CONTENTS
Full contents of the print edition of MAR (not all included here on the web, plus there are hundreds of illustrations in the print magazine)
Model Auto Review 180 Publication date 7 March 2004
9104 Correspondence 9107 Competition 9108 Marvel-ous Maistos Don Elliott, USA 9109 Land Rover Defender Chop John F Quilter, USA Heavyweight Italians Graeme Watt, Scotland 9110 1:72 Scale Developments Mike Harvey, England 9112 Latest From Parker Maz Woolley, England 9114 Introducing Taylor Precision Models Maz Woolley, England 9115 MGA Don Elliott, USA 9115 Out of Your Armchairs! Part Two Tony Steenmeyer, Netherlands 9118 Captions to centre 9120-21 9122 Book Reviews Hans-Georg Schmitt 9123 Clubs 9083 Family Album 9124 Captions to back cover 9124 NEWS Police 9125 Britain: Marsh, Brooklin, Western, Oxford 9126 NEWS France: Mini Racing, Solido, Esdo, Provence Moulage 9127 Lady Penelope 9128 NEWS Bus Stop: Rietze, Sun Star, Creative Master Emergency: Wiking, Busch 9129 NEWS Military: Roco, KI, Giant Armor Ben van Roode Netherlands Truckstop: Rietze, Corgi 9130 NEWS Germany: Revell, Preiser, Wiking, Busch, Minichamps Hans-Georg Schmitt, Germany 9131 NEWS World News: Bburago Hans-Georg Schmitt, Germany News from Italy Bruno Boracco, Italy 9132 NEWS World News: Mattel, Big River, America Ben van Roode, NL 9133 avia mini 9136 Swapmeet DiaryEDITORIAL by Rod Ward
MORE SMALLER SCALE MODELS AROUNDAs everyone knows, I donít ëcommissioní specific articles from our contributors (though sometimes there is discussion before someone embarks on a big task as to its suitability for MAR). It is interesting that in response to what is appearing on the market, this issue contains news and features on lots of smaller scale models. A recent upsurge in releases of 1:72 and 1:64 scale diecast models from China and the usual flood of 1:87 plastic models from Germany has recently been accompanied by some new 1:76 white metal kits made in the UK. All of them are described in this issue. I am not sure if this reflects demand from collectors, short of both space and money, or if it is just the makers looking for smaller and cheaper products. Sometimes we hear of collectors who say ëNo I donít read MAR, it only covers specialist 1:43 handbuilt models and kitsí. Well, this issue gives the lie to that view of MAR, which also includes notes of many larger scale model vehicles as well.
WILL PRICES BE GOING DOWN SOON?
Sorry chaps, another boring Editorial about international currency movements. We already know that everything made in China is paid for in US Dollars. The GB Pound is now 25% stronger against the Dollar than it was two years ago. So British-branded goods made in China should now be 20% or so cheaper here, shouldnít they? As should US-branded but Chinese-made items imported to Britain. Importers and brand owners whose goods are made in China say they ëreview prices and currency movements every six monthsí and they ëbuy currency forward at fixed ratesí. More than six months have now passed, so I wonder if weíll now see prices drop?
When the Dollar rises, retail prices for Chinese-made goods rise very quickly. Itís strange that we donít see prices drop when the Dollar falls.
And this looks like a permanent state of affairs, as the US Government wants to keep the Dollar value as low as possible. On the Continent of Europe, in sunny Euroland, things are a bit different. The Pound has fallen 20% against the Euro since October 2000, which makes goods and services from Euroland more expensive for Brits (and thus much more expensive for Americans).
This should have had a positive effect on prices for all the Euroland-based ranges whose products are made in China. One might have expected prices of Minichamps, Schuco, Solido et al to have fallen by up to a third by now.
But they havenít fallen so far. It is now the Toy Fair season, when new products and pricing structures are announced, but I have seen no evidence so far that any brand owners intend to pass on currency exchange savings to retail buyers. It is noteworthy that few dealers favour price reductions.
That not only devalues stock remaining on shelves, it also reduces the overall turnover in their businesses and thus their net income. If you sell the same quantity of model cars as last year, but they are 20% cheaper, you get 20% less profit (and take home 20% less wages). Maybe we will eventually get some benefits in our world of model cars from all these economic goings-on.
CLUB NEWS
Collated by Rod Ward
Natal Diecast Model Collectors:
Chairman of the NDMC. Geoff Sear, enjoyed his trip to England last Autumn, which included a visit to Modelex 2003 in Coventry. His account of that visit is probably the most enthusiastic I have read; most other visitors expressed their disappointment at the ëend of an eraí quality they detected there. Geoff regards it as the highlight of his trip, ëa definite case of quality not quantityí. We obviously need more South African visitors to Britain, who can detect qualities not seen by others. He even dismisses the grey skies and chilly temperatures as being of little importance. Some UK clubs could certainly learn from the ëshare and share alikeí attitude of the Natal club, who display an ethos not seen here since the Blitz. Members are requested to bring a plate of snacks to each club meeting, to share. Everybody here complains if they donít have professional catering and a full-time bar in operation. But I suppose at least if they go down with food poisoning in this country, they know who to sue. If you have a plate of snacks handy to take along, why not apply for membership of the Natal Club? Contact Geoffrey at 7, Dryden Place, Umbilo, Durban 4001, South Africa. Telephone: 031 205 0100.Wessex Model and Toy Collectors:
Doug Male has stepped down after five years as Chairman of the WMTC. He has agreed, however, to continue to be Membership Secretary. Two other committee members also ëretiredí in 2003, so there has been a general changing of the guard. The new WMTC Chairman is John Roberts, well-known to MAR readers for his kit-building service and for his fantastically detailed chops on Brooklin and other models.
2004 brings the 20th birthday of the Wessex Club, so members can look forward to great celebrations and lots of freebies. Well, maybe not that many, though the Committee is planning a ëbirthday treatí. Wonder if sheíll jump out of a cake? No, too many dicky hearts around. There has been a heartening increase in inter-club co-operation, with the WMTC visiting the South Hants Club Quiz Night, where the WMTC came second. If you can improve the average skill level at trivia questions, join the WMTC. Phone Barry Lloyd, 0117 986 6503
Maidenhead Static Model Club:
The MSMC held an aviation-themed Clubnight competition. Among a very interesting selection of entries, Ray Jefferies won with his tinplate Messerschmitt Bf-109 made from old solvent tins. This underlines the all-embracing scope of the Maidenhead Club, whose logo has always featured a car, a train, a ship and an aeroplane, as well as what appears to be a cross between a city skyline and a row of oil derricks. Maybe architectural and industrial models also fit into their definition? They certainly couldnít be more ëstaticí subjects. At a time when some other clubs are debating ëall transportí versus ëmotor vehicles onlyí, or ëtoysí versus ëmodelsí in the definition of their aims, it is refreshing to see such an eclectic mix. After 34 years in existence, maybe they know what theyíre doing? For membership info on this wide-ranging Club, ring John Garside on 07729 910632.
Brooklin Collectors Club:
Jack Patrick continues his sterling work, editing the Brooklin Collector. He notes that the list of visitors to the Brooklin factory in Bath for the 30th Anniversary celebrations this year has now closed and no further applications can be accepted. He also comments that the reinstatement of the annual Canadian Toy Collectors Society model by Brooklin is good news for collectors. 240 of the Clubís special Packard Patrician were made by Brooklin in 2003, and all have been sold. Now we await news of what will be the subject of the 2004 Brooklin Collectors Club model. This is a definite incentive for people to join the club, as the special models are only available to members, who now total 260 worldwide, a fairly constant figure over recent years. A few members were lost in 2003, but these were replaced by new folk.
So, if you are kicking yourself at missing last yearís Club model, youíll have to join the BCC now to ensure you donít miss the 2004 model. Phone Membership Secretary John Bowyer on 01276 473499, fax 01344 356801, or email john_bowyer@ethyl.com
South Hants Model Auto Club:
Itís nice to know when your members get their priorities right, and the SHMAC is no exception. Somehow a number of members who cannot normally manage to get to Club Nights were able to attend the Clubís Christmas Dinner at the Rockingham Arms. Always keen to provide exhibitions of models for the usual specialist events (Modelex, classic car shows etc), the Club also offers displays at ëevents from schools to prestigious show groundsí. This must be good for the Club, in attracting new members (even if they only attend the Christmas Dinner) and for collecting in general, to propagandise the hobby. It is an activity which other clubs, many much larger than the SHMAC, might consider in their area. Club magazine editors, Stu and Sue Leake, plead for more contributions, obviously concerned that the latest issue may not be seen as ëbalancedí, as two of the 12 pages are devoted to trucks, not racing cars. If youíd like to join, ring Secretary Dave Painter, 01264 366408.
BOOK REVIEWS
By Hans-Georg SchmittStandard Catalog of DIE-CAST Vehicles: Identification and Values. Edited by Dan Stearns, English text. Fore-word by Merry Dudley, editor of Toy Cars & Models, 3,949 photos. Paperbound 250 x 275 mm. ISBN 0 87349-419-9. Published by and available from Krause Publications, 700 East State Street, lola, WI 54990-0001, USA. Price in USA $29.95
This 'catalog'aims to combine the best of vintage diecast toy and model cars with the best of the new products. It incorporates over 5,000 photos and listings, and three price guides, this book includes chapters on Corgi, Dinky (France and England), Eagle, Ertl, GMP, Hot Wheels, Husky, Maisto, Matchbox, Racing Champions and many more. There is also a 32 page colour section and a handy checklist, so collectors can keep track of their own collections.
DIE CAST Price Guide Post War: 1946 to Present. By Douglas R Kelly, English text. Foreword by John Hall, Brooklin founder. 260 pages, 281 photos, Paperbound. 215 x 275 mm. ISBN 0-930625-27-7. Published by Antique Trader Books, Dubuque, lowa. Available from Krause Publications, 700 East State Street, Iola, Wl 54990-0001, USA. Tel: 715/445-2214, Fax: 715/445-4087, www.krause.com. Price in USA $26.95
Since the end of the Second World War, many companies have supplied the diecast toy and model market. Legends like Dinky, Hubley, Solido and Märklin lasted for decades, supplying the children of the world with miniatures of the cars they saw on the road everyday. Others, like Londontoy or Goodee only lasted a short while before disappearing without trace. This mixture of well-known classic brands and obscure oddities makes the collecting of diecast models more interesting. This book is a price guide for collectors of post-Second World War diecast vehicles. It includes historical profiles of each featured manufacturer, model listings, an index, and valuations. Many now-rare makes are described, and photos of the main models are included, to help in identifying lesser-known items.
(Editor's note: quite why John Hall was chosen to provide a foreword for this book on diecast models is a mystery. Brooklin models have always been made from white metal, not the usual diecasting metal, zinc alloy. It is also interesting to note the different spelling in these two books of the word or words 'Die Cast' or 'Die-cast'. there seems to be little standardisation of this term internationally, with particular confusion in the USA. In MAR I have always standardised on the single word diecast)
Volkswagens of the World by Simon Glen, English text. 170 pages, over 650 original photographs. Paperbound. 210 x 250 mm. Revised 2003. ISBN 19037 0693-9. Published by and available from Veloce Publishing Ltd, 33, Trinity Street, Dorchester DT1 1TT. UK. Fax: 01305 268864, email: veloce@veloce.co.uk
Simon Glen has spent the last 30 years travelling the world in search of 'other' VWs, meaning those built outside Germany.
If you thought you knew your Volkswagens, you'll be amazed by the cars, campers buses, vans and trucks described and pictured here. Some of those 'other' Volkswagens include Brasilia, Igala, Fridolin (originally developed for the German and Swiss Post), Country Buggy, lltis (successor to the Auto Union Munga Kommandeurwagen), police vehicles, ambulances, fire vehicles and taxis, SP1 and SP2, basic transporter, Gol, Voyage, Golf Caddy, Non-German Transporters, Santanas, Beetles, Golfs and Jettas. This is claimed to be the most comprehensive guide ever published to VWs built outside Germany, but it also includes details of unusual Volkswagens built in Germany.
It includes explanations of the chassis numbering systems to help identify and date unusual Volkswagens, and there are over 600 original photographs as well.
SUBARU Impreza; by Brian Long with a foreword by SWRT driver Toshihiro Arai. 192 pages, 400 photos. 215 x 260 mm. Hardbound with dust jacket. ISBN 1-903706-26-2. Published by and available from Veloce Publishing Ltd., 33 Trinity Street, Dorchester DT1 1TT, UK.
It all began with the tiny 360 in 1958, the first Subaru car in a long run of interesting vehicles. This car was reproduced as a diecast model contemporaneously in 1:43 scale by Model Pet-Asahi Toys.
It is very hard to find nowadays, but a new version is currently available from Ebbro.
The Subaru Impreza established its position as one of the world's all-time great rally cars with an incredible hat-trick of World Rally Championship (WRC) wins in 1995, 1996 and 1997. The fast-evolving Impreza is still at the leading edge of the world rallying scene and has ensured that it has become one of the world s most capable and desirable high-performance road cars.
This is the definitive history of the Impreza and of the company which makes it.
All the variants of the Subaru Impreza, including those for the Japanese market and for its main export markets, like the USA and UK, are illustrated in this book with excellent quality photographs.
PETER KEETMAN VOLKSWAGENWERK 1953 175 pages, 87 photographs. 300 x 400 mm. Hardbound with dust jacket.
Text by Peter Keetman and introductions in English. Published and distributed by Kerber Verlag, Windelsbleicher Strasse 166-170, D-33659 Bielefeld, Germany. Tel: 0521 9500810, fax: 0521 9500888, email: info@kerber-verlag.de ISBN 3-936646-28-7
Peter Keetman (born in 1916) is undoubtedly the most outstanding representative of the Fotoform group, whose 'subjective photo- graphy' was the most important movement in photography in Germany in the early 1950s. Peter Keetman began his professional training in 1937 in Munich. A very important stage in his development was his encounter with the photographer Adolf Lazi.
His photographs of products, architectural studies and experiments with light are among the earliest examples of modern abstract photography. Just as outstanding is the famous series of photographs for which Keetman spent a week at the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg in 1953. He was there to capture the production of the Beetle, in images that turned out to be intriguingly clear and almost abstract in their finished effect.
This series of images is among the classics of German industrial photography, and reproduced here are the photographic prints of the complete series in their original size.
The text is also an historic document in iself, devoted to the unique circumstances in which it was written.
As well as their status as works of art, these photographs show how hard the labour was at that time in car manufacturing in general and in the Volkswagen plant in particular. It is interesting to see how the oval window Beetle was made at that time.
This book was published as a catalogue for an exhibition of Peter Keetman's work, held at the Museum of Art in Wolfsburg, running from November 2003 to February 2004.
BROOKLIN MUNTZ JET
The latest release from Brooklin is BRK 101, a 1:43 handbuilt model of an open 1952 Muntz Jet. Brooklin's background information on this rare car is as follows:
Genuine sports cars in the European mould were a rarity in early post-war America. It would be 1953 before General Motors introduced the Corvette and late 1954 when Ford's Thunderbird appeared. Smaller manufacturers like Kaiser and Nash attempted to market sports models, but it was the smaller companies that led the way. One such was Indianapolis racing car builder Frank Kurtis who in 1949 announced a low slung sports car, built to take a variety of engines. Each car was hand-built and Kurtis struggled to make a profit. After only 36 cars had been completed, he decided it was time to concentrate on other projects.
In 1950 Earl Muntz bought the sports car operation from Kurtis for $200,000. Muntz made changes to the original design, the most obvious being a 13 inch increase in wheelbase, thus making the car, now renamed the Muntz Jet, into a true four seater. Power was provided by a Cadillac V8 that more than compensated for the extra weight of the revised car. After 28 examples had been built at the former Kurtis factory Muntz moved everything to Evanston, Illinois. The cars had advanced safety features such as padded dash panels and seat belts. Estimates vary on how many Jets were built, ranging from just under 400 to just under 500. It is believed there are around 50 survivors. Muntz claimed to have lost $1,000 on every car he sold, before closing down operations in 1954 to pursue other projects.Earl Madman Muntz was a true character. A high-school dropout, he invented the four track stereo system and a TV that used fewer components so that it would sell at a lower price. He was also a successful car salesman, famously appearing in his own television adverts wearing a Napoleonic hat and red long-johns! By the time of his death in 1987 he had shifted his attention to the market for cellular telephones. The Brooklin model is finished in metallic maroon.
SOME MODEL PATTERNS SOLD ALREADY
Following the news reported in MAR 179 of some patterns for sale in various ranges, there has already been a flurry of activity among buyers and sellers.
Georges Pont of CCC has sold all of his 1:43 patterns for post war cars to another French company. We are told that in due course this firm will re-release all of them as resin 'economy handbuilts' in the familiar French style. A couple of dozen of the patterns for French cars in the Rapide and Bugattiana ranges (originally made by Denis Baudet and Gérard Dahinden) will also be winging their way back to France, where they will re-appear in due course as kits and handbuilt models. There has been much discussion by potential purchasers of other Sun Motor Co and Rapide masters, but no sales have been confirmed at time of going to press.
WESTERN PLANS
New models promised by Western in their 1:43 white metal handbuilt range include a 1939 Standard Nine. By the way, when we captioned a picture of a new Crossway 1:43 model in MAR as a Morris Eight Series E, Mike Stephens of Western (who already makes a Series E) contacted Roger Tennyson of Crossway. 'What's going on?', he asked. 'No, it's wrong', replied Roger, I'm making a Wolseley Eight'. Once again, we were not given caption information when we photo-graphed a model (in order to give the maker some free publicity), had to guess at what the model was intended to be, and got it wrong. Apologies all round, and in future if we aren't supplied with caption information, rather than risk misinforming everybody, we won't publish the photograph at all.
Mike Stephens also tells us, 'Many collectors have been asking for our 1:43 1957 DeSoto Firesweep. So we have decided to re-introduce the car in new colours as follows;
DeSoto body colour - roof and side spear
Dove gray - maroon metallic . White - turquoise
Metallic charcoal - coral . Red - blackThe retail price is likely to be around £95.00'.
OXFORD RELEASES
Latest diecast models from Oxford include:
RT007 AEC RT bus Lloyd Loom furniture (above) DR007 Thornycroft open top bus, 'General' White Horse whisky (top of page) NEW001 Bullnose van Oldham Chronicle newspaper celebration 1954-2004 (left) CIG055 Volkswagen split window van Tenner cigarettes, made by Churchmans CS021 Ford A van Roses Lime Juice ... And two in the new Soccer Club series: F002 Bullnose van Wrexham AFC, 'The Robins' F003 Bullnose van Boston United, 'The Pilgrims'Interesting soccer choices, as the proprietor of Oxford is a keen Welsh rugby union fan...
CORGI FIRST RESERVE
Corgi are now operating a 'First Reserve' scheme for direct mail order purchasers of their products. It is now possible to order in advance any model catalogued for future release, which will be sent direct to any UK address when it comes out. It costs an additional £3.95 per monthly parcel, and payment can be by credit card or pro forma invoice. This is touted as a way for collectors to have the 'best chance of securing models of your choice' - 'avoid possible disappoint-ment' etc, but Corgi's retail outlets and wholesale distributors may not see it the same way. Nobody minds direct sales by manufacturers if they can reach buyers who otherwise would find it difficult to obtain the products. And many makers supply anyone direct, though discreetly (through clubs or on-pack offers etc), and no-none objects. Past experience of an otherwise well-distributed product line, supported enthusiastically by the retail trade, then being sold direct, has not been positive. If retailers suspect that the makers are by-passing them, to sell direct to their own customers, the tendency has been for said retailers to give less prominence to that product line, and push the sales of other products. This happened in the past when Matchbox chose the direct sales route. At the time, we were told that this was because they were 'not getting the support of the retail trade' and the company thought they were losing sales. The general feeling at the time was, however, that sales were as good as could be expected, and all that would happen was that Matchbox would sell less volume, but make more profit per unit sold.
ESDO LISTING
A roundup of the last five releases in Esdo's range of 1:43 kits and handbuilt models:
80 Peugeot DMA fire van 1948 81 Delage 3 litre Le Mans 1939 (later) 82 Peugeot Darl'mat Hauser coupe 1948 83 DB1-Citroen paris 12 hour race 1938 84 Peugeot Darl'mat Montlhéry 1936SOLIDO 2004 PLANS
Here are Solido's planned new releases for 2004, thanks to Bertrand Azéma:
8033 Citroen DS 19 1963 Prestige 8152 Renault Mégane Coupe-Cabriolet 2003 8153 Peugeot 205 GTI 1990 8154 Peugeot 205 GTI Tuning 1990 8155 Peugeot 203 cabriolet 1954 8156 Peugeot 203 Découvrable 1954 American Prestige 8157 Ford Mustang Pace car 1964.5 8158 Ford Berline Police 1949 8159 Chevrolet tanker 1950 8160 BMW Z4 8161 Subaru Impreza Racing 1:18 9034 Citroen C2 Junior WRC 2004 9044 Peugeot 307 WRC 2004 9046 Skoda Fabia WRC 2004 9046 Ford Focus WRC 2003 9048 Peugeot RC Cup 2003 9049 Xsara WRC World Champion 2003 9003 Citroen ZX Rally-Raid 1992 Kit 1:18 Racing 9401 Peugeot 206 WRC 2003 9402 Citroen Xsara WRC 2003 9403 Subaru Impreza 2003 9404 Mitsubishi Pajero 2002 9405 Skoda Fabia WRC 2004 9406 Ford Focus WRC 2004 Age d'Or 4146 Jaguar SS 100 competition 4147 Bugatti Atalante Paris-Deauville 4048 Delahaye 135M Sixties 4586 Panhard PL17 1961 4572 Seat 800 1964 4587 Seat Formichetta 1964 4590 Fiat 600 Abarth 196? 4544 Renault 4L 1964 4542 Renault Dauphine 1961 4588 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint 1960 4589 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider 1958 4591 Citroen 2CV van 1951 4592 Renault Estafette 1962 4593 Ford Vedette 1954 Yesterday 1857 Renault 12 Gordini 1970 1858 Renault 12 Gordini competition 1970 1859 Peugeot P4 van 1981 1860 Simca 1000 Rally SRT 1973 1861 Triumph TR 6 competition 1969 1862 Alfa-Romeo 2000 GTV 1971 Today-Racing 1589 Peugeot 307 WRC 2004 1590 Citroen C2 Super 1600 2004 1591 Skoda Fabia WRC 2004 1592 Citroen Xsara WRC World Champion 1593 Ford Focus WRC 2004 1514 Chevrolet Corvette 88 cabriolet Pompiers (Fire) 1:43 4832 Peugeot 504 Dangel 4835 Peugeot P4 Forest Fire vehicle 4836 Peugeot 403 saloon 4837 Citroen C3 4838 Citroen 2 CV van 4839 Renault Estafette 1962 Toner Gam I 2103 Berliet Camiva Forest Fire 2181 Peugeot P4 with tilt 2182 Trailer set 2183 Mercedes Unimog Intervention aeroport 2184 Renault Trafic van Toner Gam ll 3161 MAN FPTL 3162 MAN CCFM 3163 Mercedes-Benz new body 3170 Renault Master Neufoca 3171 Renault Sides CCFM foam projector 3172 Renault tanker 3173 GMC CCF heavy Military I 6145 Jeep with trailer 6148 Peugeot P4 with trailer 6149 Renault 180 6150 Simca Marmon Intervention aeroport 6151 Berliet GBC crane 6152 TRM 2000 20mm cannon Military ll 6236 VAB 6x6 T20 6237 AMX 30 wrecker 6239 AMX 30 Brique Brenus 6240 PZ IV F1 tank 6241 Leopard tankWe look forward to picturing some of these planned models in a future issue of MAR.
1:24 ROUTEMASTER
Just when London Transport have offered all their remaining fleet of trusty Routemaster buses for sale, Sun Star have announced that their 1:24 Routemaster double deck bus will be released in June, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of this international design icon. The first prototype of the London Transport Routemaster bus was unveiled at the Commercial Motor Show at Earl's Court on 24 September 1954. Sun Star claim that this is 'the best model bus ever manufactured', at over 13 inches long and seven inches high. The initial release is the first in a series of limited editions, and replicates RM8, the first production vehicle, as displayed at the 1958 Commercial Motor Show at Earl's Court. The model is hand assembled from 248 parts, made from 23 moulds. The main body of the model is diecast metal with fine detail components moulded in plastic. The radiator and brake cooling grilles are produced by photo etching, while hand finishing, ink pad printing and decals reproduce the original exterior and interior decoration. Under the bonnet is a 9.6 litre AEC six-cylinder diesel engine. The Sun Star Routemaster will be available from June onwards, priced at £99.95.
CORGI CLASSICS BRITISH BREWERY TRUCK SERIES
Corgi Classics are introducing four 1:50 models of trucks used by famous British breweries in the 1950s and 1960s, Watneys, McMullen, Whitbread and Ind Coope. The first model, released in February, was a Watneys 1955 Morris dropside lorry with barrel load. Watney's history goes back over 150 years in south-west London. In 1889 Charles Phillips of Mortlake brewery merged with Watney & Company, which had been trading for 50 years. Since then, Watneys was involved in several mergers until it was integrated into Courage in 1991. The second release, in March, is a McMullens 1966 Bedford TK dray. Peter McMullen founded McMullen & Sons Ltd in 1827. Today the Hertfordshire-based company is still family owned and run by Peter's great-great-great-grandson. McMullen's ales are produced in the Whole Hop Brewery using the latest brewing equipment whilst retaining traditional methods. The third issue is a Whitbread 1955 Austin dray with crates, available in April. Samuel Whitbread first entered the brewing trade in 1742. The final model in this series is in the livery of Ind Coope, formed in 1799 when Edward Ind bought the Star Inn Brewery. This ERF KV represents the Ind Coope entry in the Lorry Driver of the Year competition, held at Southall works in 1965. The model includes a barrel load, is available from May, and like the others, is priced at £29.99.
1:18 REVELL 2004 PLANS
Here are the proposals from Revell of Germany for their diecast range this year:
1:18 scale diecast 08845 BMW Isetta blue-white, case on rear rack 08834 Fiat 600D 1963 08836 Fiat Abarth 1000 1965 #34 08839 Wartburg 313 Cabriolet hardtop 1959 red 08845 BMW 503 cabriolet blue 1955 08835 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite hardtop yellow 08837 Austin Healey Frogeye open green (Above) 08840 TVR Tuscan S red 2002 (Right) 08842 Lotus Elise hardtop red-white 1999 (Right)MINICHAMPS NEWS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
Among the last of the 2003 Minichamps releases to appear are the following, in addition to those pictured in this and other recent issues of MAR:
400 120200 Alfa Romeo Alfetta 1800 saloon 1972. 400 137320 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe 2003 400 112122 Peugeot 504 Coupe 1974 silver 400 021031 BMW Z4 Roadster blue metallic. 430 103104 Lamborghini Countach LP400 74 white 400 030014 Jaguar Cosworth R4 F1 Team Jaguar Racing, Mark Webber 2003. 400 030015 Jaguar Cosworth R4 F1 Team Jaguar Racing, driver Antonio Pizzonia 2003. 400 033310 Mercedes-Benz CLK AMG DTM 2003, Team HWA Jean Alesi 400 036220 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Dewalt, PZRO, Porsche Supercup 03 Patrick Huisman 400 033274 Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM 2003 Team Rosberg 24h Service Gary Paffett 400 033224 Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM 2003 Team Rosberg 24h Service Patrick Huisman 400 137320 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe 2003 silver 400 120200 Alfetta 1800 saloon 1972 blue 430 019195 Audi 100LS 1970 saloon 1970 Bavarian Police, Ingolstadt. Audi supplied their big saloon on special terms to the Bavarian Poiice, especially into the region where their plant was situated. It is fir green, with all four wings in white, with a blue warning light and a loudspeaker. 430 069207 Porsche 911 Turbo 1995 metallic grey 436 691497 Chaparral 2H Laguna Seca 69 Surtees 402 109900 Jordan Mugen Honda 199 and EJ 10 10 years Jordan GP Set #5. Limited to 3,999. 436 139020 Bentley Continental GT 2003. The first batch was made only for Bentley Motors, now it is available in model car shops in silver. 430 920007 Brabham Judd BT60 F1, Team Brabham 1992, Damon Hill 430 045607 Opel Kadett C-model two-door special version Swinger white. 430 046125 Opel Rekord C Coupe 1966, yellow. 400 033303 Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM 2003 Vodafone, Team HWA. German Touring Car Championship 2003, Bernd Schneider 400 033220 Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM 2003 UARTA, Team Persson. German Touring Car Championship 2003, Katsutomo Kaneishi 430 039206 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 saloon 1974. W116 E69 now dark red and with light beige interior, a limited edition of 1,200 pieces 439 350055 Mercedes-Benz L3500 tilt truck fire service, red with blue roof beacon on cab 400 031391 Audi R8 Infineon Team Joest, winner of 12 hour race Sebring 2003 Biela-Werner-PeterBBURAGO NEWS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
News of Bburago models from Italy, other than those pictured in MAR 180 print version:
Street car range 1:18
34099 Smart roadster: three colours, red, yellow or black, each with silver roll-bar. Front lid, doors and bonnet open, steering works. Interior and engine are very well detailed. 16067 Land Rover st-wagon.
Kit Collection 1:18 and 1:24 70063 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish 2002, 1:18. 70908 Dodge Viper SRT/10 2002, 1:18. 55077 BMW Z8, 1:24. 55279 Mini Cooper with Union Jack 2001 1:24 scale. 55305 Range Rover Safari 1994, 1:24. 55167 Land Rover Aziza 1971, 1:24.VITESSE RALLY CARS
We hear that new for release in 2004 will be a range of 1:43 scale modern rally cars under the series name Rallye, made by Vitesse, to be launched in May 2004. The new parent of the Vitesse range, Sun Star, presumably wishes to continue the success of the earlier Skid range of rally car models, whic was made by the old Vitesse Group.
NEWS FROM ITALY
By Bruno Boracco
Here is news for MAR readers of some new models from Italy:
BONINI MODELS 1:43 resin handbuilt for Italdesign: Alfa Romeo Brera, a very nice model indeed. See www.boninimodels.com
Replicar 1:43 resin handbuilt Fiat 130 Pininfarina Opera and 130 Pininfarina Maremma, both with good shape and finish. See photo above. More information on www.replicar.it
FB model 1:43 resin handbuilt Alfa Romeo 6C 2500. The real car was a gift to Adolf Hitler on his birthday on 1941.
AUTOPARCO 1:43 resin handbuilt Subaru Legacy Polizia Stradale. For more information, look on www.autoparco.biz
BAT MODEL a new manufacturer, makes a 1:43 resin handbuilt Iso Isetta 1953. this car is different from the BMW-built Isetta (in front lights etc).
SIX-LIGHT SAPPHIRE
John Halcrow has already made a 1:43 handbuilt model of the four-light version of the Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire in his Big River range. Now he has added the six light Sapphire to his Australian-made series, to offer along with the four light car.
He says, 'Unfortunately my Hong Kong supplier of window etchings held me up last year, so I missed Modelex 2003 and thus also missed meeting 'Sir Geoffrey' from South Africa. I was looking forward to meeting him. These new models are improved over the previous release, with separate door handles, front and rear window frames, chrome strips and chrome wheel dress rims'.
John Halcrow is offering them for direct sale to collectors, or to trade buyers. Contact him at Post Office Box 210, Newport Beach, New South Wales, 2106, Australia, tel: +61 (0) 2 9918 0774 Fax: +61 (0) 2 9918 2851.
AMERICAN NOTES
By Ben van Roode
Muscle Machines Cartoon Characters
If you like cartoons, you'll like Muscle Machines. They must be a tremendous success, because they have made so many new additions to their seven or eight different ranges. These are fun to look at but are caricatures of the real thing.
Yat Ming New Releases for the USA
Yat Ming has introduces 1:18 scale models of the 1970 Dodge Coronet R/T, 1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser, 1964 Mercury Marauder and 1971 Buick Riviera, the boat tail design by Bill Mitchell. The Marauder and Buick are very welcome additions. Especially the Buick, which we only have only seen before in 1:43 scale from Western.
Chevrolet El Camino
In 1:18 scale Lane promise us a 1965 (?) Chevrolet El Camino. Already available are 1970 Chevellesm coupes and convertibles.
More Maisto Americana
From Maisto we learn that their previously-promised 1953 Studebaker, 1963 Dodge and 1955 Nomad will now appear in 2004.
RC2 Authentics
RC2 is a combination of the two marques, Ertl and Road Champions. The 1965 Chevelle is the first release in their Authentics series. There is much more detail than we are used to seeing from Ertl. The price is about 20% higher than regular 1:18 cars. They compete in quality and price with Highway 61.
Johnny Lightning in 1:18 Scale Too
Johnny Lightning is now also making diecast models in 1:18 scale. Their Herbie Volkswagen Beetle is already on the market. They say that in 2004 stock and custom Beetles will also be in the shops. There will also be some classic customs designed by Tom Daniels. He worked with Monogram, who released a few items he designed.
Signatures in Two Sizes
Signature Models has two series, each in a different scale, 1:32 and 1:18. They have been quiet for a while, but for this year they have some intertesting subjects. A 1:18 1955 Chrysler Imperial is basically the same car that Maisto gave us in 2002. A 1938 Cadillac Fleetwood Town Car is also a good choice. Then there will be a 1963 Lincoln Convertible (the four door with suicide doors), Cadillac 1930 Lincoln K and 1947 Delahaye 135M.
Hot Wheels Impala van
Mattel's Hot Wheels makes a 1959 Chevrolet Impala panel van. It is not yet available as a stock version, but is still welcome.
Sun Coach 1:18 scale Cadillacs
Very surprising is the announcement of a series of 1959 Cadillac Hearses, Ambulances and limousines in 1:18 scale and we are promised that the price of all this beauty will be less than $70. The maker, Sun Coach, is unknown to me. (Editor's note: Surely the name of the Motor City USA offshoot, which has up to now made 1:43 handbuilt hearses and ambulances. Proprietor Alan Novak already has a range of Chinese-made 1:18 diecast models (including our prize in MAR 179) under the Precision Miniatures name, so it would not be too difficult to combine the two concepts, and come up with a range of 1:18 Caddies made in China).
NOTE: We have full reporting on the Nuremberg Toy fair in MAR 181, published 7 April.
FRANKLIN'S REPLY
Willie Coon asked the Franklin Mint if they were really closing, as reported in the giftware press and noted in MAR 179.
They replied that, 'All our regular retail stores are closing. However, our two outlets located in Lancaster, PA and Las Vegas, NV will remain open for business'.
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