CONTENTS
Model Auto Review 190
Publication 7 March 200506 OK Plastic Morris Oxford V John Hanson, England * Captions to page 04 07 White Rose Plymouth Conversion John F Quilter, USA * Captions to page 05 09 Big Healeys John Hanson, England * Captions to page 08 11 Nash-Healey Don Elliott, USA 14 Correspondence 18 NEWS France Mini Racing, Norev, Argus 19 Competition 20 Three Black Cars Maz Woolley, England 22 Ford Köln Trucks Dave Turner, England 24 McHinery Graeme Watt, Scotland * Captions to p 25 26 NEWS Trucks * Captions to p 28 27 NEWS Trucks * Captions to page 29 * 30 NEWS Europe Minichamps * Captions to p 32 31 NEWS: Germany Tin Wizard * Captions to p 33 34 Back to the Future Don Elliott, USA 38 NEWS Buses CMNL, Britbus * Captions to p 37 39 NEWS Tractors Siku, Wiking Bus EFE 41 Club News Collated by Rod Ward 42 Book Reviews 44 avia mini The Swift 45 aviajmini Herpa Wings, HBM Ron Crawford, USA 46 NEWS American Notes Ben van Roode, NL 47 NEWS World Igra, Kibri, , Busch, Minichamps 48 Swapmeets, small ads, subs 50 Stockists of MAR 56 Classic Cars Wiking, Minichamps * Captions to page 57 58 NEWS Emergency Roco, Rietze, Igra, Wiking * Captions to page 60 59 NEWS Emergency Busch, Rietze, Preiser * Captions to page 61
EDITORIAL
By Rod WardTHANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
I must say a big thank you to everyone who had nice things to say about our new format, as first seen in MAR 189. I still have some tinkering to do, before I arrive at the completely finished product, but I'm glad so many readers took the trouble to say how much they like the new look. For just a few examples of readers' comments, see page 17.
I expected some complaints from those who don't like the changes (or change of any kind, perhaps) but there have been none so far. I hope you will get used to the new MAR over the next few issues. In the meantime I have added lots more pictures in this issue, among other improvements. I am sorry that a few email competition entries were missed from those for the MAR 188 competition listed in MAR 189. This was due to a problem with our email server which meant that 'last minute' entries arrived after the magazine had gone to press. I emphasise again - send in your entries in good time! Don't rely on promised delivery dates by snail mail or by email. We have been getting shedloads of email spams of late, and will eventually be discontinuing our old email addresses to alleviate the problem, so please note a change to my email address
MORE PICTURES
As noted above, I have increased the quantity of black and white photos in this issue, compared with our first A5 issue, after seeing in print the reproduction quality we can achieve with our new process. I have to congratulate Duffields, and in particular Jon McGill, on their spectacular results. This means that we can now get the same quality of repro from any kind of original material. Digital files, prints, slides, negatives, whatever you have will reproduce to the same high quality.
SOME RESPONSES FROM MAR READERS
Imagine my surprise when I looked down the stairs early this morning as I heard the post come through the letterbox, only to recognise the usual MAR envelope with the printing in the bottom left hand corner. I thought my eyesight had gone funny and was sending me signals in 1:87 scale instead of 1:43, until I realised that the new format for Model Auto Review was about to envelope me. What a delight it is. Tony Ellis. * It was a surprise, although it seems somehow appropriate that a magazine concerned with scale model vehicles should be presented as a scale model of a magazine. Anyway, yes I like it. Paul Nieuwenhuis. * I think the new format is magic. Graham Burton. * It's just great, so handy and compact; all magazines should be this size! David Ferguson. * I like the new magazine. Ben van Roode. * Good luck with the A5 format, I like the size. Richard Elliott-Smith. * I like the quality of the pages in the new look MAR. Rowland Hill. * Brilliant! John Roberts. * Like the new look, very compact, well done. Norman Sendall. * You certainly seem to have packed a lot into a small space without it looking cramped. I look forward to future developments as you get to exploit the new format to its full potential. Maz Woolley. * I like the new format very much and the quality of print is far better than the A4 version. Dave Taylor. * Wonderful: A tour de force. Bill Gatenby * Brilliant job! Great if you are waiting to see the doctor; carry MAR in your pocket. Nick O'Hara. * Easier to read and file; continue your excellent job! Daniel Verroeulst * I can see why you were so excited about the new MAR. The new 'handbag-size' seems to be a conjuring trick, getting the same amount that was in 40 pages into 64 pages half the size. How many mirrors did you use? Gerald Watkins. * MAR in any size is a welcome arrival, but I must say the new format is elegant and appealing. You have a deeply dedicated and appreciative following all over the world. Many thanks for your continued and innovative efforts. Roger Hirschland. * I like the revisions, the changes are great; finding captions is now much easier. You have put a lot of effort into the redesign. The printing is improved, even the colour, which was good before, is clearer now. The pages don't seem smaller, certainly not half the size, quite an achievement. Robert Gunn. * In my opinion A5 size is far better than the old A4 size. Congratulations. Udo Lander.
And a 'thank you' to every other reader who took the trouble to contact us with opinions and suggestions. This was just a small sample of what came in. Not a single negative response so far. Even advertisers tell me they prefer it this way. Ed.
NEWS
NOREV MUSA
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
Norev's 783050 1:43 diecast model of the Lancia Musa is an elegant monospace closely related to the Fiat Idea, both having the same body, the Musa's more elegantly finished, the front end looking a bit like the new Ypsilon. It has a choice of two multijet diesels or one petrol engine. The accuracy of this miniature is tremendous. The combination of the light and dark colours of the interior, the numerous chrome plated parts, highly detailed dashboard, the armrests between the front passenger seats, and even the engraved and painted seat belt buckles complete a nice model. (This model was pictured in MAR 189 on page 33).
FERRARI TRANSPORTER
Eligor have made a 1:43 model of the current Ferrari race car transporter. They say. 'It's the new 2004 Ferrari transporter, very detailed and authentic. For a few years Eligor lost its license to make Ferrari trucks but just recently we were able to renew our agreement with Ferrari. Each limited issue model bears the official Ferrari hologram.'
ARGUS ON DINKY
Argus Miniature issue 228 covers Liverpool-made Dinky Toys up to 1954, including aircraft as well as cars, trucks, motorcycles, military vehicles and agricultural equipment. The price is 13 Euros in France (13.50 Euros in the rest of Europe). For the address, see the Argus advertisement in MAR 189.
NOREV 1:43 diecast in China for France: 479912 Peugeot D3A van Miko, registered in 1955 in the French department Alpes Maritimes, owned by Martial Poet, Ortiz ice cream stockist in Cannes in the 1950s and 1960s. He supplied the ice cream to many outlets, in particular to cinemas. The van had a1290cc petrol engine, at first of 32 bhp, then from 1952 40 bhp, with a three speed gearbox. It had a maximum speed of 75 km/h at a fuel consumption of 12 to 14 litres per 100 km. The history of Miko began with the arrival of the Spaniard Luiz Ortiz at the turn of the 20th Century, specialising in milk products, ice cream and wafers. In the 1930s he worked hard and bought the St Dizier ice cream factory. Today the Ortiz family operates the Ortiz and Miko ice cream companies. In the 1950s their dealers used special insulated delivery vehicles. Norev have made various Miko-Ortiz vehicles, including 154537 Citroen H van Miko, pictured in MAR 189. (Notes Hans-Georg Schmitt).
RUSSIAN TRUCK NEWS
By Alexander Yurcenko
Here is some news of model trucks recently produced in Russia. Companion have started production of a new plastic model of the GAZ-53 truck. It was the most widely-used truck in the USSR. The first vehicles appeared in 1961 and, in a constant process of modernisation, continued in production until 1993 when this truck was replaced by the GAZ-3307. The model of the latter truck was released by Companion in 2001. In 32 years of manufacture over 3.33 million GAZ-53 vehicles were built. On the chassis of the GAZ-53 a huge quantity of special bodies were fitted, fire, municipal, dumpers, tankers, vans, etc. The GAZ-53 was also used by the military. Through all its years of manufacture the truck differed very little in external appearance. Companion have released a variant with the grille design as fitted from 1984 up to the end of manufacture. As the chassis of the GAZ-3307 was very similar to the GAZ-53, Companion are able to fit the same special bodies which they fitted on the GAZ-3307 chassis (refrigerator unit, vans, bus-type bodies, etc) on to the GAZ-53. But the flat bodies fitted to the GAZ-53 was different from that used on the GAZ-3307, and Companion have duly made the correct body. On the whole, the model of GAZ-53 has turned out quite well. Now Companion have made a tanker body variant suitable for both the GAZ-53 and GAZ-3307. Soon readers of MAR will also see photos of them, to follow the GAZ-53s pictured in this issue on page 28.
Elecon have not made any completely new models for a while. The latest interesting variant of their diecast Kamaz-4326 4x4 military truck has a sleeper cab and a high roof, in camouflage finish, called a Kamaz-4350, pictured on page 25.
EVEN MORE TIN WIZARDRY FROM THOMAS WOLTER
Thomas Wolter, the Tin Wizard himself, lists items new or recently released which he makes or distributes, such as Ashton (AH). All 1:43 handbuilt unless otherwise noted:
TW158 Horch P240 Sachsenring 1955-59 kit TW158 Horch P240 Sachsenring beige, grey, green TW305 Bugatti T57 Ventoux kit TW305 Bugatti T57 Ventoux black-red TW311 Opel Super 6 Cabrio Gläser 1938 kit TW311 Opel Super 6 Cabrio Gläser beige, blue TW322 Audi T 225 4 door saloon 1935-1938 kit TW322 Audi T 225 brown-cream, red-white, grey TW325 Delahaye 235 Coupe kit TW325 Delahaye 235 Coupe red or grey AAM001 DKW F89 Meisterklasse saloon red AH82 Magirus KS10 Leipzig red 1925 AH83 Magirus KS10 Meissen red 1925 AH84 Ward La France pumper FDNY #163 red AH84A Ward LF 750gpm pumper FDNY #164 AH85 Ward LF searchlight truck FDNY #1 red AH86 Ward LF searchlight truck FDNY #2 with pinstriping and accessories red 1937 AH87 LTI amphibious Milwaukee red-silver 1984 AHC90 Mack LF 10 wl truck, steel load red 1943 AHC91 Mack LJ 10 wl flat truck green 1947 AHC92 Mack EH tanker Pan Am pearl 1939 AHC93 Mack ED panel Erie Canal beige 1938 MON002 Opel Bitter SC 1984 red or blue 1984 RU002 Borgward 2400 Pullman red or black 1955 VER006 Mercedes 540K Cabriolet C 1936 black DSCF001 Volvo S60 Slot car racer kit 1:32 HE001 Hürlimann Tractor grey handbuilt 1:32 Z111 Opel GT Gr4 Steinmetz 1971 kit 1:18 Z111 Opel GT Gr4 Steinmetz #81 black-yellow 1:18 Z111 Opel GT Gr4 Steinmetz #382 1971 1:18 Z112 Opel GT Gr4 Steinmetz 1972 kit 1:18 Z112 Opel GT Gr4 Steinmetz #77 yellow-red 1:18
CREATIVE MASTER BUSES
Recent issues from Creative Master North-cord include these 1:76 scale diecast buses:
Hino Selega coach Tokyo Airport Limousine Dennis Trident open topper York Sightseeing Dennis Trident double deck Stagecoach Brookes New releases for 2005 (month in brackets): Plaxton President open topper York Sightseeing (3) Alexander ALX400 Stagecoach Cambridge (3) Alexander ALX400 First London (3) Alexander ALX400 Stagecoach East Kent (6) Plaxton President Stagecoach Oxford Brookes (3) Dennis Dart Plaxton MPD Southern Vectis (6) Dennis Dart Plaxton MPD Bluebird (3) Dennis Dart Plaxton MPD Blackburn Transport (3) Dennis Dart Plaxton MPD Strathclyde Avondale (4) Dennis Dart Plaxton MPD East Yorkshire (5) Dennis Dart MPD Arriva - twin pack (6) Alexander Royale Yorkshire Coastliner (6) Alexander RX Olympian Megabus.com London (7) Mercedes-Benz Citaro First London (3) Mercedes-Benz Citaro G artic First London (4) Mercedes Citaro G artic Stagecoach London (5)
BRITBUS GUY ARAB
The latest Britbus 1:76 scale diecast buses are AEC Swift single decker dual-door 33 foot long buses in London liveries. The London Counry version in green is on route 418 and the red London Transport bus is on route 70. They each cost around £28.00 in the UK.
Britbus have also produced a special release of a 1:76 Guy Arab Park Royal in London Transport livery. It costs around £33.00 in the UK, which raises an interesting point. The market for 1:76 bus collecting was developed by the makers of white metal kits (as were the 1:50 truck markets and 1:43 car markets) whose subject matter was largely hijacked by the new diecast ranges made in China, which were much cheaper to buy. Since the demise of much of the white metal competition, however, the prices of some diecast models seem to be creeping upwards.
EFE NEWS
By Frank Joyce
The sad news of the loss of London's Routemaster buses was like losing an old friend, especially after London's Mayor bought back RMs and refurbished them to last a further ten years. An error in the text to the illustration on our release sheets of 99646 Bristol VR III GWR referred to the centenary of Western National rather than the centenary of the GWR bus service from Helston to the Lizard, as later operated by Western National. Fleet number 1003 is correct.
New and recent EFE 1:76 diecast releases 29803 Dennis Lance Wright Badgerline 28005 Daimler DMS 1 door Western Scottish 26805 Leyland Duple coach Ribble 26315 Guy Arab II Utility Southdown 29404 Bristol RELH DP coach East Midland 27901 Daimler DMS open top Big Bus Co 25806DL Daimler DMS Midland Fox 29504 Plaxton Panorama (roof dome) Royal Blue 22513 Alexander Y Type Selnec Cheshire 99646 Bristol VRIII Western National GWR 29006 GM Fleetline Yorkshire Rider Halifax 26314 Guy Arab II Utility bus Stockport 27810 AEC STL Bus London Transport green 15805 Leyland PD1 lowbridge Central SMT 16217 Bristol MW West Yorkshire 29302 Leyland Olympian Wilts & Dorset 15636 RM Routemaster Stagecoach 24814 Mercedes Minibus First Eastern Counties 30401 AEC MkIII 4 axle flatbed Marston Brick Co 20632 Plaxton Pointer Dart First Borders 29902 AEC Regal 10T10 Greenline 29605 Leyland Olympian Go North East 29403 Bristol RELH dp coach Badgerline Swiftlink 16009 Leyland PD2 lowbridge UTA Ulster 14012 Bristol Lodekka FLF Wilts & Dorset 29606 Leyland Olympian Maidstone & District 16218 Bristol MW Coach Hants & DorsetSubscriber Christmas-New Year Special Model. The subscriber-only model for Christmas 2004: 15635B AEC Routemaster: first RM in service in 1963 in Manchester, an LT-liveried demonstratorJet Petrol Tanker: The AEC Mammoth tanker made for Jet's 50th anniversary has been released as a corporate gift in the oil industry, with favourable reactions. Jet assure me that they propose to make some available to the public, probably in a few months time.
Ramblers Holidays SRT bus: The SRT for Ramblers is now available, SRT1, reg FJJ 746 route 351 to St Albans. For details contact Stuart Alderman on 01923 251506 or e-mail to stuart.alderman@hotmail.com
Classic Bus Magazine: A model for this magazine is a Bristol FLF in Western SMT livery, fleet number DB1711 reg TCS 159, Dumfries depot. Details from 18 Brunstane Road, Edinburgh, EH15 2QJ, Scotland
CLUB NEWS
Collated by Rod Ward
Opposite page: CAMP, the Club Autos Miniatures Peugeot, has had 250 1:43 handbuilt models made by Esdo (Dominique Esparcieux), of the Peugeot 204 taxi prototype built by Heuliez, the 18th Peugeot offered by CAMP to members. CAMP has also had 230 1:43 handbuilt models made exclusively by Mini-Racing (Jean-Yves Puillet), of the prototype Peugeot 104 break, now in the Museum at Sochaux, the 19th CAMP Peugeot. Next issue will be the pretty little Bébé from 1913 of which 250 will be made by Georges Pont of CCC. Contact CAMP at BP01, 75116 Paris, Cedex 16, France.
Maidenhead Static Model Club: The display theme at a recent MSMC clubnight was streamlined vehicles. John Bennett's low flow model won, second was Robert Newson's blue De Soto Airflow, slush cast in lead by Lincoln White Metal Works (of Lincoln, NB) in the 1930s. Dave Robinson took third prize with his Märklin Mercedes. John Garside came fourth with a CIJ tinplate 1934 Renault Nervasport. Paul Rowley took the final points position with a green plastic MG complete with opening cockpit canopy. If you'd like to join the Maidenhead Static Model Club, you can test the water by attending a future club night as a guest. Contact Membership Secretary Alan Simpson on 01494 813903.
Coventry Diecast Model Club: Mick (Mixxy) Russell, Editor of Club magazine Wheelspin, comments on Corgi's 2005 plans, 'C'mon, give us something fresh that we haven't seen before. On a personal note, will someone please make a Rover 45-MG ZS model'. To join the CDMC, write to PO Box 3078, Coventry CV2 2ZD.
Lledo Collector Club: Ray Dowding has retired as Director and Manager, and Questar Communications have taken over running the Club for Corgi. Contact Lledo Collectors Club, PO Box 609, Rotherham S60 9AJ.
Wessex Model and Toy Collectors: Barry Lloyd, Editor of WMTC newsletter, Smalltalk, is suffering the usual woes. 'If every member wrote half a page, that would give me about 55 pages - more than enough material for a year'. I hope it works. how about 'naming and shaming' non-contributors? Or not allowing them to re-join (then they can't buy the Club's Lansdowne model of an Austin Atlantic). For details, contact Membership Secretary Doug Male on 01225 755043.
The Miniature MG Car Club: It is nice to see MMGCC President and Editor of the club newsletter Miniature Garage Alan Long, quote MAR as the fount of wisdom on model matters. In reference to GT Model Petite he says that in MAR 54 it was noted that production was to cease after George Turner had only made five of his MGBs. To read more, contact Alan Long at 3 Thorniecroft Drive, Condorrat, Cumbernauld G67 4JT, Scotland, or email minimgcarclub@blueyonder.co.uk
West Australian Model Collectors Club: Ian Hind, Editor of Showcase, the WAMCC Club publication, comments thus on Australian ranges: Trax: solid, sensible and sell in consistent numbers to support continued operations and reasonable profits. Classic Carlectables: expanding rapidly, but do sales justify so many new castings, especially as many are limited editions of less than 2000 pieces? For more opinions from Perth, join the WAMCC, phone 934 9369, email jhind@iinet.net.au
South Hants Model Auto Club: Sue and Stu Leake, Editors of the SHMAC newsletter, had a couple of letters published in MAR, and were then pleased to get a phone call from a 'nice man' saying he could offer a Kieft kit to add to their Stirling Moss collection. Glad to be of service. To find out more about the Club ring Secretary Dave Painter on 01264 366408.
Brooklin Collectors Club: The Club's special Brooklin models were delayed by four weeks, missing the AGM where members hoped to collect them, so the Club had to bear the cost of sending them out by post when they finally arrived. An earlier production slot is planned for the 2005 model. If you want one, you'll have to join the BCC, phone Member-ship Secretary John Bowyer on 01276 473499
Sydney Model Auto Club: Tony Hanna, editor of the SMAC journal Think Small, completed the tale of his marathon 4000 mile UK trip.
I feel quite tired just reading about it. If you are energetic enough to be an SMAC member, phone Secretary John Maude on 9579 1257.
BOOK REVIEWS
AUTOMOBILE YEAR 2004/5 (#52) by lan Norris, published by Editions JR, Lausanne 272 pages, 320 x 250 mm, hardbound with dustjacket, Over 500 illustrations, mostly in colour. ISBN: 2 88324 072 8. £35.00 in UK.
This 52nd annual edition continues the usual format and high quality. It includes reports on the major motor sports championships and activity in major car manufacturing areas. There is coverage of new cars introduced in the year and concept cars seen at the auto shows. Also included is an assessment of the life and work of brilliant engineer Giotto Bizzarinni, through his connections with ATS, Ferrari, Iso and Lamborghini. The publisher of Automobile Year, J-R Piccard is well-known for his interest in model cars, and here he describes the development and manufacture of the Exoto range in detail, with the background to their creator, Tony Keusseyan. There is also a feature on cars in comics, a popular subject with many MAR readers. Written by Belgian Alain van den Abeele, the article has an understandable bias towards French and Belgian artists, a Gilbert Shelton underground strip is even illustrated by a French translated version. Perhaps there was a problem obtaining copyright for non-Francophone strips? Maybe M Piccard will consider a follow-up piece on other comic artists, such as British and American, who featured cars in their strips? As an aside, it is noteworthy that many artists of 'realistic' strips copy model cars to create images. You may recognise some in the many comic panels illustrated in this book; Rio, Brooklin etc. Whatever your interest in the world of cars, you will find this book fascinating. At one time the annual Automobile Year seemed to be an expensive purchase, but it is now very reasonably priced by comparison with many other books on the market.
Rod Ward
JENSEN INTERCEPTOR: The Complete Story by John Tipler, published by Crowood Press, the Stable Block, Crowood Lane, Ramsbury, Marlborough, Wilts SN8 2HR. 176 pages, 260 x 200 mm, softbound, ISBN: 1-86126-711-8. £14.99 in UK.
This is the paperback edition of the 1991 hardback. The iconic Interceptor looked and performed like no other 1960s car, thanks to a Chrysler Hemi engine, four wheel drive and anti-lock brakes, plus dramatic Italian styling. Production from 1966 to 1976 was at first subsidised by Jensen's Austin-Healey contract, the loss of which and a credit squeeze led to financial difficulties and changes of control at the factory, all clearly described. Kjell Qvale's tenure brought the Jensen-Healey, but when it sold poorly, he pushed the Interceptor again. The future looked bleak when Jaguar's XJ-S appeared in 1974, a direct competitor. Then the oil crisis hit sales of big cars. The firm collapsed, but parts and service support continued with a new outfit, led by Bob Edmiston. This led to his company, International Motors, importers of Japanese cars. Ian Orford bought the Jensen Spares and Service company in 1982, to support owners and restorers, and re-started production of the Mk IV in 1983, The company continued to shrink, however, and finally closed in 1992. If you didn't get this book when it was first published, buy it now, it is a text book study of British innovation, enthusiasm and financial failure.
Rod Ward
PORSCHE BOXSTER: The Complete Story by Gavin Farmer, pub: Crowood Press, the Stable Block, Crowood Lane, Ramsbury, Marlborough, Wilts SN8 2HR. 192 pages, 260 x 200 mm, hardbound with dustjacket, ISBN: 1-86126-675-8. £19.95 in UK.
The Boxster has turned out to be a popular car, not just the 'entry-level' Porsche originally planned. The whole story of the car is told here, its heritage, development and design, its technical specification and comparisons with ther sports cars. The author's Australian origins show in his choice of competitors, as well as in some phraseology. Every 986 Boxster step, stage and variant is described, and press reactions, including sniffy comments about it being a poseur's car rather than a 'real' Porsche. What would those poseurs think if they knew their German sports car was built at Valmet's Finnish factory? Since 1997, 20,000 Boxsters a year have been built in Finland. Notes on buying a pre-owned car complete a useful and interesting book.
Rod Ward
RANGE ROVER: Second Generation by James Taylor, pub: Crowood Press, the Stable Block, Crowood Lane, Ramsbury, Marlborough, Wilts SN8 2HR. 176 pages, 260 x 200 mm, hardbound with dustjacket, ISBN: 1-86126-623-5. £19.95 in UK.
The project name for the second generation RR was '38A'. The original vehicle, dating from 1970, was replaced by the 38A in 1994, though the older design stayed in production for a further 15 months as the 'Classic', and the last 'first generation' cars left the line in 1996, after 317,615 were built in 26 years. The story of the 38A is told here, the aims, styling and engineering. A promised feature that never reached 38A production was 'dribble wipe', but if you want to know what this was, you'll have to buy the book. Also described are limited editions and special-bodied vehicles. Advice on buying a secondhand 38A includes the note that the electronics were its Achilles heel. It was replaced in 2003 by the third generation car, having only lasted a third as long as the first RR.
Rod Ward
Porsche 928 Gold portfolio 1977-95. Pub: Brooklands Books Ltd, PO Box 146, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 1LG, UK. 176 pages, 287 photos 200 x 270 mm, Paperbound. ISBN 1-85520-6757
The evolution of the Porsche 928 is told here in reprinted articles including road tests, new model introductions, technical analysis, performance data and full specifications on 928, S, S2, S4, Club Sport, GT and GTS. There is a detailed history of the marque plus advice on choosing a used 928.
Hans-Georg Schmitt
Land Rover Series I, II, IIA Gold Portfolio. Pub: Brooklands Books Ltd, PO Box 146, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 1LG, UK. 168 pages, 276 photos, 200 x 270 mm, paperbound. ISBN 1-85520-6714.
The evolution of the Land Rover Series I, II and lla is traced from 1948 with reprinted road and used-car tests, new model introductions, performance and service data plus full specifications. Also included are articles on touring, camping, off-roading, six-wheel specials and restoration, with buyer's guides on the Series I, II and IIa.
Hans-Georg Schmitt
BUGATTI YESTERDAY AND TODAY: The Atlantic and other Articles, 208 pages, 105 colour and 95 b/w photos, many unseen before. Hardbound, 230 x 260mm. ISBN 2-912838-26-6. Published by and available from Editions SPE-Barthelemy, 10 rue de la Procession, F-75015 Paris, France.
Here are the histories of the three Atlantics, the sports cars with the exciting body shape, designed by the son of Ettore Bugatti, Jean, who died too young, only a few days before the outbreak of the Second World War. These three and the prototype are the most avant-garde of all the many cars made by Ettore and Jean. The related André Bith T51 with the Atlantic-style body also receives extensive coverage here. There are many previously unknown photos in this book, and the author has collected stories about and around Ettore Bugatti, his life and company. New facts about his activities in Paris and Bordeaux during the war, about other locations and about the Molsheim factory post-Ettore are unearthed here.
Hans-Georg Schmitt
Faszination 911: Die Typologie des Porsche 911 by Achim Kubiak. German text. 255 pages. 525 photos, 235 x 270mm. Hardbound with dust jacket. ISBN 3-7688-1581-1. Published by and available from Delius Klasing Verlag; Siekerwall 21; D-33602 Bielefeld. Germany.
The Porsche 911 was first seen by the public at Frankfurt Auto Show in 1963. It made the Porsche company a long-term success and set the automobile industry a standard to beat. This well-produced book describes all the many development stages of the rear engined sports car, originally with the unparalleled hissing six-cylinder boxer engine up to the current water-cooled 997. Many specially taken photos are of well-preserved or restored classic Porsche 911s in private ownership, along with the latest cars and reproductions of old sales brochures, instruction manuals and archive pictures, all combined to make this book a unique reference. Though the text is only in German, the photographs are an international language which will appeal to all Porsche fans.
Hans-Georg Schmitt
MORE AMERICAN NOTES
By Ben van Roode
Monaco Coach Corporation builds large RVs, Recreational Vehicles, on bus chassis. Die-Cast Promotions make a 1:64 model of one of their products with a detailed interior, visible after you lift the roof. There are four colours available. They also had five different small scale motor homes made for them by Johnny Lightning in 2003, a limited edition of 1000 of each. RC2 have released a 1:18 Flintstones car and a Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 454. After the Pontiac Grand Prix, there is another luxury muscle car from Ertl, the Cadillac Escalade. They are 1:18 scale, as is the Ford Mustang 19641/2 Mustang, now available as an Indy 500 pace car, just like the real thing. RC2-Ertl has bought the ex-Anson dies and will market their Buick Y Job with improved detailing. In the USA Mattel reveal six 1:43 Gran Toros muscle cars. Gran Toros was used by Mebetoys of Italy when owned by Mattel, advertised in popular US magazines like Road & Track. There are six new Gran Toros, but I don't think they are new castings. From the pictures I've seen they look like old Matchbox muscle cars as sold by mail order in Europe circa 1999. Maisto has jumped on the Jada Toys bandwagon with low-riders, cars which sit very low and have extremely large wheels, perhaps 22 inch. Two 1:24 vehicles are the first releases in the Playerz range, a stretch Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator with working courtesy lights. Maisto has other plans for 2005. In 1:24 scale: Dodge SRT 4, 2005 Mustang GT, Chrysler ME Four Twelve, Scion XB. In 1:18 scale they promise the 2005 Chrysler 300C, 2005 Chevy Corvette, 1967 and 1968 Camaro, 2004 Ford F 350 Lariat and F 350 Super Duty Harley Davidson and Jeep Rescue Concept car. There will also be a Ford Escape, scale unknown. AMT Masterpiece Collection are pre-painted kits to detail or to build straight from the box. Next releases are 1957 Chrysler 300, 1958 Edsel Pacer, 1960 Ford Starliner, 1962 Pontiac Catalina, 1962 Chevy Impala SS convertible, 1966 Buick Riviera, 1971 Dodge Charger R/T and 19701/2 Camaro Baldwin, all in 1:25 scale.After the Ricko 1963 Lincoln, Yat Ming gives us both convertible and closed versions of the 1961 Continental. From the same source comes the 1956 Continental Mark II in a super detailed series. They retail in the USA at about $45. Signature give us the 1937 Lincoln K and a 1932 Lincoln. They will release the 1941 Packard limousine as well. The special 1934 Cadillac Aerodynamic is another Ricko creation and they do it well. In 2005 Franklin Mint will release a 1:12 1967 Corvette L88. Rumours are that Revell will terminate its diecast operations in the USA.
OXFORD DIE-CAST NEWS
The most recent issues from Oxford Die-Cast are as follows:
Bullnose van Coldstream Guards Bullnose van Royal Artillery Bullnose van Norwich City FC Bullnose van Hull City FC Bullnose van Rotherham United FC Bedford van GWR Signals Dept Bedford ambulance GWR VW van Sportsman (Ogdens) cigarettes RM open top bus Stratford Sightseeing RM open top bus Glasgow Sightseeing
MINICHAMPS UPDATE
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
New models from Minichamps, other than those pictured recently:430 113605 Renault Alpine A 110 coupe 1963 orange. 430 051025 VW Karmann Ghia Coupe 1955, blue. 400 012193 BMW M3 GTR Jarama ELMS 2001 winner, Ekblom-Mueller 400 770020 Wolf-Ford WR1 F1 Argentina 77 Scheckter. 400 910119 Benetton Ford B191 F1 Schumacher 1991 400 062521 Porsche 959 Coupe 1987 new colour, red. 400 062231 Porsche 944 Convertible 91 green metallic. 400 020009 Jordan Honda EJ12 1 2002, Fisichella 430 045617 Opel Kadett C Caravan estate 73 bronze 400 062331 Porsche 968 Conv, open 94 purple met. 518 024310 Jordan-Ford EJ12 F1 Japan 2002; Sato 540 854392 Lotus-Renault 97T F1 Portugual 1985 Ayrton Senna Limited Edition 9,194 pieces. 100 040081 Sauber Petronas F1 2004, Fisichella 1:18 100 040085 Jaguar F1 Presentation 2004, Klien 1:18 180 772105 BMW 320I Group 5 Warsteiner, Team GS Sport German Racing Sport Championship 1977 Jörg Obermoser. 1:18 scale
KIBRI PLASTIC KITS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
Kibri 1:87 scale plastic kits from Germany:B-11992 Mercedes-Benz Actros Meiller roll on/roll off B-11993 Mercedes SK with Goldhofer low-load trailer B-11994 four axle low-load trailer with drawbar B-11995 Liebherr 934 Litronic wheeled excavator B-11997 Liebherr tower crane 63 EC Hochtief B-14037 Magirus-Deutz truck, towing a Fuchs F301 B-14988 Mercedes Unimog long tanker Gendarmerie B-18263 Mercedes- round-bonnet 3-axle fire engine B-18264 Magirus Jupiter three axle truck +tilt Fire B-18464 Magirus Jupiter +canvas cab roof THW B-18655 Mercedes round bonnet tipper Maltese + B-19102 Menck tracked excavator +deep shovel 1:160
CORGI AND TRUCKFEST
Corgi is making 1:50 tractor units in Truckfest packs. First were MAN TGA XXL Pollock and DAF XF SC Jack Richards & Son. March sees a Macfarlane Scania Topline for the Leeds company's 25th anniversary.
Copyright Modelauto Ltd
e-mail mar@zeteo.com
