EDITORIAL
By Rod WardThis issue sees a number of features and news items on products of the Ford Motor Company, appropriate in their centenary year. In fact some of the models have been issued to mark the anniversary, commissioned by this large multi-national conglomerate, who might have been thought to be too big to focus down on model cars.
Not a bit of it. Ford are determined that their heritage should be recorded in as many ways as possible, including in miniature. This issue also sees the first in a series of articles to mark the centenary of Buick, but do we see any special models commissioned by General Motors? Nope. If I am to believe what I have been told, GM (or their agents) have been positively obstructive of any attempts by certain model firms to mark the anniversary with special model issues. At the very least they would require a substantial pound of flesh in the way of license fees payable, even if anybody managed to penetrate their system, in order to make the models.
There are many other anniversaries this year, of makers, marques, models and individual cars, and the process from now on will be a continuous one.
In the next five years or so we will be a century on from the foundation of many internationally-famous automotive brands, and also half a century on from many iconic cars first created in the 1950s. Add to that another two bands of anniversaries, 75 years since the 1920s and 25 years since the 1970s, both decades which saw the birth of more automotive icons, and it looks like we'll soon be searching for topics which are not anniversaries. Even these 'legitimate' anniversaries are not enough for some firms, with various 30th, 40th and 60th anniversaries being announced as well!
General Motors' withered British subsidiary, Vauxhall, has made laudably strenuous efforts this year to mark the century since their first car was built.
It is therefore all the more curious that GM don't seem keen to put much international effort behind celebrating the similar centenary of the birth of Buick.
And how about toy and model company anniversaries?
Any suggestions for features for this year, or next year?
NOT 'INCIDENTAL INCLUSION'
In our Correspondence pages this time is a discussion of the legal wrangle between Franklin Mint and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. The result has been hailed by some as a victory for common sense, but in fact the Fund only lost their case on narrow legal grounds. The main basis for the claim was based on a California statute, but Diana was not domiciled in that State, nor was there a similar statute in Britain. In addition, she had never registered her likeness as copyright, nor objected to its use in her lifetime, so it became tricky for the Fund to choose to do so retrospectively. The result is therefore really only applicable to registering a personality.
A more relevant recent case resulted in Panini UK being forced to stop selling their Football 2003 set of stickers, which featured 312 pictures of Premier League soccer players in their club strip, on many of which the Premier League logo and/or the Football Club logo was visible, even though Panini had not paid for their use.
They claimed a defence of 'incidental inclusion' (ie the logos just happened to be in the photos) but on 14 July 2003 in the Court of Appeal, Panini lost on the basis that if the stickers claimed to show 'authentic' strip, then Club and League emblems were quite likely to be included.
This line of defence had been used before in similar cases, but now seems to have been closed off. In our world, that appears to rule out the 'incidental inclusion' on models of commercial liveries or sponsor decals, if their inclusion is needed, in truth, to produce an authentic model.
ARE YOU 8888 FEELING LUCKY?
Our continuous page numbering system sometimes throws up some interesting combinations. This issue sees the appearance of page 8888 (*** above), which I am told is one of the luckiest number combinations you can get, particularly if you are a Chinese gambler. Maybe they'll all rush out and buy this copy of MAR, once they know it legitimately includes page 8888? Tell all your Chinese friends, and let's hope it brings good fortune to all of us.
Book Reviews
MIDLAND GENERAL (Prestige Series)
by John Banks, photos G H F Atkins,
pub: Venture Publications, 128 Pikes Lane, Glossop, Derbyshire SK13 8EH.
64 pages, softbound, 240 x 170 mm
ISBN 1 898432 89 9, £8.95.This is the 21st book in the Prestige Series, devoted to bus fleet histories. Midland General resulted from the amalgamation of Midland General, Notts & Derby and Mansfield and District, all from the area around Nottingham. All had been owned by Balfour Beatty, and were nationalised when electricity supply came under central government control in 1948, and they remained in the BB blue and cream livery even after they had been combined with other state-owned bus companies after the purchase by the state of the Tilling Group. In the 1970s Midland General was merged with Trent Motor Traction, and effectively disappeared. The dozens of period photographs by Mr Atkins capture the flavour of local operations, and are informatively captioned by Mr Banks. An outstanding example is a photo of holidaymakers gathered in Nottingham ready to depart for resorts such as Skegness in the early 1930s. They are over-dressed in the style of the era, their Trent open-roofed coach is waiting, and their luggage is being loaded into a separate van, owned by the bus company. An old truck in the background is described as a Mercedes, but the large three pointed star on the front looks more like a de Dion to me. This book is packed with such evocative images, and is highly recommended. Rod Ward
Scotland's wee buses
by Doug Harrison,
32 Sandbank Crescent, Glasgow G20 0PR, email: dougharrison.maryhill@ntlworld.com tel-fax 0141 579 5235,
A5 56 pages.
£5.50 inc p&p, cheques payable to Doug Harrison, or from retail outlets at £5.00.The aim of this little book is to list and describe every model bus ever produced in a Scottish livery. Even some whimsical issues, such as those by Lledo, which have a Scottish connection. The coverage is comprehensive, primarily listed by operator livery, but also by model maker, with lots of useful text and background as well as an exhaustive index and bibliography of useful sources. (Yes, MAR is included). Doug Harrison has published the book himself, and deserves to be very successful. Only three dozen or so buses are pictured in colour, in group photos, but I didn't need more than that. Doug even mentions those firms for which no models exist, as a hint to the model manufacturers, so they'll have to buy this useful book as well! Rod Ward
FROM PASSION TO PERFECTION : The Story of French Streamlined Styling 1930-1939.
By Richard Adatto,
Photographs by Jean-Paul Caron,
287 pages, English-French editions, hardbound, £59.95.
Published by Editions SPE Barthelemy, Paris, distributed in UK by Menoshire.Amongst the most memorable examples of car styling over the years, have been the glorious French streamlined coupes of the late 1930s. Great cars such as Delage, Delahaye and Talbot were clothed in fabulous if impractical curvaceous bodywork by the likes of Figoni & Falaschi, Pourtout, Saoutchik and others, to leave us with what has to be a series of the most beautiful cars ever produced. The full story of the development of this streamlined styling through the 1930s has now been told by American expert Richard Adatto, very ably supported by the superb photography of Jean-Paul Caron in a book which has taken two years to research.
Adatto has tracked down every single surviving example of these cars, and has presented each as an individual case study. In addition, thanks to his own fascination with the characters involved, he has been able to flesh out the bare historical facts with a closer look at the craftsmen and designers behind these cars, and the whole is a fine record of the evolution of this particular avenue of car design through the golden age of the thirties. If cars such as the Figoni & Falaschi or Pourtout Talbot coupes, the Darlímat Peugeots, the Delahaye roadsters, the Voisin road cars or the Embiricos Bentley, make your pulse beat faster, then this is a book you will enjoy. The history of each individual car is told in a comprehensive fashion, as are details of its restoration and current whereabouts. If you like tales of motoring characters, there are plenty, including many completely new facts brought to light of Georges Paulin, designer of the Embiricos Bentley, a personality who played a much greater role in this entire story than for which he has been hitherto given credit.
A wonderful book on its subject. Not cheap, but quality never is. A very well-produced and comprehensive work. Obtainable from most specialist bookshops. Charles Barnett
Lion Toys, Innovatie op Schall 1946-2001
by J Wouters and Th Van Oort,
136 pp, colour photos on most pages, hardbound, 180 x 250 mm,
ISBN 90-288-3556-3,
Europese Bibliotheek, Zalt-bommel, NL, publisher@eurobib.nl, 2001.This book complements Ed Force's volume, reviewed later, this onecovering just Lion Toys from Holland. As far as I can tell this tells an in-depth history of all the products, but since I cannot read Dutch, I am left to look at the pictures and lists. The overlap in the three books I look at in this issue of MAR is not obvious, but they all contain Lion Toys in one way or another. Force as well as Wouters and Oort obviously talk about Lion Toys. Johansen and Hedegard also list Lion as a Danish brand in the 1950s and show both an Opel Rekord and a DKW in Lion Toy-Lion Car boxes. These are in the Dutch book with Made in Holland and Made in Denmark on their baseplates. The others are not mentioned in the Lion Toy book, a Massey Ferguson tractor (looks just like the Molberg!), a Mercedes open race car, a Lambretta scooter with sidecar, and a few Ford Taunus vans. This is not the same casting as the Tekno Ford van. These 'Lions' are pictured in the Danish book with boxes showing a Lion mascot (no lettering). This mascot is very different from the Dutch Lion Toys mascot, so I believe these are not Dutch Lion Toys made in Denmark but a different Danish firm. In fact Force pictures one of the Taunus vans and calls it a Lion made by Tekno in Denmark. Who knows? If you do, please email me at Karl Schnelle
The Trax Book: 16th year edition
by Robert Hill,
published by Top Gear, Australia, www.topgear.com.au.
175 pages, hardbound.
Price Aus $32.95.Top Gear is the Australian manufacturer of Trax models, only sold direct, regular issues of high quality models. In 2000 Top Gear published a hard cover book under the title Trax Models, the first update. This book was a revised edition of the 1997 first edition. Now there is another new issue of the book, the 16th year edition. This is a hardbound book of 175 pages, of which 23 are colour plates. All of the models are photographed in three quarter views, each with a short history of the real car. The model and its variants are described. In addition there is a list colours, production numbers, package codes and values. This book has been very well produced and is recommended. Ben van Roode
Classic Miniature Vehicles of Northern Europe,
by Ed Force,
144 pp, 66 pp colour pictures, softbound, 220 x 280 mm,
ISBN 0-7643-1788-1,
Schiffer Publishing, Atglen, PA, USA, www.schifferbooks.com, (in Europe from Bushwood Books) 2002.Now that Dr Ed Force seems to be retired from the collecting world, he has sold off his enormous collection and written one last book. For those that do not know him, he is famous in the USA for a series of eight collector books from around 1883 to 1993, all in a nine inch x six inch format from Schiffer Publishing. Ten years later, he has gathered all the 'other' marques and makes that did not fit into his previous themes: Corgi, Dinky, Solido, Germany, Italy, France, etc.
The new book is in the same format as, just larger than, the previous books, the first half picturing his collection in colour, the rest of the book given over to a detailed description of each piece. Short histories of the companies are also included: Tekno, Vilmer, Lego, Gasquy-Septoy, Sablon, Lion Toys, Best Box-Efsi, and Siku. A few smaller companies are also included there: BP, Stjerne, Bapro, Lemeco, Geno-Lenyco, Galanite, Tomte-Laerdal, Francorchamps, and Luxor. As usual the pictures and description are great, but some of the company histories are naturally lacking. Siku seems to be stuck in at the end because he did not have room for them in his earlier German book. He stopped collecting them years ago, so the few companies that made it into the new millennium are not up to date: Lion Toys, Tekno in Holland, and Siku. Karl Schnelle
Danske Modelbiler, Collectors Price guide (Danish Model Cars)
by Dorte Johansen and Hans Hedegard,
151 pages, several colour and b/w pictures on almost every page, softbound, 170 x 240 mm,
ISBN: 87-981684-5-2,
Samler Borsen, Jacobys Alle 2-4, DK 1806, Frederiksberg C,
www.samlerboersen.dk, 2002.From the owners of the auction and model car shop in Copenhagen comes another fantastic book. After three editions of their Tekno bible, they have now started to cover all the other minor Danish toy cars, over 40 in all including the ones that Force covered. Again because of the scarcity of the toys and the obscurity of the makers, not much is written about the histories of these companies. Ever seen a Massey Ferguson tractor from 1955 by Molberg? As in the Force book, many colour pictures are included as well as period advertising. So even if you do not read Danish, this is not a handicap to enjoyment of this book. Karl Schnelle
Modelcars Made in Italy 1900-1990,
by Paolo Rampini,
Italian and English text, 112 pages, 140 pictures.
Hardbound 215 x 300 mm.
ISBN 88-7911-308-9
Pub by and available from Giorgio Nada Editore srl, Via Claudio Treves 15/17, 20090 Vimodrone, Ml, Italy.
£26.95 or 39 Euros.This is not a book of history, just a listing of model cars, mostly around 1:43, made in Italy from 1900 to 1990. It is not very easy to identify unknown items. There is an alphabetical list of manufacturers, material (metal or plastic), scale from 1:13 to 1:90, year of manufacture, catalogue number and current value in US dollars. Some catalogue pictures of rare models are included. Now I know that my Rivarossi Fiat Topolino, made in 1949, which I bought at a swapmeet out of a junk box for 5 Deutschmarks ten years ago, is today valued at $280, but other items of mine which read Made in Italy, are still unidentified. Those collectors who have large collections of Italian beauties, and the manufacturers' catalogues as well, can use this book to work out the value of their collections. There are listed some manufacturers whose products are so rare that they are not pictured at all, such as Alemanni, who 'between 1910 and 1950' whatever that means, produced a 1:43 racing car in 1949, or Gherzi who made a range of Italian and European cars from 1957 to 59. Hans-Georg Schmitt
CHEVROLET PICKUPS
by Mike Mueller,
168 pages, 202 photos, mostly in colour. 260 x 260 mm.
Hardbound with dustjacket.
ISBN 0-7603-0951-5.
Pub: by MBI Publishing Co, Galtier Plaza, Suite 200, 380 Jackson Street, St. Paul, MN 55101-3885, USA.Mike Mueller will be familiar to collectors of books about pickups, and this one is well up to his usual standard. He tells the history of Chevrolet trucks to date, from the beginning in 1918 to current Silverado series pickups.
On the way, periodic reference is made to trucks from competing makers, unusual in a one-make history, and it helps put the Chevrolet story in its real-life perspective. As with other transport books from MBI, the photography and colour printing are stunning, and the book is worth buying for the pictures alone. But the text is informative too. Anyone interested in Chevrolet pickups will like this book. Recommended. Robert P Gunn
ANDY WARHOL cars and business art
by Renate Wiehager and Friederike Nymphius,
German and English text.
144 pages, 123 pictures.
Hardbound with dust jacket 310 x 310mm.
ISBN 3-7757-1263-1 (German), ISBN 3-7757-1264-X (English).
Published by and available from Hatje Cantz Verlag, Senefelderstrasse 12; D-73760 Ostfildern-Ruit, Germany.Mercedes-Benz commissioned pop art icon Andy Warhol to produce a series of pictures for the 100th anniversary of the car. Of the 80 pictures planned, including 20 Mercedes-Benz types, the Daimler motor carriage and the Benz Patent Motorcar, 35 pictures and 12 large drawings, were completed in 1986-87, the artist's last work. This book presents all the works in DaimlerChrysler's collection, with others on the subject of Business Art, by Andy Warhol, Robert Longo, Mathis Neidhart and Simone Westerwinter. Hans-Georg Schmitt
Alfa Romeo camion,
by Massimo Condole,
Italian-English text, 110 pages, 165 photos.
Hardbound with dustcover, 255 x 290 mm.
ISBN 88-9009-552-0
Published by, available from Fondazione Negri, Via Calatafimi 7, 25122 Brescia, ItalyItalian manufacturer Alfa Romeo was founded in 1909 when it took over the Italian assembly plant of French car pioneer Alexandre Darracq. Its first name was Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili, shortened to ALFA. They were not very successful so the main creditor, the Banca di Sconto called in railway engineer Nicola Romeo and the firm was re-named Alfa-Romeo. Many Alfa cars have made significant contributions to automotive technical progress, but less well-known are their trucks. In Italy the heavy lorries from Milan are fondly remembered, even if the management itself was not always so enthusiastic. Sometimes Alfa managers seem to have been concerned that making commercial vehicles might be detrimental to the sporting image of the company. This book tells the story of Alfa Romeo lorries for historic commercial vehicle enthusiasts. Hans-Georg Schmitt
CLUB NEWS
Collated by Rod Ward
The Lledo Enthusiast and Variations Club: Bill Alexander blamed the late appearance of the Lledo Enthusiast newsletter on computer problems. The availability of cheap and powerful computers has enabled many clubs to produce more professional looking publications but has also left them vulnerable to the vagaries of Mr Gates's Microsoft operating system. Bill's Athlon toasted itself, though he was able to save all his files and re-install them in a new machine so, the newsletter was delayed, but not entirely lost. That means that Lledo fans could get their fix of information on new releases, variations and rarities, if a little later than they expected. If that's what you need, contact Bill Alexander at 33 North Town Moor, Maidenhead, Berks SL6 7JR.
Brooklin Collectors Club: The latest edition of The Brooklin Collector, the BCC publication, has news of the Hot Rods series, made for the US market, though they can be obtained in Europe too. The first three releases are:
HR01 Chevrolet Impala 409 Super stock sport Coupe 1961. HR02 Chevrolet sedan delivery 1955, 'Seventies street machine'. HR03 Chevrolet El Camino 1959 'Pro Touring', developed in the mid-1990s.Also in this issue is a hint of a next year Brooklin release, a Muntz Jet. The colour of the 2003 BCC club Packard Patrician model is now decided, Scottish heather (a pinkish red) and Dover white. Al Stack has produced a detailed coverage of American steam powered cars for the Collector. Is this just an attempt to influence future choices of Brooklin subjects? Or does Al know something about their plans that we don't? A 1930s Doble would be a worthy subject for a 1:43 model. And member Ian Artus submits a list of nine cars from 1929 to 1936 he'd like to see Brooklin make. But long-time MAR subscriber Udo Lander is also a member of the BCC, and he complains that Brooklin give too much attention to cars of the 1930s, when there are still lots of 1950s to 1970s cars to be made, which he feels would sell better, as German collectors don't want cars from the 1930s and earlier. As you can see, the BCC is a great platform for discussion. If you'd like to join in, contact Membership Secretary John Bowyer on 01276 473499, or email him at: john_bowyer@ethyl.com
Maidenhead Static Model Club: A recent Club night was a testing time for members and their automotive knowledge! David Conway's motoring trivia quiz proved very popular. The display competition of catalogues was won by Alan Simpson's Trix catalogue. At the Club's 27 September Windsor Toy Fair one lucky person will win the 'rare and desirable' Eddie Stobart resin pre-production model pictured below left, kindly donated to the MSMC charity fund by Corgi Classics. The DAF XF Super Space Cab Curtainside Deborah Heather, as pictured on the front cover of the January-June 2003 Corgi Classics catalogue, will be sold in a sealed bid auction. Go to the Windsor Toy Fair and place your bid. If yours is the highest when the bids are opened in the afternoon of the event, you will get the Stobart truck! For more details, ring Toy Fair Secretary; John Garside on 07729 910632.
Natal Diecast Model Collectors: I have to tiptoe around any NDMC comments which might offend members, but I have to note that Geoff Sear's account of visiting the Johannesburg Toy Fair made me envious. Not just current Corgi toys, like a UK swapmeet. Not even just toy cars, but marbles, Lego, teddies, Meccano, children's books... Now that's a real event. Geoff can give you directions from Durban. Just write to 7 Dryden Place, Umbilo, Durban, South Africa
Sydney Model Auto Club: Australian collectors continue to be well-served with models of local vehicles, and SMAC journal Think Small reflects the wide range of new models on offer, road cars, buses and taxis. There seems to be less interest in making models of Australian commercial vehicles, which is surprising as there have been so many unique Aussie trucks, including the transcontinental big rigs. Maybe Trax's Trux range will eventually include them? For membership information, contact Secretary John Maude on 9579 1257.
South Hants Model Auto Club: Following my note that Editors Stu and Sue Leake have managed to avoid putting their own photographs in the club magazine's Rogue's Gallery, they protest that they were not members in Roguish days. They offer their wedding photos as an alternative, if anyone wants to see how they used to look. If they are anything like my 1970s wedding photos, I'd advise against it. Contents of the latest issue of the magazine include racing at Le Mans, truck racing, and how to avoid speed cameras (when racing on the roads?). Is there a pattern here? If you'd like to be a member of the SHMAC, race to the phone and ring Dave Painter on 01264 366048.
Coventry Diecast Model Club: The latest edition of Wheelspin shows that Mick Russell is now having to fill more of the pages himself, or with assistance from some of the Club committee. But they do that very well. Treasurer Bob Wood reports a gloomy month, attending the funeral of Erik Fredriksen and then having his caravan stolen just before it was to be used for a holiday. Well, at least they have something to look forward to in September, a visit to the Club by Oxford Diecast. There's just time to join, by telephoning 024 7630 7700.
West Australian Model Collectors Club: Following my prompting in this column, and thanks to editor Ian Hind (email jhind@iinet.net.au) I have now seen a copy of Showcase, the WAMCC magazine, and it is a packed and informative A5-size publication. It is well-supported by adverts by local businesses in the Perth area, not all model-car related (though perhaps member-related) and has a very interesting mix of contents, from the usual meeting reports and members' news to a history of Minichamps describing the Lang brothers' involvement and an analysis of the tobacco livery situation in Australia. If you'd like to know more about the club, just email Ian.
Cape Model and Toy Club: Honorary President Ron Gersbank points out that the Cape Club won't be left behind in the food race with the Natal Club. In May and July they attended two events organised by the Early Ford Club, a Pig Braai and a Snoek Braai (barbecues to the rest of us). All they had to do was take their own crockery and cutlery and tuck in. The latest edition of The Cape Model Collector had a fascinating article on Strike metal toys, made in South Africa by Tri-ang, almost unkown to collectors in other countries. Particularly interesting was their range of unique South African military vehicles, including the Casspir, Ratel and Buffel (the high-built personnel carrier with a U-shaped armoured floor). This would make a nice feature for MAR, if we could get permission to reproduce it, and pictures to go with it. Cape Club members are as far-flung as ever, travelling to their Toy Fair from as far away as 400km (250 miles) to enjoy the curry and rice lunch (and five-star chocolate cake, as usual). For Club membership information, contact Graham Ramsay at ramsaygl@telkomsa.net
Wessex Model and Toy Collectors: The end of an era, as the WMTC no longer meets in the Club at the Ushers Brewery, which has closed. From now on meetings are at a pub (there's a surprise), The Farmhouse Inn, Southwick, on the first Monday of each month. If you can't work out when that is, phone Barry Lloyd on 0117 986 6503. He'll put you right, and will be pleased to greet you as a new member on the night.
CORGI COLLECTORS CLUB 1:36 diecast in China for UK: CC82225 Mini Historic Acropolis Rally 2003. This car was built in 1965 and participated in the 50th Anniversary Historic rally in Greece this year. The model is given free to all new and renewing members of the Corgi club. Subscriptions cost £18.00 per year in the UK, £20.00 per year in Europe or £22.00 in the rest of the world. Contact Corgi Collector Club, c/o Corgi Classics, Meridian East, Meridian Business Park, Leicester LE19 1RL.
ANY MODEL OFFERS?
The back cover of this issue of MAR features an advertisement for a real car, though one which is not much bigger than some larger scale models. The G-Whiz electric car was designed in California, is built in Bangalore, and distributed from Leeds.
The marketing operation runs on a bit of a shoestring, so the distributors cannot afford to finance the manufacture of scale models, though they would buy some for promotional purposes if someone else made them.
If anyone fancies taking on the project, contact Going Green at the address in the advert (gmail@goingreen.co.uk). White metal, resin, diecast or plastic, any scale, all suggestions are welcome. A model in any standard scale would also be popular among collectors of microcars and those who want an example of every car marque made world-wide. The jolly red and yellow livery on the one photographed outside the MAR office, by the way, is part of a plan for the Royal Mail to test out the vehicle's operational suitability.
Bus Stop
CATCH THE BRITBUS
Another new range of 1:76 diecast buses is on the way from China, called Britbus. They will retail at around £33.00 in the UK, almost double the price of EFE, for example. Keen enthusiasts will not be put off, but there must surely be a limit on the price which can be charged for a 1:76 bus. The plan includes:
Guy Arab Mk IV Southdown Guy Arab Mk IV Dodds (later) Scania Metropolitan Leicester City Transport Scania Metropolitan Black Prince Scania Metropolitan Tyne & Wear PTE Scania Metropolitan Leicester City (different: later)
Truck stop
LATEST ELIGOR TRUCKS
The latest 1:43 scale truck models available from Eligor of France are as follows:
112504 Renault Magnum 2+3 axle jumbo artic, Renault Fi Team 2003, (different from 2002, above). 112541 MAN TG 2+2 axle jumbo artic, Toyota Motorsport 2003, (different sponsors from 2002). 112539 Scania 4 series jumbo artic, Jordan Formula 1 Team 2003, (different from 2002 version, and likely to change again soon?). 112412 Mercedes Actros Megaspace 2+3 axle Chereau frig artic, N7 Froid. # Volvo Kalmar container base crane, red 1:50 # Volvo A25C off-road dumptruck, yellow 1:50
MAGIC TRUCKS
Herpa are distributing a 'cheap and cheerful' range of 1:87 trucks, under the range title Magic Models. Mercedes, Scania and MAN artic vans, tilts and tankers have diecast tractors and plastic artic trailers, which are nicely tampo printed to the highest curent standards. The retail price is about half that of a typical Herpa all-plastic model.
VISCOUNT 1:64 diecast model refinished in UK: Volvo FM box van Tyler Moore Circus, an all-human circus currently touring the UK, run by Albert Tyler Moore, the well-known animal trainer. The model is on sale from the souvenir stand inside the big top, or from The Toy Exchange at £12.00 inc UK p&p, telephone 02380 787913 or email garyhames@lineone.net
BW MODELS TRUCKS
Readers who have noticed the advertisement for BW Models in recent MAR issues may not realise that there are over 200 1:76 white metal kits in the BW catalogue. They have been made for over 12 years, mostly military vehicles of the British Army, Royal Navy and RAF. Amongst them are many subjects of interest to thematic collectors, ambulances, fire appliances, Land Rovers and heavy construction tackle. There is even a Bedford SB 39-seater coach for the bus enthusiasts. Send a SSAE (or two IRCs from overseas) for lists of the currently available range to BW at 5 Brinkburn Place, Amble, Northumberland NE65 0BJ, England.
MORRIS COMMERCIAL PV
Classic Commercials have acquired, and are re-engineering, the Locotech range of 1:43 vehicle kits. The first to be reissued is a Morris Commercial PV 15 cwt van, now with a re-shaped resin body, chassis and cab fixtures. There are etched stainless steel window surrounds and number plates, white metal wheels and fittings including optional police roof light box, bell, bumper and rear step. Waterslide Police decals are also included, or the kit can be built as a civilian PV van, popular for deliveries, mobile shops and canteens, as well as with public bodies including the police, who used them as Black Marias. They often featured in press photos and movies of the period, a fine PV Black Maria appearing in the 1960 Peter Sellers crime comedy Two Way Stretch. The kit costs £28.95 plus £1.50 p&p from Classic Commercials, PO Box 800, West Wratting, Cambridge CB1 5NB. Catalogues featuring over 20 1:43 vehicles, figures and accessories cost £1.25.
REVELL ON THE FARM
By Ben van RoodeRevell has moved into farm equipment, their first models 1:35 Renault tractors with single or double wheels. Another tractor is the Fendt Farmer 2 from 1961 in gold with red wheels of which Fendt made 100,000 that year. Schuco also makes it in 1:43 scale.
News - Britain
J&M ALVIS WOODIE
J & M Classics have released a 1:43 handbuilt model of a 1947 Alvis TA14 with a woodie body by Jensen (chassis 21011), in four colours: safari beige, dark green, maroon, or leaf green, limited to 500. After the Second World War steel was in short supply. Alvis, following wartime contracts, had sufficient to build TA14 chassis, but their usual body-work suppliers were not so well-stocked. Also, commercial vehicles did not attract purchase tax, so TA14s turned up with various wood and aluminium estate-type bodies, over which Alvis kept a strict quality control. Perhaps the most handsome (and certainly the most practical and hard-wearing) were the ten bodies built by Jensen of West Bromwich. Three survive in working order, and others in various states of restoration. For further information phone or fax J & M Classics on 01444 242762.
WESTERN HILLMAN MINX
Western Models' latest 1:43 handbuilt model of an 'ordinary' British family car is WMS96 Hillman Minx 1948, in three colour choices, black, smoke grey or Cotswold grey.
BROOKLIN CHANGES
Brooklin Models have announced that the 1951 White Mustang heavy wrecker, planned in the US Model Mint range for August, is postponed until further notice. The other White truck, a 1919 flat bed with trailer, planned as 'factory Special' for this year has also been dropped. It will be replaced with FS04 Graham Hollywood convertible (top down), the car based on the body dies for the Cord 810, with a more conventional grille design. In 2004 Brooklin celebrate their 30th Anniversary, and will be hosting factory tours for limited numbers of fans on Friday 21 May. If you'd like to go, contact the factory as soon as possible.
MORE OXFORDS
Oxford Diecast's latest tranche of new releases and reissues includes these:
Cigarettes and Publications CIG49 Ford A van Bristol MAG009 Chevrolet truck Illustrated magazine Buses and comic titles RM060 Bournemouth Routemaster RM062 Plymouth open top Routemaster CC023 Ford T van Skipper CC024 Ford A van Roy Rogers Corner Shop CS018 VW van Welsh Brew tea CS019 Ford T van Birds Custard Military MIL0102 Ford A van Korean War Veterans 2003 Sporting Heroes - Bullnose van reissues - John Emburey, Geoff Boycott, Rob Andrew, Ieuan Evans (sold as a set of four or separately) Scottish subjects - set of four reissues Bullnose van Gavin Hastings, RM bus I Love Scotland, Bullnose van HMS Edinburgh, Ford A van The Claymore Scotch whisky
MARSH MODELS AGAIN
Marsh Models now have the patterns for MM97 Cheetah Cadillac (above) and the #6 Ford C100. Pattern work shortly starts on the Porsche 917/30.
CORGI AND Dr WHO
Corgi marks the 40th Anniversary of Dr Who with some models. The Doctor first appeared on television in the Tardis on 23 November 1963 in what would become the longest-running TV science fiction series in the world. Corgi's series includes a Dalek, a Cyberman, and the twisted scientist Davros who created the Daleks as well as Dr Who. K9 (left), was a computer in the shape of a dog,. The Tardis, which looked from the outside like a police box, has the Doctor emerging from it (above left). Bessie, the yellow roadster acquired by the third Doctor during a stay on Earth, includes Dr Who. A mysterious anti-hero completes the line-up, The Doctor, as played by Tom Baker.
VANGUARDS RESTRICTED
There are various models released this year to mark some of the many anniversaries in the car world. Corgi would like everyone to be aware that these models (the first is VA05308 Triumph Dolomite Sprint 30th Anniversary) are made in strictly limited quantities, and will be 'allocated' to stockists. For instance, because only 1500 have been made of the Dollie, stockists have been allocated 40% of the quantity they order, and many of their customers have already been disappointed. 'We are doing this trying to respond to the consumer desire for more collectability', they insist.
People and Places
WELCOME BACK, GRAEME WATT!
Future issues of MAR will see a revival of Graeme Watt's popular articles on military models, accompanied by his reminiscences of Army days. His enforced absence from these pages was due to a couple of years of ill-health, which is now over and done with.
Graeme writes from Aberdeen, 'Isabel and I would like to thank all our friends at MAR, and in the collecting world, for their very kind Get Well cards, letters and telephone calls received over the past rather traumatic two years. The experiences have made me a lot more sympathetic towards the poor old Dinky Toys I cut up, I just hope they enjoy the benefits of their operations as much as I have done. Thanks again everyone.'
And thanks to you, Graeme. Welcome back!
Graeme also describes a new model Fordson WOT 6 three ton 4x4 GS truck, with pattern made by Bill Barnes, a 1:60 model he sponsored for Len Buller's B&B range of white metal military vehicle kits. Graeme notes, 'Whilst I was with 239 Field Park Squadron RE TA, one of my regular duties was to drive the Regimental Pipes and Drums to various displays and appointments all over North East Scotland in a Fordson WOT 6 GS. Despite its V8 engine, it was rather under-powered but with adequate gear changing we got there in the end. Anyway I enjoyed driving it. 'The B&B series included 1:60 kits of all five main types of 3-ton 4x4 GS trucks used by the British Army in the Second World War, Austin K6, Bedford QL, Fordson WOT 6, Karrier K6 and the CMP Chevrolet C60L. Of all these, my favourite to drive was the Karrier'. We'll picture the Ford in the next issue of MAR. Sadly, on the same day that we received this piece from Graeme, we heard that Len Buller had died. It is not clear if any B&B models will continue in production after Len's death.
Obituary: LEN BULLER
Len Buller died of a stroke at his workbench on 31 July 2003 at the age of 62, after being in poor health in recent years.
Bill Barnes, who knew Len for over a quarter of a century recalls, 'I first came to know Len when he was refurbishing Dinky military vehicles, and we could see that there was unsatisfied demand from collectors for more models in the same scale. Len would research the subjects, build and sell them; I would do the pattern making and get them cast in white metal.
'Our first project was a Bedford MW, and about 40 more subjects followed. We never had any direct business association, Len just called his business B&B because he wanted to recognise my input. I will miss our regular telephone conversations, and my all too few visits to see him in recent years'. We pass on our condolences to Len's sister, family and friends.
News - France
PROVENCE HANDBUILTS
Provence Moulage 1:43 resin handbuilt models are sold under a number of range titles. New releases are as follows:
Nationale 7 N032 Peugeot 202 Pickup tilt Vin de Cassis N033 Peugeot 404 pickup with barrels N034 Renault Floride Cabriolet N035 Peugeot 404 pickup with tilt (and fancy box) N036 Renault Floride Hardtop blue N038 Peugeot 404 coupe Pinifarina, (fancy box) Facel Legend: limited to 200 pieces FL008L Facellia Jean Marais (fancy box) Mistral: limited to 300 pieces M001 Spyker Le Mans 2002 (fancy box) Cars & Drivers: limited to 300 pieces CD011 Alfa Romeo 2900B Touring Le Mans 1938 CD012 Ferrari 512BB Le Mans 1979 CD013 Aston Martin V8 Le Mans 1979 Rallye R203 Peugeot 504 Coupe Safari Rally R204 Citroen AX Gr A Tour de Corse 93 R205 Ford Capri Olympia rally 1972 Rohrl
HECO DELAGE
By Ben van RoodeDelage was one of the grand marques that flourished before the Second World War, very expensive cars mostly bodied by specialist coach builders. Heco from France builds small series of 1;43 handbuilt models, mainly of French cars. This time they have made the Delage D8-120 Aerosport with a Letourneur and Marchand body. Streamlining in a very pure form.
NEW ALEZANS
The latest Alezan 1:43 resin kits, prepainted kits or handbuilt models are as follows:
Alfa Romeo Kamal Geneva 2003 Maserati Quattroporte V8 1979 Alfa Romeo Giulia Osi Scarabeo 1966 Alfa Romeo 147 GTA 2002
News - Germany
MINICHAMPS FORD SETS
By Hans-Georg SchmittMinichamps have produced some sets of 1:43 models to mark Ford's centenary in 2003. Henry Ford was born in 1863 on a farm near Detroit, and was fascinated by anything mechanical. In 1903 Henry Ford founded the Ford Motor Company, in an old wagon shop on Mack Avenue, Detroit, where he and his assistant Childe Harold Wills completed their first automobile, the Model A. It took Henry Ford and several assistants five years to develop the Model T. During that time, Ford prospered, selling nearly 20,000 of the 'alphabet' series of cars, from A to S, and he had nearly 1500 employees. On 1 October 1908, the Model T was ready for production, a simple, sturdy, lightweight car with a 20 hp four cylinder engine, planetary transmission operated by floor pedals, fywheel magneto, 30-inch wheels for better ground clearance, and a brass radiator. More production was automated, output rose and the cars became cheaper. In 1922 Ford purchased the Lincoln Motor Company from Henry M Leland, to become his luxury car division. In May 1927 Henry Ford stopped production of the T after more than 15 million had been built and the plant was closed to retool for a new car. In December 1927, it was unveiled, the Model A, beginning a new series. By the end of 1931, five million Model As had been made. In 1947 Henry Ford died in bed at his beloved Fair Lane estate at 83. His grandson Henry Ford II took over control, remaining until 1980 through the 50th and 75th anniversaries. On the 100th birthday of the company, another Ford family member, William Clay Ford, is in control. As the Ford Motor Company began their centennial celebration in 2003 , Minichamps made a series of 1:43 models to represent the marques of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury.
Set 1:
1914 Ford Model T Touring Car Before the T's introduction in 1908, cars were expensive and hard to drive. The 1914 model was the first built with five-dollar-a-day labour, and the first built on a moving assembly line, which Ford set up in
1913. More cars were made more quickly, so prices fell. You can buy my cars in any colour, as long as it's black was Henry Ford's quote, because, only black lacquer dried quickly enough in those days. The model is an open Tourer, in black, with a brass radiator grille.
1928 Ford Model A Standard Coupe After 18 years of the Model T, the introduc-tion of the Model A was hailed as one of the great events of the century. The all-new Model A had an improved, more powerful engine, and a new three speed manual transmission with a clutch and a modern chassis with four wheel brakes and better steering. It was available in many colour choices and body styles, unusual at the time for a low priced car. The model is a coupe in beige with brown trim and a black roof.
1948 Ford F-1 pickup The 1948 F-1 started the F-Series, now in its 55th year with over 25 million sold to date. The 1948 F-1 had a more modern, exciting look than prewar trucks. The model is red.
1949 Ford Custom Convertible The 1949 Ford Custom was their first all new postwar model, a dramatic change from previous styles, created by a new design team assembled by Henry Ford II. The model is in burgundy with white wall tyres, lots of chrome and a realsitic open hood.
1955 Ford Thunderbird This two seater car was described by Ford as a Personal Car (not a sports car) and marked the birth of an American icon. Named after a revered deity from South West American Indian culture, the 1955 Thunderbird combined the style and flair of a sports car with the comfort of a boulevard cruiser. The model is turquoise.
1964 Ford Mustang From the day it burst on the scene, the all-new Mustang 'Pony Car' was a best-seller. The model is white with a red interior.
Set 3
1940 Ford De Luxe In 1933, Ford launched the Station Wagon, the Type 40. The car had timber side framing and doors, and could accomodate four to six persons, as well as a considerable amount of luggae. This car was produced until 1942 when domestic car production was halted due to the Second World War. The 1940 V8 De Luxe Woody Wagon was built using timber from Ford's own forests. The model has green painted 'metal' sections and warm brown 'wooden' areas, with chrome bumpers and wide white-wall tyres.
1941 Lincoln Continental The big breakthrough for Lincoln came in 1938 after Henry Ford's son, Edsel, returning from an inspiring trip to Europe, worked closely with their design team to create an American car that would be 'strictly continental' in design. The Continental series became the status symbol of the 1940s and was praised by such celebrities as author John Steinbeck and architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The model is finished in metallic blue-grey with red interior and wide white-wall tyres.
1950 Mercury Sport Coupe 1950 Mercs represented the classic Mercury, popularised by actor James Dean, the 1950 Mercury had a wide front grille and a single rear window. More colour choices were available for the exterior, while the interior boasted new trim and upholstery options. The model is black with a chrome radiator grille and bumpers, a heavy sun visor above the windscreen, fog lamps and a spotlight.
1956 Lincoln Continental Mk II Inspired by the 1941 Lincoln Continental, the Mark II was recognised for its meticulous quality, classic proportion and the restraint of its design. The driving force behind the Mark II was William Clay Ford, whose father, Edsel, had spearheaded the design of the original car in 1941. The public premiere of the Mark II was at the Paris Salon, October 1955. The model looks impressive in ivory, with an excellent photoetched radiator emblem, a fine radiator grille, chromed bumpers and white-wall tyres.
1958 Edsel Bermuda Ford wanted to make a bold new styling statement when it introduced its brand new product line in 1957. The new car was called Edsel, after Henry Ford's only son. The 1957 Edsel was intended to provide Ford customers with something to trade up to, that wasn't a General Motors or a Chrysler product. Ford launched the Edsel as a full-size car in 1957, but its bold styling, especially the distinctive 'horse-collar' front grille, was viewed as being too unusual, and the driving public did not take to it. Some American women's clubs protested against the design, instead interpreting the 'horse collar' as the female sexual organs. The Edsel only lasted 26 months and cost Ford Motor Company 250 million dollars. The Edsel station wagon model is excellently finished, in pale red, grey and white.
1969 Mercury Marauder The 1969 Marauder intended to be a sporty car with a luxury look, basically a top-of-the-line Mercury Marquis in a two door hardtop form. Its simplicity of design with a long hood and forward-thrusting power dome, together with dual concealed headlamps contributed to the effecte. The huge car looks impressive even in 1:43 scale, in dark red with a white interior.
Set 2: 'European' cars There is also a set of 'European' cars in the Minichamps Centenary range, but these are mostly just re-colours on existing castings in the Minichamps range, unlike the American cars, which are all totally new. There is, however, the 2004 Ford GT, simultaneously released as a 'Ford special' and a standard Minichamps model, but in different colours.
World News
FORD AND DANBURY
By Ben van RoodeDanbury Mint are distributing the ten model collection for the Ford centenary, made by Minichamps, and described on the opposite page. Danbury does not include the 1969 Mercury Marauder or the 1948 Ford pickup. But you do get a wooden display case from Danbury. Minichamps have also released the Centennial collection under their own name, with six models in each set. The sets from Minichamps include the Marauder and the Ford pickup. The Ford GT 2004 is not included in these two sets, though the Ford GT 2004 will be included in the sets for the European market, rather confusing because that makes 13 models in two sets of six cars!
The 'European' sets include the Ford Capri 1969, Escort 1968, Cortina 1962, Fiesta 2002, Taunus 1964, and six US cars: Ford A 1928, Woody V8 1940, Pickup 1948 , Lincoln Mk II, Edsel Bermuda station wagon 1958 and Mercury Marauder 1969.
Danbury Mint also distribute other products which originate in other ranges, such as Exoto, Peachstate, GMP, Kyosho, and tanks from Minichamps.
LOOK SMART TO CHINA
By Ben van RoodeLook Smart is part of MR Collection, who make 1:43 handbuilt models in Italy. The Look Smart range is less expensive but the models will still cost 99 Euros each.
As far as I know this is the first time that such a relatively small company has contracted out the manufacture of components to China, though development and assembly still takes place in Italy. Usually it is the assembly process which goes to China if the aim is reducing costs, because most of the cost of producing a model comes from labour.
CUSTOM IMPRINTS
By Ben van RoodeErtl has operated a 'custom imprint program' for many years, so that you can put have models finished in own name and/or livery. You can choose from 200 diecast model subjects, quite a few of which are not in the regular series, like Muscle Machines and they often come in different scales. For instance there's a 1:32 GMC delivery truck (Mitsubishi outside the US), a 1:25 Dodge Ram, or a 1:25 1950 Divco van. Muscle Machines have the following releases announced for the rest of 2003, all 1:18 scale. The 1972 Chevrolet Vega is a very good choice. The Holden Monaro coupe from Australia is already available from Auto Art, but this car will be the 2004 Pontiac GTO in the US, as sold by Ertl.
TROFEU BEEMERS
By Ben van RoodeTrofeu is still in existence, after all. It was part of Vitesse when they went bankrupt, but now carries on independently, making 1:43 road, race and rally cars. Their BMW 2002 is the first one in a new series of this car in blue and white Portuguese TAP rally livery.
SUN STAR LANDAULET
By Ben van RoodeSun Star brings us a 1:18 scale landaulet version of the 600 Mercedes limousine from the Sixties, with a folding roof at the back. This is the same car Vitesse made in 1:43 scale a few years ago. Those models had an 'African King' or The Pope in the back. The real car is 6.24 metres long, so the model is huge.
MAISTO 1:18 diecast from China:
31655 Lamborghini Gallardo, a new Italian sports car for customers for whom the bigger Murciélago is too expensive or too extrovert, was launched at the Geneva Auto Show in March 2003. Named after a Spanish fighting bull breed, its 4961cc 500hp V10 engine, giving a top speed of 309km/h. It is a two seat coupe with an aluminium space frame, permanent four wheel drive, a six speed gearbox and differential lock. The Maisto model reproduces all its design features well, in metallic yellow, orange, silver or black. The front boot lid, doors and bonnet all open, though the correctly hinged doors open at a strange narrow angle, so that only skinny super-models could reach the black interior. The main instruments in the dashboard are not shaped like the real car and the gear lever looks oversize, the gearshift gate with one slot too many (the real car on the left side has only a slot to the rear for the reverse gear). The engine is well detailed, the steering and rear suspension work realistically. The accurate wheels look like cast aluminium, the brake discs are visible, the black calipers even read Lamborghini in clear print. (Notes, Hans-Georg Schmitt).
50 YEARS OF CORVETTE
By Ben van RoodeThe Fifty Years of Corvette collection from Danbury contains 50 different Corvettes, one for each year, made in 'cold cast porcelain' (solid resin) and from the pictures I have seen they look quite well made and detailed. They have interiors, come with a display base and can be shown displayed in a wooden case. The models cost $14,95 each which adds up to a whopping $845 including shipping and handling.
CALDECOTT FALCON
Caldecott Miniature Models is a new 1:43 diecast range from Australia. Mike Michalak says, 'The first model is an Australian Ford Falcon Ute 500. The price in Australia is A$33. My next model will be a Daimler.'
EARLY LOTUS MARKS
Mike Serrurier of South Africa has made some of each of the Lotus Marks 1, 2, 3, 3B, and 4 in 1:43 scale resin. Next to be made will be the Lotus Marks 6 and 7. He can be contacted at Box no 20308, Durban North, 4016, Natal, South Africa. Or email mikeser@mweb.co.za Unfortunately, Mike's emailed picture wouldn't download!
News - Germany
REVELL DIECAST NEWS
By Hans-Georg SchmittRevell models should see these diecast models released in the third quarter of 2003:
08352 Cobra Daytona Coupe #13 LM 65 1:32 July 08353 Cobra Daytona Coupe #554 Ring 65 1:32 Aug 08360 Chevrolet Corvette B3 Grand Sport #65 Nassau 1:32 September 08361 Chevrolet Corvette 63 Grand Sport #2 Sebring 1:32 September 08431 VW Microbus 2003 light green1:18 July 08444 VW Microbus 2003 light blue 1:18 July 08435 NSU TT Racing Eitel 1:18 Aug 08973 Mercedes 180D black 1:18 Aug 08974 Mercedes 180D Pontoon light grey 1:18 Aug 08890 Peterbilt Show Truck Hasseröder 1:24 July 08831 Lotus Elise 111S 1:18 July 08832 BMW 503 1:18 August-Sept 28511 Ford T Touring black 1:18 Sept 08922 Volvo P544 Racing 1:18 September 08929 Volkswagen Golf GTI silver 1:18 September
BREKINA PROGRAMME
By Hans-Georg SchmittHere is the Summer release programme from Brekina of Germany, all 1:87 plastic.
Swedish Vehicles 85000 Scania L 110/50 2 axle truck with tilt 85100 Scania L 110/34 artic with tilt Road Service Vehicles 15210 BMW Dixi ADAC (German Auto Club) v15003 Austin Seven RAC (note left hand drive!) v20032 Opel Rekord P1 1958 estate ADAC v25520 Volkswagen Golf 1 ADAC v25011 VW (old) Beetle AvD (Auto Club Germany) n27950 Goggomobil van ADAC v31009 VW T1a van ADAC Gau North Rhine v34052 Ford Transit IIa van RAC (left hand drive and mis-spelled) 90364 Set: three AvD Vehicles + commemorative stamp (Fridolin, T3 estate, Golf 1 saloon) Highway Maintenance 25903 Volkswagen 147 Fridolin road maintenance v27901 Goggomobil Pickup road maintenance 33907 Volkswagen Pickup T2 municipal 36005 Mercedes L319 van road maintenance v39106 Mercedes-Benz Unimog 411 pickup with tilt and single axle trailer road maintenance 82611 Henschel HS 15 HK municipal 'Hot Boxes' v31806 Volkswagen T1 b Samba Bus v20508 Opel Rekord type G saloon with flames v35205 Opel Blitz pickup with flames Lanz Edition v25010 Volkswagen Beetle Lanz Service v31507 Volkswagen delivery van T1b Lanz Film Vehicle (Mobile service school) v36010 Mercedes-Benz L 319 box van John Deere-Lanz Service v39303 Lanz Eil-Bulldog with convertible top and exhaust pipe, different colours. n39351 Lanz Eil-Bulldog with cab, exhaust pipe. v55228 Two axle trailer Union coal v55362 Three axle stake trailer with crate Lanz-Karachi-Sydney v59107 Bussing T6500 bus Lanz Service school Gift Sets v90388 Set for 50th Anniversary of Maltheser Hilfsdienst (Maltese Ambulance Service)
MINICHAMPS 1:43 diecast in China for Germany:
Opel Meriva, from Brazil via Spain. The design department of General Motors of Brasil developed a small multi-purpose vehicle or mpv (minivan) based on the Corsa C platform, and it was decided to build the vehicle in Europe, badged as an Opel or Vauxhall. For this purpose it was named the Meriva and production began in Zaragoza,Spain. It is a four or five seater vehicle, 4042 mm long with a wheelbase of 2630 mm, combining features of an mpv and a small car, much easier to park in over-crowded cities. The rear seat can be moved forwards or rearwards, depending on the need for more passenger legroom or more for their luggage. The Meriva is available in three versions, Essentia, Enjoy or Cosmo, with three different petrol and two different diesel engines. In time for the launch of the real car, a 1:43 diecast model was made by Minichamps, finished in Ultra blue, with Brilliant blue interior. The front windows are open, so the realistic dashboard and interior are clearly visible. (Notes Hans-Georg Schmitt).
MORE MINICHAMPS
By Ben van RoodeThe flow of Minichamps models continues, and one wonders how they do it.
In 1:18 scale there are now models of the Ford Escort Mk 1 1300L and 1600RS, with different bodies, and they have already developed three different engines for other cars to be announced: the Lotus Ford 1600TC, Ford Cosworth BDA 1600 and Ford Cosworth BDA 1600 RS. This shows how far Minichamps are prepared to go in their search for realism. The Berlin double deck bus will definitely be released in 1:43 scale, though I understand that the planned US schoolbus has been scrapped, which is a pity.
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