EDITORIAL MAR 167
MORE CONTRIBUTIONS NEEDEDHere I am again asking for more contributions. If you have previously contributed to MAR, or if you have never had anything published anywhere, now is the time to write for us. Those long dark winter evenings (in the northern hemisphere, anyway) are an ideal time to get it down on paper. What one-make or thematic subjects have we missed? What interesting models have we never pictured? Obsolete or current, cheap toys or fantastic museum-quality creations, your own chops, we need them all.
IS IT REALLY 'QUITE' ACCURATE?
It is often said that UK and the USA are two nations divided by a common language. America retains 'true' spelling (color, honor), and many grammatical expressions from 17th and 18th Century English. The usages of the language have changed greatly in these islands since the United States gained its independence, whilst America mostly sticks with the original spellings, expressions and meanings. All Brits now know that Americans have 'yards', not gardens, whilst to us a backyard is a hard-paved scruffy area where the bins (trashcans) are kept, and that Public Schools are available to everyone in the USA, but are only for rich folks over here. Subtleties of language can still trip us up, however. A simple little five letter word such as 'quite' for instance. In its true original meaning, as still sometimes used in British English, and always in US English, it means absolutely, extremely or completely. Thus if you are 'quite alone' it means you're absolutely on your own. In British English, however, this is now a less-common usage for 'quite' than a more widely understood usage which often gives the opposite meaning. Nowadays 'quite' as an adjective is usually used as a synonym for fairly, or not completely. Thus if I need to describe a model car, I might say that it is 'quite accurate', meaning it is not absolutely perfect, but it is not too bad.
Once, however, when I used this expression, an American collector read it and understood 'quite' to mean that the model was of an extremely high standard of accuracy.
He was therefore a little surprised to find that in reality the model was only so-so, and wondered if I knew what 'accurate' really meant. What he should have questioned was what I meant by 'quite'. Such are the pitfalls of language, as we do our best to communicate our meaning to each other. We don't have to cross the Atlantic to be misunderstood. A British white metal manufacturer was once miffed by my description of one of his models as 'nice', which I intended in the general modern sense of pleasant or agreeable. If I had needed to find any subtext for 'nice', it would have been in an earlier meaning of delicate or precise. But he recalled his mum in the Midlands (you'll have to imagine the accent) saying 'That's nice', about things she didn't really like, but was too polite to criticise, so he assumed that was what I meant. A 'quite nice distinction' between items is, in the classical sense, a finely judged difference which is so subtle that it might not be apparent at first. But a 'quite nice model' in the modern usage means that it is adequate and pleasant, if perhaps not quite as good as it could have been. The former sense is not one we would use very often in modern British English, though the latter sense is a widely-used expression in current usage.
So, please remember, what I say in MAR should be taken at its face value. If in doubt, the obvious meaning in current British English usage is the one intended.
FRENCH TOY FAIR LESSON?
As organisers of specialist model collectors' events in Britain and the USA complain about falling numbers of visitors at the door, and blame the 'general market downturn' may I make a small suggestion? Move to France, where Agence 1515 organises toy fairs for collectors. Their Avignon event had 2800 visitors in 2001, and their Nimes fair had 3300 visitors. They must be very pleased, as must their 120 exhibitors! I wonder what it is they are doing right? Or is it just a different market? The widespread weepings and wailings over the present state of collecting that we hear in Anglophone countries often carry with them the assumption that it is the same everywhere. Certainly our German and Japanese friends have noted a similar diminution in interest and activity, but maybe it's not true of Francophone markets? Perhaps they target their market sectors more effectively? I note in this connection that for the first time the 2001 Census recorded that there are now more Brits aged over 60 than under 16. Looks as if anyone who targets older age groups with nostalgia-related products (like model cars) should not go too far wrong in the future.
CLUB NEWS
Collated by Rod Ward1/87 Vehicle Club:
This US-based Club has an excellent magazine which underlines how the US market differs from the rest of the world, as well what it has in common. Makers of HO scale models described and advertised are often the 'usual suspects', such as Herpa or Roco, but there are also lots of American ranges rarely seen outside the USA. Collecting themes are much the same though, with fascinating thematic articles in issue 15 on 'RVs and camping trailers' (caravans to Brits), rally cars and Trabants, as well as coverage of such items as new 1:87 Don Mills trucks (previously known for 1:50 scale) and models from Innovative Design, OHS, and Custom Finishing. Somehow issue 13 went missing from the magazine sequence, so it will be published hors serie, as they say, covering things on Air or Sea, including aircraft, space vehicles, helicopters etc. For more information on the Club, write to 1735 N Story Road, PMB #168, Irving TX 75061, USA.
South Hants Model Auto Club:
Stu and Sue Vowles are in the fortunate position, unlike many other Club magazine editors, of having lots of contributions offered from members, so they don't have to make up most of it themselves. A pity, really, because Sue could fill any spaces with features on gardening, cookery, dog-keeping and 'The Dark Ages and Arthur'. Well, that might be more interesting than yet another article about Porsches. No, to be fair, the P-word gets a lower profile these days, though there do seem to be a lot of competition car fans among SHMAC members. At their alphabetically themed Club Night display, 'N is For' the prize exhibit was an Indian Nicky Toys ex-Dinky Vanwall. Maybe Stu knows something we don't, as he says that India are reproducing the models and marketing them as Nicky. We thought that production ceased many, many years ago. If they are still being made, can anyone tell us how to get hold of some? By the way, didn't we see 'The Dark Ages and Arthur' performing at the Marquee in the Sixties? Will they be playing at the SHMAC barbecue next year? Book now, contact Secretary Dave Painter on 01264 366408.
Brooklin Collectors Club:
The latest edition of the Brooklin Collector features the Marmon 16 Convertible sedan on the front cover, and confirms suspicions that the colour of Brooklin's latest model may not be 100% accurate. The model is painted in a lurid, almost metallic, shade of magenta, whilst the real car is two tone red and maroon (the wings and bonnet top are maroon, the rest red), but Brooklin may have been misled by the artificial-looking colours on the photograph. It will be interesting to see how dyed-in-the-wool Brooklin collectors take to this model, which produced interesting reactions when we had it awaiting photography. 'What is it? The latest Rio? Oh no, it's handbuilt. Have Western started on prewar cars again?' Future news from Brooklin includes the International Police Vehicles mentioned in a previous issue of MAR. There will also be a range of Hot Rod models produced in conjunction with a magazine, and possibly only for the US market. For 2003 there will be almost 20 new releases spread over Brooklin's various ranges. Articles on real cars in the latest Brooklin Collector include features on Ford Model A, Marmon, and US electric cars, asking if Brooklin will ever make a model of an electric car, in the light of current concerns about global warning (sic). If you'd like to have all this news first hand, contact Membership Secretary John Bowyer at 57 Gloucester Road, Bagshot, Surrey GU19 5LT.
San Francisco Bay Brooklin Club:
Following the item in MAR 165 about his future non-participation in Limited Editions, the Club magazine, Dick Browne notes that 'The writing of Limited Editions just got to be too much to cope with. Although I am retired, tennis, duplicate bridge, travel, and, of course, model collecting fill up my days. The articles that I have written for Limited Editions are well researched and I refuse to merely copy articles and insert them, as other clubs may be happy to do. I feel the work I have put into 10-12 pages quarterly was not worth the effort, considering our limited membership. As alluded to in MAR 165, little or no assistance is forthcoming from the membership. Even an occasional nasty letter to the Editor would have been most welcome. Actually only three members had any comments to make about the future of Limited Editions. Do any of the others read it? I have my doubts. Co-operation from Brooklin Models has also become somewhat limited. Personally I enjoy writing and will be seeking projects that would give me a broader audience and, perhaps, some small remuneration'. No chance of Dick writing for MAR, then.
Cape Model & Toy Club:
Just to put us Little Englanders in our places, when we think it's too far to go 20 miles to a swapmeet or a Club meeting, the latest members of the CMTC are the Krugers, from East London, on the Eastern Cape, 675 miles (1080 km) from Cape Town. Long way to go for a snoek braai. On the other side, member Des Radmore has also been chairman of the Militaria, Firearms and Ammunition Society of Namibia for eight years, among other club posts. An ex-soldier and ex-policeman, he owns 385 firearms so far, the biggest of which are a 122mm Soviet BM21 vehicle launched rocket and a SAM-9 anti-aircraft missile. He also has a 30mm auto grenade launcher on a tripod, 60mm mortar tubes with bipods and a few 120mm items. Des doesn't sound like someone you should argue with.
He has the means to cream you and your bakkie at a range of 22km. Maybe we'll stick with the Krugers; Andre collects Matchbox models and Samantha is into Barbie dolls. If your collecting interests fall somewhere between these extremes, the Cape Club would be pleased to hear from you. Phone Secretary Graham Ramsay on 689 6083 (home) or 072 156 6806.
Natal Diecast Model Collectors:
Editor of the NDMC Newsletter, Geoff Sear, now fully settled back in South Africa (he has now even unpacked some of his models) appeals for more contributions. 'We urgently need new articles, as we are running out of ideas'. Well, at least Geoff has managed to change the typeface in the newsletter, even if he can't find the shift key yet. The text is still all in CAPITAL LETTERS. But he too busy to spend time on such matters, due to demand for his own handbuilt models of South African cars, though it is a mystery why they have a place in the Natal Diecast Model Collectors' newsletter. Don Marshall gives us all a fashion tip: colour coding your clothing to match your car. He wears green and yellow to match his Lotus Seven, and has seen the owner of a white MGB dressed totally in white. If you can match this sartorial elegance and wish to show yourself at Club meetings, contact Geoff on 031 205 0100.
Coventry Diecast Model Club:
Mick Russell never seems to run short of contributions for the CDMC magazine, Wheelspin. Members produce a wide range of interesting articles and pictures, as befits the self-named 'friendly' club. Will Roe has embarked on a series of articles devoted to Coventry-related models. This includes models in local bus company liveries, Coventry City fire engines, promotionals for local companies and newspapers, among others. This would be a very interesting theme for other clubs to take up in their publications: local interest models. How about it? If you'd like to join the 'Friendly One', and find out what there is of local interest in Coventry, telephone 024 7630 7700.
Maidenhead Static Model Club:
Here's a familiar feeling for many Club members, 'Looking at our shoes during meetings (when volunteers are called for)'. But MSMC members can stop inspecting their footwear, as two volunteers have come forward to assist Gary Hames with the Toy Fair Secretary's job. Now all Gary has to do is persuade members to come along and help set up or take down the Club's highly successful and profitable Windsor Toy Fair. If you are the volunteering type, the MSMC needs you. Contact Membership Secretary Alan Simpson on 01494 813903.
The Period Motorcaravan Guild:
If you think your collection of models is getting out of hand, just remember the members of this club, most of whom have a cluster of preserved campers (or motor caravans) in their driveways. Their enjoyment and satisfaction comes from really using the items in their collections, and they can be found sleeping in fields all over Britain at every possible opprtunity. Mostly they seem to gather together with other like-minded individuals (ie other Club members), though I am assured this is not because whenever they park up on their own a queue of small children immediately forms up alongside, wanting ice creams or chips. The A5 size club magazine is called The Open Road, and it seems to be written amost entirely (as is so often the case) by one person, but at least this is an expert on the subject, one John Hanson. Our esteemed Editorial Consultant indeed spends every spare moment producing this authoritative publication. If you are interested in period motor caravans, and especially if you own one, you should join this Guild. Contact Secretaries M and J Lund, House 5, Connaught Court, Fulford, York YO10 4QA.
Lledo Enthusiast & Variations Club:
Bill Alexander tried to fool me by putting the pages of the latest Lledo Enthusiast in an arbitrary order, but a little re-organisation and it all made sense. What a good job he numbers all his pages clearly, and doesn't staple the pages together. So, after a little origami, I was able to explore the latest intricacies of the world of Lledo. Bill writes almost all of the publication himself, with few contributions from members. It's just as well that, as he says, 'I enjoy the job, but it's nice to be appreciated'. The detailed coverage of old and new Lledo models is exceptional, and it is interesting to note that Bill gives the full address of the place to send your customer complaints about Lledo models. No, it's not Lledo, nor Corgi, it's Hallmark Consumer Services, 1 Hudson Road, Saxby Road Industrial Estate, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE13 1BS. Thanks to Bill, we now know where to write. If you need more of this kind of information, join the Club. First you have to phone Bill on 01628 622318.
BOOK REVIEWS
by Hans-Georg Schmitt (HGS) and Rod Ward (RCW)SHEFFIELD, by Philip Battersby, Published by Venture Publications (Super Prestige Series, series Editor John Banks), 128 Pikes Lane, Glossop, Derbyshire SK13 8EH, softbound 128 pages, 225 mm x 180 mm, ISBN 1 898432 82 1, UK price £16.95.
Venture's Super Prestige series has twice as many pages as their Prestige series, but is otherwise similar in format. The third in this series of transport history albums covers Sheffield from the earliest days until now. Photographs of horse buses, horse trams, electric trams and motor buses tell the story of public transport in this proud city in the North of England. It has often been said that the choice of cream in 1935 as the predominant colour for the steel city's buses was to belie the area's reputation for industrial grime. It meant that the fleet had to be washed more frequently than other colours would need, but the authorities were pleased to thus demonstrate their civic pride. Over 250 photographs not only show clearly the advance in psv design over a century or more, they also picture the many sides of Sheffield, from the busy heart of the city, to grubby industrial areas and the leafy suburbs towards the Derbyshire Peak District. RCW
Maybach Karosserien aus Ravensburg: Hermann Spohn und sein Werk, by Gerhard Mirsching, German text, 100 pages, 96 photos, 14 drawings. Hardbound, 250 x 280mm, ISBN 3 86136 064-0 Published by and available from Verlag Robert Gessler GmbH & Co.KG; Postfach 23 20; D - 88013 Friedrichshafen; Germany. Tel: 07541 7006-0; Fax: 07541 700610
Due to the re-introduction of the Maybach brand by DaimlerChrysler AG, books about the old Maybach company are springing up like mushrooms. Most Maybach cars left the factory as chassis and were bodied by specialist coachbuilders, one of whom was Hermann Spohn, in Ravensburg, near the Maybach plant. In 1921, Karl, eldest son of Wilhelm Maybach, who was involved with development of the first automobile, started his car business in Friedrichshafen on the Bodensee lake. Most Maybach bodies were designed and built by Hermann Spohn, masterpieces of noble and unobtrusive elegance. The author shows many of these bodies built on Maybach chassis but also some special ones on chassis by other companies. The last chapter covers the post-war era, re-bodied Maybachs and efforts to find new customers, the body for the Packard saloon of French General König, for Veritas sports cars and for the short-lived Gaylord, made in Chicago. HGS
BMW Motorradklassiker Von der R 32 bis zur neuen Generation, by Don Morley, Mike Woollett and Udo Riegel, German text. 252 pages, 219 photos, 10 drawings, Hardbound 215 x 235 mm. ISBN 3-89880-080-6 Published by and available from Heel Verlag GmbH, Gut Pottscheidt, D-53639 Konigswinter, Germany. Tel: 02223 9230-0, Fax: 02223 923026.
BMW motorcycles hold a magic fascination for fans and riders. The concept of a transverse boxer engine with cardan drive, the first class build quality and low centre of gravity all contributed to become the symbol of these 'Bavarian' bikes, which were built in the Prussian city of Berlin. In 1921 the first M2B15 boxer engine was developed and supplied to Victoria, then in 1923 the first BMW R32 motorcycle left the Munich assembly line, due to the prohibition against building aero engines by the Allied Occupation Forces after the First World War. This first BMW motorcycle was a success and today's bikes are still are built to the same layout right up to the F and K ranges. This book describes the development and history from the R-32 to the current C1 scooter, with which BMW for the first time have made something suitable for city-dwellers. HGS
Automobilia La Revue de l'Histoire Automobile: 57, French text, 68 A4 pages. Published by Histoire & Collections, 5, avenue de la Republique; F-75541 Paris Cedex 11, France. Tel: 01 4021 1820,
This issue describes such 1:1 scale cars as the Peugeot 302 and 402 Darl'Mat sports cars, second generation Simca Sports 1952 to 1962, the Wankel engined Ro 80 and the Moskvitch 408-412 1965-1973, and Hotchkiss bodies 1946-1950 with excellent drawings. Model car coverage is on Dinky Peugeot 404, 204 and 504 Cabriolets, plus six pages on new releases. HGS
Automobilia: La Revue de l'Histoire Automobile 58: 68 A4 pages (see above)
This issue includes: Borgward Isabella 1954-62, Talbot four cylinder cars 1937-57, an identification table on Citroen DS bodies by Chapron (excellent drawings), Alfa Giulietta 1954-65, Citroen Kegresse vehicles. Model cars: the first VW Beetle models 1939 to 1949. HGS
Rolls-Royce & Bentley Spirit of Excellence by Jonathan Wood, English text. 160 pages, 190 photos. Hardbound with dust cover. 220 x 280 mm. ISBN 1 85960 692 X. Published by Haynes, Sparkford, Nr Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7JJ . Tel: 01963 442030. Fax: 01963 440001 email: sales@haynes-manual.co.uk
Jonathan Wood tells the story of Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars, concentrating on the post-war years, including the Silver Shadow series, the Camargue and the Bentley Continental. There is also detailed advice on buying a Rolls-Royce or Bentley, and driving impressions.This interesting book appears in the last conjoined days of the two names.
From 1 January 2003, they go in different directions. Bentley will stay in the Volkswagen group, whilst Rolls-Royce becomes part of the BMW group. The famous Silver Ghost AX 201 will remain with Bentley, so it will be owned by Volkswagen group. In the last year sales of Rolls-Royce cars dropped dramatically, as VW did not put too much effort into the soon-to-depart brand. In efforts to show that the two German groups are interested in the heritage of their respective brands as English luxury car makers, Volkswagen have launched their successor company under the venerable Bentley Motors title, and BMW will have a plant in Kent to complete Royces, near the Goodwood estate. HGS
Deutsche Omnibusse seit 1895, (German Buses since 1895) byWolfgang H Gebhardt, German text. 686 pages, 977 photos, hardbound. 184 x 245 mm. ISBN 3-613-02140-4. Published by and available from Motorbuch Verlag, member of Paul Pietsch Verlage GmbH & Co, Olgastrasse 86, D-70180 Stuttgart, Germany.
Since 1830 steam-powered buses had run in England and France, but in 1879 the Wohlert'sche Maschinenbau Anstalt in Berlin designed the first steam powered German bus. In 1880 Wilhelm von Pimer developed buses powered by gun-powder and steam. Their great height and technical inadequacy soon ended these tests. Carl Benz showed his first eight seater bus on the road between Siegen-Netphen-Deutz. It was fitted with a 5 hp single cylinder Otto engine, also not too successful, but Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft put in service a ten horsepower bus in 1898, the breakthrough. The bus connected cities and villages without railway connections, became a troop carrier in the First and Second World Wars, and is now a permanent feature on today's congested city streets. Also for long distance holiday trips coaches are indispensable. The author covers all German bus building companies since 1895, the brand-names, a short history and all the main vehicles they produced. Current futuristic designs on display and in service, and a view into future possibilities for the German bus industry complete an interesting book. HGS
Bugatti; a Racing History, by David Venables, English text. 256 pages, 201 b/w-photos. Hardbound with dust cover. 255 x 260 mm. ISBN 1 85960 834 5. Published by and available from Haynes Publishing, Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7JJ, UK
In the early years of motor racing, one man became synonymous with the sport. Ettore Bugatti was the dominant figure in the first half of the 20th century. Born in Milan in 1881, he became fired with enthusiasm for the new-fangled pastime of motoring when, as a boy, he was allowed to ride a De Dion-Bouton tricycle owned by Ludovico Prinetti, a friend of his father. After Prinetti and his partner Stucci, manufacturers of sewing machines, decided to make motorised tricycles, they invited young Bugatti, fresh from art school, to join them as an apprentice. The developing sport of motor racing offered them excellent publicity and Ettore achieved the distinction of competing in his first race and getting a works drive before his 17th birthday. Thus began a lifelong passion for racing that led him to design and build some of the most beautiful and successful racing cars the world has seen. Bugatti's racing history, told here in full for the first time in one volume, was a roller-coaster of triumph and tragedy. His Type 35 racing car, launched in 1925, was the greatest racing car of all time, no other car achieving so much victories. The story of Ettore Bugatti, his family and the tragic death of his son Jean is intertwined with that of the competition cars, the men and women who drove them, their loves, hates and rivalries. After the Second World War, the days of of glory had passed for Bugatti, but although attempts in the 1950s and again in the 1990s to revive the marque's racing fortunes proved a disappointment, the new owners of the brand are opening a new chapter in the Bugatti story. This interesting story is complemented by exciting photos. Hans-Georg Schmitt
Opel Blitz Feuerwehr Fotoalbum (Opel Blitz fire engine photo album) by Udo Paulitz, German text. 144 pages, 231 photos, 7 technical drawings, 18 facsimile reprints. Hardbound 220 x 305 mm. lSBN 3-440-08848-0. Both books published by and available from Kosmos Verlag, Pfizerstrasse 5-7, D-70184 Stuttgart, Germany. Tel: 0711 2191341, Fax: 0711 21 91413. Web: www.kosmos.de
The legendary Opel Blitz fire appliances were ubiquitous in Germany and in many other areas as well. This album tells their story from the first open fire car from before 1914 to the Blitz types of 1975. The Opel Blitz one and 1.5 ton vehicles began the success story, the three tonner was solid and indestructible, and the reliable 1.75 tonner also built the reputation of Adam Opel AG. Obviously this book also shows the decline of the former market leader. Hans-Georg Schmitt
Sachsenring Der P240 des VEB Sachsen-ring Zwickau, Chronik und Entwicklung (Saxon Ring, the P240 of VEB Saxon Ring, Zwickau, Chronicle and Development) by Reiner Weiss, German text. 71 pages, 25 pictures. Paperbound. 150 x 210 mm. ISBN 3 928820 81-8. Published by and available from Verlag Wissenschaffen, Goethestrasse 68; D-19053 Schwerin, Germany.
After the war much of the automobile industry in the Soviet occupied zone was destroyed or damaged. In the DDR the citizens of the new state wanted new cars. The IFA F8s and F9s were based on pre-war designs, and the EMW 340, the only six cylinder four door car, was also based on BMW pre-war design. It was cancelled when F9 production moved from Zwickau to Eisenach. To fulfil the need for a bigger car, the 'People's own company' VEB Sachsenring got the order to make the car, initially called the Sachsenring (Saxon Ring), then renamed the meaningless P240. This car should have been the successor to the impressive pre-war Horch cars and it was built later at the former Horch plant. After two years development it was launched as a six seat pontoon bodied car, up to current intemational standards, so that exports could earn foreign currency. Made from 1955 to 1959, the total output was only 1382 cars, when production ceased, its place in the market taken by the Russian Volga and Czech Tatra. The author tells the story of this car, development and production problems, and all variations. Currently only 1:87 scale models are available of this car, from Czech range V&V and from adp. HGS
Sprich zuerst mit Ford (Talk first to Ford) Four decades of Ford advertising. By Bernd Tuchen, German text. 136 pages, 180 pictures. Hardbound 210 x 300mm. ISBN 3-89880-109-8. web: www.heel-verlag.de
No other automobile make, apart from Opel and Volkswagen, played such an important role on the roads of Germany and the Benelux states. Product managers of today can only dream of the market share Ford had in the 1950s. But even so, advertising was necessary and this changed over this years. 40 years of advertising Ford vehicles covers the hunchback Taunus from just after the war, the 12M saloon, the first car with pontoon design, the 17M baroque Taunus, the bathtub and on to the Capri and Granada Mark I. Also included are trucks, vans, the French Ford Vedette and the English Ford Anglia, Prefect and Zodiac. Reprints of sales literature show not only the changing car designs of the time, but also changing fashions and tastes, first in drawings and water colour paintings, then photos of the cars with detail photos and finally cars in typical settings. The author shows these changes in advertising, design and fashion in the cars made by Ford. This book will interest anyone involved with auto advertising, and for all Ford fans. HGS
Mercedes-Benz Feuerwehr Fotoalbum (Mercedes-Benz fire photo album) by Udo Paulitz, German text. 143 pages, 206 photos, 15 drawings. 22 brochure reprints. Hard-bound 220 x 305 mm. ISBN 3-440-07867-1
Lots of little boys would like to become firemen, but few do, so in later life a compensation is to collect books, models and memorabilia. Udo Paulitz tells the full story of Mercedes-Benz fire appliances, from the separate firms of Benz and Daimler, through the 1930s and the time of the Third Reich, then the difficulties re-starting until currency reform in 1948. By the 1950s Mercedes-Benz were the market leaders, and they started the era of domination by their famous short-bonnetted vehicles. HGS
Charge Utile, Hors-Serie 27: Willeme, by Jean-Francois Colombet, French text. 84 pages, 177 photos. Paperbound. 210 x 300 mm. Published by Histoire & Collections
Willeme was founded after the First World War, civilianising US Liberty trucks, then with new designs developed from these trucks. Over the years they made more original designs, on light and heavy commercials. An interesting story covering many previously unknown vehicles. HGS
Charge Utile Hors Serie 28: Les Camions Berliet de l'Armée Francais by J-M Boniface and J-F Colombet, 84 A4 pages, French text. 269 photos. Published by Histoire & Collections
Berliet trucks as used by the French Army, a well illustrated reference work. HGS
Automobilia hors-serie 23: Toutes Les Voitures Francaises 1964, by Rene Bellu. French text, 84 pages, published by and available from Histoire & Collections.
This issue covers new cars at the Paris motor show 1963, for model year 1964. As well as still-active names like Citroen, Peugeot and Renault there are Facel Vega, Panhard, Charles Deutsch, Rene Bonnet, Simca and others. HGS
Trade Topics
A good deal?
by Rod Ward and A N OtherI received the following letter from an old friend who was somewhat aggrieved by the comments I made in a reply to a letter on the Correspondence pages of MAR 165. We don't usually publish anything in MAR without attribution, but he made it a condition of publication that he should remain anonymous. Because his letter raises interesting subjects which should be aired in greater detail than previously, I have decided that we will respect his wishes and publish anyway. You'll just have to believe me that he is a long-established dealer, with a good reputation. He obviously has his own reasons for maintaining his anonymity, though I can't imagine what they are. It isn't so that he can avoid paying tax, for instance. So maybe it's just to avoid the inevitable ribbing he would get from his customers at swapmeets? Here is his letter, with my notes in reply numbered.
Dear Rod
Sorry to challenge your normally thoughtful and reasoned comments in MAR, but I cannot allow you to get away with your unguarded generalisation in MAR 165 on page 8403 penultimate paragraph: 'All legitimate full-time dealers these days take credit cards. If yours doesn't, he probably doesn't pay VAT or income tax either, so you shouldn't deal with him at all...'
Whilst I accept that there may be a greater risk of problems, such as the instance outlined in the letter which precedes your comments (although the writer hasn't demonstrated conclusively that the dealer in question has received the disputed parcel, but see comments below), it doesn't excuse your statements which are a slur on all small traders and tars them all with the same brush.
For the record, I know a number of respectable small traders, including myself, who do not have credit card facilities, but who try to offer a fair and honest service to their customers.
I doubt if anyone conducts business and doesn't have the occasional 'glitch', but those traders that I know would put right any such problem in an honourable way as quickly as possible. The reason that credit card facilities are not offered is usually that the cost of same is disproportionate to the level of business, bearing in mind that such overheads would be reflected in prices. #1 (The decision they may wish to take as to whether acceptance of credit cards will reflect a higher level of business is a separate issue, but in my experience is an issue of whether the customer wants to pay now or wants free credit, effectively subsidised by cash-paying customers and/or the trader!) #2 Similarly, the level of business is the determining factor as to whether VAT is payable, although of course a non-VAT registered trader cannot offset his VAT paid on wholesalers' bills, fuel etc etc... #3 So the end result is very similar. Incidentally, it appears that many of our cousins in Europe have to be VAT-registered whatever their level of business, so the concept that in the UK you can be a perfectly legitimate trader without being registered is not readily understood by them #4.
The threshold here before you have to register is somewhere around the £50k-plus turnover, I think. #5 Your remarks do not help to dispel this misunderstanding!
As far as Income Tax is concerned, then a full-time dealer is unlikely not to be making returns as he has to demonstrate how he supports himself. Your quarrel in this respect is with the part-timer who may be supplementing his income quietly. #6 This point would equally apply to boot-salers etc, but where do you draw the line? (eg Between disposal of unwanted items and developing a part-time business).
Maybe wholesalers should take a greater interest in those to whom they are selling, but what incentive would there be for them to do so? #7 So, to summarise my objection to your remarks, perhaps I can suggest the following revised wording: 'A lot of full-time dealers take credit cards which can offer advantages, but remember you may be paying for the privilege. Other dealers can afford to be more competitive as they do not carry these added overheads, but you need to take greater care, for example by developing an ongoing relationship with him, and if in doubt seeking reference from other dealers/collectors. (Non-acceptance of credit cards does not necessarily reflect his business status).' One other point in this respect from your correspondent's letter:
He describes the dealer as 'reputable' and a regular at many swapmeets. If he feels that he has a legitimate complaint, why not mention the fact to the swapmeet organiser? #8
Finally, I wonder if the writer hasn't been a little naive in the conduct of the transaction (he seems almost to accept the fact in his letter) - five months seems a long time to accept non-delivery of an order without query. #9
Similarly, sending goods of value through the post without cover of some sort is not only risky but unfair to the intended recipient, if you are then going to accuse him of receiving it when he may not have! (It could have been left on a doorstep.) Even a simple Certificate of Posting which he could have obtained free of charge with a letter-post packet would have covered him for up to £27.00 contents (plus the postage paid) currently, (but without proof of receipt). Study of a Royal Mail booklet entitled 'Our Services: all you need to know' would enlighten him quite a lot. I am continually amazed at people's ignorance of the different services and prices. #10
Hope this is constructive!
Editor's notes:
So, to expand further in the hope that this will elucidate matters for everyone concerned, collectors and dealers (registered or un-registered), here are my additional comments. I hope that these are not also classed as 'unguarded generalisations':
#1 - Indeed, if someone's business is such that no customers own credit cards, or if the turnover is so small as to not justify taking card payments, then there should be no need to become a credit card 'merchant'. When I was first asked by customers to offer credit card facilities, I was also reluctant. That was in the 1970s, when credit restrictions were very tight, and very few small businesses were considered for merchant status. We finally agreed to do it, mainly at the time for mail order customers, and the rates were punitive. We paid ten percent of the sale value to the credit card processing centre! At that time petrol stations were paying one per cent or less. We had a very low 'floor limit' (ie above which we had to telephone for authorisation of the charge) for personal customers, and every mail order had to be authorised. Even 'authorisation' was no guarantee that we would get the payment, as we found to our cost. All that they are guaranteeing is that the card exists, not that it belongs to the customer offering it for payment! If the real cardholder complains a month later, when he sees it on his statement, then the payment is withdrawn, the merchant loses the money (and the goods supplied) and the 'authorisation' counts for nothing. In spite of this, we carried on, and now pay a much smaller percentage, though it is still a substantial amount deducted automatically by the credit card company every month. As a matter of interest, like all UK-registered businesses we keep every piece of paperwork for six years in case of a tax inspection, but from time to time the system breaks down, and I recently found some 20-year old boxes of paperwork. At that time around 50 per cent of our turnover was in cash, over 40 per cent cheques and money orders, and less than ten percent credit cards. Nowadays it is 90 per cent credit card, almost ten per cent cheques etc, only a tiny fraction of one per cent in cash!
#2 - No argument here, it just gives the customer an extra choice. Many people, like myself, carry little or no cash these days, and I also rather like the idea of the potential benefit of having the credit card company on my side if there is ever a later dispute about quality or efficiency of the goods or service supplied.
#3 - When I first registered for VAT, it was after attending a small business seminar, where it was conclusively proved that virtually every trader would gain financially by registering and claiming back all VAT paid. My turnover was well under the minimum threshold for registration at the time, but it proved to be true. Also, if there is a chance that in the future you may get busier, and your turnover grows above the threshold in any one quarter of the year, you will be compelled to register anyway.
To then alter your book-keeping to incorporate VAT, find out how to fill in the forms etc, just when you are really busy, is courting trouble. Far better to register in advance of the need.
#4 - Yes, and I can't understand it either. If everyone who traded automatically had to charge VAT, and to pay it HM Customs, we would all benefit from a more equitable system, and more tax money would flow to the government's coffers, to the benefit of all of us. Why there is a need for a 'threshold', which leads to time-wasting investigations of 'true' turnover levels by the authorities, beats me.
#5 - The question of the turnover threshold is interesting. It is intended to enable a sole trader, who essentially sells only his own time, to avoid unnecessary paperwork, whilst expecting that anyone who makes their living from 'buying and selling' would have to register. So, for instance, a self-employed window cleaner who has few overheads, and no stock purchases, would not have to register for VAT.
A plumber would have to be careful, if he intended to stay below the level, because if he pays for every bath and hot water system he installs, the turnover of his business will rocket, and he'll have to register. That is why so many such craftsmen ask the customer himself to pay for such capital items direct from the supplier. The authorities know the average profit percentage in any given field of business where goods are bought and sold, so they have a pretty good idea if it will be likely that someone is getting a living wage out of their business whilst keeping their turnover below the current threshold. For instance, the gross profit level when you buy diecast models from a wholesaler is reckoned at between 28 and 33 per cent, providing you charge the full recommended manufacturer's retail price. This applies whether you are VAT registered and can claim back the VAT charged by the wholesaler, or unregistered, in which case the VAT is just an addition to the price paid. If you are just bumping under the VAT threshold, at £12,000 in any one quarter (£48,000 per year) that means a gross income of £12,000 to £16,000 per annum. Out of that comes all other expenditure necessary to earn your living, such as swapmeet stall rents, car expenses, advertising and so on, leaving perhaps £10,000 to £12,000 as your total take-home pay in a year. So you can see why HM Customs and Excise feel that with an annual turnover of less than £50,000 you can't get out of a 'buying and selling' business what most folk would class as a living wage.
If you manufacture every model yourself, however, it should be possible to live well enough out of £50,000 turnover. If you only deal in second hand goods, and pay your suppliers a small fraction of what goods are worth (so that your mark up is, say, at least half the retail price) then it is also possible, but you'll need to do lots of fast talking and provide lots of proof of prices paid, if they come round to do an inspection. It is always worth remembering in this context that the nice chaps at HM Customs and Excise have much greater powers than the Police, and are much less accountable for their actions, under Crown privilege.
#6 - Funnily enough, the authorities take a more relaxed view of the occasional sale of personal possessions, even at boot sale, auctions etc. I don't know what the current figure is, but the Inland Revenue have a rule of thumb figure which they 'allow' you to reach within any tax year when selling personal possessions. They accept that you may sell items you no longer want (such as overspill from your model car collection) from time to time, and in order to do this you may have to take a stall at a swapmeet alongside 'professional' dealers. I think I can now re-tell a story which dates back to the late 1970s and which illustrates the lengths to which the authorities may go in tracking 'dealers'. At that time there were no specialist magazines, so a popular way to sell models and toys by mail order was by advertising in Exchange and Mart under Collecting. Potential buyers would send for lists, and deals were done.
A friend told me, in a state of shock, of a call to visit the local Inland Revenue office. They showed him a year of his lists, which he had unknowingly sent to one of their operatives, at a 'home' address. They had carefully checked every item which had been deleted (and thus sold) from the list, month by month, and calculated what his total annual sales must have been, which had not been declared on his tax return, just submitted! Brown trouser time?
He was already self employed, as a salesman, so he could have been liable for the lot, plus a possible fine and a closer examination of all his financial affairs. he was a bright chap, however, and knew the current admissible figure for disposal of personal possessions. By arguing that some items had gone from the lists because they were faulty and unsaleable, or had fallen into the previous tax year, he was able to argue the total down to the 'admissible' figure, and he got away with it. He stopped advertising immediately. And he came up with another comment that the revenue officials made. He was 'lucky' that the items he sold as part of his 'proper' job were not toys or models. If they had been, then there would have been no 'admissible' figure. In other words, if you are a collector and a dealer in the same type of goods you are liable for tax, even on items sold from your own private collection, even if their acquisition pre-dates the point at which you started to earn your living by dealing in similar items. That was 25 years ago but I doubt if they have changed the rules since then, and I have used this example in small business advice ever since. So, if you normally deal in current Corgi diecasts, then decide to sell some of your collection of obsolete diecast toys which you acquired as a child, you will be liable to tax on the sale, and for VAT if you are registered. If, on the other hand, you deal in diecast models, and decide to sell some books from your personal collection, you should not be liable for tax on their sale, providing the amount realised is not too great in any one year.
There would be no VAT liability, however, as publications are zero-rated for VAT in the UK. This is not true of other EU countries, however, as I once learned to my cost, and my great annoyance. Travelling to the Nuremberg Toy Fair one year, I chucked a box of MAR copies (not even the latest issue) into the car boot, to give away at the show. We left the ferry in Rotterdam, where the Dutch Customs asked if we had anything to declare. No. What's in that box then? Magazines, to give away, free of charge. You'll have to pay VAT on them. They are zero rated. Not in the Netherlands. OK, I don't need them, I'll throw the boxful in that bin over there.
Do what you like with them, you'll still have to pay. (I paid, with very bad grace, the twenty quid they asked. We don't go to the Continent via Rotterdam any more.)
#7 - It's not up to wholesalers to police who buys from them, and I don't blame them for selling to whoever they can. It just means that if 'legit' dealers see their own customers prowling a wholesaler's aisles they tend not to buy that type of model from that source in future, if they use the wholesaler at all. This may mean a loss of a few larger customers, but if the alternative for the wholesaler is to bar the mass of smaller customers, many of whom are not really traders, they will probably let the fewer bigger fish go. From time to time a manufacturer, such as Corgi, will try to police the situation. They try to only supply certain items direct to 'proper' outlets such as their Gold Star stockists, but this comes unstuck if said stockists don't buy all the stock. Then it is offered to the wholesalers anyway, in order to clear the warehouse before the next shipment arrives from China. The frustration of trying to control where one's products are sold, and the prices charged for them, has driven more than one company executive to an early grave. It can't be done, if you use wholesale distribution. One well-known white metal handbuilt manufacturer tries to stop 'discounting' by its dealers, to support the retail price, with all sorts of dire warnings of withdrawal of supply if dealers don't comply. Technically this is illegal in Britain, but there has been no official complaint, as far as I know. In any case their whole approach is flawed, because they also supply some stock to one of the biggest wholesalers in the country, who doesn't police who buys the models, or what price they are sold at.
#8 - I don't think you'd get much change out of a swapmeet organiser if you complain about bad dealing from one of his stall-holders. He is just the 'landlord' sub-letting space to stall-holders for the day. You might as well address a complaint about a high street store to the City institution from whom they rent the shop premises. I do believe, however, that stall-holders should clearly state on their stand who they are, with address, phone number etc. I am amazed at the number of totally anonymous 'dealer' stalls at such events. At any events where I have been involved with the organisation, I always asked stallholders to show a clear banner or poster with their details on display, or at the very least, business cards or leaflets on the stall. And there was always a large plan of the event layout pinned up on the wall, where every table was clearly marked with the name of the exhibitor. This meant we weren't constantly bothered by questions about where someone's stall was, or the name of a stall-holder from whom a purchase had just been made. Everyone could see it for themselves.
#9 - Time elapsed is a strange thing. We get phone calls from collectors enquiring where their order is, as 'it was placed some weeks ago'. When we look it up, we only got the order last week, and it is in the mailing process. Similarly, someone orders something they know we haven't got in stock, but we'll have to order specially. A week or two later we contact them to confirm that we now have it, so can we charge and send it? No, sorry, I've already got it elsewhere, as I have waited 'such a long time' for it that I got it elsewhere in the meantime. No, I didn't think I needed to cancel it with you, I just bought it when I saw it somewhere else. So what do we do? We bought a model we wouldn't normally carry in stock, and now we have to try to find another buyer for it. You won't be surprised to know that if this particular customer asks us to 'special order' something in future, we will be very cautious...
#10 - I can also recommend that mail users (senders and recipients) familiarise themselves with the services available. We often have models supplied by smaller UK manufacturers where the postage charged in addition to the model value adds three or four pounds to the nett cost. Everybody knew that Registered Post was expensive, and only useful for very high value or irreplaceable items. When this service was renamed 'Special Delivery' by Royal Mail, we found all kinds of lower value items being sent to us by this means, at vast cost.
There! I've given my anonymous friend the opportunity to defend unregistered dealers, and I've also been able to add some extra information and soap box oratory which may be of interest to traders and their customers.
BUS STOP
St Petersburg NEWS
By Leonid KhoykhinNew models at St Petersburg Tram Collection:
140 1987-89 Toronto Transit Commission ALRV Streetcar (4200 4251 series). The prototype Articulated Canadian Light Rail Vehicle (ALRV) was built in 1982, numbered 4900 by TTC. The order for 52 cars was placed in 1984, delivered to Toronto from 1987 to 1989. This group of 76 cars was numbered 4200-4251. The first ALRV, #4204 entered service on Route 507 (Long Branch) in January 1988, followed by routes 501 and 511. Propulsion systems for the ALRV were supplied by Brush (UK) and trucks by MAN (Germany) to make savings for the TTC as these companies were sub-contractors on a 1983 subway car contract.
180 1964 Chicago Transit Authority Pullman-Standard 2001-2180 series Rapid Transit Car. In 1964 Chicago Transit Authority received 180 new rapid transit cars from Pullman Standard and numbered them 2001-2180. These New Look cars had a fibreglass front end which allowed the designers to create a unique look for the end of the car, with large picture windows. Aluminum was also widely used. New CTA-l trucks, a joint effort of CTA and the LFM Manufacturing Company, were installed and the General Electric SCM-type propulsion control was a result of several years of tests on cars 6129-6130. 100 hp motors and 28 inch wheels were used, giving the high performance characteristic of these cars. The interior was in light colours with light blue seats, and air conditioning was installed. This series of cars introduced the mint green and alpine white livery to Chicago Rapid Transit. Starting from 1972, the series adopted a new platinum-black livery; a few were painted in the Bicentennial scheme and later they were painted in a red, white and blue Spirit of Chicago scheme. The last of the 2000 series cars were retired by the beginning of 1994; cars 2153-2154 being preserved at Illinois Railway Museum.
433 1924-26 Pittsburgh Railways Co Jones Low-floor Car. In 1915 car 3556 was built for the Pittsburgh Railways Co by Standard Steel Co to the design of P N Jones, becoming the prototype for almost 1,000 cars bought by PRCo between 1915 and 1927 from different car builders. The low floor on these cars sloped down between the trucks to the centre doors, but even the last cars built in 1927 still had the obsolete 'deck' roof. Between 1924 and 1926 the PRCo received 243 new Jones low-floor cars from Pressed Steel Car Co. (5000-5099 series; delivered in 1925) and Osgood-Bradley (5100-5159 and 5200-5282 series, delivered in 1924-26). These cars had double front doors (later most of the old cars were rebuilt to this configuration) and they arrived in the new orange paint scheme instead of the old tuscan red. The Jones low-floor cars were the mainstay of the system for many years; most of the cars of the 5000-series were scrapped between 1951 and 1956.
170 1954 Tokyo Metropolitan Goverment Transportation Bureau Naniwa Koki Co PCC no 5001. To modernise the large tram system in the Japanese capital, Tokyo Metropolitan Transport Bureau ordered a modern PCC-type tram from Naniwa Koki Co in 1953. Sumitomo Metal Industries company used the Transit Research Corp patents from 1953 and supplied the B-3 trucks for this car. The PCC controls were imported from United States and were even installed on the left side of the car. The modern tram was ready in 1954, numbered 5501. It had four 55 hp motors and a very stylish body with standee windows, roof monitor and pantograph (changed to bow collector at last years of operation). In the same year, car 5502 was built, with the same body design but with standard Japanese trucks (Brill 77E copy) and controls. The 5500 series was continued later with five more cars (numbered 5503-5507) with some changes to the body design; but only tram 5501 was a true PCC. The PCC 5501 had very smooth acceleration, but it was too expensive in operation, so no more PCC cars were built for Tokyo. The 5500 series was painted in the new livery of dark buff with a red band. This livery became standard for all Tokyo trams since 1959. PCC 5501 and other cars of the 5500 series operated on the prestige route 1 (Shinagawa-Ueno) until 1967 when this route was closed. Car 5501 was exhibited in Ueno Park for some years and is preserved now at Arakawa Station in Tokyo.
For more information, contact St Petersburg Tram Collection, PO Box. No 16, 196158 St Petersburg, Russia. Fax: +7 (812) 164 5254, Internet: www.sptc.spb.ru email: sptc@sp.ru
EXCLUSIVE FIRST EDITIONS
Current and soon to be released 1:76 diecast models from EFE, all made in China for UK:
AEC STL double decker London Transport
Leyland Titan double decker London Transport
Wright Volvo Travel West Midlands
Leyland PD1 highbridge Barton Transport
BET single decker Todmorden BR
Plaxton Panorama II British Airways
Bristol VRII open top Southdown
Alexander Atlantean A1 Services
Daimler Fleetline Nottingham City Transport
AEC RT double decker London Transport
GM Standard Atlantean Greater Manchester
Wright Volvo Renown First Manchester
Routemaster RML Showbus model
Plaxton Mercedes-Benz Minibus Arriva Herts & Essex
Leyland National Mk I Cardiff City Transport
Plaxton Pointer Dart Chester City Transport
Leyland Titan London Transport
Guy Arab II Utility East Kent
GM Standard Atlantean First Pennine
Leyland TD1 Manchester Corporation
London Tube Stock
Northern Line: four models
NORTHCORD BUSES
The next 1:76 diecast buses made in China by Creative Masters Northcord Ltd are all Far East versions:
Volvo Alexander R SBS Transit
Volvo Alexander ALX 500 Ultra Heroes
Volvo Alexander R SBS Transit 2-pc set
Mitsubishi Aerobus low floor single deck
COLLECTORS MODEL
Latest models expected from Collectors Model of China:
MCW Metrobus Mark II
Yorkshire Rider Leeds 1:50
MCW Metrobus Mark II
Travel WM Airport Link 1:50
MCW Metrobus Mark II
Travel WM Pershore Rd 1:50
MCW Metrobus Mark II
Travel WM Airport Link 1:125
MCW Metrobus Mark II
Travel WM Pershore Rd 1:125
Dennis Dragon 11 metre bus
Pak Fah Yeow 1:76
Dennis Dragon 11 metre bus
Double Happiness 1:76
Ford Transit Nottinghamshire
Police dog van 1:43
BRITAIN
NEW NEWBANK?
Dick Browne asks if we know of a new range called Newbank Models. He says, 'I understand from an American dealer that they are a startup English firm and their first model, a 1938 Hudson convertible, will be out soon. at about $100 less than MiniMarque's version'. We have been told about this range and we have more than once asked our informant to tell the makers to send details to us. But nothing has arrived so far...
CA: A GOOD CHOICE We're told that the Lansdowne 1:43 handbuilt model Bedford CA Romany motor caravan is already the best seller by far of recent models, and still going, in its third production run. It just shows that if you make a subject which has been largely ignored, you'll reap the benefit.
TRUCKSTOP
LATEST FROM ELIGOR
By Anne Marie Vullierme, Directeur General, EligorEligor has eight new 1:43 scale models to offer:
112299 MAN TG Toyota F1, the first ever Toyota F1 Transporter, its red and white livery recalling the colours of the Japanese flag.
112320 MAN TG Coeur de Lion (Lionheart). Messageries Laitieres from Normandy transport cheese in this truck from the little town of Vire in the Calvados region, where they make their excellent cheese.
112139 Iveco Stralis Transports Renaud. The first Iveco Stralis for this company, from Pons in the Charente Maritime region. They specialise in refrigerated transport. Their motto is: Everywhere... Always available to help you!
111979 MAN TG XXL tractor unit only, yellow, a MAN colour. The cab tilts to reveal the engine, just like the real truck. The cab interior is so detailed it even includes fire extinguisher.
112325 Renault Magnum Transport J P Chenet. This livery is reproduced faithfully with four-colour silk screening. The Chenet bottle is unique, with a crooked neck, created specially for this good quality wine from the Oc region.
112257 MAN TG Petronas 2001. Better late than never, do not miss it now! It took us a long time to make the MAN TG! 112259 MAN TG BMW Williams 2002. The real trucks transport BMW-Williams Formula One racing cars, including that of Juan Pablo Montoya who has often taken pole position this year, thanks to the most powerful engine in F1.
112275 Mercedes-Benz Actros Sauber 2002. For the first time in 2002 Sauber used an Actros with their race transporter, allowing Eligor to add another Sauber model to the range.
NEW AER RELEASES
AER of Russia have the following new releases to announce, courtesy of director Alexander Popa, all resin kits unless otherwise noted:
AR7219 ZIS-5 soviet army truck WWII 1:72
AR7220 ZIS-5V soviet army truck WWII 1:72
AR7221 ZIS-6 soviet army truck WWII 1:72
AR7222 Br-2 soviet long range 152 mm gun 1:72
AR7223 Soviet Comintern 203mm B4 Howitzer 1:72
AR7224 An-12 soviet cargo aircraft 1:72
AR7225 Soviet ZIS-5 and 'sea glider' WWII 1:72
AR7226 T-70 soviet tank WWII 1:72
AR7227 Soviet ZIS-5 and 76-mm gun WWII 1:72
AR7228 SU-76 soviet self propelled gun WWII 1:72
AR7229 Terror tank WWII 1:72
AR7230 Machine gun cart WWII 1:72
Older resin kits upgraded with improvments to quality of manufacture, quality of material, and amount of detail. They include:
AR7204 ZIS-42M, 37mm soviet AA gun WWII
AR7206 ZIS-16Ms Soviet ambulance WWII
AR7207 ZIS-5 Soviet AA searchlight WWII
AR7210 Soviet 203mm howitzer B4 WWII
AR7213 Soviet STZ-5 Katyusha WWII
AR7214 Soviet artillery tractor based on STZ-5
AR7219 ZIS-5 soviet army truck WWII
AR7220 ZIS-5V soviet army truck WWII
New white metal figures of soldiers 90mm and 54mm.
Samurai: 13 to 17th century foot soldiers and cavalrymen, armour, and horses.
European gothic 15th century, cavalry knight.
Russian man at arms, 14th century.
Mongolian cavalryman, 13th century.
WORLD NEWS
NEW ONE43 RANGE
by Phil Alderman, Auto Fare
Regular readers of MAR will probably recall that I produced The Great American Dream Machine, Dust & Glory, and Quarter Mile ranges of hand built model cars. Early in 2003 I will be launching a new range, called One43, Unique Models of Unique Automobiles. The first two releases will be the 1910 Brooke 'Swan Car' and a Mercedes-Benz 540K custom Cabriolet C from 1936. They will be hand built in 1:43 scale. I will send more details for a future issue of MAR about the models and the new range, along with future planned releases. They should be available early next year, and perhaps I'll donate one for the Competition. I always wanted to see a picture of one of my models on the cover of Model Auto Review!
Editor's note: We'll look forward to more information on these new models, and to offering one of them as a Competition prize! The Brooke 'Swan car' was an extraordinary device, shaped like a gigantic swan.
AUTO ART BUGATTIS
By Hans-Georg SchmittDuring the recent Bugatti meeting I was told that Bugatti will release model cars early in 2003, made by Auto Art in 1:43 and 1:18 scales. The CAD data for the production car is still not completely ready for use.
1:43 TRAX HOLDEN FE
The latest release from Top Gear of Australia in the Trax range is a 1:43 scale diecast Holden FE saloon, as made from 1956 to 1958. It comes in three versions, Elk blue with Teal blue roof, Shoreline beige with Dueblo tan roof, or Cabot grey with Gipsy red roof. It costs $AUS 36.95 plus postage, and can be ordered on the web at www.topgear.com.au or by Freecall in Australia at 1800 635 508.
KYOSHO PLANS
By Heather Rose, Hobbico.comNew 1:18 diecast models from Kyosho:
KYOV0100 Mercedes Benz E-Class 2002 1:18 scale in brushed silver finish, using a different manufacturing process, but retaining almost all the same detail as other Kyosho models, at a significantly lower price.
KYOV0165 Austin Healey 3000 Mark I white, KYOV0166 Austin Healey 3000 Mark III blue-white both 1:18 scale and available November 2002. They have steerable wheels, opening doors and hoods, plus engine and trunk detail.
Other recent releases:
KYOV0149 Austin Healey 100-6 light blue-white 1:18
KYOV0154 Austin Healey Mark II green 1:18
KYOV0157 Lamborghini Countach LP400 yellow 1:18
KYOV0920 BMW 7 Series grey 1:43
KYOV1051 Lamborghini Jota Circuit Wolf red 1:43
Kyosho Auto Scale Collection
1:28 scale models with bodies made of injection-molded plastic, mounted on a display chassis. But each will also fit an R/C-equipped Mini-Z chassis. Each model comes with racing wheels and tyres.
KYOS0007 Mazda RX-7 FD3S red
KYOS0008 Mazda RX-7 FD3S blue
KYOS0035 Mugen NSX JGTC GT500 2002
1:18 AUDI ROSEMEYER
By Hans-Georg SchmittA new release from Maisto is 31625 Audi Rosemeyer Super Sports car in 1:18 scale.
Audi have linked their Grand Prix history with modern technology in a design study, Project Rosemeyer, in the Auto-Stadt at the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg. The project team was led by interior design chief Stefan Sielaff, inspired, among much else by drawings of a mysterious design study from 1934. In 1934 independent design engineer Ferdinand Porsche, later known as father of the Beetle, not only developed the legendary Grand Prix racing cars, but also a concept to incorporate the racing car principles in a super sports car for the road. As well as the rear-mounted engine there would be independent suspension, hydraulic shock-absorbers and a manual five-speed-gearbox. The two body styles were a three seater, to be steered from the centre seat, and a four door five seater. The Auto Union Porsche Typ 52 never went into production and the prototypes disappeared in the confusion of wartime and the first postwar days in Soviet occupied Saxony. The re-born idea is outwardly complete, but the V-16 engine and gearbox are still missing. Any new unit must have 600 to 700 hp, to reach at least 350 km/h, as Bernd Rosemeyer, the first autobahn driver, hit over 400km/h in 1934 from Frankfurt to Darmstadt. Now we await the green light from the Audi board to start production. The 1:18 model by Maisto faithfully reproduces the real design study. the doors open and the steering works realistically. The interior gives a good impression of aluminium and brown leather, and through the spokes of the wheels we can see the huge perforated brake discs. The base plate is completely flat and un-detailed, but the bonnet doesn't open; nothing inside to see, yet!
PLAYING MANTIS KITS
By Lori SchlotfeldtPlaying Mantis announced new kits at the RCHTA 2002 Show in Chicago in the Polar Lights and Johnny Lightning brands, scheduled for release from September 2002 to December 2003.
Batman Model Kits: Under the brand name Johnny Lightning, the company introduced two 1:24 diecast kits of the Batmobile in September 2002. The 1950s version of the DC Comics Batmobile features over 75 parts with crime lab, detailed chassis and a pre-painted body. The evolutionary 1960s version is more recognisable to Batman fans and while it features over 85 parts, it is a Skill Level 2 kit, easy to assemble with no painting required. This is the first time the DC Comics Batmobile has been produced in diecast kit form.
Also in September 2002, the company launched two plastic kits under the Polar Lights brand name, the 1960s DC Comics Batmobile, a new sculpt and tool with 110-plus parts, and the Batplane, which is the re-creation of the Aurora kit from the 1960s. Both kits feature seated figures of Batman and Robin. In January 2003, Polar Lights will follow with the Batcycle. Based on the original Aurora kit, it has been adapted to have separate wheels and soft tyres. Then, in May 2003, the company will introduce the Batboat, a faithful reproduction of the Aurora original.
All four plastic kits are Skill Level 2.
Also, in January 2002, the company will launch four new 1:64 scale diecast kits. Marketed under the Johnny Lightning brand, the first assortments will include a 1940s DC Comics Batmobile, 1960s DC Comics Batmobile, 1930s and 1940s Batgyro, and a 1960s Batboat.
Marvel Comics Characters Plastic Kits: Two classic Marvel Comics characters join the Polar Lights model kit line for 2003. In February, a reproduction of the famous Aurora Spider-Man kit from the 1960s will be released. And in June, The Incredible Hulk will appear. Both of these original kits were 1:12 scale but the Polar Lights Skill Level 2 kits will be 1:8 scale, which makes each kit nine inches tall!
The Simpsons Snap Kit: Polar Lights is introducing a classic Simpsons moment in a new Skill Level 1 Snap Kit set for release in July of 2003.
From the episode Oh Brother, Where Art Thou comes a replica of the car Homer designed for 'the common man'. The car will be reproduced complete with a one piece pre-painted figure of the driver himself - Homer J Simpson.
New Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine Snap Kit: In January 2003, Polar Lights is re-introducing its Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine Snap Kit, now easier to assemble at a Skill Level 1, including pre-painted figures of Shaggy and Scooby-Doo.
Star Trek Model Kits: Polar Lights will bring out the Starship USS Enterprise NCC-1701 from the original TV series, Star Trek. Entering the market in July, this 1:1000 scale (approximately 11 inches long) will be a Skill Level 1 Snap Kit, the first kit in a series that will be produced in the 1:1,000 scale. In the third quarter of 2003, Polar Lights will issue a Skill Level 2 plastic kit of the Enterprise NX-01 from the UPN television show, Enterprise. This 1:350 scale kit will be approximately 24 inches long, the first of a series in 1:350 scale.
EMERGENCY
Ambulance Models
By Chris BattenMAR readers might be interested in some models issued by The British Ambulance Society. We have recently released four models in connection with the 16th national Ambulance and Emergency Vehicles Show which took place at Chippenham in early September, pictured above and right. A few may be available for collectors, write for prices (with a SAE) to: British Ambulance Society Models, 25 West Rise, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 2PG, UK or email: chris.batten@virgin.net
DINKY 24a/30f Reproduction: A very limited reproduction run of the pre-war Dinky casting with cut out windows has been commissioned enabling collectors to add this now difficult to find model to their collections at a modest price. The model has been produced in three authentic colour schemes:
(a) Cream body-black chassis
(b) Grey Body-black chassis
(c) Grey body-red chassis
The castings were taken from an original and reflect this. Some colour combinations are extremely low please specify if you would accept an alternative.
Lledo DG/LP18 Code 3 Packard: Produced for the 2002 Ambex exhibition held at Harrogate in July, model promoting the British Ambulance Society.
Most were sold at the event, but a few remain.
Red Box LDV British Ambulance Society: Also produced for Ambex 2002, a conversion of the Red Box LDV with battenberg livery and British Ambulance Society lettering (totally sold out).
Lledo Models for 16th National Ambulance and Emergency Vehicles Show: For the 16th National Ambulance and Emergency Vehicles Show, Chippenham Ambulance Headquarters on 7-8 September 2002, a limited run of 100 Lledo Code 3 ambulance vehicles, based on the Ford Transit and Eurovan models.
Red Box LDV 16th National Ambulance and Emergency Vehicles Show:
Following the success of the LDV conversion for Ambex, another 33 Red Box LDVs were converted in a traditional ambulance service livery with markings reflecting the joint running of the Ambulance Show between the British Ambulance Society and Wiltshire Ambulance NHS Trust. Chippenham is the station name on the doors.
FRANCE
EXOTICA FROM ALEZAN
The latest models from Alezan of France are, as usual, 1:43 scale show cars and sporting cars, made of resin, and available as kits, prepainted kits, or handbuilt:
246 Audi-NSU Trapeze Bertone 1973
247 Lamborghini Silhouette 1977
248 Alfa Romeo 146 TI 2000
PROVENCE MOULAGE
By Rémy ElkoubiHere is the latest news from Provence Moulage of France: Renault Formula 1 2002: K1776 #14 Trulli, or #15 Button, authorised by Renault, 500 kits to be made.
Audi R8 Winner Le Mans 2002: LM002, 200 only made, handbuilt only. Jaguar Mark VII Carrera Panamericana 1951 #47: CD05 200 made, handbuilt only in the Cars & Drivers series. First batch of 92 models to be delivered in September 2002, 58 more for delivery in October, the remaining 50 in December, then no more. Don't wait too long, you may miss it!
Peugeot 504 Coupe: M026, 100 made, handbuilt only in the Nationale 7 range
GERMANY
BREKINA HO NEWS
By Hans-Georg SchmittNew releases from Brekina of Germany, all 1:87 scale plastic models.
Motor industry
n15001 Austin Seven Castrol
n15002 Austin Seven Lucas
v32011 VW T1a van Bosch Service
v31008 VW T1a Combi Ate valves
v31504 Volkswagen T1b Combi Hirschmann Antennas
v32525 Volkswagen van T1b Pirelli Tyres
v33909 VW T2 pickup +scooter Vespa Service
v36008 Mercedes-Benz L 319 box van Semperit Tyres
v38013 Borgward B1500 truck Lloyd Spare parts
v55191 Mercedes-Benz O 6600 furniture truck Hella
v43009 Borgward B 4500 with crate Lloyd Australia
v71607 IFA S 4000-1 box van Isolator Spark Plugs
v84111 Krupp L969 drawbar Jurid brakes & clutches
New Police Vehicles
v26006 Volkswagen 1500 saloon police car green- white, operated by Federal State of Lower Saxony
n29003 Peugeot 404 saloon white Police Saarbrücken
v34002 Ford Transit Combi Polizei green
v57522 MAN 635 Police horse transporter
MAN Edition
v32912 Volkswagen T1b pickup MAN Acker-Diesel Service vehicle with load of tyres
v32526 VW T1 b van MAN Acker-Diesel
v72001 MAN F8 with tilt The new MAN F8
v72002 MAN 758 L1 with tilt MAN Diesel
v72003 MAN 750 Tl1 with tilt MAN Turbo Diesel
v45013 MAN 635 with tilt
v45050 MAN 650 HA Meiller Tipper
v78502 MAN 780 with tilt
v78355 MAN10.212F drawbar with three axle trailer
n78200 MAN 15.230 DFS artic tractor
v55226 Two-axle trailer for MAN truck
v55302 Three axle trailer for MAN truck
n59200 MAN MKN 630 City bus DEBG (German Railway Corporation)
Other MAN models in the Brekina programme
57521 MAN 635 F Ackermann drawbar Kuhne & Nagel
72202 MAN F8 box drawbar Fri Homa Food
72203 MAN F8 tilt drawbar Freyaldenhoven
78354 MAN 10.212 F drawbar Afri Cola Limonade
78400 MAN 10.212 FS artic tanker ARAL
78900 MAN 780 F Dustcart with Haller body
French Cars chasing German Criminals
The police force in the Federal state of Saarland is the only one in Germany whch has Peugeot cars. This is due to the special status of this state and its close connections to France. Only in 1956 did Saarland return to the Federal Republic of Germany, after its occupation by the French government, during which time all official bodies had to buy French products, including vehicles. Not only the police, also post, railways and many others. Today there are still some connections, and maybe some agreements, and the Saarland police are happy with their French cars. Nowadays the authorities in all other Federal states of Germany can use foreign vehicles. They have to advertise and buy Europe-wide and a French vehicle can be cheaper than a German one. The German post now operates Renault vehicles, for example. Brekina's white Peugeot 404 patrol car of Saarland looks authentic, even the blue warning light is in the right place, only the loudspeaker on the left front wing is missing, but it is not certain that all cars were fitted with it. All police car reference books show the same car...
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e-mail mar@zeteo.com
