Model Auto Review 200
Publication 7 March 2006
CONTENTS(Print version)
04 Where were you in 62? Don Elliott, USA 07 Peugeot 907 Hans-Georg Schmitt, Germany 08 Graphic Designers Max Tomlinson, Wales 11 Dangerous Game Maz Woolley, England 14 Letters * US Cars John Whitehead, USA 15 Greenlight 16 A Quarter Century 20 NEWS: Siku, Marsh, K&R, Midlantic, TPM 21 NEWS: Paya, Provence, Czech Models: Jiri Havlicek 22 NEWS: Bentley, Revell, Frazer Nash: Andrew Selbie, Canada 23 NEWS: Mattel, Norev, Oxford 24 NEWS: Kibri, M&S * Captions to page 28: Trucks 26 Ford Fooling Graeme Ogg, England 26 Mercury Comets John F Quilter, USA 29 US Cars 30 NEWS Cars * Captions to page 32 31 NEWS: Mattel, Norev * Captions to page 33 34 1936 US Fords: #2 Dave Turner, England 38 NEWS: World Busch, Tin Wizard, Minichamps, Kyosho, Bang: Carlo Tamburini 40 avia mini 42 Healey Elliott 43 Competitions 44 Book Reviews 46 Club News 56 Do you know about Radar? Don Elliott, USA * Army Film Unit Graeme Watt, Scotland 58 NEWS Bus: EFE * Captions page 60 59 NEWS Bus: Britbus, VK * Captions to page 61Note: the print version of the magazine contains many articles as listed above, plus almost 300 illustrations, mostly in colour - we include on this website just a selection from some of the news items. Go to the MAR page to find out how to obtain Model Auto Review.
EDITORIAL
by Rod WardSQUARING THE CIRCLE
A quarter century ago the artisan handbuilt and kit industry grew, to fill subject gaps not supplied by diecast ranges. Then in their turn the new Chinese-made diecasts supplanted these handbuilts at lower prices. Artisan ranges struggle to survive in these conditions. Lower sales of handbuilts mean higher prices to cover fixed pattern and development costs spread over fewer models. Pattern and mould making, licensing etc must be amortised over a lower sales quantity. This may add only 50p per model to production costs of a diecast model. But no matter how tightly you control fixed costs, a low-production artisan product may have to carry up to £20.00 per model, plus the cost of each set of castings, plating, vacforms, decals, photoetching and packaging. Handbuilding in small batches can cost up to £25.00 per model. Then add a dealer's profit, and 17.5% VAT as well... Top quality Chinese-made 1:43 diecast models are now creeping up in price, as they also see sales volumes shrinking, some now costing £30.00 to £40.00. This is still cheaper than the average handbuilt model, however, which mostly cost £80.00 to £120.00. If a handbuilt model at this price is really superbly made and of a rare and desirable subject, it will sell, but perhaps not in sufficient quantity to cover the maker's costs. Many collectors have a personal 'price threshold' over which they will not step, which excludes most current handbuilts. Where does that leave unusual subjects, those unlikely to be made by big diecast ranges? They used to be made as kits, transkits or handbuilt models. Over the past couple of years, I have been looking into this problem, with a view to finding a solution. There are interesting subjects still unmade which would never sell enough to interest a major range, but how can they be made at a saleable price? How can we square the circle and offer low-production 'handbuilt' models at the price of a more expensive diecast one? Some possible choices are to reduce the number of components, make the build standard more basic, leave out or cast-in minor components, share parts with existing diecast models and so on. But would collectors understand the quality-price ratio, and accept a much-simplified handbuilt at the price of a Spark model, if it meant getting a subject choice that would otherwise be unavailable?This year I am relaunching the Rapide range as 'economy handbuilts' in an attempt to find out. The first group of releases includes some handbuilts 'adopted' from other ranges, but with prices drastically reduced, to see if they thus become more saleable. Some will be new or adapted masters (patterns) of a simplified nature, to see if that is a possible solution. Others may be rebodied diecast models, produced with the co-operation of the makers.
The theme of the new Rapide '100 series' will be mostly British vehicles or thematic subjects, some of them seen before under other range titles, others totally new models...
NÜRNBERG NEWS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
Maisto have purchased the Bburago and Polistil brands, but what they will do with them is unknown.
Action, the US parent company of Minichamps has been sold, but there is no news yet about their plans for the German subsidiary.
Roco-Minitanks is now in bank ownership, looking for new owners. More news from the 2006 Nuremberg toy fair in the next issue of MAR.
REVELL DIECAST FOR 2006
Revell's plans for diecast releases in 2006 are listed here, mostly 1:18 scale plus some new 1:24 and 1:25 models of modern US cars.
08414 VW 1302 LS Beetle Cabriolet 1971 1:18 08460 NSU TTS wide wings Bergmeister #71 1:18 08460 NSU TTS wide wings Speiss 2005 1:18 08807 Mercedes-Benz 180 Feuerwehr 1961 1:18 08811 TVR Cerbera 2003 1:18 08815 Triumph Stag 1970 1:18 (see cover picture) 08841 BMW 530i saloon 2003 1:18 08844 BMW M6 sports coupe 2004 1:18 08850 Seat 600D 1958 pale green 1:18 08875 Opel Kapitan Polizei green 1961 1:18 08877 Volkswagen Corrado 1993 black 1:18 08878 Volkswagen Corrado 1993 blue 1:18 08879 Ford Taunus 12M 1962 orange 1:18 08880 Ford Taunus 12M 1962 blue 1:18 08881 Wiesmann GT coupe dark silver 2004 1:18 08882 Wiesmann GT coupe orange 2004 1:18 08894 Volvo P1800S coupe 1967 white 1:18 08895 Volvo P1800S coupe 1967 red 1:18 08904 Volvo 121 Amazon Polis Sweden 19661:18 08909 Auto Union 1000S Coupe 1958 1:18 08952 Goggomobil 250 1955 '50th anniv' 1:18 S2577 Cadillac AC Escalade, 3 colours 1:24 S2578 Dodge Magnum RT, 3 colours 1:25 S2579 Chrysler 300C Hemi SRT8, 3 colours 1:24 S2580 Cadillac AC Escalade EXT, 3 colours 1:24
NOREV PEUGEOT 907 CONCEPT CAR
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
AMONG recent Norev releases, 1:43 diecast in China for France, is 479700 Peugeot 907 V12 Concept Car, the brightest star of the 2004 Paris Motor Show. Its design shows that aggressive styling and elegance are not incompatible. In this case, they are complementary and however extravagant the 907 might appear, it shares the 'feline' style with Peugeot´s standard range, though this dream car will never go into series production,. In 2005, this design study was also on display at the Peugeot stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The clear bonnet reveals the cylinder head of the 500 hp V12 engine, which gives a top speed of 300 km/h. The engine was developed by joining two V6 engines together. The interior is very stylish in wood and alcantara. The model is finished in molybdenum grey. The highly detailed interior is brown and white. The lights, the radiator grille, air intakes and the huge glazed surfaces are separately fitted. Summer driving under the huge glass area, with the windscreen continuing over the roof, would be torture, far too hot for any air conditioning to cope.
The fine cast 'alloy' wheels, reveal brake discs and calipers through the spokes and on each side is a large exhaust pipe. A well detailed baseplate completes the impressive appearance of this interesting concept car, from which styling elements will be seen on future Peugeot production cars.
New in the US
discount storesBy John Whitehead, Cheyenne, Wyoming
These are all blister-packed $3 diecast models seen in discount stores, all customised in some way, from different wheels to add-on body parts to radical mods that would make George Barris proud. The quality is quite good, scale identified as '1:64', but generally closer to 1:60-1:55.
Jada continues to flood the market, mainly with 1:64 and 1:24 models of often interesting but predictable cars (ie Chevies). I have Jada's mildly customised 1963 Lincoln Continental four door in lime-gold with a white interior and white hardtop (also available in sinister all-black). Another new release is America's favourite classic pickup, the 1956 Ford F-100. My final new Jada is the chopped top, sectioned and lowered 1949 Cadillac Series 62 fastback coupe, which would be a striking street rod in 1:1 scale. Despite customisation, it is clearly the first finned, postwar Caddy; that sexy shape is unmistakable and the grille is straight stock. Whether you like this trend or not they are what mass market model car firms will risk capital on in the 2006 US marketplace.
ProMarkCo is a new name in '1:64' diecast models competing with Jada, with similar focus, packaging and on adjacent pegs in the toy aisles. It is probably no coincidence that the company headquarters is in Rogers, Arkansas, close to Wal-Mart's home in Bentonville. The models are a step up from Jada, slightly crisper, better packed and a bit more true to the original cars. My first two are a performance modified 2005 Mustang GT coupe and the Ford concept Shelby GR-1. The GR-1 is true to the show car, except for the wheels. This would be a stunning showroom magnet; to follow the discontinued Ford GT?
GREENLIGHT MUSCLE CARS
GreenLight Collectibles of Indianapolis, IN, have five diecast ranges, as listed here.
INDYCAR GARAGE (ICG) May 2006 releases 1:64 scale 10621-06 Sam Hornish Jr/Penske Racing 10622-06 Dan Wheldon/Target Chip Ganassi Racing 10623-06 Tony Kanaan/Andretti Green Racing 10624-06 Marco Andretti/Andretti Green Racing 10625-06 Dario Franchitti/Andretti Green Racing 10626-06 Michael Andretti/Andretti Green Racing 10627-06 Buddy Rice/Rahal Letterman Racing 10628-06 Danica Patrick/Rahal Letterman 10629-06 Scott Sharp/Fernandez Racing 10630-06 Bryan Herta/Andretti Green Racing 10631-06 Felipe Giaffone/Foyt Enterprises 10632-06 Helio Castroneves/Penske Racing INDYCAR GARAGE (ICG) May 2006 releases 1:18 scale 10821-06 Sam Hornish Jr/Penske Racing 10822-06 Dan Wheldon/Target Chip Ganassi Racing 10823-06 Tony Kanaan/Andretti Green Racing 10824-06 Marco Andretti/Andretti Green Racing 10825-06 Dario Franchitti/Andretti Green Racing 10826-06 Michael Andretti/Andretti Green Racing 10827-06 Buddy Rice/Rahal Letterman Racing 10828-06 Danica Patrick/Rahal Letterman 10829-06 Scott Sharp/ Fernandez Racing 10830-06 Bryan Herta/Andretti Green Racing 10831-06 Felipe Giaffone/Foyt Enterprises 10832-06 Helio Castroneves/Penske Racing 10833-06 Scott Dixon/Target Chip Ganassi Racing INDYCAR GARAGE 2005 1:64 scale: some sold out 10601-05 Sam Hornish Jr/Penske Racing 10602-05 Helio Castroneves/Penske Racing 10603-05 Tony Kanaan/Andretti Green Racing 10604-05 Dan Wheldon/Andretti Green Racing 10605-05 Dario Franchitti/Andretti Green Racing 10606-05 Bryan Herta/Andretti Green Racing 10607-05 Buddy Rice/Rahal Letterman Racing 10608-05 Danica Patrick/Rahal Letterman 10609-05 Vitor Meira/Rahal Letterman 10612-05 Scott Dixon/Target Chip Ganassi Racing 10613-05 Darren Manning/Target Chip Ganassi Racing 10614-05 Kosuke Matsuura/Fernandez Racing * 10615-05 Tomas Scheckter/Panther Racing 17603-05 Dan Wheldon - Indy 500 Winner Car INDYCAR GARAGE: 1:18 scale: some sold out 10801-05 Sam Hornish Jr/Penske Racing 10802-05 Helio Castroneves/Penske Racing 10803-05 Tony Kanaan/Andretti Green Racing 10804-05 Dan Wheldon/Andretti Green Racing 10805-05 Dario Franchitti/Andretti Green Racing 10806-05 Bryan Herta/Andretti Green Racing 10807-05 Buddy Rice/Rahal Letterman Racing 10808-05 Danica Patrick/Rahal Letteman Racing 10810-05 Vitor Meira/Rahal Letterman 10811-05 Scott Sharp/Fernandez Racing 10812-05 Scott Dixon/Target Chip Ganassi Racing 10814-05 Kosuke Matsuura/Fernandez Racing 10816-05 Adrian Fernandez/Mo Nunn Racing 10817-05 Ed Carpenter/Vision Racing 10818-05 Danica Patrick/Indy 500 Rookie of the Year 10819-05 Paul Dana/Ethanol 17802-05 Dan Wheldon/Indy 500 Winner Car PACE CAR GARAGE (PCG): Summer 2006: 1:64 scale 1978 Corvette - Indy 500 Pace Car 1:64 scale 1970 Olds 442 - Indy 500 Pace Car 1:64 scale 1972 Olds 442 - Indy 500 Pace Car 1:64 scale 2006 Corvette Z06 - Indy 500 Pace Car 1:64 scale 2006 Corvette Z06 - Daytona 500 Pace Car 1:64 scale 1965 Dodge Coronet 500 Conv Daytona 500 Pace Car 1:64 11201-06 1969 Camaro Indy 500 Pace Car 1:24 scale 11202-06 1995 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car 1:24 scale 11203-06 2006 Corvette Z06 Indy 500 Pace Car 1:24 scale 11205-06 2006 Corvette Z06 Daytona 500 Pace Car 1:24 PACE CAR GARAGE: Summer-Autumn 2006: 1:18 scale 11801-06 1986 Corvette Convertible Indy Pace Car 11802-06 1971 Dodge Challenger Indy Pace Car 11803-06 1989 Trans Am Indy Pace Car PACE CAR GARAGE 2005: 1:64 scale 11601-05 1998 Corvette Convertible Indy 500 Pace Car 11602-05 2005 Corvette Convertible Indy 500 Pace Car 11603-05 2005 Corvette Coupe Daytona 500 Pace Car 20602 2004 Corvette Convertible Indy 500 Pace Car PACE CAR GARAGE 1:24 scale 11201-05 2005 Corvette Convertible Indy 500 Pace Car 11204-05 2005 Corvette Coupe Daytona 500 Pace Car 20611 1967 Camaro Convertible Indy 500 Pace Car 20610 1978 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car 20604 1986 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car 20601 2004 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car MUSCLE CAR GARAGE: 2006: 1:64 scale 1967 Pontiac GTO Conv.: Plum Mist or Tyrol Blue 1968 Chevy Impala SS: Tuxedo Blackor Matador Red 1969 Mustang Boss 302: Wimbledon White or Grabber Yellow 1969 Mustang Boss 429: Royal Maroon or Raven Black 1970 Mustang Convertible: Grabber Orange or Gold Metallic 1967 Chevy Impala SS 427 two colours Summer 2006 1969 Mustang Mach 1 two colours Summer 2006 1970 Olds 442 two colours Summer 2006 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona two colours Summer 2006 2007 Shelby Mustang GT 500 two colours Summer 2006 1971 Dodge Charger Daytona two colours Autumn 2006 1964 Plymouth Fury Max Wedge two colours Autumn 2006 1965 Dodge Coronet 500 two colours Autumn 2006 2006 Dodge Charger R/T two colours Autumn 2006 2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 two colours Autumn 2006 1963 Chrysler 300 L two colours Autumn 2006 MUSCLE CAR GARAGE: 2006: 1:24 scale 12201-06 1969 Camaro SS Convertible Hugger Orange MUSCLE CAR GARAGE: 2006: 1:18 scale 12801-06 1968 Mustang GT Coupe Highland Green or Red 12802-06 1968 Mustang California Special Maroon or Blue 12803-06 1971 Dodge Challenger Convertible Summer 2006 12804-06 1989 Trans Am GTA Black, Red Autumn 2006 CORVETTE COLLECTION 2006: 1:64 scale 2005 Corvette Convertible - Le Mans Blue 2005 Corvette Convertible - Magnetic Red Metallic 2005 Corvette C6 Coupe - Millenium Yellow 2005 Corvette C6 Coupe - Victory Red 2005 Corvette Convertible Indy Pace Car 2005 Corvette Coupe Daytona Pace Car 2006 Corvette Z06 - LeMans Blue Summer 2006 2006 Corvette Convertible - White Summer 2006 2006 Corvette C6RSummer 2006 2006 Corvette Coupe - Daytona Orange Summer 2006 1967 Corvette Summer 2006 1978 Corvette Silver Anniv. Summer 2006 CORVETTE COLLECTION: 1:24 scale 18203-06 2006 Corvette Z06 18204-06 1996 Corvette Grand Sport Spring 2006 18201-05 2005 Corvette C6 Convertible Black 18202-05 2005 Corvette C6 Coupe Red 1:18 SCALE CORVETTE COLLECTION: 1:18 scale 18801-06 1986 Corvette Convertible Silver Spring 2006 IMS EVENT CARS: Spring 2006: 1:64 scale 17601-06 2006 Indy 500 Event Car 1:64 scale 17602-06 Marmon Wasp 90th Race Event Car 1:64 scale 17201-06 Polished Metal IMS Roadster c. 1:24 scale 17202-06 Chrome Silver IMS Roadster c. 1:24 scale 17203-06 Red Chrome IMS Roadster c. 1:24 scale 17801-06 2006 Indy 500 Event Car 1:18 scale IMS EVENT CARS: 2005 17601-05 2005 Indy 500 Event Car 2 1:64 scale 17602-05 2005 Brickyard 400 Event Car 2 1:64 scale 17603-05 2005 Chevy SSR Pace Vehicle 1:64 scale 17201-05 2005 Brickyard 400 Event Car 1 1:24 scale 17801-05 2005 Indy 500 Event Car 2 1:18 scale
SIKU FOR 2006
Here are the new model releases for this year proposed by Siku of Germany. There will be five tranches of releases, as indicated by the figure after the description.
Siku Super series Siku Sport: four sports cars 1 Siku Pickup; four pickups 1 Fendt tractor with front loader 1 Deutz tractor with front loader 1 Football coach for 2006 World Cup 1 Smart car: 9 football nations 1:50 1 Claas Ares tractor 2 Military Main Battle Tank 2 Armoured Reconnaissance vehicle 2 Military helicopter gunship 2 Tank transporter with MBT aboard 2 Lanz Bulldog tractor with trailer 2 Porsche 911 2 Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupe 2 BMW 645i convertible 3 Unimog fire appliance 3 Volkswagen Passat Variant estate 3 Tractor with two axle farm trailer 3 Car towing two axle caravan 3 Car towing power boat on trailer 3 Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron 4 Unimog fire appliance + rigid boat 4 Rescue ambulance 4 Turntable ladder fire appliance 4 Car towing sports car on trailer 4 Rosenbauer 4 axle airfield fire 1:50 5 Mobile shop + opening counter 5 Liebherr PR734 bulldozer + ripper 5 MAN Lions City bus 5 Siku Farmer & Farmer Classic 1:32 Claas Lexion 600 harvester 1 Fendt 396 tractor 1 Same Diamond 265 tractor 2 Lemken Disc harrow 2 Dozer blade for tractors 2 Class tractor with front loader 3 Lanz D2416HE 3 Fortuna hook lift three axle trailer 3 Fortuna single axle tipping trailer 3 Eicher King Tiger tractor 4 John Deere Lanz tractor side cutter 4 Tumbril style two axle farm cart 4 Deutz K110 tractor 4 All-purpose planting machine 5 New tractor: details TBA 5 Lanz Eil-Bulldog remote control road tractor release date unknown Siku M87 HO scale series 1:87 Football bus for 2006 World Cup 1 JD tractor, front loader and trailer 3 Massey Ferguson tractor + trailer 4 Water cannon fire appliance 5 John Deere 9680i harvester 5
MARSHY UPDATE
By John and Pam Simons
Here is an update on Marsh Models for 2006. Another model to fit in with our successful IMSA range is the 1986 Riverside March 83G of Adams and Hotchkiss, in vibrant Wynn's purple. For those who mourn the passing of Modelex, here is news of a new show in Telford this coming March, the Modelsport show; details are at www.modelsport.info
Our next pattern is MM136, the wedge nosed 917PA from Riverside 1969. Chris is now working on a joint project between us and Model Assemblies, Bruce McLaren's first-ever race car, his Austin 7.
This will be the start of a collaboration to produce a range of these interesting vehicles.
BMC FARINA CARS FROM K&R
By Stephen Roff
K&R Replicas have just released the following, in both kit and handbuilt versions.
There are quite a few more new releases planned in the next couple of months. They will be noted in MAR as they appear.
KR146 Austin A55 Cambridge Mk 2
KR147 Morris Oxford Series V
PAYA TINPLATE PARTWORKS
By Rod Ward
The world of partworks (ie models and toys issued with weekly or fortnightly publications and sold via newsagents) gets ever more complex. Paya tinplate toys from Spain are well-known. They tried to update their subject matter in the latter half of the 20th Century, then realised that there was more mileage in reproducing their earlier products as 'nostalgia' items and classic toys, more usually sold in upmarket gift shops than in toy shops. Italian publisher Fabbri has now produced two fortnightly partwork series which include a Paya tin toy with each instalment.
I have seen their French-language editions (for France, Belgium, Canada) titled Les Jouets en Fer-Blanc dans le Monde (Tinplate Toys of the World) and Histoire des Jouets d'Autrefois (History of Toys of Past Times). It has been mentioned previously in MAR, but perhaps the expression 'tinplate' or 'tin' toy should be clarified here. The material used is not tin, but thin steel sheet. In the early days of making canned goods, the steel cans would go rusty very quickly, so various types of plating were employed, and tin was the most successful of these, giving a bright clean appearance and not poisoning the contents.
The same tin plating process was then also used to stop sheet steel toys from going rusty. Ultimately sophisticated enamelling and plating with other materials were also used, but the 'tin' name stuck. The name was also applied to food and drink cans in Britain and the Commonwealth (a 'tinnie' is famously how an Aussie buys his beer). This is, however, another case of how we are divided from our American cousins by a common language.
A US-born cookery writer who has worked in Britain for decades tells of the time she had her American mother to stay for a vacation. She asked Mom to get a 'tin of peaches' from the shops for a special dish. Mother came back with ten fresh peaches, never before having heard the word 'tin' to mean a can. By the way, for those US readers who are still puzzling over 'fortnightly', it means every 14 days (or nights I suppose) in English parlance. The Fabbri series are, curiously, described as coming out 'On Friday, every 15 days'. The Paya toys represent the full repertoire of their early 20th Century productions, from 'Charlie Chaplin's car' to an open top bus.
Along the way there are racing cars, taxis and lots of other Paya clockwork tin toys.
NEWS OF CZECH MODELS
Via Jirí Havlícek
Abrex models (made by Cararama in China for the Czech Republic) will release three race versions of the Skoda Octavia. They also plan to release 1:18 models, to add to their existing scales of 1:72, 1:43 and 1:24.
Monti simple plastic kits now have an extensive range in various scales. New releases include a Mercedes-Benz Actros 2+3 axle artic Noprosu (1:48 scale), Scania three axle torpedo tipper (1:48 scale) and Land Rover with rigid boat on trailer 'Adriatic' (1:35). Future plans include an Actros artic with container and a Western Star conventional logging drawbar rig.
Kovap tinplate models continue to be available. New plans include Lanz D2816 tractor (1:25 clockwork), Porsche 356 (clockwork), and Fork lift truck (1:43).
PROVENCE MINIATURES
New 1:43 kits and handbuilt models from Provence Miniatures of France:
093 Talbot Lago T150C Figoni cabriolet 1938 094 Aston Martin Nimrod NRA C2 LM 83 #39 095 Peugeot 301 aero. CR roadster 1934 096 Alfa Romeo 8C spider Pebble Beach 05 097 Aston Martin DB Mk III 1957 098 Mitsubishi Pajero Dakar 06 4 versions 099 Alpine Renault A441 2L Mugello 75 #5 100 Talbot Lago Grand Sport 1954 101 Aston Martin DB Mk III cabriolet 1957 102 Nissan Dessoude Galp Dakar 06 #311 20-01 Matra MS80 F1 France 69 kit only 20-02 McLaren M7A F1 Belgium 68 kit only 20-03 Lotus 72D F1 France 72 kit only 20-04 Lotus Ford 49B MkII F1 1968 kit only
FRAZER NASH MODEL CARS
By Andrew Selbie, Mimodels, Canada
Frazer Nash cars had modest success in competition prior to the Second World War, but it was in 1949 that saw a breakthrough. Norman Culpan, an English motorcycle racer, bought one of the first new High Speed Model cars and, with co-driver H J Aldington, he achieved a remarkable third place finish at Le Mans. In the fashion of the time, this car was renamed the Le Mans Replica. With a narrow two-seater body shell, exposed wheels with cycle-type wings, and very basic weather protection, the car had a definite pre-war look, but success at Le Mans began a flurry of competition activity over the next four years. In addition to one car at Le Mans each year from 1949 to 1952, it was also entered in the Mille Miglia, Targa Florio (outright winner in 1951), Alpine Rally and other endurance events. In 1952, a new car fresh off the boat from England drove from New York to Florida and promptly won the first 12 hour race held at Sebring. Stirling Moss frequently drove one, winning the 1951 British Empire Trophy race. Although there was a Mark II version, the car was never really developed further and production ceased after only 37 were made. It is surprising that the LM Replica has not been modelled more extensively. To fill this gap, I have commissioned ten different 1:43 competition versions.
The full list of cars currently made is:
1949 Le Mans #26 3rd Red 1950 Le Mans #31 20th Red 1951 Le Mans #35 Light Green 1951 Alpine Rally #54 Light Green 1951 Mille Miglia #352 9th British Racing Green 1951 Targa Florio #30 winner BRG 1951 British Empire Trophy #22 1st Stirling Moss BRG 1952 Monaco support race #26 Stirling Moss BRG 1952 Le Mans #42 10th place Metallic Green 1952 Sebring #9 1st Metallic Light BlueTwo masters were needed to incorporate the many differences in the various models. All have the correct versions of windscreen, lights, tonneau cover, tail treatment, spare wheels etc. plus some have faired-in cycle wings. While every attempt was made to create models as historically accurate as possible, I welcome more information or corrections. The models are white metal, handbuilt in England with photoetched detailing and are mounted on a base. For the first production run only 60 models in total (six of each version) were made. The price is US $179 plus shipping, and they can be ordered from www.mimodels.com, or by phone at 001-416-282-8777. Future plans include road cars and possibly additional competition variations.
CHARITABLE BENTLEY
By Graeme Watt
As promised, here is a photo of the large scale 'charity shop' Bentley model; Is there any significance in the registration GY3905; perhaps an MAR reader can tell us? In regard to the previously noted charity shop Fiat racer, Fred Kässman mentioned in MAR 35 on page 1565 that Ernest Eldridge modified the original 1908 Brooklands Fiat (noted in MAR 34), stretching it to fit in a big Fiat aero engine. Fred's colour photo shows the driver's cockpit offset to the starboard side. Both cars bear the registration X-D7117, so mine must be Mephistopheles I. Fred says: Eldridge on 6 July 1924 raced Mephistopheles II at 233.614kph over the mile and 236.686kph over the km to gain the title of fastest man on earth. Unfortunately French driver Rene Thomas complained that the Fiat did not have a reverse gear, so Eldridge's record was withdrawn by the ACF. Within 48 hours he made the modifications, satisfied the scrutineers and on the following weekend regained his record. So, all the information is in MAR; I am just a slow reader.
KIBRI 1:87 KITS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
New 1:87 plastic kits from Kibri of Germany:
B-13021 Demag AC 665 HS665 six axle mobile crane, lift load max. 250 tons, l58 metre jib. B-13561 Felbermayer 4 axle MAN HD ZM tractor with Scheuerle swan neck trailer and 16 ton prism roller. B-13562 MAN 3 axle tractor Type 26.362 DFS tractor, 360 hp with Doll bridge trailer. B-13563 Mercedes-Benz artic 1632 S, 235 kW/360 hp with Doll three axle long trailer B-13564 MAN HD four axle ZM tractor with Goldhofer artic low load SKFT5 trailer with ramp. Payload 50 tons. B-14365 Mercedes-Benz SK two axle ZM ENBW tractor with Wackenhut 22 ton two axle artic flat trailer. B-14636 MB Actros three axle tractor with artic flat trailer B-14637 MB Actros two axle tractor, with Müller TS3 37 ton artic low load trailer. and two Steinbock forklifts. B-12257 MB Trac 1300-1600 with new bonnet design, with Spitzer two axle water tank trailer.
BANG CEASE PRODUCTION
By Carlo Tamburini, Bang, Italy
From 1 January 2006, Bang ceased production but continues to sell models produced to date and in stock in our warehouse. My wish to offer high quality models manufactured entirely in Italy is no longer possible in the current international market, dominated by Chinese models. Thus my decision, though painful, is inevitable. I suppose I could have moved production to China, like most other ranges, but my pride as an Italian is stronger than any possibilities of profit. The past 15 years managing Bang have given me great satisfaction. Everyone who has supported us by buying our models will one day be proud to own an Italian-made Bang model whose technology allowed us accuracy that oriental producers have still not been able to match. Every Bang made up to now will always be identified by Made in Italy on its base.
Editor's note: Readers will be saddened to read Mr Tamburini's dignified statement, just the latest European model car maker to cease production. I have also only recently heard that British range RAE ceased making model cars sometime in 2005.
BUSCH HO MODELS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
New 1:87 plastic releases from Busch of Germany:
40914 DKW 3=6 car Gasolin 41823 Ford E-350 Ambulance Fire Dept Pikesville 42205 Multicar Winter-Service gritter-snow plough 43001 Toyota Land Cruiser Corpo de Bombeiros, fire Macao 43002 Toyota Land Cruiser United Nations 44007 Dodge Power Wagon Fire Fighter 44008 Fargo Power Wagon road-railer 47554 Ford Mustang Coupe Historic Touring Car Trophy #92 47831 Mercedes Sprinter Fire and Disaster Memmingen 47832 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Circus Krone 48538 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Polis police Sweden 48755 Puch 500 Elf Rescue Service Limited edition with elf 48950 Smart City Coupe Storch funerals service car 48953 Smart Fortwo Coupe truestyle limited edition 48973 Smart fortwo Cabriolet truestyle limited edition 49015 Ford Crown Victoria Springfield Police USA 49164 Mercedes C-Class T-estate German Red Cross, St Ingbert 49205 Audi A4 Bavarian Red Cross, Schweinfurt 49302 Smart Roadster Traveller with suitcase on chrome rack 49453 Mercedes E-Class T-estate emergency doctor Dortmund 49454 Mercedes E-Class, T-model estate Berlin Police 49651 Audi A6 Avant 25th anniversary of the Quattro 49968 Accessory set Holiday
TIN WIZARD PLANS
By Thomas Wolter
We will have a flow of new 1:43 releases throughout 2006, so you can keep up to date by consulting our website at www.tinwizard.de. Among our plans are the following, though release dates are not certain yet:
Mercedes-Benz 300 Mercedes-Benz 180 /190 various versions Volvo Buckel convertible (Australia 1950) Saab 900 var versions
NEW MINICHAMPS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
New models from Minichamps of Germany, all 1:43 except *:
180 758031 Ford Capri RS 3100 Norisring DRM 1975 Jochen Mass (*1:18) 403 241203 Alfa Romeo P2 GP 1924 red 400 051418 Audi A4 Siemens Joest; DTM05 Capello 400 051414 Audi A4; Audi Used Cars Joest DTM05 Abt 430 020305 BMW M3 Street version 1990 430 085509 Ford Capri Mk1 1969, limited to 500 silver 400 103401 Lamborghini Jarama 74 red, beige interior 400 031162 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2001 Seven Up. 400 031592 Mercedes E-Class Police Brunswick, silver-green, 1,200 pieces. 439 031081 Mercedes-Benz O 321H coach Aachener Strassenbahn 1954. 430 033108 Mercedes 180 saloon 1953 green metallic. 430 040432 Opel Olympia Cabriolet 1952 dark red. 430 046127 Opel Rekord C Coupe 1966 green metallic 430 069109 Porsche 911 Turbo 1990, black. 430 836511 Porsche 956L David LM 83 Fitzpatrick-Hobbs-Quester 430 086528 Ford Puma Coupe 1996, bright red. 400 728104 Ford Escort Mk.I RS 1600. Winner RAC Rally 1972 Clark-Mason 400 123331 Maserati Ghibli Spider 1969 spider silver. 430 033155 Mercedes 190SL Cabriolet 1955, ivory with red interior. 400 171201 Volvo S40 saloon 2003 now in bright red. 430 045608 Opel Kadett C 2door 1974 lime green, black interior, 1,008 pieces. 430 069007 Porsche 911 Turbo 1977 blue metallic. 400 050084 Red Bull Racing Cosworth RB1 F1 presentation Coulthard 2005 430 050422 Volkswagen Scirocco 1974 silver. 430 065669 VW-Porsche 914/4 1973 gemini metallic, black interior 1,824 pieces 436 045300 VW Race Touareg Presentation Essen 2004 limited to 1056 pieces.
KYOSHO LANCIA 037s
New 1:43 Lancia 037 Rally cars from Kyosho of Japan:
KY03181D Lancia 037 Rally MC 1985 #4 Toivonen KY03181E Lancia 037 Rally Portugal 1985 #4.Biaision KY03181C Lancia 037 Rally San Remo 1985 #1 Toivonen
IXO JUNIORS TO COME
New releases in their Junior 'economy' range from Ixo:
CIXJ0034 Renault 8 Taxi Santiago Chile CIXJ0035 VW Microbus Taxi Zurich 1965 CIXJ0036 Panoz Esperante GTR met blue CIXJ0037 Lola T93 Indy Mansell 1st 93 CIXJ0038 Citroen H (RACC service) Motorcycles BIXJ0011 Aprilia RSW250 Valentino Rossi 1999 BIXJ0012 Kawasaki ZX-7RR Sebileau- Hislop-Walker LM99 BIXJ0013 Ducati Super Sport 750 Green 1974
The Story behind our competition prize: Healey Elliott GWD 42
J&M Classics Healey Elliott works GWD 42 Mike Rogers of J&M Classics says, 'Our 1:43 Healey Collection model of the works car GWD 42 is British Racing Green. The other version of the works car is light metallic copper, which on the real car was later repainted BRG. This Elliott is known as the Low light version, where the headlights are next to the radiator and spotlights are in the front wings. The later High light version will also be released soon in a range of colours, with the headlights in the wings and spotlights next to the radiator. The road version of the 1948 Healey Elliott is made in five colours; black, light metallic copper, opaline metallic green, two tone metallic grey or silver grey over dark green. Customer specific requirements can be catered for at extra cost'. Each model is supplied with a full competition history of the car, from which we reprint a small part below:
HEALEY 1948 COMPETITION HISTORY
Having achieved considerable success in the Monte Carlo and Alpine rallies before the war, winning the Monte Carlo Rally in a 4.5 litre Invicta in 1931, Donald Healey was keen to produce his own car. During the latter stages of the War, Healey, with a few close friends, put together ideas for a new streamlined, reliable and fast lightweight sports car. The new vehicle would have a light and strong new chassis, designed by Barry Bilbie and the reliable and potent pre-war 2.4 litre Riley engine and independent front suspension. Late in 1946 the first roadster was produced, the Westland (after the coachbuilder, Westland Motor CompanyLtd of Hereford).
Soon after, to achieve greater top speed, a saloon body was created by Samuel Elliotts of Reading, the Healey Elliott, with an all-aluminium body to reduce weight. In summer 1947, a Healey Elliott achieved a top speed of 111.87 mph on the Belgian Jabekke-Aeltre highway, making it the fastest production saloon in the world. With his journalist friend Tommy Wisdom, Healey achieved a class win in a Westland at the 1947 Alpine Rally.
Nick Haines, an Australian ex-RAF pilot, became Belgian Agent for the Donald Healey Motor Company. In 1947 the first postwar Mille Miglia only had Italian entries, so six Healeys entered the 15th Mille Miglia in May 1948; four were accepted. The factory prepared an Elliott (GWD 42) and a Westland (GWD 43), plus a further Elliott for Count Johnny Lurani, who had just gained a class win at the Targa Florio. Haines and hill climb champion Rudolfo Haller crewed Elliott #37 in the Standard Touring Car Category. The Westland (GWD 43) was driven by Donald and his son Geoffrey, in the Unlimited Sports Car Category. GWD 42 made a good start but had to retire. Lurani came home 13th overall, first in the Touring Car Category. The Healeys had an eventful race, striking a dog at 105 mph, but still finished ninth overall. Donald, with Haines as navigator, next took part in the Alpine Rally with Westland GWD 43, winning first in class and an Alpine Cup. Donald then entered Elliott GWD 42 in the Sports Car category at the Belgian GP for Sports Cars at Spa. A bonnet strap and special Dunlop racing tyres were fitted. As Le Mans had yet to be revived after the war, Spa was the most prestigious endurance sports car race in 1948. Local agent Nick Haines partnered Tommy Wisdom, who started the race in a tweed suit and trilby hat, the parcel shelf stuffed with sweets and cigarettes. They finished eighth overall from 40 starters, second in Category.
GWD 42 then entered the Paris 12 Hour Race at Montlhéry, crewed by Haines and Leslie Johnson of ERA. The Elliott and the Westland of Wisdom and Norman Black both retired, but the two cars still won the Team prize. The next weekend GWD 42 crossed the channel for the inaugural Goodwood Meeting in September 1948. GWD 42, as #1, took part in the first race, for unsupercharged closed sports cars, with five other Healeys, an HRG and a Pycroft Jaguar, which won. During lap two Haines in GWD 42 overtook the HRG, then spun off. In an effort to redeem himself he achieved the fastest lap of the race, hence the first Goodwood lap record, bettered by Stirling Moss in a Cooper in the fifth race two hours later!
Thus the first full international racing season for Healey came to an end; the Westland and Elliott achieved commendable results. Nick Haines, principal driver of GWD 42 that season, went on to race for Aston Martin, then Jaguar, with some success. Johnson and Wisdom had notable drives in Healeys in the 1950s. Healey subsequently developed the Silverstone in 1949, the Nash-Healey in the early 1950s and of course the Austin-Healey.
BOOK REVIEWS
Grote Jongens spelen niet met Dinky Toys: 40 JAAR MINIATUURAUTO'S verzamelen in Nederland (Big boys don't play with Dinky Toys: 40 years of model car collecting in the Netherlands) by Ben van Roode, Dutch text. 191 pages, profusely illustrated, 220 x 260 mm, softbound. Published by NAMAC , Postbus 16004, 2301 GA Leiden, Netherlands. 14.95 Euros.
Ben van Roode is well known to MAR readers and he is a good choice to author this book on the history of NAMAC, the Dutch club. Ben spent 11 months putting it together, and he takes the story decade by decade, with personal profiles and reminiscences of prominent Dutch collectors. The top quality colour reproduction of the illustrations will come as no surprise to anyone familiar with Auto in Miniatuur, the plush NAMAC magazine. The photos depict model and toy vehicles from each era, collections, shops, swapmeets, catalogues and other publications. I'm afraid that even after many decades of visiting the Netherlands and having many Dutch friends, I still find their language fairly impenetrable. Oddly, I can usually follow spoken Dutch better than written, when it looks totally different from the way it is pronounced. So I rarely make it all the way through a sentence when translating it in my head, which makes it hard to read all the text of this book, but I don't suppose NAMAC expect foreigners like me to want to read the history of their club. The pictures are superb, however, including those of personalities from the Netherlands scene, some of them no longer alive.
Rod Ward
Renntransporter by Matthias Braun and Alexander Franc Storz, German text. 191 pages, 345 photographs, 10 drawings. Hardbound with dust jacket. ISBN 3-613-02539-6 / ISBN 978-3-613-02539-4 Published by and available from Motorbuch Verlag, Postfach 103743; D-70032 Stuttgart, Germany.
Racing car transporters mostly stay in the background, not getting much attention once unloaded. Photographers cluster round the racing cars, but the story of the racing car transporters is no less interesting than that of the cars they carry. In the past they were adapted buses, futuristic one-off vehicles, or just standard trucks, but today many vehicles combine the role of car transporter with that of control and management centre, equipped with high-tech electronic equipment.
The authors have collected a mass of information about a wide range of racing car transporters, from the beginning up to the present. The well known Mercedes-Benz high-speed Renntransporter race transporter is shown here in its original form and as a modern day replica. Pre-war and post-war vehicles from all over the world are depicted in these pages, many with exciting streamlined bodies. there is also also a wide range of scale model vehicles, among many others the 'Bedford' (actually a Commer) Ecurie Ecosse transporter, made by Corgi, pictured above with the book.
This excellent book includes lots of interesting old and new photographs of rare racing car transporters, many of them previously unpublished.
Hans-Georg Schmitt
The True Story of Skoda by Dave Randle. 176 pages, 256 photographs. Hardbound 20 x 27 cm. ISBN 0-7509-2565-5. Published by and available from Sutton Publishing Limited, Phoenix Mill, Thrupp, Stroud, Gloucs GL5 2BU England.
Only a few surviving motor manufacturers can trace their lineage back over 100 years to the 19th century. Skoda is one of these marques, and it also shares with such names as Fiat, Ford and Volkswagen the distinction of having mobilised a nation. From its origins as the Slavia bicycle company, founded by Laurin and Klement in 1895, to its present position as a division of Volkswagen Group, it has always been characterised by innovation, engineering excellence and determination in adversity. The author describes the company´s unique position in the Czech Republic, its state-of-the-art factories and its importance to the future of Volkswagen. This book includes a great number of photographs, many never published before, and many of rare vehicles.
Hans-Georg Schmitt
Ferrari Renn und Sportwagen Chrono-logie eines Erfolges. Issued by Roberto Bonetto, written by Luca Delli Carri and Guiseppe Piazzi, translated from Italian into German. 280 pages, 361 photographs, 83 large cut out colour drawings, 175 smaller drawings of every Ferrari built. 270 x 310mm. Hardbound with dustjacket. ISBN 3-613-02459-4. Published by and available from Motorbuch Verlag, Postfach 103743, D-70032 Stuttgart, Germany.
Hundreds of books have been written over the past half century about Ferrari, so what is so special about this new book? It is a comprehensive treatise covering the technical data on every race and road car made Ferrari from 1947 to the end of 2003, from the type 125S to the 612 Scaglietti. The 58 year rise of the marque to the top of international autosport is described. For Ferrari model car builders and collectors, this new book is important because it is the first volume which includes (along with many previously unpublished photographs) cut-away drawings, which show what is under the skin of the cars. It also includes a short biography of every Ferrari racing driver and of the car constructors and designers.
Hans-Georg Schmitt
Historische Feuerwehren im Einsatz Fahrzeuge & Brandbekämpfung 1900-70 (Historic fire fighting and vehicles), by Udo Paulitz, German text. 160 pages, 668 photographs. 210 x 300mm. Hardbound, ISBN 978-3-440-09292-5. Published by and available from Kosmos, Postfach 10 60 11, D-70049 Stuttgart, Germany
Fire! This alarm-call often foretold a disaster for whole villages or towns in olden times. Buildings too closely spaced, timber and other inflammable building materials and, most importantly, the absence of a fire brigade meant that a small fire often became a huge blaze. The increase in the number of voluntary fire brigades formed at the end of the 19th century helped the situation to improve. This book shows the equipment and vehicles of these German fire brigades as they developed between 1900 and 1970, often shown in action. The author shows how horse drawn fire appliances were replaced by early petrol vehicles, then the hard times during and after the two World Wars, and finally fire fighting in the postwar economic miracle era. The mono photographs mostly have just short simple captions, easily understood by non-German speakers. A lot of fire engines are shown in accidents, speaking volumes about the danger of driving to the fires.
Hans-Georg Schmitt
CLUB NEWS
Collated by Rod Ward
Natal Diecast Model Collectors: The Club diorama competititon will in future be dedicated to the memory of Rod Guerin, whose death was noted in MAR 199. Geoff Sear, Chairman and (temporary) editor of the club newsletter says, 'We are in the process of organising a floating trophy'. What's that?
A rubber duck? Maybe another canard like the caption to SunStar's 1:24 Routemaster bus? It says, 'Look out! It's Cliff and the Shadows in 2005, the final tour of their summer holiday...' Every girlie Cliff Richard fan knows that the Shadows weren't on the bus and it was an RT, not an RM. If you would like the fill the Editor's chair which he is anxious to vacate, contact Geoffrey Sear at 7, Dryden Place, Umbilo, Durban 4001, South Africa.
Coventry Diecast Model Club: The latest issue of Wheelspin, the CDMC magazine edited by Mick (Mixxy) Russell has a lot more in the way of contributions from members, who have responded to the plea in the previous issue. Will Roe continues to describe his taxi collection, and the rather expensive Chinese-made Schylling clockwork model of the Golden Arrow record car is given a roasting by Brian and Lynda Malin. Mick gives a generous review to the new models planned for 2006 from Corgi, and proposes to organise a trip to the Scout Museum for CDMC members. If you'd like to go along, you'll have to join the long-established Coventry Club by writing to PO Box 3078, Coventry CV2 2ZD.
South Hants Model Auto Club: The Club had a really nice idea to link with Mick Havens clubnight talk on 'What makes a collector'. They presented prizes for the best collections, adult and junior. The range of collections entered was amazing; badges, cigarette cards, tax discs, crystal, model horses, football shirts, Noddy, Pooh, James Bond, the US Navy, 'Busted' (that's a pop group) and much more. An excellent way to bring the next generation on, and to show that collecting is still alive and well, even if model cars are not the favourite subject for young collectors. It must have been a breath of fresh air for many jaded collecting palates. Treasurer Damian and Sue and Stu Leake, Editors of the SHMAC newsletter, are to be congratulated on this notion. To join the SHMAC contact Secretary Dave Painter on 01264 366408.
Brooklin Collectors Club: The latest issue of the Brooklin Collector, edited by Jack Patrick, has a comment on missing Brooklin number BRK 124 from the 2006 schedule. 'Nigel has done this on purpose, but he won't let on what it will be; only to say it is special'. We'll just have to wait... To join the BCC and be among the first to find out, phone Membership Secretary John Bowyer on 01276 473499.
West Australian Model Collectors Club: Ian Hind, Club Secretary and Editor of Showcase, the WAMCC Club publication, really puts a lot of effort into his roles. He managed to produce the December issue only a week after the November one, necessitated by the earlier than normal December meeting and its associated 'sausage sizzle'. This meant that there was less news to get in, but Ian still managed to fill it. The club's toy fair dates were included, 'subject to confirmation by the Ministry of Fair Trading'. Is that Toy Fair Trading? To find out, or to join the Club, phone 934 9369, or email jhind@iinet.net.au
Maidenhead Static Model Club: Wheel Bearings Editor Les Duplock devoted most of the December issue to a long and fascinating account of the Club's trip to the NAMAC swapmeet in Houten, Netherlands. 23 members plus partners or guests went along on their big blue bus to attend the swapmeet, visit the Tekno factory and generally have a good time. Not to be outdone, Ray Strutt added his account of a visit to the Wanaka transport and toy museum in New Zealand, whilst on a 26 day tour. This covered 5300km (3312 miles) in a convoy of four camper vans. To join the well-travelledMSMC, contact Membership Secretary Robbie Bennett on anorack821@yahoo.co.uk.
International Mini Model Collectors' Club (IMMCC): They say, 'The IMMCC was created by Marco van Nunen and Miguel Plano to provide a meeting point for Mini model collectors around the world to share their passion for Minis. There is now a forum with different sections to chat, show, and learn. Take a look, and perhaps join, free of charge'. Visit http://excoboard.com/exco/index.php? Access points are also on :www.minipassionmini.50megs.com (Spanish) or www.minipassionmini.50megs.com/gb (English). Email to: minicord@yahoo.com
UPDATE FROM EFE
By Frank Joyce
The first release of our Leyland B20 Fleetline style DMS is released in Shillibeer Omnibus livery. The news of our 1:24 DMS has caused a stir. The body is a one piece casting with an attached opening engine cover, all mounted on a diecast frame chassis with working suspension and steering. It has adjustable blinds capable of displaying five routes at the front, side and rear. Access to the mechanism is via the opening front and side bi-folding doors and the upper deck rear window. The first is DMS 580 from Finchley garage on routes 296, 211 North section, 211 South section,125 and Private Hire. In future we will release other DMSs featuring a new garage, vehicle number and five routes associated with that garage.
The last day of Routemasters on service in London was marked by London Transport Museum with ttwo special RMLs in Arriva livery. RML 2759 and RML901, both on route 159, decorated with adverts to mark the occasion but just before the day it was decided to change the adverts so the models were not exactly correct. A model of the last RM 2217 displaying the correct adverts is being prepared for release at Acton Open day in March. A further special model of RM 2217 was made for Arriva company use, to mark the last day in service of their vehicle. Because this model was not generally available, a model of RM 2217 with corrected adverts will be available at the Acton Open Day.
Australian Special Models
We have been commissioned to produce two models of Australian Leyland Nationals in Hobart Metropolitan and Bunbury City Transit liveries.
1:24 BEDFORD OB COACHES
Let's hope there are a lot of fans for 1:24 scale Bedford OB coaches. For years there are none, then two come along. The first will be Original Miniatures' Royal Blue version, and soon after will come Sun Star's coach in Yelloway livery.
VK 1:87 PLANS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
VK of Germany is making 1:87 plastic models and kits, starting with a single axle mobile shop trailer with an opening hatch. Versions include sausage, fish, gingerbread and mobile transport office. Contact Veit Kornberger, Bellscheider Weg 33; 40883 Ratingen, Germany.
BRITBUS 1:76 RELEASES
1:76 diecast buses, made in China for Britbus:
AS1-05 AEC Swift London Transport route 818 Heathrow MRL-03 MCW Metrorider long Stagecoach (South Coast?) R703 Volvo Olympian Alexander Dublin R806 Scania 113 Alexander East Kent Road Car Co R907 Volvo Olympian Alexander First Leeds 'Cookridge' AS2-08 AEC Swift London Country NBC DL-01 Dennis Loline Alexander Aldershot & District ES-01 Scania East Lancs Omnidekka demo livery GL-03 Guy Arab Dodds of Troon MRL-02 MCW Midi Bus Kentish Bus R-804 Scania 113 Alexander Borehamwood Travel SVS
Rod Ward recalls A Quarter of a Century Ago when much of the British toy industry collapsed
IN my Editorial in MAR 199 I made reference to the glum fact that around a quarter of a century ago much of the British toy industry collapsed. A leading figure in the current toy industry was quite shocked when he read it; 'Was it that long ago?
A year ago, in MAR 189, I described the events which led up to the closure of the Meccano factory in Liverpool, 25 years earlier. In 1980 it could not be known that this would be the start of a series of company collapses which meant that by 1983 every leading brand name had either disappeared or had fallen into new ownership, mostly multinational companies.
Many of the closures were inevitable, as lack of investment had rendered production plant obsolete or ranges impossibly outdated.
Most of these firms had already passed from the control of the original founding entrepreneurial spirits to professional (or even un- professional) managers, who seemed unable to change with the times. Some struggling firms took over their similarly stricken competitors, in the apparent hope that a bigger share of a weak market would be their salvation.
A vain hope, as all it did was to increase losses and bring total collapse even nearer.
The story thus has overlaps and shadowy areas, so instead of a single narrative, I have tried to tell it here in a series of separate sections, with references to how the various players impacted on Meccano, the market leader.
TWO BIG BRITISH PRE-WAR TOY GROUPS
Frank Hornby was born in 1863. He formed Meccano Ltd when he was 45 years old and died in 1936 at the age of 73. By the outbreak of war in 1939 Meccano owned all the leading brand names in their fields - Hornby, Hornby Dublo, Meccano and Dinky Toys, with a network of top-class personally vetted British outlets and a very large worldwide export order book. All of this was Frank Hornby's legacy, a profitable and successful company serving the middle classes.
The other large British toy firm at the time was Tri-ang. From 1870 G & J Lines made rocking horses and other toys, but in 1919 the three sons of the autocratic Joe Lines set up their own firm, Lines Bros (Tri-ang came from 'three Lines making a triangle') their brands eventually including Pedigree, Frog, Minic and Spot-On. They were leading makers of wooden and tin toys, prams, bikes and dolls from the 1920s to the 1940s; not really competing directly with the main products of the Meccano group.
THE GERMAN CONNECTION
The German toy industry, centred on Fürth and Nuremberg in Bavaria, led the world. There were long-standing connections with the British toy and model industry. Most of the leading manufacturers and distributors were Jewish, and they soon suffered from the rise of the Nazis, in particular because the Nazi cultural centre was also in Nuremberg, where they built the stadium for the infamous rallies.
In 1933 Philip Ullmann and Arthur Katz left Tippco in Fürth, Germany and moved to Northampton, into workshop space offered by a subsidiary of Bassett-Lowke, the model train makers. Bassett-Lowke used a lot of other German Jewish suppliers, including Carette and Bing, and were also able to help Herr Bing escape the Nazis. Ullmann and Katz set up Mettoy to make tin toys. By 1936 they had an extensive range of tin toys in UK production, many exported to the USA.
Other Jewish refugees from Bavaria included the Kohnstam family, who came to Britain in 1934 with their long-standing Moko (Moses Kohnstam) brand. The profits from their British toy sales were used to help other Jewish refugees escape Nazi persecution.
Another continental businessman who arrived in Britain in 1939 was Nicholas Kove, a Hungarian maker of rubber toys filled with air, including the Li-Lo mattress. Mr Kove came up with the name Airfix to ensure his firm always featured at the beginning of trade catalogues. He set up plastics factories in various countries including England, and moved here just ahead of the outbreak of war.
All of the British toy industry switched production to support the war effort in 1940. Indeed, from 1941 commercial manufacture of toys was forbidden in Britain, as being non-productive for the war effort.
The Axis also employed toy firms for war production; Many London Blitz era clockwork bomb mechanisms were made by Schuco.
POSTWAR MECCANO COMPLACENCY
After the War, rationing and shortages made it very difficult for all the toy companies. Britain was virtually bankrupt, and we had to 'Export or die'. Strategic materials, especially metals, were only permitted to companies with export contracts, favouring Meccano, whose pre-war distribution system was intact. It was virtually impossible for a new firm to get such contracts, so Meccano felt safe from competition, disdaining the efforts of smaller competitors. This complacency proved to be their downfall. By the 1950s their market position was being eroded from a number of directions, yet they were blissfully unaware of it, such was their arrogance. They made a million pounds profit in 1956, their last really successful year, though they were not aware of it at the time. The erosion of Meccano's hitherto market-leading brands came from Lines Bros, Mettoy, Lesney and Airfix, a mixture of old names and new arrivals.
After their million pound profit year, Meccano fell to a loss within six years. Their previous strengths now became weaknesses. They hadn't had to buy new machinery to begin postwar production, unlike most of their competitors, but now their old machinery (some of it pre-First World War) could only produce old-fashioned products. Their much-vaunted distribution system, with one exclusive stockist in any town or sector of a large city, now also proved to be a weakness. These shops had local exclusivity, but in return were expected to promote Dinky, Meccano, Hornby etc; not competitors' products. Tri-ang and others had outlets in cycle shops and pram shops, often in secondary shopping areas. Meccano dealers could be stand-offish in some towns, matching Hornby's prewar middle class market.
Chain stores like Woolworths were where working class kids bought toys, and as their spending power increased, Meccano suffered. Other toymakers had massive sales via Woollies. A child could wander into Woolworths and handle toys before purchase. Woolworths toy buyers were imaginative and open to new products, just like their US parent company. The first Woolworths store was in Liverpool, but Liverpudlian Frank Hornby would not let them stock his ranges. That was ok in the 1920s and 1930s, but in the end, as well as being complacent about their leading market position, Meccano suffered from their own policy of not allowing their products to be sold on the widest possible market. After the takeover of Meccano by Lines in 1964, distribution was less restricted, but it was already too late
TRI-ANG TO THE FORE
Lines Group took over Rovex (makers of plastic trains, renamed Tri-ang Trains) Meccano disregarded these 'cheap plastic train sets' but the public liked them, and they had more authentic looking two rail track with plastic sleepers, instead of the old-fashioned looking Hornby Dublo 3-rail tinplate track and tin rolling stock. (In 1959 Meccano bowed to public taste and produced 2-rail Hornby Dublo). Lines later added to their portfolio Minimodels (makers of Scalextric) and Spot-On diecast models made in Belfast, putting more pressure on Meccano.
In 1964 Tri-ang took over the ailing Meccano Ltd and sacked the last remaining Hornby family members. Frank's massive fortune had gone. The Hornby Dublo diecasting tools passed to Wrenn and the Hornby name was applied to the much-derided (by Hornby Dublo enthusiasts) Tri-ang plastic trains made by Rovex in Margate. Meccano France was still a profitable subsidiary; Lines Bros built a new factory in Calais, moving operations from Bobigny.
In 1970 Meccano was renamed Meccano Tri-ang and was trading successfully, but in 1971 Lines Group itself went into voluntary liquidation, and the group was split up. Hornby trains and Scalextric fell to Dunbee Combex Marx, an asset-stripping operation including the old Louis Marx brand. The French Meccano and Dinky factory and brands went to General Mills of the USA. Airfix Industries took over the Liverpool firm and the UK Meccano brands.
In 1980 Dunbee Combex Marx collapsed, complete with the Hornby and Scalextric brands. In 1982, a new company, Hornby Hobbies, took over production of Hornby Trains and Scalextric. Production of these ranges continues profitably today in China.
AIRFIX: THE PLASTIC KIT PIONEERS
Short of work (apart from making plastic domestic items) in 1948 Airfix was asked by Harry Ferguson to make a promotional model of his new tractor. The budget was insufficient to supply it assembled, so the model, (acetate plastic, not yet styrene), would be supplied in kit form. Mr Kove was so pleased with it that he put the Ferguson kit on sale to the general public. It sold well, but it was four years before the first true 'construction kit' was made in 1952; Golden Hind, Sir Francis Drake's ship, a big seller, followed by other galleons (at that time many British homes had a wooden galleon as an ornament, so it was not such unlikely subject matter). In 1953, Airfix was still owned by Kove, but it was managed by John Grey and Ralph Ehrmann. Their next kit, made at their own risk (Kove didn't approve) was an aircraft, a 1:72 Spitfire which became the biggest selling plastic kit of all time, many sold via Woolworths and in other stores.
Their low price introduced thousands to plastic kit building and to the smell of polystyrene cement. Other makers were thus able to sell more expensive kits. Airfix's growth was enormous, eclipsing old balsa aircraft kits and constructional toys such as Meccano, aimed at a similar age range, but which now looked archaic and unrealistic.
Meccano never really understood the demand for 'scale model kits', but then Airfix never understood Meccano's market either, when they took over Meccano, after Lines Group collapsed in 1971.
Airfix themselves were in difficulties and needed to save money, so in 1977 they put new managers into Liverpool, but they didn't invest any money in the Meccano company. In 1979 the cash ran out, and the Binns Road workforce was sent home.
A staff sit-in lasted three months, finally resolved by an agreement over final payments, then in 1980 the famous Binns Road factory in Liverpool closed and was bulldozed.
A year later, in 1981 the weakened Airfix group itself collapsed, including ownership of the Meccano and Dinky brand names.
All the remaining Meccano assets and brands were then sold to General Mills, who had previously purchased the French part of the group in 1971. This placed all Meccano activity in France, where there was still remaining demand. The Dinky brand name went to Kenner Parker, a US conglomerate.
In 1986 Airfix became part of Humbrol Ltd; the Airfix name lives on as a leading plastic kit brand.
LESNEY, MOKO and MATCHBOX
Lesney was a tiny diecasting firm, established by Leslie and Rodney Smith. When Rodney left he was replaced by Jack Odell. Their first diecast toys were sold in Woolworths in 1948, then in 1950 the Korean war led to materials shortages. Zinc was forbidden for non-military use, but in 1952 the zinc ban was lifted in time for Lesney to make and sell a million small Coronation coach models for the 1953 Coronation. With the profits, in 1954 the first Matchbox toys were made by Lesney, distributed exclusively in the UK by Richard Kohnstam's Moko firm. 1956 was the big Matchbox sales success year and Yesteryear models were launched.
Lesney made so much profit, largely thanks to US distributor Fred Bronner, that they had to invest it in a new factory in Hackney or pay it in tax. Meccano regarded these toys as mere trinkets, beneath their dignity to consider as competition, yet they were widely distributed and for the first time working class kids had a little money of their own to spend, and could afford a Matchbox toy. Matchbox cut the connection to Kohnstam's Moko company and became a public company in 1960.
(Richard Kohnstam then bought the Beatties model shop chain from Colonel Beattie and became a leading model distributor, as Riko, especially of radio control models by the market leader, Tamiya).
In 1970 Mattel Hot Wheels hit the market; Matchbox suffered a 75% drop in sales.
In 1982 Matchbox went into receivership. The company was bought by Universal of Hong Kong, and production moved to the far east.
In 1982 Matchbox co-founder Jack Odell founded Lledo, buying much of his own ex-Matchbox machinery from the receiver.
In 1999 Lledo collapsed and was bought by Corgi from HCG, owners since 1996.
In 1986 Matchbox bought the Dinky name from Kenner Parker; it was relaunched as the Dinky Collection, but the Dinky brand is not currently in use.
Since 1999 Mattel of the USA have owned the Matchbox brand, and thus also the Dinky brand name as well.
METTOY AND CORGI
After the war Mettoy had a massive factory complex in Fforestfach, Swansea, provided by the Government for wartime production, but their prewar pressed metal ('tin') toys began to look dated when they were reissued. Mettoy turned to plastics and in 1948 tried making cast aluminium clockwork models for Marks and Spencer. In 1950 they made some diecast clockwork vehicles in different sizes. Once metal restrictions were lifted, in 1955 the decision was made to take on Dinky head-on.
A pilot model was made exclusively for CWS soft drinks: a Karrier Bantam. Mettoy then gave the order to German toolmakers to produce a series of zinc diecast vehicles to the best modern standards, with clear plastic windows, spun metal wheels and the option (soon after discarded) of friction motor drive.
Half a century ago, in 1956, Corgi Toys were launched (named for the national dog of their new home in Wales); with a limited range initially. Meccano were at first dismissive of this interloper - scornful of the new features (plastic windows, spun silver wheels instead of Dinky's prewar style riveted axles, then soon opening features etc) but rapidly had to play 'catch-up', adding these features themselves, often a year or two later than Corgi.
Retro-fitting the Dinky range with windows was not always successful, as their older technology thick castings didn't look right with plastic inserts. At first Corgi had tinplate bases like Dinky on their non-mechanical models. From 1957 they had diecast bases on all models, and Corgi advertised on televsion for the first time. Today the differences between Corgi and Dinky toy cars look minor, but they were big at the time, and Corgi was a great success.
Profitability fell rapidly in the 1970s. 1980 saw a £7m drop in group turnover and a loss of £3.5m (the group included Playcraft, Wembley playballs etc). 1981 saw another loss of £2.75m. Job losses followed, and it was the same story in 1982. in 1983 the Northampton plant closed, and everything was transferred to Swansea, but the writing was on the wall.
October 1983 Corgi called in the receivers.
1984: a management buyout set up the Corgi Toy Co, soon taken over by Mattel. 1995 saw a Cinven-backed MBO. In 1999 Corgi bought Lledo and Vanguards. Also in 1999, Corgi themselves were bought by Zindart of China.
LEGO AND 'MUM IN CHARGE'
It is sometimes said that Lego killed off the Meccano set. This is only partly true; In 1960 Meccano Ltd bought the unnecessarily complex Bayko. In the same year Lego hit the market, aimed at a similar age group. but much more simple and flexible. Bayko was wiped out. Meccano was already in trouble, but importantly Lego was a toy with which mum could play with pre-school children, which she wouldn't with Meccano; too much fiddling with sharp little nuts and bolts. In the 1960s, Dad was out working, or would rather tinker with the telly or a plastic kit. Mum increasingly took the lead as family toy buyer, yet most toy firms were run by men, who did not always appreciate the viewpoint of young mothers, a problem in the 1960s and 70s, when the horrors of the Vietnam war were seen for the first time on tv and there was a campaign against 'war toys'. This bad publicity was disregarded by male toy company executives to their cost. With 'mum in charge' of toy buying, diecast toy cars were not necessarily the toy of first choice. Thus a child did not grow up with a 'feel' for the object, to continue buying diecast cars when older. Adult collectors are now mostly aged 50 or over, because many of a younger age were not exposed to diecast toy cars as youngsters. So in turn, young parents today also do not necessarily think of buying quality diecast vehicles for children, because they did not have them in their own childhood. What does this mean for the diecast toy car?
TAILPIECE
In spite of the tens of thousands of toy industry jobs lost over a three year period 25 years ago, no British Government support was forthcoming for the toy and model industry when companies were in difficulties, unlike steel, shipbuilding, aerospace or other industries.
This may have been because the workforce was largely female and didn't have the support of big trade unions to demand bailouts.
The British toy industry led the world with all the major brands up to that time. After this period, the famous brands went to new owners and the jobs were lost to Britain for good.
Now those toy brands that still exist in the marketplace are all made in China. The skills no longer exist in Britain, and anyone wanting to make mass market toys or models now has no choice other than to go to the Far East.
Copyright Modelauto Ltd
e-mail mar@zeteo.com
