Publication 7 February 2012
04 Cars etc (captions on page 06)
07 Motorbikes Maz Woolley, UK
08 Ford F-series Dave Turner, UK
11 Ferrari Bruno Boracco, Italy
12 70 years of Jeep Bruno Boracco, Italy
14 Packard Harvey Goranson, USA
15 Books
16 Clock Cars Phil Campbell, Germany
18 Triumphs
20 Letters
21 Competitions, clubs
24 Land Cruisers Robert Gunn, UK
25 Truckstop
26 Brooklin • Captions to page 29
27 Oxford, EFE
A reminder; from this issue onwards Model Auto Review is published bi-monthly (that’s six times per year). See the announcement on the opposite page for more details.
NOTE: The next numbered issue, MAR 260, is the first Model Auto Review Monograph, on Dinky Toys and other Meccano products (Auto Review 80), published on 7 March. If you have a direct MAR subscription you will be sent MAR 260 in the usual way. If you buy your copy of MAR from one of our stockists, however, ask them to order the Monographs for you at the special low price (33% more than a standard MAR issue). This price only applies to regular MAR buyers in the month of publication. After that the Monographs will be available to purchase at the full Auto Review cover price of £5.95. The next ‘standard’ bi-monthly MAR issue will be MAR 261, published on 7 April.
Are you missing out? The eMAR newsletter is sent out by email, with news and special offers (sometimes before the offer appears in MAR, sometimes unique to eMAR). We will try to send out about a dozen issues of eMAR this year! Send us your email address and we’ll add you to the list.
AUTO REVIEW: Miles Album The latest Auto Review book is the Miles Album, the story of Fred Miles, his wife Blossom, his brother George and all the fascinating aircraft they designed. The next titles will be the second (slightly revised) edition of the Wolseley Album and the MAR Monograph on Dinky Toys and other Meccano products (this title is included in MAR direct subscriptions), then the Austin Album. Commer & Karrier will follow in April, then the next MAR Monograph in May. If you have any illustrations (adverts, sales brochures, your own snapshots etc) or any anecdotes you can offer on any of these topics, please send them to me as soon as possible. I also invite your suggestions for future titles, especially if you have original photos or other material to offer.
A note on Neo • From Harvey Goranson Remember how the original Solido L’Age d’Or models had a reaction between the tyres and the plastic base over time? No harm to the models, just an indentation in the plastic base. Well, the same thing seems to be happening to some Neo models, including those sold under the American Excellence label in the USA. Following a warning by Albert Kopans on the Forum43 newsgroup, I checked mine and found two Pontiacs with the same problem. Of more concern, however, is that a couple of tyres appear to be flat-spotted. Maybe time and gravity will help? This appears to be limited to models in larger boxes (AEs, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, etc), not smaller ones (Jaguars, MGs, Opels, etc). In some cases, the tyres get a little flat-spotted, not so much because of the tyre-base reaction but due to long-term storage with tightened base screws. The solution is simple if you keep your models in the display cases. Loosen the screws on the base; the springs will suspend the model, though you may have to gently pry a tyre or two loose. Now we know why the springs are there. Check your models!
Book reviews
A History of White Metal Transport Modelling by Ray Strutt and David Wright. 280 pages 250 x 175mm softbound, profusely illustrated, ISBN 978-1-907292-40-8. Available direct from the authors and publishers: Telephone 01903 746101 or 01342 850890, or email davidandchrisw @ btinternet.com or raystrutt @ tiscali.co.uk £24.95. Talk about ‘All our yesterdays’; this book describes 160 people in the specialist model world, most of whom I know (or knew) personally, many of whom I would regard as friends, and some as close friends. Although we began buying and selling toys and models for collectors in the early 1970s, it was around 1976 before Modelauto added kits and handbuilt models. In those days we dealt with John Day, Mike and Sue Richardson, Bob Wills, Dave Gilbert, Barry Lester, Dave Jones, Pete Atkinson, Guy Harrison and other pioneers, before adding the products of Mike and Joyce Stephens (Western), John and Jenny Hall (Brooklin) and Doug and Roly McHard (Somerville). After that the floodgates opened, as we imported artisan-produced models from all over the world, and there was an upsurge in newly-launched British ranges. The first Modelauto shop in Haworth opened in 1977, displaying dozens of ranges of kits and handbuilt models, alongside obsolete and current diecast vehicles. Every week shop visitors would see another new range we had come across. Some faded away quite quickly, others became leading names in their field. In the process we met lots of lovely people, dedicated to making scale models. There are characters and stories which remain in my memory. There was a degree of falling-out between partners in various ventures, due to different visions of how their businesses should progress. We were often told both sides of the story, which rarely matched. Occasionally there were threats of legal action (rarely carried through) and tales of skulduggery. A shop put the story about that its direct competitor was inaccessible, as both ends of the road had been dug up. A British manufacturer pretended to be incapacitated, so he could leave an airliner in the USA in a wheelchair with his models under a blanket, to avoid customs. A manufacturer sent us a dossier of damaging private information about a competitor (for whom he had previously worked), in the hope of ruining his reputation. Many bills went unpaid, and many contracts were broken, but this was not a ‘professional’ business; most participants were enthusiastic collectors who decided to have a dabble at manufacture. It is unfair to single out many names; they are all comprehensively covered in this excellent book, and many of those that survived from those early days have now retired, in some cases passing on the business to others. France seems to have been the chosen retreat for many; Barry Lester, Mike and Sue Richardson and Max Kernick, among others, retired there. Jeff and Sue Sharrock of Pathfinder Models spend time in Lanzarote in their retirement, while Roger and Joan Tennyson travel Europe in their motor-home. With much help from dozens of contributors, Ray (whose untiring work organising the ModeleX shows did much to encourage and support this industry) and David have pieced together all these great stories of manufacturers, pattern-makers, shops and others. If you ever bought a British-made kit or handbuilt model you must buy this book! Rod Ward
JEEP Das Original seit 70 Jahren (The Original for 70 years) by Juergen Zoellter, photographs by Markus Bolsinger, Published by and available from Delius Klasing Verlag, Bielefeld, Germany. 156 pages, 135 photos, German text. 275 x 295 mm. Hardbound with dustjacket. ISBN 978-3-7688-3277-9. €49.90. The 70th birthday of the Jeep shows just how efficient and long-lasting was the original concept. This book tells the story of the company which makes them. Originally the independent Willys company, Jeep came under the control of American Motors, then Renault, and finally Chrysler. After a short period under Daimler-Chrysler, the brand has now passed, along with Chrysler, to Fiat. Excellent colour photographs from all over the world show every facet of the Jeep marque. The Grand Cherokee was the top of the Jeep range, and for the anniversary it has been relaunched, proving that Jeep is still able to produce premium Sport Utility Vehicles. Hans-Georg Schmitt
I like a bit of a chuckle when reading Club publications, and I can usually rely on Wessex Smalltalk, of the Wessex Model and Toy Collectors for the odd rib-tickler. From a book called 'Universally Challenged' about quiz contestants’ answers came 'What happened in Dallas on 22 November 1963?' - 'I don’t know, I wasn’t watching it then'. 'Name something in the garden that is green'. - 'The shed?' 'What is the Capital of France?' - ‘F’. WMTC members also get about; they have had club trips to Williams F1 and to London. Wheelspin, from the Coventry Diecast Model Club, included a nice quiz on motorcycles and a review of member Roger de Boer’s latest little book, on his life with cycles and motorcycles. Wheel Nuts, from the South Hants Model Auto Club, managed 20 packed pages just before Christmas, including the story of Spyker by Paul Harrison, but he omitted the Spyker highlight in my memory; the yellow one in the film Genevieve. The West Australian Model Collectors Club magazine Showcase is always packed with informative articles, previously mostly by Philip Bradshaw, but now with a lot of contributions from other members.
BROOKLIN NEW FOR 2012 Brooklin Models’ new release schedule for 2012 is below. New prices for 2012: all models will retail at £75.00, except for the following: Two-tone models and ‘Factory Specials’ £77.00. Lansdowne pre-war Bentleys £79.00. Brooklins with extra detail: £80.00. CSV long wheelbase vehicles £90.00. In addition, there will be three new models in the new Pontiac Collection starting this year, then five or six per year until around 60 models have been made.
January-February LDM97 1937 Bentley 4.25 litre sports saloon Park Ward LDM92 1956 Ford Zephyr MkII Saloon NEW BRK176 1954 Desoto Firedome V8 2-dr Hardtop NEW LDM95 1965 Bristol 408 NEW BC-023 1934 Buick Series 60 4-door Convertible Phaeton Model 68-C NEW
March-April BRK178 1937 Oldsmobile L37 Convertible Coupe NEW LDM96 1956 Aston Martin DB 2-4 MkII Convertible NEW PC01 1937 Pontiac Deluxe Six 4-dr Touring Sedan NEW BRK163a 1957 Oldsmobile 4-dr Holiday (2-tone colour) LDM98 1947 Bedford Utilicon loudspeaker van Moore & Bush NEW BC-024 1934 Buick Ser 90 5-pass sedan Model 97 NEW BRK179 1955 Plymouth Belvedere Convertible NEW
May-June BRK180 1954 Buick Special 4-dr sedan 2-tone NEW LDM93 1936 Bentley 4.25 litre FHC Barker NEW PC02 1937 Pontiac Deluxe Six 4-door Convertible NEW LDM99 1957 Hillman Husky Series I NEW BRK181 1952 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe de Ville (2-tone & extra detail) NEW LDM100 1969 Austin A60 Suntor Camper Van NEW
July-August BC-025 1938 Buick Limited Limousine Model 90-L NEW LDM101 1957 Ford Zephyr Farnham Estate NEW IPV42 1956 Ford Zephyr CSV12 1934 Miller-Buick Art Model Funeral Coach NEW BRK182 1955 Packard 400 HT 2-tone, extra detail NEW BRK183 1955 Chrysler Windsor Convertible NEW PC03 1937 Pontiac Deluxe Six Sport Coupe NEW
September-October CSV13 1934 Miller-La Salle carved funeral coach NEW LDM102 1948 Aston Martin DB1 NEW LDM81a 1936 Bentley 4.25 litre dhc new colour black BRK184 1947 Cadillac Series 62 4-door Sedan NEW IPV43 1954 Buick Century Highway Patrol CSV14 1938 Buick-FIxible Sterling World's Fair ambulance NEW LDM103 1937 Jensen 3.5 S Type Convertible NEW October-November
BRK185 1954 Packard Patrician 4-door Sedan NEW BC-026 1936 Buick Spl Conv Coupe Mod 46-C NEW CSV15 1938 Buick FIxible Sterling ambulance Friendship Fire Co NEW LDM104 1948 Austin 16hp Saloon NEW BRK174x 1954 Hudson Hornet 4-dr bronze-black FS
December-January 2013 BRK186 1954 Buick Special 4-door Station Wagon NEW LDM48x 1958 Hillman Jubliee Minx FS Factory Special BRK187 1939 Nash Ambassador Eight 4-door Fastback Sedan NEW CSV16 1960 Miller Meteor Cadillac Guardian amb. NEW
Place your orders NOW - so you don't miss out.
OXFORD First Quarter 2012 Here are Oxford’s planned releases for the first three months of 2012. In addition, some items , such as BCF001 the first version of the Bentley Continental, were held up for various reasons and are also due for first quarter release.
1:43 Oxford Automobile
AHT001 Austin Heavy Twelve 1930s
ASL003 Armstrong Siddeley Lancaster Langham Grey
BCF004 Bentley Continental Gunmetal
JAGXK150002 Jaguar XK150 Roadster OE White
JAGXK150003 Jaguar XK150 FHC Carmen Red
1:43 Cars & Commercials
AK012 Austin Welfarer Ambulance St John
FDE006 Ford 400E Minibus London Transport
WM001 Mercedes Whitby Mondial ice cream van Walls
MIN019 Mini saloon tartan red 1959
1:76 Oxford Haulage
76AEC003 AEC Matador Lorry Sunters
76AEC004 AEC Matador Wrecker London Brick
76ATK001 Atkinson Borderer Flatbed Trailer Pollock
76SP001 Scammell Pioneer recovery tractor Cullimore
76SP002 Scammell Pioneer recovery tractor BOAC
76TIP001 AEC Ergomatic 6 Wheel Tipper Hoveringham
DAF03LL DAF Low Loader A P Hollingworth
SHL01CS Scania Highline Curtainside Eddie Stobart
VOL02FR Volvo Stobart-Malcolm Charity Truck
VOL06REC Volvo FH Recovery Truck Westons
1:76 Oxford Commercials
76DBT002 David Brown tractor Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm
76F106001 Dennis F106 side pump London Fire Brigade
76F106002 Dennis F106 rear pump London Fire Brigade
76FT005 Ford Transit Network Rail
76FT006 Ford Transit LWB High white
76MJ001 Morris J Ice Cream Van Facchinos
76PB001 Commer PB Postbus Royal Mail
1:76 Oxford Automobile
76BLP001 Austin Princess Vermillion
76CAP005 Ford Capri Mk 3 black
76COR3006 Ford Cortina Mk III Onyx Green
76CT002 Citroen 2CV Charleston Yellow-Black
76JSS004 SS Jaguar Lavender Grey
76LRD002 Land Rover Discovery Zermatt Silver
76MN005 Classic Mini Lime Green (Mr Bean)
76NMN005 NEW Mini BRG Metallic/Union Jack
76TP001 Triumph 2500 saffron
76VWB002 VW Beetle Ruby Red
76XJS002 Jaguar XJS Metropolitan Police
1:76 Oxford Military
76AEC011 AEC Matador Flatbed RAF Blue
76MWD003 Bedford MWD RAF Blue
76OWB002 Bedford OWB Brown Ministry of Supply
76SP004 Scammell Pioneer AT Royal Artillery 1st Army
76SP005 Scammell Pioneer Recovery Tractor RAF Blue
1:76 Showtime
76AEC007 AEC Matador Generator American Circus
76BUR002 Burrell Showmans Prestons of Potto
76SH003 Scammell Highwayman low load Pat Collins
76SP003 Scammell Pioneer recovery Traylens Funfair
76SST002 Scammell Showtrac Pat Collins The Major
1:76 Oxford Omnibus
76AEC012 AEC Matador Wrecker Devon General
76AEC013 AEC Matador Wrecker Bradford
76AEC014 AEC Matador Wrecker Southdown
76OWB003 Bedford OWB Portsmouth
76OWB004 Bedford OWB Southern National
1:148 Commercials
NBP001 Bedford Pantechnicon Bloomfields Felixstowe
NBP002 Bedford Pantechnicon Pickfords
NDEN005 Dennis F12 Glasgow Fire Service
NLAN188006 Land Rover 88 hardtop PO Telephones
NTEA002 Ferguson tractor red
1:148 Oxford Automobile
NCT002 Citroen 2CV Charleston Yellow-Black
NMN003 Austin Mini Almond Green-Old English White
NVWB002 VW Beetle Ruby Red
1:148 Oxford Omnibus
NBL002 Bristol Lodekka LD United Welsh
NBL003 Bristol Lodekka LD Western National
NBS005 Burlingham Sunsaloon A & C McLennan
NOB010 Bedford OB Wallace Arnold
NOWB001 Bedford OWB Royal Navy
NOWB002 Bedford OWB brown as delivered
NPE004 Plaxton Elite Logans of Dunloy
NRM013 Routemaster Bow Centenary
NTR006 Cardiff Tram
Giftware items
SCOT001 Routemaster Scottish Bus
SP052 Bullnose Morris Large Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
SP053 Bullnose Morris Small Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
MIN016 Mini Just Married
MIN017 Mini Happy Birthday
MIN018 Mini Congratulations 1:43
Exclusive First Editions update By Frank Joyce
1:76 diecast models developed by EFE over the past few months include the Alexander Y-Type bus with alternative entrance door style and bus seats, the Bristol VRI and flat-fronted VRII, and the single-deck Routemaster. The current situation of the world economy and the pressures on manufacturing and sales are affecting us in various ways. Advances in Computer Aided Design and manufacture over recent years have slightly reduced lead times, but hardly affected mould tooling costs. To reduce these costs some model firms have come away from diecast and are producing models in plastic or resin. This reduces tooling costs, but it creates its own problems; only time will tell if these models are as collectable. Manufacturers in China are under pressure; implementing statutory welfare reforms, significantly reducing the workforce, and closing factories, resulting in a lack of manufacturing capacity, which pushes prices up, plus the Pound has lost a third of its value against the Hong Kong Dollar. At home, pressure on personal finances has reduced model sales, causing us to make smaller quantities, which affects the unit cost. Let’s just look at the cost of model decoration. If the cost of artwork, print plates and mask spray plates is £2,500 and we make 2,500 models it adds £1.00 to the manufacturing cost of each model. If we only make 1,000 models it adds £2.50. If we make only 600 pieces of a more unusual bus livery then it could add over £4.00 to the cost of each model. It is therefore not surprising that all companies are struggling to maintain product prices against spiralling costs and supply issues.
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