November 2000
MORE PRICING
Further to the comment in MAR 146 on supposedly 'Eurozone' models (actually Chinese-made), and why they are more expensive now that the Euro has dropped so much against the dollar, I have to field another query, related to the same topic. We all know how much the Euro has fallen in value against the US Dollar in the last couple of years, but a reader in continental Europe commented to me that models always rise in price by a greater amount than the currency falls in value. We should always be commercially suspicious, of course, but this is really a 'normal' mathematical principle. At the time this comment was made, the Euro had fallen by around 25% against the dollar in two years, but the Chinese-made models he noted had risen 30% in retail price. Assuming that there had been no rise in the 'factory gate' Dollar price of the models in two years (a large assumption), let us also take an arbitrary example. If a model costs $10 in China, at a rate of one Euro per Dollar, it would have cost 10 Euros. If two years later the Euro has fallen by 25%, 10 Euros no longer buy 10 Dollars, they only buy 7.5 Dollars, but the model still costs $10 in China. It now needs 13.33 Euros to buy it, an increase in the Eurozone of 33%, not 25%. If a currency drops in value by 20%, goods cost 25% more to import. If it drops in value by 25%, goods then cost 33% more to import, and so on. One would expect the factory gate price of the model to have risen in China in two years, so the price is likely to be more than 33% higher, maybe 40%. Thus, an increase of 'only' 30% in two years might be considered to be quite reasonable in the circumstances! As the parent company is based in a Eurozone country, a steep increase in list prices is the result. I suspect that some ranges have slowed release programmes, in the hope that the Euro will rise again soon, and in the meantime they have absorbed some of the price increase. By the time the trade toy fairs come around in early 2001, all the Eurozone companies who manufacture in the Dollar zone will have to rethink their pricing structures.
A SMALLER GAUGE
George McLean points out that in MAR 146 I inaccurately described Gauge 0 as 2.5 inches, when it's really half that, 1.25 inches. I should have checked my copy of Greenly before going to print. The rail width I gave was originally Gauge 3, now usually known as G scale, popular for 1:22.5 scale garden railways. I should have known it would be someone of Highlands and Islands descent who would point out my ignorance. George's ancestors came from the island of Tiree, some of mine from the nearby isle of Mull.
CLUB NEWS
The Lledo Enthusiast & Variations Club: Bill Alexander updates us on the LEVC. Back in the early 1980s, when Lledo (London) Ltd started producing diecast models, Ray Bush formed the first Lledo Collectors Club and published Lledo Calling, which aimed to list every Days Gone model, and every variation. Ray Bush handed it over to RDP, where it became a different type of club, so Andrew Dudley tried to take up the challenge. Last year Andrew moved on and Bill Alexander, a collector and Lledo enthusiast, picked up where he left off, monitoring the transform-ation from Lledo plc to Corgi ownership. The Enthusiast his magazine, is a small black and white DTP operation, promising no 'free' models, just the facts, on new issues from Lledo Collectibles as well as the old products of Lledo plc. Detailed listings and clear line drawings in elevation and section delineate all variations in unrivalled detail (fragment reproduced above to a smaller scale). Annual subscriptions cost £8.00 for six newsletters. Bill says, 'During the next year the Enthusiast plans to look into the Chevron model series and to dip further into Lledo history'. Contact Bill at; 33 North Town Moor, Maidenhead, Berks SL6 7JR, UK. Tel-fax 01628 622318
Oxford Diecast Collectors Club: Here is an update on the benefits to be had from membership of Oxford's Club. From 1 October 2000 standard membership costs £12.00, 'Platinum' membership £16.00. Members get a free vehicle of their choice, plus a free annual Christmas vehicle, and an annual 'rejoining gift'. Platinum membership includes another special free vehicle, and can buy seven models for the price of four, from 'The Globe', the club newsletter sent to all members. For more information write to ODCCC, PO Box 519, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 1YR, UK.
Cape Model & Toy Club: Once again Ron Gersbank updates us on happenings in Cape Town. The latest issue of the Cape Model Collector newsletter includes features on Dinky (including South African Dinky Toys), new releases and social gatherings. Among the latter is a visit to the collection of Dr Martin Filmer in Stanford, 'Just beyond Hermanos. two hours drive from Cape Town, best-known as the home of one of the very few independent South African breweries', says Ron, 'Their Premium lager is called HMS Birkenhead, after the troopship which sank in 1852, with the loss of 445 soldiers'. Apparently Martin is a 'Doctor of Spiders' of which he has a large collection, as well as his model cars. For more info on the CMTC, contact Secretary Graham Ramsay on 465-7320.
Wessex Model and Toy Collectors: Barry Lloyd continues to keep WMTC members entertained with his revamped (almost) one-man band Smalltalk newsletter. Among the usual accounts of jolly social activities and personal reminiscences is a note of the 2001 WMTC Club model. Once again it will be a Lansdowne 1:43 handbuilt model, a Triumph Gloria Freeflow Coupe in pale slate blue with ivory wheels and brown interior, only available to members. If you want to be one, contact Doug Male on 01225 755043.
Ferrari Model Club: Further to our previous account of membership difficulties in the FMC, Dominique Lahuec tells us that he is now getting nearly 40% of new members via the Internet. The Club recently held its 25th annual meeting, where member Manfred Vogel organised a Concours d'Elegance in miniature for Ferrari models and dioramas, and an art exhibition with a Ferrari theme. The meeting was held in Weiden near Nürnberg, where the Mayor sent his best wishes and a gift to Dom, and 80 people attended, including five children, with 20 full-size Ferraris there as well. For more details of how to join the FMC, write to St-Cajetan Strasse 13/53, D-81669 München, Germany.
Sydney Model Auto Club: The welcoming SMAC prepared itself to be even more welcoming in September, for the expected influx of visitors to the Olympics. They doubled the print run of 'Think Small', the club journal, to leave them in places where visitors would find it. In the Sept-Oct issue the opportunity was taken to produce a guide to the best places for collectors in the Sydney area, with a map. Very helpful, we'll keep it in case the MAR Editorial team ever get enough time off for a trip to Oz. If you'd like to experience the SMAC welcome at first hand, contact Honorary Secretary, John Maude, at 59 Walter Street, Mortdale, NSW 2223, Australia.
MATCHBOX PLATINUM EDITIONS
Matchbox has launched a new series, Matchbox Collectibles Platinum Editions. Described as 'highly detailed with diecast body and chassis and rubber tyres. Added details include rear view mirrors and each vehicle comes in a black, pinstriped gift box'. The first model is a Jack Daniel's Delivery Truck, with whiskey barrels, chrome spotlights and wipers. Other models include a series of Texaco delivery trucks, seen here, including the Texaco 1955 Chevy, Texaco Filling Station 1930 Ford Model A, Texaco 1941 Chevy, Texaco 1934 International C Series, Texaco 1940 Ford and Texaco 1920 Mack AC. All Platinum Edition vehicles come with a certificate and in a closed box that can be used to display the vehicle and certificate.
MERCEDES-BENZ L3500
By Hans-Georg SchmittWhen the new Mercedes-Benz truck was first revealed as the L3250 in June 1949 it looked a bit old-fashioned, the traditional long bonnet continuing pre-war traditions. In December 1949 the payload increased and the type-number changed to L3500. War damage slowed the re-opening of the Mercedes factory, the L3500 the first new truck model after a long break. During wartime, secret development work for a new three ton truck had been carried out, so the engineers had a start. The L3500 led to an extensive model family, which included normal trucks, 4x4 tippers, artic tractors, box vans, refuse trucks, many fire fighting and municipal vehicles. In 1985 the first Brekina 1:87 scale L3500 model appeared, and since then very many models with different bodies and liveries have been issued. For the 50th Anniversary of the real lorry, Brekina released a special jubilee model with a booklet which describes the history of the truck family and all the models made by Brekina. The well-detailed model has a blue body and red chassis, the grey tilt is printed Mercedes-Benz L3500. The booklet and model are only available together. The booklet is written by Werner Hartung, the boss of Brekina. There are 44 A4 size pages, with 19 colour and 102 mono photos explaining the truck history. 47 colour photos show 186 different Brekina 1:87 truck models. The set is available from specialist dealers or direct from Brekina GmbH, Carl-Benz-Strasse 1; D-79331 Teningen, Germany.
LEN BULLER CHANGES
Len Buller informs us of some changes to his B&B white metal range of kits and handbuilt models. First there are some deletions:
42 Bedford RL 3 Ton Military Radio Command Vehicle kit or handbuilt.
The following 1:55 models are deleted, to be replaced soon by 1:60 scale versions, to match the rest of the range:
85 Guy Ant 15 cwt military GS truck kit or handbuilt.
88 Guy Ant 15 cwt military AA gun and crew, kit or handbuilt.
90 Guy Ant 15 cwt military GS truck with A frame crane. kit or handbuilt.
The following new releases are ready now:
67a Bedford QL three ton 4x4 GS, crew in cab, kit or handbuilt.
67b Bedford QLT Trooper, troop-carrying truck, crew in cab, kit or handbuilt.
68 Bedford QL Radio command HQ truck, crew in cab, kit or handbuilt.
93 Military Field kitchen trailer (Dinky-style Cooker Trailer) with stand, kit or handbuilt.
94 Bedford OY Radio command HQ truck, crew in cab, built only.
95 Bedford O Radio command HQ truck, crew in cab, built only.
95 Karrier K6 4x4 Radio command HQ truck, crew in cab, built only.These models are all available to order from the online Modelauto shop on www.zeteo.com. Len also tells us that he is extending his range of Army vehicle decals to cover North Africa and Europe 1944-45, to take in some Australian, New Zealand, Polish, Paras etc.
A QUICKER VELTINS BEER
By Hans-Georg SchmittC & A Veltins GmbH & Co Grevenstein is a brewery located at Meschede, and this company is one of the official sponsors of the BMW-Williams Formula One racing team. This connection is marked by their latest model, a Mercedes-Benz Actros artic racing car transporter finished in white and blue livery, pictured on the opposite page. The model is approximately 1:87 scale, it comes in a blister pack and is available from Veltins GmbH & Co Brewery, An der Streue, D-59872 Meschede-Grevenstein, Germany. Telephone: 02934-959-0, Fax: 959-493.
ICON FIGURES
Further to our comment in MAR 146 that the Corgi Icon figures range was launched with the intention that 'price discounting' Corgi stockists would not be encouraged to stock them, there seems to have been a change of policy. The figures are now available through some Corgi wholesalers, with no restrictions as to which retail outlets can handle them. There are almost 20 James Bond themed figures, plus The Wizard of Oz, Gone with the Wind and touristy 'heritage' subjects, most of which would be suitable for sale at the Edinburgh Tattoo. Character figures cost around £15.00 each, Heritage figures £10.00 each, and there are some more expensive group.
END OF AN ERA
Late 2000 sees the termination of production of two classic British cars. Mini production ceased in October, to be replaced by the new BMW-designed Mini, and the last Reliant three-wheeler car leaves the factory in December. Both must now be regarded as 'modern classics' rather than current production cars, which may make them more interesting to model manufacturers in future.
BULLNOSE QUEEN MUM
An additional release in the Lledo range is DG50032 Morris Bullnose van in 'Queen Mother's Centenary' livery. It appears to be relatively expensive, compared to other Lledo Days Gone models, perhaps triple the price, but we don't know why. The choices of vehicle subjects to mark the centenary have been curious. Are Bullnose vans and double decker buses really the most appropriate?
GUINNESS IS OFF
Corgi have advised us that there will be a change to the brewery livery of the yet to be released Vanguards diorama set BD1002, which includes a painted resin scene and two vans, an Austin A40 and a Ford Anglia. Originally proposed in Guinness livery, this set will now be produced in Whitbread livery. This will disappoint the many collectors of Guinness memorabilia worldwide, though no doubt the somewhat fewer Whitbread enthusiasts will be pleased. One down for Arthur, one up for the Colonel?
MILESTONE SUNBEAM
The latest release in Milestone Miniatures' 1:43 handbuilt 'Beaulieu Collection' is a Sunbeam three litre Coupe l'Auto car as raced at Dieppe in 1912, and which is now in the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu.
CORGI FOR 2001
In the next issue we will describe the new models planned by Corgi for release in the first half of 2001. There will be a new James Bond range, the new Mini (BMW like us to call it the MINI), new trucks from Corgi, new cars from Vanguards, and a Midland red series from the Original Omnibus Co. Also next month avia mini will describe Corgi's aircraft plans, including the 1:72 Lancaster and Harrier, and a 1:144 Boeing 707, as well as some Great War biplanes..
A RETIRING GROUP
We are detecting a pattern among proprietors of model car businesses, many of whom are around retirement age. Michael and Kathleen Nellis of Showcase Models, MAR stockists in Penrith, Cumbria, decided to retire from the model car business at the end of October. Rosemary and Colin Ivison have also decided to leave the field, and have disposed of their Wheels mail order business, based in Devon. We wish all of them a long and happy retire-ment. We know of others who are planning to retire in the relatively near future, but who do not wish to broadcast the fact, in order to maintain profitable trading until then. Yet others would like to retire, but are unable to do so, due to commitments to employees who would not find work if the business closed, or because the proprietors have insufficient retirement income available.
GIBB'S OF FRASERBURGH
Graeme Watt, eagle-eyed as ever, spotted an advertisement in his local newspaper, the Aberdeen Evening Express. Gibb's of Fraserburgh, the local haulage company, has obviously decided not to use them for promotional purposes, and is advertising Lion Toys diecast Leyland Daf model trucks in Gibb's of Fraserburgh livery, only 200 made. No price is quoted, but you can always phone Mr Gibb for information on 01346 513264.
Modelcraft Miniatures FROM AUSTRALIA
Tony Hanna tells us about his Australian-made range of models, Modelcraft Miniatures. He says, 'I have put out my first model with good sales response, but am running behind on my following models. My first was Holden Commodore VT Coupe 1998 show concept car, now just released as a diecast model by Auto Art, from Biante in Australia, that killed my sales, as it was half the price, but I feel their shape isn't as good, nor the paint finish, mine being hand-polished. My next releases will be Holden FJ station wagon factory-built car, of which there was only one. Following this are BMW 2002 Touring and Cabrio, both based on the Minchamps Coupe, to the same standard, but with better paint finish, choice of right or left hand drive and factory mag or disc wheels, with five colour choicesh. Not all the same colours, on each vehicle if you know what I mean, orange, yellow and green for both but I haven't decided on the other two colours for each car. They cost about £55.00 each. Also in the works is an Austin 1800 Mark II London to Sydney rally car. '
ANSON By Hans-Georg Schmitt
Three new 1:18 diecast model cars have come out from Anson, all made in China.
30389 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Cabriolet
In Spring 1963 the successor to the legendary 300SL and l90SL was ready, developed under code number W113. Its engine size was between them, at 2.3 litres, so it was called the 230SL. The car reached a 200 km/h maximum speed, the engine developing 150 hp at 5500 rpm. The new sports car was available as a cabriolet, but also as coupe with a peculiar roof design, which reminded one of a pagod. This name becamethe common title for the whole range. The 230SL was built from 1963 to January 1967 ,then the engine was upgraded, to make the 250SL from December 1966 to January 1968. Then the original of Anson's model car was made, the 280SL. Its engine developed 170 hp, now at 5750 rpm but the top speed was just the same as before. The body has been exactly transformed into the small scale by Anson, as seen from the front and side, only in the middle of the tail is the impression in the rear wall around the license plate not exactly like the real car. Doors, bonnet and boot all open, and the steering works authentically. The interior is very accurate but the open doors look a bit strange with their huge hinges and the unrealistic opening angle. Under the bonnet is a very good replica of the engine, the bonnet can be propped open like the real car, but the baseplate could be more detailed. Badging, inner and outer mirrors, windscreen wipers, and the authentic looking wheels all add to the good overall impression.30386 BMW 2002 tii saloon
The BMW 1600-2 was launched at the Geneva show in 1966. It was a two door saloon, so its type number was suffixed -2, to distinguish it from the 1600 four door saloon. The car found many enthusiastic buyers, who liked its power and sporting character yet inconspic-uous looks. The BMW 2002 with two litre engine was available from January 1968. In February 1971 the 2002 tii had its debut. It was built with its characteristic round tail-lights up to September 1973. The bright orange body of the model car is shaped very accurately, and mouldings are chromed or silver painted. Lights, bumpers and emblems look realistic, the bonnet can be propped open, revealing a good replica of the engine. The doors and boot also open, the doors once again in an unrealistic fashion. The matt black interior is moulded quite authentically, and with the well-shaped steering-wheel the front wheels can be steered. The baseplate is more detailed than the Mercedes-Benz.30390 Mercedes-Benz C-Class saloon 200
The first model of the new C-class in this scale, made with authorisation of Daimler-Chrysler, but not for their promotional purposes. Alongside the Mercedes S-class model by Maisto it looks as if it has shrunk after too hot a wash. The body exactly reproduces the contours of the real car. All mouldings, lights and emblems are in the right places. Bonnet and front doors open and the steering works. The engine replica is quite well detailed, as is the interior. The wheels are also authentically shaped, but the baseplate could be more detailed. The body is finished as the Avantgarde version, in 994 Amethyst violet, available only on this version. The interior is orion-grey, but the plastic parts look cheap to be leather. It would be interest-ing to know who had the idea to cast two huge fixing pins into the base plate. They look very strange when you look under the model.RENAISSANCE LATEST
Here is Etienne Dhont's news of new releases from Renaissance of France:
24/8 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa TR59/60 Le Mans 1960 1:24 kit
24/15b Panoz Roadster-S LMP2000 Team Dragon-TV Asahi #22-23 LM 2000 1:24 kit
Tk24/63 Renault 5 Turbo Gr 4 Gitanes Tour de Corse 1980 Saby-Tilber decals for Tamiya base
Tk24/72 Toyota Corolla WRC Lundqaaard Ypres 2000 decals for Tamiya base
Integral 039 Panoz GTR no 54, 55 DPR Le Mans 1997 1:43 kit
Integral 045d Porsche 934 Elf no 65 Le Mans 1976 1:43 kit
Integral 045e Porsche 934 Kores no 86 Le Mans 1979 1:43 kit
Integral 059b Panoz Roadster-S LMP2000 Team Dragon-TV Asahi #22-23 Le Mans 2000 1:43 kit
Integral 060 Porsche 935 double turbo 1978-79 no decals 1:43 kit
Integral 060b Porsche 935 Hawaiian Tropic no 1970 Le Mans 79 1:43 kit
NEW EDGE GALAXY
By Hans-Georg SchmittAt the Geneva Motor Show in March 2000 the reworked Ford Galaxy was revealed to the public, with its New Edge Design, like its stablemates the Focus and Ka. New under the bonnet is a six speed gearbox and two new engine choices, a 1.9 litre TD (turbo Diesel) of 115 hp or a 2.8 litre V6 petrol engine. Both engines are made by Volkswagen, who also presented their face-lifted Sharan, over-hurriedly at Geneva, in order to keep up with sales of the Galaxy. The Seat Alhambra also received its facelift, so all three mpvs, built on the same assembly line in Palmela, Portugal, were refreshed. Ford have also presented a new Galaxy model in 1:43 scale, again made by Minichamps which reproduces the features of the new design well. The interior looks authentic, even the screen of the navigation system is clearly visible. Clear glass headlights, radiator grille and rear lights are separate components, as are the outer mirrors, the rear windscreen wiper, roof-rack and many interior details. The wheels are correctly shaped and the base plate is quite well detailed. All of the Ford 'plums' are in the right places. Initially this model is available only from Ford dealers.
FULDA TYRE CENTENARY
By Hans-Georg SchmittOn the occasion of the Berlin Automobile Exhibition in 1935, the Fulda tyres promotion-al fleet was gathered in front of the Reichstag. The vehicles had been built specially to the order of Fulda a year earlier and equipped with loudspeakers to promote Fulda tyres. For their 100th anniversary Fulda GmbH have ordered a set of models of these vehicles from Schuco, in their Piccolo range. Three vehicles are supplied in an exclusive black wooden box, in which there is also a photo of the original vehicles. The set is a limited edition of 3000 pieces, available only direct from Fulda GmbH. The price is DM 89, payable by cheque, freight costs are paid by Fulda. Orders must be sent to Gummiwerke Fulda GmbH, Postfach 440; D-36004, Germany. (Fulda Marketing Department). Tel: 0661-14 27 25. Fax: 0661-14 24 97.
BMW Z8 IN 1:12 SCALE
BMW tell us that they have now added 1:12 scale to their repertoire of model scales, to be used in future for the top models in their range. This is beginning with the Z8, as pictured on the front cover of this issue of Model Auto Review. After 1:87, 1:43 and 1:18 scales the fourth size has been added to the programme. They say, 'The uniqueness and beauty of the Z8 can be much better reproduced in this scale than in any of the smaller scales. Among the special features of this Z8 miniature are steerable wheels and a functioning foldable real textile hood, which can be stored under a removeable cover. The seats are covered with real leather and the compartments in the centre console open, as do the doors, bonnet and boot lid. The brake discs are each made from three photo-etched parts. With this the internal cooling of the brakes can be shown much better. In the engine a multitude of components add to the detail. The heavy diecast body is painted titan silver, with a sport red interior as standard with a detachable hard top'. The price for the model, from BMW full-size car dealerships, is DM 650.
East German Motor Vehicles
Book Reviews By Hans-Georg SchmittOn 3 October 2000 Germany celebrated the tenth anniversary of the reunion of East and West after 45 years. After the opening of the wall in 1989, a flood of Trabis, Wartburgs and other strange cars came over to West Germany. Now after over ten years only a few are still in use. But the hard times when it was hard to obtain motor vehicles are still remembered. Collecting toys from the DDR (German Demo-cratic Republic) is also popular, especially model cars. Many old model car moulds have been reactivated or new models made, like the Wartburg 311 by Minichamps. Following this trend, books about East German motoring are constantly being published. These four books are the latest, very useful for collectors of East German model cars, such as those made by Brekina, Herpa, SES or Minichamps.
Feuerwehr-Archiv: IFA Hauber aus Zwickau und Werdau. (Fire Brigade archives: IFA-bonnetted fire engines from Zwickau and Werdau). By Frank-Hartmut Jager. German text. Pub: Verlag Technik, Berlin. 160 pages, 96 colour and 172 b/w-photos, 19 drawings. Hardbound. 175 x 245 mm. ISBN 3-341-01242-7. Available from Huss-Medien GmbH, D-10400 Berlin, Germany. Tel: 030/42151-202. Fax: 030/42 151-468. This is the first comprehensive coverage of this part of the story of East German fire engines, The book contains much formerly unknown data and facts, unpublished photos and sketches. It describes fire engines built on the basis of the first East German truck generation, the Horch H3, and H3A, the successor Sachsenring S 4000-1 and the three-axle G5 6x6 truck. Documented in detail are many unknown conversions and one-offs. Unique historical pictures, drawings of the most important vehicle types and information previously only known to insiders make this book invaluable for German fire history.
Typen-Kompass DDR-Personenwagen (Types of DDR passenger cars) by Eberhard Kittler. Pub Motorbuch-Verlag. German text. 128 pages, 72 colour and 51 b/w-photos, 140 x 200 mm. Paperbound. ISBN 3-613-02-049-l. All passenger cars are shown and most derivatives like vans, estate cars, cabriolets and military versions. Rare items such as the F9 pickup, Sachsenring Representant cabriolet, interesting prototypes and improvised vehicles like a Mercedes-Benz 170 with a Wartburg 311 body are shown and described.
Schrader Motor-Chronik: Wartburg 353 1965-1991, by Horst Ihlig, Pub: Schrader Verlag. 96 pages, 11 colour, 114 b/w photos. Hardbound 210 x 200 mm. ISBN 3-613-87206-4. The author, the former press officer of the old Wartburg company, tells the story of the last Wartburg car, which was built for 25 years with only minor improvements. In spite of this, it was the top of the line car for DDR citizens. The production life of the 353 is shown with contemporary sales literature reprints, unfortunately mostly only in black and white, though the originals were printed in colour.
Nutzfahrzeuge in der DDR: Band II (Commercial vehicles in DDR, vol 2) Ed Achim Gaier, German text. Pub: Schrader Verlag 200 pages, 316 b/w-photos, 59 drawings. Hard-bound. 235 x 270mm. ISBN 3-613-87210-2. This book is another collection of interesting motoring articles from East Germany's Motor-Jahr, the annual book about motoring in the DDR. This issue covers daily transport, vehicles of the NVA (National People's Army), Vehicles made in Socialist 'Brother Countries', vehicle technology and special vehicles.
The three last-described books described above are all available from Paul Pietsch Verlage GmbH + Co., Olgastrasse 86; D-70180 Stuttgart, Germany. Telephone: 0711-21080-0. Fax: 0711-2360415
PLAYING MANTIS 007
Playing Mantis, who made the 1:64 scale James Bond marketed by Corgi, have now made a second series which Corgi will not be distributing. there are six models, to be sold in assortment packs.
BMW Z3 Goldeneye
BMW Z8 The World is not Enough
Chevrolet Convertible 1957 Dr No
Chevrolet Corvette 1995 A View to a Kill
Aston Martin DB% 1964 Goldfinger
Ford Mustang Convertible 1965 ThunderballMATCHBOX WOLFMAN
Matchbox has produced new Character Car Vehicles (movie characters on top of Match-box diecast cars). New characters include Rocky Balboa from the Rocky movies, 'Bluto' Blutarski from Animal House, Frankenstein's Monster and The Wolf Man. Rocky Balboa sits on top of a black 1970s Pontiac Trans-Am, just like the one in the movie. Bluto, the Pledgemaster from Delta House (in Animal House), cruises around on a red 1962 Chevrolet Corvette convertible. Frankenstein's Monster is on a black 1930s Ford Model T. The Wolf Man is howling and riding on top of a black and silver 1930s Ford Model A.
USA BECOMES PRECISION
Motor City USA embraces various model car ranges, including Design Studio and its lower-cost cousin, USA Models. Unfortunately it seems that the price of USA Models has been set too low, however, for the standard of workmanship arrived at. The difficult decision has therefore been taken to discontinue the USA Models range, and replace it with another familiar name from the past. The first model in the new Precision Miniatures 1:43 handbuilt range is PM1, a 1939 Ford Woodie station wagon, available in maroon, green or black. The new PM series will incorporate some of the erstwhile USA Models subjects, all upgraded to a higher standard, and at a correspondingly higher price. The ex-USA Models Ford Thunderbird 2000, for example, will be reissued in some new colours, including the special edition made for Neiman-Marcus in black with a silver top. There will also be a soft-top version. Other models due out from the Motor City stable in future include a mid-sixties Cadillac hearse (complete with casket) and a series of 1:24 scale 'gassers', of which we will include more news in a future issue of MAR. JOHNNY LIGHTING diecast in China for USA: Triumph TR3A, latest release, lifted from their website by Chris Pryor, cyber-bandit.
LATEST CHRONO MODELS
Latest Chrono 1:18 models diecast in China:
Porsche 996 Coupe 1998 red
Ford F100 pickup red, white or blue
Chevrolet C10 pickup green, red or white
Ford Fairlane Skyliner yellow, red or green (each with white)VITESSE GROUP NEWS
Eight new castings are included among the 1:43 models proposed in various ranges of the Vitesse Group this Autumn. All models are made in China for the Portuguese group. The new castings are in bold type.
Quartzo QLM029 Aston Martin DB3S P Collins-R Parnell Le Mans 1953 #25
Quartzo QLM031 Aston Martin DB3S Salvadori-Abecassis Le Mans 1953 #26
Quartzo QLM032 Mazda 787B Renown Weidler-Herbert-Gachot Le Mans 1991 #55 winner
Quartzo QLM036 Aston Martin DB3S Poore-Thompson Le Mans 1953 #27
Quartzo QLM037 Mazda 787B Mazdasport Kennedy-Johansson-Sala Le Mans 1991 #18
Quartzo QLM041 Porsche 906/6 Carrera 6 Klass-Stommelen Le Mans 1966 #58
Quartzo QLM042 Porsche 906/6 Carrera 6 Elford-Pon Le Mans 1967 #37
Skid SKC026 Lancia Delta 4WD Martini Kankk-unen winner RAC Rally 87 (World Champion)
Skid SKC027 Lancia Delta 4WD Totip Fiorio-Pirollo San Remo 87
Skid SKC032 Lancia Fulvia HF Munari-Lombardini winner Tour de Corse 67
Skid SKC038 Lancia Delta 4WD Esso Tabaton-Tedischi San Remo 87
Skid SKC039 Lancia Fulvia HF Kallstrom-Haggbom winner San Remo 69
Skid SKC049 Lancia Fulvia HF Lampinen-Davenport Monte Carlo 1971
Skid SKM135 Citroen Xsara T4 Bugalski Lyon-Charbonnières 2000
Skid SKM165 Mercedes-Benz ML430 Atac Strugos-Ducoutumay Dakar-Cairo 2000
Skid SKM171 Seat Cordoba WRC Evo II Verreydt Ypres Rally 2000
Skid SKW019 Ford focus WRC Colin McRae winner Acropolis Rally 2000
Skid SKW020 Peugeot 206 WRC Gronholm winner New Zealand Rally 2000
Skid SMC015 Lancia Delta HF Martini Biasion-Siviero winner 1987
Vitesse VCC083 Lancia Delta HF Integrale 87 red
Vitesse VCC085 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.2 1965 Argento Nevada (metallic grey)
Vitesse VCC092 Austin Seven AD Tourer 1926 Open Convertible dark green and black
Vitesse VCC094 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.2 HF 1966 Amaranto Montebello red
Vitesse VCC097 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3 1967 Jamaica metallic blue
Vitesse VCC101 Lancia Delta HF Integrale 16v 1989 metallic black
Vitesse VCC102 Austin Seven RK Saloon 29 black
Vitesse VMC077 Toyota Land Cruiser SWB 1999 pearl red and dark silver
Onyx XGT014 Porsche 996 GT3R Red Bull #7 Quester-Riccitelli-Hofer-Peter-Willems Daytona 2000
Onyx XLM042 Porsche 996 GT3R Team Taisan Advan #73 Matsuda-Fukuyama-Reid LM 2000
Onyx XLM045 Porsche 996 GT3R Seikel #76 Olivar-Burgess-Neugarten Le Mans 2000
Onyx XLM056 Porsche 996 GT3R Skea #82 Murry-Mowlen-Massen Le Mans 2000
Onyx XLM057 Porsche 993 RSR Montre Hermes Pirrier-Ricci-Nourry Le Mans 1999CMC MERCEDES MODELS
The latest releases from CMC of Germany are 1:18 diecast models, handfinished in China.
First is the Mercedes-Benz 450 SL, European version, series 107, 1973-80,
M/024 A: top down, blue-grey
M/024 B: top up, silver
CMC comment, 'This was one of the most elegant and biggest-selling Mercedes cars. Our model is hand-assembled from more than 280 components, and has several movable parts such as hood, doors, trunk, backs of seats, adjustable headrests, sun-visor and aerial. The detailed dashboard has individually hand installed instuments and air vents'. Our comment is that this car is as beautifully finished as all previous CMC models, and as meticulously detailed. Unfortunately something has gone a little awry with the proportions of the body and its relationship to the undercarriage and wheels. The lower part of the body is too meanly proportioned, the wheels are too big and set too low. This gives a distintly off-road appearance to the car.
The other release is a Mercedes-Benz W 154, M/025, third model in CMC's Silver Arrows series. again, CMC comments, 'The model has been hand assembled from more than 530 parts. Special features include fold-down windscreen, detailed dashboard, partly manufactured by forge scale technique, seats covered with high-quality cloth, the air slots are precisely reproduced, the radiator grille is made of fine hand-drawn wires, individually soldered, the spoked wheels have hand-drawn individually fitted wires and punched brake discs. The hood can be removed, to reveal the engine, replicated true to the original'. In this case we feel that CMC's Chinese engineers have done a much better job, well worthy of any Silver Arrows display.
Two further models are planned, which it is hoped will be released at the end of this year:
Wanderer 25K Roadster 1936-38, 1:24 scale, the second model in CMC's Audi-Tradition series, which will consist of four models, one of each to represent the brands of the Auto Union symbol, four interlocking rings for Horch, Wanderer, Audi and DKW. M/028 will be hand assembled from more than 390 parts
Auto-Union D type, 1938, 1:18 M/027 will be hand assembled from more than 480 parts. It is shown in MAR 147 with 'mule' prototype wheels.
BROOKLIN FOR 2001
Planned releases in Brooklin's various 1:43 white metal ranges for 2001. Nigel Parker, MD of Brooklin Models Ltd, says, 'I hope everyone noticed that during 2000 we improved the detail and accuracy of new and reworked models. We will continue the same approach for all future models. Volume I of the new catalogue was well received, and the fully revised Volume II will be available in 2001.' Prices: From 1 January 2001, the following prices for regular models will come into effect: Brooklin Models: £46.00 including VAT
Lansdowne Models: £46.00 including VAT
Robeddie Models: £46.00 including VAT
US Model Mint: £49.00 including VAT
Factory Specials are priced separatelyNEW AND REVISED MODELS FOR 2001
Brooklin: five new releases, four reworked or revised, one factory special set, five deletions. Lansdowne Models: three new releases, four reworked or revised, and two deletions. Robeddie Models: two new releases, one revised and one deletion. US Model Mint: new additions to the range will include a stake bed version of IH KB12, a 1948 Logging Trailer and a new truck (subject to be confirmed) for September 2001. DELETIONS
From 31 December 2000 these models will no longer be manufactured:
BRK48 1958 Chevrolet Impala
BRK50 1948 Chevrolet Aero Sedan
BRK50a 1948 Chevrolet Police Car
BRK61 1960 Chevrolet Impala
BRK68 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air
LDM10 1956 Hillman Minx
LDMl9a 1968 Triumph Vitesse top-up red
RE5 1950 Volvo PV60
DEALER SPECIALS: From 1 January 2001, the Dealer Special programme will be suspended, pending introduction of new collector tokens and new dealer special models.
BROOKLIN RELEASE SCHEDULE FOR 2001
Ref . Model . Release date (01 = Jan) . Category
RE = Robeddie, LDM = Lansdowne, BRK = Brooklin, US = US Model Mint, Set = three piece set
RE21 . 1957 Volvo PV445 . 4/01 . New
LDM9A . 1953 Austin Somerset Convertible . 4/01 . Rework
BRK86 . 1938 Cadillac 60 Special . 22/01 . New
LDM29 . 1935 Triumph Vitesse Flow Free . 12/02 . New
RE9A . 1957 Volvo Amazon with Webasto roof . 12/02 . revised colour and detail
Set . Roll-On trailer with 1952 Ford Ranger . 5/03 . Factory special, price ca. £99.00
BRK27A . 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham . 26/03 . Revised
LDM5A . 1957 Rover 75 P4 . 26/03 . Revised colour and detail
LDM15A . 1967 ROVER P5B . 26/03 . Revised colour and detail
BRK87 . 1949 DeSoto Station Wagon . 23/04 .New
LDM30 . 1948 Ford V8 Pilot . 14/05 . New
US28 . 1947 International KB 12 Stake bed truck . 14/05 . New
US24 . 1948 Logging trailer + logs . 4/06 . New
BRK88 . 1931 Studebaker President Roadster . 25/06 . New
RE22 . 1961 Volvo P1800 . 16/07 . New
LDM31 . 1947 Bristol 400 . 6/08 . New
BRK32B . 1953 Studebaker Starliner . 27/08 . Revised
BRK42B . 1952 Ford Ranger Police . 27/08 . Rework
US Mint . Truck (Subject TBA) . 17/09 . New
BRK89a . 1949 Checker Cab (Livery TBA) . 8/10 . New
LDM7B . 1956 Ford Zephyr Six Convertible . 29/10 . Reworked
BRK89 . 1949 Checker Sedan . 29/10 . New
BRK90 . 1935 Plymouth Coupe . 19/11 . New
BRK43B . 1948 Packard Station Wagon . 10/12 . RevisedMILLENNIUM COLLECTION FROM VITESSE
Here are full descriptions of the models proposed in the Vitesse Millennium Collection and briefly listed in an earlier issue of MAR. There will be 24 different models, released at the rate of two per month for a year. Some models are revamped versions of earlier releases, others will be new when they appear in this series. None, as far as we know, will be unique to this series, and all will also appear in the standard price range, perhaps in other colours. The Millennium Collection will cost approximately £25.00 each on the UK market. The italicised subtitles are based on Vitesse's own descriptions, don't blame MAR!
VML01 Opel Lutzman 1899 'The New Century'. A gentleman helps his lady to climb into the car.
VML02 Ford Model T 1910 'Industrial Revolution'. Henry Ford beside his car and the assembly line.
VML03 Austin Seven 1920 'London in the 1920s'. The driver buys a paper from a newsvendor in Piccadilly Circus.
VML04 Citroen Traction 7A 1934 'Eiffel Tower'. André Citroen with first Traction by Eiffel Tower.
VML05 Volkswagen Beetle 1939 'The Peoples Car'. A young couple picnic in the countryside.
VML06 Willys Jeep 1945 'D-Day'. Two Allied soldiers stare anxiously out to sea on D-Day.
VML07 Citroen 2CV 1948 'First MPV'. A restauranteur takes delivery of fresh baguettes in Paris.
VML08 Ferrari 500 F2 1952 'F1 early years'. Ascari and Enzo Ferrari chat near the car.
VML09 Cadillac Eldorado 53 'Hollywood Years'. Monroe is photographed on her pink Cadillac.
VML10 Jaguar D Type 1955 '3rd Le Mans victory'. Changing drivers and re-fuelling during the race.
VML11 Morgan 4/4 1956 'The Timeless Car'. A young Lord and his girlfriend off for a weekend.
VML12 Citroen DS19 'The Technical Revolution'. French President Rene Coty visits the Paris Salon
VML13 Austin Mini 1959 'Mini Skirt and Rally Queen'. Alec Issigonis and Paddy Hopkirk.
VML14 Aston Martin DB5 1963 'For Lords and Playboys'. James leaves the hotel helped by the porter with his case.
VML15 Porsche 911 1964 'The Birth of a Myth'. Ferry Porsche is interviewed by a journalist.
VML16 Mercedes-Benz 600 1968 'For Popes and Presidents'. Pope Paul VI and driver at Vatican.
VML17 Range Rover 1970 'Four Wheel Drive Lounge'. A Scottish Laird with his two dogs.
VML18 Lotus 72 1972 'Golden Age of F1'. Colin Chapman and Emerson Fittipaldi celebrate victory
VML19 Lancia Stratos 1977 'Designed to Rally'. Driver and co-driver pass a French policeman.
VML20 Alfa Spyder 1980 'Downtown Hazards'. Traffic accident: a young lady and a pizza Vespa.
VML21 Trabant 1989 'The End of the Berlin Wall'. East and West German Policemen embrace.
VML22 Lamborghini Countach 1990 'Italian Haute Couture'. A cop tickets a lady shopper.
VML23 Hummer 1991 'Driving into Desert Storm'. A GI asks the way to Kuwait City.
VML24 VW New Beetle 1999 'Back to Basics'. An old man shows the salesman a 1:18 scale model of an old Beetle.
Copyright 1999 Modelauto Ltd and Solnet Systems Ltd
e-mail mar@zeteo.com