Editorial By Rod Ward
MAR IS GOING FULL CIRCLE
At Easter 2003 we went full circle, back to the beginnings of MAR and Modelauto. Due to an unfortunate combination of circumstances, and due to no fault on his part, John Hanson has left the employment of Modelauto Ltd. He was our last remaining employee, and I must express my gratitude for his 11 years of faithful service. We will find it hard to manage without him. He will, however, continue to contribute his popular articles to MAR, and we will stay in continuous contact in the future. I won't bother you again with tales of how we began in the model car world, back in the early 1970s, but it was just Val and myself (and a dog), operating from home. We added our first employee in the 1980s at our Leeds shop, a couple of years after the launch of MAR, and rapidly grew until there was quite a crowd of us by the end of the decade. The 1990s saw gradual shrinkage in numbers, down to two staff, just John and (his nephew) Michael Seaword for most of the decade. They were most supportive when Val was forced to give up most of her involvement in the business, and I had to take over many of her tasks as well as my own. When Michael left us to go to University he was replaced by Richard Ineson, who stayed with us until the sale of the Leeds premises in Spring 2002. All through this John soldiered on, and he handled virtually all of the mail order business of Modelauto Ltd when we moved out of the city of Leeds.
Now, a year later, and 20 years after we took on our first employee, John has left us, and we are on our own again. Fortunately, Val is now able to participate a little more in the business than she could in the dark days (for us) of the mid-1990s, and many time-consuming manual tasks we used to do are now computerised or have been out-sourced (see, I have come up to date in some things, if only the terminology).
This means that we can continue with the mail order business and with production and distribution of MAR without any employees, perhaps with just some occasional help from friends and neighbours in our North Yorkshire village.
So, we go forward from here in a very optimistic mood, and we will continue to offer the best standard of personal service to all our clients, past, present and future. If you telephone us from now on, it will probably be me who answers.
We have no intention of cutting back on any of our activities! We thank John for all his invaluable help in the past, and we wish him all the best for the future. You will continue to see his contributions in the pages of Model Auto Review.
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
I now get a constant stream of letters informing us that 'Mr X will no longer require MAR, as he died last month' or 'sorry I can no longer afford a subscription on my small pension'. MAR stockists and other model dealers tell us that they all have the same experience, as long-standing customers leave. Our condolences to the families and friends of those readers that have passed away, and our sympathy to those who are still with us, but who can't justify the cost of a subscription on a limited income. There has never been a better time for collecting, with more models than ever on the market, offering a wider choice, better quality and better value than in previous decades. In addition, at a time when interest rates on savings are at an all-time low, and there is widespread uncertainty over investments, many collectors now feel that they might as well put their hard-earned income into their hobby, with less chance of losing all their money. Values of obsolete models seem to be still rising at an extraordinary rate, perhaps partly in reaction to the poor returns from more conventional investments. So, that offers another choice to those who are now a bit short of cash as well. Is there any part of your collection that is no longer of interest to you, and that you could sell to raise finance? That way, there are benefits for everyone, money for those who need it, and somewhere to put their cash, for those with a little money to invest.
MAR CONTRIBUTORS OMITTED
For those of us still able to enjoy the world of MAR, we have a very interesting issue this time, and some fascinating features for future issues. A regular contributor was cross that I didn't mention his name (and some others) in my thanks to past, present and future contributors in MAR 170. 'Fred Käsmann's name was there, though he hasn't written anything since Noah was a lad', he says. My Editorial note was not intended to be a full list of everyone who ever contributed, but I realise that once something like that is published, it is bound to offend anyone who feels they have been overlooked. So, let this be my contrite apology, and I express my thanks to all contributors to MAR, including Phil Campbell, John Quilter, Robert Gunn, Bruno Boracco, André-Jacques Chailloux, Robin Godwin, Chris Sweetman, and of course Uncle Tom Cobbleigh, et al...
CLUB NEWS
Collated by Rod Ward
South Hants Model Auto Club:
Subscription charges are always a thorny problem for Club committees. Make them too expensive, and you may put off new members, make them too cheap and the club won't cover its overheads. The South Hants Model Auto Club charges a very reasonable £12.00 per year. or £15.00 per family, and there is a draw for a free year's membership, amongst those attending one of the meetings. Some clubs charge members who attend meetings, to cover the cost of hall rental etc, but this is deemed by many to be unfair on those who make the effort to attend, favouring the absent 'members'. For most clubs, the subscriptions are used, in effect, to pay for the club publication to be produced and mailed out in members. If this is the only source of club income, it can be a delicate juggling act to keep everything in balance. Some clubs have additional money from organising swapmeets, where they get income from stall rents and gate receipts, or from selling special limited edition club models. Whatever the sources of income, the Treasurer's job is essential, keeping records of income and expenditure and making sure thet the club stays solvent, a thankless and usually unpaid task. The SHMAC's Treasurer is Damian Good, but he will have to give up the post soon. If you have £12.00 to spare, why not join this club, and then volunteer to take over Damian's job as well? Contact Secretary Dave Painter on 01264 366408.Volkswagen Model Club:
Jim McLachlan has had a number of useful responses from concerned members, after his apocalyptic announcements about the possibilities for the future of the Club. Jim now realises that maybe he is just tired, after 25 years continuously running the club and producing its magazine.He is therefore weighing up the possibilities suggested by members, including sharing the workload among more folk, and producing the magazine less often. The 100th issue of the magazine in February 2003 was a watershed, but does not mark the end of the Club, as new subscriptions are invited for the next Club year. That 100th issue was packed with information and fascinating features, which should be encouragement enough for members to renew, and for more people to join the club. Many members offered detailed and interesting articles on aspects of VW collecting, and there were three pages in full colour to illustrate these pieces. There is no better source for information on Volkswagen models, so it would be a pity if Jim was unable to keep the Club going. We will keep MAR readers posted on the next chapter in this long-running saga. In the meantime if you would like to join the VWMC (or if you are an ex-member who would like to re-join) contact Jim at 20 Waverley Park, Redding, Falkirk FK2 9RT, Scotland.
Canadian Toy Collectors' Society;
Des Barnes, of the CTCS reminds me that each year they commission a l:43 scale white metal model, the funds from which are used to support various children-related charities in the 'Golden Horseshoe' area. The latest Brooklin model, (picture top right) made with the approval of DaimlerChrysler and the Hamilton Tiger Cat Football Organization, is a 1959 Chrysler 300-E Convertible Grey Cup Parade Car to honour the 1959 CFL Eastern Conference Champion Hamilton Tiger Cats, and in particular their quarterback of the day, number 10 Bernie Faloney, as well as the 1959 Hamilton Tiger Cat Cheerleaders. In addition, with the kind assistance of Brooklin Models, the CTCS are raffling an exclusive (1 of 3 worldwide) 1935 Studebaker Commander Roadster Soft Top Convertible in royal blue with gold accents (picture above). The raffle draw will take place at the CTCS-sponsored Canada's Greatest Collector's Toy Show, on 19 October 2003 in Toronto, Canada. Purchasers of the 1959 Chrysler 300E Parade Car are entitled to a free raffle ticket. For more details, contact the CTCS at 91 Rylander Blvd, Unit 7, Suite 245, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, MlB 5M5.Nord Mini Auto Club:
This club is based in the far North of France, in Lille, and is best known for the international swapmeets it hosts at the Lille (Lesquin) Airport Hotel Mercure. Like other French swapmeets, under the law of 1996 they have to ask that private stallholders submit a photocopy of their identity card or passport when booking, and that professionals send a copy of their business card, with registration details printed thereon. This information can be examined by the authorities for any reason. Donald Calonne (a subscriber to MAR since the first issue) is the Secretary of the Nord Mini Auto Club, and he can be contacted at 150 Rue Nationale, 59280 Armentières, France, for more information about the Club.Maidenhead Static Model Club:
the monthly newsletter of 'Britain's oldest and widest based model collectors club' is Wheel Bearings. The latest issue included news of a clubnight chop competition won, once again, by Paul Rowley with his Scammell tank transporter and tank, pictured right. Paul now wins the Harry Gunner Trophy. This will be an interesting year for the MSMC with various committee members standing down. Even Chairman Mike Forbes is relinquishng his post after six years. This could be a good time to join, and add your vote to the way the Club goes in the future. For details of the Club, and their Slough swapmeet, ring John Garside on 07729 910632.Ferrari Model Club:
Following the news about the FMC, reported in MAR, I received a communication from Thomas A Niewalda, Vice President under the new regime. First he gives us a bit of historical background: 'Reiner Heiderstedt founded the FMC in 1974 as a community of Ferrari model collectors and builders. Ever since, the club was led by one person and without any constitution. This gave no problems in those days, but Reiner could not even ask members for more money when he went bankrupt himself. As Ferrari did not want to let the club die they gave a lot of help to the FMC. In about 1994, due to health problems Mr Heiderstedt handed the club over to Dominique Lahuec. Since then Dominique played the main role. It turned out that he had reorganised the club as a press company and due to this Ferrari withdrew the right to use their trademarks. Dominique often requested help, but when members offered it and asked for a constitution, he refused. The only thing he wanted was to get reports from members and to have one club event per year. When we asked for the addresses of other members to meet them for more local events he refused to even give a phone number. He refused any local activities more and more in recent years. At last, on 18th February, 2003, Enzo's Birthday, we reformed the FMC under a proper constitution, according to the German law for clubs. We did this in Landau, where Michael Schumacher drove his first Formula season in 1988 in Formula Koenig with a small company based in Landau that ran this racing team'. See the FMC on the internet at: www.ferrarimodelclub.deSydney Model Auto Club:
Among the news items about members, reports of events attended and the usual Club stuff, the latest issue of Think Small, the SMAC Journal, included some interesting snippets of news. Cavalier Productions has just made a 1:24 Holden EK road car, which might be followed later by EK utes and panel vans in the same scale. Classic Carlectables have released a Geoghegan Mustang, and both Biante and Trax have ambitious programmes of releases for this year.This must make Australia one of the best-served markets for models of locally-produced cars, with a suitably patriotic consumer base to absorb everything made for them. Collectors in some other countries will be envious. If you'd like to join the Sydney gang, contact Secretary John Maude on 9579 1257.
CAMP:
you remember, this is the Club Autos Miniatures Peugeot, which has 400 members in 17 countries, all keen collectors of 1:43 scale Peugeot models. Their awards for the best Peugeot models of 2002 went to CCC for the Touareg prototype and to Minichamps for their 504 Coupe and Cabriolet. The latest exclusive model for club members is the P69 with a 204 engine, made by Esdo. Other club benefits include an 80 page quarterly magazine, participation in shows and exhibitions etc. For membership details contact Alain Bureau at Club Autos Miniatures Peugeot, BP 01, 75116 Paris, Cedex 16, France.NAMAC:
No, you don't really want to know what the initials stand for. This is the Dutch National Model Auto Club, which has regional chapters all around the country. The Netherlands must have the highest proportion of collectors to the general population of any country, and all of them seem to belong to NAMAC. This gives the club a strong economic base and a clear voice when speaking to the industry. The Club magazine, Auto In Miniatuur, is surely one of the best-produced in the world, and would probably be a worldwide best seller, if it were not for the language barrier. I was very sorry to read in the latest issue of the death of an old friend of MAR, Rolf Ten Kate, who died in January at the age of almost 90. If there is any collector in the Netherlands who doesn't already belong to NAMAC, or anyone outside the country who would like to join, contact Secretary Pieter Groenendyk on 071 522 4004, or emailsecretaris@namac.nlLledo Enthusiast and Variations Club:
In the latest bi-monthly edition of the Lledo Enthusiast, Bill Alexander and Andrew Dudley report on the death of Ray Bush in February 2003. Ray was the founder of UK Matchbox, and he was one of the first to list all the minor variations in Matchbox Models of Yesteryear. When Jack Odell started the Lledo range, Ray followed, with Lledo Calling, listing all the casting and colour variations on Lledo models. Bill is disturbed by some recent developments in Lledo sales. On the one hand, some current issues are being dumped by Corgi and selling at only £1.00 each on swapmeets, whilst others are being classified as limited editions (4000 made) Collectors Guild items, available only by direct mail at around £12.00 each including postage! If you need to keep up to date with Lledo releases, Bill's your man, with everything covered. For membership details, phone or fax to 01628 622318.Club Dinky France:
There is a remarkable amount of support for this club in France and regrettably, there is no UK equivalent. Among members' benefits is a regular magazine, and production of special club models. These are 'Dinky-style' models made in England to the order of the club, subjects never made by Dinky, and finished in the club livery. I am told that over 100 of each are sold, often many more than that. The next issue, available soon, is a Peugeot 202 pickup with tilt, as used by the French armed forces, then by the Wehrmacht during the Second World War. Many passed into private ownership in the 1940s, used by market gardeners and the like. The next model after that will be a Renault AGR truck with tilt, available in December 2003. Both models are in Club Dinky France liveries. For more information, contact Club Dinky France, BP 5117, 14079 Caen, Cedex 5, France.BOOK REVIEWS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt, Jim McLachlan, Robert Gunn, Rod WardMIDLAND RED The Prestige Series by John Banks, photographs by G H F Atkins,English text, published by Venture Publications, 128 Pikes Lane, Glossop, Derbyshire SK13 8EH, ISBN 1-898432-88-0. 170 x 240 mm softbound, 64 pages £8.95.
This is the 20th book in a now well-established series on bus operators. Midland Red (originally just a nickname fo the Birmingham and Midlands Motor Omnibus Company) was the largest bus company in the Midlands of England. They were big enough to design and build their own range of buses, known as SOS in the early days, BMMO later on. This book tells the story in over 100 pictures, all interesting and carefully selected, from 1928 to 1970. Midland Red fans will have to buy this book, and bus fans in general will want it, to tell the story of such an important operator in British transport history. Rod Ward
HONG QI: the story of a Chinese limousine by Erik van Ingen Schenau, published by the CMVDC, Aldeboarn, Netherlands. English text, 102 pages, softbound, A4 landscape. 49 Euros plus postage. China Motor Vehicle Documentation Centre, Wjitteringswei 67, 8495 JM 67 Aldeboarn, Netherlands
Very little has been written about the Chinese motor industry. A few photographs have appeared in some books and motoring magazines, and some sparse information has appeared in the world car type of yearbooks published in various countries. Erik van Ingen Schenau established his China Motor Vehicle Documentation Centre in 1972, and since 1978 he has collected a large library of material and photographs. He has travelled extensively in China and is probably the world's most knowledgeable person about Chinese cars. This new book concentrates on the Hong Qi (Red Flag) marque and concentrates on the First Auto-mobile Works in Dong Feng Road, Changchun.
The majority of the book consists of black and white photographs, with some basic descriptions of vehicles shown. Production of China's first car, the 1958 Dong Feng CA71 (often known as the Golden Dragon because of its large bonnet mascot) starts the story. Erik then continues with the first Hong Qi prototypes of 1958, taking us through the early production CA72 limousine and convertibles and onto the more well known CA770 limousine as used by Chinese leaders Ma Zedong, Zhou Enlai, Deng Xiaoping and more recently Jiang Zemin. The various versions of this car are shown including some of the parade convertibles. This continues with some photographs of prototypes built in the 1980s which never came to anything. Other specials shown include a special sunroof version for Deng Xiaoping and an armoured version originally built for Mao Zedong but also used by other leaders since.
Even an ambulance version was built. The story continues with some details of the Hong Qi cars which were built at the Shanghai factory. Sadly the big limousine ceased production in 1995. The story is brought into the 1980s and 1990s with details of other prototype saloons which were never put into production. This is followed by a small section on the Mercedes-Benz 200 and 230 cars built in China in the late 1980s. We then have the Audi era, when the old Audi 100 car was built for a time under the Audi name before in was cloned into the Hong Qi CA7220, bearing FAW badges instead of Audi. Many versions of this car have been built in China under the Hong Qi name including lengthened models, four door convertibles and in recent years with Nissan engines as well as Audi units. Current models still use the Audi 100 bodyshell, but with much revised front and rear ends. In the 1990s some work has been done with Mazda as well. There was even an attempt to design their first small car. the Hong Qi CA7080, a four-door five-seater car but the project was abandoned. The big news came in late 1998 when the FAW factory announced the first of the new government saloons and limousines made in co-operation with Lincoln.
The Hong Qi CA7460 was a saloon based on the Lincoln Town Car but with revised front and rear treatment. A year later the two limousines, the CA7460 L1 and the 7460 L2 appeared, described by the factory as complying with Chinese sense of beauty, as shown by its elegance, impressiveness as well as its splendour. I wonder what old Mao would have thought of this new Red Flag limousine! The majority of the photo-graphs in this book (and there are well over 200) have never been seen previously, outside China. Many of the early photographs are very rare indeed and Erik van Ingen Schenau must be congratulated on compiling a fascinating photographic record of Hong Qi production. Highly recommended. James McLachlan
Ford 4x4s 1935-1990. Photo History by Paul G McLaughlin, published by Iconografix, PO Box 446, Hudson, Wisconsin 54016, USA. Softbound, l84 x 228 mm, 118 pages, ISBN 1-58388-079-8. price $24.95 in USA.
Iconografix publish books on a wide variety of transportation subjects, from their base in the river town of Hudson, Wisconsin. Their Photo History series has been well-received, and one of their latest titles is this book on the four wheel drive pickups and light trucks from Ford. After an historical introduction, author Paul McLaughlin takes the reader on a tour through the different Ford 4x4s made over the years. To start at 1935 is logical, being when Ford first offered the famous Marmon-Herrington conversions, but to end the book at 1990 seems arbitrary, as Ford continue to make 4WD vehicles to the present. Along the way, the Marmon-Herrington era is well covered, followed by the war years and a chapter on the 1950s. In 1960 Ford took production of 4WDs in-house, depriving Marmon-Herrington of a contract going back over 20 years. The book continues in stages, clearly describing each new 4WD series up to 1990. The black and white photographs which are on most pages are wonderfully clear, with superb graduations of tones in rich greys. Paul McLaughlin knows his Fords well, and writes with real authority in an easy to read style. Combined with the quality of the 140 photos, this book is definitely recommended for all Ford and 4WD fans. Robert P Gunn
An Illustrated History of the American Ambulance 1900-2002 by Walter McCall, English text. 160 pages, 333 photos; 215 x 280 mm, paperbound. ISBN 1-58388-081-X. Published by Iconografix, Inc, PO Box 446, Dept BK, Hudson Wl 54016, USA via Motor-books, Galtier Plaza, Suite 200, 380 Jackson Street; St Paul, MN 55101-3885, USA.
Beginning with crude litters, the ambulance evolved slowly until the beginning of the 20th Century, when everything changed with the introduction of the first automobile ambulances. Early 20th century American ambulances were tall and boxy, but the mid-1920s brought the long, low limousine style to US ambulances, a style which reigened for 60 years. Then the new Federal vehicle standards in the 1970s forced a revolution in ambulance design. Hans-Georg Schmitt
Auto.Biographie by Ferdinand Piech, German text. 287 pages, 91 photos. Hardbound with dust jacket. 130 x 210 mm. ISBN 3-455-09336-1. Published by and available from Hoffmann und Campe Verlag, www.hoffmann-und-campe.de
Ferdinand Piech, Chairman of Volkswagen retired last year, moving to head the Group's supervisory board, and quickly wrote his 'auto' biography, telling the story of his life from childhood. It is especially interesting because he is the grandson of Beetle designer Professor Ferdinand Porsche. He describes his rise through the Porsche company, the Volkswagen subsidiary Audi, and finally to head the Volkswagen group. Hhis private life is not left out, he also tells us about his relationships with women. He reveals some inside stories, such as the poaching of Lopez from Opel, the story of Daniel Godevert, the purchase of Rolls-Royce and the acquisition of Bugatti. Among other interesting historic details is his confirmation that Professor Porsche and Ferry Porsche both worked, at least, on the chassis of the 'French Volkswagen', the Renault 4CV. This book makes an interesting insider's story for car enthusiasts. Hans-Georg Schmitt
Metz et les Vehicules de Sapeurs-Pompiers by Jean-Francois Schmauch, French text. 192 pages, 376 illustrations. 240 x 320 mm. Hardbound with dust jacket. ISBN 2-7268-8615-9 Published by and available from ETAI; 20, rue de la Saussiere; 92641 Boulogne-Billancourt Cedex, France.
In the early 19th century, the German Carl Metz founded his company to make fire fighting equipment in Heidelberg, mostly hand-drawn and hand-powered pumps. Later horse drawn and steam-powered fire engines were developed and manufactured. Carl Metz died in 1877, but his relatives continued to run the company into the 20th century, producing petrol-powered fire appliances, now made in Karlsruhe. Production rose continuously up to the Second World War and after 1945 it grew again to new heights. Metz appliances are in service all over the world, but at the end of the 1990s the company had to be sold, and it was taken over by the Rosenbauer of Austria. In this book, the author describes the company, their products and their future under new ownership with rare documents and pictures, many never seen before, not only German vehicles, but also Metz bodies on chassis from Britain and France. Hans-Georg Schmitt
PEUGEOT l'adventure automobile by Dominique Pagneux, French text. 272 pages, 760 photos and 29 drawings. 240 x 315 mm. lSBN 2-7268-9317-1 Hardbound with dust jacket. Published by and available from ETAI; 20, rue de la Saussiere; 92641 Boulogne-Billancourt Cedex, France.
In 1885 the Peugeot empire started making bicycles, and in 1889 their first automobile, powered by steam. Then in 1891 the first petrol powered vehicle, which still looked like a horse-drawn carriage, followed in 1902 by their first modern looking car with a four cylinder engine under a front bonnet. In 1913 their tiny BéBé cyclecar was developed by Ettore Bugatti. In the mid 1930s Peugeot cars, had their headlights behind the radiator grille. The 1947 203 introduced American styling, followed by pontoon styling in the 403. In 1987 the Proxima design study began the current smooth shape. All of these cars have been made by toy or model companies, and this book will help to identify many of them. Hans-Georg Schmitt
Carrosserie francaise Henri Chapron, by Dominique Pagneux, French text. 192 pages, 350+ illustrations. Hardbound with dust jacket. 230 x 290 mm. ISBN 2-7268-88602-7, Published by and available from ETAI, 20 rue de la Saussiere, 92 641 Boulogne Billancourt cedex, France.
In 1919, Henri Chapron founded his company in Neuilly, in the 1920s he starting to build bodies on the chassis by French and foreign luxury car makers to order for well-heeled customers. These included excellent creations on Citroen, Delage, Delahaye, Hispano-Suiza, Panhard, Peugeot, Renault, Cadillac, BMW, Packard and Rolls-Royce chassis. Presidents of the French Republic were driven in Chapron-bodied cars. Chapron's style, and the rise and fall of his firm, is shown in this book, a must for all fans of French body design. Hans-Georg Schmitt
Mercedes-Benz Classic Yearbook (First Issue) ed: Franz-Christoph Heel, German text 160 pages, 229 illustrations paperbound 210 x 300 mm. ISBN 3-89880-144-6. Published in co-operation with Mercedes-Benz Classic by Heel Verlag GmbH, Gut Pott-scheid, D-53639 Konigswinter, Germany.
This is the first book in a new series. The main topics include the story of the SL Class and the rebirth of Maybach, news from the Mercedes-Benz museum, the rebuilding of the first automobile, stars and cars, dates and adresses. Classic anniversaries covered include 100 years of Wankel, 75 years of the S type, the invention of the crumple zone, 50 years of passenger protection, and 25 years of turbo-diesels in cars. Interesting articles and rare photos mean that this book is not only for Mercede fans but for anyone interested in auto history. The report on the restoration of a Mercedes-Benz Type K from 1927 is interesting. Ricko makes this car in 1:18 scale with wire wheels, but the original had artillery wheels. Hans-Georg Schmitt
MAN Schwerlast-Zugmaschinen (MAN Heavy Tractors) by Stefan Jung and Michael Muller, German text. 150 pages, 306 colour-photos. Hardbound 210 x 285 mm. ISBN 3-86133-292-2. Published by, available from Verlag Podszun Motorbucher; Elisabeth-strasse 23 -25, D-59929 Brilon, Germany.
Bigger, faster, farther and heavier are the trends in heavy haulage today and MAN trucks are always present. The authors show F8 tractors with two, three or four axles, with 460, 500 or 600 hp engines. Also included are special bodies, and finally the new TG-A vehicles. Finally, the vehicles made by MAN's Austrian offshoot OAF ,are not forgotten. Hans-Georg Schmitt
La Ford T & A de mon pere, by Patrick Lesueur, French text 120 pages, 245 illustrations. Hardbound 245 x 220 mm. ISBN 2-72688568-3. Published by and available from ETAI, 20 rue de la Saussiere, 92 641 Boulogne Billancourt cedex, France.
With his Model T, Henry Ford put America and then the world on wheels. Eventually the VW Beetle reached higher sales than the Model T, which sold more than 15 million. Henry Ford introduced the assembly line in his plant, copied from a slaughterhouse in Chicago, and reached production quantities never known before. Unfortunately he concentrated on the current model, not on developing its successor, so the plant had to be closed down for almost a year when the Tin Lizzie went out of fashion. But with the model A, he repeated the success of the previous model. The book shows the development of the Models T and A, and shows some rare variations, including Model T tractors, Model A vans, trucks and the Russian licensed GAZ products. Hans-Georg Schmitt
Deutsche Autos im Bild Die Meilensteine von 1886 bis heute by Peter Schneider, German text. 208 pages, 417 photos. Hard-bound 230 x 300mm. ISBN 3-613-02233-8. Published by and available from Motorbuch Verlag (Member of Paul Pietsch Verlage, Olga-strasse 86, D-70180 Stuttgart, Germany.
Made in Germany used to be said as warning in the early days, but it soon came to mean the opposite, a seal of quality, especially on the subject of car manufacture. This book presents the best of 115 years of German automobile production, illustrated with historic documents and photographs. Hans-Georg Schmitt
Trodler Journal Der 11 Farbige Antiquit iten-Preisführer AUKTIONSPREISE 2003, 260 pages, numerous photos. 210 x 280mm. ISBN 3-89441-530-4. Paperbound, German text. Pub: Battenberg Verlag, available from Gemi Verlags GmbH, Pfaffenhofener Strasse 3, D-85293 Reichertshausen, Germany.
What is my model car collection worth? A question often asked for insurance, or for sale. The Trodler Journal (Dawdler Journal) have now published their 11th price guide with realised auction prices, including 32 pages of model cars, tin toy cars, Wiking, Siku, Japanese diecast models and many others, plus more on general automobilia. Hans-Georg Schmitt
BUS NEWS
CORGI SCENICRUISER
The next 1:50 diecast Corgi American bus is a real classic, the GM 4501 Scenicruiser, as operated by Greyhound. Various versions will be released, with liveries from different eras of the Greyhound fleet, and different destinations. First release: Pittsburgh.OPEN TOP BUS . By Ben van Roode
The Open Top Bus Company has released a 1:48 White Motor Bus from 1936. This is a new casting to me, and is probably intended to go with American model railroad layouts. The model is attractive, in Yellowstone Park livery.St PETERSBURG NEWS . By Leonid Khoykhin
Here is the latest news from the St Petersburg Tram Collection. The famous London Feltham tram model (431) in 1:43 scale is ready now. In 1929 two prototypes of the new modern trams, numbered 320 and 330 were delivered to London's Metropolitan Electric Tramways, a subsidary of the Underground Group. They were built by the Union Construction Company of Feltham, Middlesex. They were the prototypes for the new class of the most modern London trams, called UCC or Felthams. In August 1930 an order was placed with UCC for 100 new trams, 54 for Metropolitan and 46 for another Underground subsidary, London United Tramways (LUT). The first new Feltham arrived in December 1930 and all the class was in service in the next year. They were numbered 319, 321 329 and 332-375 by MET and 351-395 by LUT. The MET cars were fitted with body mounted plough carriers. The MET cars were allocated to Finchley and Wood Green depots and LUT cars to Hanwell depot. The trams of both companies were painted in Underground Group red and broken white. In June 1933 the London Passenger Transport Board came into operational existence and the MET and LUT Felthams were renumbered 2066-2119 (ex-MET cars) and 2120-2165 (ex-LUT). All cars were repainted in the new standard red and pale primrose and the ex-LUT cars were equipped with plough carriers in 1936. All the class was transferred to the south of the Thames between 1936 and 1938 when ex-MET and LUT routes were converted to trolleybus operation. In Summer 1949 London Transport concluded the agreement with Leeds Corporation for the sale of the remaining Felthams and 90 cars of this class left London between 1949 and 1951, being numbered 501-590 in Leeds. Two cars of this type were preserved: 2099 in London Transport Museum (ex-MET 355) and 2085 in Seashore Trolley Museum in the USA (ex-MET 341). In addition to the London Transport pre-war livery currently available, original London United and Metropolitan Electric Tramways liveries and post-war London Transport liveries will be released in 2003. In Britain these models are available from Terry Russell Trams, Chaceside, St Leonards Park, Horsham RH13 6EG, email terry_russell@lineone.netAnother new model is a 1938 New York Third Avenue Railway System Lightweight tram of the 626-685 series (Ref.423). Between 1934 and 1939 the New York City's Third Avenue Railway System shops under the management of Slaughter W Huff undertook construction of a sizeable fleet of new lightweight cars. The most modern group was the 626-685 series for use on Manhattan and Bronx routes. First two cars (626 and 627) were built in 1938 and rest of the class in 1939. Twenty cars of this series (626-645) were built without trolley poles and were assigned primarily on the X-59th Street Crosstown line. The remaining 40 cars (646-685 series) received trolley poles and were assigned to the T-Tremont Avenue and S-Southern Boulevard lines in the Bronx. For more information, contact St Petersburg Tram Collection PO Box No 16, 196158 St Petersburg, Russia. Fax: +7 (812) 164 5254 Internet: www.sptc.spb.ru email: sptc@sp.ru
GERMANY
FRANKFURT OLYMPICS?
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
Frankfurt and the Rhein-Main area from Mainz to Aschaffenburg hope to be the venue for the Olympic Games in 2012. Most municipal authorities and many companies in the area are supporting the application, including Lich, a brewery from Upper Hesse, who have released a set of six truck models, one of which will be packed in every box of beer they sell. There are six designs, all regional views plus a picture of the sport which will be played there, such as Frankfurt for athletics, Offenbach for soccer, Rumpenheim for rowing, and so on. The trucks are Mercedes-Benz Axor, Volvo FH12 and Iveco Stralis, all in the green of Lich brewery, a member of the Holsten group, based in Hamburg.MINICHAMPS F1 2003
Even more Minichamps, this year's Formula 1 cars, mostly released in the latter part of 2003:1:43 SCALE F1 CARS P030003 Williams F1 BMW FW25 Montoya P030004 Williams F1 BMW FW25 R Schumacher P030009 Sauber Petronas C22 Nick Heidfeld P030010 Sauber Petronas C22 Frentzen P030011 Jordan Ford EJ13 Fisichella P030012 Jordan Ford EJ13 Ralph Firman P030014 Jaguar Racing R4 Mark Webber P030015 Jaguar Racing R4 Pizzonia P030016 BAR Honda 005 Jacques Villeneuve P030017 BAR Honda 005 Jenson Button P030018 Minardi Ford PS03 Justin Wilson P030019 Minardi Ford PS03 Verstappen P030020 Toyota Panasonic Racing TF103 Panis P030021 Toyota Panasonic Racing TF103 da Matta P034315 McLaren Mercedes MP4-18 Coulthard P034316 McLaren Mercedes MP4-18 Raikkonen 1:18 SCALE F1 CARS PG030003 Williams F1 BMW FW25 Montoya PG030004 Williams F1 BMW FW25 R Schumacher PG030009 Sauber Petronas C22 Heidfeld PG030010 Sauber Petronas C22 Frentzen PG030011 Jordan Ford EJ13 Fisichella PG030012 Jordan Ford EJ13 Ralph Firman PG030014 Jaguar Racing R4 Mark Webber PG030015 Jaguar Racing R4 Pizzonia PG030016 BAR Honda 005 Jacques Villeneuve PG030017 BAR Honda 005 Jenson Button PG030018 Minardi Ford PS03 Justin Wilson PG030019 Minardi Ford PS03 Verstappen PG030020 Toyota Panasonic Racing TF103 Panis PG030021 Toyota Panasonic Racing TF103 da Matta PG031815 McLaren Mercedes MP4-18 Coulthard PG031816 McLaren Mercedes MP4-18 RaikkonenTeam Renault are not yet listed in the Minichamps 2003 F1 programme as negotiations are still ongoing.
These 1:43 scale test cars have been cancelled: P030084a Jaguar Racing Mark Webber P030085 Jaguar Racing PizzoniaBREKINA HO NEWS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
The latest 1:87 models from Brekina of Germany, with various colour choices on many items:v23512 Mercedes-Benz 200D; 240 D/8 saloon v 23513 Mercedes-Benz 280; 280 E/8 saloon v26204 VW 1600 TL fastback, metallic colours v29001 Peugeot 404 saloon, metallic colours v29008 Peugeot 404 saloon Taxi, black n29240 Volvo Amazon 122 S 4 door saloon, 3 colours v32500 Volkswagen van T1b, unprinted (reissue) v33000 Volkswagen Combi T2 (reissue) n27900 Goggo Transporter Pickup, various colours v35000 Opel Blitz pickup with tilt (reissue) n34100 Ford Transit llb Combi (1970-75) n34150 Ford Transit ll b box van (1970-75) n34120 Ford Transit ll b Panorama bus (1970-75) v32807 VW pickup with double cab T1b Bruch v39105 Mercedes-Benz Unimog 411 with water tank and trailer Bruch (builder) v46204 Magirus Deutz 150 AK12 truck Bruch v47301 Mercedes-Benz L322 Tipper Bruch v84112 Krupp LF980 pickup+trailer, crane parts load v31506 Volkswagen Combi T1b Hochtief v32012 VW van T1a Meiller Kundendienst tipper service v32603 VW max-vol van T1b Baumaschinen v32527 VW van T1b O&K Kundendienst service van n81008 Mercedes LPS1620 truck+new stake trailer n39009 Mercedes-Benz Unimog 411 pick up with tilt v39008 Mercedes Unimog 411 Westfalia milking machines n39350 Lanz Eil-Bulldog tractor with closed cab n32528 VW van T1b Kramer Service second version. v43010 Borgward B4500 pickup +tilt Bayer Pesticide v77131 Krupp Mustang drawbar power food rruff-pputt n59504 Magirus 150R12 coach Bundesbahn whiteBRITAIN
K & R REPLICAS NEWS
By Stephen Roff
New handbuilt models and kits from K&R replicas. All models are 1:43 scale unless stated.KR131 Ford Escort Mk 2 RS2000 XPAC-Zakspeed road car KR132 Ford Escort Mk2 Flat fronted XPAC-Zakspeed road car KR130 Triumph TR250 open KR130ST Triumph TR250 surrey top KR133 Rover P6 Series 1 2000 1964-66 KR134 Rover P6 Series 1 2000/Federal 1966-70 KR135 Rover P6 Series 1 2000TC/Federal 1967-70 KR135 Rover P6 Series 1 3500 1968-70 KRRL66 MG TD Dundrod Tourist Trophy 1950 KRRL67 MG TD Silverstone International Trophy 50 Both versions of the TD were works-entered three car teams driven by Lund-Phillips-Jacobs, kits include the race numbers to make any of the the three cars KRRL68 C Type Jaguar 1952 Seneca Cup - Fitch KRRL69C-Type Jaguar Belgian Team car LM 1953 KRRL70 C-Type Jaguar Belgian Team car LM 1954 KRRL71 Ford Sierra Sapphire 1000 Lakes 1990 Airikkala-Wilson 1:24 scale KAR2429 D-Type Jaguar Rheims Winner 1956 Hamilton-Bueb KAR2430 Jaguar Mk2 Saloon Lindner Ring 1962 KAR2431 Jaguar Mk2 Saloon Lindner Brands 1962 KAR2432 Jaguar Mk2 Saloon Coombs St Mary's Trophy Goodwood 1962 KAR2433 Jaguar Mk2 Saloon Equipe Endeavour Hill Silverstone 1961 The Jaguar Mk2s will have full engine detailingLATEST FROM OXFORD
Latest releases from Lyndon Davies' Oxford range of diecast models, in various sub-series;Guards and Regiments GR02 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards Cigarettes and Drinks CIG44 Mitchell's Compass cigarettes DR05 Ford A van Martell Cognac Buses RM 058 Routemaster Stevensons RMO 059 Open top Routemaster Beefeater gin Emergency P001 VW T1 van Police: Kent County Constabulary Other items MO2 Outspan Grapefruit (like the 'orange', but yellow) TR02 'Little red tractor' for the British Farm Standard promotion, available on its own or in a farm set.SOMERVILLE NEWS
Promod, the new owners of Somerville Models, have announced that things are progressing well in the investigation of their purchase, and the first mould testing will take place soon. The Somerville tyres will also re-enter production, for those companies which used them for their kits and handbuilt models.ITALY
MDS FERRARI 166
MDS Racing of Italy are making 1:18 scale limited editions of the Ferrari 166 mm spider Touring, 125 built of the race versions, also available as a a kit with detailed instructions.MAXI15 Ferrari 166MM spider Touring Spa 49 Chinetti MAXI16 Ferrari 166MM spider Touring MM49 Biondetti MAXI17 Ferrari 166MM spider Touring LM 49 Chinetti future 1:18 releases: Alfa Romeo Giulietta spider Ferrari Auto Avio 815 1940 Ferrari 159S 1947 Ferrari 275S 1950NEW ITALERI KITS
Italeri of Bologna are one of the most famous makers of plastic kits. They appear to have taken over the long-established Protar range, with such well-known subjects as the Fiat Mefistofele in 1:12 scale, and lots of ex-Protar 1:9 scale motorcycles now in Italeri's 2003 range. Italeri are also bringing out more 1:24 plastic kits of modern trucks, as well as armoured fighting vehicles in 1:35 and 1:72 scales.CORGI Military 2003
By Ben van Roode
Corgi have launched a new 1:50 scale range of Second World War military vehicles which look very good. The first releases will be three Krauss-Maffei German military half tracks as personnel carriers and anti-aircraft vehicles. Armoured fighting vehicles include Panther tank, Russian T-34 tank, Churchill tank and Sherman tanks Among the soft-skinned military vehicles, the Bedford QLT and QLR trucks look interesting, as does the Dodge weapons carrier.WORLD NEWS
SARATOV LAB NEWS
By Sergey Govorov,
Here is information about new models from Saratov Laboratory of Russia. Our latest 1:43 handbuilt releases are as follows:064 AKP-30,aerial lifting platform based on KAMAZ-53213 long wheelbase chassis, model PM-509 065 AGVT-150,water-gas extinguishing truck based on URAL-432 0 off-road chassis 069 URAL-ZIS 355M ACU-62 fire pumper,1962 070a ZIL-157K ATZ-3 Army fuel tanker ,1961 070b ZIL-157K ATZ-3 fire tanker 1963 071 ZIL-157K Army covered truck,1966 072 ZIL-157K AT-2 fire appliance cranetruck,1962 080 ZIL-4331 dropside truck, with load 1980Some additional facts about 065 AGVT-150, the water-gas extinguishing truck on URAL-4320 off-road chassis. These unusual fire engines cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Only Russians would hit upon the idea of using secondhand turbojet engines to smother oil gusher fires. It works as follows: a powerful directional gas flow of high kinetic energy is created by the turbo-jet engine. Water is injected into the gas flow, using monitors to form a highly effective extinguishing vapour, cutting the oil gusher flame off the oil well. The turbine was mounted on special truck platforms, ZIL-131, URAL-4320,375 or KRAZ-255. In the early 1960s the first experiments were conducted in the Novosibirsk region on turbo-jets used for fire extinguishing. As a result a successful gas-water prototype truck was developed, later produced in series at the Torjok plant or built by fire stations themselves.Our model #065 represents the AGVT-150 based on URAL-4320. More on 072 ZIL-157K the recovery crane fire appliance: In 1962 the Torjok engineering plant developed the AT-2 (157K) TA recovery appliance, a totally new fire truck on the ZIL-157 off-road chassis. A pneumatic chipper, a pneumatic concrete breaker, two each of Druzhba petrol saws and portable backpack acetylene cutters were provided as well as an exhauster. the AT-2 (157K) TA also had 5000 pound jib-crane secured to the body frame. The outrigger boom and hook suspender were operated manually. For more information contact Sergey Govorov, PO Box 3536, 410 031 Saratov, Russia. email: sarlab@mail.ru
SMALLTORQUE NEWS
By Brian Gasson
The latest release from Smalltorque Models from New Zealand is a 1:43 diecast Ford Transit of New Zealand Police, produced by Collectors Model in Hong Kong exclusively for Smalltorque, and represents a negotiators' vehicle from the Armed Offenders Squad (SWAT) based in Hamilton. It is limited to just 300 pieces and comes with a numbered certificate and plastic display case. The livery is tampo-printed and accurately replicates the original. Enquiries should be directed to smalltorque@xtra.co.nz .SIGNATURE 1:18 diecast in China
(notes by Hans-Georg Schmitt)
18105 Reo Touring 1917. The make was founded by Ransom Eli Olds, when he left Oldsmobile in 1904, and manufacture continued to 1936. In 1916 the first Reos appeared also with four cylinder engines and with shorter 115 inch wheelbase. On the model all four doors and the bonnet open, the steering functions and the engine is well detailed. The steering wheel has a lever to advance and retard the ignition. The front doors open correctly, but the rear doors are hinged in the old fashioned way. The seats and inner door linings have a soft touch finish, giving the illusion of real cloth, and the floor is flock-covered with flock, looking like carpet. The top is changeable, and can be fitted open or closed. The Reo Touring is available light blue and black like an American restored car, or in tan and black. Signature Models Ltd has a factory in Shenzhen, China producing diecast and plastic items. In 2002 they started their own model car brand, first sold in the American market, later in Europe. The product range includes vehicles from 1917 to 1963 in 1:18 and 1:32 scales. The headquarters of Signature Models is in Hong Kong.SIGNATURE 1:18 diecast in China: Studebaker Avanti. Shown in 1962 but delayed by production problems until 1963, Studebaker launched their new Avanti with its unique Raymond Loewy styling, aircraft-inspired four seat interior, and ample V-8 power. It had a fibreglass body on a Lark convertible frame shortened to 109 inch wheelbase. Avanti, Italian for forward, was supposed to save Studebaker, but it was too little, too late. The car was picked to pace the 1962 Indy 500, but on the day Studebaker had to replace the unfinished car with a Lark, and lost a huge publicity opportunity. Two versions were offered, the 240 bhp R1 and the supercharged 290 bhp R2. In December 1963 Studebaker ended US car and truck production in South Bend, Indiana, consolidating output of a reduced model range in its small Canadian plant in Hamilton, Ontario. The Signature model shows the stunning Loewy design excellently. The bonnet, doors and boot lid open, the steering and suspension of rigid rear axle work realistically. The engine could be a bit more detailed, but the interior looks better in its red and white finish. The seats are soft finished and the floor is flock-coated. The door hinges are as thick as an arm, however. The Avanti is available as 18101 in red or turquoise.
SIGNATURE 1:18 diecast in China: Cord 812 Supercharged 1937, available also as a Cord 810 from 1936 without the chromed side pipes. Both models feature the coffin nose and crank-up headlights. The car had a Lycoming V8 with tendencies to develop faults, and a fingertip preselector to activate the four speed gearbox. ln 1937 it was fitted with a Schwitzer-Cummins centrifugal supercharger as the Cord 812, distinguished by the chromed exhaust pipes beside the bonnet. The top speed was an impressive 180 km/h. The model car realistically reproduces the highlight of the 1936 New York motor show. The bonnet, doors and boot lid open, the front wheels are turned by the steering wheel and the headlights can be opened and closed. There is a highly detailed replica of the super-charged engine, the rear-hinged doors open correctly, and the dashboard is very well detailed. The seats and inner door linings are in soft touch finish, the floor flock coated. The baseplate shows the front wheel drive with stabiliser, the underside of engine and gearbox, engraved exhaust system and the rigid rear axle fixed on leaf springs and supported by coil springs. The 810 is ref 18108 in white and black, the 812 is 18112 in burgundy and black.
SIGNATURE 1:32 diecast in China: 32306 Chrysler Airflow in silver grey or black. In 1934 Chrysler launched their daring Airflow, but excellence in engineering won't tempt customers, who don't like avant-garde looks. The stylists failed to predict public response to the radical design, especially its curvy nose. The car was given a new front end, but in 1936 of the 59.258 cars sold by Chrysler, only 6.285 were Airflows. This model is 1:32 scale, not very popular in Europe, a still modern-looking streamlined design, made very accurately. The bonnet, front doors and boot lid all open, and the front wheels can be steered by finger tip. The engine is well detailed, as is the interior, though the instruments on the dashboard are missing. The insides of the front doors have door handles and window winders, but the insides of the fixed rear doors are completely flat without any engraving.
PHOENIX TOYS
By Ben van Roode
Never having heard of Phoenix Toys and Novelties, I recently found two versions of a 1:43 Ford Econoline, both seven seaters with a barbecue and cooler in the back. One has a regular roof, the other a raised roof. They are well made with beautiful finishes and sell in the USA for $5.95. They came in boxes printed Unique Replicas with a new bar code sticker placed over the original. I removed it and it read Ford Focus. Recently I found out that they make a Ford Focus in 1:43 scale. The same firm makes four Ford E350 EMS ambulances (Police Dept, Paramedic, FDNY and LA Fire Dept). These ambulances are of the box van type. But Phoenix use the same Econoline model, just painting the front part and fitting a plastic body over the rear to make an ambulance. As far as I know, these are the first models of this kind in this scale.In 1999 Sun Star issued a Lincoln stretch limo in 1:18 and 1:43 scales. This year Phoenix will release a 1:32 miniature of this car, with a removable sun roof and other features.I don't like the way the roof fits, but I love the functioning courtesy lights on the side of the car which make it look like a spacecraft. They work on this model, when you open one of the front doors. I love it. It is not cheap though, at $29.50.
Grinwis MINERVA
By Ben van Roode
The Belgian Minerva company made luxury limousines before the Second World War. After the war they built Land Rovers under licence, but in a slightly different form, with a unique front end design. Mr Grinwis makes a 1:87 model. You can reach him on 0031 18768 2030.KYOSHO 1:12 BMW Z8
By Heather Rose
Kyosho have made a 1:12 scale BMW Z8. Working features include a hood (bonnet) and trunk (boot) that open. It is finished in black and is ref KYOV0010. In the Auto Scale Collection Kyosho also make the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII ERC, Impreza and Cerumo Supra, highly-detailed bodies made of injection-moulded plastic, and mounted on a non-radio control chassis, but will also fit a radio control-ready Mini-Z chassis. Racing wheels and tyres are mounted on the chassis.KYOS0023 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII ERC KYOS0058 Subaru Impreza WRC 2002 KYOS0068 AU Cerumo SupraMATTEL Hot Wheels 1:18 diecast in China for USA:
Notes by Hans-Georg Schmitt
23914 Ferrari 250 LM 1963, launched at the Ferrari factory, then shown at the Paris Motor Show, designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti, with a vertical rear screen. It was planned to make 100 for homologation, but production stopped after only 32 cars were built. It had a V12 3.3 litre 320 hp engine, in the middle of the car, fed by six Weber downdraught double carburettors. The body looks accurate, though the roof extension above the rear screen may be a bit too long compared with photos of real cars. the doors, bonnet and front lid open, and the steering moves. The lnterior and engine could be finished more carefully. The wheels look quite realistic with chromed wires.MATTEL Hot Wheels Racing 1:18 diecast in China for USA: Hot Wheels Racing: 74299 Ferrari F2002 Formula One 2002 Michael Schumacher's Fifth World Championship, without advertising for Marlboro Cigarettes, on a plinth which shows the five World Championships of Michael Schumacher and the decisive victories in 1994, 1995,and 2000 to 2002 together with a figure of him in racing overalls with his clenched fists in the air. The model is limited to 25,000 pieces.
MATTEL Hot Wheels 1:18 diecast in China for USA: 56758 Nissan 350 Z Sports Coupe 2003. Nissan return to the roots of the Z range. This coupe with a big tailgate ihas a 3.5 litre 280 hp V6 engine, behind the front axle giving a well balanced weight ratio. Aluminium suspension with 18 inch wheels and a differential-lock promise much driving fun, ESP and Brembo brakes add necessary safety. Europe will not see the car until the end of 2003. The model car is accurate, the bonnet and doors open, the V6 engine is quite good, but the modern wide plastic covers spoil the view. The doors are not hinged realistically, which lets down such an interesting car, but it is cheap.The interior is black and aluminium silver, the seats in beige leather. The wheel rims are high gloss chrome plated, for American taste, with brake discs andcalipers visible.This silver metallic model is in the Hot Wheels Gold Range.
MATTEL Hot Wheels 1:18 diecast in China for USA: 25727 Ferrari 250 GT Spyder Califomia 1960. It was no coincidence that in the early 1960s film producer Roger Vadim gave his star Brigitte Bardot a 250 GT Spyder Califomia, probably the most desirable street Ferrari. The predatory bold design was developed by Scaglietti, it had comfortable equipment with winding windows and its thoroughbred racing background. The concept probably came from Luigi Chinetti, the US importer. The car had a 2953 cc V12 280 hp engine, good for a maximum speed of 240 km/h. The model's bonnet, doors and boot lid all open, and the steering is movable. The engine could be more detailed, the interior is accurate but the dash-board looks a bit poor. The wire wheels with centre locks, do however, look very realistic.
MATTEL Hot Wheels 1:18 diecast in China for USA: Silver Range: 21353 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona 1969-73. Production began in Spring 1969. with the traditional Ferrari chassis frame of welded oval section steel tubes was used. The V12 4390 cc engine produced 352 hp at 7500 rpm. 1260 were built in five years. The doors, bonnet and boot lid are movable, though the doors are hinged in the old-fashioned way, and the engine could be more detailed in this scale. the steering works, the interior is quite well detailed, in matt black but the dashboard and instruments could be finished a bit more carefully. The centre-lock wheels with aluminium rims look authentic. .
AMERICAN NOTES
By Ben van RoodeI have managed to get from the USA a 1:48 scale 1996 International Coca-Cola drinks delivery truck, made of plastic with working side doors that just reveal empty space. There is no Coke in there. It is a series 4700 truck made by the K-Line electric train manufacturer. It has chrome wheels and fine detail. We all know the Road Champs models of police cruisers. They are now keeping the series up to date with a 2002 Chevrolet Impala and a 2002 Ford Victoria in numerous liveries. But they also make nice 1:43 scale 1950 Divco delivery trucks in at least five versions, Lionelville Farms, Diaper Service, Grade A milk, Ice Cream, Riverview Farms and a plain one as well. Their 1:43 scale 1953 Chevrolet Ice Cream truck is pretty too, the same vehicle made by Yat Ming in 1:18 scale a few years ago, a ubiquitous vehicle in American suburban life.
AGAT GAZELLE MODELS
By Alex YurcenkoAt last Russian collectors, and those from other countries, can see these long-promised models. More than five years has passed since work started on these models. During this time many changes have taken place, both in Russia and at the factory. Now, as well as the basic version, GAZ-3221 13 seater minibus there are variants: Traffic taxi, GIBDD (Traffic Police), Tax police and MCS (Ministry of Emergency Measures). This time all the liveries are exact copies of real vehicles seen in streets of my city, Saratov. Unfortunately, the interiors are the same for all versions, though the floor design allows for different interior layouts. An armoured van version for cash transport was made, to the order of a real bank, Ekonombank. This model is not exact copy of a real vehicle, and the first short run is already sold out, each with 18 logos of banks in Saratov. It is most likely that all the models were presented to chiefs of these banks. Now this model is on general sale, but without the trade mark logos printed on. It is not certain if other basic versions of the Gazelle will be made, though they have been planned from the start: 1.5 tonne truck with standard cab; one tonne truck with six seater double cab; van (three seater cab); van (seven seater) and ambulance. Pictures of some Gazelles are in the colour pages of MAR 172. Please, ask for lists from: Alexander Yurcenko, 410 012, Saratov-12, box 382, RUSSIA or email: al_yr@renet.com.ru.
TWO VITESSE MG TCs
By John QuilterThe Vitesse range, which is now now under the Sun Star Models Development Ltd banner, is producing a limited quantity of truly exceptional 1:43 scale diecast MG TC models, already pictured in colour in a previous issue of Model Auto Review, and proving very popular with collectors.
One model is black with a black hood up and a dark red interior and the other is red with the hood down and a light tan tonneau and seats. 1:43 scale models often fall down on the wire wheels, but these 19 inch wires are truly outstanding. Each model has proper decals for the instruments on the fascia, an interior rear view mirror, and a driver's side outside mirror. Chrome is used on the headlamp shells, the wing mounted side lamps, the door handles and the rear 'D' lamps. The vanes on the grille, and the side louvres are picked out nicely in black.
Vitesse have researched their old MGs properly. as both the black and the red colour are correct, as are the red and tan interiors. These limited edition models are being produced in a total quantity of 2624 for the black car, and 3720 for the red car, which will be quickly sold out. Each of them comes with a very attractive plastic display plinth with clear plastic cover. These two models will give the long-obsolete and now highly sought after Abingdon Classics handbuilt white metal MG models a run for their money.
There are some other very interesting future offerings from the new company, which were not seen before in the Vitesse range. these include a Aston Martin DB7 coupe, an Aston Martin DB7 roadster, and a Delorean, which will be available in both standard road car and Back to the Future movie versions.
NEWS FROM ERTL
By Ben van RoodeThe Fast & The Furious is the name of a movie that is extremely popular with young people, creating a demand for models from the film. Ertl is to make in 1:18 scale the 1970 Dodge Charger, 1995 Honda Civic, 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 1995 Toyota Supra, 1993 Mazda RX 7, 2001 Mitsubishi Evolution VII, 2001 BMW M3, 2001 Honda S2000, 1970 Dodge Challenger and 2003 Dodge Viper. The Eclipse and Supra will also be available as 1:25 and 1:18 pre-painted metal kits. Since the merger of Racing Champions and Ertl there is only one website www.rcertl.com. If you are interested in farm machinery, they have announced almost 40 new tractors and farm implements, including lots of reissues. Ertl is making motorcycles in 1:18 and 1:10 scales, all from model years 2002 and 2003. The stream of 1:18 Muscle Machines seems endless. A few interesting items include 1966 Chevy Biscayne in two-door form, 1972 Chevy Vega, Ford T-Bucket hot rod, 2000 Pontiac GTO, (the Australian Holden coupe), 1965 Chevelle. there is also Animal House Deathmobile (from the movie?) and National Lampoon Family Truckster (also from the movie, this vehicle looks like a heavily modified 1970s Ford wagon, but MAR readers should please correct me if this is not true).
KYOSHO 1:18 diecast in China: Mini Cooper S. Looking much like its older but cheaper brother, the Mini Cooper S has even more of the go-kart feel. An additional scoop in the bonnet, white indicator lenses and double tail pipes of the exhaust system will tell the connoisseur what kind of Mini this is. The Cooper S has the same type of engine as its brothers, a straight four cylinder 1598 cc petrol engine, but with a maximum 163 hp. at 6000 rpm., good for a top speed of 218 km/h. The philosophy of BMW's promotions department is that customers should be able to get their cars in small scale, so the Mini Cooper S is available in all three scales 1:87, 1:43 and 1:18 as scale model cars, as a frig magnet in 1:100 scale, and with electric engine and remote control in 1:12 scale. Top of the shop is the 1:18 version by Kyosho. It has all features of the real car: bonnet, doors, tailgate and sunroof all opened in the right way, steering and rear axle suspension work realistically. The engine looks quite realistic, even the type-plate and warning decals are there. The dashboard with huge speedometer in the middle, rev counter above the steering column, four big air registers, inner door linings with aluminium bars, centre console and realistic seat belts are all there. Sun visors, their accurately shaped roof cut out, only visible when sun roof is open, detailed boot and inner tailgate, wheels with fine aluminium rims, brake discs, calipers and even the baseplate, are all excellently finished. There is a complete exhaust system with heat shields, two rear silencers and chromed tail pipes, and working suspension to the rear axle. The Mini Cooper S can be ordered with right hand steering and even with a Union flag on the roof. The flag set contains 12 more country flags, chequered flag, typical Mini Cooper bonnet stripes and three race numbers. It is available in electric blue or dark silver. (Notes from Hans-Georg Schmitt).
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