25th October 1999
LLEDO CLOSURE
As the print version of MAR 137 was sent out, we heard that the Receivers have taken the decision to close down Lledo, together with its Vanguards, Days Gone and other diecast ranges. In spite of their best efforts they have been unable to find a buyer for the company, and are now completing outstanding orders from components on hand, with a skeleton staff, until the company's assets can be sold to realise whatever cash they can. We will add any more news as we have it.
NEWS FROM RUSSIA
By Alexander YurcenkoHere is the latest model news from Russia.
RUSSIAN MINIATURE
First the bad news, production of the GAZ 66 military truck model has ended. MAR readers who are interested in Russian models will, l am sure, know this model. In its workmanship and its accuracy it was one of best 1:43 Russian models. And less well known was that there were two tyre versions with different, well reproduced wings and badging, and two variants on the cab front glazing. Now all of the tools for the GAZ-66 model have turned up in our AGAT factory.
I don't know why these tools have appeared here, but I heard (I repeat, only rumours) they were in payment for AGAT models. Unfortunately, resumption of production of this model is not planned, in the near future, at least. The majority of the tools fairly simple and can be used only in simple home-made casting machines which require manual dismantling of the tool after each casting cycle. Also many of the tools need repair. In AGAT there are no casting machines of this crude type, and in any case no-one would know how to use them. Also I get the impression that there is no great desire to do it. The only hope for reissue of this interesting model would be if someone would buy the tools from AGAT and start production again. But when? In production at Russian Miniature there is only the model of the UAZ 452D small truck and variants.
ARSENAL (Saint Petersbourg)
Production under the Arsenal brand of 1:43 metal military models is ended. They were:
BS-3 100mm anti-tank gun WW II
BRDM-2 armoured car amphibian (4x4)
BTR-60PB armoured car (8x8)
SU-100 self-propelled howitzer WW II
T-34/85 tank WW II
ZIS-3 76mm anti-tank gun WW IIProduction of similar models in the city of Frunze (now in Kirghizia) at the same time continues. Recently I found two such models (a BS-3 and a BTR-60PB). At first sight these models are exactly the same as Arsenal, but the metal from which these models are cast is lighter in weight. I have compared the two models of BTR-60PB. First of all these models differed in their wheels. On the old model issued by Arsenal, the wheels were in one piece, the other has smaller diameter wheels made from two components of different colours (by the way, the same ones also on the BS-3). Decals with the familiar Guards markings and number 344 on the sides of the body are completely identical. But, when I looked more closely to compare the two models, l noticed differences, such as numerous hatches, loops and ledges on the body and chassis. On the boxes I found the name of the manufacturer: The '50 years of the Kirghiz SSR' Instrument-Making Factory. Even during the existence of the USSR this name was used on the boxes.
DVIGATEL (Saint-Petersbourg)
In the Dvigatel factory, the issue of the quite interesting 1:43 diecast metal model of the RAF-977 minibus is also terminated. The last models I saw, had on their boxes a small label with an interesting inscription: Working Life of item 5 years from the date of manufacture. Plus the date of manufacture: October 1997. Whether the issue of the well-known models of the 1930s trucks, the GAZ-M (4x2), GAZ-AM (6x4) and halftrack GAZ-60 is terminated, l do not know, for certain.
COMPANION
We have been waiting for a long time for the 1:43 plastic models of the GAZ 3307 truck. The front part of this truck is identical with the front part of the KaVZ-3976 bus (bonnet, front wings, radiator grille and front bumper), which is already in production.
PROMTRACTOR
After the issue of a model bulldozer on the basis of the T-170 tractor which I have previously described in MAR, their second model, a 1:43 metal URAL-5323-21 (8x8) modern military truck is expected soon. I have heard that it is necessary only to finish a tool for the cab, the other tools are completely finished. Probably this model will appear at the end of this year.
AGAT
The volumes being produced of AGAT models are sharply reduced, and prices have risen (due to cost of basic materials, metal and plastic) and, reduction of demand. New variants have not been issued, except one, a DPS (Patrol). Recently, retitling has reached the Patrol service. The GAI (State Automobile Inspection Service, or traffic police) is now referred to by a difficult abbreviation GIBDD (State Inspection on Safety of Road Traffic). And now on the majority of patrol cars instead of 'GAI' is written DPS (Road Patrol Service). This livery is now available on the GAZ-3102 saloon model and has been announced on the GAZ-24 saloon.
The issue of the models of the GAZELLE range of commercials has still not begun. The reason is the usual one in Russia,- there is no money. Our automobile factories do not want to commission scale models of cars which they build. To earn some money AGAT is forced to manufacture furniture equipment, demand for which is now quite high here. But work on the model continues, though not as fast as we'd like. The first castings of the body of the Gazelle minibus have been made. When working on the tool for this body, the management shared the tool for the cab of model GAZ-66 which I described above. Whoever sees this model will probablyl agree with me that it is good work. l hope that now work on the model Gazelle will speed up, and that early next year we will see the first models.
LITAN
Here there have been attempts to solve problems with metal in different ways. One of the ways was to purchase old carburettors and meltdown their zinc casings. But the quality of the resulting alloy was not suitable, and at moulding stage there were a lot of faults, especially on the bodies, that defaced their appearance. The second way was to issue some models with bodies from plastic. In the last few months the following models have been released with plastic bodies: LADA-21099, UAZ-452 minibus UAZ-Farmer (double cab pick-up) UAZ-Reanimobil, and all variants based on these models.
But now all the above models (except for the UAZ 452 minibus) have been released again with metal bodies. So these plastic models will probably become rare later. A new Lada Niva 21213 DPS Patrol in standard variant and with additional parts (front grille and spare wheel on the back door) has also been issued.
The most notable novelty lately is the issue of the model on the basis of the Lada Niva, called the Bison. It is a small lorry on the lengthened base of a standard Niva, was one of the first of this type of vehicle in Russia. For this model the chassis, platform body and other special parts were made new. The cabin is a cut from the standard body of a Lada-niva 21213 with the addition of a plastic back wall glued on. The first issues were cut down Niva saloons with added equipment, footboards etc. Then, the special saloon with massive footboards was made, and the front part of the chassis so that the grille from a Niva can be added.
This model is released in limited quantities because of the handwork required for completion of the cab.
SARATOV LIMITED
Now make interesting camouflage variants on their models, such as UAZ-452 Kung (by Russian Miniature), ZIL-131 with tilt (by Elecon), UAZ-469 and Lada Niva (both by Litan) etc. Also they make simple DPS-Patrol variants on the base of models of the Lada 21099 and 2110 (both by Litan).
As usual, all of these and many other Russian models can be obtained from me. Please ask for lists: Alexander Yurcenko, 410 026, Saratov-26, box 382, RUSSIA.
EFE BUS NEWS
Exclusive First Editions revealed their latest new bus at Duxford on 26 September, the Leyland TD1 Titan from the prewar period. They also produced an entirely new model in time for Showbus, the Plaxton Paramount 3500 in Premier Travel livery. It was on sale at the show at a special price. The first official general sale release of the Plaxton Paramount is in the livery of Grey Green. EFE's first release of the Willowbrook-bodied Leopard in West Midlands livery has a completely new front window. Also shown at Duxford was an SLF low floor Plaxton Dart, a completely new casting featuring glazed destination blinds at the front and rear. Showbus was a sneak preview, the SLF will appear in the release programme in late 1999.
THE GILBOW RAILWAY COLLECTION
This series of five vehicles has been produced by Gilbow, owners of EFE, for UK wholesale distributors Riko International to sell alongside their Lima railway and Riko Scenic ranges. The two coaches and three trucks are reproduced in railway liveries, and can be found in model railway shops..
EFE RELEASE PROGRAMME
OCTOBER
26303 GUY ARAB II UTILITY DEVON GENERAL.
24808 MERCEDES HOPPA FIRST BUS MANCHESTER
26602 PLAXTON PARAMOUNT GREY GREEN
17501 LEYLAND NATIONAL II 1DR TYPE A SOUTHERN NATIONAL
20124 BEDFORD OB MIDLAND GENERAL
23310DL AEC RF LONDON COUNTRY
25708 DAIMLER DMS OK TRAVEL
16319 BRISTOL LS RIBBLE
NOVEMBER
20625 PLAXTON POINTER WARRINGTON CORP
15626 ROUTEMASTER ENSIGNBUS
26603 PLAXTON PARAMOUNT PLYMOUTH CITY
26304 GUY ARAB II UTILITY BIRKENHEAD
25207 BRISTQL RELL C SOUTHDOWN
20006 LEYLAND PD2 ORION CITY OF EXETER
25802DL DAIMLER DMS MIDLAND RED
27101 BET WILLOWBROOK LEOPARD W. MIDLANDS
27101 BET WILLOWBROOK LEOPARD W. MIDLANDSSt PETERSBURG NEWS
By Leonid KhoykhinHere are the latest St Petersburg Tram Collection releases:
TROLLEYBUSES: One of most beautiful European trolleybuses is released now. This is a 1938 Copenhagen Leyland TTB4 trolley-bus (138). Copenhagen Tramways (KS) placed an order for five Leyland TTB4 three-axle chassis in 1937. The suburban NESA system also ordered eight of the same chassis (NESA's system started in 1926 with Garrett trolleybuses). The export left-hand drive version of popular Leyland's pre-war chassis was designed for Copenhagen and Edmonton, Canada. The 30-seat bodies of the KS vehicles, numbered 101-105, were built in the KS workshops, but bodies for the NESA trolleybuses, numbered 9-17 were built by Scaldia, using the same drawings. The KS trolleybus service was inaugurated on 21 May 1938 on route 12 from Norreport Station to Lyngby, 11.8 km total. The KS system closed in October 1963, trolleybus 101 is preserved now. NESA's Leyland's were also withdrawn in 1963 and the whole system closed in 1971. A new Chicago trolleybus is also ready now a 1930 Twin Coach Model 40TT (184).The trolleybus operation in Chicago opened on 17 April 1930, when the 76 Diversey line replaced the streetcar shuttle. 74 new trolleybuses were built for Chicago's route openings in 1930; 43 of them were the Twin Coach 40TTs. It was the electric version of the famous Model 40 and after deliveries to Salt Lake City in 1928-29 (8 coaches) and New Orleans in 1929 (1 coach), Twin was able to produce a large Chicago order in 1930. CSL ordered 15 more Twin Coaches in 1931 By 1931, there were seven trolleybus routes in Chicago with 114 vehicles. All these trolleybuses were still running in 1940, all in good condition. In 1948 210 new trolleybuses were delivered, but the original Twin Coaches were only withdrawn in 1957, after 27 years of service.
TRAMS: Our second Chicago tram is ready now, a 1934 Pullman-Standard pre-PCC #4001 (174). In 1933 Chicago Surface Lines placed orders for two new experimental cars of radical design to J G Brill and Pullman-Standard. No specifications were prepared by CSL, and both companies were instructed to build what they considered the best car that could be produced at the time. Pullman built streamliner 4001, delivered in July 1934. It had an aluminium body, magnetic track brakes, PCC-type control and an unusual colour scheme of medium blue and silver. Some changes were made after two months in service, the sealed windows were replaced with ones that could be opened and windows were put into the bottom halves of the doors. Called the Blue Goose, car 4001 operated during the 1934 Chicago World's Fair and after that operated in regular service until 1948, when it was put into storage. In 1971 4001 was bought by the Illinois Railway Museum and it has remained there ever since.
For more information contact
St Petersburg Tram Collection, P O Box No 16, 196158 St Petersburg, Russia.
Fax: 7 (812) 164 52 54, Internet: http://users.nevalink.ru/~sptc
E-Mail: proserv@neva.spb.ruHolden HQ One-Tonner with tray sides made by Big River Models
By Professor David Daw(Editor's Note; In Australasia a flatbed truck body is known as a 'tray', and this is a tray-bodied version fitted with sides.)
The latest offering from Big River Models is a revised version of the Holden HQ One Tonner Utility of the early 1970s. Number 006 in the Big River Models range (the original version of the One Tonner was number 002), the 1:43 scale One Tonner now features a tray with sides. The original version was well received by collectors, and this version should be equally popular.
As usual each model is individually numbered and is available in various colours. The review model was finished in light blue with light tan interior. The sided tray is nicely symmetrical and has been left unpainted, reproducing the aluminium look of the prototype quite nicely. Some changes have been made to the construction of this new version, for example the body fits more neatly to the chassis, but you have to look underneath to see how. The number plate holder has had its position altered so that it is less prone to damage while carrying 1:43 scale goods from place to place.
Elsewhere the detailing remains good: fuel filler pipe and cap, springs, tow bar, spare wheel underneath, and flaps attached to the rear mudguards. The only features missing from the review model were the windscreen wipers. It has been tidied up a little around the grille area which was good to start with and is now better. It is nicely symmetrical and the lights are well detailed both front and rear. The standard of paintwork which has been consistently established by BRM is again very good indeed. This excellent model fills another gap in the range of Holdens available in scale form, and I doubt that BRM has exhausted the possibilities yet. It is good value at a retail price of Aus $135, and is available from specialist model shops as well as directly from Big River Models.
Contact John Halcrow on 02- 9918 0774 or write to PO Box 210, Newport Beach NSW Australia 2106.
BOOK REVIEW
MUNICIPAL REFUSE COLLECTION VEHICLESby Barrie C Woods. Pub. Trans Pennine Publishing Ltd, 48pp, 210mm x 200mm softbound, 92 illustrations £6.50. Signed copies available postfree from the publishers (PO Box 10, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria CA16 6FA.
Refuse disposal vehicles, like other municipal vehicles, have always had their devoted followers. They will find this book, by an ex-employee of Shelvoke & Drewry and Norba, very informative on the history of British vehicles. The development of different techniques led to many and various unusual designs, many of which are illustrated here. There are potted histories of British specialist vehicle builders from AEC to Yewco, though the largest descriptions are, unsurprisingly, given to SD and Dennis. The author's expertise obviously lies in the field of the various mechanisms employed, rather than the vehicle makes, and this is a refreshing change, though it means that some of the earlier less-mechanical process vehicles get sketchier treatment. This little book is good value for money, and will help model and toy collectors identify the makers of the original refuse vehicles in their model collections, and to fit them in to their historical and engineering contexts. RCW
ELIGOR LATEST NEWS
Here is news of the latest releases from Eligor of France. All models are 1:43 scale, including the trucks.
111590 Kenworth T2000 frig artic Robert, a Canadian transport company.
111564 Renault Premium artic ATAC, a French supermarket chain.
111565 Renault AE restyled artic bulk grain tipper Berthoux. This is a new grain tipping trailer, which Eligor claim has an improved tipping ram mechanism.
111562 Volvo FH artic race transporter, Prost Formula One team, from the 1999 season.
111524 Volvo FH frig artic Kerry Foods, 'Walls', featuring a sizzling sausage.
111603 Renault Premium fire appliance with crew cab. The new larger cab is made of resin.
100037 Renault Juvaquatre van Postes, in the old green French post livery. Above the windscreen are two official stickers as on all such vehicles of the period.
100716 Citroen Berlingo electric van La Poste, the latest electric version of the popular Citroen van, already in use in France by the Postal service.
100084 Mercedes-Benz 'Nurburg' saloon, in special livery to mark the 500th Anniversary of the German postal Service.OXFORD DIE-CAST LIMITED
US BREAD PROMOTIONAL RELEASEA series of models has been made by Oxford Die Cast for US bread company Grant's Farm. There are three vehicles: Ford T open truck with box load, Chevrolet luton van and open top double decker bus, each in three different bread liveries, Grants Farm, Rainbo, and Colonial. They are available as a promotional bread offer in the USA, or via the Oxford Die Cast Membership Club. The edition quantities are: 27,000 of each Grants Farm model, 15,000 of each Rainbo model, and 20,000 of each Colonial model, in the third promotion for Grants Farm. Lyndon Davies of Oxford Die Cast must be very pleased with substantial and repeat orders like these.
BOOK REVIEW
Stock Car Model Kit Encyclopedia and Price Guideby Bill Coulter, Pub Krause Publications, 208 pages, 280 x 210 mm, softbound, $19.95 from (USA) 800 258 0929. ISBN 0-87341-732-1
The publishers claim that this is the first book of its kind, a guide listing and giving a current market value for nearly every stock car model ever produced, more than 800 in all. It pictures over 300 different stock car models, from 1:43 to 1:24 scale and larger. Also included are tips for kit builders (materials, techniques etc) and for collectors (scarcity, value etc). Models by such makers as Ertl, AMT, Revell-Monogram, Develotech, John Day and Precision Miniatures are featured. Bill Coulter is a renowned authority on stock car models, and there is also a section on 1:43 scale models by regular MAR contributor Wayne E Moyer. Over 300 stock car models are pictured, many of them in a dedicated colour section. The small after-market makers of transkits and other components are not ignored, with coverage of such makers as Fred Cady and the Modelhaus. There is a lot more for fans of stock car racing, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1998. The author obviously knows his stuff when it comes to stock cars, but his grasp of scale ratios is less sure, it seems. Here is a copy of a table he provides to assist readers, but it left me confused. What is he saying here?
Scale 1 inch 1 millimetre
1:8 4 inches 125 mm
1:16 16 inches 62.5 mm
1:24 24 inches 41.7 mm
1:25 25 inches 40.0 mm
1:32 32 inches 31.25 mm
1:43 43 inches 23.25 mmSurely one inch at 1:8 scale represents eight inches? And similarly one mm represents eight mm in the same scale? Or is he saying that four inches represents 125 mm (which it doesn't)? If any readers can suggest what this is all about, I'll be grateful for input. If it was intended to help less well-informed readers of this book I can only think it would put them off scale collecting or building for ever. This would be a pity, as otherwise they could be encouraged to expand an interest in full-size stock cars to include models, by reading this otherwise useful book. Rod Ward
BOOK REVIEW
Modellautos der DDR - Die Strassen-fahrzeuge im H0-Mass-stab 1949-1990.By Stefan Gartner & Heinz-Hartmut Graf, German text. 464 pages; 216 photos, 700 drawings. Paperbound; 160 x 215 mm. ISBN 3-89441-438-3 Published by and available from Battenberg Verlag, Steinerne Furt, D-86167 Augsburg, Germany. Tel.: 0821/7004-462; Fax: 0821/7004-8268
It was not until 1948 in the Eastern part of Germany that production of model cars began again after the Second World War, the first models being around 1:87 to suit H0 model railways. These were made by JGES in Bakelite. In the 1950s, the DDR's planned economy encouraged the use of model railways to improve the education of the socialist youth of the country, so also this led to better scale model car production evolving. Gradually their quality improved, becoming closer to that of the West German Wiking models, then regarded as the absolute standard. This book covers an almost seamless schedule of all the 1:87 (HO scale) plastic model vehicles ever made in the German Democratic Republic, complete with a price guide. Hans-Georg Schmitt
STUDEBAKER WOODIE
By John RobertsIn MAR 136 I noticed the two Studebaker pickups, Matchbox and US Model Mint, reviewed together. I have nearly completed a woodie station wagon version of the USMM Studebaker for a woodie collector in New Zealand. The result is what happens when a USMM Studebaker gets rammed heavily from the rear by a Lansdowne Lea-Francis!
SRC LATEST MODELS
New 1:43 kits or handbuilt models from SRC Models of East Yorkshire: 53 Ferrari Dino 156 1963 Mairesse Surtees Scarfiotti
55 Ferrari Aero 156 1964 Bandini Surtees
58 Ferrari Dino 246 Yellow 1958 Olivier Gendebien Belgian GP. 150 kits and 50 built models only
The following models are in preparation
52 Brabham Alfa BT45 1976 Pace-Reuteman
54 Lotus 72D 1972 1974 Fittipaldi Spain, and Peterson Monaco (two complete kits)
56 Brabham BT49 1979 Piquet-Zunino
57 Brabham BT49C 1981 Piquet-RebaqueRELIANT TEAPOT
There have never been many models of Reliant three wheelers, but since BBC Worldwide have got on the job of licensing the Trotter's van from the TV show 'Only Fools and Horses', we have seen diecast models from Lledo and Corgi. Now there is an ornamental teapot of Del-Boy's Reliant van as well, retailing at £15.00, made by Western House Ltd.
SMTS LATEST NEWS
Here is a brief roundup of models planned by SMTS in their various 1:43 series: Road cars: future releases: The series of Aston Martin V8s is now complete, and SMTS have begun a series of Jaguar XJS variants. Other new models include the Alfa Romeo BAT 7 and Bentley Azur. Indianapolis race cars: future releases:
Lotus 34 1965 Sheraton-Thompson Spl, Foyt
Belond Special, Sam Hanks, winner 1957
Belond Special, Jimmy Bryan, winner 1958
Novi, Jim Hurtubise 1963
Novi Bobby Unser 1963
Coyote, Foyt, winner 1977
Rislone Special, Unser, winner 1968
Johnny Lightning Special, Unser winner 70
Johnny Lightning Special, Unser winner 71
Formula One Racing Cars: future releases:
Lotus 16 and Aston Martin DBR4/5
Other cars: future releases:
TVR Cerbera race car, Cooper 500 F3, and Chevrolet Camaro Z28 1968 (road car and Trans-Am championship)
Style and Luxury
A new series of exotic coachwork, three or four new models to be released per year in limited quantities at high retail prices.WESTERN SONIC ONE
Western Models, 1:43 handbuilt or kit from UK: Spirit of America - Sonic One Land Speed Record car. A meaty model of an impressive vehicle, the kit costing around £60.00 in UK, the handbuilt version around £100.00. As it happens, the story of the real vehicle is told in Fred Käsmann's book on the second half century of the Land Speed record, just published.
EARLY AA PATROLMEN
l905 saw the first Automobile Associatlon patrolmen bicycling along British roads, helping to save their members from being caught in police speed traps. 20mph was the maximum speed throughout the country on any kind of road, so if a patrol didn't salute a member, he knew that there was a speed trap ahead. BFM Collectables are offering a model of an early patrol in his civilian gear, plus a 1909 patrolman in the first uniform issued to the AA patrol force looking after the 19,000 members, a far cry from today's membership of millions. Each two inch tall figure and his bicycle costs £16.95 post paid from BFM Collectables, PO Box 69, Fleet, Hants GU13 9YN or by phone 01252 617952 (Monday to Friday 9-5pm)
LLEDO AUTUMN RELEASES
As they waited to see if anyone out there wants to buy the company, Lledo announced some new releases, though it now unlikely that they will be produced:
Golden Age of Steam: three gold plated Days Gone steam lorries on a wooden plinth. (1500 made).
'Raleigh' boxed set: Five Days Gone vehicles in Raleigh decoration in a presentation box (1000 made).
Ford Millennium collection: Four Vanguards Fords in special colours on plinth (750 made). Includes Anglia, 100E, Classic, Capri.
Millionth VW Beetle: gold in display box.
Hillman Imp black, display box, 1000 made
James Bond commercial vehicles: Days Gone castings. Scammell van Goldfinger, Chevrolet For Your Eyes Only, Morris parcels van The Man with the Golden Gun, Dennis Goldeneye, Morris LD Live and Let Die,
VW van You Only Live Twice.
(We have tried our hardest to detect the relevance of the chosen vehicles to the James Bond movies in question.)CMC PANAM MERCEDES
The latest production of CMC, made in China for this German range, is number 17, a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 1952 Carrera Panamericana in 1:24 scale. The original car was the victor in the third race through Mexico, in 1952. Some details of this model have been pointed out to us by CMC: The silver colour scheme, logos and the green streaks on the body are just like the original car. There are such fine details as the exactly shaped door pulls, moveable side windows, and fully detailed instrument panel. An allen key to open the bonnet (hood), as on the original car, is on the centre console between the two front seats. There are hand-formed protective steel bars in front of the windscreen, and even fine photo-etched fixings as the end of each bar. By removing three screws on the bottom of the base plate, the chassis can be removed to view the metal structural frame inside. The seats covered in tartan cloth, there are two spare wheels in the boot (trunk). Additonally there will be a metal replica of the winner's medal in the box with every production model. CMC intend to also produce this model in 1:18 scale soon. Available later will be CMC 18, Mercedes-Benz W165 Tripoli Grand Prix 1939, Lang or Caracciola. There are also three new versions of the Mercedes-Benz W196 Grand prix car. Each is limited to 1000 pieces, and is improved, with the addition of up to 26 new components: 19 Fangio race no 2, 20 Moss race no 6 and 21 Hermann race no 8.
HERPA LATEST RELEASES
New 1:87 plastic models from Herpa of Germany include:
044431 VW T4 minibus Berlin Fire Service
044424 VW Beetle THW Rinteln
045831 Mercedes 814 box van Herpa
022781 Mercedes E class facelift saloon
044417 VW LT2 ambulance Wolfsburg Fire
145794 MAN F2000 curtainside artic Scholpp
145800 Scania 124 drawbar ASG
145817 Scania 124 chrome atic tanker Rinnen
145824 DAF 95 XF frig artic Nagel
189163 Scania bonnetted artic Pepsi
189187 Mercedes Atego box van Sixt Rental
189248 Setra S315 HDH coach Lichtenhahn
022774 Ford Escort Mark I racer
022767 Ford Escort Mark I road car
022798 Citroen 2CV 'Spot' version
044462 VW Beetle with roof rack DBP
101165 BMW Alpine B3 3.3
044448 BMW 1602 Munich Fire Service
145848 MAN F2000 4 ax artic tractor Scholpp
145855 Mercedes Atego 2528 silo carrier Bock
145862 Mercedes Atego 2528 drawbar Häring
189200 DAF 95 XF SSC tank container 7-Up
188217 Mercedes-Benz Actros L artic Zentis
189224 Scania bonnetted artic Steinmeier
189194 Scania 124 artic Bergische Achsen
188231 Renault AE facelift drawbar Klette .HERPA E-CLASS FACELIFT
We don't see many new releases from Herpa's Chinese-made 1:43 diecast range, until Mercedes-Benz bring out a new car and order a promotional version of it from Herpa. The latest release is the newly face-lifted version of the Mercedes-Benz E-class saloon, released simultaneously with the Herpa 1:87 plastic version. See the picture on the centre pages of this issue.
ONE LAP OF AMERICA C5
1:43 1997 Corvette C5 by Power BooksIn January 1997 the then-new Corvette C5 was launched, at the Greater Detroit Auto Show. around four months later Mallett Cars of Berea, Ohio introduced a race version, in America's gruelling Cannonball Race, under its new name 'One Lap of America'. This car was purchased by Mallett from Detroit Corvette dealer Jack Cauley Chevrolet, and converted to a full-blown race car in their own shop in Berea. It competed against such cars as the Viper GTS and Lamborghini, and finished second overall and first in class, quite a achievement for the Corvette C5 and Mallett Motorsports. Since then Mallett had build a number of specially powered and modified customer cars, better known as the Mallett 435. These cars are direct successors to the famous 1997 One Lap of America C5 Corvette. Its striking design has been adopted by the current GM Goodwrench C5-R competing in the American Le Mans Series. Now the Mallett One Lap of America C5 Corvette is available as a 1:43 handbuilt model, limited to 100 pieces, by Power Books of Switzerland. Also available are several versions of Mallett's street versions of their famous race car. (See also photograph on the front cover of this issue).
For more information contact: Power Books-Chevy & Vette Parts, Hintermatthof 1, CH-5452 Oberrohrdorf, SWITZERLAND
ABC AND BRIANZA
Laura Brianza informs us that the new 1:43 handbuilt models of the ABC 115 Ferrari Fly Studio Modena and ABC 116 Ferrari Felber Michelotti Beach Car are available. It is now possible to see the new ABC 122 Ferrari Dino 206 SP on the ABC website, which has been restyled again. All three models are available in kit form as well.
SEAR GSM DART-DELTA
The next Sear Model, made by Geoff Sear in South Africa, is going to be the GSM Dart, a Ford Anglia 105E-based sports car built in South Africa in the early 1960s. It was also built in the UK, where it was sold as the GSM Delta. The manufacturers changed the name to Delta, so as not to confuse it with the Daimler Dart. Apparently Daimler also had to change their model name, and it became the SP 250, because a US company, Dodge, had the rights to the name of Dart.
EAGLE'S RACE NEWS
This news regarding the Universal Hobbies diecast range has come via their US distributor, Hobbico, who tells us that the name of the range used in future will be 'Eagle Collectibles', with a new logo and new packaging.
There are two ranges, the 1:18 and 1:43 scale models, and these are the next releases:
1:18 scale models
4350 1941 Chevy Deluxe Convertible beige
4351 1941 Chevrolet Deluxe Convertible red
4352 1941 Chevy Deluxe Convertible black
4353 1941 Chevrolet Deluxe Convertible blue
4354 1941 Chevy Deluxe Convertible white
4355 1941 Chevy Deluxe Convertible hot rod
4401 Land Rover hardtop AA RRescue
4402 Land Rover hardtop beige-brown
4403 Land Rover hardtop green
4404 Land Rover soft top medical
4405 Land Rover pickup red-white
4406 Land Rover pickup black
4301 Ford Model T touring black
4302 Ford Model T touring red
4303 Ford Model T touring dark blue
4304 Ford Model T Police
4305 Ford Model T Dreyers
4306 Ford Model T Ford Service
1:43 scale models
2001 Grand Sport #2 Sebring
2002 Grand Sport #3 Sebring
2003 Grand Sport #80 Nassau
2004 Grand Sport #12 Roadster
2005 Grand Sport #10 Roadster
2006 Grand Sport #67 Road America
2007 Grand Sport #7 Roadster
1550 1949 Mercury Coupe black
1551 1949 Mercury Coupe red
1552 1949 Mercury Coupe Police
1553 1949 Mercury Coupe Fire Chief
1554 1949 Mercury Custom purple-yellow
1555 1949 Mercury Custom silver-green
1556 1949 Mercury Custom black-yellow
1557 1949 Mercury Custom red-yellow
1701 Renault 5 Turbo red
1702 Renault 5 Turbo blue
1703 Renault 5 Turbo Monte Carlo #9
1704 Renault 5 Turbo T de C#7
1705 Renault 5 Turbo Tour de France
1706 Renault 5 Turbo #598 Tour Italy
1707 Renault 5 Turbo Corte Ingles
1801 Renault Clio 98 Show version
1802 Renault Clio Trophy Sport
1803 Renault Clio 99 #3 Ilion
1804 Renault Clio 99 #53 Imer
1805 Renault Clio 99 #38 Pioneer
1132 Porsche Carrera RSR #66
1133 Porsche Carrera RSR #69
1134 Porsche Carrera RSR #65
1135 Porsche Carrera RSR #53
1136 Porsche Carrera RSR #14
1137 Porsche Carrera RSR streetCARD CUTOUT CARS
News, via Marcle Models, of new card cutout (paper) model vehicles: Czech Models: Skoda Octavia 1:18, Skoda Octavia Combi 1:18, Skoda Octavia x 2 1:24, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 5 1:24, Scania tanker 1:32, Praga UV80 1:32. Weiner Minibox. A series of 1:100 vehicles which can be built as simple mini-boxes, or in more detail. Subjects include various Tatra trucks (including Paris-Dakar), Linz trucks, Karosa bus and Phoenix Zeppelin tracked tractor: cheap at 99p each.
AXEL'R from Mini Racing
A new range of 1:43 resin kits distributed by Mini Racing is called Axel'R:
Chevron B8 JCB LM 69 no 43
Chevron B8 Brands Hatch 69 no 25
Sauber C5 Francy Racing LM 77 no 21
Sauber C5 Francy Racing LM 78 no 23
Sauber C5 Francy Racing Monza 77 no 46
Elva BMW Mk 8 Haribo Horloge 97 no 39
Chevron B8 Haribo LM 98 6-Hour Race no 1
Chevron B8 Haribo Horloge 98 no 39 winner
Chevron B8 Agatha Horloge 98 no 2 fourthNEW FROM RENAISSANCE
Ettienne Dhont's latest productions in his Renaissance range are as follows:
24/2b Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Spyder NART Sebring 67 (1:24 kit or built)
24/5 Porsche 936 LM 76 no 20 (1:24 kit or built)
24/12 Panoz LMP LM 99 nos 11, 12 (1:24 kit)
CTR 2404 Peugeot 306 Maxi MC or TdeC 98 (1:24 kit)
Tk24/20 Subaru Vergokan Spa 99 (1:24 transkit and decal for Hasegawa)
Tk24/21 Ford Escort WRC Vandes Spa 99 (1:24 transkit and decal for Tamiya)
Tk24/22 Toyota Corolla Loix (1:24 transkit and decal for Tamiya)
Tk24/23 Mitsubishi Lancer Vergokan Spa 99 (1:24 transkit and decal for Tamiya)
Tk24/24 Subaru Impreza WRC Texaco Luxem-bourg 99 (1:24 transkit and decal for Tamiya)
Tk24/25 Subaru Impreza WRC Champeau 99 (1:24 transkit and decal for Tamiya)
Tk24/28 Porsche 934 JMS LM 77 no 56 (1:24 decal for Esci-Heller-Airfix)
Tk24/29 Mitsubishi Lancer Loix Ypres 99 (1:24 transkit and decal for Tamiya)
Tk24/30 Porsche 911 GT1 LM 97 (1:24 decal for UT-Revell)
Tk24/31 Toyota Corolla Castrol Loix San Remo 97 (1:24 tdecal for Tamiya)
Tk24/34 Toyota Corolla WRC Castrol Ypres 99 (1:24 decal for Tamiya)
Tk12/1 Porsche 934 JMS LM 77 no 56 (1:12 decal for Tamiya)
43/10 Alfa Romeo Alfetta F1 159 1951: Farina Belgium or Fangio Barcelona (1:43 kit or built, available with bonnet off or cast-in).
43/16 Alfa Romeo Alfetta F1 158 1950 or 1951 (1:43 kit or built, available bonnet off or cast-in)
43/18 Ferrari 250 TR 160 0780 prototype, Modena test car (1:43 kit or built)
Intégral 013f Renault Clio Maxi Princen, San Remo/Var 98 (1:43 kit)
Intégral 029/80 Porsche 911 GT2 Lloyds LM 97 no 80 (1:43 kit)
Intégral 040b Porsche 911 GT1 STP Daytona 98 (1:43 kit)
Intégral 041b McLaren F1 GTR Fina LM 97 no 42-43 (1:43 kit)
Intégral 041c McLaren F1 GTR Lark LM 97 no 44 (1:43 kit)
Intégral 041d McLaren F1 GTR EMI LM 97 no 40 (1:43 kit)
Intégral 048/68 Porsche 911 GT1 Wolinski LM 98 no 68 (1:43 kit)
Intégral 053 Porsche 935 Martini LM 79 no 40 (1:43 kit)
Intégral 054 Porsche 935 Martini LM 76 no 40 (1:43 kit)
Intégral 054b Porsche 935 JMS LM 77 no 40 (1:43 kit)THE STOUT SCARAB
By Rod WardA couple of readers have asked me for the background story on the Stout Scarab, after buying one of the Brooklin models of this extraordinary car. So, here is a brief account.
When I described the Curtiss Aerocar trailer caravan in a recent issue of MAR, designed by famous aircraft designer Glenn Curtiss, I touched on the frequent cross-overs between designers of cars, aircraft and other industrial products. Sometimes this is due to economic pressure, like Curtiss and Piaggio, who were forced by lack of government orders for aircraft after a world war to produce road vehicles (in Piaggio's case the Vespa scooter). Other aircraft firms who turned to road vehicles after war orders ceased include such names as Rumpler, Messerschmitt, Heinkel and Farman. In other cases the hubris of a great industrialist leads him to think he can be a leader in a different field as well. Both Austin and Ford tried to produce 'cheap' aircraft intended to bring flying to the masses to whom they had introduced cheap motoring. Many car manufacturers on the other hand, including such leading names as Rolls-Royce, Hispano-Suiza, Packard and Renault, found themselves in aero-engine production under pressure from military and political interests. Another group which brings in different interest fields is that of industrial design, where names such as Loewy and Colani are well-known in automotive, railroad, maritime and aircraft design or styling.
STOUT'S EARLY DAYS
There is still one more personality type involved, however. This is the inveterate inventor. Notable car designers and builders such as Fred Lanchester and Gabriel Voisin also made their mark in other fields, due to their curiosity and inventive capabilities. William B Stout also falls into this latter category. In 1913, as an Editor with Motor Age magazine he designed a cyclecar typical of its era, which led to the Imp cyclecar built by the W H McIntyre company. He worked for Scripps-Booth as chief engineer from 1915, and in 1916 joined Packard's aircraft division, where aeronautics caught his imagination. He designed the first US cantilever-wing aircraft, the 2-AT mailplane, which interested Henry Ford sufficiently to buy his Stout Metal Airplane company in 1925, ordering a larger trimotor version which incorporated features pioneered by Fokker and Junkers, and which Stout hoped to operate in his Stout Air Services airline and mail service line. Stout's design increased the size of his 2-AT by adding two engines, on the centre line of the high wing. They were thus out of line with the central engine, which was set at the bottom of the exceptionally deep fuselage, which had an open cockpit perched on the top. This design was unsuccessful, and was re-designed for Ford by others, who put all three engines at the same level (by hanging the wing-mounted engines down on pylons and reducing the fuselage depth), creating the famous 4-AT, the classic Ford Tri-Motor. Stout was sacked by Ford when the initial design failed, but his concept was a good one, and once it was developed, it went on to great success until superseded by more modern designs like the Douglas DC-3. The Tri-Motor pioneered most air routes in the USA, the almost 200 aircraft which Ford built flying with over 100 airlines over time. Out on his own again, the indefatigable Stout turned to the design of the Stout Sky Car light aircraft in 1931. A later version was tested by the USAAF during the Second World War as the XC-65, but like so many of William Stout's brainchildren it never caught on with the buying public.
THE STOUT SCARAB
In 1932 Stout set up the Stout Engineering Laboratories in Detroit, and built the first experimental Scarab car from Duralumin, based on his aviation experience. In the current vogue of 'futuristic' designs like the Burney Streamline and the Sterkenberg (designed by John Tjaarda), the Scarab was rear-engined and of a modern 'streamlined' shape. It was powered by a Ford V-8 engine in unit with a three speed transaxle, Stout staying faithful to his ex-employer for the power unit. The large internal volume was flexible, in the fashion of a 1990s people-carrier. Seats were movable, and a table could even be erected. The early Dural prototypes led to the 'production' steel-bodied car in 1935, the version modelled by Brooklin. It had unitary construction and coil spring independent suspension all round, but its body design was regarded at the time as too clumsy and ugly, and less than half a dozen were built, in spite of advanced technology. Stout subsequently went on to war work.
PROJECT Y
A somewhat more stylish derivation of the Scarab was built in 1946, but it was no more commercially successful than its predecessors. When Joseph Washington Frazer of Kaiser-Frazer decided to enter car production, he acquired the venerable Graham-Paige make as a springboard into the auto industry. On closer investigation, however, it was apparent that their old pre-war designs would not be suitable for postwar buyers, so he engaged Bill Stout and Howard Darrin to design a radically new car derived from the pre-war Scarab. If it had been a success, Project Y would have been the first product-ion car with a fibre-reinforced plastic body, the concept of which was funded and sponsored by Owens-Corning Fiberglas, designed by Stout and styled by Darrin. Unfortunately, the resulting Project Y car was far too complicated and unbuildable, so it was replaced by a simpler Darrin design for a four door steel-bodied sedan which became the 1947 Frazer. Kaiser-Frazer Corporation was still interested in fibreglass car designs, however, and in 1952 they marketed the Kaiser-Darrin 161 sliding-door sports car.
LATER DAYS
Bill Stout was still convinced of the efficacy of the 30 year old Tri-Motor design. Accord-ingly he bought the rights to the design from Henry Ford II in 1954, and helped to establish the Hayden Aircraft Company, with the intention of putting a modified version back into production, but this company failed. The owners continued work on the prototype, however, and in 1966 The Aircraft Hydro-forming Company of California completed the prototype Bushmaster 2000. Plans to build 100 aircraft for bush airlines and military STOL COIN purposes came to nothing.
CORGI LATE 1999 PLANS
CHROME MILLENNIUM MODELSAs usual Corgi have announced a supplementary programme for the end of the year, but this time, as it is also the end of the millennium, they are also releasing three chrome-plated models to mark the event.
They are all for November release:
Fowler B6 Showman's Engine 1:50 (80107)
Q1 trolleybus 1:76 (43710)
Land Rover 1:43 (07105)OTHER MILLENNIUM MODELS
Other millennium-related releases, all due to come out in November:
Van Hool Alizee Lewis Coaches of Greenwich, 80th anniversary livery depicting River Thames and Meridian Line, 1:76 (42727)
Mini rally car, Plant Brothers 1:36 (04435). Corgi has sponsored the Plant Brothers Mini rally team for several years. Their Millennium Mini, a Rover Mini Cooper 1.3i, will hit the rally scene in 2000.
ERF curtainside R G Bassett & Sons of Tittensor, Stoke on Trent. 1:64 (59539). Bassett have commissioned a Millennium livery featuring the Corgi logo which will run on the vehicle throughout 2000.
Palatine II bus MTL North, Millennium Fleet, Liverpool 1:76 (43611)VINTAGE GLORY
November release in Corgi's 1:50 scale Vintage Glory series is a Fowler B6 crane engine Wolverhampton Wanderer (80108)
CROYDON TRAM
With trams making a comeback in Croydon, (the town's new Tramlink is due to open in November), Corgi has produced a 1:72 scale open top tram from the early years of this century in Croydon Corporation Tramways livery, for November release. (36604)
ORIENTAL OMNIBUS COMPANY
Six new 1:76 models for November, with quotas expected to be around the 3000 mark.
Olympian three axle KMB Dragon Boat (43222)
Olympian three axle KMB 50th Anniv (43224)
Olympian three axle Friends of KMB (43223)
Olympian two axle Ocean Park (43012)
Leyland Atlantean Citybus Network 26 (44603)
Alexander Trident Nathan Rd Hotspot (44403)
Originally scheduled for release in 1999, but now deferred until next year are:
Alexander Trident Citybus WWW (44404)
Guy Victory CMB (44801)
Leyland Atlantean Singapore Bus (44602)NORBERT DENTRESSANGLE
Norbert Dentressangle's livery now appears on four 1:64 Superhaulers for November.
Scania food tanker Dentressangle (59534)
Volvo chemical tanker Dentressangle (59535)
Scania curtainside Dentressangle (59536)
Volvo c/c drawbar Dentressangle (59537)GUINNESS COLLECTION TK
New in this series is Bedford TK artic platform trailer and solid resin container in Guinness livery, with white metal headboard, for November release. (22504)
HEAVY HAULAGE SERIES
Latest in the Heavy Haulage collection is a Sunter Brothers set including a Guy Invincible artic long platform trailer with load of pipes, and Diamond T Ballast tractorsomewhat overwhelmed by its task of towing two Nicholas bogies and an ICI vessel load, for November release (31014).
YELLOW SUBMARINE Finally, Corgi has scaled down the Beatles Yellow Submarine model to produce a newly-tooled version, 110 mm (just over four inches) long. The Yellow Submarine animated film has been re-released, and is available on video. There is also a new Yellow Submarine album featuring 15 Beatles songs from the film, available November RRP £9.99 (05404)
OBITUARY: John Shelford
It is with great sadness that I have to report the death of John Shelford of Heybrook Bay, Plymouth. John was a talented artisan who worked in wood and produced the models the big names failed to offer us. Most of his models were one-offs, many featured in MAR down the years, and the Rolls-Royce collecting community will greatly miss him.
André Blaize, The Ghost Club, France
I recently heard from Gretchen Shelford the sad news that her husband John died at the end of April from cancer. The hotel season (they ran the Heybrook Bay Hotel in Devon) and John's rather unconventional filing system delayed contacting his collector friends until now. I was aware that John was unwell, and had been so periodically for many years, having survived TB in his youth, but news of his passing was still unexpected. MAR readers may recall John's distinct and unique carved wooden model cars which appeared in the magazine over many years. Although John only produced about sixty model cars, most are catalogued. His collector clients came from all walks of life, yet the models were affordable to most collectors. I am fortunate to have two of them, and had two others on order for many years! Understandably, I believe his delightful family wish to retain some of John's most recently completed models. John leaves his widow, Gretchen, daughter Nicola and son Julian, who miss him terribly. I am sure John's collector friends and acquaintances will miss his humorous stories, his technical advice, and his friendship as well as his remarkable model cars. I hope to write a more fitting tribute to John, his life and his models at a later date, and I am sure there are many others in the Ghost Club and Bugatti Association who will want to send memories and recollections of John's life and models.
Max Tomlinson, Wrexham
It is sad for the collecting community when it loses a great character and craftsman. When he was at the height of his building powers (never prolific, as Max has noted), John would phone me frequently to discuss a point of detail or accuracy, or to source components, but soon the topic of conversation deviated. Tales would come thick and fast, often including stories of his father's designs for exotic bodywork on Rolls-Royces for Eastern potentates. I join André and Max in passing on the condolences of all MAR readers to Gretchen and their children.
Rod Ward
Copyright 1999 Modelauto Ltd and Solnet Systems Ltd
e-mail mar@zeteo.com