are having a 1:43 model made of the Spanish car, which will also be available from Mercedes-Benz in Germany.
REVELL PLASTIC KITS
Plastic kits proposed by Revell for this year:
1:24 scale plastic kits
Audi Quattro rally . BMW M1Procar . Ferrari Enzo
Corvette C-5R LM 2001 . Porsche Carrera GTS
Toyota Celica WRC 1993 . Toyota Corolla WRC 98
Ford Street Rod 1932 . Ferrari F1 2002
Mercedes DLK 23-12 TL fire appliance
Unimog Schlingmann Rw1 fire appliance
Renault Magnum 480 artic tractor unit
Volvo VH artic tractor . Scania 144 artic Friedenfels
1:72 scale plastic kits
CAT 966F payloader . CAT 312BL Excavator
Plastic motorcycle kits
Triumph Tiger 100 1:8 . Ducati Monster S4 1:9
1:35 scale military plastic kits
M60A3 tank . Panzer III Ausf L . Merkava III Israel
StuG III late . M1A2 tank . Brückenlegepanzer Biber
REVELL 2003 DIECASTS
Here are diecast models planned by Revell for this year, release quarter (trimester) noted:
1:18 scale diecast models
VW Microbus, two colour choices 3/03
Mercedes-Benz 180D black or light grey 3/03
VW-Porsche 914 met blue or yellow 4/03
Renault 5 Turbo I 1/03
Renault 5 Turbo II 1/03
MGB GT 1/03
Land Rover Defender 1/03
Renault R202 V10 1/03
MGA Coupe and roadster
Eriba Puck caravan trailer
Porsche 917L LM70 winner #23
Porsche 962C LM Rothmans #1
Renault Clio racing Codony #24
Renault Clio V6 trophy 2000 #81
Renault R202 V10 1/03
1:24 scale diecast models
Peterbilt Show Truck Hasseröder 2/03
WORLD NEWS
VICTORY MODELS NEWS
By Ray Paszkiewicz Jr, Lilliput Motor Car CoVictory Models introduced six new models in January and February 2003. Two are available now, and four are just starting production. I am happy to report that our limited edition VM-9 1941 Studebaker President Land Cruiser, as reported in MAR in October 2002 has sold out.
Ready by end February: La Familia series:
VL-3 1940 Buick Series 50 Super 4-door sedan in royal maroon or English green. General Motors introduced their new torpedo bodies in 1940. Two beautiful examples of this modern styling were the Buick Series 50 Super and the Series 70 Roadmaster. These wide bodies eliminated running boards and introduced the extended rear end design which set an industry standard for years to come.
VL-8B 1953 Checker A6 taxi Bell Transportation Corp, red and cream, second in series of New York cabs.
VL-9 1953 Checker A7 limousine civilian in two-tone green with whitewall tyres and a front bench seat. The partition in the cab will be eliminated.
VL-10 1940 Buick Series 50 Super Convertible Coupe, available open or with the top closed in either Sequoia cream or Bandelier blue. Interior is deep red with black or beige top. (Below).Ready by end February: Victory
VM-10 1940 La Salle Series 52 convertible coupe, oxblood maroon or French gray
Ready by end February: Commercial
VC-3 1947 GMC Coach 36 passenger bus Trenton Transit, Trenton, NJ.For more info, phone Ray Paszkiewicz Jr at 732 446 9381, fax 732 446 9297, email raypazjr@aol.com
MA COLLECTION CD-ROM
The Ma Collection Encyclopedia of 1:43 model cars was published in instalments from 1974 to 1984. Michel Sordet says, 'Many collectors loved it, but we had to stop in 1984, because we didn't have enough time to continue. Now, 20 years and thousands of models later, we have time to restart publication. Now we have chosen to use a new technique, the CD-ROM theme by theme'. Themes available:
- Taxis of the world
- Mail and parcel transport of the world,
- Ma Collection: the complete range (1974-2002) Les Belles Françaises (Bugatti, Delahaye, Delage)
Future releases:
- Ambulances of the world.
- All Jaguars and Jaguar at Le Mans
In each CD, the topic is described by country, by car marque, and by toy manufacturer. Michel says, 'It's not just a boring listing of every model made, but a way to discover new models, to collect a new theme, and to describe the story of the motor vehicle, using model and toy cars made from 1920 to 2002'. Price for collectors: 49frCH (c. 32 ?uros). Contact: Ma Collection, Michel Sordet 17, ch de la Bergeronnette CH-1228 Plan-les Ouates, Switzerland, email: sordetmaco@bluewin.ch website: www.macosordet.com
Editor's note: we have seen an example, and note that you may have to download an up to date version of the software to view the CD-ROM. Recommended for the computerised.
Copyright Modelauto Ltd
e-mail mar@zeteo.com
