29th November 1999
CORGI BUY LLEDO TOOLS
The Receivers of Lledo finally put the company assets up for sale in October, and a bidding battle started among some of the best-known names in the diecast toy vehicle world. The main beneficiary seems to have been Corgi, which spent £1.95 million buying the diecasting tools for the Days Gone and Vanguards ranges, plus the brand names. We await with bated breath news of what Corgi intends to do with their purchase, to be announced early in 2000. Corgi also bought the existing stock of relevant models on hand at the time of the closure of Lledo, and these will be distributed in due course.
The main items which Corgi didn't get are Lledo's Noddy range and the Millennium Dome, plus minor toy ranges. The diecasting and other machinery has been sold to a UK-based company, which should ensure that British-made diecast models will be available for collectors. When we have news about future releases from the Days Gone and Vanguards ranges under their new ownership, we will publish the information in the next issue of MAR.
HAPPY NEW MILLENNIUM
As always at this time of year, I take the opportunity to remind you that instead of our usual five week gap between our issues, it will be eight weeks until MAR 139 appears. This issue, 138, has a publication date of 7 December, and MAR 139 carries a publication date of 7 February. There is never an MAR published on 7 January. Don't worry, you won't notice it isn't there if you really set out to enjoy the holiday season. And remember that we'll be closed at both MAR and Modelauto from Thursday 23 December to Tuesday 4 January. Last day open will be Wednesday 22 December, reopen Wednesday 5 January.
NEW MODELS FOR 2000
This month we have advance information of new releases for next year from the various Corgi and Brooklin ranges. The next issues, MAR 139, and 140, will feature new releases planned from many other makers for 2000, so we invite news from manufacturers, distributors or anyone else who has information to offer.
NEW INTERNATIONAL POST
The local Royal Mail managers who control our Postal contract have been patiently explaining to us the changes in International postal rates now in force, under the provisions of the Reims agreement.
Previously we had only two areas to consider, Europe and the Rest of the World. Now Western Europe is divided into three zones. Everywhere else is lumped together as Rest of the World. If you wonder where you fit in, Western Europe includes Austria, Belgium, Denmark (inc Faroes and Greenland), Finland, France (inc Andorra, Corsica, and Monaco), Germany, Greece, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Italy (inc San Marino and Vatican City), Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal (inc Azores and Madeira), Spain (inc Canaries), Sweden and Switzerland. If you are not listed above, your country is classed as 'Rest of the World,' and post will be charged accordingly. The main losers here appear to be Eastern European countries, Prague for instance, is closer to the UK than Rome (which is classed as Western Europe), but now costs the same to post to as Sydney. A small compensation is that all such 'RoW' addresses now have the option of airmail or surface mail, which is a much cheaper, but slower, way to send by post.
It is a while since we mentioned International Registered Post (the easiest way to insure goods in transit) so this is probably a timely point to also remind readers in Canada, USA, South Africa, and Israel that their Postal Service does not offer this Registration service.
KEMBEL BUS NEWS
By Hans-Georg SchmittFrom the first of September 1999, Veit Kornberger Modellbahnzubehor, (Bruchhauser Strasse 5, D-40883 Ratingen, Germany), took over distribution of Kembel 1:87 plastic bus models. The first new item so distributed is a Mercedes-Benz O 405 in the livery of BVG Verkehrbetriebe, of the City of Berlin, pictured in the printed version of MAR.
ST PETERSBURG NEWS
By Leonid KhoykhinHere are the new St Petersburg Tram Collection scale model releases:
TROLLEYBUSES: Three new North American trolleybuses are added to our range. Two of them are an ACF-Brill T-44 and a T-46 trolley coach in the livery of Wilkes-Barre Transit Corp, Pennsylvania. The third model is a new Boston trolleybus. The final order of new trolley coaches for Boston was built in 1951 by Pullman-Standard. These were the longest vehicles in the system, being 40 feet long. 30 coaches (8483-8512) were equipped with left hand doors and entered service in September 1951, assigned to the Arborway but in 1958 they went to the Cambridge system. This group of trolleybuses was withdrawn from service in the 1970s, replaced by 50 new E800 coaches from Flyer.
TRAMS: The new model in our Stockholm series is released now, an ex-Malmo Mustang from 1946. Malmo's Mustang 71 was preserved by Malmo Technical Museum and transferred to Stockholm's Djurgards line in 1990. This tram was restored in 1990-91, repainted in Stockholm colours and as the A25G class, it is a part of the fleet of historic trams. For more information contact St Petersburg Tram Collection, PO Box 16, 196158 St Petersburg, Russia. Fax: 7(812)164 52 54. Internet http://users.nevalink.ru/~sptc E-Mail: proserv@neva.spb.ru
EXCLUSIVE FIRST EDITIONS
News from EFE of their 1:76 diecast models:
There is a catalogue number change: 25708 Daimler DMS OK Travel is now 25803. Some background on the 1928 Leyland TD1 Titan bus, unveiled by EFE at Duxford, for release in February at the international trade toy fairs. The TD1, first built in 1928, was the first modern double decker bus, and one of the most requested vehicles to be modelled. The tooling is designed so that open and closed staircase versions can be made, open staircases still being popular in the late 1920s. The model has a standard low height body with four-across seating and a sunken walk-way to the upper deck and the interior has a detailed ceiling to the lower saloon. Details include inset glazing, and detailed fuel pump on the front bulkhead. Alternative Leyland radiator styles, the first the early design and the other the larger style which replaced it, both have a revolving crank handle, standard on TD1s.
DECEMBER 1999 EFE RELEASES 26604 PLAXTON PARAMOUNT Greenline Invicta
25103 BRISTOL RELL B Southern Vectis
26402 DAIMLER UTILITY Greenline
20421 BRISTOL VR III Wilts & Dorset
16118 LEYLAND PD2 Fishwick & Sons
25707 DAIMLER DMS Oxford Park & Ride
14404DL LEYLAND National short London United
27001 BEDFORD TK British Road ServicesORIGINAL OMNIBUS COMPANY NEW MODELS FOR 2000
Here are the proposed releases in 1:76 scale Corgi's Original Omnibus Co for the first quarter of 2000:
41901 Leyland PD3 Queen Mary closed top (single lights) Southdown
41902 Leyland PD3 Queen Mary (dual lights) closed top Southdown
42001 Leyland PD3 Queen Mary open top (dual lights) Southdown
43515 Blackpool Balloon Tram Michelin
44004 Blackpool Brush Tram Blackpool Zoo
43612 Palatine II Nottingham City Transport
44705 Dennis Dart SLF-Pointer 2 Barton
44105 Optare Solo Travel London
43912 Bristol K Utility Bus Chatham & Dist
43711 BUT 9641T trolleybus Huddersfield
43013 Leyland Olympian-ECW Ribble NBC
44204 Neoplan Cityliner Supreme Travel
43913 Guy Arab Utility W Alexander & Sons
43412 Plaxton Beaver 2 First Glasgow
43914 Daimler CW Utility Bus Chester Corp
42728 Van Hool Alizée Parks of Hamilton
43317 Plaxton Premiere Jetlink
40703 Bristol K/ECW Premier Travel
44903 Marton Tram Depot Blackpool card kitNew features on most OOC models include fine-detail rear view mirrors and photo etched wiper blades. Among other new models planed for later in 2000 are the Plaxton Panorama I on various chassis, and the Bova Futura coach. In the 1950s, when many operators began to favour rear engined vehicles, Southdown preferred front-engined models of the newly-permissible 30 foot length. Between 1957 and 1967 Southdown took delivery of 285 Leyland PD3s. These eight foot wide, full front, forward-entrance vehicles were the company's last two-man double deckers. OOC's first Queen Mary is 827, the first to be delivered to Southdown in May 1958. The glazing to the left of the front entrance door is a single window. Subsequent batches had a split two-piece window. Corgi will modify the tooling for all future variations. The single-windowed 827 spent most of its time in Portsmouth, but ended its Southdown days in the Brighton-Eastbourne area. See the picture on the front cover of this issue. Sold in 1972, it went to China Motor Bus of Hong Kong. The second Queen Mary is 272, delivered in May 1965. Its early working life was spent in Chichester before joining the Brighton Hove & District operation. It was sold to Confidence of Leicester in 1978 and passed into preservation in 1993. The third Queen Mary is open-topper 416 from March 1964. It passed to Grays of Essex in 1987 and then moved on to an East Anglian Boy Scout troop. The OOC Blackpool Balloon Tram gets its 15th livery and now has flush windows. Decorated in Michelin advertising, 721 has side windows covered with Contravision, a vinyl allowing passengers to see out whilst appearing to be painted from the outside. The Blackpool Brush Tram also now has flush glazing and has all-over advertising for Blackpool Zoo. The complicated animal design is by local signwriter Bryan Hamer. Equally ambitious artwork is a special livery, depicting Sherwood Forest and Robin Hood, on a Palatine II of Nottingham City Transport. The Dennis Dart SLF announced for the last quarter of 1999 is now released with single door entrance on Pointer 2 bodywork, in the livery of Barton Buses who operate in the East Midlands and are part of the Wellglade Group.
CLASSIC COMMERCIALS
By Bob BarlowHere is the latest news from Classic Commercials. We've done Ford Ts from the 1920s, Bedfords from the 1930s and 1940s, so we are filling in the missing decade with 1:43 kits for Ford A and AAs from 1931. Any can be built as left or right-hand drive. CCFA-1, the short wheelbase Ford A is a US-pattern pickup in cast white metal and cast brass with a one-piece resin cab. The delicate wheel spokes are etched copper, the kit has a simple jig to dish them prototyp-ically. The price £31.95 plus £1.00 p&p. The long-wheelbase AA is similar, but has disc wheels. This comes as stake truck (CCFAS-2) or dropside (CCFAD-3) for US or UK modellers respectively, each costing £35.95 plus £1.25 postage. We have followed up our 1:43 kit for the six-ton Scammell Scarab mechanical horse with a transkit which mates our accurate cab and tractor chassis to the semi-trailer from the smaller-scale Corgi diecast version to portray the common three-ton Scarab in proper 1:43 scale. It produces a very pretty result, but please note that the Corgi model is not supplied. Reference is CCSC-2, the price is £18.95 plus £1.00 postage. Our full list is available in return for four first-class stamps or three IRCs from Classic Commercials, PO Box 800, West Wratting, Cambridge CB1 5NB, UK.
ELIGOR NEWS
Here are Eligor's latest 1:43 releases: TRUCKS and BUSES
111601 Renault AE Restyle Supertec Transporter for Renault race engines.
111598 Renault AE Restyle Benetton 1999 race transporter.
130055 Renault Iliade Bus Bridgestone, unique supplier of tyres for Formula One.
111559 Kenworth W900 timber truck
110974 Renault R Renault Sport 1978, one of the first Formula One transporters of the modern era.
SMALLER COMMERCIALS
100736 Peugeot 404 Military Pickup, the first in a new Eligor army range.
100497 Renault 1000 kg van Astra.
100737 Citroen DS21 Paris Match. In the 1950s, Paris Match supported the Tour de France cycle race.
100738 Citroen H Lion Noir, a new Eligor issue of a model obsolete for 12 years, it returns in a limited series of 200 pieces.KILOMETRE 57 JAGDTIGER
In André Kayser's Kilometre 57 range, he includes military items as Kit'Army, in 1:48 scale. Kit'Army number 8 is a Jagdtiger SdKfz 186, on Henschel track system. According to André the cannon is 'functional', so watch out for casualties in the display cabinet, and a 'chef de char'' is provided. In case you wondered, that is French for 'Tank Commander', not for someone who prepares hot beverages. (Explanation for non-Anglo-phones: chef = an upmarket sort of cook, char = the Indian word for tea, absorbed into the English language since the days of Rudyard Kipling). For more details on the Jagdtiger, contact André at 6 rue Robert Schumann, 57380 Faulquemart, France. (Give us a tune, Bob).
ROCO NEWS FROM AUSTRIA
By Hans-Georg SchmittRoco 1:87 recent Austrian plastic models:
1662 Volkswagen T4 security van 'Protector'
1663 VW T3 heating oil tank on pickup Brentra
1685 Mercedes LF25, Itzehoe Volunteer FB
1687 Fire Set VW T4 and Magirus LF16TS, Volunteer fire service Munich, Department of Moosach.
1729 Land Rover Volunteer fire service Windeck-Dattenfeld.
1926 Road-rail Unimog Loctrac 100S of the DSB (Danish Railways) for use as a shunting-engine.
2050 Fire Set Salzburg fire service: contains VW T3 Syncro-Bus crew transporter and VW T3 double cab. pickupRoco plastic 1:160 (N) scale:
1877 Volvo FH12 artic sliding top Jagermeister
1878 Mercedes-Benz 1850 artic SudsalzRoco Minitanks 1:87 plastic: 711 Wiesel + 20 mm machine cannon, used by paratroops.
842 Bundeswehr Set: VW double cab pickup with detachable canvas tilt, camouflaged, and VW pickup medium blue.ANGELIC WRECKERS
Angel Autos is owned by David Angel, and has always used breakdown trucks (wreckers) to move damaged vehicles. The motor salvage and dismantling business, moved from Spettisbury, Blandford, Dorset to Wardon Hill, Dorchester, Dorset in 1969. The Spettisbury colour scheme was white with blue fenders and lettering, and the current colour scheme is citrine yellow and green. David, a Durham Classics collector, commissioned Durham to produce 100 of each livery on their 1953 Chevrolet wrecker, to celebrate '30 Years on Wardon Hill'. The models, uniquely for Durham Classics, have right hand drive, and feature hand masked and painted fenders, to obtain the two tone paint finish. The jib, wheels, and front push bar all have extra hand detailing of nuts, rivets etc. Each model has a 1 of 100 plate on the base, boxes have 30 Years on Wardon Hill logo. Collectors may order one or both models on a first come, first served basis. The price of each model is £125.00 plus p&p (UK £6.00 one model, £8.00 two models. EU £8.00 one model, £10.00 two models. Rest of World, £12.00 one model, £15.00 two models). Payment can be made by credit card, cheque or IMO, in pounds sterling, payable to Angel Auto's, and drawn on a UK bank, sent to, Angel Auto's Wardon Hill Dorchester DT29PW, UK. Phone 01935 83606 Fax 01935 83008. US collectors may pay US$195.00 for one model or US$380.00 for two models, to include shipping. Please send checks, payable to David Angel, c/o 8838 West Manhatten-Monee Road PO Box 753 Frankfort IL 60423-0753, USA.
TIN WIZARD IN 1:18 SCALE
Thomas Wolter, the Tin Wizard himself, was commissioned to produce a range of 1:18 kits and handbuilt models. Unfortunately the deal was not completed, so Thomas has added them to his own range. They are very interesting subjects, however, and are available handbuilt or as kits in white metal and resin, as follows: Lomax three wheeler car, in the style of a pre-war Morgan sports car, but based on Citroen 2CV mechanicals. Donkervoort lightweight sports-racing car, in the style of a Lotus Seven, but with slightly more modern styling. Rassler Trike. A modern motorcyclists trike, with fat tyres at the rear and long 'Easy Rider' forks, featuring twin tall vertical exhausts. Boom Trike. Another modern trike, of a different design from the Rassler. Heinkel Tourist motor scooter, a popular design, rarely modelled.
TIN WIZARD SWEDES
Thomas Wolter continues to add more Swedish cars to his 1:43 German ranges at Tin Wizard. The latest releases are:
Volvo 242 GT, silver
Saab Sonett III 1970 and Saab Sonett III 1974
All are available as kits or handbuilt.REVELL 1:18 NEWS
By Hans-Georg SchmittNew from Revell-Metal, 1:18 diecast:
08978 Auto Union 1000 S Coupe 1958-1963. The real car was developed from the DKW 3=6 when Auto Union was taken over by Mercedes-Benz in 1958. They launched the 1000 range, saloon, coupe and estate., with better finish and improved quality. The two-stroke-engine was enlarged to 1000 cc, developing 50 hp. It had two fuel tanks, one big tank for petrol and a smaller one for oil, which were automatically mixed, obviating the need for two-stroke mixture. The model is shaped accurately, only Auto Union fans would believe that the basic design dates back to before the War. The body is two tone grey with red interior, the dash-board having a typical Mercedes vertical speedometer of the period. Bonnet and doors open, the steering works, and under the bonnet the strange looking engine is placed directly behind the grille, the fan being at the back, behind which is the radiator.
08980 Audi TT Roadster, pearlescent raven black, with black interior, the front wheel drive version, as previously described in MAR.SAAB MODEL COLLECTION
By Hans-Georg SchmittAt the Leipzig Motor Show in April 1999 the Saab 93 Viggen was revealed to the public. A Swedish AF Viggen pilot told the audience that the car would be almost as fast as the jet. Exclusive trim and more powerful engine put this version above normal 93 cars. Now it is available as a 1:43 model in the Saab Model Car Collection, by Minichamps. The body is metallic blue and behind the aluminium wheel rims the brake discs and cylinders are visible. The models come in a special silver card box available only from Saab dealers.
HERPA LATE 1999 NEWS
Herpa 1:87 plastic releases, from Germany:
BMW 3.0 CSi, green
Porsche Boxster S, open, yellow or blue
Renault Alpine A110, orange
Wartburg 353 Polizei 1985
VW Golf IV four door Feuerwehr
Ford Galaxy Kinderschlupf (a special vehicle, given to a children's charity by ICI instead of Christmas presents to customers in 1998)
VW LT2 DPD parcels van
Mercedes Actros close-coupled curtainside drawbar Rosner
Mercedes Actros jumbo artic Kühne & Nagel
Scania 144TL artic Rinnen, Moers
Scania 96 bonnetted artic tank container VOTG Netherlands
Mack artic tank container Cain's Traditional English Beer. Cains is an ale brewed in Liverpool, transported by tank to Fakse in Germany, and decanted into unique one-litre cans for sale in continental Europe.
Mercedes Actros L drawbar Zentis preserves
Porsche 911 Turbo 996 red
BMW X5 4x4 black or peach metallic
Mercedes Benz S-class Brabus 5.8
Ford Taunus bathtub saloon (P3)
Mercedes-Benz 280 SL open sports blue
Pfanni Set: Mercedes L311 lorry with tilt, and VW Beetle (100 were used by Pfanni reps).
Mercedes Sprinter Strobel ambulance, Stolberg fire service (near Aachen). Paid for by donations, the ambulance wears a 'Sindbad' Menschenskind livery.
DAF 95 XF SSC curtainside artic Frans Maas, Venlo.
Mercedes Actros L interchangeable-body drawbar Rieck Logistik Gruppe.
Scania 124 silo artic Asam
Scania 124 frig drawbar Wirtz
Mercedes Actros LH drawbar DMS-Carl Balke
Renault AE facelift jumbo artic 'Traüme'. This artic, airbrush-decorated by Walter Rosner, is available for promo purposes.
Mercedes Actros L jumbo artic Stute Logistik, a very elaborate livery on a truck running in the Cologne area.CROSSWAY FORD ZEPHYR
The latest release from Crossway Models is a 1:43 handbuilt Ford Zephyr Mark III. It will be available in four or six cylinder versions, with appropriate bodywork differences. There will be private car and police car variants of both, making four versions in all. This model coincides with Pathfinder's release of the superficially similar Ford Zodiac Mark III, main external differences being in the rear pillar and grille treatment.
MODELEX KIT BUILDERS
Here are the results of the Modelex Tenth National Kit Building Championships, judged at the National Motorcycle Museum in October:
Class A Marsh Models Trophy
1st Phil Meiners
2nd Phil Meiners
3rd Jerry Lewis-Evans
Class B Showcase Models Trophy
1st Mark Brennan
2nd Mark Brennan
3rd Chris Clark
Class C Merrymeet Model Cars Trophy
1st Phil Meiners
2nd John Hunt
3rd John Hunt
Class D Enotts Coachworks Trophy
1st Mike Murray
2nd Phil Meiners
3rd Andrew Knott
Class E K&R Replicas Trophy
1st Chris Clark
Make-Up Co Superior Models Trophy
Overall Champion Phil MeinersBROOKLIN 2000 PLANS
Brooklin Models have produced a completely new A4 catalogue, which will be updated annually. It will contain details of new products for the coming year along with existing regular models and will also list the specials produced the previous year. Thus the catalogues will build into a definitive guide for models by Brooklin from 2000 onwards. The new catalogue will be available in early January 2000 at the latest, at a recommended retail price of £2.00 each. For 2000 there will be in the Brooklin Collection (BRK) seven new releases, four reworked or revised, and one factory special. Lansdowne Models (LDM) will get three new releases and one rework. Robeddie Models (RE): three new releases US Model Mint (US) will get a tipper version of US19 International KB12 in March 2000, and a new truck in September. It has been two years since Brooklin had a price increase, so as of 15 January 2000 regular models will cost around £45.50 each, US Model Mint Models around £49.00 each
BROOKLIN MODELS LIMITED
RELEASES and DELETIONS 2000
JANUARY
6 BRK81 1936 Pierce Arrow 1601 Sedan NEW
20 RE19 1953 Volvo PV 444 NEW
FEBRUARY
10 BRK82 1959 De soto Adventurer NEW
MARCH
2 BRK19A 1955 Chrysler C300 revised in detail
MARCH
2 US19B 1947 International KB-12 tipper NEW
MARCH
23 BRKX Factory special, subject TBA Ltd Edition
23 LDM26 1953 Jowett Javelin NEW
APRIL
13 BRK 83 1947 Ford V8 Station Wagon NEW
MAY
4 RE 27 1961 SMV12 'Egg' Caravan NEW
4 BRK41A 1959 Chrysler 300E revised in detail
25 BRK80 1937 Pierce Arrow Travel Lodge NEW
JUNE
15 BRK76 1948 Ford F1 Pickup NEW
JULY
06 LDM27 1937 Jensen Dual-Cowl Phaeton NEW
27 RE20 1970 Volvo Amazon GT NEW
AUGUST
17 BRK84 1934 La Salle Coupe NEW
SEPTEMBER
7 US20 US Truck (Subject TBA) NEW
28 LDM 13AA 1965 Humber Sceptre ll Rework
28 BRK40A 1948 Cadillac 61 Rework
OCTOBER
19 BRK85 1941 Chrysler New Yorker Conv. NEW
NOVEMBER
9 LDM28 1947 MG Y Type saloon NEW
30 BRK23AA 1956 Ford Mainline Police Rework
DELETIONS
From 31 December 1999 these models will be discontinued, and must be ordered before then:
BRK391953 Oldsmobile Fiesta
BRK44 1961 Chevrolet Impala
BRK46 1959 Chevrolet El Camino
BRK73 1949 Oldsmobile 98
LDM 12x+17x Austin A105 and Caravan setCORGI NEW FOR 2000
Here are the proposed releases from Corgi for the first half of 2000:
CLASSIC ROAD TRANSPORT
Guinness
22302 Leyland Super Comet Ergomatic two axle flat drawbar, with load of vats (Apr)
26701 AEC Mammoth Major Mk V four axle rigid tanker (May)
23701 Leyland (LAD cab) Octopus flat four axle lorry with container (Jun)
British Road Services
22201 AEC Mercury Ergomatic artic tilt, (Jan)
28901 Guy Warrior two axle flat lorry with sheeted load Nottingham (Feb)
09803 ERF V four axle flat lorry with sheeted load, Russell of Bathgate (Mar)
Building Britain
13905 Foden S21 four axle flat lorry with sheeted load, Rugby Cement (Feb)
22902 Bedford TK tipper Blue Circle (Jan)
29104 Guy Invincible four axle flat lorry, dolly trailer and girder load Tarmac (Mar)
London Brick Company
23801 Albion Chieftain (LAD cab) 2+2 axle artic flat with brick load (Apr)
30102 Thames Trader tipper LBC (May)
26401 AEC Mammoth Major MkV four axle flat lorry with brick load (Apr)The Corgi Classic Road Transport range now gets jewelled headlights, fine-detail mirrors, wipers and detailed chassis. They also aim to have accurate body height, body length and headboards in future. New tooling includes the AEC Mammoth Major Mk V and LAD (Leyland, Albion, Dodge) cabs.
MODERN TRUCKS
76601 Scania 4000 2+3 axle artic frig box H E Payne Ltd (Jan)
75604 Renault Premium 2+3 axle curtain-side artic Kent ConnectionLtd (Jan)
74903 ERF EC 3+3 axle artic powder tanker Castle Cement Ltd (Jan)
75806 MAN 2+3 axle curtainside artic W H Malcolm Ltd (Mar)
75408 Leyland Daf 85 3+3 axle curtainside artic T Brady & Son Ltd (Apr)
76401 Scania 4000 3+3 axle curtainside artic Pollock Scotrans Ltd (May)
76101 Renault Premium Feldbinder 3+3 axle artic powder tanker Damac (May)
75807 MAN 2+3 axle curtainside artic John Raymond Transport (Jun)The main new model here is the Scania 4000 of H E Payne of Wyboston in Bedfordshire, and Pollock Scotrans Ltd. Each real Pollock vehicle has a name and a different tartan on the front and cab doors. Corgi's model is Fleet number 28 'Candle in the Wind'.
CHARACTER and TV Models
37003 Horse drawn State Landau, Queen Mother's 100th birthday (Jan)
57604 Range Rover with John Steed figure, The New Avengers (Jan)
57504 Jaguar XJS with Mike Gambit figure, The New Avengers (May)Corgi is marking the Queen Mother's century with two special models. First is a 1902 state landau complete with seated white metal hand-painted figures of the Queen Mum and Prince Charles. This model was first issued in 1977 to mark the Queen's Silver Jubilee and Corgi has reissued it for 2000 with four newly-tooled horses, mounted on a plinth. Len Mills says that one of the biggest headaches was finding the original tools. After much searching, around 80% were found, and the rest were made new. Another tricky problem was the embossed coats of arms on the side panels. The second Queen Mum model is a fully enclosed tram with appropriate printing (see below). Film and television related models are still popular and Corgi adds two releases from the New Avengers TV series.
TRAMS
36902 Single deck tram Darlington (Mar)
36709 Fully-closed tram, The Queen Mother's Century, 1900 to 2000 (Jan)
36708 Enclosed tram London Transport (Jan)LEGENDS OF SPEED
00201 Racing car (Bentley) green (Mar)
00202 Racing car (Bugatti) blue (Mar)
00203 Racing car (Mercedes) silver (Mar)A new series of three 'vintage classics', though they are not really Corgi Classic scale models.
MINIS
04429 Mighty Minis Racing John Kirby (Jan)
04505 'John Cooper' Mini 40 (Jan)
04430 Mighty Minis Peter Crewes no 7 (May)
04431 Mighty Minis Sam Roach no 79 (Jun)FIRE VEHICLES
07106 Land Rover with reels and ladders, West Sussex Fire Brigade (Jan)FAMOUS NAMES
15006 Scammell Scarab Tate & Lyle (Jan)PREMIUM 1:50 SCALE BUSES
35009 AEC Routemaster Blackpool Transport
33301 Bristol Duple coach Southern National
34802 Leyland Leopard Weymann Sheffield Corporation TransportCorgi has released few 1:50 buses in the last two years, but now has three new liveries. Blackpool Transport was the last provincial bus operator to run rear platform double deckers, adding 12 RMs in the late 1980s. Southern National bought four Duple A bodied Bristol LL6B coaches in 1951. The Leyland Leopard dates from 1960 and ran in Sheffield Corporation's 'A' fleet which ran within the city boundary.
CORGI TOYS FOR 2000
As usual there are lots of new items promised from Corgi, in their 'toy' ranges for 2000. Probably the most interesting new subject is a TX1 London-style taxicab, to be made in 1:36 and 1:64 scales, for January release (see centre pages). Other new items include:
Renault Premium Eddie Stobart (Jan)
Forklift truck Eddie Stobart (Jan)
Transit van 1:64 Eddie Stobart (March)
Scania tanker Norbert Dentressangle (Jan)
Volvo tanker Norbert Dentressangle (Jan)
Renault Premium Norbert Dentressangle (Jan)
Cadburys Egg vehicle 'Mini Eggs' (Jan)
Scania tanker Biffa (Jan)
Volvo drawbar Allied Pickfords (Jan)
ERF rigid Pickfords (Jan)
Volvo curtainside Golden Wonder (Jan)
ERF Parcel Force (Jan)
Volvo race transporter Lotus (Jan)
Renault Premium P&O (Jan)
Renault tanker Robert Wiseman Dairies (Jan)
Renault car transporter Richard Lawson (Jan)
Renault car transporter Beamish (Jan)
Ford Transit vans TNT, Royal Mail, RAC, and Pickfords (March)
Jaguar saloon Central Police (Jan)
Chevrolet ambulance (March)
Land Rover & boat, Beach Patrol (March)
Volvo fire appliance City FB approx 1:50 (Feb)
Ford Transit wrecker RAC (Jan)
Ford Transit van RAC (Jan)
Range Rover (Jan)
Mazda camper van (Jan)
Mercedes-Benz and caravan (Jan)
Matra Rancho with dinghy (March)
Agricultural tractor (March)ILARIO AND CARBONE
Ilario Chiera tells us of his latest 1:43 Ferrari models from France. Handbuilt models are in his Ilario range, and kit versions in the Carbone range:
Ferrari 212 Inter Vignale Coupe Ch 0219EL
Ferrari 250MM Vignale Coupe 0334 MM
Ferrari 250GT LWB California, street version
Ferrari 250GT LWB California LM 59 no 16
Ferrari 250GT LWB California Sebring 59 no 70
For more details: Carbone, 3 Les Trembles, 74330 La Balme de Sillingy, France.ARGUS ON SOLIDO
The next issue of L'Arugs de la Miniature continues the history of Solido, with the Age d'Or and VCR bus series. The price is 69FF inc p&p (74FF Europe) from SAFAM, Argus 199, BP 40, 78231 Le Pecq Cedex, France.
MORE ALEZAN ITALIANS
Michel Ducleux continues to expand his Alezan range of 1:43 resin kits and hand-built models of exotic cars. The latest models are all Italian subjects:
233 Alfa 33 Pf show car 1969
234 Maserati-Chrysler TC convertible 1987
235 Maserati Ghibli 1993 (it looked like a Biturbo saloon)
236 Alfa Romeo 145 1.8 T-Spark 16v 1999
All are available as kits, as pre-painted kits, or handbuilt.LATEST DURHAM NEWS
The latest 1:43 handbuilt releases from Durham Classics of Canada are as follows: l953 Chevrolet Gasoline Tanker, Esso Aviation Stirling Airport, 150 made (DC-29E) 1976 Reliant Kitten. Durham Classics' s first English vehicle, commissioned by Keith Pillinger of Bristol Paramedic Ambulance Services, who produced the World's Smallest Registered Ambulance, based on a restored Kitten. 200 have been made of the Durham Kitten ambulance (DC-31). There is also a civilian version of the 1976 Reliant Kitten van from Durham. 150 have been made in green (DC-31A), and 150 in blue (DC-31B). Though Reliant are best known for their three wheeler vehicles, they have also made many four wheelers, all with glass-fibre bodywork, including the Sabre and Scimitar sports cars. Reliant always wanted to make four wheeler economy cars alongside three wheelers, making the 700cc Rebel from 1965 to 1973. This was followed by the 848cc Kitten from 1976 to 1982, available as saloon, estate car, or van, 4000 being built in total. The estate car version was the one most frequently seen. The Kitten was succeeded by a 'basic transport vehicle' derived from it, the Fox, which lasted until 1988, by which time 1000 had been made. All of the Reliant four wheel economy cars were also built under licence in emerging countries, under various names.
RIALTO'S ADDRESS
Jan Miedema of Rialto Models was pleased to read the account of his new Opel Corsa cabriolet in MAR, but as only his telephone and fax number were given, he'd like everyone to know his full address. It is Jan Miedema, Rialto Models, Parkdreef 173 2724 ET Zoetermeer The Netherlands. Tel-fax + 31 79 331 76 76. e-mail: j.miedema@gironet.nl
PE43 GOLIATH MODEL
Pierre Steigrad informs us of the latest model in his PE43 range from Switzerland. It is a 1:43 scale Goliath GP700 saloon 1951. For more info contact Pierre at Breitestrasse 3, CH-8472 Seuzach, Switzerland.
BBR FERRARI & MASERATI
BBR of Italy signed a three year licence agreement to produce Ferrari and Maserati models. Planned releases include the Ferrari 360 Challenge 2000 cars, and Ferrari F399 F1 cars raced in Hockenheim, Monza and Suzuka in 1999.
TCM 1:200 SCALE CARS
Thomas Coomans started making 1:200 Citroens, for architectural models, but was asked by collectors to make others. This is a very small scale, and the best compliment we can pay the models is to say that they are totally recognisable. When you consider that these little cars can sit on your fingernail, that is a compliment indeed. In the photo they are shown alongside a 1:43 car tyre! All models cost 4 Euros each (Sahara and Mini 4.50 Euros) plus 4 Euros p&p. So far the range consists of these, all in a choice of colours: Citroen 2CV 1960, 2CV 1960-66, 2CV 1970, 2CV 1974, 2CV Special, 2CV Sahara, 2CV van (AK400), Dyane, Ami 8 saloon, GS 1970, DS saloon 1967, CX estate 1985, Fiat 500 and Mini. For more details contact TCM, Bergstraat 1C, B-3770 Riemst, Belgium, tel-fax (+32) 012 454 325.
HOT WHEELS NEWS
By Hans-Georg SchmittThe first new models have arrived from Mattel after their deal with Ferrari.
Ferrari F355 spider 1995, 1:18 scale The shape of the real car took more than 1800 hours of wind tunnel work and the V8 engine develops 380 hp at 8250 rpm. The silver body is shaped very accurately, the interior and the hood cover are light beige. All main features are included, nothing forgotten, even the Pininfarina badges in front of the rear wheel arches are visible. Behind the alloy wheel rims the perforated brake discs and brake cylinders are there. The dashboard is well detailed, as is the baseplate, but the engine could have a bit more detail. Doors and bonnet open, the steering works, but the unrealistic operation of the doors reduces the good impression.
Ferrari F50 Coupe 1995, 1:18 scale. The F50's concept is like a formula one racing car. A carbon fibre chassis carries the V12 engine and the plastic body. The 4,7 litre V12 engine develops 520 hp at 8500 rpm., giving a top speed of 325 km/h. The black body of the model car reflects the original accurately, lights are separate inserts, front lid, doors and bonnet open, and the steering works. The front lid reveals two radiator-fans and the small luggage space, which would be filled up with a handbag. The open bonnet unveils a highly detailed engine, interior and dashboard are exactly detailed, even the seat-belts and and locks are executed. The baseplate is flat like the real car, and behind the alloy wheel rims the perforated brake discs and cylinders can be seen. This model is better executed than Mattel's F355.
Ferrari F300 Formula One 1998, 1:43 scale. Michael Schumacher's formula one car from 1998, but the Marlboro advertising is missing. For the French Grand Prix the logos were altered but everyone could tell what was intended. The model is very accurate and Michael is in the cockpit, his helmet accurately reproduced. This is a limited edition of 19998 items. Stewart Grand Prix Formula One 1998 1:18 scale, of Rubens Barrichello who finished the 1998 season in 12th place, whilst Stewart were eighth in the Constructors' Championship. In their final year, 1999, the Stewart team finished fourth, and from 2000 becomes the Jaguar team in a new green colour scheme. Barrichello moves to Ferrari, with Irvine moving from Ferrari to Jaguar. The model is accurately finished in Stewart white with driver figure.
ABC 1:12 SCALE FERRARI
The latest model from ABC-Brianza of Italy is in 1:12 scale and is now available. It is a Ferrari 512S available as a kit or handbuilt model, in these variants:
ABCK1201/M1201 Ferrari 512S Daytona 1970
ABCK1202N/M1202N Ferrari 512S LM 70 NART
ABCK1202F/M1202F Ferrari 512S LM 70 Ecurie Francorchamps
New 1:43 scale models from ABC, all also available in kit form, or handbuilt:
ABC 115 Ferrari Fly Studio Modena
ABC 116 Ferrari 365 Felber Michelotti
ABC 122 Ferrari Dino 206 SP
ABC 125 Ferrari 250 NemboJAPANESE UPDATE
Via Shin-Ichi AokiHere is the latest news from some of the leading Japanese model vehicle ranges:
EBBRO
This range produces models under its own name, and under the 'Honda Collection' name it produces different versions of Hondas, for direct sale by the company. For instance, the Honda S800 coupe is available in three colours from Ebbro, and the open sports S800 in the Honda Collection. The Honda N360 late version is available in three colours from Ebbro, whilst the earlier version is available in three colours in the Honda Collection, as are two competition versions. The Honda S2000 Sports, already available in rhd form, suitable for Japan, UK etc, will now also be made lhd for the EU market. The Honda NS-X is available as the official car for Suzuka racetrack, and also as a safety car. The 1998 type Honda NS-X is made in four new race liveries for the JGTC, Mobil, Castrol, Takata and Raybrig. The Prince R380 GT racer is due for release in January 2000 in five different colours.MTECH 1:43 diecast in Japan: New releases for 2000,, above and right The Nissan Skyline GT-R race version number 39 is due for release in July 2000. Other Ebbro 'oldies' include the Toyota Sports 800 targa top, the Subaru 360 mini car, and the Isuzu Bellet 1600GT saloon, each in a choice of colours, and a Toyota Celica 1600GT is planned. Competition cars include various versions of the Nissan GT-R, including the R34 test car.
MTECH Recent releases from MTech, some of which have not yet been seen in Europe, include the Toyota Prius (hybrid electric or internal combustion powered car). There will also be road and race versions of the Toyota Trueno (Corolla AE86) and the new Yaris. MTech also make promo liveries on various models, including the Hino Liesse bus, McDonalds, Doraemon and 0123 Art Corporation. A new series of 1:43 resin cars, more expensive than the diecast range, will include Toyota Lexus IS200, Nissan Skyline GTR Pennzoil and Calsonic, Mitsubishi Pajero swb and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI.
DUTCH CADILLAC AMBULANCE
For a decade publisher of the Dutch EMS magazine Piet Hoving, a full time ambulance man, wanted to make an ambulance model. VF of Germany agreed to produce a small series which would sponsor the Dutch First Aid & Ambulance Museum through the magazine. Hans Schraa, President of the Dutch ambulance chiefs' association and member of the museum board, suggested the museum's 1976 Cadillac Superior, the only original Cadillac ambulance used in the Netherlands, operated by the De Grooth private ambulance service in Winschoten, in the north of the country. 1976 was the last year that the Cadillac Commercial chassis was used. Only 114 were built that year, and after that vans were used for ambulances. The museum has over 20 ambulances and is looking for new premises to show more than the five on display. The model is available handbuilt or as a kit including decals for two American East West Side Branches and one Transit Fire Co. Built it costs DFL295, the kit DFL175, plus postage, credit cards or Euro-cheques accepted. From: HHS Uitgeverij, PO Box 150, 5360 AD Grave, Netherlands Fax: ++31 486 476448, email: ambunews@wxs.nl
Copyright 1999 Modelauto Ltd and Solnet Systems Ltd
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