September 2001
LOTS OF CONTRIBUTIONS
I have to thank everyone for continuing to keep up the flow of contributions for future issues of Model Auto Review. The 'bank' of unused articles and features has never been so full, after a fairly thin period earlier this year. That does not mean, of course, that more are not needed! In order to keep the 'mix' as interesting as possible, we always want more contributions from you, the reader.
Each MAR issue consumes about a dozen major articles, and the aim is to cover as many aspects of collecting as possible. If we manage to include features on obsolete models and toys, competition cars, trucks, buses, military vehicles, marque histories and so on then we have done well, but it depends upon availability of the material in our bank. This is in addition to all the news items, notes, short filler features, letters, and everything else which comes into us from our faithful readership. To a large extent this magazine has always been constructed by its readers to make the kind of publication that they want. Unlike many other magazines, you are not presented with a fait accompli, tailored to the requirements of a large publisher, or of the advertisers. I am in the fortunate position of being able to produce the kind of magazine I would like to read, without regard to those influences, and I aim to reflect the tastes and choices of you, the reader, as well, but it is not always feasible to please everyone, if there are totally conflicting tastes. And as I have stated previously, a major aim is to cover as much ground as possible, so if you want only your interest field to be covered, and some other aspect to be left out entirely - sorry, no can do! If you think we are neglecting something, or giving too much prominence to some other aspect, all you have to do is let me know. I will always do what I can to rectify the situation, but I have to remind everyone that we have never had any paid contributors to MAR, so everything is offered on a voluntary basis. This means that articles are rarely 'commissioned' on specific subjects, as I prefer them to arise from the preference and expertise of the contributor. When we started to publish MAR, a well-known writer offered his assistance, and was a little taken aback to find that we didn't pay for articles, but to give him his due, he took a deep breath and repeated the offer, on the basis that that this would be another magazine he could quote as having published his work, on his curriculum vitae. So I asked him what he wanted to write about, and his reply was, 'Oh, I can write about anything - just give me the subject, the number of words wanted, and and I'll do it for you'. I thanked him for his generous offer, but somehow I never quite got round to asking for any articles from him. I prefer someone to make their own contribution, based on their personal knowledge and opinions, rather than a hack who produces a 'scissors and paste' rehash of other people's work to order.
So, if you think you have something to offer, please send it in, by mail, fax, email, carrier pigeon or whatever. Text should preferably, but not essentially, be typed, don't worry about the English grammar, we'll sort that out. Photographs should preferably be prints (just like you get from the local processing shop), or you can refer to previous illustrations in MAR, which we may be able to re-use, or catalogue illustrations etc. If in doubt, just ask me, and I'll tell you what we need.
There is always a shortage of articles with analysis of obsolete ranges, buses, tractors, one-marque histories, and similar thematic material, but any topic is interesting, to keep the mix nice and spicy.
MORE ENGLISH WANTED?
A curiosity I have noted of late is the imbalance between the nationalities of our readership and our contributors. Between a third and a half of our readers are in England, but less than ten per cent of contributions come from England. Come on, how about a bit of patriotism? Show that you have something to say as well. Don't be shy. Don't be so self-effacing. Yes, we really do want to hear from you!
LETTERBOX TRAMS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
Prompted by a Belgian example, the Freie and Hansestadt City of Hamburg put tram post-boxes into service from 1920 to promote letter and telegram mail. The letter boxes were to the right of the rear platform, later on fitted into the rear wall. Those letters which were posted in tram letter boxes incurred an extra charge and were given a special postmark Transported by Tram Letterbox. Due to increasing traffic volumes, risk of accidents, tighter time-tabling, and other difficulties, the tram letter box service was discontinued on 1 April 1958. To commemorate this Service, a 1:87 Wiking Set (82-11) has been issued by Post Museums Shop Tram with Post-letterbox. To make it, old moulds had to be re-activated, the motor car and trailer are in red with ivory upper works and grey roofs, correct Hamburg livery. The letter-box is printed on the trailer rear wall. Available from Post Museums Shop, Pforzheimer Strasse 202, D-76275 Ettlingen, Germany. Tel: 07243/700766, Fax: 07243/ 700752 Internet www.post-museums-shop.de
NEW EFE 1:76 BUSES
Exclusive First Editions have announced these new 1:76 diecast buses:
27805 AEC STL London Transport
20427 Bristol VRIII West Riding
20628 Dennis Dart-Pointer First Southampton
27207 Leyland TD1 open rear East Yorkshire
25511 AEC Routemaster RML Kentish Bus
27604 Wright Volvo Renown First ManchesterWOODEN CLASSIC WHEELS
William Jackson, of Wooden Classic Wheels in the USA, says, 'I am a craftsman specialising in hardwood vehicle replicas. I also make construction equipment, semis and tractors. I donated the bus shown here to my children's school co-operation. It is displayed in their front entrance. These buses have really been a hit with my customers for employee incentives, company window displays, retirement gifts, and employee attendance awards. I won the National Sears Craftsmen Award for a VW Beetle, which was placed top in the categories of creativity and difficulty. I have featured on Chicago ABC News and a customer, who travels the world searching for wooden replicas to add to his collection, says mine are the best he has seen. I invite MAR readers to visit www.woodenclassicwheels.com to become familiar with some items I have to offer'. We haven't seen William's models in the flesh, (fibre?) but anyone interested should look at his website.
1:43 DENNIS F8 FIRE KIT
Classic Commercials has made a 1:43 kit of a Dennis F8 fire appliance. Introduced in 1952, the F8 rapidly established itself nationally and internationally. It had an a long life, with some examples still in service today, and plenty of them preserved. Bob Barlow says, 'Our new kit is the only model of the Dennis F8 in 1:43 scale (most other fire appliance kits on the market are 1:48 or 1:50), and is based on one of its most common variants'.
It has a one-piece resin body shell and resin interior, plus white metal and lost wax brass castings, etched brass extension ladder and other photo etched components.
Hoses, nozzles, valve wheels, bell and other details are all included. The kit costs £56.00 plus £1.50 postage (mail order only) from Classic Commercials, PO Box 800, West Wratting, Cambridge CBl 5NB.
PATHFINDER PLANS
Following the response from MAR readers and from other collectors of their models, Jeff and Sue Sharrock have now decided on the final two subjects to be made in their Pathfinder range of 1:43 handbuilt models. In Autumn 2001 there will be a Singer Hunter saloon, and in Spring 2001 the last offering will be an AC two litre saloon. See also the letter from Jeff and Sue in this issue of MAR.
WIKING POSTAL SETS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
The German Postal Service found itself in a very difficult situation after the Second World War. First it was divided into four sectors by the Occupation forces, and later the Iron Curtain fell across the country. From the end of the War to 1949 telecommunications and post vehicles were a mixed bag. They were all lettered Deutsche Post, but with no common logo. In 1949 the post horn with flashes was introduced, and from 1950 all vehicles were lettered Deutsche Bundespost. Due to the War, vehicles were mostly damaged, but there was an enormous demand for postal services, so every rescuable vehicle was repaired and converted for postal use. The Post Museum Shop has launched Wiking Edition 2001, (80-05) which includes 1:87 plastic vehicles from these early days:
Opel Blitz tanker truck, as used to supply emergency generators and Post buses.
Mercedes-Benz Unimog S with compressor (by Preiser) used for telecommunications, to make inspections of building sites. BMW Isetta used for emptying postboxes and express delivery service. Mercedes LP 312 drawbar, used for long distance transport and for railway station deliveries.
DHS DIECAST COLLECTABLES
Long established distributor of truck and construction models in the USA, Dave's Model Toys Inc, has changed its name to DHS Diecast Collectables Inc. Chuck Sword, President of DHS, decided that the new name represents the three aspects of the company as it is today. Dave's Model Toys specialised in diecast truck models for over 25 years, but the recent takeover of Hiram Construction Models and Smith Model Imports, US distributor of Hartsmith white metal and resin models forced a review of the company's direction, and also its name. The company operates from a 5000 ft2 warehouse (500 m2) in Berea, a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio.
FORDSON N & CHASESIDE
Classic Commercials have launcehed new white metal kits in 1:43 scale (7mm to one foot) of the Fordson N tractor and Chaseside loader. The famous and extraordinarily long-lived Fordson N tractor was in production from 1932 to 1945 and continued in service well into the 1960s. Many are still preserved, a testament to the type's incredible staying power. The first kit enables the model N to be built in one of two agricultural variants, with normal pneumatic-tyred wheels or with solid steel spiked field wheels. The second kit uses the tractor as the basis for the prototype JCB, the 1936 front-loader conversion carried out by Chaseside, who sent tens of thousands of these machines around the world. They were used extensively in farming, mining, quarrying, industry and public service (being particularly favoured by local councils) and they also lasted well into the mid-1960s, often even later on farms. As well as brass parts for the distinctive pierced cast-iron seat and the highly-visible cooling fan, the kits contain Fordson decals for the radiator sides and even a standing farmer or foreman figure! The standard tractor kit, CCFN (which contains both types of wheel), costs £23.95 plus £1.00 postage, the front-loader kit, CCFC, costs £25.50 plus £1.00 postage. Available by mail order from Classic Commercials, PO Box 800, West Wratting, Cambridge CBl 5NB, UK.
FIRST GEAR IH 4000
By Terry G Leonard
The latest 1:34 scale diecast truck from First Gear is a 2002 International 4000 Series High Performance medium duty truck features an opening hood and a working roll-up rear door. The fully detailed DT 466E engine is made from more than 20 parts and includes a radiator, coolant bottle, flexible hoses, and gearbox on the steering shaft. Inside the cab there is an engraved steering wheel, glove box and a complete dashboard including the defroster ducts. Underneath are the exhaust system and drive shaft assembly, flexible air brake hoses, and DOT step. The model is almost nine inches long, and can be bought direct from the First Gear Consumer Services Dept toll free in the US on 888 77 5576.
CLUB NEWS
Enfield and District Veteran Vehicle Society Model Collecting Section: Here is news of two events, both held at Whitewebbs Museum, Whitewebbs Road, Enfield: Wednesday 10 October, 8:00 pm: Rare and Weird Renaults by Patrick Trench. Sunday 11 November, from 10:00 am: Toy fair in the museum, which includes include veteran and vintage vehicles
For more information on these events and the Society, contact John Harrison, 175 Hillyfields, Loughton, Essex, IG10 2PW. Tel 020 8508 8851, email: harrison@unisonfree.net
South Hants Model Auto Club: The revamped SHMAC magazine goes from strength to strength, now that members know their contributions will be published, along with nice little colour pictures. Recent features include an account of a visit to Le Mans 2001, Bluebird, Maranello Concessionaires, Austin Healey, Corvette C-5 and a piece on restoring a Matchbox Ford D artic. In addition to the magazine, benefits for members include regular club meetings and a barbecue. For membership info, contact Chairman Rod Fox (now in his 61st year) on 02380 432226.
Brooklin Collectors Club: Brooklin Collector, club magazine of the BCC, has reached its 50th issue, under the steady guidance of Jack Patrick. The club was formed in 1988, and is still going strong, in spite of many changes among the committee, with stable membership (though 25 members have not currently renewed). The recent AGM was over in a flash (leading John Alderslade to comment that members are either contented or apathetic), squeezed between the factory visit in the morning and refreshments in the evening. Dick Browne notes that the end of the Modelex show means one less special Brooklin to buy each year. But there are still lots of reworks, revisions and special liveries. The WMTC special for 2001 is the Lansdowne Triumph Gloria in pale slate blue with cream wheels, and the SFBC special Brooklin is a Cadillac 60 Special 1938, as a courtesy car for the Palace Hotel in San Francisco (200 made). A final bit of Lansdowne news is that permission has been obtained from Bristol cars to make the Bristol 400 1948, colour to be decided. Lots going on in the BCC; for membership details contact John Bowyer, 57 Gloucester Road, Bagshot, Surrey GU19 5LT.
Natal Diecast Model Collectors: Everyone in the NDMC was shocked at the sudden death of Kathleen, wife of Secretary, Treasurer and newsletter editor Jan de Winnaar. 'Although this is the end of an era, it is not the end of the road for me', says Jan, who intends to keep up his NDMC activities, though his entire Mercedes-Benz model collection is for sale.
The rest of the club has rallied round in support, including Chairman Terry Morgan and Vice Chairman Geoff Sear, as Kathleen was an important figure in NDMC activities.
If you want to know more about the NDMC contact Geoff Sear at 7 Dryden Place, Umbilo 4001, South Africa.
Maidenhead Static Model Club: In the latest issue of Wheel Bearings, the Maidenhead Static Model Club newsletter, Bob Pitkin tells a cautionary tale, following a recent case at Reading Crown Court. A lady offered for sale a collection of models put together by her and her ex-husband. The toy dealer she invited to buy them, at her home, was disappointed to find that there were not the 1000 promised items, only 500, and that they were mostly 1980s Yesteryears. The offer was thus lower than she hoped for, but agreement was reached, money handed over, and the lady and her teenage daughter helped the dealer load his car. A few days later his house was raided by the police, he was arrested, and the models confiscated. He was accused of theft and indecent assault, the lady claiming that she had not agreed to the price offered, and only helped him to load the car to get him out of the house after the alleged indecent assault. She denied that her daughter was present as a witness, though the latter could disprove the allegations. An independent valuation of the collection (by Bob, as it happens) proved a fair price had been offered, and various character witnesses were called, at the three day Crown Court hearing. The jury took only 20 minutes to find the dealer not guilty of either theft or indecent assault, but the whole business leaves a nasty taste in the mouth. To take their minds off such unsavoury matters, MSMC members go on trips all over the place, near (Paddock Wood, Kent) and far (Le Mans). There will be changes at the Windsor International Swapmeet, organised by the club for so many years, the first of which is a change of name to Windsor Toyfair. For more information, contact Gary Hames on 02380 787913.
Coventry Diecast Model Club: In the latest issue of the CDMC magazine Wheelspin there are accounts of members' holiday jaunts, to Morocco, France, Russia, Bridgnorth, Ely, Birmingham, is there no end to their globetrotting? Closer to home, this issue includes five pictures of the redoubtable Vic Davey and three of Hilary Kennelly, as they vie to equal Will Roe's bag of a dozen pictures of himself in one issue. Will notes, by the way, that 30 members attending the May Clubnight represented half of the current total membership. Very impressive, and the envy of many other clubs. Wheelspin is also the object of admiration and amazement from other Club committees. The effort put in by Editor Paul Kennelly to produce six 52-page 'chucklesome and informative' issues every year is quite incredible. But all good things must come to an end, and after 21 issues of Wheelspin, Paul has handed in his notice.
He and Hilary plan to sell their Time Machine retail business in Coventry, and move away from the area, with the intention of setting up a Museum of Childhood.
He is, therefore, inviting applications from any CDMC member who feels able to take over the reins at Wheelspin. If you would like to join the Club, to contribute to Wheelspin (and maybe even edit it), telephone Paul Kennelly on 024 7630 7700.
Lledo Enthusiast and Variations Club:
After a period in which Bill Alexander seemed to be unsure if the Lledo brand was safe in Corgi's hands, he is now well and truly on side! He gives all the new castings an enthusiastic thumbs up, saying that they are 'Truly in the spirit of Days Gone'. Most impartial observers seem to think that the current products are far superior to the old Enfield-made Days Gone series, not just in their spirit, but never mind. Another distinct improvement is that Bill gets clear and helpful answers from Corgi's Lledo staffers, unlike the long silences under the previous ownership. This enables Bill to release news of the 'Junior Vanguards' range to be released from September at £4.99 each. These will be simplified versions of existing Vanguards, starting with a red-white Triumph Herald and an almond green Morris Minor. These will be in simple packaging, primarily for direct mail, to recruit younger collectors to the market. Like many other people, Bill had his doubts about the sales possibilities of Lledo's Pioneers of Aviation, but he notes that it is turning into an excellent series. Among much comment on new Lledo products and older models, Bill also prints lists of variations. Most recently he covers all known versions of the DG041 Karrier E6 trolleybus. Over 20 releases are described, over 50 variations (ie detailed differences) in all. If you are interested in getting regular updates on Lledo's many ranges, including Vanguards, Club membership only costs £8.00.
Contact Bill at The Lledo Enthusiast, 33 North Town Moor, Maidenhead, Berks SL6 7JR
BOOK REVIEWS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
Zoltan Glass - speed and spirit by Thomas Buchsteiner, Amanda Nevill and Wolfgang Rolli, German and English text. 104 pages, 114 b/w photos, size 253 x 335mm, Hardbound, ISBN 3-77579050-0. Published by and available from Hatje-Cank Verlag; Senefelderstrasse 12, D-73760 Ostfildern, Germany. Tel 0711 / 44 05-0 / Fax: 0711 / 44 05-220 Internet: www.hatjecank.de
It all began with a coincidence. In spring 1999, a racing car from the1930s was offered to the London Science Museum on short-term loan by the Mercedes-Benz Museum to serve as a centrepiece for a small exhibition of photos taken by Zoltan Glass. In subsequent research, hundreds of brilliant, unique photo-graphs emerged, documenting the racing history of Mercedes in the 1930s. They were found among the artist's unpublished works. The negatives, more than 10,000, are now at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television in Bradford, West Yorks, UK. The most difficult part was finding out who Zoltan Glass really was. Trade literature, encyclopaedias and photographic history experts had little to offer, but Prof Dr Karl Steinorth, President of the German Society for Photography at the time, remembered straight away. In many respects this book lifts a veil of secrecy surrounding Glass, but other aspects remain a mystery. Zoltan Glass was obviously enthusiastic about cars, especially racing cars, and a gifted photographer. He took photos of unique racing cars, some very successful but no longer existing today, such as the W25 racing saloon, the streamlined SSKL, a record breaking car lovingly and respectfully named the cucumber by Manfred von Brauchitsch, and the SSKL. None of these cars exist in their original form. Photos of motor shows and trade fairs, as well as advertising and fashion photography with Mercedes-Benz luxury cars show how versatile and creative this photographer must have been. These photographs of now-lost cars may be useful for Mercedes-Benz model car collectors to fill gaps in the collection.
From the same publisher: Modelle, Form, Spiel Kult - Mercedes-Benz, a survey of Mercedes model cars, initially produced as a catalogue for an exhibition at Kunsthalle Tubingen. It has already been reviewed in MAR. Available from Hatje-Cank Verlag ISBN 3-7757-0984-3.
Mythos VW Kafer by Patrick Lesueur, German text. ISBN 3-89365-919-6 120 pages, 182 b/w-, 50 colour photos and 5 drawings, size 220 x 245mm; Hardbound. Published by and available from Heel Verlag GmbH, Gut Pottscheid, D-53639 Konigswinter, Germany. Tel.: 02223 / 9230-0; Fax: 02223 / 92 30 26; Internet: www.heel-verlag.de
Books about Beetles are as common as pebbles on the beach, but somehow every new book reveals some new facts and photos. This author has also found some new information for old Beetle fans and has written a book which is not overloaded with technical details, good for a newcomer. For advanced Beetle freaks, the book contains new pictures of Beetles and Kübelwagens at war, and in the post-war period. Pictures of some rare pre-war model cars are also included. Also pictured are rare specials, prototypes, and some hot-rods. To find one of the pre-war model cars shown in this book would be a dream, but never say never...
Opel-MobilitÄt and Tradition by Axel Lengert and Thomas Schulz, photos by Markus Bolsinger, German text. 228 pages; around 300 colour-photos; size 285 x 285 mm; Hardbound with dust cover. ISBN 3-89365-883-1. Available from good book stores, or direct from Heel Verlag GmbH, Gut Pottscheid, D-53639 Konigswinter, Germany. Tel. : 02223 /9230-0; Fax: 923026
The title 'Opel - Mobility with Tradition' explains the topic, the development of Opel cars from the end of the 19th century to the 70th year of the 20th century. This is not a sober, technical treatise, but pictures and text grouped to take the reader on journeys through 80 years of automobile history. Here are timeless, elegant Opel cars and legendary vehicles which made history. From the Opel Doctor's car or tree-frog, via Grand Prix racers to big saloon cars like the 1939 Admiral, the Kapitan from the postwar economic miracle, from the Blitz truck to the GT Coupe. It took five years to produce this extraordinary picture book. Markus Bolsinger, one of the most famous international motor photographers, saw the best Opel exhibits in car collection all over Europe. This splendid edition will be admired not only by Opel fans, but also by anyone who loves old cars and atmospheric photographs.
Deutsche Autos Volume 3: 1945-1990 by the late Werner Oswald, German text, Ford, Opel and Volkswagen; 492 pages; circa 550 b/w photos; size 175 x 245mm; hardbound. lSBN 3-613-02116-1
Deutsche Autos Volume 4: 1945-1990 by the late Werner Oswald, German text, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche and others 536 pages; circa 550 b/w photos; hard-bound, 175 x 245mm. ISBN 3-613-02131-5
Deutsche Autos Volume 5: seit 1990 by Eberhard Kittler, German text, Audi, BMW, Smart, Volkswagen and small ranges. 384 pages, 394 shH photos, ; hardcover; size 175 x 245 mm. lSBN 3-613-02128-5
Deutsche Autos Volume 6: seit 1990 by Eberhard Kittler, German text, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Opel and Porsche, 384 pages; 411 b/w-photos, hardbound, 175 x 245mm; ISBN 3-613-02052-1. All four titles available from good book shops, or direct from Motor-Buch Verlag, Postfach 103743; D-70032 Stuttgart, Germany. Tel: 0711/210 80-0; Fax: 0711/2360415 There was a time when cars were not in niches and segments, when sales brochures were not the size of telephone books, and when each car had its own identity. At that time, legendary engineer and author Werner Oswald wrote his best-seller German Automobiles since 1945. It was updated and enlarged down the years, and in 1991 a new two volume edition was published, now re-published. Not only the big brands, like BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Opel and Volkswagen, but also smaller ones like Glas, NSU, Gutbrod and strange makes like Staunau, Veritas, Kleinschnittger and Wendax were included by the author, who sadly died in 1996. His successor Eberhard Kittler has now produced two more volumes, covering German car production since 1990. Each book is filled with information, and around 400 photographs, describing the maker, history and models, and lists prices, production quantities and all technical data. Now this complete work in four volumes covers all German car production since 1945.
100 Jahre Mercedes Various authors, published by Franz-Christoph Heel, German text. 200 pages, 135 b/w, 215 colour photos, 22 drawings. Paperbound. ISBN 3-89365-916-1. 220 x 295mm. Pub. available Heel Verlag GmbH. Gut Pottscheid, D-53639 Konigswinter, Germany. Tel: 02223/9230-0: Fax: 02223/ 923026, Internet: www.heel-verlag.de Mercedes Jellinek was eleven years old as the first automobiles which bore her name gained their first racing victories. A hundred years later we can conclude from this that the first modern automobile was a racing car, and it was a Mercedes. So the 20th century began with a motor vehicle which was different from all vehicles built before and which at the same time finished the horse-coach era in automobile manufacture for good. The technical concept, still valid today, came from Wilhelm Maybach, and the marketing concept from Consul Emil Jellinek, a colourful personality. At the time he exported Daimler cars from Germany to France, North America and other areas. 100 years of Mercedes had to be celebrated and this book makes its contribution, with legendary cars, fascinating engineering and famous owners from 1901 to today. Photographs of Mercedes-Benz cars in daily use, their production, prototypes and much more are followed by a complete survey of the production series with its complicated numbering system, An extensive service section completes the book.
Personenwagen in der DDR Volume II, edited by Achim Gaier, German text. 208 pages, 323 b/w photos, 50 drawings; hard-bound 235 x 270mm. ISBN 3-613-87218-8. Pub: Schrader-Verlag, D-70032 Stuttgart; available from Paul Pietsch Verlage GmbH & Co, Olgastrasse 86; D-70180 Stuttgart, Germany. Tel 0711 210 80-0; Fax 0711 2360415
In a socialist country, owning a motorcar meant you had a piece of personal freedom, much more important than in Western Europe. In the former DDR, (the German Democratic Republic), cars were mostly locally built Wartburgs and Trabants, but it was also possible to buy foreign-built vehicles, if you had influence. First came vehicles from Comecon countries, but very wealthy people or those with rich relatives in the West, could buy through GENEX selected Western cars such as a VW Golf, Mazda or Citroen. There were also Western vehicles in the DDR which had been confiscated after criminal offences committed on DDR territory or after unsuccessful escape attempts. Editor Achim Gaier looks back again at road traffic in the DDR, with articles from the annual Motor Jahr published in the DDR. He includes the history of the Horch works, over the border to Skoda, (which now belongs to Volkswagen Group), and to AMO and he marks the anniversary of the Wartburg plant in Eisenach. Also covered is motor sport behind the Iron Curtain and even motor tourism.
MORE FROM RENAISSANCE
More new releases are announced by Etienne Dhont of Renaissance, in France. These will be available 'before long', as he puts it:
24/16b Ford Mk IV nos 3 and 4 Le Mans 67 1:24 kit
Tk24/83 Toyota Corolla WRC Tsjoen Spa 2001 decals for Tamiya
Tk24/84 Peugeot 206 WRC 'Texaco-Havoline' Papadimitriou au Portugal 2001 decal for Tamiya
Tk24/86 Peugeot 206 WRC 'Fortuna' Luis Monzon Rallye Mediterraneo 2001 tkt + decal 1:24 for Tamiya.
Tk24/90 Peugeot 206 WRC Auriol 1er Catalunyia 2001transkit + decal 1:24 for Tamiya
Tk24/91 Peugeot 206 WRC Bastos Catalunyia 2001 transkit + decal 1:24 for Tamiya
43/31 Ferrari 500TR 0600MD #25 LM 58 kit 1:43
43/31b Ferrari 500TR 0600MD #19 Sebring 59 kit 1:43
062 Porsche 911 Turbo Almeras 'Défense Mondiale' 3rd Tour Auto 1976 1:43 'Integral' kitMORE ARGUS ON NOREV
Argus de la Miniature has published the third part of its Norev coverage, with issue 210. This edition covers the 1989 to 2001 period, with the Collection, Ligne Noire and Emotion ranges from the time when the Fisher family had re-directed the company towards the collector. It cost 70FF (74FF in Europe) from SAFAM, Argus 210, BP40, F78231 Le Pecq, Cedex, France.
21st CENTURY RENAULTS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
It was announced a while ago, but now the Renault Avantime is getting closer. At the end of September it will be in the showrooms, two and a half years after its launch at Geneva. The Avantime will be a sensation wherever it appears. The front end has fluid curves, but the back is rather blunt in shape. Technically it is closely related to the Espace, and is available initially with a six cylinder 207hp petrol engine with a manual six speed gearbox. (See above left). The 1:43 model is on sale before the real car, excellently finishedby Norev. The van-like front end, the unique rear end and the interior are all very authentic. The model is available from Renault dealers in Mars red (7711211486), Atlantis blue (771121148) or black (7711211488).
The new Renault Laguna II was launched in early Spring 2001. Up to now it was only drivers of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class who could open their car remotely with a code card, but now you can do the same with a Laguna II. Insertt the card in a slot in the dashboard and push the starter button, to get 120 horsepower and a six speed manual gearbox. At its launch model Lagunas were also offered, both versions in one dark grey presentation box. The 1:43 models were made by Universal Hobbies in China. The saloon and the estate car, called the Grandtour, are very well finished. Each version has different wheel rims and base-plates are well detailed. The set is available from Renault dealers (7711216922). If your dealer can't help, contact Deutsche Renault AG, Dept Sur la Route, D-50321 Bruhl, Germany.
LATEST WELLY NEWS
Betty Chan of Welly Diecasting Factory Ltd has sent us this update on their forward plans for 2002. Yes, 2002! Betty says, 'Here is the list':
1:18 scale for 2002
2001-2003 Chevrolet Suburban.
2001-2003 Chevrolet Avalanche..
1965 Pontiac GTO (hard top).
2000 Peugeot 406.
2001 Peugeot 206.
1955 Mercedes Benz 300S.
2001 Mercedes Benz C Class.
1970 Chevrolet SS454 (hard top).
BMW C1 (motorcycle).
BMW K1200LT (motorcycle).
Honda Goldwing (motorcycle).
BMW R1100RT-P (motorcycle).
Honda F6C (motorcycle).(2001 1:18 scale issues included MINI Cooper, Porsche 911 turbo, Lamborghini Diablo SV (pictured above), Chevrolet Fleetmaster 1948, (pictured below) Ford F1 pickup 1951, Volkswagen New Beetle, Honda S2000 sports, Chevrolet Silverado extended cab fleetside box pickup, BMW Z8, and BMW F650 motorcycles).
1:24 scale for 2002
2001-2003 Chevrolet Suburban.
2002 Chevrolet Impala
2001 Mercedes Benz C Class
Mercedes Benz Unimog U400
1953 Chevrolet Pick Up
1953 Chevrolet Pick Up Tow Truck
2001-2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
2001 Pontiac Firebird
1970 Ford Mustang
1962 Volkswagen Microbus
1966 Pontiac GTO
Audi A2
Peugeot 206
2000 Peugeot 406 (2001 1:24 scale issues included BMW Z8, Honda S2000 sports, VW New Beetle, VW Lupo, Chevrolet Fleetmaster woody station wagon 1948, Land Rover Freelander, Audi TT coupe, Ford F350 pick-up, Ford Crown Victoria police, and MINI Cooper)1:25 scale for 2002
1953 Ford Victoria1:32 scale for 2002
Freightliner Tractor . Mercedes Benz Actros(2001 1:32 scale issues included Kenworth T2000, Chevrolet Cheyenne pickup 1972, Chevrolet C10 pickup 1966, and BMW X5 4x4).
1:38 scale for 2002
2001-2003 Chevrolet Suburban . Audi A2
1955 Mercedes Benz 190SL . 1965 Pontiac GTO
2001 Pontiac Firebird
2001 Mercedes Benz C Class . Peugeot 2061:60 scale for 2002
1955 Mercedes Benz 190SL . 2001 Peugeot 206
2001 Pontiac Firebird . 2002 Chevrolet ImpalaMAR Editorial notes: Many of these subjects are similar to those currently made in other ranges, including Maisto, UT and Bburago.
Welly also own Wai Tat Diecasting Factory, which produces many of the familiar pocket money diecast toy ranges seen under many names worldwide. Such names as City Team, Country Tractor, Super Construction, Super racer, Champion Racer, fabulous Fifties, Old Timer, Antique Lorry, Super Coach etc, cover hundreds of models, many of them pull-back, sold under many own-brand titles.
ANSON 1:18 AMERICANS
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
Two classic American automobiles have been made by Anson as 1:18 scale diecast models.
30397 Packard V12 Convertible 1934
J W Packard and his brother William had a cable factory, then they founded the Ohio Automobile Co to build their first cars. In 1903 it was retitled the Packard Motor Car Company, and in 1915 they made their first 12 cylinder engines. Between the two World Wars, Packard dominated the market for prestige cars world-wide. In 1928 alone they sold 41,000 cars, equivalent to double the whole of Rolls-Royce's production between 1919 and 1939 (in England and America combined), and six times as many cars as Ettore Bugatti ever made. Packard had good reason to be proud.
The Kings of Norway and Yugoslavia, the President Franklin Delano Roosevelt of the USA, and Josef Stalin all rode in Packards. Between 1925 and 1942 four basic engines were available, a seven bearing six cylinder, a nine bearing eight cylinder, the second generation V12 and the eight cylinder engine entirely made of grey cast iron. The 7.3 litre V12 delivered 160 hp at 3200 rpm, had compound coil ingnition and was mounted on rubber-blocks. The pistons were made of aluminium. The mechanical petrol pump incorporated a vacuum pump for the wind-screen wipers. Also the car was equipped with vacuum servo brakes and double down-draught carburettor. Anson have reproduced the convertible coupe, impressively large in 1:18 scale. The black body, with red pin stripes, has many chromed parts. The bonnet, doors and boot lid all open, and the steering works realistically. Under the bonnet is a nicely detailed replica of the V12 engine, the red interior is also very accurate, the wire spoked wheels are fitted with wide white wall tyres and there are two covered spare wheels, in the front wings. The black bonnet (hood) is included in open and closed versions, so you can choose to display it however you prefer.
It is available in black (C46) or red (C01).
30396 Peerless four door sedan 1931 Peerless was one of the 'Three Ps' of fine motoring (Packard, Peerless, Pierce-Arrow) before the First World War. The company subsequently lost interest in the luxury market and became just another above average priced automobile during the 1920s. In 1929 new management realised the error of selling such cars under the Peerless name, and Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky's impressive body designs were introduced. Dropping the less expensive models worsened the effects of sales lost in the early part of the Depression, but Peerless still made a little money, about $67,000 in 1930. In Summer 1931 Peerless made conflicting moves, joining the multi-cylinder race with both V12 and V16 models for 1932 but also selling its parts business to a firm specialising in parts for defunct automobile makers. Peerless correctly foresaw the economic crunch that Autumn and totally ceased production on 4 November 1931.
The impressive Anson model reproduces one of the last Peerless sedans built. The body is finished in beige with red-brown pinstripes and outlines. The bonnet and all four doors open, and the steering works realistically. Under the bonnet can be found a nice little straight eight engine. Bumpers, grille, lamps and many more details are chrome plated. The interior has three rows of seats, all light beige. The wheels have wood-like spoked rims and white wall tyres, including the two spare wheels, in the front wings. The base plate could be a little more detailed, especially around the rear axle, as the differential looks misshapen. The model is only available finished in 'tan C44'.
SEVENTH TRAX HOLDEN
The latest 1:43 diecast model from Trax is their seventh Holden, the EJ Special Sedan. Trax Marketing Director Robert Hill says 'In its time it offered ultra-modern styling and new two-tone colours, but it is best known as the last Holden to use the famous grey engine, which ran from the first 1948 Holden to the EJ of 1962'.
Trax make the Holden EJ in three original colour schemes, Atherton Ivory-Lodden Green, Bunyip Bronze-Beige or Namatjira Red-Ivory, at a price in Australia of AUS$36.95 each plus delivery.
You can contact Trax on a Freecall number in Australia: 1800 635 508.
NEW DURHAM CLASSICS
Latest 1:43 handbuilt models from
Durham Classics of Canada: DC-32A 1941 Plymouth De Luxe Coupe, in Vineyard Green with tan interior, 200 made, individually numbered (picture top) DC-32B 1941 Plymouth De Luxe Coupe with visor in Chevron Blue with grey interior, 200 made, individually numbered (picture above) DC-8C 1938 Lincoln Zephyr Convertible Top Up, in dark blue with off white top, and off white interior, 150 made, individually numbered (picture above right) DC32 1941 Plymouth De Luxe Coupe in Airway Grey with fender skirts, the fourth in the series produced exclusively for subscribers to the Durham Collector Newsletter. Subscriptions are $20.00 per year for three newsletters. Phone or fax. 905-436-9140 or email classics@netcom.ca
FIRST GEAR STREET ROD
By Terry G Leonard
At First Gear we have just released a new 1:25 diecast metal replica (over six inches long) of a 1929 Ford Street Rod, equipped with a Ford 302 engine complete with chrome carburettor and air cleaner, valve covers, headers, distributor, spark plug wire harness, timing chain and water pump, fan, starter, radiator hoses, oil filler cap, and a Motorcraft branded oil filter! There is also a fully detailed interior (featuring a four spoke steering wheel and tachometer) and undercarriage with hand-painted shock absorbers, battery, and complete exhaust system. Concealed beneath the opening trunk is a rumble seat and a coin slot which can take most US coins. The coins can be removed by pulling the front seat forward. It is available direct from First Gear by contacting our Consumer Service Dept (toll free in the USA) on 888 77 5576.
REVELL NOTES
REVELL 1:18 diecast in China for Germany: 08413 NSU TTS saloon 1967-1971. In September 1965 the NSU put the sports version of the Prinz 1000 into production. The Prinz 1000 TT had a 1.1 litre engine of 55 bhp. ln November 1967 a more powerful version followed, the NSU TT, with 1177cc capacity and 65 bhp. 'TT' stood for Tourist Trophy after the Isle of Man TT, which is still one of the toughest motor cycle races in the world. In the 1954 season NSU ran a historic race in the TT, giving a sensational performance in which their machines took places 1 to 4 and 6. The NSU TTS which appeared in 1967 was also designed for motor sports, but compared with the TT its engine was reduced to 996 cc. This limitation was based on the Gran Turismo requirements which set the ceiling for the GT class at 1 litre. Thanks to a 70 bhp power plant that accelerated it from 0 to 100 km/h in 12 seconds, it rapidly developed into a reasonably priced sportster with a total production of 2402. Externally the TTS was distinguished by an engine cover that was propped open a hand-span, and a striking oil cooler just visible under the number plate. Between 1966 and 1976, the NSU TTS and the TT won a total of 28 national championships in Europe and North America. The TTS appears with the same body as the 1000C, now in orange with a black interior. All features of the original car are there, even the doors open at the right angle. The twin headlights, the six small rear lights, detailed engine, wheels and baseplate and the accurate interior give a true impression of its era. These little NSU saloons are only seen in some historic races nowadays. VW got rid of it very quickly, to remove the internal competition for their Audi cars. (Photo and notes Hans-Georg Schmitt).
REVELL 1:18 diecast in China for Germany: 08411 Borgward Isabella Cabriolet 1959-1961 One of the finest cars of its era, the Isabella, was first shown in 1954. It was only surpassed by the coveted 75hp Isabella Coupe that came out in 1957 and reached a maximum speed of 150km/h. Its popularity persuaded Karl Deutsch of Cologne, who had already converted the Isabella to a cabriolet in 1954, to offer the Coupe as an open car. Deutsch priced the hand made coupe-cabriolet at about 15,600 DM. As this figure was beyond the reach of most buyers, Deutsch made only a few of this Isabella version,. The steel grey metallic cabriolet is based on Revell's Coupe and has the same excellent finish. Bonnet and doors open, the steering works, and the authentically shaped dashboard can be seen much better in the open version. The red upholstery contrasts nicely with the body colour, white wall tyres add to the fashionable appearance of this unforgettable car. (Photo and notes Schmitt).
REVELL 1:18 diecast in China for Germany: 08412 NSU 1000 C saloon 1967-1972. At the 1963 Frankfurt Motor Show, NSU of Neckarsulm exhibited their Prinz 1000 which, with its 996 cc engine delivered a remarkable 43bhp with 650kg unladen weight. In 1967 it was followed by the NSU 1000 and the de luxe version, the NSU 1000C, from which the name Prinz was dropped. With these vehicles NSU were trying to increase their market share by appealing to consumers who enjoyed safe but sporty driving. Compared with its predecessor, the Prinz 4, it was longer and its extended wheel-base gave it good road-holding. The generously proportioned interior and expensive seats guaranteed an easy and stress free ride. The oval headlamps, new tail light design and the sound of the four cylinder-engine made it an attractive car. lts air-cooled engine was lighter than the water-cooled one, as no radiator or water pump was needed and it could therefore be put at the back of the car. The engine had a five-bearing crankshaft, hardened cylinder barrels and an all-syncromesh four speed gearbox. This gave it an extremely high-revving engine, appreciated by its over 196,000 buyers for overtaking and hill climbing. With its accurate body and interior, realistic baseplate and wheels, the model represents an interesting stage in the history of a company which later became part of the Volkswagen Group. Doors and bonnet can be opened, and the steering works realistically. The beige body contrasts well with the matt black interior, both ttypical colours. (Photo and notes Hans-Georg Schmitt).
REVELL 1:18 diecast in China for Germany: 08421108422 Opel Manta GT/E 1977-1988. After the success of the the Opel Manta A, the most popular German coupe of the 1970s, the B came in 1975 to continue the story. To ensure continuity, the engineers at Rüsselsheim used the tried and tested engineering of Manta A, but the B looked completely different on the outside. Now functional practicality was wanted. This design was finalised in the wind tunnel. Even more important was the combination of family car and sports car. In 1977 the GT/E version appeared, powered by a four cylinder petrol-injection engine, delivering 110 hp. Twin headlights, striking paintwork and additional spoilers gave it a sporty appearance, but that wasn't enough. Young customers tuned their cars up beyond recognition. Movies featuring tuned Manta Bs, their owners, (car-mechanics and their blonde hairdresser girl-friends), gave the Manta B a poor reputation. In spite of this, the model car is shaped accurately. The bonnet and doors open at the right angle, and the steering works realistically. It is available in yellow as ref 08421, or white as 08422, both with black interior. Every Manta B fan will want this model, possibly to tune up like his full size car. (Photo and notes Hans-Georg Schmitt).
SCHUCO NOTES
SCHUCO 1:43 diecast in China for Germany: 04592 Rover 75 saloon in metallic burgundy, with matt black interior. This car was developed as a successor to the 600 and 800 by the BMW development-department. The design recalls the old Rovers from the 50s. The 75 was shown first to the public in 1998 at Birmingham Motor Show. Schuco engineers have reproduced it accurately, incuding the wheels and the well-detailed baseplate. This long awaited model is available at last. Three colour choices are 04591 light green metallic; 04592 burgundy metallic and 04593 blue metallic. (notes Hans-Georg Schmitt).
SCHUCO 1:43 diecast in China for Germany: 04096 Opel Tigra Coupe based on the Corsa B, built at Opel's plant in Zaragoza, Spain, from 1994 to 2001. Now in dark blue metallic, with matt black interior, and 02314 Opel GT Coupe 1968-1973 developed in Rüsselsheim, body built in France by Brissoneaux & Lotz, final assembly at Opel's Bochum plant, now bright yellow with black interior. This coupe, based on the Kadett, had 1100cc or 1900cc engines. (notes Schmitt).
SCHUCO CLASSIC reissued tinplate toy, made in China for Germany: 01063 Command Car 2000 burgundy and black, with repro box. Even experts are surprised when the Command Car starts or stops on command, without being touched, by blowing or shouting into the slots in the roof. During the 1930s and 1940s this was a popular style for luxury cars, such as Horch, Maybach, Mercedes and others. The steering works by moving the fog lamp in the middle of the radiator grille and if you open the bonnet, there is an engine inside. The long running clockwork motor lasts for many large circuitsIf the car is ordered to drive forward when in reverse gear, by touching it lightly with your finger, it immediately changes to forward gear.
If you reverse it into a box, or the Schuco garage, it will come out again at once, for, as soon as the rear bumper hits an object such as the rear garage wall, it automatically changes to forward gear. If you compare it with the original version, the older one has many more creases, the deep drawing technique not being as welle developed then, and the old tinplate was not as elastic as modern sheet steel. A very interesting model car, which looks like the original, but is much cheaper. (Photo Hans-Georg Schmitt).
GT3 + 911T = GT2
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
The unique arithmetical system used by the Porsche department responsible for naming their cars is hard to understand. The new GT2 is an outstanding example, deriving from a synthesis of the 911 Turbo and the GT3, which has since gone out of production. A GT2 is more than a GT3, but when Porsche slims down a sports car, the customer gets less equipment, yet he as to pay more for it. The new top model in the Porsche range emphasises the sporting aspect. There is no weighty four wheel drive, there are no rear seats or superfluous luxury equipment, regarded as 'soft' by a real sportsman, who can move his seat just using his hands, and find his way to the race track without a satellite navigation system. Automatic climate control and a radio are, however, available at no extra cost, a rathert irrelevant factor, as the price for a GT2 in Germany is DM339,000, about DM100,000 more than a 911 Turbo. For this the customer gets the most powerful production Porsche car of all time. Even the legendary 959 from the 1980s had 12 hp less than the 462 hp of the GT2. The Porsche promotion department always remembers the model car collector, including the Porsche model collectors club, so the new GT2 has been made in 1:43 scale, by Minichamps. The shape has been excellently reproduced, from the drooping front end to the two beefy exhaust pipes. Inside, the instruments are clearly visible and the steer-ing wheel bears the Porsche badge. The baseplate could, however, be more detailed.
THREE PRONGED ATTACK
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
With the new Mondeo Ford promises to offer more space, better road-holding and safety. But lost ground has also been regained with the reworked engines, and the body looks impressive. Once again the new Mondeo is available in three versions, notchback saloon, hatchback or estate, still called the Turnier in Germany. The cars offer more interior space than has been seen before in the middle sector. The wheelbase has grown by 50mm, and the overall length by 180mm. The shape is much nicer than that of its predecessor. The 'New Edge Design' is much less extreme than on the Ka and Focus, with pleasing results. New levels of safety with the intelligent protection system, which includes a new seat belt fixing system, two stage air bags, side bags, safety brake assistance, and a reinforced integral body. These help to protect passengers in case of an accident. All three new Mondeos are available in 1:43 scale, by Minichamps. The Notchback was released first, already reviewed in MAR, but now the hatchback and estate are also available in the same excellent finish. Both have accurately shaped bodies in deep gloss black. Lights, grille, mirrors, wipers and other parts are separate components. The Turnier has rear lights in the upper section of the rear pillars. The first Turnier in the early 1960s had lights in the roofline between the pillars. At the time it was the first estate with high mounted rear lights, but nowadays many cars with estate-like back ends have their lights high up. The interiors are excellently finished, with two tone inner door linings, even the central armrest is included, and in the boot of the estate the open blind is visible. The rear high mounted brake light is there, and the cast aluminium wheel rims are accurate. All three models are initially only available from European Ford dealers.
MAYBACH CABRIOLET
By Hans-Georg Schmitt
From 1922 to 1941 the German marque of Maybach was the synonym for top luxury cars. They mostly left the Friedrichshafen factory next to the Bodensee as rolling chassis and were bodied by such well known builders as Erdmann & Rossi, Gläser, Hebmüller, Spohn and Wendler. As War loomed, car production stopped and moved over to military items, never to return. Co-operation between Maybach Motorenbau GmbH and Daimler-Benz AG began in 1960, for high speed high performance Diesel engines for commercial and military vehicles. In 1963 Mercedes-Benz Motorenbau GmbH Friedrichshafen am Bodensee was formed to build tank engines. ln 1966 the merger of Maybach Motorenbau GmbH with Mercedes-Benz Motorenbau GmbH made Maybach Mercedes-Benz Motorenbau GmbH. The new company took over tank-engine production from Mercedes-Benz. With this merger Mercedes-Benz acquired the rights to the Maybach brand. MAN Turbo GmbH came on board in 1968 and after various stages of co-operation a new company was founded, this time with the tongue-twisting name Motoren-und Turbinen-Union Friedrichshafen GmbH MAN Maybach Mercedes-Benz, known in short as MTU. So much for the history, and how DaimlerChrysler came to own the Maybach brand name. Some years ago, DaimlerChrysler started planning the introduction of a new absolute luxury car, positioned above the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and, looking for a name, they remembered that they had Maybach in the cupboard. To remind their customers about the name and its history, a Maybach model car has been released in the Classic Collection, a range of high-quality models managed by the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, responsible for supporting owners and connoisseurs of classic Mercs. They chose a car which was owned by the Maybach family, a 1932 Maybach DS8 Zeppelin Cabriolet, made by Minichamps in 1:43 scale. The Maybach DS8 Zeppelin was the last version with the most powerful engine, an eight litre V-12 of 200 hp. Two Solex double carburettors attained fuel consumption of 28 litres per 100 km. The maximum speed was 140 to170 km/h, depending on the body design. The model, with beige body and dark blue wings represents the car as exhibited at the European Concours d'Elegance at Schwetzingen, Germany on 7 and 8 July 2001. The bumpers, radiator grille and other parts are chromed, and the cover over the open hood is realistically wrinkled. The double-M and Zeppelin are photoetched. The interior is also first-rate, the dashboard has all the instruments, all the seats are in brown leather the jump-seats behind the driver are folded, and between the back of the body and the bumper is a-typical luggage trunk. This Maybach model car is available (ref B66040309) from Mercedes-Benz dealers worldwide, or from the relevant national Mercedes-Benz headquarters.
REVELL 1:24 plastic kits: 07228 Ferrari 641 F1 1990.. Before Alain Prost was taken on in 1990, the Ferrari team was dominated by intrigues and power struggles. Since the contract with the three times world champion began, a more efficient regime took over at the Scuderia. The work force has increased by 80 to 300, the team being strengthened by the addition of Fiat engineers and by specialists poached from the competition. The 641's V12 engine developed 700 bhp at 14000 revs, maximum speed 330 km/h. The changes, the new driver and the promising car appeared to hold the key to success. Prost won the second race of the season, at Interlagos near Sao Paulo, Brazil ironically close to the home of his great rival and former team mate Ayrton Senna. The competition between these drivers, the best two at the end of the 1980s, dominated the 1990 season. Prost countered the Brazilian's early points advantage with outstand-ing performances and three successive wins. Their private feud came to a head in the pen-ultimate race at Suzuka. There, the previous year, Prost had nudged his former McLaren team mate Senna to take the world championship title. The 1990 race was also the race decided by a crash. Only 400 metres out Senna got his revenge, the Ferrari lost its rear wing, Prost spun and ended up, with Senna, in the sand. It was no longer possible to match the Brazilian's 11 point lead, so Senna already had the championship. The efforts of the second Ferrari driver Nigel Mansell were not enough to win the constructor's title which, after so long, had almost come within the grasp of the Ferrari 641. This plastic kit contains 66 components and needs only skill level 3. The body parts are moulded in red plastic, and flow lines and sink marks make painting necessary. Suspension parts, spoilers and wheel rims are moulded in black. (Notes Schmitt).
REVELL 1:24 plastic kit: 07227 Ford Focus WRC McRae-Sainz. The Ford Focus in the WRC(World Rally Championship) version came out in 1999 to continue a successful Ford Escort tradition going back 30 years. With a victory in Portugal, it proved its worth against stiff competition. To improve their chances for the 2000 season, Ford made some modifications including an overhaul of the air intake system, the incorporation of side air intake ports and improved aerodynamics. The four cylinder turbocharged engine delivers all of 300 hp, and the Focus accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. Colin McRae, recently extended his contract with Ford until 2002. Their second driver is twice world champion in 1990 and 1992, Carlos Sainz, known as El Matador. The kit has 77 components, assessed at skill level 4, and includes a decal sheet for the McRae-Grist and Sainz-Moya pairings. The model has no movable parts, the components are moulded in white and clear plastic, almost flash-free, so only some ejector and gate-marks have to be removed. The assembly instructions are detailed and easy to understand. (Notes Hans-Georg Schmitt).
REVELL 1:24 plastic kit: 07223 Ferrari F1 2000 plastic kit: After 21 years Ferrari finally won what Jody Scheckter had struggled to get for the team, the coveted Formula One World Champ-ionship. This was not certain in 2000, although the F1 2000 which developed 830 bhp and a maximum speed of 350 km/h was felt to be the best-ever Ferrari. After three wins at the start of the season, Schumacher was once again hit by typical misfortune. The German double world champion failed to score on four circuits. A great win at Monza turned the tide and injected more excitement into the season. On 8 October 2000 a confident finish in Suzuka decided early where the title would go, and the victory in Malaysia, thanks to Rubens Barrichello, also gave Ferrari the constructor's title. The plastic kit, at middling skill level 3 has 55 components. The model is accurately shaped, and authentic decals for for Magny-Cours are included. The body components are moulded in red plastic with such obvious flow-lines that painting with both primer and topcoat is needed. Suspension parts are moulded in matt black. The assembly instructions, with clear drawings, are easy to understand. (Notes Hans-Georg Schmitt).
REVELL 1:16 plastic kit: 07488 Volkswagen Beetle 1951-52. To date, more than 20 million Beetles have been made worldwide. No other car has been made in larger numbers or sold in more countries. And no other car's nickname has become the type description. The car's development dates back to 1934, when Dr Ing. Ferdinand Porsche designed the Beetle in its basic form. In 1938 the foundation stone was laid for the factory, at which time the car was still called the KdF-Wagen (Strength through Joy Car). It was Europe's biggest car plant at the time. Although heavily bombed during the war, in 1945 the plant produced a fair quantity of cars from components in stock, for the British Control Commission. (They had tried to dispose of the plant as War reparations, but various car makers from Allied countries who inspected it thought the Beetle would never sell, and turned it down). The real revival of the Beetle came in 1948 under new works manager Heinrich Nordhoff who turned the car into a mass-market product at an affordable price. The Beetle was continually developed and improved. Yet the 1951 Beetle continued with the old rear window, with a few optional extras only for export. The air-cooled four cylinder 1131cc four-stroke engine noisily delivered 25 hp, for a maximum speed of 105 km/h. Revell made this plastic kit of the 1951 car in the impressive scale of 1:16. Doors, luggage lid and bonnet open, the steering works and detailing is outstanding, but they copied a car which was not restored exactly to original standards. Bumpers and rear tail-lights are from the next generation car, from late 1952, when the air intakes in front of the side doors were removed, having given rheumatism to front seat occupants. The kit, a reissue at half the former price, is a real bargain, but due to the age of the moulds, some flash and mould steps have appeared. (Notes Hans-Georg Schmitt).
BUSCH 1:87 plastic from Germany: 49101 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Avantgarde saloon. In May 2000, when the new C-class saloon was first shown to the public, the model was initially only for DaimlerChrysler AG, but now this super-detailed model is widely available. Lights and the photoetched three pointed star are separate parts, and the interior looks good, through the open sun-roof. The first release is available in beige metallic with anthtracite interior or blue metallic with orion grey interior. (Notes Schmitt).
REVELL 1:12 plastic kit: 07229 Ferrari 126C2 F1 1982. The 126 showed promise for Ferrari in 1982, due to the 580hp six cylinder engine and their exceptional driver Gilles Villeneuve who took over from Niki Lauda at Ferrari at the end of the 1970s. The Canadian was extremely popular due to his aggressive driving style and was favourite for the world championship title. The season was also marked by internal wrangling within the Ferrari team when Didier Pironi, contrary to the agreed strategy, beat his team mate Villeneuve into second place at Imola. The season was overshadowed by the crash during final testing at Zolder in Belgium in which Gilles Villeneuve, still strapped into his seat, was catapulted out of the vehicle into one of the posts of the safety barrier, with fatal consequences. Although Ferrari won the constructor's title at the end of the year and Didier Pironi finished runner-up to the world champion, this in no way made up for the tragic loss. This plastic kit in the extraordinary scale of 1:12 contains 224 components, which are red, black, silver and chrome plated. All cables and hoses are included, as are decals for the 126 C2s of Didier Pironi and Gilles Villeneuve; it needs skill level 6, thus only for experienced builders. Highlights include authentic shock absorbers with real metal springs, brakes with air systems, accurately reproduced turbocharger, engine and exhaust pipes. Front and rear spoiler are chromed. (Notes Hans-Georg Schmitt).
BUSCH 1:87 plastic from Germany: 46500 Renault 4CV: The prototype was developed at Renault while France was under German Occupation, the first prototype assembled in 1942, with a rear mounted four cylinder petrol engine, like the KdF-Wagen (later Beetle), but water-cooled. After the war, Ferdinand Porsche did some final test work during his imprisonment. On 12 August 1947 the first 4cv left the assembly line. Eventually more than a million were built. In Japan it was built by Hino. Busch's model is a 1958 car, dark blue with light blue interior or pastel green with pink interior. (Notes Schmitt).
REVELL 1:35 plastic kits (above): Two Russian military trucks as used by the former Peoples Army of the German Democratic Republic: 03050 Ural 4320 three axle all wheel drive truck, as used to supply troops over difficult terrain. The 15 ton 6x6 Ural 4320, famed for outstanding cross-country-mobility, was one of the standard trucks of the Warsaw Pact and is still used today by many armies of the world. The Ural 4320 is also used as an artillery tractor and for numerous special versions, such as the Ural 43201C which carried the LAK 11 portable light container, used by the East German Army. Some Ural 4320s were still used by the Federal German Army for a short time after reunification. Unlike the preceding Ural 375D with petrol engine, the 4320 had a V8 JaMZ 740 diesel engine with a capacity of 155 kW at 2600 rpm. It had a maximum road speed of about 85 km/h and a cruising speed of about 70 km/h. The plastic kit contains 285 components, with authentic reproduction of the V8 engine and decals for four different vehicles from three different armies. The body components are moulded in olive green plastic, with flow lines and gloss stripes, so you have to paint it to get a realistic model. Some sprues have alot of flash, so fettling is necessary, but the instructions are quite easy to understand.
03051 GAZ 66 two axle truck: The GAZ 66, produced at the Gorki Automobile Plant (Gorki Avtomobil Zavod) and introduced at the end of the 1960s was the standard truck of the Warsaw Pact states. Owing to its cross-country mobility, this 4x4 vehicle with a tyre pressurisation system was used for transport over rough terrain, powered by a 4250cc eight cy1inder ZMZ 66 engine which developed 85 kW (115 hp) at 3200 rpm, enabling top speeds of up to 90 km/h. The 'standard fuel consumption', given as 36 litres per 100 km was rarely achieved. The two fuel tanks, each with a capacity of 105 litres, gave (in theory) a maximum range of 800 km. With an empty weight of 3640 kg, a payload of 2130 kg was available in the maximum total weight of 5770 kg. The GAZ 66 was also available with various bodies, mainly radio vehicles or used for electronic combat by the National People's Army of the GDR. The 3300mm by 2050mm body had two rows of seating for up to 12. The plastic kit has 176 detailed components, including five vinyl tyres with authentic tread and decals for four different vehicles. Body components are moulded in olive green plastic, which once again need to be painted, as does the tilt,, which is only a plastic vacform and looks poor without painting. The assembly instructions are easy to understand, many drawings clearly showing each step. (Notes Hans-Georg Schmitt).
NEWS FROM RUSSIA
By Alexander Yurcenko
Here is the latest news from Russian model vehicle ranges:
Promtractor: The only entirely new model which has appeared during the last half year in Russia came from Promtractor, a 1:43 diecast metal Ural-5321-23 8 x 8 truck with Iveco cab. It is the second model issued by Promtractor. The first was a model of an O-170 bulldozer, with working caterpillar tracks. About two years ago all the basic tools to produce the Ural model were already made, with only the cab tooling to complete. At last, this tool was ready, but unfortunately, the quality of this important part has not turned out to be very good. Certainly this is the first such model made by Promtractor, but even so, the quality of the cab could be much better. This, and the poor paint quality, spoils the model, in my view. This model will, I hope, be pictured in the next issue of MAR.
Valery Dimitriev, one of the designers of this vehicle (the real one, not the model) has written to me that this model looks better from below than from above. Indeed, the chassis and transmission do look quite good.
Valery, a good model craftsman, produces many model truck variants on different Ural chassis, with a small group of friends, using Elecon base models and also completely scratchbuilt. Because he has access to factory information, his models are very accurate to the real vehicles. Valery corrects the defects on the Promtractor Ural-5321-23 cab and repaints it. Then this model looks much better. As far as I know, only a small quantity of this model is planned for release this year, only 500 pieces. The full-size Ural-5321 8x8 truck has now come out, with a cab from Kamaz, mainly intended for the Russian Army. It is in use in the war in Chechnya, frequently with an armoured cab fitted. Shown here are two photographs of these variants, built by Valery.
AGAT: As it is usual in recent times, AGAT has released only new tampo-printed variants on existing models. They are: Slightly changed variants on VAI vehicles (Military Patrol), in khaki livery, on models of the Lada 2101 saloon and Lada 2102 estate. Completely new liveries Traffic Security and The Russian Transport Inspectorate are available on the RAF 2203 minibus. There is also a new livery on a GAZ-3102 Volga saloon: Ambulance Chief. For the 65th Anniversary of the formation of the GIBDD (State Inspectorate on Safety of Road Traffic) a special series of models (100 pieces) was issued. It is GAZ-3102 Volga DPS (Patrol) with a special inscription on the bonnet relating to the event.
Litan: The Litan range has issued only a variant of the UAZ-452 minibus in plastic with all the doors closed.
Most of these models will be illustrated in the next issue of MAR. As usual, all of these and many other Russian models can be obtained from me. Ask for list: Alexander Yurcenko, 410 026, Saratov-26, box 382, RUSSIA.
Copyright 2001 Modelauto Ltd and Solnet Systems Ltd
e-mail mar@zeteo.com
