CONTENTS of the print edition
Model Auto Review 207
Publication 7 November 200604 Land Rovers and Range Rovers Jean-Louis Pothin, France 07 Minichamps Hans-Georg Schmitt, Germany 08 Dinky Catalogues Horst Macalka, Austria 10 Baby Bonds Maz Woolley, England 14 Correspondence 18 News: Britain: Barnes 19 News: World: Brooklin, Rolls-Royce, Corgi 20 News: France, Italy: Norev, BBR, Eligor 22 News: World: minichamps, Spark, Brumm, Alezan, 1:64 scale news 24 Not all Batmobiles... Don Elliott, USA 26 Captions to page 28 27 News: Busch, captions to page 29 30 News: Britain: Oxford, captions to page 32 31 Captions page 33 34 News: US Notes, captions page 33 35 Demobbed Graeme Watt, Scotland, captions page 37 38 Small but solid Maz Woolley, England 39 Lancer John F Quilter, USA 40 Avia Mini Airbus, Swordfish, Brumm 43 Competition page 44 Book Reviews Hans-Georg Schmitt, Germany 45 Club News Collated by Rod Ward 47 Small scale figurines Hans-Georg Schmitt, Germany 56 The Other Old Softies: Part Two Don Elliott, USA 58 News: World: Scottoy, captions to page 60: Emergency 59 News: Buses: EFE, Captions to page 61: Buses and carsModel Auto Review 207 • EDITORIAL • by Rod Ward
CROSSOVER TOPICS
Whilst compiling this issue, I was intrigued to notice some ‘crossovers’. Jean-Louis Pothin continues his 4x4 survey with Land Rover models, and the Correspondence column also mentions Anguplas Land Rovers. Jean-Louis touches on soft vinyl toys, and Don Elliott’s coverage of the ‘old softies’ includes the Plasto Range Rover. Jean- Louis also pictures an LKE Land Rover breakdown which complements Don’s mention of these Danish products. Now you’ll have to look for other crossover topics in this issue. I have always encouraged follow- ups to previously published MAR features, which add to the knowledge of all of us. The article on Bond Minicars and other three wheelers in MAR 205 has engendered a lot of new material, some of it in this issue, with more to come in future issues. If you have any information or photos to add, please don’t hesitate.YOUR PHOTOS WANTED
On the subject of photos, I remind you of the Auto Review titles in preparation, and I invite you to contribute illustrations. You will get a free copy of the little book if your picture is used. These may be photo prints, negatives, slides, colour or black and white, of which you own the copyright, or they may be old adverts, press photos or sales brochures which are copyright-free. The subjects include trailer caravans, touring and holiday coaches, the (BMC) Mini, British three wheeler cars and the Supermarine Spitfire.ARCURIO 1:12 MODELS
For 75 years Arcurio of Germany have produced hand crafted wooden models, which originally were fairly expensive toys. Today they are intended for collectors or ‘kidults’ to display in living rooms or offices. They are 1:12 scale; fine details include movable working parts, and they are made from carefully selected European timber. Each is produced in a limited series, with a brass plate with engraved production number. Jan Dobes, the owner of Arcurio, is hoping to export his models outside Germany. He says, ‘Our model cars not only have outstanding quality, but also exceptional emotional value. We have licences from major car companies, including Mercedes- Benz, Audi and Porsche, to make subjects from the 1930s to the 1950s. You can view a video showing the Arcurio manufacturing process at www.arcurio.de (then click on video). See how a vintage car model is born.’
Retail prices are around 300 euros. Contact: Arcurio, Jan Dobes, Tannenstrasse 6, 82049 Pullach–München, Germany.
The range includes:
Lincoln KB 1932 Horch 853 A Cabrio 1934 Chevrolet pickup 1931 Cadillac Roadster 1932 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing or Roadster Kenworth tractor unit and artic trailer BMW 328 Sport cabriolet ... and a Fokker DVII 1918 fighter aircraftLATEST MINICHAMPS MODELS
By Hans-Georg SchmittSome new or recently released diecast models from Minichamps of Germany, all made in China, mostly not illustrated in this or recent editions of Model Auto Review:
MINICHAMPS 1:18 diecast
180 748002 Ford Capri RS 3100, Team Ford, Winner Di 1,DRM 1974 Nürburgring, Stommelen. 180 043291 Opel Rekord P1 Caravan estate 1958 Neuenkirchen fire chief car 180 758003 Ford Capri RS 3100, Hockenheim Ring DRM 1975 Klaus Ludwig. 180 039001 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing 1954 re-issued in red.MINICHAMPS 1:43 diecast
400 051391 Audi R8 Champion, Winner GP Atlanta 2005 Lehto/Werner. Limited edition of 1.008 pieces 400 052301 BMW M3 GTR, 2nd ADAC 24 hour 05 Mueller-Mueller-Stuck- Lamy. Ltd to 1584 pieces. 400 052302 BMW M3 GTR, 1st ADAC 24 hour 05 Lamy-Said-Huisman-Priaulx. Ltd to 1776 pieces. 430 750028 March Ford 751 Austria 75 Donohue 439 154000 Hanomag Kurier Tipper 1958 blue and black with red wheels, limited to 1008 pieces. 436 054612 Opel Vectra GTS V8 200th Race DTM 2005 Manuel Reuter. Limited to 1536 pieces. 400 736301 Porsche 911 IROC RSR 2.8 IROC Riverside 1973 Emerson Fittipaldi. Limited edition of 2,016 pieces 436 055303 VW Race Touareg, winners Rallye POR Las Palmas 2005 Saby- Perrin. Limited edition of 1,008 pieces. 430 022490 BMW 501 saloon Police Munich, limited edition of 1.200 pieces. 400 688179 Ford Escort Mk I TC 500 km Nurburg-ring 1968 Stommelen, limited to 1’824 pieces. 400 123401 Maserati Bora 1972 Coupe reissued in bright yellow, limited edition of 1,632 pieces. 430 781102 Renault Alpine A 442B, winner Le Mans 1978 Pironi-Jaussaud. 400 053001 VW T2b Microbus 1972, light blue, with white upper body, limited to 2,016 pieces. 400 120164 Alfa Romeo Alfasud TI 1974 two door saloon in green, limited edition of 1.008 pieces. 400 120202 Alfa Romeo Alfetta 1.8 saloon 1972 red, limited edition of 2,016 pieces. 400 084001 Ford Focus four door saloon 2004, red limited edition of 1,008 pieces 400 082304 Lincoln Continental Mk II 1956 re-issued in light blue, limited edition of 1,008 pieces. 430 033426 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 1974, the stretched SL now re-issued in white, Limited edition of 1,152 pieces 430 132575 Triumph TR6 1968 in white, limited edition of 1,440 pieces. 436 054611 Opel Vectra GTS V8 Merci Laurent, DTM 05, Laurent Aiello, Limited edition of 1,536.VISITS TO BROOKLIN
If you ever wanted to see how model cars are made (and if you want to see what a factory used to look like in the days when Britain still had some manufacturing industry) I can recommend a visit to Brooklin’s premises in Bath. Nigel Parker is keen to show off his works and his workforce to interested collectors, on weekdays only. ‘Phone 01225 332400 for availability, as places are limited’, says Nigel. The long term aims are to increase awareness among collectors of the work that goes into making their model cars, and also to convert more of the general public into active collectors of Brooklin models. Brooklin are conveniently situated in the beautiful city of Bath, so perhaps they can get onto the local tourist trail? This might add more new collectors to our shrinking world.
ROLLS-ROYCE MODEL PRICES
By André BlaizeI don’t believe in astrology, but the prediction I made about eight years ago has eventually materialised.
You may remember that eight years ago was when Rolls-Royce was sold they stopped granting licences to most of our artisan model manufacturers. As a result, apart from two or three ‘pirate’ models a year, collectors are left with just colour variants or chasing coveted pre-production models or colour trials. The old generation of collectors has not been replaced, St Nintendo, pray for us, and the time has come for ‘expensive’ Matchbox, Lledos and others like Hot Wheels; some colour variants fetch 1000 euros, and even 3680 euros for a twin pack which probably cost fifty cents at Wal-Mart in 1970.
The next revolution we have seen in the recent past is the sale of models on the internet. It's a very good thing for beginners, who can obtain all basic models at a fair price, provided they are willing to wait for a bargain. What is more interesting to analyse is the evolution of these prices and their span. Up to now, price guides were mostly based on just a few auction results and on the prices seen at swapmeets. Today, it is possible to monitor the prices actually paid for a particular model and to create accurate statistics on the true value of the models. That's what the Ghost Club has been doing for two years, taking only into account mint and boxed models and churning thousands of auction results into a computer. The average price has been calculated over the last 15 to 30 sales, minimum and maximum prices were recorded in 2006, and it’s a real eye opener for some of the 2,200 Rolls-Royce models priced in 2006.
The club will publish the 2007 Price Guide, as well as the 2007 issue of our DVD with 5,200 models and 7,700 colour illustrations.
Details on http://TheGhostClub.net or by email at theghostclub@club.fr Some examples, with three price levels recorded (bargain, average and rip-off):
Silver Ghost AX201 1:12 Franklin: 144.50 • 312.00 • 580.00 Silver Ghost 1911 Franklin Mint: 25.50 • 77.00 • 126.00 Silver Ghost 1909 Lego: 15.00 • 31.00 • 80.00 Silver Ghost Corgi Hardy Boys: 38.00 • 188.00 • 430.00 Phantom I Diapet: 19.50 • 153.00 • 306.00 Phantom II Rio 40: 5.00 • 14.00 • 51.00 Phantom III Danbury Mint: 41.00 • 72.00 • 140.00 Silver Wraith Dinky 150: 36.00 • 63.00 • 120.00 Silver Wraith Sakura: 22.50 • 79.00 • 115.00 Silver Cloud I Minic M1541: 22.00 • 61.00 • 184.50 Silver Cloud I Franklin Mint: 100.00 • 218.00 • 276.00 Phantom V Spot-On Royal: 216.00 • 622.00 • 1,000.00 Silver Cloud III Sakura: 16.50 • 83.00 • 185.00 Silver Shadow Burago: 2.00 • 43.00 • 73.00 Silver Shadow Mebetoys: 14.50 • 43.00 • 73.00In the next issue of MAR we will have the 2006 update list of Rolls- Royce models.
CORGI MERGER ANNOUNCED
Corgi International Ltd, based in Hong Kong, has entered into a letter of intent to acquire the outstanding shares of Cards Inc Ltd and an agreement to merge with Master Replicas Inc in a stock-for- stock merger transaction.
The closings of the acquisitions are expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2006, after receipt of shareholder approval and satisfaction of other closing conditions. The merged company, under the Corgi name, will produce a wide variety of product categories, and will feature collectible products from licenses, on a combined basis, for nine of the ten highest grossing film franchises of all time, including Batman, James Bond, Disney Classics, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Trek, Star Wars, and Spider-man. Cards Inc, of Watford, UK, specialises in creating licensed collectibles, gifts and toys. Master Replicas Inc, of Walnut Creek, CA, USA, develops and markets movie replicas and high-end pop culture collectibles.
SPARK, BIZARRE, REDLINE NEWS
New 1:43 models promised from the Spark, Bizarre and Redline ranges:
SPARK S0414 BMW 320si #1 WTCC 2006 Andy Priaulx S0415 BMW 320si #4 WTCC 2006 Alex Zanardi S0418 BMW 320si #42 WTCC 2006 Jorg Muller S0441 Volkswagen W12 SPYDER red 2002 S0442 Volkswagen W12 Nardo S0612 Alfa Romeo ES30 red 1989 S0862 Dodge Caliber orange metallic 2008 S0863 Dodge Caliber black 2006 S0939 Porsche 962 Daytona 89 Wollek-Bell-Andretti S0967 Porsche 996 GT3 RSR See Pol #73 LM06 S0250 Lotus 23B 1960 S0324 Kremer K8 TBF #6 LM 97 Lavaggi-Maury S0388 Bizzarini #11 LM 66 Posey-Natili S0410 BMW 320i WTCC 2006 S0510 Triumph TR4A IRS beige 1965 S0511 Triumph TR4A IRS black 1965 S0805 Austin Healey 100S #26 LM55 Macklin-Leston S0933 Porsche 996 GT3 RSR #66 FIA GT 2005 BIZARRE: BZ048 Howmet TX #23 LM 68 Dibley-Tulilus BZ049 Howmet TX #22 LM 68 Heppenstall-Thompson BZ197 WM P79/80-Peugeot #4 LM81 Monn-Mendez BZ198 WM P79/80-Peugeot #5 LM81 Dorchy-Frequelin REDLINE RL109 Ferrari 599 GTB 2006 yellow RL110 Ferrari 599 GTB 2006 silverBRUMM NEWSLETTER
By Rio Tattarleti, Brumm sncMAR readers may like to know about the Brumm newsletter, which they can receive once a month by email with news and about the model of the atomic bomb. To register for the newsletter, visit www.manhattanproject.it
ALEZAN HANDBUILT MODELS
Michel Ducleux has released these new 1:43 resin handbuilt models in his recently introduced Alezan Collector range, made in France, and he notes, ‘The prices remain the same as in July 2006’.
AC05 Alfa Romeo Sportut Bertone 1997 AC06 BMW Z1 Alpina 1900 blue met, gold stripe AC07 BMW Z1 Alpina, red, silver stripeNEW 1:64 SCALE MODELS
By Henri Kroeze, Tiny Toy CarsKyosho Mini Car series: Lamborghinis
For many people, owning a Lamborghini would be nothing more than a dream, and one could not even consider owning a garage full of these thoroughbred sports cars. But there is still hope for such people to own a very nice collection of the best Lamborghinis!Kyosho, the diecast model car range from Japan, has recently released another Mini Car series with Lamborghini as their featured marque. They have made ten beautiful cars. The Mini Car series is only available at two mega store chains in Japan, or through selected model car dealers elsewhere in the world, who handle their own imports. This second Lamborghini series (the first one was issued in 2005) includes the Jota, Miura P400, Countach LP500S, Espada, Jarama, Silhouette, Diablo SV, Murciélago R-GT, Gallardo and last but not least the LM002. Many of these cars are scarce, in full scale as well as in model car form, especially in 1:64 scale like these Kyosho releases.
Each car is available in three authentic colours; some of the 1970s models are available in orange! As well as the colours, Kyosho have taken great pride in getting the correct printing on the cars. All emblems, trim, grilles and other decals (such as the Koni decal on the Jota), are there.
Recent Norev Mini Jet cars
Norev have continued their release programme in a big way. The first new models are instant nominees for ‘model car of the year’ awards. Norev has made three sporty classics in the three inch size for Renault. The oldest car is the Renault 8 Gordini. Gordini tuned Renaults in the 1960s and was quite successful in this activity. The R8 was available from 1964 to 1970. Norev’s Gordini is a 1965 example, so it is unclear if it is the 1.1 litre or 1.3 litre version. The change over between those engines happened in 1965. The second sporting Renault is the Alpine A110, a very popular car in classic rallies. The life span of the A110 was from 1963 to 1976, and Norev’s example is from 1970.The last car in this release is the Renault 5 Turbo and from the colours used for the interior (orange and blue) it is a first type car. This would tie-in with the year 1980 cast into the chassis. This R5 Turbo was also very successful in rallying in the 1980s and luckily Renault made a homologation version for street use. It had a mid-mounted rear wheel drive, 1.4 litre engine, pumping out 160 hp with huge turbo lag. Many body panels were made of aluminum to save weight. All the models are of high quality and detail. They feature correct wheels and tyres, have clear headlights, authentic colours and printing detail.
Siku
After the Porsche Carrera GT, Siku released another supercar, the Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron. This 1001 hp monster has been very well modelled by Siku. The colour scheme of black and burgundy is very striking, even in combination with the beige interior. The printing is of high quality, especially the grille and exhausts. If you have good eyesight you will be able to see the EB logo on the steering wheel, a very nice touch.Unfortunately the wheels are not up to the same standard. Apart from the colour, which is too dark, the spaces between the spokes are not fully opened, unlike earlier releases by Siku such as the Carrera GT.
Maisto G-Ridez Air-cooled Volkswagens
The Dutch Maisto importer Edor, in co-operation with several model car stores, has created a set solely of air-cooled Volkswagen models. The cars in this series all have been released previously in the G- Ridez series. But this special series has been released because of the immense popularity of air cooled Beetles. The series consists of three different castings, each available in four colours.The Samba bus is a much-loved car and the G-Ridez version could very well be found in some surfers’ paradise in California. The van has lost its bumpers and other trim, except for the VW badge, of course, The engine is visible through an opening hatch. The van also has excellently-modelled wheels. The other two cars in the series are Beetles. One is a chopped version, the other is a very old cabriolet, judging by the engine cover. The colours available in this series aren’t the standard factory shades, but some wild combinations like white with pink and white with purple to light up your day.
Edocar
The Dutch diecast brand Edocar has released four unannounced new cars that were not listed in their 2006 catalogue.This is a nice surprise from the Edor people! The cars are a Porsche 996 Turbo, a BMW Z8, the new Beetle RSI and a Mercedes-Benz van. Unlike anything else Edocar has produced over the years, these four new releases have very high detail and finish. Up to now all Edocars were fitted with one type of standard wheel, but these new releases all have their own unique wheel designs. The interiors are very highly detailed, just like to the real cars. Fit and finish is of very high quality and even the headlights are clear plastic. The scale is exact 1:64 as opposed to other ‘three inch’ model car manufacturers, who mostly use a slightly larger scale. We support this new direction Edocar has chosen and hope all new Edocar releases will be of this top quality level. The best news is that the price has not increased.
Tiny Toy Cars
Tiny Toy Cars is my mail order company, specialising in 1:64 scale model and toy cars. You can view www.tinytoycars.com. Or email me at henri@tinytoycars.comBUSCH 1:87 PLASTIC MODELS
By Hans-Georg SchmittRecent 1:87 releases from Busch of Germany:
40300 BMW 3,0/3,5 CSL black CMD Collection 40301 BMW 3,0/3,5 CSL white CMD Collection 42800 Tractor Fortschritt (Progress) ZT300 DDR 62 44011 Dodge Power Wagon Hay harvest 44531 US Bus Fishbowl Markham 44550 US Bus Fishbowl New York fire deprtment 44552 US Bus Fishbowl New York Bus Service 46413 Chevrolet Blazer Florida Fish & Wildlife 46415 Chevrolet Blazer Niagara Falls Police 48406 NSU 1000 TTS Trofeo Florio 2004, # 73 48962 Smart City Coupe escort vehicle for heavy load transporter 48964 Smart City Coupe Circus Roncalli 48968 Smart Fortwo Fire department city of Kiel 48987 Smart Fortwo Fleurop flower service 49111 Mercedes-Benz C-Class German Police 49271 Audi A4 Avant (estate) Facelift BRK doctor * 49458 Mercedes-Benz E-Class T estate DRK Emergency doctor 49463 Mercedes-Benz E-Class T estate THW 49503 Smart Forfour German Bundeswehr 49705 Mercedes-Benz R-Class CMD Collection 49810 Mercedes-Benz M-Class W164BIG NEWS FROM OXFORD
By Lyndon DaviesHere is an update on Oxford Diecast’s current plans and projects: The Mini Pickup-based ice cream van will be released in November. The first version will be in Lyons Maid livery, see the picture on page 36. Also released at the same time will be the Mini Traveller and Ford Anglia Tonibell ice cream vans, also pictured on page 37. The two existing Ford Anglia ice cream vans will have the addition of ice cream cones on the side of ANG003 and Mr Ice Cream face on ANG002. There will be a third Ford Anglia Walls ice cream van with a Martin Walter body, in February.
ANG015 will be released in December, a real Anglia from the sixties called Supervan, a great story, with a film to be released soon. We will also add several new body castings in the first half of the year which will fit on to a number of our current chassis. There will be a Morris Minor high top van, Morris Minor gown van and a camper, all to be released in February 2007.
New 1:76 series and other news
In addition we plan to add several 1:76 scale items during 2007, the first ones in February-March, subject to timing and tooling availability. We have issued more tooling in the last 12 months than the previous five years combined. The tooling in next twelve months is likely to be 50% more than this year.Some recent and forthcoming Oxford releases:
ANG005 Ford Anglia van Post Office Radio Service ANG006 Ford Anglia van Post Office Telephones ANG007 Ford Anglia van TV Licence Investigation ANG013 Ford Anglia ice cream Tonibell Pink ANG014 Ford Anglia ice cream Tonibell Blue ANG015 Ford Anglia van Supervan December BED029 British Legion Bedford BULL222G Bullnose Ferodo CIG074 Churchman's Olympic CIG075 Sterling CIG076 Ford A van Richmond CS037 Camp Coffee CS044 Puritan Soap CS045 Marmite CS046 Campbells Soup November CS048 Polo Model A CS049 Colgate Bedford December DR023 Adnams GR023 South Wales Borderers December MAG019 Ford Model T Britannia magazine November MAG020 Railway Locomotive MIL022 HMS Illustrious MM016 Morris Minor van AA Old Logo MM023 Morris Minor van Hewertson Tobacco MM025 Morris Minor van Ty Hafan MM027 Morris Minor van AA December MP001 Mini ice cream van Lyons Maid November MP002 Mini Pickup December MP004 Mini sales van Mister Burger December MP006 Mini ice cream van Tonibell Pink November MP007 Mini ice cream van Tonibell Blue November MP008 Mini ice cream van Walls December MT001 Mini Traveller November MV006 Mini Van AA Old Logo MV010 Mini Van AA Old Logo MV012 Mini Van Royal Mail Telegram MV013 Mini Van Royal Mail December MV016-19 Mini Van British Legion November PP009 Morris Minor white November RT018 RT bus Westons RT019 RT bus London Transport National Savings November VW027 Volkswagen van Kenneth Williams VW028 Volkswagen van I'm FreeMorris J2 and Austin Omnivan series
The biggest news from Oxford, as hinted at in MAR 206, will be the first release from February 2007 of an extensive range of 1:43 diecast models of the Morris J2 and Austin Omnivan series of commercial vehicles which will come in a wide variety of body styles and variations. The first selection of body variants will include the following (many more versions planned for later): Van (with sliding or hinged cab doors) with single rear door, twin rear doors or rear roller shutter door, Minibus (single side passenger door or pair of side doors, full length windows or blank rear quarter, and same rear door options), hitop roof option, lifting roof motyor caravan, and coachbuilt Paralanian motor caravan (not coming out until April 2007). Given the number of options, we can expect to see loads of variations quite quickly; delivery vans including Royal Mail and Post Office Telephones vans, Police, ambulance and fire liveries - and even an ice cream van, of course.Many of these items, including tooling for the J2-Omnivan series are pictured in the print edition of Model Auto Review 207.
American and other Notes
By Ben van RoodeI am enthusiastic about the so-called diecast ‘toys’ on the market right now, such as New Ray, Cararama and Hot Wheels. I keep telling people that this hobby started with collecting ‘toys’. But we get serious about our passion and then tend to forget the cheap stuff. I am looking forward to the new 1:43 trucks and trailers New Ray announced for January release; a 1949 Peterbilt 380, 1951 Kenworth 525 and 1953 Mack B. Also available are four 1:43 US trucks, including a car transporter, selling in the US for $25.95. Pity that shipping costs from the USA have risen so much.
Dropstars from Mattel are cars with big wheels, which we collectors don’t seem to like much. Their scale varies from about 1:50 to 1:60/70, depending on the car. The Maybach is cute, but I could not find them on the Mattel website. To name a few in the range: Toyota Scion, Volkswagen Golf, 1960s Lincoln Continental and Pontiac GTO, plus current Cadillac XLR and Infinity.
Greenlight started with models from different manufacturers in Indy 500 versions, Pace cars and the like, mostly in 1:64 and 1:18 scales. They have announced a 1968 Mustang California Special in 1:18 scale. This was an interesting car only sold in California. As far I know, but please correct me if I am wrong, this is the first reproduction of this car. Also new will be a 1:24 Corvette Indy 2006 pace car. We have seen many models of Shelby cars. For a few months Carroll Shelby has had its own brand, releasing guess what? In 1:18 scale there are a Mustang and the old Cobra in various versions. Their announcement that they will release the ‘real’ Eleanor excited lots of young people. Spark is very active, releasing numerous race and rally cars in diecast or resin, handbuilt at a reasonable price. This year they produced these Dodges: Durango, Ram pickup in two versions (regular or quad cab), Magnum and Caliber. This is good, because there are very few models of current American cars.
Book Reviews
The Complete Catalogue of British cars by David Culshaw and Peter Horrobin. 496 pages, 1047 illustrations. Hardbound with dustjacket. 225 x 285 mm. ISBN 1-874105-93-0 - ISBN 978-1-874105-93-0. Published by and available from Veloce Publishing, 33 Trinity Street; Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1TT, UK
This bible of British cars has been reprinted.
It catalogues all cars built in Britain from the dawn of the industry up to 1975. Almost 700 manufacturers and 3700 individual models are featured, with technical specifications for most of the cars. Most of the major marques and many of the minor ones are illustrated with photographs.
Hans-Georg SchmittMercedes-Benz Museum Various authors, German text. In the museum shop it is also available with English text. 256 pages, 193 photographs. 190 x 240 mm. Paperbound. ISBN 3-7688-1858-6 - 978-3-7688-1858-2. German version published by and available from Delius Klasing Verlag, Siekerwall 21, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany
The founders of DaimlerChrysler AG are acknowledged as the inventors of the automobile, so they are seeing themseles as having a special responsibility to preserve the cultural assets of automotive history from all eras. Because their collection grew so large and outgrew their original museum a completely new building was erected, combining extraordinary architecture and a completely new exhibition concept. The exhibition area is 16,500 square metres, with a total of 175 vehicle exhibits on display. For the first time, it is possible to show the whole Mercedes-Benz Tradition collection in one building. Outstanding cars, commercial vehicles, and buses have been given a new home here, along with their complete motor sport history. From the beginnings of motorised transport right up to the future of the automobile, every epoch and every major milestone is featured. This official catalogue of the Mercedes-Benz Museum records the history with detailed descriptions of the vehicle exhibits in the two exhibition concepts, ‘myth’ and ‘collection’.
Hans-Georg SchmittL´automobile italiana by Ornella Sessa, Alessandro Bruni, Massimo Clarke, and Federico Paolini, Italian text. 672 pages, 680 colour photos, 645 mono photos, 145 drawings and posters. 200 x 200 mm. Hardbound. ISBN 88-09-04284-0. Published by and available from Giunti Editore SpA, Via Bolgnese 165, 50139 Firenze (FI) Italy
The book tells the complete story of automobile production in Italy, with short descriptions of each of the manufacturers, photographs and drawings of their most popular vehicles, and with contemporary accounts of daily life in Italy and the rest of the world. There are all the well-known names, such as Fiat, Isotta-Fraschini and Maserati, along with many lesser-known marques such as Chiribiri, Gallia, Nazzaro, Vaghi and Züst. This book will tell you all about them.
Hans-Georg SchmittUnvergessene Landtechnik (Farming Technology not forgotten) by Klaus Dreyer, German text. 241 pages, 478 illustrations. Hardbound. Size 220 x 285 mm. ISBN 3-7690-0648-8. Published by and available from DLG Verlags-GmbH, Eschborner Landstrasse 122, 60489 Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
Allgaier, Hassia and Güldner are still big, but older names such as Carl Wolf, Ogela and Landmaschinen-Fabrik Essen have gone. What happened to them? This book records both the famous and the forgotten names with stories about the companies, rare photographs and sales literature.
Hans-Georg SchmittCLUB NEWS
Collated by Rod WardWest Australian Model Collectors Club: Ian Hind, Club Secretary and Editor of Showcase, the WAMCC Club publication, is fed up with putting it together himself, and is now asking members to contribute, otherwise ‘All you might have will be a one page flyer with future meeting dates. the choice is yours’. many other newsletter editiors will be cheering him on. If you’d like to contribute to Showcase, just join the WAMCC; phone 934 9369, or email jhind@iinet.net.au
Sydney Model Auto Club: The SMAC official journal Think Small, includes lots of Aussie-related news and features; the Bathurst race, recent Trax releases, the 2006 Australian Diecast collectors convention and prices achieved on eBay for obsolete Micro Models. A Trans-Australia Airways Vickers Viscount reached $1518! A recently released Trax Holden is pictured, in ‘Burnley cream’, which sounds like a euphemism for something unmentionable. To join the SMAC and find out, phone Secretary John Maude on 9579 1257.
The Boston Area Toy Collectors Club (BATCC): This is the first we have heard of this organisation, but it is now approaching its tenth anniversary and claims to be ‘relied upon by the media, collectors and hundreds of retailers for advice in product selection’. They say that the BATCC is the only organisation in the Americas that is marking the 50th anniversary of Corgi, but ‘doing it in such high style that nothing in the UK will match our event’. At the ‘BATCC 6th Annual Event’ they have invited leading vendors to be showcased. For more information contact Stephen J. Lanzilla, Executive Director, The Boston Area Toy Collectors Club, Randolph (Boston), MA, USA, or visit the website: www.bostontoyclub.com
Maidenhead Static Model Club There is an obituary in Wheel Bearings, the MSMC journal, for Gates Willard, the famous US collector of Tootsietoys and Minics, who died at the age of 76. I remember him well from the early years of MAR, but I had not heard from him for many years. He retired from teaching science in 1983, to concentrate on toy collecting, and passed away on 5 April after a long battle against illness. Without the existence of club publications such as Wheel Bearings, these sad events might go unrecorded. If you would like to join the MSMC, contact Membership Secretary Alan Simpson on 01494 813903.
Brooklin Collectors Club: The latest issue of the Brooklin Collector, edited by Jack Patrick, notes the changes in postal rates, and the Chairman suggests that they may have to change to A5 size. Brooklin Collector, which is one of the last remaining club publications still A4 size, includes lots of news on products in all the Brooklin ranges. Over 200 of the Club Model for this year have been ordered; instead of BRK60X it will be designated BRK 19X, because it has been extensively modified from the BRK 60 version. Similarly, the Canadian Toy Collectors’ Society Meteor special model wil be BRK 130X, because it has been modified from the BRK37 Sunliner. A real rarity is described; a ‘Matchbox-size’ model made as a trial casting by John Hall in Canada when he was working towards producing the 1:43 Brooklin range in the 1970s. Now that the Hillman Avenger saloon has been deleted from the Lansdowne range, after the ‘last hurrah’ of the tangerine GLS pictured in MAR 206, it will be replaced by an Avenger estate in 2007. If you want to get more of this sort of news, you’ll have to join the BCC; phone Member-ship Secretary John Bowyer on 01276 473499.
South Hants Model Auto Club: SHMAC members don’t half get about! Netley Steam and Craft Show, Hampshire Pageant of Motoring, Castle combe rallyday, Silverstone classic, the London Motor Show and Modelex 2006. Yes, SHMAC attended the latter show, apparently among the few who did. To quote Chris Derbyshire, ‘ It was poorly attended by manufacturers (even though we had a number close by) and by collectors. Modelex has had its time and day. It will never be like the old days.’ I tried to find out how it had gone, immediately after the show, but no-one responded to my questions, apart from one well- known manufacturer who had exhibited at Modelex 2006. He suggested that nobody had replied to me because nobody went. The SHMAC, however, still did its duty and turned up with the usual excellent displays. If you’d like to join in with them at future events, Secretary Dave Painter can give you more information; phone him on 01264 366408.
SMALL SCALE FIGURINES
By Hans-Georg SchmittHere are some recent plastic hand-finished releases in various scales from Preiser and Merten of Germany. Some are pictured in colour in the print edition of MAR.
PREISER Exclusive Range 1:87
10169 Pigeons, Seagulls, Crows and birds of prey 10512 Land surveyors 10519 Funeral, with protestant minister 10520 Funeral, with catholic priest 10525 Monuments 10530 Children playing 10531 Railway enthusiasts (‘anoraks’) 10533 Deaconesses (nuns) with children 10534 Railway station mission 10536 Grandfather with children 28060 Pope Benedict XVI 28061 Deaconess (nun) with child 28062 Female beach volleyball player 28063 Female beach volleyball player 28064 Female beach volleyball player 28065 Female beach volleyball player 28066 Server carrying cross at head of procession 28067 Server with holy water 28068 Server with incense bowl 28069 Photographer 28070 German Federal policeman 2006 28071 Female swimmer, standing 28072 Female swimmer, sitting 28073 Female swimmer, lying 28074 Maid 28075 Ice-cream seller 28076 Priest wearing a cassock 28077 Female swimmer stood 29060 Young woman 29061 Majorette-cheerleader 29062 Sheikh 29063 Announcer 29064 Mandy 29065 Cowboy on horse 29066 Majorette-cheerleader 29067 Busker 29068 Carabiniere Italy 29069 French Gendarme 29070 British policeman 29071 Policeman Berlin, 1900PREISER Super-Set 1:87
13003 Sheep shed with cart, shepherds, dogs, and a small flock of sheepPREISER Standard range 1:87
14080 Photographers (paparazzi) 14081 Gardening 14082 Mountain climbers 14083 At the farm 14084 Seated workers 14085 Female commuters on way to station 14086 Male commuters on way to station 14087 Walking workers 14088 Waiting travellersPREISER Miniature figurines 1:22.5
45132 US Railway staff 45133 ‘Malicious glee’ (German humour) 45134 Young women 45505 Car washer 45506 The Pope 45507 Deaconess (nun) with child 45509 Young woman, standingPREISER Miniature figurines 1:160
79193 Funeral, with protestant priest 79194 Funeral, with catholic priest 79195 Mourners 79196 Ambulance men 79197 On the platform 79198 Walking travellers 79199 Seating travellersMerten 1:87 scale figures
HO 2552 Ice-cream seller at the beach.JONATHAN LEAVES SCOTTOY
By Rod WardJonathan Scott, co-founder of Scottoy in Italy tells me that he has handed over his part of the Scottoy firm to his friend and partner Antonio Pezzini, and that at the same time his role in and his work with the company has finished.
He says, ‘This has been a difficult decision for me, but after 13 years of dedication and passion I decided that it was time to finish and to dedicate more time to my family and personal life.’
I hope to publish a retrospective study of Scottoy in a future issue, but it should be remembered that this venture began with a joint passion for Mercury models from Antonio and Jonathan. They tried to assemble complete collections of every model car made by Mercury in Italy, and in the process of struggling to find rarities they encountered many other Italian collectors in the same situation. They decided to make and sell white metal hand-finished replicas of some of the models, to satisfy demand, and came up with the Scottoy title, to be cast into the bases, so that their replicas could never be passed off as original Mercury models. Most of the cars were 1:48 scale and some had windows added where the original products were unglazed. In subsequent years the partners were able to register the Mercury title, ownership of which had lapsed, though they never used it on any of their products.
In the early days, Jonathan persuaded me to take on UK distribution of Scottoy, in spite of my misgivings about the 1:48 scale and the very Italianate subject matter. I was, however, keen that he should re-release the old 1:32 Mercury motor scooters, and managed to talk him into doing it. These models turned out to be a runaway success in all the markets where Scottoy models were sold. I was less successful in trying to get the Mercury ships and aircraft re-issued. Perhaps Jonathan was right in resisting my arguments that these might be popular with collectors.
I hope that Jonathan enjoys his retirement from the model car world. Now he will have time to indulge his other interests, including collecting every known track by a certain American singer who shall remain nameless.
I look forward to any news from Antonio about his future plans for the Scottoy range, to be published in MAR in due course.
EXCLUSIVE FIRST EDITIONS
By Frank JoyceAt this year's Exclusive First Editions Showbus Rally our prizes for the tombola included some rare models and two of our 1:24 scale DMS buses, super prizes, all won by 1:30pm. The working layout this year was an excellent model of the Kingsway tram tunnel in London.
Visitors could see samples of a 1:24 Metrobus, scheduled for Summer 2007 release, new truck tooling and a special display of the new and revised RMs that will be featured in the Routemaster Series. This time last year I noted that our RT bus tooling was to be reworked and upgraded, but with the demise of the Routemaster we decided to rework the RM tooling first, and that is now completed. We have now started work on the RT tooling as well. As we re work the RT tooling my better half has persuaded me to also create the missing RT2 version and I am sure that this news will please many collectors. We are also working on an AEC RLH, London’s low bridge bus. 28814SB is the special standard release model to promote this year’s EFE Showbus rally, in the livery of Stagecoach East London. This model is also available from stockists. Our special model for EFE Showbus 2006 features the first release of 32201, our new Bristol RELH coach in the livery of United Automobile Services.
We are also working on the patterns and tooling for a modern bus and we will give more details as the project progresses.
Other model news.
We produced a special model for delegates at the Omnibus Society Presidential Weekend in September. If any of these models change hands then you may come across them and you will know what they are. Numbered 29804A, this is an easy-access Wright Lance in Coastline livery as they appeared new in service with The Go-Ahead Group.A special model was also produced for this year’s Bus Driver of the Year competition finals in Blackpool in September. These models were presented as prizes and I understand that a few were also sold on the day to support the event. This model is 27612A Wright Volvo Renown, in a special livery designed not to offend the many bus companies that take part in and support the competition.
Avia Mini
we don't usually put the avia mini news on this page, but we couldn't resist this one:
PRESENTATION SWORDFISH
CORGI 1:72 diecast in China for UK: AA36302 Fairey Swordfish Mark I 810 Squadron Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm, HMS Ark Royal 1939. Only 3580 have been made of this model. WS5856 is the oldest surviving Swordfish, built by Blackburn Aircraft Co at Sherburn in Elmet airfield (near to the MAR offices) in 1941. It was updated in 1942-43 at Fairey’s Stockport factory, when the Swordfish was replaced in service by the Fairey Albacore. This aircraft went to Canada for evaluation by the RCAF, and at the end of the Second World War was sold to a civilian crop-sprayer, then it was bought for preservation by the Strathallan Aviation Museum. In 1990 it was bought by the British Aerospace Museum and restored to flying condition at BAe’s Brough works. After a test flight, it was donated to the Swordfish Heritage Trust, for display flying with the Royal Navy Historic Flight. In September 1996 it was adopted by the City of Leeds, and wears the city crest and name on the port side. The livery is that of an aircraft serving with HMS Ark Royal (A for Ark, Z for 810 Sqn, the second A for the individual aircraft.Corgi generously donated this model, to be presented by Model Auto Review to Albert Pritchard, one of the few surviving employees of Blackburn Aircraft at Sherburn in Elmet, where he worked on wartime construction of Swordfish aircraft after leaving school. MAR readers will recall Albert as the builder of the Miles Messenger model featured in MAR 206. Not long after his 15th birthday he was apprenticed to Blackburn Aircraft at 15 shillings a week (75p) to build the so-called ‘Blackfish’. His main job was removing the interrupter gear from the Pegasus engines after delivery from the Bristol engine factory before installation in the aircraft. He was an honoured guest at Duxford in October 2005 for the celebrations when Swordfish III NF370, on which Albert worked on the engine installation, was presented to the Museum. Albert is shown in the print edition of MAR-avia mini admiring the model, which will be the centrepiece in his display at home.
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