EDITORIAL MAR 163
By Rod WardMAR'S NEW-ISH LOOK
As most readers of this magazine are now aware, I no longer have any editorial or production staff to help with the print version of MAR, so I produce it almost entirely myself. This means that it takes a full four weeks, at least, to produce all 48 pages, so some pages have to be completed before others, to fit the process into a month. The last pages done are the most time-sensitive (latest news, and advertisements) so the first pages completed are the feature articles, which are mostly on more 'timeless' topics. The article pages for this issue include one devoted to responses from readers to my invitation to express your views about MAR.
There you will read varying, sometimes conflicting, opinions about the way we should go, and some of my comments. As soon as those pages were completed, however, I began to investigate ways to start the process of 'improvement'. The size and clarity of text is probably the most important subject, so this was the first aspect to be considered, and you are reading the first results. Most of the text used for some years in MAR was in Alyssa, set in 7 point, quite small for a magazine typeface, but as that font has a larger than average 'x-height' (the size of a vowel in relation to a capital letter) it was more legible than most, though it produced fairly 'dense' text due to the lack of white space. I have decided that the new text will be in the style you are reading now. This is a computerised version of Palatino, a classic typeface which is 'smaller' than our previous font, so this is actually set in 8 point (I won't bother you with the 'leading' - the space between lines) which should improve legibility for all of us, as our eyesight ages. In spite of the much larger font size, due to the 'smaller' face, we still get in almost as much text into the same space as before. So you won't be deprived of anything.
The impression of a page should be a generally 'lighter' look and feel, with more white space. Unless I get an overwhelmingly negative response from readers, this will be the style used in future for the print version of MAR.
TOYS OR MODELS?
The question of 'toys or models' has come up again, which hadn't reared its head for some years. If you make diecast scale model vehicles, do you market them 'Dinky Toy' fashion, as 'toys which are also of interest to model collectors' or 'Minichamps' fashion as 'models which have passed toy testing procedures'? In many cases (as in the makers quoted) the choice is obvious, and depends upon your customer base. Are you making toys, and regard any sales to scale collectors as a bonus? Or are most customers scale model enthusiasts, but you have to comply with toy testing regulations, to ensure that as many outlets as possible can stock your range? It is logical for most ranges to choose the latter course. Even 'toy' ranges may benefit from the kudos that presenting products as 'scale collectibles' can give. Currently there are some Chinese-made toy ranges which are gradually moving upmarket to compete in quality and accuracy with collector ranges. It will be interesting to see if they follow through with re-branding and re-positioning of these ranges. It is also interesting to note that certain firms who have tried to sit on both sides of the fence at once have now had to come down on one side or the other. Even Corgi, who tried to juggle the same castings between a 'Toys' company and the 'Classics' ranges (to the mystification of many buyers, who could not understand the price differentials thus generated), have now decided to combine everything under one roof as 'Collectables, which have passed toy safety tests' rather than as 'toys'.
IT'S JUNE, WE'VE GONE
This issue has its official publication date on 7 June, but by that date we will be closed for our annual holidays. We will be closed for all of June. But you can still send messages to be dealt with later.
All letters will be held at our PO Box address for collection when we re-open, and all letters, phone messages, faxes and emails will be dealt with when we re-open in July, in strict order of receipt.
'YOUR VIEW': YOUR RESPONSES
by Rod WardFurther to my offer in MAR 161 that you should have your say about the way this magazine should go in the future, your responses have been interesting, to say the least.
Some of your comments are reproduced here, with my replies (in italic type), in the hope that we will arrive at a consensus of opinion. Before I start, however, I must first point out that the overwhelming majority of comments have been that there should be as few changes as possible. Most readers who voiced their comments told me that MAR should stay the way it is.
A typical note from Graham Burton of Poole says, ' Thank you for a great edition of MAR, 161 was superb. Everything just right. If possible keep it as 161. Thanks for the hard work'. and another from Andrew Forrest of Ayrshire: 'I have never had to complain once.
I believe the magazine is correct, as I like the pictures, in both colour and black and white.
I think you are doing a wonderful job, and those who complain should try it themselves. If there is one improvement to the magazine, that is there should be more Modelauto stock lists advertised.'
Of course, I agree about 'superb' and the 'wonderful job', and we hope to have more stock lists in future when John catches up with the post-relocation Modelauto backlog.
But for now, let's get on with more specific comments from other readers.
On the topic of captions, Pete Foss of Livonia, MI, USA comments, 'I love your magazine. But you sure waste a lot of space in your captions. Take Schuco Piccolo: everything is repeated several times. We do not all suffer from dementia. We can remember longer than five seconds. A code at the bottom for newcomers would be sufficient. On a larger problem: some people want lists by toy company and others by real vehicle maker or type of vehicle. Themes are handled quite well by your Truck, Bus, etc., colour pages. A simple solution: use different fonts and bold for toy company and real vehicle companies. Toy companies are now bold. Make car names bold italics, this will help most people. But there are many other fonts to be used also.'
I agree that it may look daft, and needlessly repetitive, to keep repeating the full prologue to every model description if every picture on a page is by the same maker, but this is based on past experience. Not everyone reads every caption, as Pete does. Some years ago I experimented with an 'all embracing' caption for such pages as Pete describes. Thus only the actual vehicle was described immediately under the picture, the commonly shared details (scale, material etc) being mentioned only once on the page. I became extremely cheesed off with having to reply individually to readers who requested more information, along the lines of 'I am a VW collector, and it doesn't say who what scale the Beetle in the picture caption is, on page 0000, nor if it is diecast, plastic or handbuilt.' So I reverted to the more ponderous procedure of describing every item in full in every caption under every picture. I don't know if 'dementia' really is the cause, as Pete suggests, but in the case of almost every request we get for additional information on models in MAR, it is already there in the same issue, usually on the same page, actually in the news item or caption in question. When that is pointed out, we get no apology for wasting our time, and it is tempting to suggest new reading glasses. On a point of personal preference, if I am flipping through a magazine, and my eye is caught by a picture, I like to be able to read its descriptive caption, then move on. I find it irritating if there is little or no caption information, and I have to read the whole article to find out about the subject of the picture.
Bernard McMinn of Australia also offered his feedback: 'Colour Pages: Current size-number mix feels right. The control freak in me would rather see total symmetry in layout, but I can understand why layout takes into account differing sized pictures to optimise content. Text Size: I've been myopic since a teenager but have no difficulty reading current font. Presumably a larger size means fewer words or more pages, which would be counter-productive. Photos and Captions: I'm happy; maybe there could be more Biggles pictures. Regarding captioning for colour pages, I would much prefer Marque before Maker, as that would give me a better reference point when flicking between the pictures and the captions. I have no issues on the black and white picture captions, though'.
This neatly summarises what most people want (including more pictures of Biggles, but I'm always cautious about alienating the dog-averse), and it seems that a lot of people would like car marques to be picked out in some way in captions, though not necessarily placed first. Some readers have gone to great lengths to produce 'worked examples' for me.
For instance, further to his previous suggestion noted in MAR, A C Bedford of London has now revised his request about the way the marque should be highlighted in captions to photographs. His suggested revision caters for those who wish to quickly pick out vehicle makes, but without changing the current order of information. Example:
1 VANGUARDS 1:43 diecast in China for UK: VA06900 Rover P5 Mk II stone grey juniper green. 2 BROOKLIN 1:43 handbuilt in UK: BRK 91 Kaiser Darrin 1954 based on the Henry J chassis with a glass fibre body. 3 Vauxhall Victor F series converted by Graeme Ogg and described in this issue. 4 RICKO 1:18 diecast in China: Wanderer W25K 1936-38. (Photo Hans-Georg Schmitt). 5 LANSDOWNE 1:43 handbuilt in UK: LDM 32 Vauxhall FD Ventora Mk II 1972 latest release. 6 NOREV 1:43 diecast from France: Lancia Thesis saloon (Photo Hans-Georg Schmitt). 7 SCHUCO 1:43 diecast in China for Germany: Goggomobil with open sunroof. 8 STEVENSON BROS pedal car from UK: Rolls Royce costing about £4,000 inc. VAT and delivery. And so on...
Well, would that be more useful? For the colour page captions, at least? A lot more mouse-work on my part, and the opportunity to make a lot more mistakes which might not be picked up at the proof-reading stage. It may also be quite hard to read, as so much changing of type style discourages flowing eyelines when reading. Any more comments on this approach would be welcome, before I decide the way to go.
Mike Simpson of Minden, Germany, thorn in the flesh of Modelex organisers, refused to be left out of this. He says, 'The print size and typeface, is fine, and yes I do wear glasses. MAR is all about specialised collectors' information, so the more you can get into an issue the better informed we, the collectors, are. Photographs: I realise that you rely on those collectors, and manufacturers who are willing to submit photos, whatever the quality, We are not all professional cameramen. I rely on my studio lighting being available (ie. the sun being out), and also I tend to keep a 24 shot 35mm film in the camera until all frames are used up. As to the numbers of colour pictures included, a single page with 20 to 26, and therefore a double page with 40 to 50, should be acceptable to all, as you already sectionalise the subjects: trucks, cars, and fire-emergency etc. You must be left with the decision as to what to publish, when, and how. If a submitted colour picture will print succesfully in monochrome, then no complaints, some, however, because of the colours used (either on the model itself, or the background), just do not translate into black and white. Another qualification would be to publish in colour the efforts of those who either, produce one-off models, whatever the type, I do not like the term 'Chop'. Long live Graeme Ogg,, (and Nurse thingie), Graeme Watt, (Och aye), Tony Steenmeyer, (what a dragline), and all the others who are willing to have a go, in producing something different.
Otherwise we will all be swallowed up by the globalising giants, aided by their cheap Far Eastern labour and greedy Western managers. Yes I did fall asleep half way through the Minichamps 'New for 2002' list. Do they really expect us to believe this 'Limited to' number they have thought up? Does it mean, only in this colour, or only in this type of packaging, or only with this decal-tampo, or just for this country, or ... If a manufacturer puts a limited to xxxx tampo print on the display base of a model, does the use of the Golden Number, 1.618, help us to calculate the market availability? Also we the collectors, have the benefit, (if we want), from these manufacturers own colour catalogues, so why further reproduce these mass-produced items in MAR, using up valuable colour page space? Save it for the smaller specialised companies, Somerville, Spa Croft, Brooklin, Milestone, etc, there are very many out there, also in other countries, Tin Wizard, Ma Collection, Starter, Modelcraft, BBR etc, those that have expertise but no budget to finance world wide advertising. In conclusion, what we have is brilliant. If it can be improved, then go for it.
I think Mike drifted off the subject here and there, but my replies to some of the above: Whilst it may be nice to include more pictures of products from the smaller manufacturers, instead of the bigger industrial firms, that rather depends on there actually being some pictures available to include. The widespread suspicion that I am in some way holding back a big pile of unpublished pictures is rather wide of the mark. Smaller makers do get preference, if I have pictures, or if I can photograph them myself. Unfortunately, some of those makers who do send us pictures send colour prints that are far too large to reproduce in colour (we reduce colour pictures by exactly 10%, no more, no less) so they end up on the mono pages, where we can reduce pictures in size by any percentage. As an example: CCC sent us a nice big batch of pictures of recent releases. Two of the smaller ones were used on the front cover of MAR 162. If I had used only CCC pictures (or others of this 'enormprint' size) on the centre colour pages, we'd have had about 18 photos at the most, on two whole pages of MAR 162. A typical photograph I would take, if I get access to the originals, would be about half as long in object size. Thus you'd get around four photos in the space of one. A total of 72. QED? As it is, most of the CCC photos took their place on the News from France mono pages. I get the impression that not everyone takes the 'Golden Number' concept seriously.
The weird quantities quoted on Chinese-made models are a multiple of the number of models they put in a standard case. (I'll let you work out what it is, but it isn't 1.618). And yes, they are carefully described as 'limited to xxx of this colour' or other variant. Mike has gone into great detail with an analysis of where the models are supposed to end up, if the limited edition producers have their way. I haven't reproduced it here, but I'm sure if you drop into Minden and buy him a drink, he'll explain it to you.
Gerd Siller, of Pulheim, also in Germany, suggests 'These improvements to your wonderful magazine: Captions: Please indicate, with every caption on new models, the year of public introduction and/or production period with first and final production year. Indicate with every numbered sports and racing car (a) the race, (b) the driver(s), (c) this car's final (or class) result in the given race. Add for all commercial vehicles, (trucks, and buses), painted in an operator's livery the first year of operation in this livery, even if Corgi, and to a lesser degree also Matchbox might require some education in this area. Separation of scales within every issue: As a collector of 1:43 models (and 1:50 for commercial vehicles) I am not interested in information on all other scales. Would you therefore, please, dedicate separate pages to each scale (and to kits, and slot racing cars, if necessary), and indicate the scale on every page, in the bottom line adjacent to MAR and the page number. On colour pages, the 'minority scale' could be put within a black frame, with a scale indicator in the corner. This requires some time-consuming re-organisation of every issue's contents, but may be easier than would be expected at first glance. Within the given scale, it would be helpful to separate mass-production from expensive handbuilt models, factory-made (or kits). Please, discuss these issues with Biggles, in order to ensure the best professional support available'.
Good suggestions, but some are not possible for me. If we had to hold back pictures until we had the amount of extra information on years etc requested, many photos would never get published. That would require more research time than I can spare. If the makers can be persuaded to provide this information, (accurately) fine. That is, if they really know the year, and if they have not made a vehicle incorporating features from two different years. Sometimes Corgi, OOC and others include historical notes in the model box, but past experience warns me to double-check before quoting them. Often the notes refer to the operator as a whole, rather than the specific model, which may not exactly tie in with the story as given! 'Joe Bloggs operated Bedfords on local services' - yes, he did, but perhaps not Bedfords of the type modelled! And I don't think it is up to me to keep on pointing out such inaccuracies - it would just make MAR look continuously carping and critical. My stance has always been to present the models to readers with the amount of detail appropriate to the subject. If it is essentially a 'toy', then little need be said. If, however, it is a highly detailed model of a rarely-modelled subject about which there is an interesting story to tell, then it is given a bit more coverage. If there are inaccuracies, anachronisms or faults, then I hope that you, the reader will not only point it out, but will back up the criticism with accurate research. of course, when some readers do that, they are accused of 'nit-picking'. Regarding separation of models in other scales than 1:43 (plus kits etc) into separate 'ghettoes': if there is enough such news, I sometimes do this already, but there is rarely enough, without making very 'bitty' pages with lots of diverse sub-headings. The idea of repeating the subject matter on that page in the page number area is an interesting idea, however, and one I'll look at. I may experiment with it... I think that more sub-division by theme, then by scale, then by the nature of the manufacturing process, would be impractical, and would waste more space in sub-headings, framing etc, though I can see why Gerd would prefer it. This would probably also involve more of the repetitive descriptions that Pete Foss finds so irritating! And Biggles agrees with my opinion, by the way.
Some people just ask for the impossible. Here is the view of John Phillips of Jersey: 'I'm happy to say that, as a reader since MAR first started, it would be difficult to improve on the magazine, but here are my comments: Personally, I'd prefer to see more colour pages, which would allow more and larger pictures, but unfortunately this would cost money. Without a larger circulation and more advertising revenue, this would entail an increased cover price, which I feel sure many readers would find unacceptable. The present composition of the colour pages is fine, but the key numbers and arrows identifying the pictures are faint and difficult to read. Ideally the print size could be a little bigger for comfortable reading, but in the quest for as much information as possible for my money I'm happy with the present print size. I need a magnifying glass to read the smallest print, such as the Auto Models advert, but this applies to other collectors periodicals as well. While bigger pictures of new releases would be welcome, the present ones are adequate to give an impression of the model so that the reader can pursue further enquiries regarding any model which looks interesting. Captions: The present system of maker first is logical and certainly is my preferred system. avia mini pages: Despite a keen interest in aviation, my main interest has always been model cars and buses. Lack of space and money have prevented me from collecting model aircraft as well, so these pages are of little interest to me. With so many ready-built models now available, perhaps in time there will be sufficient interest to make avia mini viable as a magazine on its own again, but in the meantime it doesn't bother me too much to have this rather inappropriately included in Model Auto Review. Now that so many well-detailed models originate in the Far East, it is no longer possible to tell from photos whether new releases are absurdly cheap or prohibitively expensive. Sometimes I wish there was more information on the price range of new models, and of a source from which they can be obtained if Modelauto is unable to supply, but I realise that in practice this isn't feasible.
Long may MAR continue, and you may be sure that the hard work you and your team put into it is greatly appreciated.'
We'd all like more colour pages, bigger print etc, at no extra cost, but I'm sorry, that doesn't look likely. Indeed, after our recent unfortunate experiences in regard to reproduction quality with our printers, and the detailed discussions that followed, they found that they are not making a profit on our printing contract, and have increased our bills by about 10 pence per copy. I have decided that we will absorb this price increase, though we can't really afford to, so there will be no cover price increase, and we'll just have to pull our belts in a bit tighter. I will try to ensure that numbers on the colour pages are clearer in future, where space allows.
As equally unlikely as more of everything at no extra cost is the prospect of avia mini having a free-standing life of its own again in the foreseeable future. In fact, I have toyed with the idea of occasional roundups of scale model ships, figures etc, as I know that readers with a wider interest in the world of transport find it frustratingly difficult to get information on them. But if nobody wants it, maybe I'll shelve that idea as well.
Prices are as knotty a problem as ever. Our worldwide readership is aware that models regarded as cheap in one market can be more expensive in another. For instance, many Chinese-made mass-market diecast models are half the price in the USA that they are in Britain. Yet some handbuilt models made in Britain are almost twice as expensive from US retailers. than the price we pay in the UK So we have to assume that handbuilts are 'average' handbuilt price level (if not, I'll usually indicate if they seem to be unusually expensive, or unusually cheap, and likewise diecast models will usually fit into the price range that their apparent quality level indicates. If not, I'll often comment on the fact that they are surprisingly expensive for what you get, or apparently excellent value, or whatever. No comment means 'about average', whatever that means in your own domestic market. Or 'absurdly expensive' if you live in South Africa.
As to where you can get the models, occasionally I am asked to publish a 'recommendation' of a dealer or other source who has given particularly good service, but I always decline. In the early days we did this from time to time, to help everyone, but we had some unfortunate experiences. Readers would think that this was a recommendation from MAR, and then if they didn't get the sparkling A1 service as suggested, they blamed me, for 'recommending' the source. No amount of explanation that this was a personal testimonial solely from one satisfied customer would get the displeased readers off my back, so we now have a policy to never publish such information. If a dealer or manufacturer wants to sell his products to MAR readers, he can advertise in this magazine. If he does, it will help both his business and the commercial viability of MAR, but it needn't cost him anything, as there is always the choice of a free 20-word small ad, on which we place no restrictions, but equally we make no recommendations and give no guarantees.
Caveat emptor is the byword. You also won't be surprised to know that in the past we have had quite a lot of 'unsolicited testimonials' about dealers or ranges, and also letters of complaint after our criticisms of certain products, claiming that the writer has only had the best of service from that source. Strangely, the dozens of such letters always related to the same two or three companies. I wonder if there was any connection?
CONCLUSIONS? NOT REALLY
So, where are we so far? Most people seem to be as happy as can be expected with the way we have developed up to now. The detailed criticisms and suggestions printed here are thus not exactly representative of the responses I have had, but they are the ones which had at least some positive suggestions to get our teeth into. Some folk want everything organised by marque (David Conway would like all the Citroens on one page, regardless of scale or price level). Others would like all models in one scale on one page, and any other scale on another page or in a box.
Yet others would like us to leave out mass-market diecast models altogether, in favour of more space for handbuilts and kits, even if we don't have any material to include on them, Look at some of the lists published recently in MAR. Is it better to have the 2002 plans for Minichamps all in one place? Or their 1:43 models on one page, 1:18 on another, 1:8, 1:35 etc on yet others. Then the military Minichamps would be listed with other militaria, buses on the Bus Stop page, trucks in Truckstop, Mercs on a Mercedes-Benz dedicated collectors page, and so on. Really?
On every page we'd have to have a new heading, introduction etc, and more of the repetition that Pete Foss detests so much.
Quite a number of readers would like some way of identifying car marques easily in captions, though actually the majority view is that the model making firm should get initial prominence, as we have now. This will take more investigation and effort before I reach a final conclusion, as too much jumping in and out of bold, italic, capitals, underlines, different typefaces etc can interfere with clarity. I invite more input from you on this.
Some of the smaller side-issues have raised interesting topics, which may eventually grow to influence the way MAR develops in future. I quite like the idea of utilising the bottom corners of the pages in some way for quick page reference, but I'm not sure exactly how yet. Maybe a 'flicker-book' series of images, like we used to get in comics? Many, many readers have noted that Biggles has under-utilised talents, but cat-chasing and licking hitherto inaccessible body parts are not abilities often needed in a magazine like this one. I'm 'running him in' with his own bargain offers page for now. Maybe he'll get more space later, if he shows promise.
CLUB NEWS
CAMP: The Club Autos Miniatures Peugeot has commissioned two new club models, both 1:43 handbuilt by Mini Racing in the Prestige range. 200 of each are made. They represent the Peugeot 504 saloon as built in Argentina until 2000, a plain saloon in metallic red, and a yellow taxi from Cordoba, Argentina. Next special club model will be a Touareg concept car from the 1996 Paris show, made by CCC and available from May. If you want these exclusive releases, you'll have to become a CAMP member. Write to CAMP, BP 01, 75116 Paris Cédex 16, France.
Coventry Diecast Model Club: Here is something you don't hear often in the club world, 'Our AGMs are well-attended.' At the Coventry AGM, President Will Roe attributed this to the club's 'good committee' at the helm Member-ship is fairly stable at 73, having lost and gained the same number, eight or nine, in the past year. With some slippage of income felt to be possible in the future, it was decided to increase membership subscriptions from £12.00 to £14.00 (£6.00 to £8.00 for seniors and juniors) per year. CDMC members get lots for their money, including Wheelspin, the club magazine, now settling down nicely under the Editorship of Mick Russell. After 27 years, Wheelspin has reached issue 154, so at some stage in the past year, MAR finally gently overtook Wheelspin in the number of issues published. Makes us all feel quite old. If you still have a few years in you, and some energy to give to the Club which calls itself the Friendly One, telephone 024 7630 7700.
Jaguar Model Club: We are disappointed to report that the supposed JMC Club model of a Jaguar 'camper van' was intended as a joke by club supremo Gary Oxley. What a pity. So all you caravan collectors don't have to join the Jaguar Model Club after all. Never mind, there are lots of Jaguars you can get in model form, all reported in detail in the JMC magazine. The real Jaguar Model Club model for 2002 is the Provence Moulage R-type coupe, and for 2003 it will be the Jaguar Mark II signed by Jack Sears and Tommy Sopwith. The 50 bases of the R-types will be signed by designers Ian Callum and Julian Thomson. If you want one, you'll have to join the Jaguar Model Club as soon as possible. If you do join, you'll get 24 pages of club magazine four times per year, with all you ever need to know about Jaguars in miniature. Contact Gary on 01709 372003.
Corgi Jaguar E Type Coventry Diecast Model Club 2001 club model: The E Type Jaguar celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2001. As part of this celebration Corgi released a special 'gold' plated limited edition. Following the same formula as for the previous CDMC club model the differences are card insert and number plates (originals included). This insert includes illustrations and text from the original 1961 E Type catalogue. The club model was authorised by Jaguar Cars Limited, 72 models, all sold to club members. (Notes, Chris Sweetman).
San Francisco Bay Brooklin Club: Dick Browne tells us that this year's special SFBBC Brooklin model will be a San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade Car, the 1959 Thunderbird, re-done as an open convertible. It will be light metallic gold with added detail. It will be accompanied by a miniature figure of 'Miss Chinatown USA' waving to the crowd. 200 models will be produced for SFBBC members only, released on 31 May.
Wessex Model and Toy Collectors: The WMTC club model is a 1971 Vauxhall VX 4/90, made by Lansdowne, using the same body casting as the recently released 1972 Ventora. The Ventora had the six cylinder 'Velox-Cresta' engine, but the VX 4/90 was powered by an up-rated twin carburettor version of the four-cylinder Victor unit. The VX 4/90 model from Lansdowne will have a plain roof, rather than the Ventora's 'vinyl' finish, plus different grille and wheels. The colour is not decided, but it will have a Wiltshire registration, and it will be exclusive to WMTC members, so if you want one you'll have to join the Club as soon as possible! Among the many benefits you will also get is 'Smalltalk', the highly amusing club newsletter, with its stream of jokes, chat and occasional mentions of MAR. For all of these, we have to thank Editor Barry Lloyd. Prospective members, and Vauxhall collectors, should contact Doug Male on 01225 755043.
New Zealand Model Vehicle Club: Now that Ron Ford is no longer Editor of the NZMVC newsletter, Miniature Auto, we don't get much news from Kiwi parts. But the indefatigable Ron tells us that the Club now has a website at www.nzmvc.in-newzealand.com so if you are suffering from withdrawal symptoms you can keep up to date on the internet.
Maidenhead Static Model Club: After previous ructions, the Club AGM went off 'quite quietly', the old Committee being re-elected for a further term, with three additional Committee members to smooth out the work load. The Club's Windsor Toy Fair is on the Royal Jubilee weekend in June, so they plan to feature a competition available to anyone who attends, dealer or collector. The first prize will be the Royal State Landau by Corgi Classics, one of three pre-production models, with brown horses, (as shown in MAR 161) whereas production pieces have Windsor Greys, which are white horses. The prize has a certificate of (in)authenticity drawn up and signed by someone at Corgi. Corgi Classics have donated this model to the MSMC Club, who agreed to organise a competition with all proceeds going to the I CAN children's charity, nominated by HM Queen as one of the Royal Jubilee charities. For more details of the Toy Fair ring Gary on 023 8078 4484.
South Hants Model Auto Club: The Editors of the SHMAC magazine aim to curry favour with MAR with lots of mentions (successful) and to expand the breadth of articles beyond merely competition cars (less successful but trying hard). The latest issue describes Spark models, Le Mans cars, the late Jack Fairman, and two features on Rondeau. It's nice to see that Quartzo finally released their M379B Le Point. Most UK dealers gave up trying to order this item, after a cock-up by the UK importer, who allocated it the wrong computer reference. Dave Painter says it's a 'real bargain' at £22.00. If you join the SHMAC, he'll be glad to tell you more. Ring him on 01264 366408.
Modelauto Club: Just a reminder of the item in MAR 162, suggesting that Yorkshire-based collectors (and those passing through) might like monthly social meetings, with refreshments and perhaps a speaker, in Monk Fryston, North Yorkshire, close to where MAR is now based. The initial suggestion is for an evening meeting in a room over a local pub. All suggestions as to preferred evening or anything else are welcome, but there would be no committee, no elections, probably just a charge to cover the cost of hiring the room etc. If you are interested, telephone 01977 681966, fax 01977 681991 or email mar@zeteo.com.
Canadian Toy Collectors' Society: The 24th annual special Brooklin model made for the CTCS is a 1959 Chrysler 300E Convertible Parade Car with Omen figures, an exclusive limited edition of 300, honouring the 1959 CFL Eastern Conference Champion Hamilton Tiger Cats. The car will include figures of a Tiger Cat football player and Tiger Cat cheerleader made by Omen, to sit on the tonneau cover as they do in the annual CFL Grey Cup Parade. The model is silver with a grey interior and white wall tires. The white front and rear Ontario licence plates read CTCS 2002. Orders are on a first-come first-served basis, shipped from Canada or the UK. Des Barnes of the CTCS says, 'Don't be disappointed, Iast year's model sold out in three weeks'. Prices range from CAN$221.00 to $235.00 or GBP £92.00 to £101.00 depending on address. For more information contact: (North America): CTCS Brooklin model, c/o 67 Alpine Ave, Hamilton, ONT, Canada, L9A IA7. (UK/Europe): c/o Roger A. Perrie, 62 Morris St, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN2 2HU, UK.
BOOK REVIEWS
by Hans-Georg SchmittO&K Seilbagger Prospekte (O&K rope-riven excavator sales-literature). Collected and with commentary by Heinz-Herbert Cohrs, German text. 166 illustrations. Hardbound, 215 x 295 mm. ISBN 3-86133 273 6. Published by and available from Verlag Podszun-Motorbucher GmbH.; Elisabethstrasse 23 - 25, D-59929 Brilon, Germany. Tel: 02961 53213 All construction equipment fans know them, the bright red rope-driven excavators from Orenstein & Koppel, which were known as the most advanced machines of their time. It stank of diesel fuel and oil and could be heard working from miles away. The biggest-selling O&K rope-driven excavator was the fairly 'small' L051, with nearly 2000 made. It later appeared in re-worked form as the R4. But the heavy L351 also caused quite a stir, like the different universal excavators and auto excavators. The aim of this book is to offer enthusiasts for old construction equipment an informative and balanced survey of the sales literature of that period. lt was possible to blow the dust off some very rare documents from archives and to show them to the public again. The many interesting photographs and drawings will also give builders and collectors of miniature excavators a lot of ideas for scratchbuilding new items, for making conversions and for setting up interesting dioramas.
Those were the days. British Police Cars by Nick Walker, English text, 96 pages, 152 photos, 210 x 200 mm. Hardbound. ISBN 1-903706-01-7. Published by and available from Veloce Publishing Ltd.; 33 Trinity Street, Dorchester DT1 1TT, UK. Fax: 01305 268864
This picture-packed book is a delightful and often surprising reminder of the huge diversity of cars used by British Police forces from the earliest days until the early 1980s.
Jahrbuch 2002 Baumaschinen (Construction Machinery Yearbook 2002) various authors, German text. 144 pages, 244 illustrations., paperbound, ISBN 3-86133-268-X 170 x 240 mm. Published by and available from Verlag Podszun Motorbucher GmbH.
This yearbook always has a colourful mixture of articles, this time including pontoon hydraulic excavators, machines of the future, the biggest machines in the world, Klonne of Dortmund, gigantic excavators in brown coal opencast mining, earthmoving vehicles in action on major building sites, trolley dumpers and many other interesting articles.
Fire Brigade Archives: IFA-Phanomen and Robur aus Zittau, by Frank-Hartmut Jager, German text. 159 pages, 327 illustrations. Hardbound. ISBN 3-341-01322-9. Published by and available from Huss-Medien GmbH, Verlag Technik Am Friedrichshain 22, D-10407 Berlin, Germany. Tel 030/421 1-202, Fax 030/42151-468
After the end of the Second World War in the Soviet occupied zone of Germany the Russians sent back to their country anything usable, including fire appliances,. So, when daily life began again, demand for new fire vehicles was great. Fire brigades in small villages needed small cheap vehicles, so Granit, Garant and Robur from IFA, and Phanomen from the VEB Robur Works at Zittau were used, as shown in this book.
Deutsche Autos (German Automobiles) Vol 1 1885-1920, By Halwart Schrader, German text. 381 pages, 418 pictures, 175 x 245 mm hardbound. ISBN 3-613 02211-7. Published by, available from Motorbuch Verlag, Olgastrasse 86; D-70180 Stuttgart, Germany. Tel: 0711/210800 In the early days of the automobile there was a multitude of brands and models made by tinkerers, engineers, eccentrics, bicycle-makers, cartwrights and locksmiths. Most vehicles were assembled by hand, and brands disappeared as fast as they were founded. Many years ago Baron Hans-Heinrich von Fersen, early autombile historian, collected all these makes into a book. Now Halwart Schrader has reworked and enlarged his work. From Adler to Windhoff, all German car brands active between 1885 and 1920 are described.
ARGUS de la MINIATURE ON PILEN
The latest special edition of the French-language magazine Argus de la Miniature is devoted to the products of the Spanish Pilen factory. There are detailed tables covering releases under the names of Pilen, AHC, Artec, Oto, Doorkey and Guiloy (who used some Pilen moulds). There is a fascinating story to be told here, including models made by Pilen in Spain for the French Dinky Toy range, and the final years under Doorkey and other names. The full background story is not given in Argus of the involvement of Johannes van Rijn of Holland, initially through the AHC and Artec promotionals (for Volvo for instance) which he distributed through his wholesale model company. He always wanted his 'own' range, and Pilen was struggling against bankrupty, in the hands of its bankers, so this seemed like a handy opportunity. After a heart attack, however, Mr van Rijn wanted to secure the future of his son, Richard, in a business, so he created a new company, 'Ar-Gee' representing the initials of Richard and his colleague Gerrit.Ar-Gee was intended to eventually take over the new range of 1:43 diecast models, based on the best of the Pilen range, the Volvo, Seat and Nissan promotionals, and some bought-in Chinese models.
The range was christened Doorkey, supposedly evoking a combination of the Dinky and Corgi names, with the brand symbol of a 'door-key'. Sadly, the ambitious plans were ultimately unsuccessful, and the company closed, the assets being sold to another Dutch company, who were also unable to secure its future. Some of the moulds were run again by Guiloy in Spain. The models are all listed in Argus, including many interesting subjects which are no longer available, though there would still be some international sales potential, even today. Argus 214 on Pilen is available from SAFAM Argus de la Miniature, BP 40, F78231, Le Pecq, Cedex, France at 10.20 Euros in France (10.70 Euros in the rest of Europe).
CORGI NEWS for the SECOND HALF of 2002
Here is the full listing of new models planned for release in Corgi's various diecast ranges in the second half of 2002, July to December.
VANGUARDS 1:43 scale
VA08200 Triumph 2000 Mark II Sep
VA06903 Rover P5 Burgundy Jul
VA06904 Rover P5 Burgundy Dec
VA01903 Rover P4 Ivory Jul
VA06508 Rover 3500 Cameron green Jul
VA04507 Austin Allegro Brazil metallic Aug
VA05402 Morris Oxford Damask red Aug
VA03806 Vauxhall Victor F metallic grey Oct
VA07401 Triumph Herald convertible white Oct
VA00122 Ford Anglia 105E Bermuda blue Aug
VA06102 Ford Zodiac II green-white Nov
VA06804 Hillman Minx IIIA black Sep
TC1003 Triumph set three cars Sep
FC1003 Ford set three cars SepHidden Treasures: vehicles in scruffy condition
VA05206 Ford Granada Ghia red Nov
VA02204 Reliant Supervan blue Aug
VA08300 Morris Minor pickup purple (above) Sep
Police Vehicles
VA08201 Triumph 2.5Pi West Mercia Const Nov
VA04604 Ford Zephyr 6 Mk III RUC Sep
VA08400 Jaguar Mk II Somerset Constabulary Dec
VA05306 Triumph Dolomite Sprint Nottingham Jul
VA07601 Land Rover lwb Series 2 Kent Oct
Sports Cars
VA07001 Sunbeam Alpine white Nov
VA05902 Jaguar XK120 suede green Sep
VA06707 Triumph Spitfire III yellow Jul
VA04702 Triumph TR3A Silverstone grey Dec
Commercial Vehicles: British Railways
VA01119 Morris Minor van British Railways Aug
VA06612 Ford Transit van British Rail Sep
VA07500 Morris LC van British Railways Oct
VA01707 Austin A35 van British Railways NovCORGI COLLECTABLES mostly 1:50 or 1:43
HAULIERS OF RENOWN:
1:50 scale commercial vehicles
CC12803 Scania T Tipper Maguires of Cheltenham Jul
CC12607 Scammell CrusaderTautliner E Stobart Jul
CC12705 ERF ECS tractor unit J Richards (above)Jul
CC12005 MAN frig Pulleyn Transport Aug
CC11906 ERF EC Curtainside McBean Haulage Aug
CC12904 Scania Topline artic tractor unit D Steven Sep
CC12805 Scania T Topline Bulk Tipper Tinnelly Sep
CC12102 Renault Premium Curtainside Armstrong Sep
CC12414 Volvo FH Curtainside Anderson Oct
CC12508 Atkinson Borderer flat artic Killingbeck Oct
CC12905 Scania Topline sheeted flat Yuill+Dodds Nov
CC12706 ERF ECS tractor unit Stan Robinson Nov
CC12806 Scania T long trailer J & G Riddell Ltd Nov
CC12906 Scania Topline frig P & C Hamilton Dec
CC12415 Volvo FH Bulk Tipper P Hinchcliffe Ltd Dec
DUTCH COLLECTION
CC11803 Leyland Daf Bulk Tipper - Spaansen Jul
CC12902 Scania Topline frig Tunderman Jul
CC12413 Volvo low load+boat Van de Wetering Aug
CC12006 MAN FeldbinderTanker- NTM Sep
CC12103 Renault Premium frig Feenstra Oct
HEAVY HAULAGE
CC12507 Atkinson Venturer, King trailer and boiler load, Pickfords Jul
CC12804 Scania T King trailer and tower crane load, Thomas Herron Aug
CC12304 Scammell Contractor W Booth Sep
CC12007 MAN King Trailer, Jeep Dolly & Reel Load - Morris Leslie OctROAD TRANSPORT HERITAGE with Road Signs
CC11505 AEC MkV 4 axle drawbar Smith Jul
CC10101 Foden FG 4 axle flat Blue Circle Cement Aug
CC11703 Guy Warrior Tanker Wynns Sep
CC11608 LAD Tipper, Russell of Bathgate (above)Oct
CC10503 ERF KV 4 axle flat Pollock Nov9 DOUBLE 9 COLLECTION
CC13002 Dennis F12 side pump Bradford City FS Jul
CC10901 Bedford S tilt Clywd Fire Service Aug
CC06302 Daimler-Hooper Ambulance Croydon Sep
CC13003 Dennis F125 Simon Snorkel Merseyside FB Sep
CC07407 Land Rover ACRT RAF St Athan Oct
CC02302 Ford Transit Accident Unit Avon (above) Nov
CC10305 AEC Mercury TL Hereford+Worcester FB DecFAIRGROUND ATTRACTION:
Carter's Royal Berkshire Steam Fair
CC20104 Fowler Showmans Locomotive Jul
CC10203 ERF V Box Lorry Swing boats Aug
CC10706 Scammell Highwayman+trailer Gallopers Sep
CC20402 Steam Gallopers Oct
CC11506 AEC Mark V four axle dodgem truck with caravan (above) Nov
CC10804 Foden S21 steam yachts+centre engine Dec
MINI MANIA
CC86509 The New Mini One Superchips
CC99121 The New Mini Cooper 3 Piece Set OctCORGI PREMIUM EDITIONS 1:50 scale
CC20002 Sentinel steam wagon Express Dairy III
CC20105 Fowler B6 Showmans King Carnival III
CC20204 Fowler steam wagon + sacks GWR III
CC10902 Bedford S dropside BRS IV
CC11405 Bedford KM rigid flat BRS IV
CC12608 Scammell Crusader flat artic BRS IVTV & FILM FAVOURITES mostly 1:36 scale
CC54508 Pontiac Transam Smokey & the Bandit Aug
CC7002 Aston Martin DB5 The Persuaders Sep
CC05801 Beatles - Yellow Submarine Sep
CC99111 Only Fools & Horses set Capri-Reliant Jun
CC87503 Scooby Doo Mystery machine Jun
CC06001 Blues Brothers Dodge Monaco AugORIGINAL OMNIBUS CO 1:76 scale
OM40503 Feltham Tram Sunderland Jul
OM45306 Bova Futura Durham City Coaches Jul
OM45707 AEC Q d-deck Cardiff Corp Centenary Jul
OM43505 Balloon Tram Blackpool Transport Walls Jul
OM44005 Blackpool Brush Railcoach 1960s Jul
OM43703 Q1 Trolleybus London Transport Jul
OM45708 AEC Q D-Deck Leeds City Transport Aug
OM40303 Burlingham Seagull Western SMT - Dodds of Troon Sep
OM40804 Bristol Lodekka FS Alexander Fife Aug
OM42406 AEC Reliance-Panorama 1 Neath & Cardiff Luxury Express Aug
OM45111 MCW Metrobus Maidstone & District Aug
OM44203 Neoplan Cityliner Harry Shaw Sep
OM41001 AEC Q single deck LT 1934 prewar livery Sep
OM41906 Queen Mary Open Top United Sep
OM40902 Leyland PD2-Orion Edinburgh Corp Oct
OM43602 Plaxton Palatine II Wilts & Dorset Oct
OM40504 Feltham Tram Metropolitan Oct
OM43305 Plaxton Premiere National Express Royal British Legion Oct
OM41002 AEC Q single deck LT Wartime livery Oct
OM42407 Leyland Leopard-Panorama Wallace Arnold Nov
OM40805 Bristol Lodekka FS United Counties Nov
OM40203 BET Federation Aldershot & District Nov
OM41003 AEC Q single deck LT Central red Nov
OM43910 Gux Arab Utility East Kent Dec
OM45112 MCW Metrobus Birmingham City Dec
OM45606 BMMO D9 Midland Red NBC Dec
OM43101 Leyland Lynx Mk1 London & Country Dec
OM42702 Van Hool Alizee Shearings ?ORIENTAL OMNIBUS CO 1:76 scale
OM44501 Duple Metsec city bus Year of the HorseCREATIVE MASTER Northcord 1:76 scale
UKBUS1005 Dennis Trident Alexander TWM JubileeCORGI AVIATION ARCHIVE
World War 11 (Europe & Africa)
AA31104 Boeing B-17 Memphis Belle (1:144) Jul
AA32204 P-51D Mustang Petie 2nd 8th AF (1:72) Jul
AA33901 Supermarine Spitfire Mk 1A PR-F RAF Museum Hendon (1:32 scale) Aug
AA32103 Messerschmit Bf109E Wa!demar Wubke Aug
AA31904 Supermarine Spitfire V Neville Duke Aug
AA32605 Avro Lancaster 419 Sqn RCAF, VR-A Oct
AA33301 Boeing B-17 Memphis Belle (1:72 scale) Oct
AA32503 Junkers Ju 87B2 Stuka Stab2/StG1 (1:72) Oct
AA32504 Junkers Ju 87B-2 Tropical Stuka Libya Dec
AA33902 Supermarine Spitfire Mk II (battle scarred) - QV-K Sq Ldr Lane (1:32 scale) Dec
AA30003 Douglas Dakota RAF D-Day Jul
AA32805 DH Mosquito FB VI D-Day (1:72) Sep
AA31803 Boeing B-29 Enola Gay Pacific? Jul
AA99120 F4U Corsair & Mitsubishi Zero Guadalcanal Set with diorama base Sep
Military Air Power1945 to Present
AA32305 EE Lightning F1A XM184:A111 Sqn Jul
AA31804 Tupo!ev Tu 4 Soviet AAF (top centre) Aug
AA31002 Boeing Stratocruiser USAF SBAHFl Oct
AA33504 Boeing B-52B USAF carrying X-15 Dec
AA33601 Panavia Tornado GR1 45 Sqn TWCU RAF Aug
AA33403 Sikorsky SH3 Presidential Sep
AA33205 F-4C Phantom Playboy Sep
AA33503 Boeing B-52D- Duxford Sep
AA31306 Lockheed Hercules Spectre gunship USAF weathered finish Oct
AA33602 Panavia Tornado Gulf War (top right) Nov
AA33404 Westland Sea King RAF Air Sea Rescue Nov
AA30507 Vickers Viscount Royal Aircraft Establishment Bedford, red-white-blue Nov
AA32407 BAe Harrier RAF Arctic Livery DecAIRLINERS OF THE WORLD
AA30403 Lockheed Constellation Air France Jul £25.53
AA31505 Bristol Brtannia British United Airways Aug
AA31702 Short Sunderland BOAC camo (top left) Sep
AA32909 Boeing 707 Qantas NovLLEDO DAYS GONE
QM1004 Queen Mum A Celebration 4 Piece Set MAY
DG091010 Foden steam wagon Sailor Boy Custard JUL
DG013087 Ford Model A Van Martell brandy JUL
DG085021 Renault Van - Remy Martin JUL
DG100009 Fordson 7v Truck Wynn's JUL
DG021055 Chevrolet Van The Dandy comic JUL
DG125005 Burrell Showman's Steam Locomotive Pride of the South AUG
DG085013 Bullnose Morris van Lamb's Navy Rum AUG
DG126004 Burrell Road Roller Burrell Livery AUG
DG050047 Bull Nose Morris Van Courvoisier AUG
DG006170 Ford Model T Van Astra Fireworks AUG
DG066026 Dennis Van Wimpey AUG
DG021056 Chevrolet Van Sela Sweets SEP
DG006171 Ford Model T Van Hennessy SEP
DG013088 Ford A Van Standard Fireworks SEP
DG052025 Morris Van Tiger Boys Magazine SEP
DG063025 Bedford 30cwt Van BRS SEP
DG066027 Dennis Van Camp Coffee OCT
DG144000 AEC B bus Robertson Silver Shred OCT
DG085022 Renault Van Lion Fireworks OCT
DG050048 Bullnose Van Brock's Fireworks OCT
DG127004 Morris Minor Van Beezer comic OCT
DG052026 Morris Van Allenbury Pastilles NOV
DG127005 Morris MinorVan - Radio Fun NOV
DG109004 Dick Kerr open LT Last Tram NOV
DG108005 Dick Kerr tram Glasgow NOV
DG016041 Dennis remova!s van GWR NOV
DG071021 Morrs LD Van - TV Comic DEC
DG050049 Bullnose Van Fisherman's Friend DEC
DG071022 Morris LD Van Jelly Babies DEC
DG043036 Morris Van McVitie's DEC
DG063026 Bedford 30cwt Van Wagon Wheels DECTRACKSIDE SERIES 1:76 scale
DG146001 Guy Pantechnicon Pickfords Jul
DG146002 Guy Pantechnicon Shore Porters Oct
DG148000 Scammell Scarab British Railways Jul
DG148002 Scammell Scarab BRS Nov
DG149002 AEC Mammoth artic Marley Tiles Nov
DG114004 AEC Mammoth wrecker London Brick Sep
DG111003 Sentinel low load+excavator Tarmac Sep
DG111005 Sentinel low load+Harvard S C Cook Oct
DG165001 Scammell artic flat BRS Dec
DG150001 Foden S21 flat artic Pollock Aug
DG150003 Foden S21 sheeted artic MacBraynes Nov
DG044036 Scammell 3 axle van Carter Paterson AugBREWING IN BRITAIN 1:76 scale
DG148001 Scammell Scarab Watneys Sep
BB1002 Scammell 3 axle van Whitbread, with tinplate brewery building frontage (below) Jul
DG165000 Scammell artic with tarp Tetleys Brewery Nov
DG149001 AEC Mammoth artic Charrington's Aug
DG150002 Foden S21 sheeted artic Scottish & Newcastle Breweries OctBUS STOP
PEAK HORSE TRAMS
The two latest tram models from Peak Horse of Hong Kong are:
Hong Kong tram Nissin Foods (1:76)
Hong Kong tram Konica (1:76)
Hong Kong tram Promise (1:76)
Hong Kong tram Reunification (1:76)CONSTRUCTION
First Gear 1:50 diecast in China for USA: Komastu WB140 backhoe loader with attachments, the first release in a new product category. Assembled from more than 170 parts, features include grated steps, grab handles, light bar with hand painted lights, and exhaust. The detailed interior has loader and backhoe controls, hand and foot throttles, instrument panel, steering wheel and shaft, and swivel seat. The functioning loader arms and cylinders accommodate either a working multi-purpose bucket or pallet forks, both included. Accessories included are digging bucket, hammer, and compactor. The front wheels steer, and outriggers with stabiliser shoes work. Contact First Gear Consumer Service Dept at 888-771-5576 in the USA for ordering information.
TRUCKSTOP
ROADCRAFT BEDFORD OL
Previously pictured in MAR in early prototype form, the Roadcraft Models 1:35 kit of the Bedford OLBD 5 ton dropside lorry is now available. The body can be built as a dropside with sides erected (or any sides down) or as a flat, and the cab doors can be left open to show the interior. The bonnet can also be made removable to reveal the miniature 28hp Bedford engine or alternatively, the kit can be supplied with a Perkins P6 diesel engine.
The chassis is cast in white metal, the cab and body are in polyurethane resin, and the tyres are authentic 34 x 7 Firestones. A finishing touch is the number plate, only three eighths of an inch (9 mm) high but if you look carefully you will see the Bedford name in tiny script. The kit can also be supplied as a 3-4 tonner (OLAD) with lighter rear springs and 32 x 6 Dunlop tyres. Other optional extras include a range of bolsters for carrying long loads, a rope box and a couple of name boards.
The Bedford engined version costs the following (Perkins version in brackets): £75.00 (£79.00) UK, £80.00 (£84.00) Europe, £86.00 (£90.00) rest of the world, all including p&p.
Models in preparation include: Bedford Scammell OSS artic with 20 foot flat trailer, Foden DG6/15 four axle lorry, Dennis TP trailer fire pump and Bedford WTL-WTH. Maker John Wilkes says the OL is 'A model you can build straight from the box'. For more details contact him at 87, Sandy Lane, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 9PS, UK, Tel: 0161 773 1518.
WAIT ENDS FOR EDDIE FANS
'The gift set that Eddie Stobart model collectors have all been waiting for' (they say) was commissioned by Eddie Stobart Ltd to mark the Golden Jubilee of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 1952-2002. The set includes a Corgi 1:64 Eddie Stobart Scania finished in gold plate and a copy of the Eddie Stobart Story. This book, by Hunter Davies (previously famed for books on The Beatles and on footie), describes the growth of a small agricultural business into Britain's best known road haulage company. 'A numbered bookmark completes the set,' they say, and the retail price is only £39.99. There is also an extensive catalogue of other merchandise available for Eddie fans.
NEWS FROM FRANCE
MINIACARS 43-ECMA 43
European Models Production, responsible for the French 1:43 resin handbuilt ranges Minacars 43 and Ecma 43, has been encountering some problems. As well as the usual problems in the present difficult market conditions, projects have been running more slowly than expected. The Peugeot 403 in cutaway form, as displayed at the 1957 Paris Motor Show has turned out to be trickier to cast than was hoped, but it is finally becoming available. It has full interior detail, engine, and luggage in the boot, revealed by cutaway sections of bodywork.
The previously announced Peugeot 201 SK commercials have had problems with the vac-form windows, but should be ready by the time you read this. There have also been difficulties in getting licenses from certain brand owners, but they are finally realising that unless scale models are made, these vehicles will not be remembered in any way. Likewise, some owners and restorers of original vehicles have demanded a percentage sales commission in return for providing information, but this is not acceptable to any model manufacturer.
(MAR knows of a number of important subjects that have not been made, due to such financial demands from the owner of a sole example remaining.)
The Matra Bagheera U8 should be available soon. The principal delay has been caused by non-arrival of the license, which was agreed verbally in July 2001! All the information was supplied by the company, and now legal action may be necessary. As M Deroy of European Models Production says, 'All this trouble, just to achieve maybe 200 sales!'.
The Peugeot 208A was a rare prototype military halftrack which is now in the Sochaux Museum. 300 of this model have been made for the CAMP (Peugeot Model Club), and it will only be available from them direct. The Simca 1500 saloon 1963 and break (estate car) 1964 begin another series of variants which will continue with the Simca 1300, 1501, 1301 and 1300 with 1500 grille, as used by the French Postal service. Finally a Heuliez-bodied coupe will be added when a license has been obtained. The Peugeot 607 Paladine was a long wheelbase limousine, launched in 2000, and intended for French Government use, but the only example is now in storage at Peugeot's Sochaux Museum. There is an extensive glazed roof to the rear (above), which apparently was intended to retract into the boot, something like the roof of the Peugeot 206CC. The detailed interior even includes an authentic representation of the sunblind. All photoetched parts are supplied separately with the model, to be fitted by the purchaser. M Deroy feels that the extra expense of fitting them would add too much to the price. Indeed, many collectors may prefer not to fit them at all, knowing the strong feelings they engender! In the future there will be released an open version of this model, with the roof retracted, and a different interior.
Future models planned include:
Peugeot 301D variants, including standard saloon, four-light luxe, and six-light grand luxe, without duplicating those made by Devos. These models will complement, rather than overlap with, the Devos range. Peugeot 201M Commerciale, 201D 400kg van. Peugeot SKD 800kg van
Simca Vedette - a new series of variants, begin-ning with the1956 Marly and Familiale 1957.
NOREV 1:43 diecast from China for France: 472681 Peugeot 206CC set in a presentation box. The 206CC coupe recalls the 1934 Peugeot 601D CE2 coupe with electrically operated roof, refined for the 1938 402. The set includes a blue coupe and a green open cabriolet, but the roofs move just like the original, the roof of the open car is concealed in the boot. So the blue car can be displayed open and the green one closed. This set is now on general sale, the first batch made only for Peugeot. (Notes Hans-Georg Schmitt).
BEETLE SHOP 1:43 from France, limited edition of 50 pieces: VW Beetle 'Desert Patrol', based on a Vitesse square window 1958 model. It is raised like a 4x4, and comes with many accessories fitted, including Porsche 550 chromed wheels, two orange lights on the front of the roof, a chromed filler cap, an antenna on the boot, flying a US flag, 'Desert Patrol 206' on both doors, and number 206 on the roof. The price 40 Euros plus shipping cost, from The Beetle Shop in Paris, tel 0033 1 53 418830 or fax 0033 1 53 418831.
SAI FRENCH HO RANGE SAI is a French 1:87 scale plastic or resin range which incorporates models from various German companies, as well as what appears to be some original moulds planned for future release. The planned range so far includes these (Roman numeral quarter of 2002 expected release: III = July-Sept).
Peugeot 206 CC coupe and cabriolet (AWM)
Peugeot 206 WRC 2001 (II) . Peugeot 607 resin (I)
Peugeot 406 resin (III) . P206 five door (AWM)
Peugeot 206 three door (AWM)
Peugeot Partner van (AWM) . Partner estate (AWM)
Peugeot 307 five door (AWM) . P307 3-door (AWM)
Unic trucks - various (SES)
Citroen 2CV (Herpa) . Citroen 2CV van 1954 (Eko)
Citroen Ami 6 (II) . Citroen 2CV van 1961 resin (MAT)
Citroen H van or lorry resin (MAT) .
Citroen Berlingo van (AWM) . Berlingo estate (AWM)
Citroen Berlingo van with windows (AWM)
Renault Clio five door (AWM) . Renault 4 (Herpa)
Renault Clio three door (AWM) . Renault 19
Renault 19 Chamade . Renault 19 Cabriolet
Renault Magnum artics and drawbars (AWM)
Neoplan N516 Starliner coach 'Cars Rouges'
Mercedes 0305 bus 'SAVAC'Many vans also appear in such authentic French liveries as La Poste, Gendarmerie, EDF-GDF, Pompiers etc. There is a Pinder circus range, in both 1:87 and 1:160, with card buildings, big top, tents, vehicles and acts. The HO scale circus is 1990s style and the N scale version 2000 style. Public transport fans will be interested to know that there is also a Paris Metro train and station card cut out model.
NOSTALGIE FROM FRANCE
More information on the Nostalgie range, 1:43 diecast in China for CoFraDis of France. Here is the current and proposed range. Some early subjects look familiar, perhaps a slightly Vitesse-ish air about certain subject choices? But then some more ambitious vehicles are planned to come later.
N001 Citroen Traction 7C saloon 1936
N002 Citroen 2CV AZ 1954
N003 Renault 4L Parisienne 1964
N004 Renault Estafette van Calberson 1962
N005 Citroen DS19 1956
N006 Peugeot 404 1960
N007 Citroen Traction 11B taxi 1954
N008 Renault Colorale van Michelin 1950
N009 Citroen 2CV Charleston 1982
N010 Renault 4F4 van Renault 1973
N011 Renault 5 Alpine 1976
N012 Citroen Traction 7 roadster 1935
N013 Panhard Dyna Z1 de luxe 1954
N014 Renault Frégate Grand Luxe 1953
N015 Simca Aronde 1953
N016 Peugeot 403 1957
N017 Citroen DS21 Pallas 1968
N018 Renault 16 TL 1966
N019 Citroen 2CV van 1954
N020 Citroen Dyane 1968
N021 Ford Vedette 1950
N022 Citroen Traction 7 Coupe 1935
N023 Panhard Dyna Z12 Grand Standing 1957
N024 Simca Aronde 1954
N025 Renault Frégate Grand Pavois 1956
N026 Facel Vega HK500 Coupe 1958
NO27 Peugeot 403 taxi G7 1960
N028 Hotchkiss Artois 1949
N030 Peugeot 204 1965
N031 Citroen Ami 6 1961
N032 Simca Aronde Elysée 1956
N033 Renault 16TX 1974
N034 Panhard PL17 1960CoFraDis are running a 'proof of purchase' scheme. If you send in 18 proofs you will get a free caravan model, which looks vaguely like a reproduction of the early French Dinky model.
NEWS FROM GERMANY
LATEST HERPA RELEASES
The latest 1:87 plastic models from Herpa:
Audi A4 cabriolet
Renault Magnum artic tractor 2001
Mercedes-Benz Vaneo
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Polizei
Mercedes-Benz E-Class THW-NRW
Mini Cooper 'Follow Me' Nürnberg airport
Mercedes-Benz Binz Ambulance ADAC
Mercedes-Benz C-Class T-estate fire Düsseldorf
MAN M2000 Evo LF16/12 fire appliance
Gräf & Stift UH240 bus OBB (Austrian Railways)
MAN TG-A XXL three axle artic tractor unit
Mercedes-Benz Actros LH artic Hertz-NYK
Mercedes-Benz Actros LH artic Chantré Rouge
DAF XF jumbo artic STS
MAN TG-A XXL artic BS Energy
MAN TG-A XXL artic curtainside Goldhofer
MAN TG-A XXL drawbar German Parcels
MAN TG-A XXL artic silo Heibo
Volvo FH frig drawbar Murpf
Scania TL frig drawbar Wolter Koops
MAN E2000 multi-axle low load artic Wiesbauer
Mercedes-Benz Actros jumbo artic Braugold
Mercedes-Benz Actros jumbo artic Henglein
DAF XF SSC frig artic ATUEUROMODELL FOR 2002
The Euromodell range has gone through many vicissitudes in the past few years, some of the episodes mentioned in MAR along the way. Much of the early tooling came from the old East German ranges, for plastic vehicles in 1:87, 1:120 (TT) and 1:160 (N) scales, under the IMU range. Then new moulds were made for non-Eastbloc vehicles, but the company seemed to struggle financially, eventually decamping to Mexico, though all literature is still printed in German, and the company has an agency address in Berlin, not too far from its original base. There doesn't seem to be much new for 2002 in HO scale, mostly Opel variants such as the Kadett C coupe, Manta B and Ascona B. There is also a range of resin bus models, but with few new releases since we last saw them.WEINERT WHITE METAL
Weinert Modellbau is a German model railway range, which produces some 1:87 white metal vehicles as well. Plans for this year include:
Kaelble K612Z 145 heavy haulage tractor 1952
Henschel tipper 1955
Foam sprayer on single axle trailer
Lanz 45 half-track tractor 1955
Single axle trailer for Lanz, with milk churnsAWM PLASTIC FOR 2002
Remember AWM? They used to be AMW until BMW complained, and made them change their name. Yes, that is true, if unbelievable. Here are their recent 1:87 releases and proposals for 2002:
Peugeot 206 CC coupe closed and cabriolet open
Setra S417 coach . Setra S415 coach (May)
Setra S431DT coach (Summer)
Setra SXXX coach (end 2002)
Volvo 9900 coach (September)
Renault Magnum artic tractor unit
Volvo FH/XL artic tractor unit
Volvo FH/GL artic tractor unit
Volvo FH artic tractor unit
... and of course many new liveries on new and existing models.BREKINA NEW FOR 2002
Among the totally new castings to appear in Brekina's 1:87 plastic range from Germany for this year are Peugeot 404 saloon, Volvo Amazon saloon, Auto Union 1000S Coupe, Ford Transit II van 1965-70 and Lanz Oil-Bulldog tractor.
RIETZE FOR 2002
Rietze's ambitious plans for 1:87 scale plastic releases for this year are far too extensive to list here. Just a few totally new items (as opposed to new liveries on existing subjects):
Citroen C3, Audi TT cabriolet, Opel Vectra, Audi A2, Neoplan Megaliner, MAN Lion Star 2001, Mercedes-Benz 0350 RHD, and loads of bus, truck, police, fire and ambulance variants, not to mention taxis, utilities and even a hot-air balloon support unit.
REVELL 1:18 diecast in China for Germany: 08428 Wartburg 311 Cabriolet. In 1952, all changed for the ex-BMW Eisenach factory at the foot of the Wartburg castle, which had previously been known for quality cars. The plant was transferred into public ownership of the German Democratic Republic by the Soviet Army of Occupation. The state-managed motor industry ordered that production of the cheap F9 car move from Zwickau to Eisenach, though Eisenach had not been involved in its development. To demonstrate their independence, at the 1956 Leipzig Fair AWE (Automobile Works Eisenach) showed a new range of cars, of which development had not been officially approved. This Wartburg 311 appeared with new styling. It still had the F9's 900cc two-stroke engine, but upgraded to 37 hp. Few other European cars offered such a wide range of body variants, possible because the body was not a monocoque, but had a separate chassis. The sporty cabriolet, designed for export, attracted particular attention. The Wartburg 311 was continuously improved. In 1958 it got a synchromesh gearbox, the windscreen wipers now moved in parallel and a new grille was added. Revell's excellently finished model is of this version. The bonnet and doors open realistically, the steering works and the roof can be opened and closed. Engine and interior detail is excellent, even the 'Wartburg Knight' is on the horn button. The front seat backs tilt, and have ashtrays and handles on the back. Pneumant white wall tyres and a well detailed baseplate complete this interesting car from the history of the German Democratic Republic. (Notes Hans-Georg Schmitt).
BUSCH NEW FOR 2002
The Busch 1:87 range has one of the biggest catalogues in the business. Some new models for release this year are listed here. 'CMD' is chrome-metallic-detail, a higher detail standard.
Mercedes-Benz W196 Spa 55 #10 Fangio
Auto Union C type GP car, clear plastic
Benz Patent Motorwagen 1886
BMW 327 Coupe 1938 CMD
Mercedes-Benz 300SL MM #189
VW Beetle hippy 'The Power of Love'
Borgward Isabella coupe pink
Mercedes-Benz W123 T estate 1977 CMD
Mercedes-Benz W123 T estate 1977
Ferrari GTO TF 64 #112
Plymouth Voyager Woody mpv
Chrysler Voyager red mpv
Mercedes-Benz ML500 4x4 facelift 2001 CMD
Smart City coupe with ski-racks and snowman
Audi A4 Avant estate 2001 CMD
Audi A4 Avant estate 2001
Plymouth Fury sedan (1976?)
Cadillac hearse (1952?)
Buick 1950 'crazy car'
Chevrolet Bel Air 1957 'crazy car'
Ford AA 'gravedigger' custom rod
Dodge Ram monster truck 'Terminator'
Dodge Monaco monster truck 'Bloodhound'
Mercedes-Benz 170V saloon German Post
Mercedes-Benz C-Class estate taxi
Audi A4 taxi
Plymouth Voyager taxi 'Rosemont'
Mercedes-Benz C-Class estate Polizei
Smart City coupe Polizei
VW Passat estate Polizei
Audi A4 Polizei
Smart City Coupe Police Italy
Fiat Ducato minibus Police Italy
Renault 4CV Police France
Chevrolet Caprice San Francisco PD
Chevrolet Caprice Police Museum
Chevrolet Blazer US Park Ranger
Chevrolet Caprice Maine State Police
Chevrolet Caprice New Hampshire State Police
Chevrolet Blazer Alaska State Trooper
Ford Crown Victoria North Dakota State Patrol
Ford Crown Victoria Wyoming Highway Patrol
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter fire van
Smart City Coupe fire car Germany
Smart City Coupe fire car Holland
Chrysler Voyager fire car Osnabrück
Mercedes-Benz C-Class estate fire car
Ford E-350 van Chicago FD
Ford E-350 van New York FD
Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4x4 fire Salzburg
Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4x4 German Red Cross
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Bavarian Red Cross
Smart City Coupe Johanniter
Ford E-350 ambulance 'Paramed'
Ford E-350 ambulance 'Medtrans'
Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4x4 ambulance Greiz
Smart City Coupe refuse vehicle Hamburg
Ford AA van Grocers Biscuit Company
Renault 4CV Abeille
DKW 3=6 pickup Albert spirits
Tempo three wheel pickup Bolte wooden toys
Tempo three wheel van Shell
Citroen H glaziers van
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van Fulda
Mercedes-Benz LP809 drawbar milk tanker
Mercedes-Benz LP809 Karl Schäffert timber
Peugeot 403 wrecker
Fiat Fiorino van Pizza
Fiat Fiorino van Aufzug Service
Chevrolet stakeside farm truck
Chevrolet wrecker Stockton
Chevrolet tilt pickup Mobil
Renault FR1 coach Evian
Renault R312 Paris bus (ninth version)
Renault R312 bus 'Jeans'
Mercedes-Benz 03500 coach (reissue of Praliné)Plus a few 1:160 (N) scale releases, all recent German cars.
REVELL 1:24 plastic kit: 07565 Mercedes-Benz Unimog U1300L Municipal Winter Service Vehicle. For over 50 years the Universal Motor Geraet or 'Unimog' has been used by many local authorities as a service vehicle. The Unimog is liked by rural communes in mountainous regions, for clearing snow and spreading salt: Schmidt supplies snow clearing attachments for the Unimog. Its strong front axles facilitate attachment of a front-end snow plough. There is an automatic spreader with a 3m3 hopper and distributing plate. This accurate and detailed kit needs skill level 5. Decals are included for nine authorities. (Notes Hans-Georg Schmitt).
REVELL 1:24 plastic kit: 07392 MG TC 1945: The MG TC is a classic British sports car, made from 1945,a two seater sports car which enjoyed intemational popularity. The TC had a four cylinder in-line engine of 54 bhp giving a maximum speed of 125 km/h. It set off a sports car boom in the USA, and by 1949 10.000 TCs had been made. The plastic kit has an one-piece body, detailed engine, chromed grille and spoked wheels with realistic tyres, authentic dashboard and accurate baseplate with suspension and exhaust system. Kit skill level 3. (Notes Schmitt).
NEWS
CLASSIC METAL WORKS
Classic Metal Works models are diecast in China for the USA in 1:87, 1:160 and 1:24 scales. The smaller scale models have been described and pictured recently in MAR. European distribution is now by Busch, the German specialists in 1:87 plastic models.
New 1:87 and 1:160 items for 2002 (subjects are available in both scales) include:
Metro van
Ford van 1948
Ford F6 stake truck 1951
Chevrolet Bel Air sedan 1955
Mercury Coupe 1949
Chevrolet Corvette open 1958
Chevrolet Fleetline 1951
Hudson Hornet 1951
Dodge Charger 1967
New in 1:24 scale for this year:
Chevrolet Corvette open 1958
Dodge Charger 1967
Pontiac GTO convertible 1966
ford Torino GT 1970
Yemko Camaro 1969
Haulucination street rod (Thom Taylor design)
Beach Reacher street rod (Thom Taylor design)
Buikool street rod (Thom Taylor design)
Rumba Tub street rod (Thom Taylor design)
Psycuda street rod (Thom Taylor design)
Swoop Coupe street rod (Thom Taylor design)
Chezoom street rod (Thom Taylor design)
Insani Sedan street rod (Thom Taylor design)
Plus various Police cars, taxis etc.First Gear 1:25 diecast in China for USA: 1933 Willys Coupe Street Rod. They say, 'It is made from more than 100 parts. It features a detailed interior with hand-painted seats, seat belts and door panels, and an authentic instrument panel. Underneath you'll see a complete dual exhaust system, front and rear stabiliser bars, drive shaft, oil pan and transmission cover and hand-painted shock absorbers. Under the hood the engine detail includes water pump and radiator with valve covers, headers, carburettor, air cleaner, fan and fan belts, distributor and vinyl wires. A cleverly hidden coin slot is inside the opening trunk lid, with coin removal mechanism accessed by pulling out and down on the license plate. For more information please contact the First Gear Consumer Service Dept toll free in the USA at 888-771-5576.
1:43 PROTEA TRIUMPH
Geoff Sear's latest 1:43 handbuilt resin model, made in South Africa, is the Protea Triumph sports car. Never heard of it? Our mission in MAR is to inform you about little known cars which appear in model form. In brief, Geoff summarises this South African made car as follows: It took nine months to build, and was completed in April 1959, with a tubular chassis and Triumph TR2 engine and running gear. The front suspension was from a 1940s Ford commercial vehicle, and the steering box was from a Ford Anglia-Prefect, but fitted upside down. The very pretty body was in hand-beaten aluminium. The car's name came from the protea, South Africa's national flower, and the car survives today in virtually concours condition. It won the South African Six Hour Race in 1959, on its first outing, driven by its builders, John Myers and John Mason-Gordon. The latter retired from racing, but originally intended to fit a Chevrolet V8 engine for more power. Instead it soldiered on under other ownership, crashed at Kyalami in 1961 and had to be rebuilt. It eventually took part in Historic Races, winning the local Championship in 1980. In 1995 Alan Grant bought it, and continued to race it, in spite of major handling problems, but he had a major crash, once again at Kyalami, this time in 1997. This necessitated a more major rebuild, which established why it handled so badly. Rebuilding the suspension and steering has resulted in the car now fulfilling its original potential. Geoff's model records this little chapter in South African motoring history. For more information, contact him at 7 Dryden Place, Umbilo, Durban 4001, South Africa.
BIG RIVER SAPPHIRE
John Halcrow of Big River Models in Australia tells us about his latest 1:43 handbuilt release, the Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. He has made the four-light saloon to differentiate it from the Star Sapphire ,previously made by Pathfinder a decade ago. There is a choice of authentic single and two tone colour schemes. For more information contact PO Box 210 Newport Beach, 2106 Australia, tel: 0061 2 9918 0774, fax: 0061 2 9918 2851.
RECENT CHINESE ISSUES
By George HattHere are some recent releases for the Chinese market. I usually have a few for sale (approx-imate prices, excluding p&p, are in brackets).
I can be contacted at Digbys Miniature Automobiles, 01225 768821 (fax 01225 776227).
Buick or Pontiac MPV made in China for sale on the Chinese market in both 1:1 scale and in miniature. These heavy 1:24 diecast models scaled have a quality and finish associated with the more expensive 1:24 ranges. Features include steering and suspension, opening bonnel with engine detail, opening and sliding doors exposing all interior detail including tilting seats and carpets. The Pontiac comes with fitted roof bars as standard. (£59.00).
Shanghai GM Sail A 1:43 model of one of the latest cars to hit the Chinese market, based on an Opel Corsa, but with a boot, and finished in blue. Using modern diecasting techniques, this model is a little beauty. (£16.50)..
Isuzu Big Horn Plaisir 1 :43 model of a 4x4 eight seater from Japan, a top quality diecast model in right hand drive. Available in four colours, purple, green, red or black. (£16.50 ).
Takeuchi TB135 Mini digger approx 1:30 diecast mini digger with some plastic parts. Features include moving hydraulic bucket, poseable ram and working tracks. (£15.00). Jiang Ling-Ford Transit 1:24 15 seater minibus with opening front doors, bonnet and engine detail plus sliding windows. (£29.50).
Dong Feng three axle tipper 1:38 scale, a detailed diecast model, 7.75 inches long, with tipping body with detailed hydraulics, tilting cab with opening doors and full interior and engine detail, mirrors, soft touch tyres and steering. (£39.00). .
Jie Fang long wheelbase dropside lorry 1:38 model, as built by the First Auto Works, the biggest autombile makers in China today. Features include tiltiing cab with opening doors, interior and engine detail, soft touch tyres and steering. At over nine inches (225mm) long, a sizeable addition to a truck collection. (£39.00).
HONG KONG MODEL CO 1:35 resin kits. Based on real vehicles serving with the HK Fire Service. Both have opening rear doors with stretchers. (£49.00 each).
4003 Land Rover ambulance HKFS
4006 Mercedes-Benz ambulance HKFSTRIDENT FROM AUSTRIA Trident continue to make 1:87 plastic models, and resin kits. Their themes are still military and emergency vehicles, the latter mostly US. They have also launched their E-R series of US vehicles, including International 'school bus' in prisoner transport guise, a modern 'checker' cab and Chevrolet 'pop-top' ambulance.
COLLECTORS MODELS
New models from Collectors Model of Hong Kong:
Dennis Dragon Gateway (1:76)
Ford Transit Northumbria Police (1:43)
Copyright Modelauto Ltd
e-mail mar@zeteo.com
