May 2001
NEW READERS START HERE
I'm sorry if I'm going over old ground again for those of our little community who have been with us from the start, but I have to clarify something for more recently arrived readers. MAR is not published by a large publishing group. When you phone us, don't envisage a tower block full of open plan offices in which crowds of harassed journos and photographers rush around yelling, 'Hold the Front Page'. Basically there is just me, I edit, typeset, photograph, scan and lay out the pages. Then I transfer this text to the website for our online version.
WONDERS OF SURVIVAL
A senior executive at a large publishing company, where it apparently takes an average of seven folk to do these tasks for each of their magazine titles, once wondered out loud how MAR survived with such a small circulation, and targeted at such a specialist audience. The answer is simple, we keep our overheads low and don't pay ourselves much. In the last 20 years we have often discussed the possibility of news-stand distribution with whole-sale companies, or coming under the 'umbrella' of a larger publishing house. The stumbling block was always editorial independence, and the need to serve our existing readership. The publishers wanted us to change, to suit their requirements. Among these were that we should include other types of model cars (radio control etc) or other kinds of collectables, in order to attract more advertising, and even that we should devote all our pages to obsolete Dinky, Matchbox etc, as that was how our collecting field was seen by distributors and newsagents. As you can probably imagine, talks would go no further, and MAR went on as before. I don't think we would have lasted this long if we had listened to those siren voices.
A LEAN OPERATION
12 years ago, when our publishing interval was less frequent, four of us produced MAR (myself, my wife, a typesetter and a graphic artist) and another four Modelauto staff would be involved in packing and sending out subscribers' copies and stockists' parcels. Nowadays, I do all magazine production, and now get out ten issues per year instead of the six we produced then. John (full time) and Richard (part time) are the only Modelauto staff left, to pack and send out MAR, plus Michael, who takes a little time off from his University studies to stick labels on subscribers' envelopes. So we are a fairly lean operation, thanks mostly to the wonders of modern computer technology, (and to long hours at the keyboard in my case). We are also indebted to the dozens of unpaid contributors around the world who help to fill our pages with articles, features, news and pictures. The effort they put in is enormous, invaluable and as appreciated by me as it is by you, the reader. If you have complaints about poor layout, typos or whatever, the buck stops with me. If you like an article or credited news item, please thank the contributor. It's only your praise that keeps them sending in more material! And also please continue to support our advertisers and stockists. They keep faith with MAR, so give your patronage to their businesses.
If there are things you feel could be added to MAR, please let me know, I'll do my best to include it. Better still if you can make your own contribution, try that as well. Even if you can only manage half a feature, to which we can add the rest, or maybe just some photographs, send them in and share your ideas or knowledge with the other readers of MAR. If you contact me and don't get a reply, or if the reply takes a long time to arrive, don't be too surprised, now that you know just how small an operation keeps MAR on the road. And, dear new reader, let us hope that you become a permanent addition to our readership, like the many who have been with us since our first issue in 1982.
ON THE RATIO AGAIN
Another old topic resurfaces, as one of our new readers asks why we refer to scales as 1:43, rather than 1/43, 1.43 or 43rd, as he has seen elsewhere. It is because we are dealing with scale ratios and a colon is the correct way to separate the two sizes. Think of a cake; 1/43 (or 43rd) of it is a small piece of a full-size confection, one of 43 equal slices, perhaps. 1.43 cakes, of course add up to almost one and a half full-size cakes, as 1.43 is a decimal greater than one. But a 1:43 scale cake would be a small scale model, in which all dimensions are 43 times smaller than full size, such as could be served to the 1:43 scale driver of a 1:43 scale car.
BUS NEWS
EFE SOLD TO FOUNDERS
After a very difficult 18 months of disruption, Gilbow (Holdings) Limited, makers of Exclusive First Editions, has been bought by Frank and Brenda Joyce, the founders of the company. After a period of re-adjustment and a move to new office and warehouse facilities, the business will be re-established on the basis which preceded ownership by the Era Group. It is intended that there will be a smooth and regular pattern of model releases, as was seen a few years ago. The latest 1:76 diecast releases of which we have been informed are as follows:
Wright Renown Volvo Blackburn
Bedford OB Shamrock and Rambler
Plaxton Paramount East Yorkshire
Bristol FLF Southern National
AEC Duple coach Eastern Belle
AEC four axle box van BRS
AEC RF Mk II Greenline
Bristol RELL West Riding
MZZ FOR TRAM FANS
Among many detailed models made in metal in HO, N and Z scales by MZZ of Germany are some items tramway enthusiasts didn't know they were missing. In 1:87 (HO) scale, for instance, there is a Robel rail-bending machine from 1900, and a welding set with generator. Very finely detailed, they will enliven any HO scale tramway layout.
OOC COBHAM METROBUS
Corgi produced a limited edition Original Omnibus Company diecast model for sale at the Cobham Bus Rally on 8 April. 500 were made of a London Transport Metrobus Mark I in London General 'retro' livery, with side panels advertising the Cobham event. The real bus was painted in General livery in 1983 to mark the Golden Jubilee of London Transport, and was present at the Rally. The same model but without the special side panels is now on general release, the limited edition being sold on the day of the event from the OOC Club Roadshow at £20.00 each.
SCOOTERS
RECOLLECTIONS SCOOTERS
By Gerald GilbertHere is an update for MAR readers on our range of scooters and Honda monkey bikes. Since the last time Recollections models featured in Model Auto Review we have produced these models:
Vespa 98, with or without sidecar
Lambretta LD scooter
Honda Z100 monkey: only three left in the world.
Vespa Paperino: not many of these left either.
BSA Sunbeam scooter
Maicoletta scooter: our most recent release.
There are now almost 20 different 1:32 scale detailed models available, all handbuilt in England. Prices range from £43.00 to £51.50, plus p&p, and models are only available direct from: Recollections, 44 Waterloo Road, Wellington, Somerset TA21 8JQ, UK.
TRUCKS
LATEST ELIGOR TRUCKS
Eligor of France give us some notes on their recent 1:43 truck releases. Scania 4 Series 'Buffalo Grill' The latest in the Buffalo Grill series, which includes rigid trucks and Renault AE artics. This new model features wood-imitation skirting to the cab, a new Vector Carrier frig unit, each side of the cab and trailer has different graphics, the cab livery in four colour tampo-print. Scania TEA car transporter TEA is a French car transporting company, part of the Charles André Group. Renault Premium car transporter blue. Iveco Eurotech car transporter red. Freightliner MATS 2001, a limited series of 200 pieces, the official model of the Mid America Trucking Show, the largest truck show in America, held this year from March 22-24, in Louisville, Kentucky.
AUSTRALIAN OIL RUSH
By John ComberLatest releases from Trax are in the Aussie Oil and Petrol series, very limited quantities made, all 1:43 scale:
Holden FX Ute (pickup) Golden Fleece
Holden FX Ute Commonwealth Oil Refineries
Ford XK Falcon van Kangaroo Petroleum
Ford XK Falcon Ute 1960 Neptune Oil Co
CORGI PREMIUM EDITIONS
The next three 'Premium Edition' limited issue models from Corgi are all 1:50 steamers;
Fowler Showman's engine A Deakin
Foden dropside wagon, Newquay Steam Beer
Garrett 4CD tractor and trailer War Department
FIRST GEAR MACK TRUCKS
By Terry G LeonardThe latest 1:34 diecast trucks from First Gear, Inc of Peosta, Iowa, are Mack AC Bulldogs. The distinct look of the real truck is captured, chain drive and sprocket rear end, kerosene tail light and cowl lamps, and Bull Dog Performance Counts badging on the cab sides. The interior and undercarriage are accurately detailed. The truck will be offered with various bodies including full stake, tanker body with screw-type manhole covers and safety vents, chrome faucets (unions) with pipeline detail, and bucket box, delivery body sign board option and metal grab handles, and dump body with underbody screw hoist, opening tailgate, power take-off shaft, and overload springs. The trucks measure more than seven inches (175mm) long, and are shown here in tanker and REA box van forms.
ON THE BORDER
BORDER FINE ARTS of Scotland produce highly detailed resin-cast handpainted sculptures which are mostly marketed through the kind of giftware and china shops which also sell Royal Doulton figurines and collectable cottages. Their range seems to mirror certain Corgi merchandise licences, including Fred Dibnah items, including a model of Fred's famous Aveling steam roller, 'Betsy', with Fred on board and two roadworkers. It is nicely sculpted, and handpainted on a plinth which is 16.5 inches long (over 400mm) which we guess makes it about 1:32 scale, larger than a Corgi diecast model. Also somewhat larger is the price. 'Only' 1750 are made, at a UK retail price of £650.00.
FIRST GEAR FORD TUDOR
By Terry G LeonardAmong the latest diecast models from First Gear, Inc is a 1:25 scale 1949 Ford Tudor Custom Cruiser, with a police or fire chief's package, including roof-mounted siren-light combination, chrome antenna with base, fender mounted warning lights, driver's side spotlight and dash-mounted radio. The interior has hand-painted door panels, steering wheel and seats. Underneath are exhaust system, drive shaft, shock absorbers, engine and transmission detail. This model is almost eight inches (200mm) long.
BOOK REVIEWS
NORTH WESTERN by John Banks, photographs by G H F Atkins. Published by Venture Publications, 128 Pikes Lane, Glossop, Derbyshire SK13 8EH. 64 pages softbound A5 mainly photos and captions. £8.95 ISBN 1 898432 27 9
This book is another in the Prestige Series of which two have already been reviewed in a recent issue of Model Auto Review, and it follows the same format. This time the introduction gives a brief history of the company along with a certain amount of padding. The North Western name, like a number in the bus industry, is somewhat confusing, as its operating territory was neither North nor West. The area it did cover is interesting though, stretching from industrial Lancashire through rural Derbyshire and even into Nottinghamshire. Judging by the pictures in the book it appears that the company was rather partial to using ordinary service buses on routes connecting the two extremities of this domain. Given the distances and terrain involved, this would have been rather an ordeal for the passenger's anatomy. Although I was never very familiar with the company, they always stood out from other BET Group companies. Their red, cream and black livery was always well kept. Their vehicular choice was also different, Bristol, Dennis and even Atkinson being prominent in the post war period. Experiments with lightweight single deckers running on single rear wheels was another unusual feature of the fleet at this time; all this is well covered in the book. The photographs selected are up to the usual Geoff Atkins standard, with in some instances more than just the bus subject to admire. The picture on the title page depicts 1952 industrial Lancashire very well but also has people and other vehicles to give it further life. Of the latter, a circa 1930 Riley tourer and civilianised wartime Guy Ant are particularly appealing to this reviewer.This book is a must for all bus nuts, or for anyone brought up in the 'North Western' area. John Hanson
East European Cars, By Julian Nowill, English text. 160 pages, 230 b/w photographs, hardbound 175 x 250 mm. ISBN 0-7509-2369-5. Published by and available from Sutton Publishing, Phoenix Mill, Thrupp, Stroud, Gloucs, GL5 2BU, UK. Tel: 01453 731114. Fax: 01453 731117 Eastern European cars are generally derided in the West as cheap low-quality rust buckets. Not many people know that this is very far from the truth, and few Westem publications have tried to dig deeper. This book aims to do just that, covering almost all vehicles produced from the end of the Second World War to date, from the most basic canvas three-wheeler from Czechoslovakia to the big V8 limousines from Russia. Many Soviet bloc cars were never exported to the West, so there are many unfamiliar marques, such as ZIL, Chaika, Syrena and Tatra, as well as the better known Skoda, Lada and Trabant. Little coverage has been given to Soviet land speed records, prototypes and so on, but all these aspects of motoring behind the Iron Curtain are included in this fascinating new book. Chapters cover Russia, Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, East Germany, Romania, Yugoslavia and Bulgaria. The photographs will help model car collectors to improve models or to identify rare birds in their collection. Hans-Georg Schmitt
Typenkunde DDR Fahrzeuge - Personen und Lieferwagen (Typology of DDR Vehicles - Passenger cars and delivery vans) By Udo Stunkel, German text. 96 pages, 154 photos, 210 x 300 mm, paperbound. ISBN 3-9806977-9-7. Available in book stores or from Verlag Peter Kurze, Schwachhauser Heer strasse 247a, D-28211 Bremen, Germany. Tel.: 0421/223 88-18 Fax.: 0421/223 88-20 Internet: www.edition-b6.de Most West Europeans only know those vehicles which were common in the former DDR, the smoky and smelly Trabant and Wartburg cars. But, especially in the early years, there was a multitude of vehicles which are still almost unknown. By the early 1960s the multitude of types was restricted, for economic reasons. Also many later improve-ments and developments disappeared through the trapdoor of automobile history. The author gives detailed information about these products. Every series-built vehicle is described, its technical data listed, and it is shown in one or more pictures. The EMW 340, Wartburg 311 and 353, P50, Trabant, and IFA F8, F9, and Barkas, all once dominated the streets of the DDR and many other East Bloc States, but today have almost fallen into oblivion. Before this happens, the author has preserved the information for future generations. Hans-Georg Schmitt
Guterkraftverkehr in der DDR (Road haulage in the DDR) By Wolfgang Kohl, German text. 294 pages, 302 colour, 474 b/w photos, many drawings and copies of documents. 230 x 300 mm; hardbound, ISBN 3-928943-99-5 Published by and available from Wissenschaft und Technik Verlag; Dresdner Strasse 26; D-10999 Berlin, Germany. Tel: 030/6166020, Fax: 030/61660220. This book was first announced some years ago and repeatedly postponed, but it is worth the long wait. The first chapter is devoted to the growth of road haulage after the Second World War, in the Soviet occupied zone, through the 40 years of Socialism in the former DDR, up to the change in 1989 and 1990, up to 1993. Socialised business, state-owned enterprises and some private companies are described, companies with works transport and the infrastructure of this time, roads, motorway restaurants and filling stations. That is all backed up by photographs of all kind of transport and street scenes, unique in its comprehensive coverage. Finally, all commercial vehicles from the period are pictured and described, which were built or imported into the former DDR. The photography alone is of outstanding importance for anyone interested in transport of the era. Hans-Georg Schmitt
Plaste, Blech and Planwirtschaft (Plastic, Tin and Planned Economy) The History of automobile manufacture in the DDR, by Professor Peter Kirchberg, German text. 800 pages, 522 b/w, 108 colour photos, 165 x 240 mm. Hardbound with dust jacket. ISBN 3-87584-027-5. Published by and available from Nicolai-Verlag; Neuenburger Strasse 17; D-10969 Berlin, Germany. Tel: 030/25 37 38 12, Fax: 030/25 37 38 40 The 100th anniversary of the Automobile lndustry Association in January 2001 was the reason for the publication of this remarkable automobile book. Professor Peter Kirchberg's book Plaste, Blech und Planwirtschaft is now not only a standard work on the history of motoring in post-war Germany, but also on the development of technology and industry under the conditions of a planned economy. He analyses the plans and perspectives of the automobile industry from the first post war period up to the first decade after the disappearance of the DDR. The author found the material for his comprehensive study from much formerly unpublished material in private archives and in many discussionss with technicians and engineers. This is the first comprehensive monograph on the technical history of a part of the industry in the DDR. It is an important document and also will be a very a special book for all who are interested in automotive technology. Hans-Georg Schmitt
TRUCKS AGAIN
TITANIC SCHUCO TRUCK
By Hans-Georg SchmittSoon after the end of the First World war, Friedrich Krupp AG. founded KRAWA Kraftwagen-Fabrik (motor vehicle factory) in Essen, their first trucks all had chain drive. In the years between the wars KRAWA produced around 5000 commercial vehicles per year. Then, by order of the government the whole economic life of Germany mostly changed to a war footing. Every maker was compelled to make only one type of vehicle, and the Schell-plan moved to Alsace, the part of France occupied by the by German army. When the American Forces approached, production once again moved, now to Kulmbach, in Bavaria. The war finally ended there for Krupp AG. Under the name of Südwerke production re-started in October 1949 with pre-war-models, but modern trucks with more carrying capacity and more power were needed, so development of the Titan began. In mid-1950 KRAWAG was released by Treuhand-Verwaltung Bayern, the company was renamed Krupp AG, and it moved back to Essen. To give the new heavy duty Titan sufficient power, the engineers joined together two three cylinder SW-3 engines to make an SW6. so a six-cylinder two stroke 8724 cc Diesel engine came into being, developing 190 hp at first, then from 1951 it had 210 hp. The Titan was the most powerful truck in Germany at the time, shown first in October 1950 at the Paris Show, when the less-powerful Bliffel and Mustang were also presented. Today, from the thousand Titan trucks which left the Krupp factory, only a handful survive. It would be interesting to know where the 50-plus Titan SWL80 trucks which were supplied to the British Rhine Army ended up. After their successful model of the Mercedes-Benz L6600 truck, the Schuco company wanted to make a Krupp Titan, so they have started with this version with the short cab, dropside body and tilt. The cab is nicely done, including the air-intake slots in the bonnet, which is topped by an outstandingly realistic photo-etched three ring emblem. The Trilex wheel rims are superb and the chassis is very well detailed.
BREKINA KRUPP
BREKINA 1:87 plastic from Germany: n84100 Krupp LF960 with tilt, powered by Cummins Diesel. In the field of heavy trucks, KRAWA, the truck department of Friedrich Krupp, worked hard to achieve a good reputation. Krupp was also known for its two stroke diesel engines, which interested few buyers. For the future a new four stroke engine was needed. To develop a new engine range would take considerable time and money, not justified by low production volume. So the international market was investigated, the US company Cummins was chosen, and after only two years and with little testing, in Spring 1963 the 960 was revealed, successor to the 901, now fitted with a Cummins V6 Diesel, and the whole range gradually changed over to these engines. The first Cummins V6 developed 200 hp in 1965 and a Cummins V8 was also available develop-ing 250 hp, at the time the most powerful German truck. At the end of June 1968 KRAWA ceased truck-making, so this model will be interesting for collectors of historic trucks.
AWM HO NEW RELEASES
New 1:87 plastic models from AWM of Germany for this year include VW Sharan mpv (civilian and taxi), Peugeot 206 (five door and three door), VW Passat saloon (civilian, Police, taxi), VW Passat estate (civilian, Police, fire, taxi), Volvo FM Globetrotter tractor units, MAN TGA (XL and XXL) tractor unit, and lots of new liveries in the extensive AWM truck range. .
GERMANY
ADP 1:87 MODELS
ADP come from the ex-DDR part of Eastern Germany, and many of their HO scale plastic models are of ex-Eastbloc vehicles. New releases include:
(* = imported special limited editions) Ford V3000 fire appliance
Ford V3000 fire van
Ford V3000 van
EMW saloon
Adler 2.5 litre Autobahn
saloon, roof open
Adler 2.5 litre Autobahn coupe,
with spats
BMW 326 saloon 1936-41
Opel Kapitän saloon 1949
Steyr 55 saloon
EMW 340 taxi
Moskvitch 403 saloon
Kübelwagen P3 1962
Mercedes LG2500 3-axle bus *
Ford G917T army ambulance *
Steyr 1500 AM fieldcar 41-42*
Opel Blitz light fire appliance *
Opel Blitz tilt fire 1937 *
Garant K30 fire appliance *
S4000B TL fire appliance *
SCHUCO FOR 2001
By Hans-Georg SchmittHere is the list of Schuco releases, quarter by quarter for 2001. All models are diecast in China for Germany, and the series in which each model is included is noted.
First Quarter January to March 2001
01962 Schuco Racer Go Kart, green
02276 DKW 3=6, polished in wooden box Premium Line 1:43
02446 Mini Cooper, polished in wooden box Premium Line 1:43
04581 Opel Speedster, black Miniature Models 1:43
05161 Mercedes-Benz floodlight truck Piccolo 1:90
05181 BMW 1500 saloon Piccolo 1:90
05191 BMW 507 sports Piccolo 1:90
Second Quarter April to June 2001
00037 Mercedes-Benz 170V Ambulance German Red Cross Edition 1:18
00055 Mercedes Benz 170V saloon, dark red-black Edition 1:18
01026 Grand Prix Racer 1070 kit, Ferrari-like, red Classic approx.1:18
01063 Commando car, two tone purple-black Classic approx 1:25
01392 Mercedes-Benz 300SL, silver plated with key ring Piccolo 1:90
01732 Motorcycle, German Bundeswehr courier, limited edition Classic
01883 Trabant + caravan '10 years of German re-union' Piccolo 1:90
01902 Willys Jeep with trailer USArmy Piccolo 1:90
01973 Schuco Racer Volkswagen van Fulda Tyres Classic approx 1:40
02056 Tempo Three wheel pickup black Miniature Models 1:43
02065 Tempo three wheel van beige-dark red Miniature Models 1:43
02077 Goggomobil saloon, blue Miniature Models 1:43
02122 Tempo three wheel pickup beige Miniature Models 1:43
02154 BMW Dixis aloon beige Miniature Models 1:43
02295 BMW Dixi cabriolet blue Miniature Models 1:43
02314 Opel GT Coupe 1965, yellow Miniature Models 1:43
02522 Opel Manta A coupe red Miniature Models 1:43
03032 Krupp Titan tanker Esso Miniature Models 1:43
04096 Opel Tigra Coupe blue metallic Miniature Models 1:43
04591 Rover 75 saloon, light green metallic Miniature Models 1:43
04592 Rover 75 saloon, red metallic Miniature Models 1:43
04593 Rover 75 saloon, blue metallic Miniature Models 1:43
04621 Volkswagen Passat Variant estate facelift, blue Min. Models 1:43
04631 Vdkswagen Passat Saloon facelift, green Miniature Models 1:43
05171 Volvo PV544 Piccolo 1:90
05201 Piccolo Gift Set German Bundeswehr approx 1:90
05331 Volkswagen New Beetle black Piccolo 1:90
05550 Ford Thunderbird 1956 Street Rod American Dream Cars 1:24
05551 Ford Thunderbird 1956 American Dream Cars 1:24
05552 Ford 1935 Chicago Fire Department American Dream Cars 1:24
05553 Ford 1935 Kentucky Police American Dream Cars 1:24
05554 Ford Coupe 1934 Rod Hardtop American Dream Cars 1:24
05555 Ford roadster soft top 1934 American Dream Cars 1:24
05556 Chevrolet breakdown truck 1953 American Dream Cars 1:24
06000 Mercedes-Benz SSKL Studio V approx 1:25
06500 BMW R25/3, black Classic Motorcycles 1:10
06501 BMW R25/3, white Classic Motorcycles 1:10
06502 NSU Max,black Classic Motorcycles 1:10
06503 BMW K1200LT, red Classic Motorcycles 1:10
06504 BMW K1200LT, gold Classic Motorcycles 1:10
06506 BMW K1200LT, grey Classic Motorcycles 1:10
06506 NSU Max, white Classic Motorcycles 1:10
06507 BMW R60/2, black Classic Motorcycles 1:10
06509 BMW R25/3 with sidecar, black Classic Motorcycles 1:10
06510 BMW R25/3 with sidecar, white Classic Motorcycles 1:10
06511 NSU Max with sidecar, black Classic Motorcycles 1:10
06512 NSU Max with sidecar, white Classic Motorcycles 1:10
06513 BMW R60/2 with sidecar, black Classic Motorcycles 1:10
Third Quarter July to September 2001
00071 Volkswagen (old) Beetle saloon Edition 1:18
01232 Piccolo Figure of fireman with Magirus ladder truck Piccolo 1:90
01714 Piccolo Set of the Year 2001
01860 Examico Spyder Schuco Classic
02571 Volkswagen T1 van Miniature Models 1:43
02591 Volkswagen T1 pickup with tilt Miniature Models 1:43
02601 Porsche 356A Cabriolet Miniature Models 1:43
03004 Mercedes-Benz L6600 tanker BP Miniature Models 1:43
03013 Mercedes-Benz L6600 Army medical truck (ambulance) 1:43
03035 Krupp Titan tilt truck DTC Miniature Models 1:43
03121 Trailer with tilt for MB L6600 DTC Miniature Models 1:43
05291 NSU Max motorcycle Piccolo 1:43
05301 DKW 125 RT motorcycle Piccolo 1:43
05311 Victoria Bergmeister motorcycle Piccolo 1:43
05321 BMW R 75 motorcycle Piccolo 1:43
Fourth Quarter October to December 2001
00072 Volkswagen Beetle cabriolet Edition 1:18
01772 Schuco Racer kit Police car
02611 Porsche Diesel Junior K Tractor Miniature Models 1:43
02621 Fendt Diesel-horse F20G Tractor Miniature Models 1:43
03015 Mercedes-Benz L6600 truck with trailer Miniature Models 1:43
03033 Krupp Titan green-red truck with trailer Miniature Models 1:43
03041 Büssing 8000 truck Miniature Models 1:43
03051 Opel Blitz S 3 ton truck Miniature Models 1:43
03061 Opel Blitz S 3 ton truck with tilt Miniature Models 1:43
04641 Mercedes-Benz Unimog 2000 Miniature Models 1:43
NEW FORDS IN MINIATURE
By Hans-Georg SchmittFord's car sales have collapsed, especially on the German automobile market. Outdated models like the old Mondeo or nasty designs like the last Scorpio ensured that customers stayed away. The 'new edge design' of the Focus is also not liked by all potential buyers. In the upper medium class the new Ford Mondeo should restore lost fortunes. A less radical new edge design with well-balanced shape, generous space, excellent comfort and equipment, an ingenious IPS protection system with head and shoulder airbags as standard, plus security brake assistance, new engines and outstanding suspension will all help. The new Mondeo is once more available in three versions, five door hatchback, four door notchback saloon and the Turnier, the estate car. The four door saloon is already available as a 1:43 scale model by Minichamps, and the other versions will follow soon. The excellently finished model gives a realistic impression of all the features outlined above. It is metallic silver, and the matt black interior looks like leather upholstery. Wheels and baseplate are very well detailed, lights and other parts are separate inserts. Initially the four door Mondeo is available only from Ford dealers, reference 2022197. Later the Turnier will be ref 2022196 and the five-door-hatchback 2022198. The outstanding new Ford Transit models in 1:43 scale have already featured in MAR, now the range is enlarged with three new versions with the same high quality and finish. Transit 2000 high roof long wheel base van: ref 2022105, red with cab interior in grey. Transit 2000 medium roof short wheelbase minibus: 2022107 metallic grey, grey interior Transit 2000 short wheel base pickup: ref 2022109, single cab white with grey interior, the body silver. All three models have an excellent finish, and for models of commercial vehicles they are outstandingly detailed. Suspension, drive shaft and exhaust-system are very well-modelled, as are the undersides of engine and gearbox. The Minichamps design engineers have set new standards. In America pickups are the most popular vehicles and slowly, but surely, this trend is coming over the ocean to Europe. So the Ford Motor Company has started to offer here the Ranger, which is classed in the USA in the compact segment, with a long list of body and engine versions. The basic engine is a four-cylinder petrol engine, but the V6 version sells better. A rugged chassis and high ground clearance make the Ranger a leader in its class. Powerful four wheel drive and matching engines support these demands. The Ranger is now available in the Ford model car collection in 1:18 scale, as a pickup with double cab, with opening bonnet, cab doors and tail board and operating steering. The engine replica is a real work of art, and the same goes for the cab interior, even all four seat belts are included. The body has separate lights, grille, mirrors and many more details. There are a plastic covered flatbed and protection bars behind the cab. The baseplate is another work of art, the wheels look superb and even the towing-eye is not forgotten, but the design of the door hinges is old fashioned, especially obvious in this big scale.
RIETZE HO FOR 2001
Every year Rietze produce a new catalogue packed with pictures of new items they propose to release. Unlike some other companies, they usually manage to produce most of them in the 12 months. The list is so long this year that it seems impossible that they will make it all, but we'll see. Rietze bus news is listed elsewhere in MAR.
All models are 1:87 plastic from Germany:
Ford Transit 2000: hitop swb van, hitop swb minibus, flat roof swb van, flat roof swb minibus, pickup, double cab pickup, Deutsche Post van, paramedic, fire minibus, Polizei minibus, THW minibus, ambulance, security van, Hertz van.
Ford Galaxy facelift/VW Sharan: metallic civilian (f), taxi (VW), German Border Police (F), Austrian Red Cross (VW), Basel ambulance (VW)
Ford Mondeo 2001: civil saloon, civil estate, ABX estate, Hong Kong Police estate, fire estate NL.
Ford Escort: estate SNBC
Ford Focus: saloon Police Belgium, estate Fire
Opel Astra Estate: Deutsche Post, THW, Polizei
Ford Transit 1999: German Navy minibus, Rivella van, Police, Greece, Copenhagen fire ambulance, Turkish ambulance, military fire service minibus NL, Military Police Belgium
Audi 80/Audi A4: Avant fire service doctor, Avant THW, Avant Doctor (Roth or Fürth), Avant works fire service.
Audi A6/Audi 100: Avant taxi, Avant SAMU Luxembourg, Avant doctor, Avant Red Cross, saloon RCMP, Avant Doctor (Gütersloh, Bautzen or Bottrop), Avant Polizei Bavaria
VW Caddy: Austrian Post van, Politie van NL
Ford Scorpio: Copenhagen fire ambulance saloon
Ford Fiesta: Police Belgium
Mitsubishi Pajero: Red Cross
Audi A3: Doctor, Johanniter
Iveco Eurotech: Bochum fire, Gambrinus, THW
BREKINA FIRST FOR 2001
By Hans-Georg SchmittBrekina have already released the first of their 2001 1:87 plastic models from Germany:
v20602 Opel Commodore A saloon in three metallic colours: silver, brown or golden yellow
v23511 Mercedes-Benz 280E/8 saloon in two colours: black or pale yellow with chrome bumpers and grille, very realistic wheel rims.
v27017 Wartburg 311 saloon IFA racing service
v71507 IFA S4000-1 truck Saxony Brewery
v71601 IFA S4000-1 van with loudspeaker IFA racing service
v71602 IFA S4000-1 van VEB Handelstransport Rostock
v74503 Büssing 8000 tilt drawbar with 'swallow nest' cab, Lanz Bulldog factory transport.
n84100 Krupp LF960 truck with tilt, available in two colours: blue-fire red or light grey-ruby red.
Brekina European models:
v25208 VW Beetle green, Luxembourg post
v31004 Volkswagen T1a van Het Parool
v32516 Volkswagen T1b van red, Poste Belge
v33249 VW T2 ambulance Ambulanza Croce Rossa Italiana
v33506 Volkswagen T2 van red, Poste Belge
Brekina International: models
v25209 Volkswagen Beetle Fire Patrol (Japan)
Brekina Fire Models:
v27018 Wartburg 311 saloon, Fire, new blue light on the left front wing.
1505 IFA S4000 1 Fire truck, new livery.
Vehicles of the Bundesgrenzschutz (German Border Police) for the BGS 50th anniversary. (Among their recent tasks has been
confiscating Frenchmen's jambon baguettes at the frontier, to avert foot and mouth disease).
v26004 Volkswagen 1500 saloon BGS
v31798 VW T1b microbus BGS Platoon leader
v33090 VW T2 microbus BGS Platoon leader
v46004 Magirus truck with tilt BGS
v52363 Mercedes-Benz 0321 H bus BGS
Brekina Trabant models
n 27500 Trabant P50 saloon in three colours
Brekina Motor Sport Edition
v 25003 Volkswagen Beetle Rallye
v 25004 Volkswagen Beetle Gulf Racing
v 24002 BMW 2002 saloon GS Tuning
v 24003 BMW 1602 Alpina
Brekina Trucks
v 74504 Bussing 8000 with swallow-nest cab Fri-Homa (margarine)
v 77130 Krupp Tiger drawbar Kieler Sprotten fish
n 84101 Krupp Cummins LF 960 drawbar RWFK
Brekina Fire Appliances
v 40302 Mercedes Benz LF 311 turnable ladder DL-25 with porch pump.
v 46121 Magirus rectangular bonnet box van GW Oil protection
v 48581 Mercedes-Benz LPS 338 artic tanker Fire-
v 56001 Setra S6 MTW (fire crew transporter)
Brekina Foreign Models
v 20003 Opel Rekord sedan USA, sold there by Buick dealers.
v 20027 Opel Rekord CarAvan USA, sold there by Buick dealers.
v 25308 Volkswagen (old) Beetle Politie Belgium (already sold out)
v 27019 Wartburg 311 saloon 'President', as assembled in Belgium under this name.
v 32602 Volkswagen van with high roof American Hot Dog (USA)
v 73304 Henschel HS 140 truck and trailer Willems Venlo, Netherlands
v 81006 Mercedes-Benz LPS 1620 drawbar SBS Netherlands.
Also announced at the Nuremberg Toy Fair 2001:
v 21010 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Coupe (May)
n 28000 Auto-Union 1000 S Coupe in three colour choices (approx May release)
n 39000 Mercedes-Benz Unimog 411 in two colour choices (May)
n 71700 IFA S 4000-1 Hose fire appliance (Sept)
Brekina new releases available until sold out:
25308 Volkswagen Politie
33249 Volkswagen ambulance Ambulanza
40202 Mercedes-Benz LF 311 TLF 15 fire-engine
46121 Magirus rectangular bonnet fire GW Oil
48581 Mercedes-Benz LPS 338 artic fire tanker
56001 Setra S6 Fire crew transporter
Brekina Special Models
Special set for the German Post Collection: 25th anniversary Volkswagen Golf diesel.
Two Golf Mk 1 saloons in yellow and grey.
Volkswagen T1b pickup, sky-blue, Vespa special model for Classic Mobil, Munich, January.
Made for Müller & Hocheneder GmbH.; PO 46; D-82212 Maisach, Germany. The model can be ordered via the internet at www.classicmobil.de
Mercedes-Benz O 317 K service bus, beige, with promotional printing Will-Bräu" Special model for Faszination Model Making, Sinsheim
2001.
BMW 1602 saloon, ivory, Maltheser Hilfsdienst, made for Peter Neubauer, Gonheimer Weg 18a;
D-67105 Schifferstadt, Germany.
IFA S 4000-1 tilt truck DAFEX
IFA Z6 tractor, firgreen, Kraftverkehr Zwickau
IFA S 4000-1 box van Werdau-Kundendienst.
All three IFAs were made for Jens Zenker, Model Car Club Zwickau; Kosmonautenstrasse 30; D-08066 Zwickau, Germany.
MARKS METAL MODELS
Marks make detailed white metal models in Germany, in various scales. New for 2001:
HO Scale 1:87
Horse drawn plough
Fendt Dieselross tractor with side cutter 1930 (right)
Lanz steam traction engine 1907-18 (above)
Two axle water tank trailer
Mercedes Simplex racing car 1902
N Scale 1:160
Horch 8-750 cabriolet 1934-35
Büssing lorry 1903
Mercedes Simplex 1904
Büssing Commodore truck 1960
Krupp Titan truck 1950
Mercedes 911 car transporter 1960
Mercedes race transporter 1955
VW double cab fire pickup
VW single cab pickup
Fiat 500
Z Scale 1:220
Ford A pickup 1930
Ford A wrecker 1930
MAN F8 truck 1959
BREKINA TRABI
BREKINA 1:87 plastic from Germany: n27500 Trabant P50 saloon in three colours: bright blue, ruby red or sealing wax red. In the early fifties, the DDR Government saw that a new small car was needed to motorise the masses. Due to a shortage of pressing steel, the vehicle was designed with a metal chassis and framework, covered with moulded plastic body components. These 'Duroplast' components were made of cotton scrap, impregnated with phenolic resin. This little four seater car was powered by a two-cylinder two stroke engine, controlled by oscillating cylindrical valves. The name P50 stood for 'Plaste' and 500 cc engine volume. On 7 November 1957, pre-production started. In 1958 the car was produced in series, the Trabant name being decided by a competition. (In 1957 the Soviets launched their first satellite). They were produced in the former Horch and Audi plants. Sliding windows, little protection against engine noise and a poor heater gave reasons for critcism, but even so the citizens of the DDR had to wait for years to own a Trabant P50. The model car reproduces the unusual design very well. (Review Hans-Georg Schmitt).
MINICHAMPS REVIEWS
By Hans-Georg SchmittMinichamps 1:43 diecast in China for Germany: 430043005 Opel Kadett A saloon 1962 to 1965. In the early 1960s Opel wanted to challenge the successful Volkswagen Beetle, so a famous prewar name, Kadett, was revived. For the 100th anniversary of Opel in 1962, the production of a completely new small car started in a new plant on the site of a former coalmine near Bochum in the Ruhr. The Kadett could not kill off the Beetle, but its sales were more than respectable. Saloon car, coupe and caravan (estate) made up the model range. The model is of the saloon, which was only available in two door form, and reproduces its design excellently, with chrome bumpers, grille and hub caps. It is royal blue with a chamonix white roof, blue and white interior and white wall tyres. The baseplate could be more detailed. The model in this colour is limited to 1440 pieces.
Minichamps 1:43 diecast in China for Germany: 430 046102 Opel Rekord C two door saloon 1966, a turbulent year. The first students were demonstrating against the Vietnam war, at Gundremmingen the first nuclear plant started to produce electric power, and the economic situation in West Germany showed the first weakness after the long boom. In December, a coalition government was formed in Bonn, capital of the Federal Republic of Germany and in the Soccer World Cup Germany was beaten 4-2 by England in the final. The miniskirt was seen everywhere, as was new Opel Rekord C, which since August had been made in huge numbers at the Rüsselsheim plant. Its pleasant modern design quickly made it a best seller. By the time it ceased production in December 1971, 1,253,161 had been sold in Germany and important export markets. The model is in a new colour, lago blue, with red interior, the 'L' version's luxury equip-ment, mouldings and other features are very well executed, and the base is highly detailed. This colour is limited to 2400 pieces.
MINICHAMPS 1:43 diecast in China for Germany: 430 055300 Volkswagen 1600 saloon 1966. Since 1938 only Beetles had been built in KdF-Wagen City, which after 1945 was re-named Wolfsburg. Beetles, Beetles, nothing but Beetles. With the burgeoning 'economic miracle' calls for bigger automobiles became louder, and the engineers at Wolfsburg woke up. After a long development, in 1961 the bigger Volkswagen was presented to the public. It was designed using Beetle benchmarks, the same engine and suspension system, and same wheelbase, to utilise the same test devices in garages. The Volkswagen 1500 was launched as saloon, cabriolet and Variant (estate), but before production began, the cabriolet was cancelled. The necessary reinforcements to the body, required by the German TOV, would be too expensive and would make the car too heavy. Only a handful survived. After three years, the 1500S was launched, with more chromework and above all more power, now with a double carburettor, capable of 54 hp. This engine did not last at high speeds, so few of them managed more than 100,000 km. 1965 saw the 1600, the larger engine with more torque bringing the longed-for remedy. This is the vehicle modelled by Minichamps, the body excellently shaped, as are interior, wheels and baseplate with separate exhaust system. The only minus point is the rather thick paint, which fills the accurately engraved shut-lines. The savannah beige Volkswagen 1600 notchback saloon is limited to 3504 pieces.
MINICHAMPS 1:43 diecast in China for Germany: 430 019100 Audi 100 saloon 1969-1975. The first big saloon car from Audi after the war and after its acquisition by the Volkswagen group was a success from the start. Its presentation to the motoring press was in late November 1968. The 1.8 litre petrol engine was derived from the Audi 90, and was available with 80, 90 or 100 hp. In September 1971 a new GL version was launched, now with the same engine as the more powerful coupe. The 1971 GL is the version modelled here. The body shape is very well translated into the small scale, even the Iberian red colour is original, as is the beige interior,. Wheels and baseplate are also accurate, the bumpers and hub caps are perfectly chromed, other mouldings painted silver. This is the first accurate model of this important stage in Audi model history since the now-obsolete Märklin Rak model in the same scale, made in the 1970s.
Minichamps 1:43 diecast in China for Germany: 430 082104 Ford Escort Cosworth RS 1995. In 1995 the hottest Ford Escort appeared with a two litre 220 hp turbo engine, permanent four wheel drive and two huge spoilers on the boot lid. The model is Spanish red, with dark grey interior. The body, interior, wheels and baseplate are all accurate, and this model is available in limited edition of 2016 pieces.
MINICHAMPS 1:43 diecast in China for Germany: 430 069102 Porsche 911 Turbo 1990 Another new colour on this wolf in sheep's clothing, turquoise metallic, with medium grey interior., a limited edition of 2016 pieces, and 430068001 Porsche 911 GT3 road car. The road version of this race car in speed yel!ow with black interior. ln spite of the description as a road car, it is fitted with a huge roll-cage. As opposed to the model first made for Porsche promo use, there are some minor differences, for example now the indicator lights are now white glass, the former version was yellow. This colour-version of the interesting Porsche model car is made in limited edition of 2496 pieces.
KEHI HO and TT SCALE
Kehi of Eisenach have interesting releases planned for 2001. First in HO scale (1:87):
Multicar M25 tipping mini truck
W50 LF16 East German fire appliance
W50 DL30 East German TL fire appliance
KW10 crane East German fire appliance
T174-1 wheeled excavator
BTR-52 3 axle armoured car
Field kitchen
VW 30 (first Beetle)
VW Rometsch four door Beetle
VW Type 18A Police vehicle
VW Type 68 KdF van
VW Red Cross Ambulance
VW pickup with artic trailer
TT Scale (1:120) models include:
H6 bus with trailer
Horsedrawn brewery drays, 3 in set
Motorcyclists, 3 old BMWs in set
JAMES BOND'S BMWs
By Hans-Georg SchmittIn his last three film adventures British secret agent James Bond has driven a BMW. In Golden Eye (1995), he had a quite civilised Z3 roadster, then in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) his 750iL saloon was equipped with many high-tech goodies, even remote control. James owed his life to these technical features, but the car ended up, sadly, completely demolished. In The World is Not Enough (1999), he got a new Z8 roadster, in reality a pre-production car, which also came to a very spectacular end, sawn in half. BMW public relations managers placed the cars in these films so that the BMW brand gets lots of exposure. A set of James Bond's company cars is available from BMW dealers, reference 80410024441, made by Herpa in 1:87 scale in original colours, in a presentation box. In front of each model is printed the logo of the related movie. The dark grey card box carries photos of the original cars in action.
PREISER FOR 2001
As always, Preiser have many new model figures to release for this year in various scales. Some are pictured above and right, and all are listed below.
There are a few 1:87 scale kits, unpainted:
Mercedes 0309D minibus German Army
Mercedes L508 lorry German Army
SdKfz II halftrack artillery tracto
r 105mm light howitzer (with or without limber)
PAK 40 antitank gun
1:87 fully finished models:
Deutz farm tractor with spray equipment
Farm tool carrier with enclosed cab
Farm tool carrier with spray equipment
Magirus-Deutz DL30 TL fire appliance
Magirus-Deutz Mercur LF16 fire appliance
Reaper towed by ox
Modern Bavarian Police motorcyclists x 3
Modern Military Police motorcyclists x 3
Military motorcyclists x 3
... And the usual fascinating selection of figures and accessories, such as supermarket trolleys (1:87), wheelchairs and attendants
(1:87), steeplejacks (1:32), hay harvesters (1:43), firemen (1:160),
Speedway PR girls (1:24) and Bavarian fisticuffs (1:22.5).
BUSCH 1:87 FOR 2001
As usual, Busch have a large programme of new releases in their 1:87 plastic model vehicle range for this year:
Messerschmitt Kr200 Just Married
Fiat 500F Rally
NSU 1000 TT Rally
Borgward Isabella coupe metallic
Borgward Isabella cabriolet
Smart City coupe 'Märklin'
Smart City coupe with bikes
Mercedes C-Class Avantgarde
Mercedes C-Class T Estate
Cadillac hearse 1966
Chevrolet Blazer 1995 red or black
Chevrolet big wheel pickup 'Mountain Monster'
Chevrolet Blazer big wheel 'Viper'
VW Beetle Swiss Post grey
Fiat Ducato Deutsche Post
Opel Rekord C taxi black
VW Passat estate taxi beige
Chrysler Voyager taxi beige
Mercedes C-Class taxi beige
Ford Crown Victoria US taxi white
Smart City coupe Hamburg Police
Citroen H van French Police
Chrysler Voyager Politie Netherlands
Mercedes M-Class UK Police
Smart City coupe Police Belgium
Ford Crown Victoria Police Key West
Chevrolet Caprice Police Area 51 with Alien
Chevrolet Caprice UN
Chevrolet Blazer with horse trailer NYPD
US State Police: four more states added.
European military vehicles: VW Passat estate (Germany), Mercedes Sprinter minibus (Germany), Citroen Jumper minibus (Belgium), Iveco Daily minibus (Germany), Ford Transit ambulance (Germany), Mercedes 507 (Germany).
Fire vehicles:
Smart City coupe Hamburg
Chrysler Voyager Herne
Citroen H van France
Chrysler Voyager Austria
Chrysler Voyager Venlo, NL
Chevrolet pickup USFD black
Chevrolet pickup USFD red
Ford Crown Victoria Houston FD
Chevrolet Blazer USFD
Ambulances and emergency
Ford Transit Red Cross
Ford new Transit Turkey
Mercedes M-Class Leverkusen
Mercedes M-Class Stuttgart
Mercedes M-Class Austria
Fiat Ducato Italy
Ford E350 SKF works ambulance
Ford AA St John's Ambulance
VW Passat estate ADAC
Iveco Daily minibus ADAC
Fiat Ducato minibus THW
Buses and other commercial vehicles
Renault R312 Paris (8th version)
Renault R312 Radio Contact
Tempo three wheeler Dachdeckerei
Peugeot 403 pickup Gemüse
Chevrolet pickup tank Esso
Chevrolet pickup tank Texaco
1:87 Dioramas
This series continues to expand, with Hallowe'en, Christmas and Alien subjects the latest releases.
1:160 models (N scale)
New subjects include Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class, Mercedes M-Class.
REVELL NEW MINI
REVELL 1:12 diecast in China for Germany: 08450-08451-08452-08453 BMW Mini Cooper. The new Mini was first shown as a design study at Frankfurt Motor Show in 1997, and in Summer 2001 the first cars will be delivered to customers. Some design elements pay tribute to its classic predecessor, but apart from the car's outer appearance, the rest is all-new. The new car has top modern features, like climate control, ABS and electronic stability program ESP. It is 3.5 metres long, and its 90 hp engine is available with five speed manual or stepless automatic gearboxes. The Cooper version develops 115 hp. Revell's exceptional plastic kit has openable doors and bonnet. will be available in red or British racing green, with left or right hand drive., for release in September 2001. (Notes Hans-Georg Schmitt).
FRANCE
NOREV HO SCALE
Back in the 1960s, Norev were as well-known for their 1:87 scale plastic models as they were for their 1:43 and 1:50 scale vehicles. Now Norev have re-introduced 14 HO scale models, some of them apparently re-mastered versions of the early models, and others entirely new. The Norev models were always welcome, as there were few French cars modelled in 1:87 scale at the time, and though some are now available in the usual German ranges, the new Norev series will be welcomed all over again. Initially it seems the models are coming in an assorted pack to dealers, so once popular subjects are sold, it might be difficult to get them again if the whole range doesn't sell out, a perennial problem with assortments. The 1:87 subjects:
Renault 4L blue 1966
Renault 4L van white 1966
Renault Kangoo blue 1999
Renault R16 bordeaux 1973
Renault R8 grey 1965
Renault Dauphine orange 1964
Renault Caravelle green 1969
Renault 4CV blue 1966
Saviem Paris bus, green-white 1957
Citroen 2CV grey 1955
Panhard PL17 blue 1960
Citroen H van brown 1959
Simca 1000 white 1970
Simca Aronde blue 1960
OLD PLASTIC
The latest edition of Argus de la Miniature, no 208, is devoted to old toys and models made in France, in plastic. Such makes as Jouef, Dubray, Sibur, etc and all kinds of subjects including farm tractors, trucks and racing cars are included as are promotional toys, and celluloid items. Cost in France is 67F, Europe 70F from SAFAM, BP40, F78231, Le Pecq, Cedex, France.
NEW 1:43 AXEL'R KITS
Here are the latest 1:43 resin kits of competition cars from France in the Axel'R range, made and distributed by the long-established Mini Racing company:
007 Lotus 59 F3 Brands Hatch 1969 #56 Fittipaldi
008 Lotus 59 F3 Silverstone 1969 #16 Mo Nunn
011 Porsche 907C Wicky Le Mans 1970 #61
012 Mirage-Ford Gr8 JCB Le Mans 1976 #10 or 11
013 Mirage-Renault Gr 8 Gitanes Le Mans 77 #10 or 11
BRITAIN
CTCS BROOKLIN DE SOTO
Every year the Canadian Toy Collectors' Society commissions a limited edition Brooklin model. For 2001, 275 models will be made of a 1949 De Soto station wagon with roofrack, luggage and taxi decals. This, the 23rd CTCS Brooklin, will be wheat colour with brown interior and whitewall tyres. Models will be sold on a first come, first served basis, 90 from the UK, the rest from Canada. Prices vary according to destination, due to cost of shipping etc, but from Canada they range from CAN$161 to CAN$182 (US$115) and from the UK they range from £66.00 to £74.00. The relevant addresses are:
CTCS Brooklin Model, 91 Rylander Blvd, Unit 7, Suite 245, Scarborough, ONT, Canada M1B 5M5
CTCS Brooklin Model, c/o Roger Perrie, 62 Morris Street, Swindon, Wiltshire SN2 2HU, UK.BROOKLIN 57 ELDORADO
Brooklin's latest 1:43 handbuilt model is of the 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, which had many advanced features and extreme styling, a low-slung pillarless saloon with quadruple headlamps, stainless steel roof and air suspension. It cost $13,000-plus, more than double the price of a regular Cadillac, so sales were fairly modest. Brooklin have made the car before, but the new release is extensively revised, metallic blue with a silver roof.
BEAULIEU LIVING HISTORY
From 18 June to 7 September the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, Hants, there will be an exhibition of 'Living History'. It includes the 'Early Days of Motoring', the 'Anti-Dangerous Motorist League' of the early 1900s and a 1930s country garage. All this in amongst the usual NMM exhibits, and the other historical displays at Palace House where you can see 'Upstairs Downstairs' domestic life. At the same time, the Motoring Through Childhood exhibition noted in MAR 150 will be on show from April to October. For more details, telephone 01590 612345.
PATHFINDER VAUXHALLS
Jeff and Sue Sharrock update us on the colours of Pathfinder Models 34, the Vauxhall Viva HB 1968. This 1:43 handbuilt model will be available in Pageant Red or Pampas Green, during May 2001. The last-ever two Pathfinder releases, numbers 35 and 36 are still to be released. The subjects for these models are still to be decided, and suggestions are invited by mid-May at the latest. Presumably suggestions should be from the same era and car type as the rest of the Pathfinder range. They should be postwar British cars, preferably makes not already tackled by Pathfinder. In the right hand column is a list of what Jeff and Sue have previously made, both to stop you suggesting something already on the list, and to prompt more ideas from your imagination. By the way, in case anyone is not aware of the fact, these models were all made in limited series, only the latest model is ever currently available, and older models are hard to obtain. We are told that certain of them now command high prices if you find them at some specialist model dealers. There were also some limited edition Pathfinder specials made for various clients, such as the Morris 6, Standard Pennant and Ford Anglia Estate, plus a short-lived Continental Classics series (Facel Vega, Borgward Isabella and Renault Dauphine). Here are a few ideas to start you off on your own list of Pathfinder 35 and 36 suggestions: Jaguar Mk IV, Armstrong-Siddeley Lancaster, Lagonda two litre, Lea Francis six light Mk V saloon, Singer Hunter, Princess R four litre, Bond Equipe (first version), Gilbern, or even a TVR Grantura. In fact these suggestions might be useful to other manufacturers as well, if Pathfinder decide against them all.
PATHFINDER MODELS LISTING
01 Jensen 541R
02 Rover 90
03 Bristol 401
04 Jowett Javelin 1949
05 Reliant Scimitar GTE SE-5A
06 Vauxhall Cresta PA
07 Wolseley 6/80 1953
08 Ford Consul Capri
09 Daimler SP250 Dart
10 Jensen CV8
11 Standard 10 1957
12 Armstrong Siddeley Star Sapphire
13 Morris Oxford Farina 1966
14 Riley 1.5 saloon
15 Sunbeam Rapier 1962
16 Austin Hereford
17 Hillman Super Minx 1963
18 Jowett Jupiter
19 Austin Devon 1950
20 Morris Oxford Series II 1954
21 Humber Hawk Mk IV saloon
22 Morris Minor MM convertible
23 Vauxhall Victor FB 1962
24 Daimler Conquest Century 1957
25 Morris 8 Series E 1948
26 Vauxhall Wyvern 1953
27 Triumph 2000 Mk I 1963
28 Lanchester LD10 saloon 1951
29 Austin A40 Mk II
30 Wolseley 4/44
31 Ford Zodiac Mk III saloon
32 Austin A50 Cambridge 1956
33 Sunbeam Rapier fastback 1969
34 Vauxhall Viva HB 1968
35 TBA: suggestions invited
36 TBA: suggestions invited
ITALY
2001 FERRARI F1 BY BBR
BBR tell us that they were first range to produce a model of the Ferrari F2001, the press presentation version, as a 1:43 scale kit only, in white metal including photoetched and brass pieces. The F2001 which won the 2001 Australian Grand Prix will be available by early May.
WORLD NEWS
EUROPEAN MODELS NEWS
By J M DeroyAt European Models Production we are only a small concern, but we have big future plans for our 1:43 scale releases:
Peugeot 403 saloon, as shown at the Motor Shows in October 1957 (presented at Retromobile 2001),
Renault Dauphine Chapron 'decapotable' and open 1957 with highly detailed interior
Mercedes G320 and G500 1999, civilian version so far not made in model form
Motorcycle: BMW R1100 2000, civil, French Police Nationale, French Gendarmerie and belgian Gendarmerie, with figurines
Peugeot 201 750kg light truck with tilt 1931, and coal merchant's truck.
Future releases include:
Peugeot 403 saloon 1958
Simca Vedette Marly 1957
Vetra brewery lorry 1948
Renault 12 estate car, van, second series saloon.
We also intend to continue the development of our series of 1:43 scale period figurines suitable for the population of dioramas.
CHECKMATE AUDI
ChECKMATE 1:18 diecast in China: Audi A6, as assembled in China in a 90mm stretched version, is made in model form by Check-mate, as shown and described already in MAR. The same company also makes the Golden Dragon, the first completely Chinese built car, also previously shown in Model Auto Review. These models are now distributed exclusively world-wide by Collector's Club, Hongkong International Trade & Exhibition Centre, Room 718, 1 Trade Mart Drive, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong. Fax: (852) 2620 0368; Website: www.collectorsclub.com.hk; email: collectors@ collectorsclub.com.hk. (Hans-Georg Schmitt).
TRIDENT FROM AUSTRIA
Most of the 1:87 scale models made by Trident of Austria are plastic, some limited editions. But first four 1:87 metal models planned for future release:
Kfz 1 IPkw field car
Kfz 2/40 IPkw field car
Kfz 2 IPkw field car, roof up
Kfz 17 MPkw radio van
The rest are all plastic HO scale models:
Sdkfz 171 Panther MB tank
Sdkfz 179 Panther recovery
Sturm-Panther FSV
Pz Bebeg Panther reconnaissance tank
Ford F350 military pickup
AAVP-7A1 LVTP amphibious, Italy
Merkava 3 Israel MB tank
Mercedes-Benz Actros military container artic
M1078 LMTV military truck
AAVC-7A1 LVTC amphibious command apc
AAVR-7A1 LVT~R amphibious wrecker
Mercedes TLF 2400 military fire truck
Mercedes LG315 military truck
Mercedes LG315 THW truck
US State Police Series
Arizona Highway Patrol pickup
Maryland State Police wrecker
Maryland State Polaice SUV
California Highway Patrol crew cab pickup
Massachussetts State Police sno-cat
Massachussetts State Police minibus
North Dakota Highway Patrol SUV
Virginia State Police Evidence van
Oregon State Police pickup
Emergency Vehicles
'Harley Street' ambulance (US minibus style)
Paramedic ambulance UK
New York Bus Service pickup
FDNY High Rise fire van
Stockholm fire minibus
State Park Police pickup
FDNY stakeside truck
White Settlement Police station wagon
FDNY fire wrecker
Schiphol Airport sno-cat
NYPD Radio van
FDNY paramedic pickup
Park Ranger station wagon
Fire Department sno cat
NSU half track motorcycle fire service
GEOFFREY'S JOURNAL
By Geoff SearI can now give Model Auto Review readers my new permanent address in South Africa. It is: 7 Dryden Place, Umbilo, Durban 4001, telephone 031 205 0100. My latest 1:43 scale model is the Jabbeke Triumph TR2. To the best of my knowledge, I don't think anyone else has made a model of this car, at least not recently. The price is £25.00 plus airmail postage. The TR2 achieved 124.889 mph on the Jabbeke Highway in Belgium, and this model would have been the first in the Sear Models range to be produced in England, if my plans had not gone awry, and we returned to South Africa. Life goes on, however, and the Jabbeke TR2 is now being made in Durban. The next model will be the Swallow Doretti, a subject eagerly awaited by sports car fans. I have done all the 1:43 scale drawings and started on the master. To follow the Swallow Doretti I want to make the Elva Courier, another much sought-after sports car subject. Another car I wanted to make was the Turner sports car, but I'm told that BTS Mouldings are to produce it, so I won't bother with that one. More news in future MAR issues.
TOMICA AND MATCHBOX
By Chris PryorI have seen some pictures of a couple of new Tomica Subaru models. These are new for 2001 and are available now. There are not many Subaru models about, especially at affordable prices. The pictures are from my friend Steve, at www.hobbyjapan2000.com He has an interesting site that, amongst other things, includes a comprehensive Tomica encyclopaedia. I believe that Tomica Dandy Models are to re-start production. The Tomica website probably has more details, but my machine cannot interpret Japanese and only prints words out as ?????? What the MAR report on the 2001 Matchbox 1-75 range missed out is that many of the 35 new models are fictitious. Not in that 'Hot Rod' Hot Wheels style, but in that 'make it bright and the kids will like it' style that we last saw in the 1970s. The range that the UK will get is a little better than the US range. The best of the range look to be the Viper GTSR concept car, Land Rover Discovery, Hummer H2 (the new smaller civilian version), Jeep Liberty (new Cherokee) and the Chrysler Panel Cruiser.
MILTARY INTELLIGENCE
MORE ROCO MINITANKS
For the first time we list the 1:87 (HO scale) plastic Minitanks new releases from Roco of Austria, without a list of 'civilian' releases. Now the range is only military. New for 2001:
Unimog U1400 front loader
Unimog S404 with tilt
Kärcher field kitchen
Lance Rocket launcher set
Bergepanzer 3 Büffel ARV
Dachs armoured engineer vehicle
Roland LVB camouflaged
Unimog TLF1000 military fire vehicle
VW T3 crew cab pickup German military fire
Wiesel 1 TOW and Wiesel 1/2 gun, set
PH2000 SP howitzer on railwagon
Border Guard set: Munga, Unimog, VW T4 bus
Mercedes L5000 with 37mm AA gun
Opel Blitz Maultier half track
Elefant tank destroyer
Raupenschlepper Ost. tracked truck
Jagdpanzer 4 tank destroyer
Panzer 4 tank, weathered
Su85 Russian SP gun, German livery
Jeep US Air Police
Artic loaded with UN Hummer and trailer
KW-2 Heavy Battle Tank 1940
KW-1 Heavy Battle Tank 1940
Motorcycle set: eight bikes, and four combinations (see picture above right).
Unimog 2450L with shelter container
Unimog 2450L 6x6 recovery, Australian Army
CORGI UNSUNG HINTS
In every pack of the Vietnam-era Unsung Heroes series of models Corgi enclose a nicely-produced booklet with personal reminiscences of the real vehicle or aircraft written by Vietnam veterans. They are inviting further memories from vets, which gives us a hint of future releases in this series. Anyone who operated the following pieces of equipment is invited to contribute:
M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier
Bell AH-1 Cobra Attack helicopter
McDonnell F-4 Phantom
So these seem to be slated for future release, to follow the M151 Mutt, M48 Patton, M35 2.5 ton truck and Bell UH-1 Huey helicopter. Here's a suggestion for even less-sung heroes from the post-Second World War era: how about British forces in Malaya, Aden, Cyprus, or the French in Indo-China? If they wouldn't sell in Corgi's current US target market, how about Korea, the truly forgotten war? ROCO 1:87 plastic from Austria: motorcycle combination.
PELTA KITS FROM POLAND
Pelta is a Polish distributor of many ex-Eastbloc ranges of plastic kits, resin kits, vac-formed kits and card kits. As one may imagine, many subjects are Russian and other military vehicles, but here is just a taste of some of the items they can offer, mostly military:
Aeroplast 1:35 kits: Volkswagen Beetle Police car, rally car, etc.
Mirage 1:35 kits: Vickers E (A or 8) tanks, Vickers F (8 or 4/5) tanks, Vickers T26 tank.
RPM 1:35 kits: Ford Model TFc armoured car, Lorraine 37L tractor, Kdf (VW 82E) field car.
VM 1:35 kits: Valentine IV tank, Bishop SP gun.
AER Moldova 1:35 kits: GAZ-67 field car.
Maquette 1:35 kits: Valentine XI Mk III tank
. SK Model 1:35 kits: Renault R35 tank, Hotchkiss H35 tank, Gnome-Rhone motorcycle combin-ation, Somua S-35 tank, Willys Jeep with
trailer.
MW 1:72 kits: Volkswagen Type 60 Beetle, Type 87, Type 230/3, Type 825 pickup.
AGA 1:72 kits: Studebaker 6x6.
RPM 1:72 kits: Ford Model TFc armoured car.
Fort 1:72 kits: Gaz-67 field car.
S-Model 1:35 vac-form and resin kits: Polski Fiat 508 III ambulance (and many other versions), Dodge T214-WC53, Staghound armoured
cars, Fiat-SPA armoured car, RAM Mk III tank Canadian Armed Forces.
Modelkrak 1:72 resin kits: Vickers-Ursus tanks, Steyr R50.
ICM 1:72 plastic kits: Soviet airbase (fuel tanker, other vehicles etc for diorama).
MARS 1:72 resin kits: AEC Deacon, Krupp L3H63, Polski Fiat 621L ambulance.
MILITARIA BY ACADEMY
Academy of Korea produce plastic kits of many military subjects, and among this year's releases is their first 1:72 vehicle set:
Jeep, Kubelwagen, Kettenkrad, loads etc 1:72
M-10A1 Achilles sp gun (M4A2 chassis) 1:35
M-10 Gun motor carriage (M4A2 chassis) 1:35
M12 155mm gun motor carriage 1:35
M36 Jackson tank 1:35
M728 CEV Vietnam, with dozer blade 1:35
Leopard 2A5 tank KFOR, remote control 1:25
KIBRI NEW FOR 2001
The Kibri range of 1:87 plastic kits from Germany has the usual extensive list of new releases planned for this year (month of release in brackets: 5 = May).
CAT Lexion 480 combine harvester (6)
MB-Trac road leveller Mayer (3)
Demag Road finisher Mayer (3)
Mercedes Actros 3 axle tipper Mayer (3)
Bomag road roller Mayer (3)
Unimog set 50th anniversary (4)
Unimog swb street sweeper (4)
Unimog excavator (5)
Unimog lwb street sweeper (4)
Unimog gulley emptier (5)
Unimog crop sprayer (4)
Mercedes low load artic with transformer (7)
MAN DB heavy transport unit + transformer (4)
(see picture below right)
MAN skip lorry (5)
Mercedes Actros Meiller skip container (5)
MAN low loader carrying Menck excavator (5)
Mercedes Actros 3 axle concrete mixer (4)
Mercedes Actros tipper with trailer (4)
Mercedes Actros dumper (4)
Mercedes Actros artic long dumper (4)
Komatsu set: dozer, loader, dumptruck (4)
Liebherr 63EC tower crane (3)
Mercedes 4 axle Schwing concrete pumper (3)
Atlas 1604 wheel loader (3)
JCB 4 CX loader 4x4 (3)
Magirus Deutz 230 concrete mixer (3)
Kaelble off road dumper (6)
Liebherr LTM 1025 telescopic crane (6)
Fuchs wheeled excavator - high cab (6)
MAN-Scheuerle telescopic artic low loader (6)
Mercedes Actros abnormal load set (5)
Mercedes Actros heavy haulage set (5)
Mercedes Actros heavy tractor (5)
Mercedes Actros tractor with flat trailer (5)
Fendt Favorit tractor with Kemper trailer (6)
Claas Jaguar maize harvester (11)
Claas Lexion half track harvester with trailer (6)
Claas haymaking set (7)
Lanz Ackerbulldog D8506 tractor (12)
Trailer set: three flat trailers (7)
Skip set: four skips (7)
Kalmar container crane (8)
Atlas 1604 tracked backhoe excavator (8)
Liebherr 934 tracked scrap excavator (8)
Kalmar contcamp container lifter (8)
Gottwalad AK850 tower crane and road train (8)
Liebherr LTM1800 telescopic crane roadtrain (12)
Magirus low load artic + Liebherr excavator (8)
Magirus-Deutz 230 D16 tipper (8)
Magirus-Deutz Jupiter 3 axle fire appliance (8)
ROBEDDIE POSSIBILITIES
Both of the recent Robeddie releases, 1:43 models handbuilt by Brooklin, are reworks of existing subjects, the Volvo PV445 Duett and Volvo Amazon with open Webasto sunroof. John Roberts comments that 'Long term plans for the range look great, such cars as the 164 are being considered. The other car that has not been very well modelled is the 740 series. I suppose it is seen as a bit too recent, but it is a car that collectors want.'
NEW EAGLE COLLECTIBLES
By Heather RoseHere are the Eagle Collectibles diecast releases for the first half of 2001
April 1:18 scale
UNHV3217 1972 Porsche 911 Olive Green
UNHV3818 1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe-Olive Green
UNHV4408 Land Rover Pickup Light Brown
UNHV4412 Land Rover Dorset Fire Brigade
April 1:43 scale
UNHV1022 VW Beetle Coupe Yellow
UNHV1023 VW Beetle Coupe Cream
UNHV1415 Dodge Charger Street-Yellow-Black
UNHV1416 Dodge Charger #42 National 500
UNHV1520 Land Rover tilt British Racing Green
UNHV1521 Land Rover Soft Top Grey-Blue
UNHV1724 Renault 5 Turbo 1 Silver
UNHV1725 Renault 5 Turbo 2 Burgundy
UNHV1758 Renault 5 Maxi #11 Diac
UNHV2107 Renault Scenic RX4 Metallic Green
UNHV3702 2001 Plymouth Prowler Black tie edn
UNHV3703 2001 Plymouth Prowler Met orange
UNHV3704 2001 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe yellow-blk
UNHV3706 2001 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe Grey-Silver
UNHV3754 1972 Saab Sonett III-Orange
May 1:18 scale
UNHV4414 Land Rover West Sussex Fire Brigade
May 1:43 scale
UNHV1417 Dodge Charger #31 World 600
UNHV1727 Renault 5 Turbo #35 Radiola
UNHV1908 1941 Willys Coupe Wright Racing
UNHV3699 Porsche 911 #3 Gitane
UNHV3705 2001 Dodge Viper RT10 Dark Sapphire
June 1:43 scale
UNHV1909 1941 Willys Coupe Campbell Racing
UNHV3700 Porsche 911 #9 Esso
UNHV3710 Porsche 911 Kenwood
UNHV3755 1974 Saab Sonett III Burgundy
July 1:43 scale
UNHV1910 41 Willys Coupe Castelli's hot rod
UNHV2450 Renault Super 5GT White
UNHV2462 Renault Super 5GT #17
August 1:43 scale
UNHV2453 Renault Super 5GT Red
UNHV2460 Renault Super 5GT #9 Ivory
UNHV2500 Renault Clio 16S Red
UNHV2505 Renault Clio Williams
UNHV2550 1:43 Renault Clio I 3 Dark Yellow
September 1:43 scale
UNHV1783 Renault Clio Maxi #30
UNHV2454 Renault Super 5GT Metallic Blue
UNHV2461 Renault Super 5GT #19
October 1:43 scale
UNHV2501 Renault Clio I 16S White
UNHV2510 Renault Clio 16S #10 Diac
UNHV2551 Renault Clio I 3 Black
CLUB NEWS
Coventry Diecast Model Club: The CDMC's annual chop competition is named in honour of the late Roland Parry. Some of the winners are pictured and listed here. Other recent clubnight events have been devoted to European cars and Dinky military vehicles. The club meets at 7:30 pm on the first Wednesday of every month at Midland Air Museum, Baginton, Coventry. More information from Chris Sweetman on 01509 853561.
ROLAND PARRY CHOP COMPETITION 2000 RESULTS
DIORAMA 1. Gordon Daniels RailwayYard
2 Mick Russell Banger Racing
3 Chris Sweetman Tommy Spot goes to the USA
CHOP 1 Mick Russell Greek Fire Engine
2. Roy Morris APC
KIT 1 Mel Barnett Military Ambulance
2 John Print Yellow Fire Engine
3 Kez & Chris Hawkes American Cars
CONVERSION 1.John Print AFS Pipe Carrier
2 Ray Turley Coventry Bus
3 Mick Russell Herbie Beetle
REPAINT 1 Alan Boughton Vanguard Car and Airport Coach
2 Glyn Greene Silver Porsche
3 Mick Russell Corgi Mobile Shop
SCRATCH 1 Kez Hawkes Low Loader
2 Kez and Chris Hawkes Green Fire Engine
3 Mel Barnett Signal Box
BESTBUS Ray Turley Coventry Bus (Conversion)
BEST FIRE ENGINE (joint) John Print Yellow Fire Engine (Kit)
Kez & Chris Hawkes Green Fire Engine (Scratch)
UNUSUAL MODEL Mick Russell Smart Ts (Conversion)
Maidenhead Static Model Club: The MSMC's annual chop and kit building night was held in February, with many entries. The chop competition is a tradition in clubs, any model may be entered that is not exactly as it left the factory. Usually a model or toy is rebuilt, re-painted and decorated, using parts from other models to make a model that has not yet been made by a toy factory. The kit section is judged on a standard kit built in the material the manufacturer chose. In the chop section, Colin Penn's Chipperfields Circus Foden and two animal cages came second to Paul Rowley's Foden RMC concrete mixer, and in the kit section John Bennett's metal Hubley kit, below, took the honours. Club members look forward to relaxing at the next Windsor International Toy Fair on 2nd June 2001. For more details including availability of tables, visit the MSMC website (which includes a map showing the Montem Sports Centre, Slough) at http://welcome.to/msmc, or ring Gary on 023 8078 4484. The Eddie Stobart Fan Club: The Club for Eddie Enthusiasts has been mentioned previously in MAR. Benefits to members include a quarterly magazine, badges, stickers, and a catalogue of memorabilia to buy. It includes the familiar Corgi models, prints, teddy bears, clothing, and some interesting items we have not previously noted in MAR, including a charming 200mm long Atkinson three axle lorry by Wade Ceramics (£39.99), and a small scale resin-cast diorama of a Volvo artic with its side curtain pulled along, being loaded with cartons, using a forklift truck, at £149.99. UK membership costs £10.00, EU members £12.00, elsewhere £15.00. Contact The Eddie Stobart Fan Club, Brunthill Road, Kingstown Industrial Estate, Carlisle, Cumbria CA3 0EH.
Sydney Model Auto Club: The SMAC is trying to give the South African clubs competition in the Club Grub stakes. Meets noted in club journal Think Small included Christmas dinner at La Luna restaurant, and a train trip in an old wooden dining car ('lots of eating, drinking, and chatter'). But it's not all food, the Club has introduced a 'points' system for winners of clubnight competitions (1st, 2nd, 3rd, get 3, 2, 1 points each), to be totalled over the year, Grand Prix fashion, for an overall championship with three top prize winners. This may encourage more folk to go in for competitions. For membership details phone President Martin Uden on 4385 2673.
South Hants Model Auto Club: A new departure for the SHMAC is a nice little 16 page A5 magazine, filled with interesting features (Bruce McLaren, Ferrari at Le Mans, black racing cars, Bristol lorries and more) and crisply printed including colour photos. If you want to join the SHMAC with their new era of magazines and meetings, contact Editors Sue and Stu Leake, 01264 735228.
Ferrari Model Club: In a year of change, the FMC has had a change in its corporate identity forced upon it by Ferrari SpA, and FMC Fuehrer Dominique Lahuec is changing his address (we don't think there is any connection). More on this in a future MAR issue.
THE STAGE WAGGON
By Rod WardA new reader recently explained to me that his aim is to reproduce the history of road transport in 1:43 scale, encompassing motor vehicles of all types including motorcycles and horse-drawn transport. He wanted to know where he could obtain 1:43 scale models of motorbikes (not too difficult) and horse vehicles (much harder). Thinking about the problem of finding horse vehicles, I began to look again at the whole history of road transport. If we consider the British Isles for the last five hundred years, modern motor vehicles only take up the last twenty per cent of the period, around a century. So, if you were to allot five metres of shelf space to the history of road transport, only the last metre or so would include motor vehicles. Steam road vehicles would take up a few centimetres before that, but all the rest would depend upon horsepower, oxenpower or manpower. So what did these horsedrawn vehicles consist of? Elegant carriages, mail coaches, stagecoaches? Well, they did play a part in the last two or three metres (sorry, centuries), but most of the history belongs to the stage waggon, of which I have neve seen a model. In a recent issue of MAR I touched on the history of road building in Britain, but I'll just briefly cover it again. In ancient times there was no wheeled transport, everything being carried on the back of a man or a pack animal. This meant that trackways were only wide enough for one creature, and could easily divert to skirt unexpected floods, rock falls and the like. Surfaces were rarely hardened, though rocks might be used to reinforce particularly boggy areas which could not be avoided. It is well-known that the Romans built stone-reinforced straight roadways over which their armies could travel quickly when needed, but these roads were still primarily for marching, rather than wheeled transport. This military imperative still informed road design for many centuries, in many famous city layouts broad avenues being intended for the swift access of armies to put down revolting citizenry, rather than any aesthetic objective, or the convenience of local people. In country areas roads were largely unmetalled, as it was no-one's responsibility to maintain them, and they were a muddy morass for most of the year. This meant that wheeled transport, which was used in towns, could not venture into the countryside. Economic requirements, such as removal of coal, stone or timber for industrial purposes, made it necessary to harden trackways for wheeled vehicles. It was not felt necessary to metal the whole width, however, and only two parallel tracks ('trams') were paved, in line with the wheels, and these local routes were known as 'tramways'. When rail transport was introduced, it followed the same traditional track width, establishing the 4-foot 8.5 inch gauge as a standard. Most main routes, however, were totally unmetalled, and were incredibly muddy, impassable by modern standards. Liquid mud could be a metre deep, so any vehicle with narrow wheels would sink in and be immovable. The stage waggon gradually developed to travel on these slimy routes. They were enormous vehicles, with bow-topped canvas tilts and very wide wheels which would ride over the mud, rather than sink in. They were drawn by teams of horses or oxen, very, very slowly. Freight versions could convey colossal loads of wool, coal, timber etc and these waggons'' wheels were even wider, up to two metres wide (like a road roller) and tapered inwards towards the hub. From the mid 1500s to the mid 1800s the stage waggon was the standard mode of wheeled transport in Britain. It was very slow, and the interior furnishing was only a layer of straw, but it was all there was. It was quicker to travel from London to the provinces by coastal sailing ship than by stage waggon. Indeed, the waggons linked inland cities with the estuaries where a packet boat could be boarded. The state of the roads was a national disgrace, so the Turnpike Acts arrived to finance properly maintained hard roadways by gating sections and charging for their use. This led to protests and riots from those who didn't want to pay, but by the mid 1700s the Turnpikes were in use, and for almost 100 years there was a growth in high-speed horse-drawn road transport. This was the short era of the Mail coach and the stage coach, highly competitive private enterprise ventures which enabled the well-heeled to get to their destinations more quickly by Turnpike. The old stage waggons were not superseded, however, as poorer travellers and freight could not use the flimsy new highflyers. In fact the stage waggons outlasted the stage coaches, which were defeated by the steam railway boom of the 1800s. If you were in a hurry, the steam train was the obvious choice, and most rail routes followed the same 'desire lines' as the horsedrawn coaches. But if you couldn't afford the newfangled railway, or if you had something bulky to transport, the stage waggon still had a role to fill for many years. The basic design was ideal for use on new frontiers, the Outspan rigs of South Africa and the Conestoga wagons of North America being obvious descendants or parallels. The Conestoga Valley in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania was where the massive American covered wagons originated in the mid-1700s. They had the characteristic white canvas stretched over roof bows, and were always brightly painted, red and blue. The floor was not flat, but curved upwards and tapered in towards the ends, with the aim of holding the load in place on steep hills, up or down. Unlike in Britain, the winters were cold enough to require replacement of the wheels with sled runners, and the vehicles apparently performed well as sledges! It seems likely that these vehicles shared a common heritage and development with the British stage waggons, but the German and Nordic antecedents of Pennsylvania folk will also have had some influence on their shape and style. It really was a long, but now almost forgotten, era when these stage waggons were the standard form of road transport in most of the civilised and developing world. So the stage waggon would fill three metres or more of our five metre display, but where are the models? The illustrations in the print version of MAR give some idea of the immense size of these ubiquitous vehicles, which would dwarf any 1:43 motor vehicles, but which would have to be present in any fully comprehensive history of road transport in miniature.
Copyright 2001 Modelauto Ltd and Solnet Systems Ltd
e-mail mar@zeteo.com
