CORGI TV & FILM

❯❯WIN
£4.30 • February 2019 • Issue 256
A bundle of five famous
vehicle models to be won
www.diecast-collector.co.uk

Big & British

Corgi’s popular
1/50 scale
British bus range
remembered

PLUS
Matchbox Superfast
50th anniversary

The Silver Arrows that

raced with four rings

Dinky Toys Aveling-

Barford
Road
Rollers

❯❯ GULF PORSCHE ❯❯ THE RETURN OF CIJ

917 AT DAYTONA The reissued CIJ models by Norev,
Minichamps’ big scale Atlas Editions and Dan Toys
model marking
the 917K’s ❯❯ 14 PAGES OF NEW RELEASES
first race More new model reviews than anywhere else! Display until 1 February
 Great Fairs to Be At - Great Fairs to Buy At

BOLTON STADIUM
SUNDAY 6TH JANUARY 280
10.30am - 3pm
THE PREMIER SUITE, BOLTON STADIUM, HORWICH, STALLS
NR. BOLTON, BL6 6SF.
Only 500 yards from junction 6 of the M61 motorway. Free Parking
for thousands of cars. Horwich Parkway Railway Station is just
100 yards from the Stadium.
Early Bird Entry from 8am £8.
Adults £4, Senior Citizens £3.50, Children £1
THE BIG ONE IN THE NORTH WEST
STAFFORD SHOWGROUND
M
SUNDAY 13TH JANUARY ORE THAN
10.30am - 3pm 300
THE PRESTWOOD AND ARGYLE SUITES, STAFFORD COUNTY
SHOWGROUND, WESTON ROAD, STAFFORD, ST18 0BD
STALLS
Situated on the A518 Stafford to Uttoxeter road. Signposted from
junction 14 of the M6 motorway. Free parking.
Early Bird Entry from 8am £8.
Adults £4, Senior Citizens £3.50, Children £1
A GREAT WEST MIDLANDS TOYFAIR
NEC BIRMINGHAM S5TA50
SUNDAY 10TH FEBRUARY LLS
10.30am - 3pm
HALL 18, NATIONAL EXHIBITION CENTRE, BIRMINGHAM, B40 1NT.
The NEC is located at junction 6 of the M42. Easy access from M1,
M5, M6 and M40. Unlimited FREE Parking for all Toy Fair visitors.
Take the train directly to the NEC (Birmingham International Station
is a short walk from Hall 18)
Early Bird Entry from 8am £13.
Adults £8, Senior Citizens £7.50, Children £2
BRITAIN’S BIGGEST TOY FAIR
COVENTRY 160
SUNDAY 24TH FEBRUARY STALLS
10.30am - 3pm
THE CONNEXION, RYTON-ON-DUNSMORE, NR. COVENTRY, CV8 3FL.
The Connexion is just off the A45, with Free Parking for all visitors.
Early Bird Entry from 8am £6.
Adults £3, Senior Citizens £2.50, Children £1

HUNDREDS OF TOYS & MODELS FOR SALE

www.bpfairs.com Tel: 01604 846688 / 07966 527177
In this issue

EDITORIAL
Publisher Rob McDonnell
robm@warnersgroup.co.uk
Editor Rick Wilson
rick.wilson@warnersgroup.co.uk
Editorial Design Cathy Herron
Editorial Contributors
Contents February2019 • Issue 256
David Pullen, Steven Downes, Richard Carlson,
Francisco Mota, Michael Driver, Brian Gower,
Mike Pigott, Paul Lumsdon, David Busfield,
04 News and Events
All that is happening in
the world of diecast collecting.
David Lynn, David Wright, Andrew Ralston,
Rick Wilson
Photography João Carlos Oliveira,
Rick Wilson, Christian Nentwig
08 What's New
11 pages of this month's
best new model releases from
Marketing Executive our panel of experts.
Katherine Brown Tel: 01778 395092
katherine.brown@warnersgroup.co.uk
ADVERTISING
Group Advertising Manager
22 NZG Celebrates by
Going Large
Steven Downes checks out
Claire Ingram Tel: 01778 391179
claire.ingram@warnersgroup.co.uk
NZG's entres into 1/18 scale.
52
Multimedia Sales Executive
Kristina Green Tel: 01778 392096 25 Subscription offer
Subscribe and save with
kristina.green@warnersgroup.co.uk
Advertising Production & Design
our latest offer - check it out!
52 Fighters in the Sky
Something a bit different 74 Vintage Dinky
of the Month
Nicola Lock Tel: 01778 392420
nicola.lock@warnersgroup.co.uk 26 Large Scale Success
Rick Wilson compares
Minichamps' huge 1/12 scale
as Christian Nentwig showcases
his photographic talents.
DTCA Chairman, Michael Driver,
focuses on the Dinky Supertoys
News Trade Distribution Recovery Tractor.
Warners Group Distribution Ltd Porsche 917 with the real car.
54 Superfast at 50
The first in a 10-part
Tel: 01778 391150
SUBSCRIPTIONS
29 Corgi Competition
Your chance to win a
series as Rick Wilson recalls the
Lesney years from 1969 to 1982.
76 Price Guide
Value your collection with
our auction result round up.
Subscriptions hotline 01778 392006
Subscription rates Corgi TV & Film bundle.
UK and BFPO £42.99
Europe & Eire Airmail £69.99
30 Corgi's Big Buses
Part 2 of Mike Pigott's
57 Austin Champ by Jensen
David Wright takes up
the challenge of creating a new
81 ToyFair Times
All the best upcoming
Worldwide Airmail £89.99 events in the diecast calendar.
Digital subscriptions are available from look back at Corgi's bigger angle on an old favourite.
£17.99 – visit www.pocketmags.com/
diecast-collector for more information
releases of British buses.
61 The Return of CIJ 83 Dear Editor
Your chance to express
Can’t find a copy in the shops?
Order your copy online at
34 Dinky Toys Road Rollers
David Busfield finds that
Andrew Ralston charts the
recent phoenix-like rise of CIJ
your views on any diecast subject.

www.diecast-collector.co.uk
Dinky's range is more extensive
than you might think.
with Atlas, Norev and Dan Toys.
83 Next Month
A sneak preview of what is
CONTACT
Write to us at:
Diecast Collector, Warners Group 40 In the Spotlight: 66 From the Editor's
Collection
coming in next month's edition.

Publications plc, The Maltings, West Street,

Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9PH.
Little Wheels
Is this the future of retail? Paul
Another glimpse into Rick
Wilson's diecast stash. 85 Off the Beaten Track
Andrew Ralston checks out
a rare South American Beetle.
Fax: 01778 392422
Lumsdon investigates.
Website: www.diecast-collector.co.uk
www.collectors-club-of-great-britain.co.uk
51 The Original Supervan
David Lynn seeks out a
68 Silver Arrows part 2
Francisco Mota concludes
his look at the silver racers that 86 The Last Word
Brian Gower discusses the
Printing Warners Midlands plc
model on his wishlist, by Oxford. raced with four rings. concept of previous ownership.
Tel: 01778 395100
This publication is
printed by Warners
01778 395111
54 68
DISCLAIMER
All material published remains the copyright of
Warners Group Publications Plc, no part of this
magazine may be published without the prior
permission of the publisher. Views expressed
by contributors are not necessarily the views
of the editor or publisher and the greatest care
has been taken to ensure accuracy, but the
publishers cannot accept responsibility for
omissions or errors.
While we take every care, we cannot accept
liability for loss or damage to contributed copy/
material and the large volume of enquiries
means not all correspondence can be replied
to personally. Competition winners’ details are
available from the editorial address; please
enclose SAE with your enquiry.
While every care is taken when accepting ❯❯WIN
CORGI TV & FILM
A bundle of five famous

SUBSCRIBE TODAY FOR

vehicle models to be won

advertisements, we cannot accept £4.30 • February 2019 • Issue 256 www.diecast-collector.co.uk

responsibility for unsatisfactory transactions.

We will however investigate any complaints.
Big & British
Data Protection – Warners Group
Publications Plc may lend reputable companies
the names & addresses of readers who have
Corgi’s popular
1/50 scale
British bus range
remembered

PLUS
Matchbox Superfast
JUST £37.99 FOR 12 MONTHS
Save time and money • Free delivery
50th anniversary

responded to offers, services and competitions The Silver Arrows that

raced with four rings

Dinky Toys Aveling-

Barford

organised by Diecast Collector magazine. If you Road

Rollers

do not wish to receive such mailings, please

Turn to page 25 to find out more...
❯❯ GULF PORSCHE ❯❯ THE RETURN OF CIJ
917 AT DAYTONA The reissued CIJ models by Norev,
Minichamps’ big scale Atlas Editions and Dan Toys
model marking

write or phone us at the given address. the 917K’s

first race
❯❯ 14 PAGES OF NEW RELEASES
More new model reviews than anywhere else! Display until 1 February

February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • 3

News&Events Here's a round-up of the latest hobby news and events.
CORGI’S 2019 RANGE
COMING SOON
CORGI has confirmed that it will release all the details of its previously
unannounced upcoming releases in mid-January so we will have full coverage in
the next issue.
The only hint that we have heard so far as to what might be on offer is that
it has an agreement in place with Warner Bros. We can therefore expect some
further excellent TV & Film releases to go with the eagerly awaited Beatles’ Yellow
Submarine (No CC05401, due anytime now) and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (No
CC03502, expected in March 2019) announced previously.
So make sure you pick up a copy of next month’s Diecast Collector (on sale 1st
February) for all the news and details. ■
FIRST EVER 1/18
SCALE LOTUS 16
TECNOMODEL has just announced the first ever 1/18 replicas of the Lotus 16
from the 1959 Formula 1 Grand Prix season.
Both Lotus 16s from the 1959 Dutch Grand Prix will be replicated, with Innes
Ireland finishing fourth in the No 12 car, and Graham Hill coming home seventh
in the No 14 example. Hill’s No 28 Lotus 16 from the 1959 British Grand Prix
will also be recreated, the future world champion coming home ninth on that
occasion. Finally, Tecnomodel will also release the No 44 car that Bruce Halford
campaigned in the 1959 Monaco Grand Prix, albeit not for very long, as he was
eliminated in a multi-car accident on lap two.
As always with Tecnomodel, the limited edition quantities on these replicas
are small, at between just 90 and 100 pieces each. There is a very high chance
that they will be sold out to pre-orders before they are actually released, so make
sure you place your pre-order for what you want now at Diecast Legends (www.
diecastlegends.com) to avoid missing out. ■
4 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019
SUPERFAST
SPENDING SPREE
WITH the 50th anniversary of the launch of Matchbox Superfast
occurring in 2019, it seems to have heightened interest and
values seem to be creeping upwards. This was reflected in a
recent Vectis auction (6th December 2018) when two examples
fetched £1,100 each!
The Specialist & Tin Plate Toy Sale featured a substantial
quantity of Matchbox models, much of which was Superfast.
The two that obviously caught a huge amount of interest to
finish at the prices they did were, admittedly, incredibly rare
but nevertheless this does highlight the trend of upward values
that has been reflected across this particular area of collecting
recently.
Matchbox Superfast No 28 Mack Dump Truck twin pack pre-
production colour trial model (lot 2229) features a red cab and
chassis, with a dark olive green tipper body and was finished
without windows fitted. The model also has a red grille and
base, with rear axle brace and doesn’t have its 1-75 range model
number cast. It’s finished with black dot-dash wheels and a
black twin rivet front axle clip. Near mint but unboxed, the pre-
auction estimate was just £150-£200.
Matchbox Superfast No 64 MG 1100 (lot 2418) features the
usual metallic blue body, clear windows, ivory interior and
bare metal base but comes with 5-spoke wide wheels, which is
exceptionally rare, in fact the Vectis auctioneers noted that it
was the first one that they had ever seen! Also unboxed, overall
its condition is near mint but the interior is a little dusty/dirty
from display thanks to the open side windows. The pre-auction
estimate reflected its rarity at £400-£500 but this was still
substantially exceeded. ■
▲ Two Matchbox Superfast lots exceeded all expectations during a
recent Vectis auction, each reaching a staggering £1,100: No 28 Mack
Dump Truck pre-production colour trial (left) and No 64 MG 1100 fitted
with exceptionally rare wide wheels (right).
AND THE WINNER IS...
From the huge number of entries that we had for The Big
Bburago Banger competition recently, we can confirm that
S. Lee from West Midlands is the winner and the big prize
bundle is on its way!
Congratulations!
 GOT A STORY?
Contact rick.wilson@warnersgroup.co.uk

Welcome
My name is Rick and I'm a collectaholic.
There. I've said it now. What might
have prompted this possibly startling
DELIGHTFUL confession, you might ask? Well, it's like
this... Are you sitting comfortably?
C-TYPE FROM CMC Coincidentally, this whole scenario
actually began as a conversation on the
COMING soon from the masters of miniature engineering, CMC, is a grid before the start of the 2001 Daytona ▲ Rick Wilson, Editor
series of six versions of Jaguar’s much-admired C-Type in 1/18 scale,
24 Hours. (If you're paying attention at
the first of which, an open-ended release in British Racing Green, can be
seen here (the other five will be limited editions of either 500, 1,000 or
the back of the class, this event comes up
1,500). later too, but for a different reason.) I was
The story of the C-Type begins in 1949 with the introduction of chatting to a good friend, Michael Keyser,
Jaguar’s magnificent XK120 sports car. Based on the XK120, the C-Type and he happened to mention something
was developed in 1951 for motor racing and a total of 53 were built, about how he'd wished that he'd put a bit
including four on lightweight chassis. The car used the XK 120 running of motorsport memorabilia up for sale
gear of the road proven XK120 in a lightweight tubular frame designed by on eBay as he'd given it away and hadn't
William Heynes and an aerodynamic aluminium body jointly developed realised its potential value. "What is
by Heynes, R J (Bob) Knight and later Malcolm Sayer. C-Types won the this eBay?" I asked, innocently. Michael
Le Mans 24 Hours twice, in 1951 and 1953, and the latter was with a car
told me all about it and I was intrigued.
fitted with disc brakes – new technology at the time!
CMC’s six releases are numbered M-191 (illustrated here), M-192
When I returned to England after the
in Ecurie Ecosse colours as driven by Jimmy Stewart at the 1954 race I had to find out more. That's when I
Goodwood Members Meeting (limited to 1,500), M-193 in fully restored came across some old Superfast models,
concours condition and painted red (1,000), M-194 in yellow Ecurie just like the ones I had when I was very
Francorchamps livery from Le Mans 1953 (1,000), M-195 in British young. Temptation proved too much and
Racing Green as the factory-entered 1953 Le Mans 24 Hours winner I was officially a diecast collector.
(1,500) and M-196 replicates a 1953/4 Panamericana entry (500). That set me off down the road that
Each precision, hand-crafted model features a true-to-the-original led me to the hot seat here and typing
replication of the six-cylinder in-line engine with all accessories and this I've literally only just realised the
wiring plus metal exhaust pipes, an authentic instrumental panel and
connection between two of my articles
cockpit with leather-covered driver and passenger seats. There is also a
hinged and lockable bonnet, plus perfectly designed wheels with hand-
in this issue. With the 50th anniversary
wired stainless steel spokes and base nipples, and removable central of Superfast now officially upon us in
knock-off nuts with side-dependent left- and right-hand threads. 2019, my involvement in its celebration
All versions will be available to the trade through John Ayrey Die-casts can be directly attributed to that chance
(www.ayrey.co.uk), with a RRP in the UK of £589.99. ■ conversation in Florida nearly 18 years
ago. On the very same day, Saturday
3rd February 2001, I came into close
contact with a car that I just happen to
be writing about in this issue too, the
1970 Daytona-winning Porsche 917K. But
I digress, I've wandered a little from the
main subject.
Back to my collecting Superfast models
and my addiction to it, in my quest to
bolster my collection to celebrate those
50 years for your reading pleasure, I've
strayed rather significantly into the
hardcore part of the auction world, i.e.
getting into bidding at a proper auction.
NEW BEXLEYBUS It is rather addictive, although I sense
that I'm still very much an amateur as

LEYLAND NATIONAL most of the time I was outbid. You'll see

the fruits of my labour (the ones I did
INVICTA Model Rail based in Sidcup, Kent, has confirmed that its win) in these pages very soon!
much-anticipated new 1/76 scale release should be on sale early in
2019. Leyland National registration number THX 178S wears the livery of
Bexleybus and is depicted on route 269 to Bromley North. The real bus
retired from Bexleybus service in December 1988, going into storage
until its eventual sale to PVS (Carlton).
Limited to just 504 pieces, this new model (No 16609Z) is being
produced exclusively for Invicta by EFE and will be priced at £32.99.
▼

For more information, and to buy, go to www.invictamodelrail.com. Diecast Collector is part of www.ccofgb.co.uk

January 2017 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • 5

 xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
News & Events
Northwards DAF XF Super Space
6x2 tractor unit with 3 axle
insulated curtain Thermo King
refrigerated trailer.
1 2
TWO NEW TRUCK MODELS FROM SEARCH IMPEX
DERBYSHIRE based promotional model trucks specialist,
Search Impex, is pleased to announce the release of its two
latest WSI-manufactured exclusives, both in 1/50 scale.
The first is a DAF XF Super Space (6x2) tractor unit
and 3 axle, insulated curtain, refrigerated (Thermo King)
trailer, customised in the highly attractive livery of Scottish
operator, Northwards Ltd, in a certificated limited edition
of 205 pieces, priced at £149 each (including UK delivery
& VAT).
Northwards is one of the main freight and haulage
operators to and from the Northern Isles. Formed in 2002,
the company is often thought of as a relatively new name
on the scene but Northwards has the enviable privilege of
being able to trace its history back to the 1930s. At this
time, haulage operations in the Northern Isles were being
pioneered by the North of Scotland Orkney & Shetland
Steam Navigation Company to complement its shipping
service. This later became the North of Scotland Orkney
& Shetland Shipping Company, then Coast Lines Ltd and
eventually the company became part of the P&O Group in
the 1970s.
In 2002, P & O Scottish Ferries ceased to operate the
ferry routes to the Orkney & Shetland Isles and the freight
and haulage operations were subject to a successful
management buyout and Northwards Ltd. came into being.
The name Northwards incidentally was chosen as it was
the telegraph address for the original North of Scotland
Orkney & Shetland Steam Navigation Company, thus
keeping a connection to the roots of the business.
In January 2011, Sea-Cargo Aberdeen Ltd. became
majority shareholders in the company, providing added
expertise and transport links in to Scandinavia.
Northwards has a fleet of around 55 vehicles and 120
trailers operating throughout Shetland, Orkney and
mainland Scotland. As well as the original depots in
Shetland, Orkney, Aberdeen and Scrabster, additional
facilities were also opened in Inverness in 2003 and in
Glasgow in 2014.
This new model depicts the cab unit with registration
SV17 HHA and declares allegiance to the Scrabster depot,
carrying Scrabster and Lerwick depot telephone numbers.
6 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019
McCaul Haulage Scania R580
Streamline Topline 6x2 single
wheel tag axle tractor unit with
3 axle extender flatbed trailer.
3 4
1. Turning the cab unit
Search Impex’s second new release is of a Scania R580
reveals the exquisite
Streamline Topline 6x2, single wheel tag axle, tractor detail to the Thermo
unit carrying registration number is SV65 KJA with a 3 King unit.
axle, extender flatbed trailer, customised in the livery of,
2. Detail to the rear
recently acquired, Aberdeen based, McCaul Haulage Ltd.,
is excellent with the
in a certificated limited edition of 175 pieces, priced at closed doors well
£153 each (including UK delivery & VAT). replicated and adorned
The recent takeover (completed in February 2018) of with perfectly applied
McCaul Haulage by Dyce based ARR Craib will see a long graphics.
established haulier whose livery has been a familiar part of
3. The trailer is
the Scottish road haulage scene for many years gradually superbly finished with
phased out. The takeover was agreed between the two great detail and is
companies following the decision of founding owner, Tim extendable too.
McCaul, to retire from the business.
4. The McCaul livery
Since its launch in the early 1970s, McCaul Haulage looks great from any
catered for the transport needs of its clients in the north angle and will be much
east of Scotland in a wide range of different sectors. It missed from Britain's
undertook business throughout the UK & Europe and was roads.
well known for service and delivery, as well as having an
excellent reputation as an abnormal load specialist.
ARR Craib and McCaul Haulage operated in broadly
similar sectors of the haulage industry. This meant that the
recently completed takeover was an excellent strategic fit
and enabled a seamless transition of staff, contracts and
assets to ARR Craib – including McCaul’s fleet of HGVs
and a number of its curtainside and flatbed trailers. The
takeover now makes ARR Craib the largest company of
its kind in the area with a workforce of 430 and a fleet of
over 300 vehicles and trailers operating from bases and
distribution hubs in Aberdeen, Cumbernauld, Stockton on
Tees and Great Yarmouth.
Both models have been produced exclusively for Search
Impex by WSI Collectibles as a certificated limited edition
and, as is to be expected from WSI, the level of detail and
finish throughout the cab units and trailers is exemplary.
The paint is perfectly applied and the graphics are crisp
and clear making both of these very pleasing to observe,
therefore making outstanding additions to any collection.
For details of availability of these and other models,
collectors can visit the Search Impex website at
www.search-impex.co.uk or call 01332 873555. ■
 Take to the road!
Introducing the latest OO scale models from E.F.E. by Bachmann

E34115 AEC RT LONDON TRANSPORT CATFORD GARAGE 75

Certiicated release of 800 pieces

The iconic ‘RT’ represented standardised double deck bus operation in Central and suburban London
and the surrounding Country Area from the 1940s to the 1970s. South London bus route 75 from
Woolwich to Croydon dates back to 1912. RT types were introduced to the route in 1950 and
continued in daily service for the next 27 years. Our model depicts RT3853, registered LLU 652, which
performed the inal duty into Catford Garage on 25th February 1977, bringing crew operation with
driver and conductor on the 75s to an end.
AVAILABLE JANUARY 2019

NEW E.F.E. OO SCALE BUS GARAGE!

E99660
BUS GARAGE
With its Art Deco styling
the E.F.E. Bus Garage is the
perfect way to display your
bus collection and is also ideal
for use on model railway
layouts or dioramas. To help
the modeller start creating
their own bus diorama, the Bus
Garage comes with a FREE
E.F.E. bus worth £19.95!

AVAILABLE NOW

Model • Collect • Create A Bachmann Product

 New Models
new
ew
MEET THE
TEAM
OXFORD'S GROUP OF COLOURFUL PERIOD
CHEVROLETS IS REALLY FLAMING GOOD
1/87 scale
OXFORD DIECAST
Chevrolet Hot Rods 3 Piece Set - 1965 Stepside Pick
Up, 1957 Nomad, 1961 Impala Convertible
PRICE: £17.95 REF NO: 87SET001
www.oxforddiecast.co.uk
HOT, hot, hot!
The latest offering from
Oxford Diecast in its 1/87
scale American range is this
stunning 3-piece collection
of extravagantly decorated
Chevrolets from the 1950s and
1960s. As you can tell from the
product reference code, this is
the company's first set at this
scale and what a way to start.
8 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019
Our team of experts take a look at this
month's model releases, including fine
handbuilt replicas, scale construction
and the latest in farm models.
11
BUMPER
PAGES!
All three models have been
previously released, but not with
these paint jobs.
First up is the Chevrolet
Stepside Pick Up from 1965 and
it certainly lives up to the Hot
Rod name, decorated in black
with orange and red flames
leaping up the bonnet and
sides and a mass of surrounding
chrome. It is finished off with a
▲
OMxxx
Rick
Wilson
Editor
and
general
reviews
realistic number plate, registered
in Texas as 7Z 3894.
Second in the line-up is
a 1961 Chevrolet Impala
Convertible, which appears in
a vibrant metallic purple and
bright yellow colour scheme
with metallic purple-filled
chrome side flashes down either
side of the car- you would
certainly see this coming! The
top is down to reveal a silver
grey interior. This Hot Rod is
registered in Maryland as
KD 23 76. Whitewall tyres add
to the period effect.
Completing the colourful trio
is a 1957 Chevrolet Nomad in
a two-tone blue flamed livery
with a white roof, bright blue
Richard
Carlson
Handbuilt
models
interior and decorated with
pale blue ‘flames’ licking along
the bonnet and sides of the car
to contrast with the mid-blue
bodywork. The chrome tail fins,
bumpers and other exterior
trim are all picked out in silver
and the car is registered in
Colorado with the registration
number 39-1415. This car also
features period whitewall tyres.
Oxford's American range
has been going from strength
to strength recently with some
excellent new tooling (we
can't wait for the new Dodge
releases to start coming through,
particularly the Charger
variants) and this set is a superb
idea that really captures the
flavour of the US customisation
scene back in the day.
The restriction of this smaller
scale has not held Oxford
back here and the detail to
the flames is nothing short of
superb. Each of the vehicles
is exquisitely finished and
together they make for an
amazing display that will
surely provoke plenty of
discussion either on their
own or at a drive-in diorama.
Now there's a thought... DC
THIS MONTH'S INDEPTH REVIEWS:
8 Chevrolet Hot Rods 3-piece set from Oxford Diecast
13 Automodello's Mustang II Concept
18 Honda Urban EV Concept from DNA Collectibles
19 Oxford's latest BMC Transporter complete with Minis
20 EDITOR'S CHOICE - Consolidated Catalina by Corgi
CORGI Such a colourful model of this now
Fokker D.VII (OAW) 4649/18 ‘Seven 100-year old aircraft. Excellent
Swabians’ September 1918   application of a very complicated livery
SCALE: 1/48 PRICE: £54.99 REF: AA38906 makes this an absolute beauty.
www.corgi.co.uk

Steven
Downes David
Construction Pullen
& Trucks Farming

BEST OF SHOW A rather splendid release from BoS

Ford TW-20 - 1979   and it features a good level of detail,
SCALE: 1/87 PRICE: €29.95 including a nice cab interior, for its size.
REF: 223664 Beautifully proportioned too.
www.modelcarworld.de

▲ 1957 Chevrolet Nomad.

CORGI An interesting choice for its latest

Volkswagen Beetle Type 1-11E Beetle model but this works really well
British Army, Royal Military Police   and it's certainly an interesting vehicle.
SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £27.99 REF: VA01209 Subtle but very well finished.
www.corgi.co.uk

▲ 1961 Chevrolet Impala Convertible.

OXFORD DIECAST Two come along almost together after we

Saro Bus - London Greenline
SCALE: 1/76 PRICE: £17.95
REF: 76SB003
▲ 1965 Chevrolet Stepside Pick Up.
reviewed the second tooling release last
month. But that's a good thing as Oxford's
Saro Bus looks stunning in Greenline colours.
▼

www.oxforddiecast.co.uk

February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • 9

New Models

OXFORD DIECAST The MkV Jag is beautifully repliacted MATRIX SCALE MODELS Citroën's beautiful CX looks particularly
Jaguar MkV closed - dark blue/tan   again by Oxford, this time in 'hood up' Citroën CX Loadrunner 1989    fabulous in this stretched six-wheeled
SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £24.95 stance. Some truly fine detail and well SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £94.99 guise. Excellent attention to detail and
REF: 43JAG5003 finished all over. REF: MX 10304-032 perfectly finished.
www.oxforddiecast.co.uk www.ayrey.co.uk

MATRIX SCALE MODELS Another release from Matrix in its series OXFORD DIECAST There is something about Oxford's
Maserati 250F - Moss Goodwood 1956    of racing cars depicts Moss' Goodwood Land Rover Series I 88" Hard Top - RAF   Land Rovers at this scale that is very
SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £95.99 1956 winning Maserati 250F. It's an SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £12.95 appealing and this RAF version is
REF: MX R41311-012 absolute stunner with great detail. REF: 43LAN188021 definitely up there amongst its best yet.
www.ayrey.co.uk www.oxforddiecast.co.uk

UNIVERSAL HOBBIES Universal Hobbies latest 5700 series ROS Features a fully functional 6-in-1 PAT
Massey Ferguson 5713S Tractor   tractor features an upgraded cab, new Kobelco ED160BR-5 “Blade Runner” blade, complete with folding tips. The
SCALE: 1/32 PRICE: £53.00 exterior driving mirrors and revised Tracked Excavator   interior has been captured well and the
REF: UH5305 bonnet with new decals. SCALE: 1/50 PRICE: €85.00 REF: 1134 digging equipment is very detailed.
shop.masseyferguson.com www.kobelcofanshop.com

CONRAD Fitted with a cargo storage body with BROOKLIN MODELS An exceptionally good model of this
MAN TGX XLX Euro 6 “Wörmann”   sides and a rear mounted Palfinger 1957 Pontiac Safari Station Wagon   popular American sports-utility wagon,
SCALE: 1/50 PRICE: €130.00 knuckleboom crane which comes with SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £190.00 in authentic metallic blue with white
REF: 76238/0 both hook and grab attachments. REF: BRK 227 roof. All the detail is there.
www.spiel-modellkistl.de www.brooklinmodels.co.uk

10 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019

 New Models

OXFORD DIECAST Continuing its series of microcars at AUTOCULT Released as part of its Masterpiece
BMW Isetta - RAC   various scales, Oxford has packed Alfa Romeo Sport Coupé 2000 (1953) collection, this sumptuous Alfa Romeo
SCALE: 1/76 PRICE: £5.45 in some lovely detail with the SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £91.99 is exquisitely finished throughout.
REF: 76IS002 rear-mounted carry box. Superb! REF: 90071 Flawless red paint and stunning detail.
www.oxforddiecast.co.uk www.ayrey.co.uk

AUTOCULT A fabulously quirky release, this OXFORD DIECAST This latest forward control Landie
Wanderer W3 pick-up "Puppchen"   amazing single-seat delivery van Land Rover FC GS   release is very pleasing in its desert
SCALE: 1/43PRICE: £81.99 features some astonishingly fine detail. SCALE: 1/76 PRICE: £9.95 camouflage livery. Fabulous finish all
REF: 01007 Absolutely superb. REF: 76LRFCG003 over and well detailed too.
www.ayrey.co.uk www.oxforddiecast.co.uk

UNIVERSAL HOBBIES Alongside new cab interior colours this TMC SCALEMODELS An excellent range of features and
Massey Feguson 8740S Tractor   S Series tractor has an updated front Hitachi ZX490LCH-6 Excavator   realism, from the cabin interior and
SCALE: 1/32 PRICE: £56.00 weight, bonnet, GPS receiver, road SCALE: 1/50 PRICE: €119.00 updated engine compartment to the
REF: UH5304 signage and driving mirrors. REF: TMC ZX490 main boom, with all hydraulic lines.
shop.masseyferguson.com www.hcmewebshop.com

CONRAD Fitted with a crewcab body and rear MATRIX SCALE MODELS Lovely little model of this pretty Voisin
MAN TGE Doka Transporter   storage platform. The interior is nicely 1938 Voisin C30 Goelette Dubos   convertible with dark red interior.
SCALE: 1/50 PRICE: €66.00 modelled, front wheels steer and there SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £85.00 Particularly impressive plated trim
REF: 1616/01 is a protective rack in the cargo area. REF: MX 52108-011 detail. There is also a top-up version.
▼

www.spiel-modellkistl.de www.matrixscalemodels.com

February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • 11

New Models

OXFORD DIECAST The popular Willys Jeep looks right at IXO Ixo's impressive series of 1/43 scale
Willys MB Jeep US Army   home in its simple but well applied US Renault Magnum AE 420 Ti - 1992   trucks is added to with this classic
SCALE: 1/76 PRICE: £5.75 Army livery. Excellent detail for this SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £32.99 Renault cab design that belies its age
REF: 76WMB003 small scale. REF: TR026 of over 26 years. Excellent throughout.
www.oxforddiecast.co.uk www.ayrey.co.uk

IXO Another super model of the rally Fiesta OXFORD DIECAST Oxford's latest Plaxton Panorama is
Ford Fiesta R5 - #31 and the Red Bull colours look great too. Plaxton Panorama beautifully decorated in the simple
Rallye Monte Carlo 2016   As is to be expected from Ixo, the finish A. Timpson & Sons Ltd. livery of A. Timpson & Sons Ltd. As
SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £35.99 REF: RAM668 and decal application is stunning. SCALE: 1/76 PRICE: £18.75 REF: 76PAN008 always, it's a great model.
www.ayrey.co.uk www.oxforddiecast.co.uk

SIKU Well finished diecast model with DIECAST MASTERS With U-Blade and rear ripper, opening
Claas Torion 1914 Wheeled Loader   functioning boom, movable driving Cat D11T Track-Type Tractor   engine covers, a detachable roof to fit
SCALE: 1/50 PRICE: £26.00 mirrors and hinged bonnet. Cab doors SCALE: 1/50 PRICE: £150.00 the operator and working adjustment of
REF: 02548660 do not open but there is a driver figure. REF: 85565 the blade and ripper hydraulics.
collection.claas.com www.diecastconstruction.co.uk

WSI Popular in Europe, this Scania R MATRIX SCALE MODELS This elegant Packard by Dietrich is
Scania R Rigid Flatbed Truck   6x2 with wooden panelled flatbed is 1934 Packard Twelve Stationary Coupe  well-modelled with all the details. As
SCALE: 1/50 PRICE: €172.00 fitted with a fully functional Palfinger SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £85.00 well as this green version, there's also a
REF: 01-2547 knuckleboom loading crane. REF: MX 41601-041 blue version with the dickey seat open.
www.wsi-collectors.com www.matrixscalemodels.com

12 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019

AUTOMODELLO'S
MUSTANG CONCEPT
IS REALLY WORTH
PONYING UP FOR
1/24 scale
AUTOMODELLO
1963 Ford Mustang II Concept
PRICE: £195.00 REF: 24F040
www.automodello.com
FORD'S Mustang is little
short of iconic in American
motoring history and it
coined the generic term,
“pony car”. Launched in April
1964, it was popular from the
outset, combining the image
of a sports car with all the
practicality of a compact sedan.
During its development
however Ford had a problem.
The original Mustang I
Concept (also modelled
by Automodello, though
unfortunately sold out) was
a 2-seater mid-engined gem
with independent suspension
all round and a virtually
unique V4 engine, from
the German Taunus. It had
generated great public interest,
but Ford needed to rein that
back, towards something more
feasible for production.
By 1963, the production
planning for the Mustang
was well under way, the go-
ahead being given for the car,
but as something altogether
IXO
GMC 6000 1988 - Los Angeles
Police Department  Definitely worthy of the price tag and a
SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £53.99 REF: BUS017
www.ayrey.co.uk
▲ Ford's stunning design is equally as appealing in miniature.
less radical, and to be based
on Ford Falcon mechanicals.
The Mustang II was therefore
created, and was based on a
pre-production prototype for
the new car, but with unique
front and rear styling, removable
hardtop and a large V8 engine.
Making its debut in Autumn
1963, the Mustang II did the
rounds of the motor shows etc ▲ It looks just as good with the hardtop in place, just like the real car
and did a great job in, managing
the expectations of the buying
public, and in readying the
market for the production car’s
launch the following spring.
Automodello has created a
wonderful model in resin, so
there are no opening parts, and
the detail inside and out is to its
usual exceptional standards, as is
the moulding quality and paint
finish.
Automodello has also made
a run of 50 'Tribute' models in
red with white stripe, though
around £75.00 more expensive.
Overall, a fine replica that is
sure to sell out quickly. DC ▲ Wonderful interior detail
An impressive model at this scale with TROFÉU This colourful 906 really stands out
a good finish and some nice detail. Porsche 906 - Vila Real 1971 with its incredibly exciting graphics. It
Carlos Santos   features crude cockpit air intakes, as
nice unusual subject. SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £69.99 REF: RRAC09 used on the real car to combat the heat.
▼
www.ayrey.co.uk
February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • 13
New Models

OXFORD DIECAST The latest release in Oxford's budget IXO The funky second generation 5 took on
Yak 3 - Anton Dmitrievich Yakimento aviation range is the less well-known Renault 5 GT Turbo 1985   a whole new personality in GT Turbo
150th Guards Regiment 1945   Yak 3. Despite its price, this is really SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £35.99 guise and Ixo's model captures its
SCALE: 1/72 PRICE: £14.95 REF: AC088 well finished and comes with a stand. REF: CLC303 character and detail very well indeed.
www.oxforddiecast.co.uk www.ayrey.co.uk

VK MODELLE This Scania features levels of detail OXFORD DIECAST Oxford's excellent N scale Ford 400E
Scania-Vabis LB 7635 Tractor Unit  that you wouldn't ordinarily expect at Ford 400E Van - Southdown   gets another outing, this time in
SCALE: 1/87 PRICE: €39.99 this scale thanks to its largely plastic SCALE: 1/148 PRICE: £5.25 the wonderful livery of Southdown.
REF: 76011 construction. Amazing quality. REF: NFDE008 Excellent detail and well finished.
www.vk-modelle.de www.oxforddiecast.co.uk

WEISE TOYS Beautifully engineered this diecast has DIECAST MASTERS The large blade has both height and tilt
Mercedes MB-trac 700 Tractor   steerable wheels, opening cab doors Cat D11T CD Track-Type Tractor   adjustment, there's a swivelling ladder
SCALE: 1/32 PRICE: €64.90 and working rear linkage. Detailing, SCALE: 1/50 PRICE: £150.00 to the modelled cabin, all hydraulics are
REF: 1058 particularly inside the cab, is good. REF: 85567 present and the linked tracks rotate.
www.weise-toys.de www.diecastconstruction.co.uk

WSI Features a host of details and MATRIX SCALE MODELS Excellent replica of this lovely 1950s
Tadano ATF70 Mobile Crane functionality including modelled 1956 Bentley Si Continental Park Ward Bentley coupe, in metallic rose/maroon
Verschoor   cabin interiors, luffing jib, extending SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £100.00 and with the usual high level of detail
SCALE: 1/50 PRICE: €179.00 REF: 51-2028 outriggers and telescopic boom. REF: MX 10201-033 that you'd expect from Matrix.
▼

www.wsi-collectors.com www.matrixscalemodels.com

14 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019

 Wholesale
1/72 scaledistribution
Military Diecast
Aviation models

TRADE ONLY
MGT00001 MGT00012
1/64 HONDA CIVIC TYPE R (FK8) 1/64 HONDA CIVIC TYPE R (FK8)
CHAMPIONSHIP WHITE NEW I RALLYE RED
N STO I G H T ANDNS
C K NO R IO
W! A I L A BLE INIVE VERS
AV AND D R
H
RRP LEFT
£12.49
MGT00004
NEW 1/64 LB WORKS NISSAN
RELE GT-R R35 TYPE 1 REAR
ASE!
WING BLUE
MGT00018
1/64 MCLAREN SENNA
MIRA ORANGE
MGT00010
11/64 HONDA CIVIC TYPE
R (FK8) CHAMPIONSHIP
MGT00009 WHITE W/ MODULO KIT
1/64 LB WORKS NISSAN GT-R
R35 TYPE 1, REAR WING
VER 1
MATTE WHITE
AVA
JANUA ILABLE
£29.9 RY 2019
1:72 SCALE MILITARY VEHICLES 5 EAC
H!
PMAP0324
1/72 V2 ROCKET PAN12172PB
CAMOUFLAGE 1/72 LEOPARD 2 A5 PAN12172PC
1/72 LEOPARD 2 A5
RRP
£44.95

IN ST
OCK
NOW
!
PMAP0325 PAN12172PA
1/72 BRITISH LRDG PATROL 1/72 LEOPARD 2 A5
CAR CAMOUFLAGE SAND
RRP
£44.95

PMAP0326
1/72 BRITISH LRDG PATROL
CAR CAMOUFLAGE BLUE RRP
IN STOCK NOW! £44.95
www.clevelandsdiecast.co.uk
www.clevelandsb2b.co.uk
Available from all good model retailers and specialist Aviation shops.
Distributed in the UK and Europe by Clevelands Wholesale Ltd.
Contact us for your nearest stockist • Tel: 01923 711772 • Email: sales@clevelandsdiecast.co.uk
Wholesale distribution of all major model, hobby and toy brands to the trade DIECAST . MODELS . HOBBIES . TOYS
 New Models

OXFORD DIECAST The diminutive Austin Tilly translates MODEL CAR GROUP A great value release from Model Car
Austin Tilly Light - AA Brigade   amazingly well into N scale. Despite its Land Rover 109 Series II Pick Up 1959   Group of its large scale Land Rover
SCALE: 1/148 PRICE: £4.95 size, it is well replicated and looks very SCALE: 1/18 PRICE: €54.95 tooling. Very well proportioned with a
REF: NTIL004 authentic. REF: 215047 superb finish and some good detailing.
www.oxforddiecast.co.uk www.modelcarworld.de

VK MODELLE Another release of VK Modelle's OXFORD DIECAST Oxford's latest Ford Cargo release
Scania-Vabis LB 7635 Tractor Unit  super-detailed Scania LB 76 series Ford Cargo Box Van - Parcelforce   comes in the popular livery of
Long Cabin with Corner Window tractor unit. A truly incredible level of SCALE: 1/76 PRICE: £12.95 Parcelforce and is really well finished
SCALE: 1/87 PRICE: €39.99 REF: 76014 detail for this scale. REF: 76FCG005 with very good detail.
www.vk-modelle.de www.oxforddiecast.co.uk

OXFORD DIECAST Largely diecast with good detail levels TMC SCALEMODELS Working outriggers, steering and
Combine Harvester   the newly-tooled combine has a freely Hitachi ZX140W-6 Wheeled Excavator   undercarriage blade, opening door,
SCALE: 1/76 PRICE: £15.95 rotating reel and main auger. Table SCALE: 1/50 PRICE: €95.00 perfect cabin. Two-part boom has a
REF: 76CHV001 height and tines on the reel are fixed. REF: TMC ZX140W great movement and all hydraulic lines.
www.oxforddiecast.co.uk www.hcmewebshop.com

WSI The crane is highly detailed and MATRIX SCALE MODELS A spectacularly flamboyant Pegaso.
Tadano ATF220G Mobile Crane functional, including working 1953 Pegaso Z-102 PS 2.5 Cupola   Note the red-wall tyres, and the striking
Royal Transport   outriggers, winch and telescopic boom SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £105.00 ochre yellow paintwork, against which
SCALE: 1/50 PRICE: €310.00 REF: 51-2025 with luffing jib. REF: MX LM02-1608 the pale green interior contrasts well.
▼

www.wsi-collectors.com www.matrixscalemodels.com

February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • 17

 New Models
INCREDIBLE HONDA ELECTRIC CONCEPT CAR
CAPTURED PERFECTLY BY DNA COLLECTIBLES
REVEALED to amazed
onlookers at the 2017 Frankfurt
Motor Show (and then again
at Geneva in early 2018),
Honda's Urban EV Concept
is built on a brand new
platform. Described as having
hints of the first generation
Honda Civic, it is four inches
shorter than the Honda Fit
'supermini'. In addition to all of
the futuristic styling cues,Yuki
Terai's incredible exterior design
features rear-hinged doors.
Designed by Fumihiro
Yaguchi, the interior fits four
adults, with the front passengers
seated on a single bench seat. The
dashboard is decorated in wood
trim with a long digital screen as
the instrument and information/
entertainment panel. On the
upper door panels are additional
screens that display feeds from
the side-view cameras.
MARGE MODELS
Vredo VT7028-2 Slurrytrac   loading arm and has a movable
SCALE: 1/32 PRICE: €129.00
REF: 1801
www.vredo.com
18 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019
The production version of the
Urban EV Concept is scheduled
for a European release in 2019
and then in Japan during 2020.
Test mules of the real car have
recently been spotted, although
sadly the body lines have been
toned down and it's now a five-
door hatchback.
But let's not distract ourselves
from what is a truly stunning
replica of the superb original
concept. Still relatively new to
the market, DNA's quality and
accuracy is already well-known
and much appreciated.
Apart from the super cutesy
but stylish lines, the first thing
that strikes you is the gorgeous
matt white paint finish - it's
just something that you have
to tocuh to fully appreciate!
Then take a look at those
wheels and their super intricate
spoking - to replicate these with
Features all-wheel steering, articulating
three-point rear linkage. It has a well
detailed cab interior.
1/18scale
DNA COLLECTIBLES
Honda Urban EV Concept
Frankfurt Motor Show 2017
PRICE: CHF 179.00 REF: DNA000015
www.dnacollectibles.com
▲ The lines of this cheeky little car
are wonderfully replicated by DNA.
such finesse is a testament to
DNA's automotive passion and
dedication to the task.
As a resincast, of course the
doors don't open but that doesn't
mean that the interior detail has
been skimped on - far from it.
Thankfully the car's airy interior ▲ Great interior is easy to
is easily visible thanks to a large appreciate with the vast areas of
'glass' in the car's design.
expanse of glass on the real car.
The simple but very pleasing
lights, front and rear, have been
so well done that it almost looks
like they could work and the
finish throughout is equally
impressive.
It's a limited run of just 320
pieces so don't delay or you might ▲ Fabulously futuristic features are
miss out on the future! DC everywhere on this amazing car.
TMC SCALEMODELS Featuring a fully opening cabin door,
Hitachi ZX250LC-6 Tracked Excavator   to reveal the modelled interior, and
SCALE: 1/50 PRICE: €99.00 opening engine covers. The model is
REF: TMC ZX250LC fitted with a wide grading bucket.
www.hcmewebshop.com
 BRILLIANT NEW BMC TRANSPORTER AND
MINIS SET FROM OXFORD DIECAST
1/76scale
OXFORD DIECAST
BMC Transporter with 2 Mini 1275GT
British Leyland Nederland
PRICE: £21.95 REF: 76SET54
www.oxforddiecast.co.uk
THE early days of sporting
Minis are revisited with this
superb new 3-piece set from
Oxford comprising a BMC
Mobile Unit Transporter
and two brightly decorated
1275GT Minis. Having already
appeared already in the Oxford
range as a separate item (this
is the fifclassicth release of
the BMC unit), it is a replica
of a vehicle commissioned
by Nuffield Exports in 1958
when Marshall Motor Bodies
of Cambridge built six of
these vehicles, constructed on
modified Nuffield 5-ton FF-K
100 chassis.
This model was as used
by the British Leyland
Special Tuning Service for
supporting private entrants
and is decorated in royal blue
with a white roof and mid-
body, carrying the registration
number BMC 34. This was a
familiar sight on the sidelines of
race and rally events from the
end of the 1950s onwards. In
this new set, it is accompanied
by two 1275 GT racing Minis
of the period competing under
WSI
Volvo FH4 Globetrotter XL 4x2 with
3-axle Reefer Trailer - Ton Brandhoff   adjustable and the tractor’s front axle
SCALE: 1/50 PRICE: €142.00 REF: 01/2576
www.wsi-collectors.com
▲
The set makes
for a great
display.
the
British
Leyland
Nederland flag,
one being the drive of David
Preece, wearing racing number
78, decorated in white with red
and green stripes with Castrol
Team sponsored logos along the
sides. The second Mini, with
the same sponsors and colour
scheme and wearing number 75,
is driven by Hugh Wheldon.
Oxford's BMC unit is a The rear
wonderful model, very well ramp comes
replicated and just as impressively down so that
finished. The operating rear the Minis can
fit inside.
ramp is simple but effective and
the Minis will actually go inside
- just! The cars themselves are Both Minis do fit but it's a tight one!
just as well finished and are very
evocative of the era with their
red and green Castrol stripes
accompanying the blue Leyland
logo on the roof.
This is yet another fabulous set
from Oxford and at just £21.95
it certainly represents great value
so is sure to be another big seller,
particularly amongst classic Mini
and British Leyland enthusiasts
for starters. DC
Modelled with a powered rear lift folded MATRIX SCALE MODELS Very impressive in black, with brown
platform. The trailer landing legs are 1938 Mercedes-Benz 770K D Cabriolet interior, wood-effect dashboard and
SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £90.00 shelf in the rear compartment. Great
has some limited steering movement. REF: MX 41302-121 detail inside and out.
▼
www.matrixscalemodels.com
February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • 19
New Models

OXFORD DIECAST From the photo it's difficult to tell that OXFORD DIECAST Very stylish, which of course is how this
Churchill Tank 1st Canadian Army Brg this is so small - another triumph for Rolls Royce 25 30 - Thrupp & Maberley car should look. The work around the
Dieppe 1942   Oxford at N scale. Excellent finish with SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £24.95 grille area and the chrome in general is
SCALE: 1/148 PRICE: £6.95 REF: NCHT002 plenty of clear detail. REF: 43R25003 most impressive.
www.oxforddiecast.co.uk www.oxforddiecast.co.uk

CORGI'S CATALINA IS A GREAT

TRIBUTE TO A TOTAL HERO
1/72 scale Editor’s
CORGI
Consolidated Catalina Mk.IVA JV928 ‘Y’, Flt/Lt John Alexander Cruickshank VC,
210 Squadron, July 1944 - 100 Years of the RAF
PRICE: £120.99 REF: AA36111
CHOICE
www.corgi.co.uk

DURING World War II,
Britain relied heavily on the
contribution of long range
maritime patrol aircraft to
protect its status as an island
nation, in particular the flying
boats and brave crews of
Coastal Command. Flying
alongside the mighty Short
Sunderland, the American
built Consolidated Catalina
proved to be one of the
most successful aircraft of its
type, able to mount patrols
that sometimes exceeded
eighteen hours at a time and
it was more than capable
of destroying any enemy
shipping that it encountered.
On one such patrol on 17th
July 1944, Catalina JV928,
piloted by Scotsman John
Cruickshank, was five hours into
a mission west of the Lofoten
Islands in the Norwegian Sea,
when the crew obtained a radar
signal from the sea below. The
aircraft flew down for a closer
look and was confronted by a
German U-boat and its anti-
aircraft guns. The Catalina took
multiple hits to the front but
the attack on the vessel was
successful. John Cruickshank had
suffered 72 wounds during the
frenetic attack, but despite the
pain and loss of blood, refused
morphine so he could remain
alert to help his inexperienced
co-pilot land the aircraft
following the five hour return
flight. For his part in this action,
John Cruickshank was awarded
the Victoria Cross.
Corgi's latest release of its
exquisite Catalina tooling is a
fine tribute to such an action,
with a sumptuous flat finish to
its realistic paint job and it is a
hugely impressive model to
display with a wingspan just
shy of eighteen inches.
There is plenty of good
detail and the propellers and
gun turrets all rotate but the
best features are the wing
tips that hinge down to act as
stability floats for when the
aircraft is on the water, just as
on the real aircraft.
Released as part of Corgi's
RAF 100 tribute range, it's
another excellent model and
worthy of shelf space. DC

▲ The wingspan approaches

eighteen inches, including the hinged wingtip floats.
▲

Plenty of cockpit detail and rotating parts.

We really want your feedback! Do you agree with the Editor's Choice? Let us know your
thoughts about this and the other releases at deareditor@warnersgroup.co.uk

20 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019

 200th Postal Auction
Dear Diecast Collector
Welcome to our 200th Bid for a Bargain postal auction which irst started in Diecast Collector magazine as some of you will remember and which
now runs alongside the Toy Price Guide range of books each month. We are once again inviting magazine readers to participate from the comfort
of their armchair and below you will ind a selection of items in our January auction which you are welcome to place bids on, or alternatively you can
request to receive the full auction list every month at NO cost.
Bidding is simple and regardless of your bid amount you pay ONLY £1 more than the runner-up bid, your bid also includes P&P. Bids can be
placed by post, telephone or email (address details below) also if you have a speciic question about a particular model please feel free to contact
me. A selection of this months items include the following:

Lot 1 Mettoy 920 Luxury Coach. Lawrence Scale Models

Near mint condition Mettoy Thrust 2. A very rare 1:43
Playthings Luxury motor coach Lot 2 scale white metal kit built
c.1956 complete with 6 seated model of the Thrust 2 (1993 &
igures, working friction drive 1996) produced by Lawrence
rear wheels and rotating Design & Models. In good
destination screen. In tough condition it is missing one
red/grey moulded plastic with rear wheel and measures
tinplate base it comes in a 19cm long. A very rare item
VG-excellent box. one of only 150 produced.
Guide Price: offers over £19 Guide Price: offers over £9

Crescent 1953 Coronation Corgi 462 Commer Police Van

Crown. Very rare 3-piece – Export Issue. Here we have Lot 4
Lot 3
diecast Coronation Crown a very rare Export issue Corgi
produced by Crescent/DCMT Commer police van in the deep
in 1953 to celebrate the green variation complete with
coronation of Queen Elizabeth working light unit, raised lettering
II. It comprises 2 interlocking on the sides and lift-off top panel
sides and a base and measures in VG unboxed condition (light
10cm tall, factory painted in red paint loss on cab roof). Very few
and gilt. Excellent condition. are known to exist.
Guide Price: offers over £7 Guide Price: offers over £39

Lot 5 Wells Brimtoy No. 9/520 - French Dinky 24N Citroen

Lot 6
Lyons Tea. A lovely condition 11BL. A very rare Dinky
Wells Brimtoy Pocket series French factory Citroen 11BL
Lyons Tea lorry with dark in scarce maroon/black
blue plastic cab, tinplate chassis with previously
Lyons Tea trailer with working unseen grey ridged hubs in
clockwork action. Missing one VG unboxed condition with
rear wheel but it includes a light rubs to edges. Rare
replacement spare and axle. example.
Guide Price: offers over £7 Guide Price: offers over £29

Lot 7 Lot 8
Morestone Motorcycle &
Sidecar – repaint. Excellent Lone Star Impy No.12
condition 1950s police Chrysler Imperial. Mint
motorcycle & sidecar with boxed Lone Star
riders made by Morestone in Roadmaster Impy Chrysler
the mid 1950s, this one has Imperial (hard top) in
been stripped and repainted metallic blue. Never
to a good standard. removed from its box.
Guide Price: offers over £9 Guide Price: offers over £6

• Bid at the guide price or above - Winning bidder

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included in the winning price - All winners will be
notiied in writing early February 2019
• Bids can be sent in the post to the address below
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NZG 1/18TH SCALE REPLICAS
NZG celebrates
by going large
In October 2018, NZG celebrated its 50th
anniversary and the company recently
announced its entry into the 1/18 scale
market. Steven Downes reports.
O
ver the last 50 years, NZG has
produced over 1,000 different models,
with construction equipment foremost
in its portfolio along with cranes and
trucks. It is interesting to see the line
up at the company’s office in Nuremberg and while
it has produced some rather unusual items over the
years, most of its models are in the popular 1/50
scale. NZG has recently branched out into another
market, that of 1/18 scale, which is predominantly
for car models and yet rather than cars, two
commercial vehicles have been developed for its first
foray into the 1/18 market.
MERCEDES-BENZ ACTROS
GIGASPACE 4X2 FH25
Ref: 952/55
Price: £299.99
Just picking up the box, you are greeted with a
heavy package indicating that there is plenty of
22 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019
▲ The 1/18 scale Mercedes-
Benz Actros GigaSpace 4x2
is a fantastic replica, already
available in several different
colours.
▲ Opening the front grille
reveals the filler caps and
internal details.
metal included within. Another surprise was the
addition of a button cell battery which fits into
the holder on the underside of the cabin with a
small three position slide switch mounted into
the floor of the cabin on the passenger side. The
switch operates the front grille’s Mercedes-Benz
star illumination on its own whilst moving the
switch to the next position also turns on some
subdued blue lighting inside the cabin, a rather
nice touch. Both passenger and driver doors open
wide allowing a view of the fully finished interior
with light coloured body panelling, dark coloured
seats which have surface engraving of the various
electrical adjustment switches. The passenger seat
has folding armrests and on the driver side, there
is the dashboard with steering wheel. The roof has
an inset window with a front fitted light bar and
sun visor. The door frames are fitted with rear view
mirrors and door handles and the side body panels
have wind deflectors.
1 1 The entire cabin can be tilted
forward to fit the battery.
2 The Mercedes-Benz
powerplant has been fully
modelled.
2 and aluminium components with a light green
▲ Both cabin doors open
to reveal the spacious and
excellent execution of the
interior.
▲ The fifth wheel coupling plate
has a working pin release lever.
▲ Excellent detail to
the rear of the cab too.
▲
The logo
and interior
illumination is a
nice touch.
February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk •
The chassis has plenty of underside detailing
including the driveshaft from the transmission
to the rear axle with all the airlines fitted from
the axles to the air tanks. Wheel chocks are fitted
to the rear frame with a loose pair included in
the box. The fifth wheel plate is mounted to the
frame so it can pivot, and the locking handle is
operational, although NZG has not yet released
the matching container trailer replica which is due
shortly. The front grille panel is hinged and lifts
up to reveal the interior detailing and, once raised,
the entire cabin can be tilted forward to reveal the
awesome Mercedes-Benz engine in the heart of
the chassis. The multi-colour finish includes black
coloured fan housing with pipe work implemented
along with the coiled air and electrical lines. The
air filter housing has a fine surface texture and the
box shape silencer has an engraved star logo.
50 YEARS OF NZG
NZG-Modelle GmbH was founded on 1 October 1968,
starting a success story that the two shareholders,
Betty Hauer and Gerhard Schmid, would only have
dreamt of at the time. The first NZG model was
designed and launched in the rather confined rooms of
the 3rd floor of a furniture store in the Tafelfeldstraße -
the excavator Weserhütte HW 70, No 101 (below).
Soon, the rapidly increasing demand for high
quality NZG models made a move to larger premises
necessary. A suitable location was found on
Sigmundstraße, number 147, and this is still the
company's head office today, although the floorspace
was substantially expanded in 1985. As well as the
administration, the model-making, painting shop,
manufacturing and warehouse/dispatch department
were all located on this site.
In 1986, the daughters of the company's founders,
Inge Ludwig (née Schmid) and Hannelore Hauer,
joined the company and gradually took over more
responsibility for the further development of the
company.
In 2000, Hannelore Hauer decided to sell her
company shares and Inge Ludwig, together with her
husband, Michael Ludwig, who joined the company in
1988, have been the sole managing partners of NZG-
Modelle GmbH.
The programme of models has slightly changed
over the years. Although NZG's product development
still largely focuses on construction machinery and
trucks in 1/50 scale, other scales and models now
belong to the range too, such as lifting platforms,
crane and road construction models, as well as
historical models.
To this day, NZG has developed, produced and
delivered more than 700 different model types to
more than 80 countries.
23
NZG 1/18TH SCALE REPLICAS
VOLKSWAGEN T6 MULTIVAN
Ref: 954/55
Price: £191.99
The follow up to the Actros is a 1/18 scale
Volkswagen T6 Multivan which is another rather
impressive model, from the sleek lines of the
exterior bodywork to the opening doors, bonnet
and tailgate which reveal the fully furnished
interior. Starting with the bonnet, this lifts up ▲ The T6's crisp rear end is well
to reveal the moulded engine cover with the replicated.
Volkswagen logo and TDi markings whilst to the
side is the screen wash bottle.
Both the driver and passenger doors are hinged
and easily open to reveal the front compartment.
From here, the dashboard has been implemented
fl awlessly; even the buttons and screen of the
central information display have been replicated.
The driver seat has some adjustment and the ▲ The interior detailing is excellent, right down to the tiny
cushions have a slightly flexible finish which I guess ▲ All the seats have folding switches and replicated satellite navigation screen.
armrests with the middle seats
is to mimic the leather effect of the real T6. able to rotate and slide.
Both left and right armrests on all the internal
seats can be folded while the rear compartment,
accessed by sliding open the rear doors, allows
for plenty of play, with the three-person rear seat
having the ability to both slide along the tracks in
the floor and also fold down for when storage is
more important. The single seats in the rear can be
rotated through 360 degrees and a central module,
also able to slide along the floor rails incorporates a ▲ The opening bonnet reveals
table which can be shown either folded, or raised. the different filler bottles and
engine shroud.
The rear full height tailgate opens with two tiny gas
cylinders and once open, there are options with the
boot space by fitting the cargo shelf into the floor
tracks.
NZG has already produced several different
coloured T6 Multivan models (red with black roof
No 9542/10, white with black roof No 9542/40
and red lower body with white upper body/roof No ▲ The opening tailgate reveals the boot storage space,
9541/10) and it will be interesting to see where it ▲ All opening parts are sturdy complete with optional parcel shelf.
goes next with the 1/18 scale line. DC in construction.
▲

The silver version

of the Volkswagen
T6 Multivan is one of
five different colour
schemes.

24 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019

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1/12 SCALE PORSCHE 917 BY MINICHAMPS
Large scale
success
The first race for the heavily
modified Porsche 917 with its
super stylish short tail bodywork
ended with a win at the Daytona
24 Hours after a commanding
performance around the famous
banked circuit. Rick Wilson gets up
close and personal with both the real car
and Minichamps’ sizeable 1/12 scale model.
M
y first (and so far only) visit to the
fabulous Daytona 24 Hours, with
its incredible banked track, was in
January 2001 and I was working for
a team that was also running the
restored 1970 winner in the Daytona 24 Minutes
support race. As a huge fan of the fabled 917 in all
its forms, I was ecstatic to be able to get such a close
look at this very famous chassis. So imagine my
excitement when, in 2017, Minichamps announced
it was to release a version to add to its big 1/12 scale
range, and at a bit of a bargain price too. It’s been
a long time coming but it reached the UK in the
latter half of 2018 and it now has pride of place in
my studio.
BACK IN THE DAY
So first, a little history lesson and this could get a
little confusing towards the end, as has been the
26 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019
▲ Three scales of 917K -
1/12 by Minichamps, 1/18
by AUTOart and 1/43 by
Greenlight. Note the different
shades of blue and orange.
▲ The iconic lines of the 917
have been well replicated.
▲
Minichamps' model still
features plenty of detail, even at
a budget price.
▲ Opxxx
norm for decades with Porsche 917 chassis numbers.
The Porsche 917 first appeared in 1969 with
very different rear bodywork that, although very
aesthetically pleasing, proved to be quite unstable
at speed during the Le Mans 24 Hours that year.
Having won that edition of Le Mans with its
ageing Ford GT40, the Gulf-sponsored John Wyer
Automotive team would switch to the mighty 917
for the following season and set about modifying the
rear bodywork to cure the aerodynamic problems.
End-of-season testing was extensive but eventually
the team came up with the design that you see
here – it gave considerably more downforce but
at no cost to the drag coefficient. With this style
of bodywork, the car became known as the 917K
('Kurz', German for 'short'). A very successful test
for the Daytona 24 Hours during early January in
1970 was this new design’s first public outing and it
proved the concept – so much so that the team’s two
cars were almost untouchable during the actual race
and, between the two cars, led from the moment the
flag dropped and Jo Siffert (in the sister car) took
the lead from the pole sitting Andretti/Merzario
Ferrari 512S. The race was eventually won by Pedro
Rodriguez and Leo Kinnunen in No 2 (chassis
015), supported by Brian Redman, some
45 laps ahead of the other Gulf 917 (No
1, chassis 014) driven by Siffert alongside
Redman (he drove both cars).
At the end of the 1970 season, and
this is where it starts getting complicated, the
car was returned to the Porsche factory for
overhaul and received a new chassis (numbered
035) but kept the original chassis number, 015.

1 1 & 2 The rear end of the car
features some very good detail
and I particularly like the
finesse of the straps that hold
the spare wheel in place.
3 The rear bodywork looks as
good on the model as it does on
the real car and it's very cleanly
reproduced.
2 about buying one ever since. So when Minichamps
▲ The real 917-015 back on
track at Daytona for a historic
support race in 2001.
3 is diecast on a plastic chassis that, despite this fact,
▲ In the paddock at Daytona in
2001 - I wish the Minichamps
model could do this.
February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk •
Meanwhile, the real original chassis 015 was then
rebuilt with additional parts from 917-021 that had
crashed at Le Mans in 1970 and was renumbered
as 917-01-21, an open-topped spyder version for
the new Interserie racing series. During 1999-2000,
the spyder bodywork was removed from this car so
that the original chassis 015 could then be rebuilt
as the true 1970 Daytona winner by my hosts at
Daytona, Gunnar Racing. Confusingly though, the
re-chassised 015 (really 035) still exists and is owned
by the Porsche Museum. Are you still with me?
After a good run out in the “Daytona 24 Minutes”
historic support race in 2001, 015 was pushed
back into our transporter while we focused on
the Porsche 911 GT1 Evo that we were running
in the 24 Hours (ex-factory team chassis 005 that
had come so close to winning the 1997 Le Mans
24 Hours, but that’s a whole future article in
itself). Just a little aside here, and please forgive the
namedropping, one of our drivers was none other
than Paul Newman – yes, THAT Paul Newman!
I was a little star struck, to say the least.
After four hours, we had to retire from the 24
Hours due to an oil leak that had been caused by
impact damage during a period behind the safety car
when a backmarker wasn’t paying proper attention
and ran into our car. Despite this setback, there was
an upside for me as I was now relieved from my
photographic duties and wandered into the paddock
to find our truck. On climbing inside, there was
917-015 safely stashed away on the upper deck,
which meant that I could get a glimpse of a 917 as
few people have seen one – from underneath! Little
did I know that the photos I took that day would
prove useful nearly 18 years later to compare with a
model of the actual car...
MASSIVE MINICHAMPS
Many manufacturers have turned to 1/12 scale in
recent years and it is definitely becoming more
popular. The first time I saw, or rather drooled, over
a Porsche 917 at this scale was on the TSM stand at
the 2015 Nuremberg Toy Fair, and I’d been thinking
announced that it was joining the fray in early 2017,
I was sorely tempted and that temptation turned to
actuality when I saw that it was to release this model,
given my brief but personal experience all those
years ago.
Its retail price is just £219.99, so little for such
a big model I feel – especially considering that the
TSM version of the same car was £339.99 when it
was released uring 2016. I don’t have an example of
the latter for direct comparison but I do know that
the TSM is a resincast and this Minichamps release
comes in at an impressive 2.5kg for the finished
article. As a resincast, the TSM was never going to
have any opening parts but whilst Minchamps could
have considered that path, the price would have
been driven up substantially so I’m happy to trade
that for a cheaper price, especially as I already have a
brace of AUTOart 917s in 1/18 scale (one of which
can be seen in the header photo) that provide plenty
of display interest with their opening features.
27
1/12 SCALE PORSCHE 917 BY MINICHAMPS
4 5
6 7
Another casualty of the price point is that it
obviously does not have CMC-like engineering
so some of the finer details are a little basic, such
as the windscreen wiper set up that is a one-piece
mould and the underside of the chassis, but for a
display centrepiece it’s hard to beat, especially for
the relatively low cost. One thing that does stand
out a little though, but this applies to all Gulf-
▲ A plan view from above shows how well Minichamps has
captured the real car's curvaceous body.
28 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019
Comparing the underneath of
the model with that of the real
car:
4 & 5 The suspension and wheel
wells have been substantially
simplified by Minichamps but
these aren't really visible when
displayed.
6 & 7 Again there has been a
lot of simplification around the
engine and transmission, as
well as the actual spaceframe.
▲ Such a fabulous design and
Minichamps has got it spot on.
▲ Cockpit detail is good and
note the extra window for better
visibility on Daytona's banking.
▲
Though basically finished, the
underside is neat and there is
some transmission detail.
liveried models, there does seem to be some sort
of problem getting the tones of blue and orange
correct. Without wanting to make a connection
with a certain book series, there must have been
around fifty different shades produced in recent
years – that isn’t restricted to models though, some
of the restored real cars have been affected too. It’s
a difficult colour to replicate as, if the restorers and
model manufacturers are working from period
photographs, the blue in particular can vary quite
a bit depending on the ambient light. My personal
observation is that the Minichamps colour is a little
too dark and perhaps a splash of turquoise in the
paint mix would not have gone amiss. This problem
is amply illustrated by the photo I’ve provided of
the three scales on the opening spread, from three
companies, with three differing shades.
The last paragraph reflects a tad poorly on the
model so I would like to sum up by stating that I
am more than happy with it, especially considering
how little I paid in comparison to what it could
have been. The finish is, as you would expect from
Minichamps, outstanding, with the cheat lines to
that famous orange stripe perfectly applied. The
interior is well appointed and looks very realistic
so it certainly makes for an impressive talking point
when any of my fellow petrol heads come round
for a glass of potato juice or two. I have to say that
I love it and, yes, I do occasionally pick it up to
inspect the underside, just like I did with the real
thing in early February 2001. Fabulous memories
of an incredible weekend. DC
CORGIGiveaway
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LARGE SCALE BUSES BY CORGI
Corgi’s
Big Buses
Mike Pigott continues his series on Corgi’s 1/50 scale public transport
models with a look at the range of British buses.
I
n our previous article, which can be found
in the January 2019 issue, we carried the
first half of this article (as Corgi’s range of
1/50 scale British buses was so impressive
in number that we had to split it over two
instalments). Last time we covered the various
Utility buses along with the Daimler Fleetline and
Leyland Atlantean models. We conclude this with
the only single-decker bus modelled in this range
and two of AEC’s most famous - the RT and, of
course, the Routemaster.
WEYMANN BUS
Corgi’s only single deck bus was based on the
underfloor engined Weymann B44F.This bus type
originally started out as a joint project between
Leyland Motors and Metro Cammell Weymann,
a large coachbuilding firm formed by the merger
of Weymann Motor Bodies, which specialised in
bodywork for luxury cars, and railway rolling stock
manufacturer Metro Cammell. After the war, the
Weymann division concentrated mostly on bus
bodies. In 1949, Leyland needed a suitable body
developed for its new Olympic single decker chassis
which featured a new underfloor engine. MCW
designed an integral body with tubular framework
covered in aluminium sheeting, designated the B44F
body style. It was a no-frills bus with a boxy profile,
but was reliable and cheap to run on suburban routes.
It was a big sales success, particularly with export
markets, and remained in production until 1971.
Other Leyland chassis were also suitable for use
30 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019
▲ The most recent large scale
buses announced by Corgi, but
only one would make it into
production.
with the MCW body, and it was also sold as the
Leyland Olympian, Leyland Tiger Cub, and Leyland
Leopard. The B44F was later built on other company’s
chassis, including the AEC Regal IV. Because it had an
underfloor motor, the Weymann bus did not require
a distinctive front grille and all types looked identical,
with only the badging to distinguish between them.
Corgi’s model was, naturally, much smaller than the
other bus models but was still quite solid and weighty.
It was a fairly simple model in that it only had two
diecast components; the one-piece body and the base.
The interior was a single moulding with 11 rows of
seats plus a separate steering wheel. It was fitted with
turning front wheels that the buyer could pose.
The Weymann bus was one of Corgi’s most
durable buses, remaining in production for nine years.
The first version was as a Leyland Tiger Cub in the
maroon and cream livery of Leicester City Transport.
Other Tiger Cubs were in the liveries of Edinburgh,
North Western and Manchester. A final version was
produced in 2004 in the dark green colours of King
Alfred buses of Winchester, with advertising panels
and additional window details. The first Leyland
Olympic was in the bright red livery of Western
Welsh in 1996. After a long four year gap, another
version was produced in the Sheffield livery of cream
with a dark blue stripe, as illustrated here. This model
was part of the limited Premium Edition releases, and
had additional window detailing and printed wipers.
After an additional four years, the final Olympic was
in the dark blue and beige colours of Birmingham
City Transport as an airport shuttle bus with extra
marker boards above the side windows. The sole
AEC Regal IV model was produced in 1995, and
was in the green, white and red livery of Dundee
Corporation.
AEC ROUTEMASTER
Corgi’s most successful 1/50 scale bus is based
on the iconic Routemaster, produced between
1954 and 1968. The Routemaster is considered a
symbol of London and was voted one of the top
ten British design icons. Over 2,800 were built
and incredibly more than 1,200 still survive.
The Routemaster was developed by London
Transport in association with AEC and Park
Royal bodybuilders as a bus that would most
suit the needs of London. It used the traditional
layout of a front-engined, rear entrance double
decker with a half cab, but was completely
designed from scratch. It was quite revolutionary
for a big bus, and had integral bodywork without
a separate chassis. It was fitted with an automatic
transmission, power steering and power-hydraulic
brakes, which made it very popular with drivers,
and the independent front suspension gave a very
comfortable ride for the passengers. The bodywork
was made of aluminium panels, which made the bus
light and more fuel-efficient, and these were also
easier to repair after an accident.
Although the first examples were built in 1954,
the Routemaster was not rushed into service due
to London Transport having a surplus of older
RT buses. Only a limited number entered service
between 1956 and ’58. It wasn’t until 1959 when
the London trolleybus routes were being withdrawn
that Routemaster production went into full swing,
with them taking over many of the former trolley
routes.
There were several types of Routemasters
manufactured, with the standard (RM) version
being the most common. There was also an
extended model with a longer wheelbase (RML),
a coach version for Green Line which had quad
headlights and a folding rear door (RMC) and a
long wheelbase bus of the same type (RCL). There
were also a small number Routemasters made for
outside bus companies that were fitted with front
Corgi’s most entrances and folding doors. A front-entrance,
successful rear-engined Routemaster did not make it past the
prototype stage.
1/50 scale The Routemaster became the standard London
bus is based bus for many years, and was much liked by passengers
due to its comfortable, well-appointed interior and
on the iconic the ease of getting on and off.When the bus services
Routemaster, in London were privatised in 1986, many of the
Routemasters were withdrawn from service in favour
produced of more modern, one-person-operated buses that
between 1954 were cheaper to run. Large numbers were sold off
to regional bus companies all over the UK, resulting
and 1968. The in them appearing in a wide range of liveries totally
Routemaster different to the standard London red. However, the
Routemasters were so well-built that the remaining
is considered London-based examples were refurbished and had
a symbol of new engines fitted, and were able to continue in
service on some busy routes until 2005. At this point
London and was they were withdrawn from service because they
voted one of the were not in compliance with accessibility legislation.
However, several can still be seen on tourist routes in
top ten British the capital.
design icons. Corgi’s model of the Routemaster, a standard
RM, was first introduced in 1996 and remained in
Over 2,800 production until 2014. As could be expected, it was
were built and an impressive model, and is probably the second-best
model of the bus ever made (after the giant 1/24
incredibly more replica by SunStar). It is a solid, heavy model with
than 1,200 still the base, upper and lower decks in diecast metal. The
windows are flush with the body sides, and include
survive. chrome plating on the vents and windscreen wiper.
The base is very detailed and includes a separate
metal rod representing the drive shaft. The wide
AEC grille is made of plated plastic with the mesh
painted red. The headlights are represented by fake
jewels, which are not really ideal for an expensive
▲ Weymann Bus.
February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • 31
LARGE SCALE BUSES BY CORGI
collectors’ model. The interior is accurate but is just 1
in maroon plastic with no additional detailing. The
disc wheels are new components and look good. The
rear deck has a pole, handrail and a used ticket bin.
There was a driver figure in the cab who was grossly
undersized for a 1/50 scale model.
The first release in 1996 was RM5, which was the
first Routemaster to go into service, presented in its
original livery with advertising for itself, as shown
here. There were a number of London liveries, both
historical and modern, including two for then-current
operators Metroline and Arriva. One interesting
version in silver represented a London bus left in
bare aluminium instead of the standard London red.
There were also three that were operated second-
hand by other companies; Blackpool Transport in
red and white, The Delaine of Bourne in blue, white
and black, and an early example of a Stagecoach bus
from Scotland in white with thick red, orange and
blue stripes. Some liveries were not realistic, including
a chrome-plated version, a Beatles bus and a few in
royal anniversary colours. One of the final releases was 2
part of Corgi’s ‘Sights & Sounds’ range, which had
remote-controlled electronic novelty features, such
as working internal and external lights and realistic
engine sounds. This version is now very rare.
Corgi announced two further 1/50 scale
Routemasters, both in London Transport livery, and
unveiled a pair of pre-production models at the 2014
London Toy Fair. Numbered CC25909 (RM8, the
first production version, which has survived into
preservation) and CC25910 (RM1737, now on
display at the London Transport Museum) respectively,
only the latter ever made it into production. The
model of RM8 was cancelled - possibly due to a
few errors on the pre-production model that could
have been too expensive to correct, most obvious of
these were the wrong type of front windows and an
incorrect over-cab air intake grille. No more big buses
have been released by Corgi since.

AEC ROUTEMASTER OPEN-TOP

Corgi’s next new model was an open-top Routemaster,
first released in 1997. Open-toppers were mainly
used for sightseeing tours and excursions, but on hot
summer days they could sometimes be used on existing
routes. Corgi’s open RM was not as successful as the
standard version and was only issued twice.
It used the same components as the closed
Routemaster, except for the upper deck and glazing.
Unlike the open Atlantean, it featured windows and
frames around the windscreen, the first two window
bays and rear window. The seats were, unfortunately,
solid, but they were painted gloss maroon in order
to look like waterproof plastic seats, and the floor
was painted beige. The first version issued was in a
standard red London Transport livery, and advertising
the Original London Sightseeing Tour, at a time when
LT ran its own tour buses.
The second and last version was finished in the red
and white livery of London Coaches, which took
over the Original London Sightseeing Tour. This was
part of a very nicely presented set, which included
eight hand-painted white metal passenger figures to
pose on the upper deck.
1 AEC Routemaster.
2 AEC RT Bus.
3 AEC Routemaster Open Top.
4 Leyland RTL Bus.
AEC REGENT III RT
The RT bus was a version of the AEC Regent
III which was designed specifically for London.
Production began in 1939, with 150 being built by
early 1942, at which time only utility buses could
be built. Production recommenced in 1946, and by
the time manufacturing ceased in 1954, over 4,800
had been built. The RT was the standard London
bus throughout the 1950s, and remained in service
until 1979.
First released in 2008, the RT was Corgi’s first
new 1/50 scale bus casting since the Routemaster
Open Top in 1997, a gap of 11 years. During the
late 1990s, buses in 1/76 scale overtook 1/50
buses in popularity. In order to keep up with rivals
such as EFE, Corgi directed its energies towards
OO scale buses with its new Original Omnibus
Company range, which proved more lucrative than
the larger models. Only the Routemaster remained
in production fairly constantly over this time, with
a few of the other buses and coaches produced

32 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019


sporadically from 2000 to 2004.
In 2008, Corgi attempted to revitalise its 1/50
scale bus range with a new casting, the AEC RT,
which was probably the second most well-known
London bus after the Routemaster. Using some of
the experience gained from the OOC range, Corgi
produced the RT in a completely different way.
The base and lower deck were diecast components,
but the upper deck was now plastic, which meant
it was not as heavy or solid as previous buses. A
large number of pieces that had been part of the
body castings in earlier models were now separate
interchangeable components, including front, rear
and side destination boards, lower rear panel and
cab door. This was to allow early and late versions
to be produced with accurate minor details. The
interior was well detailed, although unpainted, with
a number of thin metal poles in the upper and lower
decks representing handrails. The windows were
flush with the glazing and had the opening panels
highlighted in silver, while the upper front windows
3 were in the open position. The AEC Regent grille
was excellently replicated, with its arched top and
split centre. On this model the front wheels could
not be steered, although the bonnet opened to reveal
a rather undetailed engine. Generally this was a great
model, although the main problem was that on some
examples the upper deck was not fitted perfectly,
causing the plastic to bulge on one side.
The first model released was, rather strangely, the
last RT bus to run in service back in 1979. It was
on the number 62 route to Barking, and carried
advertising for bus drivers on one side and TDK
cassette tapes on the other.
The second and last RT released was produced in
2009, and was based on a bus as it appeared in the
late 1940s. This bus featured a route indicator box on
the roof above the front windows. It was on route 9
to Mortlake and carried adverts for Melhuish Flour
and Gilbey’s Gin.
Not long after this model was released, Corgi hit
financial trouble, and several ranges were discontinued
4 including the Buses in Britain line. A proposed
electronic ‘Sights & Sounds’ model was cancelled, as
was one in Green Line livery.
LEYLAND TITAN RTL
During the late 1940s, AEC was unable to
manufacture RT buses fast enough for the demands
of London Transport, so in 1949 LT placed an
additional order for Titan double deck bus chassis
from Lancashire based Leyland Motors. Over 1,600
Titans were supplied over the next few years. They
were fitted with identical bodies to the RT buses,
and were known as the RTL class (the ‘L’ standing
for Leyland).
Because of the similarity in bodywork, Corgi
was able to use the RT casting to make an RTL;
the only difference being the rectangular Leyland
grille and the wheels. Again there were only two
versions, both released in 2009. The first type was
in a 1950s London livery, and was not fitted with a
roof-mounted destination board. It was on route 27
to Hammersmith, and had adverts for Ty-Phoo Tea on
both sides.
The second variant was not in a London livery,
but in the colours of Barton Motors of Nottingham.
Barton purchased a number of buses second-hand
The model from London Transport, and these were repainted
of RM8 was with cream window surrounds and a maroon stripe
and roof. The Corgi model had a Leyland grille and
cancelled - the wheels from the Routemaster. It also had different
possibly due panels on the destination boards, and a new rear panel
with different indicators.
to a few errors Both the RT and RTL models were only in
on the pre- production for a short time, and only two versions of
each were made. As a result, they are now hard to find
production and generally sell at premium prices.
model that
could have been WHAT’S NEXT?
While not as extensive as the OOC series and other
too expensive to 1/76 scale lines, Corgi’s selection of 1/50 British
buses and coaches is the widest ever produced. But
correct. Corgi’s range wasn’t restricted to just British vehicles
- join us in a future issue when we turn our attention
to Corgi’s range of 1/50 scale American buses. DC
February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • 33
DINKY TOYS ROAD ROLLERS
Rollin’ Rollin’
Rollin’
T
hroughout the majority of the post-
war period of Dinky Toys production
there was always a good selection of toys
which were related to the construction,
or road repair industries.
Between 1948 and 1980 there were two excellent
model road rollers which featured two different
vehicles from the famous Aveling-Barford company
of Grantham, Lincolnshire.
THOMAS AVELING 1824-1882
AND WILLIAM BARFORD 1832-
1898
Whilst it is not known who actually invented the
road roller, Thomas Aveling is almost certainly the
most influential designer of rollers. A good example
is that one of his machines was in continuous
operation in Oslo, Norway from July 1878 until
September 1960. In 1882 the company became
known as Aveling Porter and was run by Thomas
34 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019
The Dinky Toys range of road rollers is
more extensive than you might think, as
David Busfield finds out.
▲ A Dinky Toys populated Luke Aveling, the son of Thomas Aveling and
Aveling-Barford sales and Richard Thomas Porter they successfully developed
service depot.
the more efficient compound steam engine.
In the 1870s William Barford of Peterborough
was successfully building rollers and he patented the
idea of using water ballast to increase the weight of
the rollers. He joined forces with Thomas Perkins
to form Barford & Perkins. In the 1900s William
Barford was succeeded by his son JG Barford and
further design advances were made.
By the turn of the century asphalt and bituminous
surface dressings were becoming widespread
throughout the country and the tandem roller with
one roller at the front and two at the rear was now
becoming the norm and this design exists to this day.
A significant step forward was the introduction of
the internal combustion engine in the early 1900s
and steam traction was slowly phased out.
Aveling and Barford & Perkins, together with
ten other companies came together in 1921 to

▲ Aveling-Barford Type ‘GC’
Diesel Roller, from an original
1946 leaflet.
1 The Dinky Toys road roller
with an original Aveling Barford
Type ‘GC’ instruction book.
▲ A descriptive line drawing of
the Aveling-Barford roller and
a comparison with the Dinky
version.
▲
A line up of the different
colour schemes of the Aveling-
Barford roller.
form “Agricultural and General Engineers Ltd”
(AGE), this was a most powerful organisation which
eventually collapsed through a combination of
mismanagement and the huge economic slump of
the 1920s. When AGE collapsed in February 1932
Aveling-Barford was formed and eventually would
become the world’s largest maker of road rollers,
they were based at Grantham in Lincolnshire.
During World War II Aveling-Barford were
primarily engaged in building Scout, Bren and
Personnel carriers and huge quantities of shell fuse
caps. However, road rollers were still being produced
as they were needed for airfield construction, road
repairs and other military installations.
After hostilities ceased they introduced a range
of newly designed rollers in 1946, this family of
machines was called the “Grantham Rollers” with
suffixes of ‘GA’ to ‘GF’ and this is where the link
with Dinky begins as their first roller was based on
the ‘GC’ model. These rollers were revolutionary
as they incorporated many new features and
were powered by Ruston vertical, high speed
diesel engines. Steam powered rollers were finally
consigned to history, however, many very fine
preserved examples still exist to this day.
A special patented feature of the ‘GC’ was a
10cwt sliding weight fitted within the main chassis
members. This could be moved from one end of
the chassis to the other in order to vary the pressure
of the rolls on the road surface. The sliding weight
allowed a wide variation of pressure per inch,
according to its position in relation to the front and
February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk •
1
rear rolls. For heavy work, or scarifying, the weight
would be positioned at the rear. For finishing work
on fine topping the weight would be moved to the
front to give an even pressure on the front and rear
rolls. Additional weight could also be added by filling
the rolls with water.
THE 25P/251 AVELING-BARFORD
DIESEL ROLLER
The Dinky Toys number 25p Aveling-Barford Diesel
Roller was introduced in February 1948. It was
renumbered to 251 in 1954 and finally discontinued in
1963. As most Dinky young fans would regularly have
seen the real machines at work on many occasions this
would have been a very successful model for Meccano.
This is borne out by the high number of good quality
models appearing on the internet, and at auctions, most
at very reasonable prices.
I have not seen any significant casting changes but
there are a couple of minor changes and a number
of different colour schemes have been identified.
The picture showing seven rollers illustrates the
different colour variants I have been able to discover.
The three at the left with the red marking on
the head are the earliest and will have been made
between 1948 and 1952, they each have the small
tow hooks, all the hooks were redesigned to the
larger version sometime during 1952. The other
four rollers will have been made between 1952 and
1963. I am not sure about the three shades of green
on the early rollers, the darkest and the lightest are
documented but the middle, slightly different shade
35
DINKY TOYS ROAD ROLLERS
may be a factory error.
Shown here is a descriptive line drawing taken
from the instruction book for the Aveling-Barford
‘GC’ roller along with the Dinky Toys version, this
shows how accurately Dinky portrayed this vehicle.
I have often wondered why the front two canopy
supports protrude through the canopy roof, this
is now answered as these are the engine exhausts
which double as canopy supports. Numerous other
parts are clearly shown and the accuracy of the
model is clearly demonstrated.
The roller colour variations deserve further
discussion and we will cover the four plain
versions first. In the Great Book of Dinky Toys, Mike
Richardson states that the colours were: “Mid then
light or dark green, also lime green with red roller”
Referring to the image with the four green rollers
there are two with red marks on the roller head and
two with plain heads. These red marks are meant to
depict the famous Aveling-Barford ‘Invicta’ insignia
which appeared on all their machines. These red
markings only appear on Dinky rollers with small
tow hooks so they are from early productions. I
have never seen the red marks on the later rollers,
they are believed to have been deleted in early 1952,
however I have been told that someone has seen a
roller with the red mark and the large hook so there
could be some. From left to right I think these are
dark green, then mid green, then lime green. Other
publications refer to apple green I think this might
be a mistake and lime green and apple green are the
same colour. Figure 234 on page 173 of “Dinky Toys
& Modelled Miniatures” shows a fascinating image
of a roller with the body painted in mid green with
a canopy painted in lime green and featuring a red
‘Invicta’ insignia on the front. If this is an original
model from Binns Road it comprises parts from two
different coloured batches and is a factory error.
The Great Book of Dinky Toys states the following:
“High roof, later lower roof ”. This is shown here
with two green rollers that show distinctly differing
canopy heights. After seeing numerous images of real
rollers the higher canopy is the more accurate.
The two types of tow hooks are shown, the early
36 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019
▲ The four plain green
variations of the road roller.
▲ The Aveling-Barford Invicta
logo.
▲ Small, early production,
tow hooks and large, later
production, tow hooks.
▲ Different canopy heights on
two green rollers.
type from 1948 to 1952 on the left and the later
type from 1952 onwards on the right.
The real rollers were very often seen with an
accompanying water trailer in order to replenish
the water sprinkler tanks on either side of the roller
body. Dinky never made one of these tanks but it
could be an excellent subject of a project for a Code
3 modeller.
Potentially the rarest version of the roller is
painted green and has the following markings
applied: “AVELING-BARFORD LTD
GRANTHAM” these signs appear on each side of
the canopy and the model includes a red ‘Invicta’
logo just in front of the engine inspection door
on either side of the vehicle. It also incorporates a
larger tow hook so it must have come from a later
production batch.
This version is not mentioned in any of the
reference books and the only other roller that I know
of is owned by Keith Harvie in the States, he showed
one on his website which sadly is no longer available.
I have tried to contact Keith but to no avail.
This is almost certainly a promotional model for
use by Aveling-Barford, or for one of their large
distributors, but we will probably never know who
applied the markings to these rollers, or how many
of them were actually made.
The other ultra rare version of the road roller is
painted in an orange colour. This is not mentioned in
either of the books by Mike and Sue Richardson but
does appear in the Ramsay’s Price Guide. Keith Harvie
used to show one of these on his website, I have only
ever seen four examples of an orange roller.
I was alerted by Jose Heraud to a video on
youtube which featured Aveling-Barford machinery
painted orange. (https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=Qw22BDRmJiU) This video makes
fascinating viewing and I wonder if this was a
special model made for Aveling-Barford or a Dinky
colour sample which never actually went into full-
scale production. The box for the 279 roller which
is discussed later makes the following statement:
”Finished in the approved Aveling-Barford livery”,
this is orange.

Initially the roller was sold from a trade box
containing four models.The first version was made
from brown card with a yellow label at one end and
a model information label on the top of the box lid.
The later type was an all over yellow box. Each of these
would have contained four packing pieces.There have
been at least four individual boxes produced for later
issue rollers, two are shown here, these boxes would
have originally included a protective packing piece to
protect the roller during transit.
Meccano were renowned for their excellent
promotional and point-of-sale material which was
supplied to their large dealer network. Here we see
a roller with its price ticket showing a price of four
shillings and four pence (22p today). This price would
have been effective in 1952, 1954 and 1955. Dinky
Toy prices regularly went up and down in the 1950s!!
For more information about this lovely model there
is a very comprehensive full-page article on page
55 of the February 1948 Meccano Magazine, these
monthly publications are readily available for sale on
internet sites, and frequently appear at toy fairs.
THE 279 AVELING-BARFORD
MASTER PAVIOR DIESEL ROAD
ROLLER
At the end of 1964 the new Aveling-Barford
Master Pavior GN range of rollers was introduced
at Olympia in London during the Public Works
Exhibition. This machine was the most modern and
advanced roller in the world at that time and was
hugely popular both here and abroad. This did not
incorporate the sliding weight but this effect could
still be produced by the use of water ballast in the
rollers. There were five models in the Master Pavior
GN road roller offering and the weight range was
from 7 to 16.5 tons. The machine shown here from
the Harborough Hire Centre is a model rated at
10/13.5, it weighs 10 tons without water and 13.5
when all the rolls are full. I am indebted to the
Harborough Hire Centre for making their machine
available to me for photography.
The first Dinky Aveling-Barford remained in the
range from 1948 to 1963 a period of 15 years. It
▲ Different types of boxes for
the Dinky Aveling-Barford road
roller.
▲ The Dinky Aveling-Barford
road roller with its price ticket.
▲ Green roller containing
Aveling-Barford signage and
logos.
▲ The orange Aveling-Barford
road roller.
▲ The Aveling-Barford ‘Master
Pavior’ Road roller, courtesy of
the Harborough Hire Centre.
February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk •
▲ The Meccano Magazine from August 1965 showing the
Master Pavior road roller.
was replaced in 1965 by the then current Aveling–
Barford roller the ‘Master Pavior, this was to remain
in the range until the final Meccano factory closure
in 1979, a period of 14 years. Just two models
covering the immediate post-war period all the way
through to the factory closure is quite remarkable.
The Master Pavior road roller first appeared
on the editorial pages of the July 1965 Meccano
Magazine. The first full colour illustration was one
month later on the back page of the September
1965 Meccano Magazine.
The July editorial, written by Chris Jelley,
described the roller as follows: “A cleverly-designed
‘clicker unit’ acting on the rear axle has been fitted
which simulates the sound of an engine when the
model is pushed either backwards or forwards. Also,
the inspection panels, at each side of the body, open
to reveal some engine detail and the big front roller
not only swivels through 360 degrees, but also tilts
to left or right, depending on the nature of the
ground over which it is travelling. The rollers are
diecast in Mazac”
In 1965 I had stopped buying Dinky Toys so I
never saw this vehicle until recently, I must confess
I am really impressed with this lovely model which
now sits proudly in my collection. There were two
different variations of this model and I will deal with
them separately.
FIRST VERSION
The first version was in the Dinky Toys range from
1965 until 1973. This is exactly as described above
by Chris Jelley, the all plain orange with green rollers
was the first model introduced in 1965 and is the
most accurate of all the Master Pavior models made
by Dinky Toys. It incorporates the simulated engine
sound and the trapezoidal shaped engine inspection
cover. It is also the only one of the five rollers I
own to show the “Master Pavior” name plate in the
correct postion, all the others are too high and too
far to the rear. See the Harborough Hire Centre
roller for the correct positioning of this plate.
Referring back to the green versus orange as
the colour for the roller, the 1974 Aveling-Barford
“What we Make” promotional leaflet is printed
throughout using orange as the main feature colour.
I do believe that orange was the standard colour
for the rollers when they left the Grantham factory,
however, I suspect that many large users specified
37
DINKY TOYS ROAD ROLLERS
Three examples of the second
issue of the Master Pavior
roller, from 1973 to 1979.
their own colour scheme in order to emphasise
their corporate identity. The preserved rollers we see
nowadays at shows will normally be painted in the
preferred colour scheme of their owners.
The later first version models had a yellow cab
with black roof and the rollers were now all silver.
This was not seen on real rollers and I believe that
this was to make the models stand out more to
attract young buyers. I have also seen a version with
the yellow cab which has all black rollers, this seems
to be a more difficult model to find.
SECOND VERSION
The second version of the roller suffered from a
Meccano cost-saving exercise, unfortunately many
other products across the whole range suffered in a
similar manner towards the demise of the company.
This was in the range from 1973 until the closure
of Meccano in 1979. This version now does not
include the the engine noise mechanism and the
engine inspection cover has changed from the
trapezoidal shape to a smaller rectangular shape.
During the course of my research I have seen dozens
of images of Master Pavior rollers and I have only
ever seen them fitted with trapezoidal engine covers.
It unfortuately also included the Master Pavior name
plate in the wrong position.
I have been able to identify three different
examples of the second version rollers; these all have
an orange body with silvered rolls and yellow cabs
but one has a grey engine cover and a pale blue roof,
38 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019
1 2
1 The first issue of the Master
Pavior roller, from 1965 to 1973.
2 The front roll tilt mechanism
and the opening engine
inspection cover.
▲ The variations of the final
issue box bases.
▲ The 279 Road Rollers and
some of the box variations.
one has a grey engine cover with a beige roof and
one has a yellow engine cover with a black roof.
All in all this makes six different variants of the
279 roller, if anyone has seen further versions please
make them known.
All five of my variations include a plastic driver
figure in blue overalls, a steering wheel, a plastic tow
hook, a metallic red and silver ‘Invicta’ label on the
front, opening engine covers, engine detail behind
the covers, front rolls which incorporated directional
steering as well as a lateral tilting mechanism and
sliding cab windows. With a substantial diecast body
this roller feels very substantial with a weight of
nearly 280 grams, that is virtually the same as the
Dinky Foden 8-wheel flat truck.
There is a difference in the diecasting on the top
of the engine cover between the first and second
versions of the roller. On the first version there are two
protuberances on this top cover. In the second version
these have been removed. I do not know what these
protuberances were meant to represent.These features
are visible on all the real rollers that I have seen so I do
not know why Dinky chose to remove them, perhaps
there was a problem with the die (mould).
The lateral tilt of the front roll is excellently
reproduced on this model and operates just like the
real vehicle. Engine inspection covers are provided
on both sides of the machine, when these are
opened engine detail can be seen, the internal detail
is identical on both sides. The covers are made from
moulded plastic and are coloured either grey or
▲ Page 66 of the French Dinky catalogue of 1966
shows the 830 Road Roller.
yellow, this is unfortunately not accurate as on the
real machines they would have been the same colour
as the roller itself.
I have seen a number of Meccano factory
drawings for the various components of this roller
and there are two drawing issues for the engine
cover. Drawing number 61808 dated 28th July 1964
shows a trapezoidal shaped cover. Drawing number
61817 dated 8th January 1974 shows the later
rectangular cover.
There have been two distinct styles of boxes but
there are variations within those types. The first type
was the familiar one piece cardboard box with tuck-
in end flaps and this is shown here. It incorporates
a pictorial illustration and an information panel
highlighting the major features of the model. The
other variety is a yellow and white single piece box.
The most common boxes to be found utilise a
formed cardboard base and a clear plastic moulded
top, this would have allowed the model to be easily
seen in the shop. Sadly nearly all of the box tops that
still survive have discoloured badly and have gone
very brittle – they are probably the worst box design
to have come out of Binns Road.
As shown in the photograph, I have four box bases
and all of these are different, this happened in just
over a period of four years. Was it really necessary
for Meccano to constantly keep redesigning the
packaging. This must have been a huge waste of
resources and money. Furthermore, this concludes
me to believe that there must be more variations of
this box base that I have not yet seen.
There are a series of line drawings of the roller on
the box bases which clearly depict the working features
on the model. On the box dated 1971 it shows the
presence of the audible clicker included with the first
version. On the box bases dated from 1973 and 1975
the illustration for this feature has disappeared.
Unfortunately even though the engine cover
changed to a rectangular shape the illustrations on
all of the box bases still show a trapezoidal version.
I guess that even though the Trades Description Act
was introduced in 1968 Meccano chose to ignore
this error.
THE 90-A/830 FRENCH DINKY
TOYS RICHIER ROAD ROLLER
The French Dinky factory which was located in
Bobigny in a northeastern suberb of Paris produced
a lovely road roller and for completeness I have
included details of this very nice model.
The ‘Rouleau Comresseur Richier’ was ▲ A comparison shot of all
introduced in 1958 with catalogue number 90-A, it three Dinky Toy road rollers.
was renumbered to No 830 in 1959 and remained
in the French Dinky range until 1969. It was based
on the Richier VR 12HL, this was rated at 12 tons
and propelled by a powerful diesel engine. Richier
were noted for construction machinery such as
excavators, rollers, graders and cranes. Unlike the
Aveling-Barford rollers the Richier machine did not ▲ The Richier road roller with
incorporate rolls which could be filled with water to its box.
add extra weight.
The Richier road roller is a substantial model
made completely from diecast alluminium with
adjustable front steering rolls. It is painted a bright
yellow with a red coach line around the engine
housing and has silver detailing on the left and right
engine grilles. The centre of the rolls are painted ▲ The Richier roller showing
red, a diecast driver in blue overalls and a steering the compressor bottle.
wheel are included, as is a metal tow hook on the
rear. There is a black exhaust pipe on the engine
cover and a scarifier immediately behind the left rear
roll. On the right hand side a compressed air bottle
is shown, I assume that this is used in the engine
starting process. No casting variations are known and
the only colour variation is where some rollers do
not have the silver engine grill detailing. ▲ The Master Pavior with the
1974 ‘What we Make’ Aveling-
The roller was supplied in a one piece yellow box Barford promotional leaflet.
with tuck-in endflaps, it incorporates a very nice
illustration of the machine and includes the initials
J.M. this is the artist Jean Masse who was responsible
for producing a huge amount of artwork for models
on French Dinky boxes.
For comparison purposes a photograph of both
Dinky Toys rollers and the French Dinky Toys roller
is shown, all three rollers are excellent examples of ▲ Differences between the
model making which must have sold in very large engine covers of the first and
quantities. DC second versions of the roller.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & BIBLIOGRAPHY
In producing this article I am indebted to Jose Heraud of America, Jan Werner of the
Netherlands and the Harborough Hire Centre for their valuable assistance. This is an
excellent example of the international nature of Dinky Toy collecting.
• A Hundred Years of Road Rollers – A Pictorial Record, published by The Oakwood
Press for Aveling-Barford, 1965
• What we Make, Aveling-Barford, 1974, a promotional leaflet
• Instructions for Operating the Aveling-Barford Type ‘GC’ Diesel Rollers, published
by Aveling-Barford Ltd. Granham, 1947
• The Aveling-Barford Story, Betty Elmer, 2017
• Dinky Toys and Modelled Miniatures, Mike and Sue Richardson, 1986.
• The Great Book of Dinky, Mike and Sue Richardson, 2000
• Ramsay’s Catalogue of British Diecast Model Toys 15th Edition, published by
Warners Group Publications, 2015
February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • 39
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: LITTLE WHEELS

The changing
face of diecast
retail
Paul Lumsdon paid a
visit to a thriving online
diecast source to find out
how it works.

A
rriving on the site where ‘Little
Wheels’ is based, I was fascinated
to discover its history. Further
research unearthed what I feel is an
interesting backdrop that is worthy
of a paragraph or two just to set the scene.
Deep in the Home Counties countryside, just
north of the Oxfordshire/Berkshire border, lies
a disused Bomber Command Airbase. It is the ▲ With his background in
former site of RAF Harwell. Opened in 1937 IT, it is no great surprise to
see Andrew surrounded by
with Hawker Audax and Hawker Hind Aircraft computer screens.
stationed there. It later became the home of various
▲

The picking process in action!

bomber command squadrons and at the outbreak
of war Wellington bombers flew regular leaflet
drop missions into France and later bombing
raids deep into Germany. By 1944 the base was
reallocated to 30 Group Airborne Forces and used
by Armstrong Whitworth Albermarle and Short
Stirling tug aircraft operating with Horsa Gliders.
The first glider-borne troops to land in Normandy
on D Day were based at RAF Harwell and to this
day there is an annual ceremony held at a small
memorial plaque on the edge of the old airfield, to
remember those who did not return.
After the war the Airfield was redundant and ▲ Andrew Wood, the founder
of Little Wheels and the brains
was taken over by the Ministry of Supply, who in
behind this ‘process’ driven
turn handed it over to the newly formed ‘Atomic business.
Energy Research Establishment’. Being fairly close
▲

During my visit, Andrew’s

to Oxford and its world-renowned University son Phil was providing holiday
made it the ideal location for recruiting young cover in the pick and pack area –
scientists to work in the research labs for the new could the future of Little Wheels
lie here I wonder?
nuclear power industry that emerged after the
war. The Harwell site became a rather ugly village
of prefab buildings and at its peak employed a
workforce of 6000, making it one of the largest
nuclear research facilities in Europe.
During the 1970s there was a slowdown in the
British Nuclear Energy programme and funding

40 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019


1 plus models. Keeping track of all these models
for Harwell was reduced and it restructured to
operate on a ‘trading fund basis’. In other words,
the site, by now known as the United Kingdom
Atomic Energy Authority, had to seek privately
funded research projects and was run like a private
business, albeit government owned. In 2006 the
name Harwell Science and Innovation Campus
was launched, and the site was managed on a
50:50 private/public basis. In February 2009 the
remaining nuclear licensed part of the site, passed
to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
and is being decommissioned by Research Sites
Restoration Limited.
On the outskirts of the site today, a number of
small business enterprises have been built up and
one of these, housed in a couple of old government
prefab units, is called ‘Little Wheels’.
IN A PARALLEL WORLD
Andrew Wood had a successful career in retail
spanning 25 years working in operations with
the likes of Arcadia Group. Then early in the new
millennium he set up his own IT company and for
ten years successfully supplied software packages
to some of the best-known retail chains in the
UK. Companies like Boots, Argos, Homebase
and Carphone Warehouse were all customers that
contributed to a further period of success for Andrew.
Anyone who has worked, or does work, for
themselves will know how all-consuming the job
can be, and this became the case with Andrew.
‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’ as
▲ Just out of production ranges
like Corgi’s ‘Vintage Glory’ are
becoming harder to find and are
popular with collectors.
1 Partwork models like this
Triumph Stag from the Bond
film ‘Diamonds are Forever’
have been a huge success in
the USA.
▲ Every model, once entered
onto the system is allocated a
bin number and stored in this
racking system.
▲ Information on a single
model is displayed here across
2 screens.
February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk •
the saying goes, and so as a distraction from the
pressures of the day job, Andrew bought an old
Land Rover, which he set about renovating in his
spare time. As a further interest he also bought an
old Corgi model of a Land Rover Wrecker. This
innocent purchase was to become the catalyst for
the next stage of his career.
Like so many of us I suspect, it rekindled an
interest in the diecast toys he had played with
during his childhood and he set about collecting
some of his favourites. As his collecting passion
grew, he resolved to try to collect an example of
every model listed in ‘The Great Book of Corgi’.
In no time at all he amassed a collection of 1000-
was the next task so with his background in IT he
wrote a database programme and set about entering
his entire collection onto it, whilst also researching
the background and history of each model to
include on the database. As an aside, certain
models were sold, either as duplicates, or as better
condition versions were acquired. Suddenly two
things dawned on him, firstly how much he was
enjoying researching and cataloguing the models,
and secondly that as he bought and sold models he
was actually making a reasonable profit.
SETTING UP ‘LITTLE WHEELS’
AND ‘CHEZ BOIS’.
Convinced that he could make a successful business
from diecast toys, Andrew boldly sold-up his IT
company and in 2011 he set up ‘Little Wheels’ as a
web-based museum, whilst another website, ‘Chez
Bois’ was set up as an online version of Marcel van
Cleemput’s definitive book of Corgi models, ‘The
Great Book of Corgi’. By now he was buying up
significant collections of models and there were even
more duplicates and models surplus to requirements,
so he also began using the ‘Little Wheels’ website as
an online shop, and at the same time travelled to Toy
Fairs all around the country in an effort to move the
increasing amount of stock he was handling.
His ‘epiphany’ moment arrived after a particularly
frustrating day at a toyfair at Donington Park.
With mountains of diecast on offer from just about
every stall and each one trying to undercut the
next, he struggled to take £50 during the entire
day. The profit on the sales wasn’t even enough
to cover his table cost, let alone his fuel and time.
However, when he returned home, he switched on
his computer and to his amazement and delight,
discovered that he had taken over £200 in internet
sales whilst at the toyfair. The penny was beginning
to drop. From that day on he was determined
to develop the online sales and forget the early
mornings and long days manning toyfair stalls!
It certainly wasn’t all plain sailing and he very
quickly realised that ‘Little Wheels’ combined
museum and shop set-up was not going to work.
Visitors to the site were becoming confused as to
which models were part of the museum collection
and which were available to buy. The solution was
easy, he simply switched the museum over to the
‘Chez Bois’ site, so that ‘Little Wheels’ could focus
purely on becoming an online diecast retail brand.
41
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: LITTLE WHEELS
TURNING ‘POTENTIAL’ INTO
‘SUCCESS’
What we have heard so far is perhaps nothing
terribly remarkable and is mirrored by many
enthusiasts who see an opportunity to turn their
hobby into a money-earner. So what sets Andrew
Wood and ‘Little Wheels’ apart from the rest. Well
quite simply he has made a huge success of his
business and he has done so by putting his many
years of experience in the retail sector to good use.
In Andrew’s own words: ‘We are a lean operation
and take a professional approach to the business
in terms of how we operate and how we present
ourselves’. He went on to comment; ‘this is a new
form of diecast retailing - there are no rules, we are
making them up as we go along’.
He makes it sound easy, but it is anything
but! The key to the entire operation is that it is
process driven and the processes are all down
to the complex computer software that Andrew
has tailored to the business. These processes
ensure consistent and complete attention to
detail, resulting in a smooth and easy transaction
experience for each and every customer, whether
they be buying a 99p toy or a much more highly
valued, rare collectable. He is very aware that many
of his customers are in the 60-plus age bracket
and may not be as computer-savvy as the younger
generations, so the simplicity of his customer
interface is of paramount importance.
With a team of just three – Andrew himself,
Peter (the photographer) and Rory (Customer
Communications and Pick & Pack) the business
now lists at least 60 new items per day and is
capable of despatching up to 500 parcels per week.
As a result, ‘Little Wheels’ has grown to become a
business of around £350,000.00 per year turnover,
with around 60% of sales going overseas.
In the background, the computer software is also
compiling a mountain of financiaI information on
each sale. Andrew can request reports to show all
sorts of trend analysis. For example, he can see at a
glance if average prices are increasing or decreasing
by various categories and this enables him to make
more informed buying decisions – what to buy
at auction and what to pay for it. It also collates
all sales, automatically generating a Profit & Loss
(P&L) account for the business and even calculating
the VAT return!
42 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019
▲ The Majorette 200 Series
from the early 1970s is a range
that is currently ‘on trend’ and
achieving high prices.
▲ Peter photographs every
model from multiple angles so
that listings can show every
detail.
▲ Each storage bin contains
around 30 models, or half a
day’s listings.
There are no
rules, we are
making them up
as we go!
SO, IS DIECAST RETAIL DYING?
Not according to Andrew Wood, it is merely
changing and evolving, and business needs to
change and evolve accordingly. Toyfairs are dying
as collectors mirror the high street experience and
move more to on-line purchases. Like so many
other aspects of retail, diecast is trend driven and
‘Little Wheels’ has the technology in place to
monitor exactly which categories are the flavour of
the month and ‘on trend’.
Andrew gave some examples.
In recent times the trend has been away from
vintage diecast (1950s and early 1960s). With more
and more older collectors dying, so more and
more vintage products have come onto the market
and prices have dipped as a result – basic supply
and demand principles apply. On the other hand,
the 1970s Majorette 200 series of 3-inch diecast
are currently enjoying a peak in popularity and
you will find many priced at £50 plus for even
unboxed examples!
Partwork collections have also been a rich
source of recent sales. The James Bond Collection
was massively popular across Europe and the UK,
and stock was relatively easy to come across at
reasonable prices. However, the collection was
not made available in the USA so ‘Little Wheels’
targeted their sales at the US market and were very
successful indeed.
Another popular area at the moment is the ‘just
out of production’ category. These items are no
longer available new but at the same time have not
yet swamped the second-hand market. Ranges like
Corgi Military and Vintage Glory fit this category.
Certain releases from Minichamps are also much
sought after as well as more obscure brands like
Spark resin and Neo.
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD
FOR ‘LITTLE WHEELS’
To be honest Andrew Wood is quite content with
what he has achieved to date. To list 60 new items
per day requires constant feeding and therefore
constant visits to auctions to keep the stock fresh.
Expanding the business further at this point would
probably necessitate a move to larger premises and
inevitably more staff would eventually be required
to maintain the current high level of service.
Andrew is now of an age where he has half an eye
on retirement at some point over the next few years,
and so for the time being, he is happy to tweak his
existing processes with a view to ever improving the
efficiency of his current business model.
Maybe with a bit more time on his hands he
will look to complete that online version of the
Great Book of Corgi – I have a feeling there are
still a few models missing from the Chez Bois
site. As someone who has used Andrew’s sites on
numerous occasions for reference and research
purposes, I can only applaud everything he has
done to-date and I wish him well with whatever
he decides the future holds. Why not look him up
for yourself – https://little-wheels.net is the shop
and www.chezbois.com is the museum and online
Great Book of Corgi. DC
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N Gauge OM46515A Wright Eclipse Gemini 2, Brighton & Hove, Brighton
Pride, Route 29 - Tunbridge Wells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £33

Oxford Diecast - Commercial vehicles EFE - Buses

DA87 D Series Bulk Tipper - 'Hoveringham' (Circa 1973 - N6208B Scania Metropolitan double deck bus - "Charles
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Corgi "Trackside" (inc Lledo Diecast

NFDE008 Ford 400E Van Southdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . £4.50
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(RRP £19.95) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BARGAIN. . . £7.50
DA96 Dodge Kew Artic & D/side British Road Service . . £9
DB13 Karrier Bantam articulated flatbed "British Railways" Type A
container. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£12

NSHL01CT Scania Highline D-TEC Combitrailer - DG146018 GUY Pantechnicon - Freeborn's Removals
Container Eddie Stobart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £11.50 (RRP £8.99) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BARGAIN. . . . . . £4
35207EFE 36' BET 6 bay single lamp "Stratford Blue".
DA69 Karrier Bantam flatbed coal & coke load "S.B.Tawn (RRP £28). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BARGAIN. . . . . .£9
& Son Solid Fuels" (circa 1964-1974) . . . . . . . . . . . . . £9.99

NSHL03TK Scania Highline tanker - "Eddie Stobart" . .£12

NSHL02WF Scania Highline Walking Floor Stobart Biomass . . . . . £11.50 DG206000.(D) Scammell Townsman box trailer "Rail
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A009B Karrier Bantam Refuse Truck "Cleansing 35701 36' BET RC Class 4 bay coach "Greenline" 705
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Corgi Collectables - Buses

NVOL4003 Volvo FH4 curtainside "Knowles" . . . . . . . .£12

HO Gauge (1:87 Scale) DB03 Leyland Comet Flatbed "BRS - Davis Haulage
Poplar" - load of packing cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £10.50
99201 AEC Regal 10T10 s/deck bus "U.S. Army Red
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OM40821B Bristol Lodekka "Wilts and Dorset" - Route 34112 AEC RT Bus 'London Transport' (RRP £34.95)BARGAIN . . . . £26
38A "Bournemouth, Limited Stop" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £33
Cararama - Farming and construction OM40821A Bristol Lodekka "Wilts and Dorset" - Route 38A "Salisbury,
Limited Stop" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£33
OM42521B Dennis Trident East Lancs "Preston Bus, 8 Moor Nook" (RRP
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DB01 Leyland FG flatbed "Co-Operative Fuels" - coal and

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27704EFE AEC STL Bus (No Roof Box) Green Country

"London Transport" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£22
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Oxford Diecast - Public Service vehicles L16 Pack of two Forklift trucks - British Rail . . . . . . . . . . £8
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OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) 23405 Bedford TK Flatbed "Staplehurst Transits"

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OM46619B New Routemaster, Go Ahead London, 88

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Oxford Diecast - Buses

28807 Leyland Titan d/doors d/deck bus "Cambridgeshire 22913 Bedford TK box van "Ever Ready" (RRP £19.95)
20458 Bristol VR MkIII - "Midland Fox" (RRP £29.95) Constabulary". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £8 BARGAIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £11
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76BI001 Beadle Integral East Kent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £15.50

27202A Leyland Titan TD1 early 1930's d/deck bus open 22911 Bedford TK box van "United Dairies" (RRP £19.95)
staircase "Birkenhead Corporation" (RRP £19.95)BARGAIN. . £8 BARGAIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £10
18610 Bristol VR3 open top "New Forest Tour"
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36903EFE Park Royal Regent V "East Kent N.B.C" (RRP £32.50) 76MW6003 Bristol MW6G - Eastern Counties National
BARGAIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£10 Bus Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£15
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18014EFE Daimler MCW Fleetline "Greater Manchester Transport" (RRP
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23605 Bedford TK Luton van "Woodlands Transport

26610 Plaxton Paramount 3500 coach "East Yorkshire" Tunbridge Wells" (RRP £19.95). . . . . . .BARGAIN. . . . . . £8 76COM008CC Commer Commando Coca Cola . . . . . . .£14
(RRP £19.95) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BARGAIN. . . . . . £8

18207 Daimler XF Fleetline "London Country"

(RRP £24.95) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BARGAIN. . . . .£10
29101 DMS type Daimler Fleetline d/deck bus "Metrobus" (RRP £19.95)
BARGAIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £10

34502 Bedford TK short bulk tipper "Marstons Bricks" 76DR005 Duple Roadmaster Ribble . . . . . . . . . . . . . £14.50
20649 Plaxton Pointer Dart "Arriva South London" (RRP £19.95) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BARGAIN. . . . . . £8
(RRP £24.95) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BARGAIN. . . . . £11
35803 Plaxton SLF Dart MkI "Maidstone & District" (RRP £24.95)
BARGAIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£10

30511 Guy GS Special "Stevensons" (RRP £19.95)

BARGAIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£8
30513EFE Guy GS Special bus "British Railways" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £24
25815 Leyland Fleetline - Yellow Buses, Bournemouth - W2 to
Bournemouth Square (RRP £29.95) . . . . . . . . . . . . BARGAIN . . . . . £12 36303 Bedford TK short dropside lorry "British Rail" . £24 76IR6005 Irizar i6 - Guideline / Official England Football
35501 ERF KV 4-axle flatbed "Chain bridge Honey Co" (RRP £19.95) Team Coach - Collector's Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£22
BARGAIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£9
36703 Plaxton SLF Dart MkII "Aldershot & District"
Stagecoach (RRP £19.95) . . . . . . . . . . .BARGAIN. . . . . . £8

17225 Leyland National Mk1 Long 'Burnley & Pendle' 76IR6003 Irizar i6 coach - "The Kings Ferry". . . . . . £20.50
(RRP £19.95) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BARGAIN. . . £7.50 37201 Foden S24 8W Oval Tanker "Miers Transport Ltd"
(RRP £19.95) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BARGAIN. . . £9.50
31707 RMC Routemaster coach "Greenline (Stagecoach)" . .£22
Commercial vehicles

76IR6004 Irizar i6 Galleon Travel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£20

17311EFE Leyland National MKI Long "Green Line 36101 Trader Luton box van "Chaplin's Removers &
N.B.C." (RRP £32.50) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BARGAIN. . . . .£13 Storers - Colwyn Bay" (RRP £19.95). . .BARGAIN. . . . . . £8
22605 AEC Ergo Flatbed "Western BRS" (RRP £19.95)
BARGAIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £8
37601 AEC Ergomatic 2 axle flatbed "Alan Firmin" (RRP £19.95)
BARGAIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£8

76PAN007 Plaxton Panorama - Ribble . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£16

29306 Leyland Olympian "Liverpool Motor Services 32802 Trader short bulk tipper lorry "London Transport"
(LMS)" (RRP £19.95). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BARGAIN. . . £7.50 (RRP £19.95) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BARGAIN. . . . . £10
29702 Leyland Olympian Type C "London & Country". (RRP £19.95)
BARGAIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £10
35001 AEC Mandator Artic Flatbed "British Road
Services" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £16
Northcord Model Company - Buses 76PAN008 Plaxton Panorama A. Timpson & Sons Ltd £16

36001 Leyland RTL d/deck bus "Chieftain" (RRP £19.95)

BARGAIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£6
28817 Leyland Titan 2 door d/deck bus "London Northern". . . . . . . . . £19
28825 Leyland Titan 2 Door Prototype London Transport - Bachmann 21605 Albion Ergo 2 axle Flatbed 'Harris & Miners'
exclusive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £34 (RRP £19.95) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BARGAIN. . . . . . £8 UK6506 ADL Enviro400 MMC - "First Bristol" . . . . . . . . £48 76SB002 Saro Bus - Maidstone and District . . . . . . £16

All items in stock when advert created. Prices valid until 31/01/19 . Errors excepted.
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76TK007 Bedford TK Tanker "Whitbread" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £8.50
76J4002 BMC J4 Van British Rail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£5.50

76CRE010 Vauxhall Cresta Moonlight Blue/Bermuda Blue £4.50

76IS002 BMW Isetta RAC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £4.50

76WO005 Wolseley 18/85 black / ivory. . . . . . . . . . . . £4.50

Public Service vehicles
76SB003 Saro Bus London Greenline . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£16 76CT007CC Citroen 2CV Coca Cola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £4.50 76AM001 AEC Mercury TL fire engine "London Fire Brigade" . . . . . . .£18
76TCAB004CC Coca Cola T Cab Box Trailer . . . . . . . . .£19

76REG001 AEC Regent III/Merryweather Fire Engine

76IRZ003 Scania Irizar PB Ulsterbus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£17 76105007 Ford Anglia in light blue/Ermine white . . . £4.50 "London Fire Brigade". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £12 76CWT001 Commer Walk Thru British Railways (Green) . . £8.50
76IRZ005 Scania Irizar PB White. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £17

76DAF03REC DAF 105 "Hough Green Recovery". . . . .£17

76COR2003 Ford Cortina Mk2 in red . . . . . . . . . . . . . £4.50 76MA006 Mercedes Ambulance East Midlands 76D28001 DAF 2800 40ft Curtainside Robsons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £19
76WFA007 Weymann Fanfare North Western . . . . . £14.50 76FP001 Ford Popular 103E in Winchester blue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £4.50 Ambulance Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £8.50
Cars

76D28002 DAF 2800 tipper Alfred Hymas . . . . . . . . £19.50

76MA002 Mercedes Sprinter 515 CDi Modern Ambulance
76HE002 Heinkel Kabine Spartan Red . . . . . . . . . . . . £4.50 - London . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £8.50
76SET41 5 Piece Ford Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£21 76SAL001 Scania Aerial Rescue Pump "Strathclyde Fire & Rescue". . .£19.50

76DXF001 DAF XF Euro 6 CombiTrailer/Container

Maritime Transport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£21
76HE001 Heinkel Trojan Roman Blue. . . . . . . . . . . . . £4.50
76TN003 Thornycroft Nubian Bristol Airport . . . . . . . . . £14
76ASL001 Armstrong Siddeley in Black . . . . . . . . . . £4.50 Commercial vehicles

76DXF002 DAF XF Euro 6 curtainside - "Wreford's

76HI001 Hillman Imp Willow Green. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £4.50 Transport" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £21.50
76AUS005 Austin 1300 Teal Blue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £4.50 76ETYP014 Jaguar E Type Silver Blue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£5
76TIP001 AEC Ergomatic 6-Wheel Tipper "Hoveringham" £11

76DXF003 DAF XF William Armstrong Houghton

76ACF003 Austin Cambridge A60 Farina Maroon B - 76JAG2001 Jaguar MkII in Regency red. . . . . . . . . . . £4.50 Parkhouse livestock trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£22
76ALB001CC Albion Box Van Coca Cola. . . . . . . . . . . . . £9 76FDE010 Ford 400E Van Cargo Grey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £5
Snowberry White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £4.50 76FDE004 Ford 400E Van Royal Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £5

76LAN188009 Land Rover 88" Canvas in bronze green £4.50

76ASS002 Austin Seven RN Saloon Light Royal Blue . £4.50 76SFT005 Standard Flying Twelve Pastel Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £4.50 76ATKL002 Atkinson 8 Wheel Flatbed 'Chivers' . . . £11.50 76FCG002 Ford Cargo Box Van in white . . . . . . . . . . . .£11

76SOM001 Austin Somerset Black . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£5 76SV001 Standard Vanguard in black . . . . . . . . . . . . £4.50 76ATKL004 Atkinson Cattle Truck - "J Haydon and Sons" . .£13 76FCG005 Ford Cargo Box Van Parcelforce . . . . . . . . .£11
76CA003 Bedford CA Ice Cream Lyons Maid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£5

76SOM002 Austin Somerset Buckingham Green . . . . . .£5 76SR007 Sunbeam Rapier MkIII Light Green Metallic/ 76BD020 Bedford OX Flatbed Trailer British Rail . . . . . £10 76FCG004 Ford Cargo Box Van Royal Mail . . . . . . . . . .£11
Embassy Black . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £4.50

76IS001 BMW Isetta signal red . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£5 76BD005 Bedford OY 3-Ton GS (General Service) "British
76CC002 Carlight Continental Caravan Arctic White . . . . . . . . . . . . £6 76TP006 Triumph 2500 British Racing Green . . . . . . £4.50 Railways" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £11 76TPU001 Ford Transit Dropside - Stobart Rail . . . . . £10

UK P&P only £2
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25,000
76SET12 Baler, Livestock Trailer & Farm Trailer tripleset £14 76BD023 Bedford OYD 15th Scottish Infantry Div UK 1943. £11

76CHT004 Churchill Tank 6th Guards Brigade 1943. . .£11

76MB003 Mercedes Actros GSC Flatbed Trailer J R 76CHV001 Combine Harvester - Red . . . . . . . . . . . . £13.50
76TPU002 Ford Transit Dropside Network Rail . . . . . . .£10 Adams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £21.50
76FT026 Ford Transit LWB High - Police Network Rail Speed Camera £5

76DT005 Diamond T Tank Transporter 21st Army Tank

76TEA001 Ferguson TEA 20 Tractor in grey . . . . . . . . . . £4 Brigade 1942 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£21
76J4001 Morris J4 van - "Royal Mail". . . . . . . . . . . . . £5.50 76FMT001 Field Marshall Tractor in Marshall green . . . . . . . . . . . . . £4.50
76FDE011 Ford 400E Fordson Tractors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£5
76FT1008 Ford Transit Mk1 Castrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £4.50

76DT002 Diamond T980 Tank Transporter 1st Canadian

76SH006 Scammell Highwayman Low Loader . . . . £11.50 Army - Italy 1943. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £21.50
76TRAC001 Fordson tractor in blue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £4
76FT033 Ford Transit Mk5 AA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£5

76RAB006 Scammell Scarab Flat "British Railways" £8.50 76DT001 Diamond T980 Tank Transporter TRC Western
76RAB001 Scammell Scarab van trailer "British Railways". . . . . . . . £8.50
76JCX001 JCB 3CX - 1980s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £17 Desert 1942 GHQ Cairo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £21.50
76FT005 Ford Transit van high top LWB "Network Rail" . .£4.50

76SST007 Scammell Showtrac & Dodgem Trailer Arnold

Bros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £16 763CX001 JCB 3CX Eco Backhoe Loader JCB . . . . £19.50 76WOT001 Ford WOT1 Crash Tender Mickey Mouse
76S94001 Scania 94 6 Wheel Curtainside TNT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £14.50 (Scampton) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £12.50
76LRL003 Land Rover 1/2 Ton Lightweight RAF - Red Arrows . . . . . . £5
76KRS001 Konecranes Reach Stacker (for freight
containers) in Konecranes blue. Fully posable . . . . £21.50

76S94004CC Scania 94D 6 wheel curtainside - "Coca 763CX002 JCB 3CX Eco Backhoe Loader Union Jack £20
Cola" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £14 76LRFCA002 Land Rover FC Ambulance Nato Green . .£8.50

76KRS005 Konecranes Reach Stacker Stobart (Red). .£21

76JS001 JCB JS220 Tracked Excavator JCB . . . . . . . . £20

76SHL03TK Scania Highline Petrol Tanker "Eddie 76LRFCG003 Land Rover FC GS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £8.50
Stobart" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £19
76SCA06CS Scania R420 topline curtainside "Stephen Sanderson Ltd." . £18
OR76ROR003 Land Rover Defender 110 posable rail
wheels - "British Rail" - non-motorised . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£5

76ML1001 JCB Major Loader Mk1 Excavator JCB . . . . £20

76LRFCS002 Land Rover FC Signals Nato Green. . . £8.50
76VOL01ST Volvo FH3 3 Axle Nooteboom Semi Low
Loader - Eddie Stobart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £19.50
OR76ROR002 Land Rover Defender 110 posable rail
wheels - "Network Rail" - non-motorised. . . . . . . . . . . . .£5

76KOM001 Komatsu PC340 standard (fully poseable)

boom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £17 76LRFCS001 Land Rover FC Signals Nato Green
76MF001 Massey Ferguson 135 in Red . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £4.50 Camouflage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £8.50
76VOL4007 Volvo FH4 (G) Nooteboom Semi Low Loader 76LRL004 Land Rover Lightweight Berlin Scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £5
Military ground vehicles
Cadzow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £21
76LO001 Leyland Octopus trailer - "Tesco" . . . . . . . . .£13

76SET25 Military 3 piece set - Italy 1943. Matador, Tilly &

76VOL4004 Volvo FH4 (G) Tipper Wains Transport . . . £19 76BF001 40mm Bofors Anti-Aircraft Gun as used the
British Army/Navy 1937- late 1980s in brown . . . . . . . . . £7 MWD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£17
76LW001 Living Wagon Maroon/Red . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£10 Farming and construction 76AEC018 AEC Matador Wrecker British Army SCC2 Brown. . . . . . . .£11 76SP004 Pioneer Artillery Tractor "Royal Artillery 1st Army" . . . . . . . . £11

76MH003 Mechanical horse flatbed trailer "GWR" . £8.50 76SET36 3 Piece Farm Trailers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £14 76MWD001 Bedford MWD British Army "Mickey Mouse" . £5.50 76SP005 Pioneer Recovery Tractor "RAF Blue Scammell" £11

2 or more items £4 P&P Next Day £7 P&P

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76SM001 Sherman Mk3 Tank - 10th Armoured division,
1942 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£11 BARGAIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £2.50
76SM002 Sherman Mk3 Tank - Royal Scots Greys, Italy
1943 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£11 EM76630 Morris Minor Van "British Railways" (RRP £4)
76WMB001 Willys MB Royal Navy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£5
76WMB003 Willys MB US Army . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£5
76WMB002 Willys MB US Navy Seebees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £5
Motorcycles & Scooters
76BSA001 BSA M20/WM20 Motorcycle & sidecar 'AA',
early front forks (circa 1937-47) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£4
Pocketbond "Classix" - Cars
EM76848 Austin A30 4-door saloon in Pale Blue
(RRP £4.25) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BARGAIN. . . £2.50
EM76822 Morris Minor convertible - blue (RRP £4)
BARGAIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£3
Commercial vehicles
EM76693 Austin K8 "Pink Paraffin" (RRP £4.50)BARGAIN £3
EM76678 Ford Thames 300E 7-cwt van in red (RRP £4.25)BARGAIN £2
EM76508 Jen-Helecs Parcels van 'British Railways' ad
posters (RRP £7.99) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BARGAIN. . . . . .£5
EM76507 Jen-Tug & Parcels Van Trailer "BRS Parcel
Services" (RRP £8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BARGAIN. . . . . .£4
EM76642 Morris J Van "Southdown Buses" (RRP £3.99)BARGAIN £2
1:50 Scale
10/09/12
Cararama - Commercial vehicles
CR027 Scania trailer in white . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £11
AA27403 Gloster Meteor F.1, EE216, T.D. ‘Dixie’ Dean,
RAF No.616 Sqn and V-1 ‘Doodlebug’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £57
Corgi Collectables - Commercial
vehicles
AA36013 Hawk XX246 / 95-Y 100 Squadron - 100 Years of
the RAF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £42
EM76615 Morris J Van "Telephone Engineer" (RRP £4)
CC14122 DAF 105, Fridge Trailer, FreshLinc, RAF
Holbeach Livery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£73
AA27606 Hawker Hurricane MkI YB-J, ‘Winged Popeye’ P.O
Leonard Walter Stevens No.17 Sqn, Debden , 1940 . . . . . £43
BARGAIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £2.50
CC14124 DAF 105, Slough International Freight &
Packing Ltd, Slough, Berkshire - cab only. . . . . . . . . . .£45
CC14118 DAF XF Fridge Trailer "Blair International, Ballymena, County
Antrim" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £73
AA27602 Hawker Hurricane MkI, P3120, 303 Polish
Squadron, Flying Officer Z K Henneberg, Northolt,
September 1940 (RRP £39.99). . . . . . . .BARGAIN. . . . . £32
EM76649 Morris Minor Van "Royal Mail" (RRP £4.25)
BARGAIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £3
1:72 Scale
CC13799 Scania R Highline, Walking Floor Trailer,
Malcolm Logistics, Colin Prior Collection of 8 cabs and
AA35415 Jaguar T.4 XX838 No16 (R) Squadron Coltishall trailers - LTD EDITION (RRP £699.99). .BARGAIN. . . .£495
- 100 Years of the RAF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £52 CC13752 Scania R Moving Floor Trailer "Motward Timber Recycling Ltd,
Huntingdon" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £68
Corgi Collectables - Aircraft - military
AA28004 Messerschmitt Bf109E-4 'Yellow 1' 9./JG 26,
Caffiers, France, August 1940. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £43
AA34113 Blackburn Buccaneer S2, XW538, 16 Squadron CC15602 Volvo F89 Fridge Trailer "Grangewood
RAF Gutersloh November 1977. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £56 Transport, London" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£61
AA35313 North American B-25B Mitchell, 40-2249, "Hari
Kari-er", Doolittle Raid, 1942 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £88
AA34018 Consolidated B24H Liberator 'Male Call' 453rd CC14034 Volvo FH (Face Lift) Curtainside Trailer "Knowles
Bombardment Group 8th AF 1944 - Jimmy Stewart . . £109 Transport Ltd, March, Cambridgeshire" (RRP £84.99)BARGAIN £49
AA33617 Panavia Tornado GR4 ZA461 15XV R Squadron
Centenary Scheme 2015 (RRP £76.99) BARGAIN. . . . . £55
AA36111 Consolidated Catalina IVA JV928 ‘Y’ F.Officer CC16003 Volvo FH, Curtainside Trailer, V.G. Mathers,
Alexander Cruickshank VC 210 Squadron July 1944 - 100 Inverurie, Scotland, new tool. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£68
Years of the RAF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £103
AA27502 Short Sunderland Mk.III, ML788/2-S, No.422
Squadron RCAF, Pembroke Dock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £108
CC16004 Volvo FH, Eddie Stobart - cab only, new tool £45
AA38808 Do17Z-10 R4+LK I/NJG 2 Gilze - Rijen October
1940 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £69
AA27503 Short Sunderland MkIII W3999 RB-Y 10
Squadron RAAF, Mount Batten Early 1942 . . . . . . . . . £130
CC16001 Volvo FH, H.D. Ricketts Ltd, cab only, new tool £47
AA38807 Dornier Do17Z-2 U5 + BH 1./KG 2 'Holzhammer'
Tatoi Greece May 1941 'Operation Marita' . . . . . . . . . . . £69
AA39105 Westland Whirlwind XA868 Falkland Islands/
HMS Protector 1963 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £52
CC16005 Volvo FH, Step-Frame Trailer, Anderson . . . .£68
1:48 Scale
Oxford Diecast - Aircraft - military Corgi Collectables - Aircraft - military
AA38209 Douglas C47A Skytrain Berlin Airlift 72TM009 DH Tiger Moth Floatplane Royal Navy T7187 . . . . . . . . . . . .£25
(RRP £119.99) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BARGAIN. . . . . £92
72SW001 Supermarine Seagull/Walrus A2-4 RAAF (RAF AA28401 English Electric Lightning F6 XR728/JS , RAF
AA38208 Douglas Dakota C-47, 'Kwicherbichen', BBMF £102 Museum Hendon) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £29 Binbrook, as preserved (RRP £131.99) BARGAIN. . . .£95
UK P&P only £2
 Follow us on @hattonsmodels and /hattonsmodelrailways

Prices valid until 31/01/19

43RUB001 Austin Ruby Saloon Maroon. . . . . . . . . . . . . £15 43JSS007 SS Jaguar Gunmetal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £20

VA12204 Ford Sierra XR4i Press Car (RRP £27.99) 43ASS004 Austin Seven RN Saloon Westminster . . . . £13 43VFE005 Vauxhall Cresta Friary Estate in dusty pink £18
AA38906 Fokker D.VII (OAW) 4649/18 ‘Seven Swabians’ BARGAIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £21
Alfred Bader Jasta 65 September 1918 NEW. . . . . . . . .£47 VA10208 Leyland Princess 2200 HL, Sandglow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£24 Commercial vehicles

43JAG5003 Jaguar MkV Closed Dark Blue/Tan. . . . . . . £21

AA37708 SE5a F-904 Major C E M Pickthorn (MC) RAF VA06713 Triumph Spitfire - Mk3 Saffron . . . . . . . . . . . . £24 43AT004 Austin Low Loader Taxi in burgundy . . . . . . .£16
No.84 Squadron France November 1918 - 100 Years of
RAF (RRP £59.99) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BARGAIN. . . . .£44

43JAG5002 Jaguar MkV DHC Closed British Racing

VA10111 Triumph Stag Mk2 - British Racing Green . . . £24 Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £21 43TX5001 London TX5 Taxi black. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £10.50
Military ground vehicles
AA38108 Sopwith Camel F1, B6313, Major William
George ‘Billy’ Barker C/O , No.139 Sqn, Italy 1918 . . . .£47

VA10509 Triumph TR7 FHC - Triton Green . . . . . . . . . . £24 43JAG5001 Jaguar MkV DHC Open Opalescent Silver £21
VA08506 Wolseley 6, Rheingold Metallic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£24
43LRL004 Land Rover Lightweight Canvas Berlin
Military ground vehicles Scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £14.50
AA38109 Sopwith F.1 Camel, No.3 Squadron RNAS,
Lloyd S Breadner, Bray Dunes Aerodrome 1918. . . . . .£47

O Gauge (1:43 Scale)

43JAG8004 Jaguar MkVIII Carmen Red . . . . . . . . . . . . . £20
Corgi Collectables - Cars
VA00132 Ford Anglia 105E DeLuxe, Pompadour Blue & Shark Blue . £24 43LAN188021 Land Rover Series I 88" Hard Top RAF .£11
VA01209 VW Beetle Type 1, British Army Military Police
NEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £24
1:18 Scale
Oxford Diecast - Cars
43MGZ008 MGZB Birch Grey/Twilight Grey. . . . . . . . . . £16 Oxford Diecast - Cars

VA10818 Ford Capri Mk3 3.0S - Arizona Bronze

(RRP £27.99) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BARGAIN. . . . .£22

43ASH004 Armstrong Siddeley Hurricane Closed in black . .£16 43R25003 Rolls Royce 25/30 - Thrupp & Maberley Black. £21
18HE001 Heinkel Trojan RHD Roman Blue . . . . . . . . . .£24
18MBC006 Messerschmitt KR200 Convertible Royal Blue . . . . . . . £24.50

Any or Multiple Scales

VA09523 Ford Escort Mk1 Mexico Sebring Red . . . . . .£24

Corgi Collectables - Aircraft - military

43AMDB9003 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe Cobalt Blue . . £21 43R25002 Rolls Royce 25/30 - Thrupp & Maberley Green £21

VA09524 Ford Escort Mk1 Twincam - Blue Mink. . . . . .£24

43RRP3001 Rolls Royce Phantom III SdV HJ Mulliner AA28402 English Electric Lightning F.6 XS927/N - RAF
43AHT001 Austin Heavy Twelve in airways blue. . . . . . £16 Black . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £21 No.74 Squadron ‘The Tigers’, RAF Tengah, Singapore,
1969.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£109

Other Scale
VA12611 Ford Escort Mk2 1.6 Harrier, Strato Silver
(RRP £27.99) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BARGAIN. . . . .£21
Oxford Diecast
43RUB002 Austin Ruby Saloon dark blue . . . . . . . . . . . £16
43RSC001 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud I Sand/Sable . . . . £21 Farming and construction

VA12511 Ford Fiesta Mk1 1.1 ‘Sandpiper’, Roman Bronze

& Solar Gold (RRP £27.99). . . . . . . . . . .BARGAIN. . . . .£22 43EMP003 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud/Hooper Empress
43RUB003 Austin Ruby Saloon Dark Green . . . . . . . . . £15 Black/Silver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £21 SP140 Showmans Living Caravan . . . . . . . . . . . . £12.50

2 or more items £4 P&P Next Day £7 P&P

OXFORD DIECAST FORD ANGLIA SUPERVAN

The original
Supervan
Inspired by an online discovery, David
Lynn sought out a model he’d had on his
wishlist for a while.

M
any collectors probably have a “rainy
▲

Oxford Diecast’s Supervan

day” list of models to follow up one with specially designed box
wrap.
day but in practice never get round
to doing anything about unless
something unexpected happens to
bring them back in to focus. In this story, I’d been Timbuktu livery with previously black bodywork
mildly intrigued by a Ford Anglia van with rear areas now painted yellow. Alice designed the box
windows and a sporty livery released by Oxford wrap and the announced edition size was 2,000,
Diecast back in 2006 (No ANG015), but despite although the numbered certificate states only 1,500.
noting its designation as a “Supervan” - a name It does not capture all of Supervan’s particular
later used for various Ford promotional Transits attributes, retaining standard wheels instead of the
fitted with endurance racing car engines and radical distinctive alloys, the normal full front bumper,
bodywork - and its Monte Carlo door stickers, I and there is no black finish for the bumpers or
never investigated further. headlight surrounds or any indication of the bigger
However this changed recently when I found carbs. However it may be unique among Oxford’s
a short film about Supervan’s origins and its range of around 30 Anglia van liveries with the
fascinating backstory. The 26-minute film is called incorporation of the extra side windows, and
A Map with Gaps and is well worth watching at with its added lights and extensive depiction of
https://vimeo.com/41970935 with further details the various sponsor and related stickers, this is a
at http://alicenelson.org/item/work-1/.Produced very distinctive model. It is shown for comparison
in 2006 by Alice Nelson as a documentary tribute with a Corgi/Vanguards Royal Mail promotional
to her late father and his epic 1972 drive from issue (No LP06541) from a series issued in 2010.
▲ Rear door decals carry
Dublin to Russia and back, covering 12,000 miles details of the places visited. While the Oxford casting and fixture detailing is
and 14 countries in 26 days; although originally an ▲
A front on comparison of the
more simplistic than the Vanguards, the intrinsic
art school project, it received a limited commercial Corgi Vanguards Anglia Van differences are not major and this is a well-crafted
release and several festival awards. (left) with Oxford’s Supervan. and likeable salute to Supervan’s adventures. DC
Brian Nelson ran the Monte Carlo garage
in Dublin and for this adventure spent £15 on
a 12 year old mechanics hack that had already
been round the clock twice. This was refurbished
and lightly modified with a fibreglass undertray
typically 1970s Cosmic alloy wheels, twin
carburettors poking through the bonnet, side
windows, and some extra lights. The rally car look
was continued with black paint on the bonnet,
roof and racy front quarter bumpers, plus lots of
sponsor stickers. Brian then used Supervan for a
second trip in 1973 from Dublin to Timbuktu to
raise money for Famine Relief. PZC 452 was a
late 1961 Dublin registration, so technically this is
a Thames 5cwt Van before the 1965 rebranding to
Ford Anglia.
Oxford designers worked closely with Alice
and have depicted Supervan as it existed in 2006;
various images found online suggest this is its post-

February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • 51

MODERN JET FIGHTERS PHOTO SPECIAL

Fighters in
the Sky Century Wings 587571, F-14D Tomcat,
VF-101 Grim Reapers, 2004.

Something a little different

for you now – Christian
Nentwig is a keen modern
military aviation diecast
collector and couples this
with his photographic skills
to record his collection in
a truly stunning way using
natural light and a little
Century Wings CW00161, F-14A,
wizardry. Rick Wilson VF-114 Aardvarks, 1978.

introduces the
concept.

I
received a message from Christian in early
October, wondering if I’d be interested to
see what he does with his diecast collection.
As an aviation enthusiast and a keen
photographer to boot, I most certainly was.
Once I’d seen Christian’s talents, I knew I just had to ▲ Century Wings CW001615,
share them here for you all to see. F-14D Tomcat, VF-31
Tomcatters, 2006 - this photos
He shoots outdoors and uses natural daylight to is my tribute to the very last
highlight the models’ details, and as his collection flight of an F-14 Tomcat. The
features some beautifully made replicas, you really do model has the same bureau
have to look closely to check that they’re not real. number and paint scheme as the
Tomcat that made the very last
Examples from Hobby Master, Calibre Wings and flight on 6 October 2006.
Century Wings are all included and Christian has
also kindly provided the captions. DC

52 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019

▲ Calibre Wings CA721402, F-14A, VF-1
Wolfpack, 1975 - it´s one of the wave 1 Tomcat
releases of the Classic Cats series.
▲ Hobby Master HA5215, F-14A Tomcat, VF-74
Be-Devilers, 1987 - the photo was taken in the
evening sun.
▲ Century Wings 748002, F-14A Tomcat, VF-41
Black Aces, 1978.
▲ Hobby Master HA5212, F-14A Tomcat, VF-84
Jolly Rogers, 1991.
▲ Calibre Wings CA721404, F-14A, VF-142
Ghostriders, 1976 - it´s one of the wave 2 Tomcat
releases of the Classic Cats series.
▲ Century Wings F-14A Tomcat, VF-1 Wolfpack,
1991.
▲ Hobby Master HA5207, F-14A, VF-32
Swordsmen, 1989, it symbolises the Tomcat which
shot down a Libyan MIG-23 in 1989 also known as
the “Gulf of Sidra Incident”.
▲ Century Wings CW001619, F-14A Tomcat,
VF-84 Jolly Rogers, 1978, flap & slat down version
- the photos were taken in an angle similar to a
Tomcat just before touching down on an aircraft
carrier. You can see the lowered tail-hook and the
flaps and slats down.
February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk •
▲ Calibre Wings CA721403, VF-14 Tophatters,
2001 - another of the wave 2 Tomcat releases of
the Classic Cats series.
▲ Hobby Master HA5210, F-14A Tomcat, VF-2
Bounty Hunters, 1976.
▲ Calibre Wings CA722402, Suchoi SU-24MR
Fencer, Yellow 15, Ukrainian Airforce - the latest
release of Calibre Wings’ brand new “Soviet Stars”
series.
▲ Century Wings 912366, F-14D Tomcat, VF-31
Tomcatters, 2006 - this photo is one of my early
shoots.
53
MATCHBOX SUPERFAST 50TH ANNIVERSARY

Superfast at 50
In 1969, Matchbox responded to the competition from Hot Wheels with
its own range that featured low-friction ‘mag’ wheels. Rick Wilson was
captivated from day one and, in this new 10-part series, celebrates the
Lesney years up to 1982.

A
s a very impressionable five-year-old, and ▲ The Superfast range became
already with a decent collection of Corgi quite varied during Lesney’s run,
from replications of real vehicles
and Dinky Toys, the very first day that I to completely made up ones.
saw the window display in my parents’
friends’ newsagents shop near our home
in Welling, Kent, I was ‘in’. It was 1969 and Matchbox
had launched the first three new models, branded
‘Superfast’, in its bid to stave off the competition from
the 1968-launched Hot Wheels.
The range was slowly introduced into the
standard Matchbox 1-75 range, beginning with
three brand new models (No 5 Lotus Europa,
No 20 Lamborghini Marzal and No 56 BMC ▲ An early leaflet, highlighting
Pininfarina) but over the next few years, the the new features.
remainder of the range was either converted to
Superfast wheels or replaced with new models that
had them.
The initial marketing push coincided with new
▲

track sets to make full use of the new feature and I Former Lesney employee,
Andrew Moore, amassed quite
remember spending hours upon hours racing against a collection during his years at
friends on my SF-5 Double Track Race Set. Other the factory, including a late-
features that were highlighted for the new range, 1970s shop display case.

54 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019

▲ Advertising was frequent during the early years in particular – here is one ▲ Another early advert, from The Victor, with the fabulous Ford
of the very first with the corresponding releases. Group 6 and Porsche 910 as featured in the artwork.

▲
The colourful carry cases are
very useful for keeping your
collection safe.

▲ The design of the boxes evolved quite a bit during the Lesney years from 1969 to 1982.

in addition to the low-friction ‘mag’ wheels, were
spring suspension and opening features such as doors
and boots, although some actually lost this latter
feature upon upgrade, such as the No 22 Pontiac
Grand Prix – but it did get a super new metallic
purple paint job and I’ll cover that one in particular
more closely in a later part of the series as, more
than any other Superfast release, it commands the
highest prices today in standard form.
Going back to those early days in the local
newsagents, I was rather taken with the shop
displays that Matchbox had been using for a
few years already. As more and more models
were released in the new range, the branding
on these displays turned to Superfast too and
occasionally these come up for sale, although
they are notoriously fragile, but if you can find
one intact, they make for superb display units
for any collection. The Matchbox Club made
some superb replicas a few years back and even
modified the design slightly so that the apertures
were big enough to take the box as well. I bought
two and these have been filling up fairly quickly
in the last year or so as I’ve been bolstering my
collection ahead of this series of articles, and a
special publication we’re planning for sale later in
2019. During my quest, I made the acquaintance of
▲ Gift sets proved popular and
this is one of my favourites, sold
from 1970 to 1972.
▲ The Superfast range was
specifically designed to work
with the exciting new track sets.
Andrew Moore, a former Lesney employee in the
late 1970s, and his lovely collection of later Lesney
releases from his time at the company can be seen
opposite, complete with one of the later displays.
An alternative way to keep you collection safe
is in an original Collector’s Carry Case. Like the
display units, these were nothing new as Matchbox
was already producing these for its regular wheels
releases. Back in the day, my friends and I would
use ours to take our racing team to each other’s
houses for those track days – but today, for me,
it’s all about keeping the unboxed ones safe. These
cases have actually become quite collectable in
their own right, although finding one in good
enough condition can be a little tricky as the vinyl
covers are prone to splitting.
Finally, for this overview instalment, one other
bit of Matchbox marketing that proved rather
successful was its continuation of the gift sets.
Again, nothing new as regular wheels sets had been
around for some time, but there is something rather
exciting about finding a mint one today. One of my
favourites is the G-4 Truck Superset (above left).
So from part two onwards I’ll start focusing a little
more on individual aspects of the Superfast range,
starting with the numbering system and how some
of them evolved during the Lesney period. DC

February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • 55

 Own a piece of our history.....
ERF Articulated Truck

1950s Trojan Van

Only
P&P £7.99
upto 2kg +VAT
£2.72

Only
£3.99
+VAT Please send your order,
including a cheque for the appropriate amount made out to Mornflake, to:
Model Van Offer, Mornflake, North Western Mills,
Crewe, Cheshire,CW2 6HP

Office Details: Unit 4, High House Business Park, Kenardington, Kent TN26 2LF
Tel: +44 (0) 1233 510050 Email: enquiries@candtauctions.co.uk
Consistently Achieving High Prices

Regular Vintage & Collectible Toy Auctions

Scarce Corgi Toys Gift Set 15 Silverstone Racing Layout, Hammer: £5,200
Consignments Being Accepted For March 13th 2019 Auction
www.candtauctions.co.uk
MODELLING THE AUSTIN CHAMP

The Austin
Champ that
Jensen built
David Wright takes up the
challenge of coming up
with a new angle on an
old favourite.

T
he Austin Champ's history goes back
before World War II, when two or three
4x4 staff cars, known as Nuffield Guttys,
were built for the British Army by the
Nuffield Organisation.
Later, in 1948, Wolseley were contracted by
the British Army to build twelve of an improved
version, and these were known as Mudlarks. With
this experience under its belts, Austin became
involved in 1950 in building the vehicle that would
be known as the Austin Champ.
The Champs were initially built at the Austin
plant at Crofton Hackett near Birmingham, and
15,000 was the original order quantity. However,
after a change in location to Glasgow 1954, just
12,000 had been built when the run ended in 1956.
Champs were a high class military vehicle, with ▲ Britains Lilliput Austin the production of five bodies. It is thought that
a 2.8 litre Rolls-Royce engine, made under licence Champ. these bodies were either produced to check out a
in the Austin factory, and 5-speed gearboxes driven revised specification for BMC, or indeed they may
through forward and reverse gears. Indeed, the have been built for a particular Champ customer.
legendary Land Rover had only been launched
4 years earlier in 1948, when the Champs first THE MODEL
appeared in 1952. Champs had considerable off- In our tender years when toys were toys, the
road stability, excellent build quality, and reliable, Dinky Toys Austin Champ was one of the most
powerful engines. endearing little toys in the model garage! It's whole
▲ A standard Austin Champ
So where does Jensen come in? Well around this appearance oozed friendliness and, with a driver to
with canvas tilt and those
time, in 1950, Jensen had been using Austin engines angular windows. personalise it, the car became the central point of
for its early Interceptor cars, and was developing many a military diorama of Dinky Toys. However,
close working links with Austin, strengthened by unlike Britains, Dinky Toys only made the one
the contract to build Austin Healey 100s and work basic model of this iconic military vehicle, in open
on a number of prototypes for Austin. It is quite to the elements style, varying the presentation only
likely then that, with the Jensen brothers' interest to give it a coat of white paint for the rarely found
in innovation, it would have been very interested UN version.
in this early experiment with a four wheel drive In real life, it had two different sets of all weather
vehicle. From records obtained from the Jensen equipment, one being a replica of a canvas tilt, with
factory, it has been ascertained that some work was ▲ Image of a Jensen-built angular perspex windows, and the other a much
done by Jensen on Champs in 1956, followed by Champ with closed body. lesser known hardtop designed and built by Jensen.

February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • 57

MODELLING THE AUSTIN CHAMP
1 2
3 4
It is the latter that I have set out to re-create.
Plasticard was the obvious material to use for the
sides and back, but the curved sides to the roof
presented a problem. Where to find a cheap model
that offered up a roof that could be transplanted?
Thanks to a friend of many years, Alan Morris,
we identified the Corgi Collectible vintage Ford
van, which offered up its roof willingly! After
some fettling of the Dinky toy to remove the
petrol can casting on the back, and lower the side
rails to take a side panel, the plasticard was cut and
crafted into shape.
Superglue is wonderful for these little fiddly jobs
and, once the roof had been cut down at the rear
to fit the length of the Champ seating area, the 3
panels were fitted to the shortened roof panel, and
left to dry thoroughly. A quick burst of grey primer
always shows up the small imperfections, and some
resin was needed to fill small gaps that were left
after the gluing process.
At this point, the Champ needed to have its paint
removed and caustic soda is the toxic mixture of
choice here. Always be careful to do this outside, as
when boiling water is added to the crystals, around
the casting in a small plastic box, the vapour given
off is unpleasant, and should not be inhaled.
Once I was satisfied with the finish I'd achieved
on the canopy, it was time to work out the colour.
The only images available of this very small order
completed by Jensen are in black and white, so
58 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019
1 The finished model in BMC
Dove Grey.
2 The finished model from the
rear.
3 The Rare UN version of the No
674 Austin Champ.
4 Britains Austin Champ.
▲
Standard Dinky Toys No 674
Austin Champ.
▲ The constituent parts of the
Dinky Toys adaptation.
as garish colours were not the vogue during the
1950s, I concluded that it looked very much like
BMC Dove Grey! That meant Dove Grey all over,
so after masking the axles, both vehicle and canopy
were treated to a couple of coats of this lovely
shade of grey. It must be authentic if BMC owned
Austin, after all.
It's possible there may be some resin cast copies
of this canopy, if any reader is interested, and in the
meantime, I'll continue to examine vehicles that
Jensen built for their ‘modelability’. DC
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Grateful thanks go to Richard Calver, Jensen archivist
extraordinaire, for his generosity in providing the
images of the Champ from his book "Jensen - All the
Models" - a cracking good read for anyone interested
in the history of the British motor industry, and the
amazing range of vehicles Jensen built.
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THE RETURN OF CIJ
Back to the
1950s
A
s in any other industry, there has always
been rivalry between manufacturers in
the diecast market. One example of this
in 1950s France was the competition
between French Dinky Toys and CIJ
(Compagnie Industrielle du Jouet). CIJ was first to
go the wall, the company being officially wound
up in August 1968 by the Tribunal de Commerce
de Paris, and in 1971 Dinky Toys ceased to be
manufactured in France.
Now things have come full circle, as both CIJ
and Dinky are back in production, albeit in China.
Instead of being rivals, though, they now both
belong to the same stable. This article explains the
background to these developments and examines
how the ‘new’ CIJ range has developed over the last
decade.
The story begins with a Paris model dealer, Daniel
Pajchert, who trades under the name ‘Dan Toys’.
Twelve years ago, at the Retromobile classic car
show, the Dan Toys’ sales stand attracted a good deal
of attention from visitors. Piled high were mint and
boxed examples of one of the rarest French Dinky
Toys – the Citroen ‘Philips’ demonstration van.
Except that they weren’t actually French Dinkies…
They looked just like the 1960s originals but they
Andrew Ralston takes a close look at
the reissued CIJ models by Norev, Atlas
Editions and Dan Toys.
▲ The Citroen H van has now
been issued under the Dan
Toys, Atlas Dinky and CIJ
names. The liveries applied on
the three examples shown here
(‘Bonbel’ cheese, SNCF and
‘l’Alsacienne’) never appeared
on the Dinky van.
▲ 2009 catalogue cover shows
a selection of CIJ replica cars
and commercial vehicles in the
very attractive wooden display
unit that was only available for
a short time.
February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk •
were in fact exact replicas made in China and
marked with the Dan Toys name rather than Dinky.
Collectors soon snapped them up; others, who had
perhaps spent several hundreds of pounds or euros
on an original, were less enthusiastic. But nobody at
the time could have foreseen how quickly this sector
of the collecting market would grow over the next
few years.
The initiative of Dan Toys was quickly followed
by the relaunch in 2007 of classic models from the
CIJ range, the rights to use this name having been
acquired by Norev. Then, in 2008, the publisher
and partwork distributor Atlas Editions managed
to secure permission from Mattel to use the Dinky
name and the Atlas Dinky collection was born.
Much of the same tooling is used to produce Dan
Toys, often in different colours or liveries from those
originally seen on Dinky Toys. Many of the Dinky
Atlas replicas first appeared under the Dan Toys
name and joined the Atlas series later on. Norev
who opened an impressive new factory in China in
2009 carries out production for all of these models.
Thus, collectors can once again purchase CIJs and
French Dinkies – just like they could 60 years ago.
This article surveys the development of the reborn
CIJ range that falls into two phases. Initially, exact
61
THE RETURN OF CIJ
1
2 3
replicas of 1950s issues were offered, and many
of these are already out of production. Thereafter,
the CIJ name was applied to a selection of ‘hybrid’
models that make use of Atlas Dinky tooling, and
these are still being produced.
A 2007 launch catalogue took the form of an
eight page A4-size foldout on thick glossy paper and
it placed a good deal of emphasis on the ‘heritage’
aspect, billing the new CIJ range as ‘jouets français
de tradition’ and providing a brief history of the
brand from its formation in 1927 by Fernand
Migault and Marcel Gourdet. As well as diecasts,
the catalogue pictured two classic CIJ tin toys, the
post-war Renault 4CV and the Nervasport record
car of 1934. Several of the catalogue photos seem to
show the original toys rather than the reproductions,
no doubt because the publication had to be prepared
well in advance and samples of the finished products
were not yet ready.
The original post-war CIJ diecast series got off to
a flying start with a model of the Renault 4CV, the
little rear-engined car that brought car ownership
into the reach of so many French families at the
62 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019
1 Four CIJ replica Renault
commercial vehicles, all in
similar finishes to the original
1950s issues except the dark
green timber truck carries
a new livery, ‘Papeteries de
Domeynon’, on the doors.
2 A selection of diecasts for
sale by Dan Toys, the Paris
model shop. The castings are
replicas of classic Dinky and CIJ
subjects but the manufacturer
behind them all is Norev. Note
also the Nover replica Spot-On
Rover 3 Litre.
3 The set with tinplate storage
container and shovel to load
material such as sand into
the Saviem tipper truck is an
exact replica of a CIJ dating
from 1962. The Berliet GAK
‘Dumesnil’ drinks truck is based
on a French Dinky model but
finished in a new livery and
supplied in a Norev/CIJ box.
The model shares the tooling
used for the Atlas Dinky issue.
time. In 2007 Norev no doubt hoped their replica
of this model would bring similar success to the new
CIJ series. However, if the new version is placed
beside the old one, it becomes clear that it is not
an exact copy, as the dimensions are slightly larger,
though the lines and proportions are the same. As
happened in the fifties, the CIJ 4CV has also been
issued as a black and white police car and – just like
the original – the roof aerial is represented in low-
tech fashion by a bent metal pin! The 2008 catalogue
depicted three more saloon cars: the Mercedes 22SE,
Renault Dauphine and Volkswagen Beetle.
Apart from this relatively small selection of cars,
the rest of the new CIJs were commercial vehicles,
allowing the range to expand quickly through the
use of the same castings in a variety of liveries. For
example, the 1000kg delivery van was issued in
‘Shell’, ‘P.T.T.’ ‘Primistères’ (green and white) and
‘Boucherie’ (light blue) liveries, the latter two being
very rare in their original form. There were also
numerous articulated trucks with Somua, Saviem
and Renault Fainéant tractor units, including the
unusual ‘Transport Exceptionnel’ with two eight-
 4

Note the different lettering on the base of each of these vans. The
model on the right is the original French Dinky.

Place the original 1950s CIJ Renault 4CV (left) beside the m
odern replica (right) and it becomes clear that the new versions are not exact copies.

4 One of CIJ’s most attractive 7

wheeled trailers carrying a long tubular nuclear models was the Renault ‘Evian’
heat exchanger marked ‘Babcock and Wilcox’. CIJ’s drinks lorry. The replica offers
delightful ‘Evian’ drinks truck with 12 crates of an affordable way to own a
model that is scarce in its
bottles of mineral water, and the Renault Colorale
original form.
police pick-up and trailer were also among the
5 Both Dan Toys and CIJ have
models replicated by Norev. applied new liveries to familiar
These new CIJs were available through Dinky models. This is the Dan
wholesalers who handled other Norev products, Toys Panhard ‘Calberson’ truck,
originally issued by French
such as John Ayrey in the UK. The catalogues
Dinky in SNCF and ‘Kodak’
indicate that distribution was handled by ‘Dream colours.
Toys’ who were based at Vaulx en Velin, near Lyon 6 The Panhard also looks good
in France, this being the location of Norev’s head in this colourful ‘l’Alsacienne’
office. According to the Lyon Trade and Companies biscuits guise, issued under the
CIJ name.
Register, Dream Toys ceased to exist in 2014 and the
products are now marketed under the Norev name. 7 Issued for a short time in
1960, ‘Boucherie’ was one of
All these models were virtually identical to the the rarest CIJ Renault 1000kg 8
1950s issues and came in the same colours and vans. The modern replica came
liveries. Right from the start, however, it was clear in a numbered edition of 1000
that Norev intended to be flexible in their use of pieces.

the CIJ name. The very first catalogue, for instance, 8 Another Dinky/CIJ hybrid: the
Citroen 2CV van in ‘Calberson’
contained two other 1950s replicas which were colours.
not originally made by CIJ, namely the quirky
advertising trucks used in conjunction with the
Tour de France cycle race, one being the Camion
‘Savon Ambré le Chat’, a van with a bar of soap
and the figure of a cat on the roof, and the other
the ‘Waterman’ Ink van. An obscure company
known by the initials P.R had made the originals
of these. In real life the Waterman publicity van
was accompanied by a microcar with bodywork in
the shape of a bottle of Waterman ink. P.R. didn’t
make a model of this, but the Norev/CIJ version of

February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • 63

THE RETURN OF CIJ
9 10
11
the truck came with an entirely new replica of this
curious vehicle too.
The 2008 catalogue showed further departures
from the idea of CIJ replicas in strictly original
finishes as Norev quickly started to apply their own
liveries on CIJ castings. The Renault 2.5T cattle
truck, which CIJ originally produced in plain yellow
and red, appeared with ‘Pinder’ circus lettering and
the small coach (Car Renault 120 CV), in addition
to being issued in a standard cream and red finish
came in a new two-tone white and blue ‘Air France’
livery. Later that year further CIJ models were
refinished in non-original colours. The ‘Evian’ drinks
lorry re-emerged in white with ‘Orangina’ lettering.
The Renault Colorale Police pick-up with trailer
for towing away illegally parked cars now came in
orange Renault Service livery – giving it a more
positive image by transforming it from being an
unwelcome sight for French motorists into a rescue
vehicle coming to help someone who had broken
down!
2008 also heralded a new release that had nothing
to do with CIJ at all: an exact replica of the French
Dinky Saviem Goelette ‘Transport de Chevaux’
pictured alongside the various other CIJ-based
Renault commercial vehicles (the same model
which later appeared as an Atlas Dinky in 2015).
This was in effect a replica of a Dinky Toy in a CIJ
style of box.
The model may have seemed an anomaly at the
time, but it was a sign of the direction in which
Norev was taking the CIJ brand. The decision was
taken not to continue to invest in new replica-CIJ
tooling but to get more mileage out of the Dinky
Atlas tooling by issuing similar models in new, non-
64 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019
12
9 The box illustration shows the
CIJ Renault Cattle Truck in the
original plain red and yellow
colour scheme but the replica
also exists in Pinder circus
livery.
10 Two Berliet GAK variants in
early (right) and later (left) CIJ
boxes. (Photo: Vectis)
11 Berliet Autobus as used in
the city of Nice with the Berliet
Stradair in yellow. Although
many of these models are still
current or have only recently
become obsolete, they are
already appearing in specialist
auctions of collectors’ items.
(Photo: Vectis)
12 Alternative CIJ colour
schemes on Atlas Dinky
castings: (left) Citroen P55 Milk
Truck with ‘ Société Anonyme
des Fermiers Réunis’ logo
and (right) Saviem Racehorse
Transporter. (Photo: Vectis)
▲Boxes of the most recent
issues are marked ‘CIJ de
Norev’, clearly indicating their
source.
Dinky colours or liveries, packed in red and blue
‘CIJ Europarc’ boxes. This has resulted in quite a
number of ‘hybrid’ models. Take, for example, the
French Dinky Panhard ‘Esso’ articulated tanker and
covered wagon in SNCF and ‘Kodak’ colours. When
these were on sale in toyshops in the early fifties, CIJ
was offering a smaller scale, non-articulated Panhard
tanker in green with ‘BP’ markings. Half a century
later, Norev combined the Dinky model with the
CIJ livery to create an articulated Panhard ‘BP’
tanker.Various new liveries have also been applied
to the Panhard covered truck, some sold under the
CIJ/Norev name (such as ‘l’Alsacienne’ biscuits) and
others by Dan Toys (such as ‘Bailly’ or ‘Calberson’,
two well-known removal and transport firms).
The casting on which the greatest number of
variations has appeared is probably the Citroen H
van, first seen as a French Dinky Toy in 1954 in plain
grey and later issued in ‘Cibié’, ‘Gervais’ and ‘Glaces
Gervais’ finishes. This can now be found in multiple
liveries as an Atlas Dinky, Dan Toy and CIJ, with the
lettering on the base altered accordingly. The two by
CIJ are ‘Berliet Assistance’ (yellow) and ‘l’Alsacienne
Biscuits’ (white, blue and red).
Recent releases from Norev show a still more
tenuous connection with ‘genuine’ CIJs, as they
are all based on Dinky Toys from the later sixties,
many of which date from a time when CIJ was no
longer introducing new models. Into this category
come the Berliet Autobus, issued by Dinky in Paris
and Lyon liveries and refinished as a Norev/CIJ in
the alternative colours of ‘Transports de Nice et
du Littoral’; the Berliet Stradair in yellow; several
variations on the Berliet GAK chassis; the Camion
GMC in dark green military and red ‘Pompiers
13
15 16
Pont du Chateau’ guises; the Unic Multibenne
‘Air Liquide’; Peugeot D4A van ‘Cycles Peugeot’;
Peugeot 404 saloon with trailer or caravan; Citroen
P55 milk truck with ‘SAFR’ (Société Anonyme des
Fermiers Réunis) markings,and the Berliet GBO.
All are in colours or liveries that are different from
the Atlas Dinky Toys, and come packed in red and
blue boxes marked with both CIJ and Norev names.
In a further attempt to recycle existing tooling,
three Norev/CIJ gift sets (‘coffrets’) have been
issued, again based on Dinky Toys in different
colours or liveries. One contains four trucks, two
Fords and two Studebakers, and the others are the
‘Salon de Paris 1949’ set with a Citroen 2CV, Ford
Vedette and Peugeot finished in rather sombre
colours, and a more colourful eightieth anniversary
of Simca set containing a Simca 8 Sport, Aronde and
two-tone Vedette in a limited edition of 400 pieces.
You may well ask: why does Norev bother to issue
these replica Dinky castings under the CIJ Name?
Why not simply label them all as Dinky Toys?
The answer, presumably, lies in Mattel’s licensing
agreement with Atlas that allows only Atlas to
use the Dinky name, and not Norev, even though
they are made in Norev’s factory. The complicated
relationship between Atlas, CIJ and Norev on
today’s collecting market is rather like the ‘badge
engineering’ marketing strategy followed by the
British Motor Corporation (BMC) in the sixties
whereby similar vehicles would be badged as Morris,
Austin, Riley and so on.
So where does all this leave the CIJ range now?
Clearly, it does not play as big a part in Norev’s
line-up as it did initially. A separate CIJ catalogue is
not currently published, and in the lavishly produced
14
13 Though similar to the French
Dinky Toy, this Peugeot 404
with ‘Pinder’ caravan features
some extra superdetailing.
(Photo: Vectis)
14 This Panhard tanker, based
on the Dinky but finished in a
livery seen on an earlier CIJ
model, is typical of the way
Norev combines different
elements to create something
new.
15 A replica of the CIJ Renault
Dauphine, finished in a new
‘Bardahl’ livery, a supplier of
lubricants and additives for
motor vehicles.
16 The Peugeot delivery van,
shown in a new ‘Peugeot Cycles’
livery, is another CIJ making
use of Dinky Atlas tooling.
17 Though based on a 1950s
Dinky design marked CIJ on
the base, the Vedette has a
‘superdetailed’ finish that would
not have appeared on 1950s
toys.
▲Berliet’ livery is yet another
variation on the Citroen HY van.
This version comes in a CIJ box.
February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk •
17
2018 Norev full range catalogue, CIJ only receives
four out of 141 pages – and two of these are taken
up with a retrospective of earlier issues marked
‘epuisé’ (i.e. sold out). The only models listed as
currently available are the Berliet GAK cattle truck,
Peugeot D4A van ‘Peugeot Cycles’, Citroen HY
vans ‘Assistance Berliet’ and 'l’Alsacienne’, Peugeot
404 with trailer and skis, military and fire GMCs, the
gift set with four trucks and a spare trailer for the
Panhard ‘l’Alsacienne’ covered truck, even though
the truck itself is no longer available. All of these
are derived from French Dinky subjects leaving
just four based on genuine CIJs: Renault Dauphine
(now refinished in new green and black ‘Bardahl’
colours), Renault articulated ‘Shell’ tanker, Renault
Dauphinoise van ‘PTT’ and the Renault coach.
All in all, it does seem that Norev is not planning
to develop the CIJ brand much further. Perhaps
that is only to be expected, given that even in the
fifties the CIJ range was never as extensive as the
Dinky one and all their most attractive original
subjects have already been remade by Norev
between 2007 and 2009, leaving little scope for
further innovation other than recolours.
Only time will tell whether the second generation
of CIJs will become sought-after in their own
right. Certainly, they have not suffered from
overproduction as has happened with some modern
diecasts; the majority were made in limited editions
of 1000 or 1500 and have not been rerun. As with so
many current products, the CIJs were easy to obtain
a few years ago but supplies are not as plentiful as
they were. But prices don’t seem to be rising as yet,
so if there are any that appeal to you, now might be
the time to seek them out before it’s too late. DC
65
FROM THE EDITOR’S COLLECTION

John Player Special

Lotus 72 by Corgi
Never lost for things to talk about, Rick Wilson delves
into his model stash to share his favourites.

B
ack in the 1970s, Formula 1 cars
varied quite a bit in how they looked,
especially compared to how similar
all the cars appear to be today. Some
of my all time favourite designs raced
in the 1976 season – Tyrrell 007, Brabham BT44B
and Ferrari 312T2 – but the one that really caught
my attention and admiration first raced some years
earlier: Colin Chapman’s wedge-shaped Lotus 72.
It raced in several liveries, both as a works entry
and in the hands of privateers, but none seem to be
remembered as fondly more than the fabulous John
Player Special cars with their sexy black and gold
colours. Corgi Toys rose to the challenge to tempt
the carpet racing drivers.
The story of this model actually begins with the
introduction of model No 154, the ‘John Player
Special’ Lotus, in March 1973. Modelled in 1/36
scale along with several other top Formula 1 cars of
the time, Corgi produced an accurate toy replica in
correct JPS cigarette livery, something that would be
unheard of today. The range was a masterstroke as it
appealed to all ages given the popularity of the cars ▲ Corgi released the Lotus 72
on the Grand Prix racing circuits around the world. in 1/18th scale during 1974.
▲

Sales of this model in particular were staggering
(more than two million over a six year run) and
sufficiently so to begin with that Corgi took the
brave step of literally thinking big and doubling the
size of the model to 1/18 scale, adding the feature of
removable wheels using an included wheel brace, as
No 190.
But this could have been a very different story
as a licensing disagreement threatened to throw
a spanner in the works before the release of the
smaller model. This was settled after Marcel van
Cleemput personally travelled to Jarama, just outside
Madrid, to meet Lotus boss Colin Chapman, leading
to a meeting soon afterwards that smoothed things
out, allowing
production to
go ahead.
The larger
model that
we are
Doubling the size of the
successful 1/36 scale release
meant that more features and
detail could be added.
a new venture for Corgi, but the company was
confident enough to feature just this model on the
cover of the 1974 catalogue. Released in April 1974,
the model was produced for three years and sales
nearly reached 350,000 during that time. The larger
size allowed for slightly finer detail and made for
impressive desktop presence for any Formula 1 fan
of the era. There are still a good number to be found
in excellent condition, although finding one with
the wheelbrace and spare wheel nuts is a harder task.
▲

Corgi felt sufficiently

focusing confident in its new model to
Even so, expect to pay around £50-£85 for a good
on here afford it the whole of the 1974 boxed example like this, definitely towards the upper
really was catalogue front cover. end with the accessories. DC

66 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019

 MCLAREN MODELS
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SILVER ARROWS - PART 2
Silver Arrows
with four rings
The Silver Arrows program started in the
thirties with Mercedes-Benz, but also with
Auto Union. The plan was to dominate
international Grand Prix racing so, to put
on a better show, two teams were better
than one. Francisco Mota looks at some of
the most famous cars from the four-ringed
manufacturer and its modern incarnation,
Audi. Photos João Carlos Oliveira
68 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019
I
n Part 1 of this Silver Arrows feature (issue 254,
December 2018), we took a look at models
representing cars from Mercedes-Benz that
started making history in the thirties while
racing in international Grand Prix. However,
that was just half of the story.When the German
government decided to back national motorsport
teams with funds, it quickly realised that two would
be better than one. Actually, the original plan was to
make all the investment with Mercedes-Benz, but Auto
Union got wind of it and also asked for a slice of the
pie.Therefore, the 500,000 German Marks that were
to go solely to Mercedes-Benz, ended up divided in
half and given to both teams.The people from Stuttgart
were not happy, needless to say, even if the sum they
were receiving from the government only represented
a small percentage of the total budget needed for the
entire Grand Prix operation.
Auto Union was formed in 1932, an aggregation of
four German car manufacturers that were not having a
very easy time, so they decided to get together to share
some industrial and design efforts therefore reducing
costs and avoiding closure. Horch,Wanderer, DKW and

▲ Silver Arrows by Auto-Union, from left,
Type B Rekordwagen, Type A and Type
C Streamline, the one in the middle is a
Minichamps model, the others are by Brumm.
Audi were the brands that went under the Auto Union
umbrella; each one was a specialist in its own market
segment, from the Horch super-luxury cars to the
popular DKW’s.
When Auto Union decided to design its own Grand
Prix car, it asked reputed engineer Ferdinand Porsche
to work on such a machine. Porsche had a consultancy
firm for designing performance cars, but had no
customers at the time. He was close to the German
authorities, so was perfectly positioned to lend a hand
to one of the teams, trying to get the two as even as
possible. Obviously, Porsche, the famed sportscar brand,
was still some way off in the future. However, some
of the ideas that would make the future brand famous
were already inside Ferdinand Porsche’s head. Contrary
to conventional wisdom, Porsche decided to design
a racing car with the engine positioned behind the
driver, and not in front of him.To make sure the weight
distribution would not change much between the start
and finish of each race, the petrol tank was positioned
in the middle of the car, between the driver’s back and
the engine. Such a placement lasts to this day in every
single seater.This was quite a revolution, and one that
happened years before John Cooper made strides in
the fifties, with his Formula 1 World Championship
winning mid-engined cars. Nevertheless, it would
prove to be the cause of handling problems that were
never totally solved. An tendency to oversteer that
accompanied the Auto Union machines until the
project ended, when World War Two started, made
driving those cars even more difficult than the rivals
from Mercedes-Benz.
When entering a corner at speed, the rear of the car
under the weight of the engine worked a little like a
pendulum and affected the turning radius dramatically,
surprising many drivers when they first started to test
▲ Cockpit view of the Type A by
Minichamps.
▲ Real wire wheels feature on
the Minichamps Type A.
▲The closed front end of
Brumm’s Type B Rekordwagen.
▲ There's a small fairing behind
the wheels on the first evolution
of Brumm’s Type B.
February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk •
▲ Type A by Minichamps really honours the real car,
featuring magnificently detailed bodywork with correct
proportions.
▲ Three evolutions of the Type B aerodynamic bodywork,
they all have subtle differences and were all made by
Brumm.
the Auto Unions.
Remember that technical Grand Prix rules in the
thirties were mainly based on a very simple rule book,
the 750kg formula.This concept stated that Grand
Prix cars could not weigh more than that figure. Rule
makers were convinced that, by putting a lid on the
total weight, engineers would not be able to use big
engines in their cars, so they would not escalate in
power and speed. But they did.
Lightweight shells, simple chassis and a big engine
was the way found to reach incredible power outputs,
even by today’s standards.Then, everything got even
more dramatic when superchargers appeared on the
scene. Grand Prix cars from Mercedes-Benz and Auto
Union reached unimaginable levels of power, leaving
all the competition way behind.
Before the Silver Arrows era, Bugatti, Alfa Romeo
and Maserati were among the best Grand Prix cars that
any rich gentleman-driver could buy and win races in.
However, those cars became instantly obsolete when
the Mercedes-Benz W25 and the Auto Union A Type
first showed up at a race venue.
Look at the scale models pictured in these pages
and imagine what it would be like to handle a 550bhp
beast like these, on skinny hard tyres and wire wheels.
Reports from those days say Auto Union cars would
wheelspin at 100 mph if the driver put his foot down.
Only super-talented drivers like Nuvolari, Rosemeyer,
Stuck and Varzi were up to the task of driving these
cars in anger. And so they did.
The first Auto Union Grand Prix car was the
Type A, launched at the 1933 Berlin Motorshow and
intended to compete the following season. It was based
on the P-Wagon project that Ferdinand Porsche had
made before, but that remained on his drawing board
waiting for someone to buy it. Auto Union did that
69
SILVER ARROWS - PART 2
and ordered a monstrous 4.0-litre V16 engine that
Porsche also designed and it was positioned behind
the driver’s back. At the start of this adventure, power
output was claimed to be around 295bhp, which was
more than enough to give some serious opposition to
the Mercedes-Benz W25.The biggest problem with
the Type A, apart from the oversteer, was the lack of
traction in slow corners.The inside wheel would just
start spinning when the driver accelerated. Porsche
came to the rescue with a limited slip differential that
he designed, made by ZF, and that solved the issue.
Understanding of car dynamics was very poor at the
time. Engineers did not have the machinery to measure
and look at data, so they had to improvise with some
clock-based instruments to use during test days, so they
could get some information about what was really
happening. Stiffness was not something that engineers
would discuss much, but the lack of it made those small
cars with heavy engines handle in mysterious fashion.
Aerodynamics were another matter. Auto Union
developed its Grand Prix cars in the wind tunnel at the
German Institute for Aerodynamics, an institution that
still exists to this day.The water droplet was seen as the
most aerodynamic shape at the time, so Auto Union
engineers started using if for several sections of the
car, covering wheels and bodies with fairings designed
in such a shape. Auto Union installed its racing
department at a Horch factory situated in Zwickau,
from where all the team’s Grand Prix cars left, from
1933 to 1939.They were named by the simplest system
possible: from Type A to Type D.
CONTINUOUS EVOLUTION
In 1935, the V16 engine saw a rise in capacity to 5.0
litres and output reached 370bhp for the new Type
70 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019
1 2
1 Left to right, the three
aerodynamic bodies for the
Type C - 1937 Avus GP winner,
1937 Rekordwagen test car
(both by Brumm) and the 1938
version, by Minichamps.
2 Enclosed wheel of the 1938
record car by Minichamps.
▲ Two models of the Type D:
Brumm on the left, next to the
higher quality Minichamps.
▲ Spot the differences between
the Type D models by Brumm
and Minichamps.
▲ A detailed rear shot of
Brumm’s version of the Type D.
From the left, three
interpretations of the
Type C - the hill climb car
with double rear wheels,
and two versions of the car
that won the 1936 German
GP. First two are by Brumm,
the third is a Minichamps.
B racing car. In 1936, the engine size increased even
further to 6.0 litres, good for 520bhp, before revisions
to the 750 kg formula rules were implemented the
following season. In 1937, the regulations changed
in an attempt to reduce power. There were just too
many fatal accidents happening and something had to
be done.
The decision was to reduce the engine’s maximum
cubic capacity to 3.0 litres for supercharged engines
and 4.5 litres for atmospheric engines. Auto Union
modified its V16 engine to a downsized 3.0-litre V12
but added a supercharger, of course. The result? A
550bhp unit that had more power than ever before
and even more torque. The good thing was that
driving dynamics had improved a lot, making the
Type D a much easier car to drive than any of its
predecessors.
Auto Union entered some cars also in the
European Mountain Championship and won it with
Hans Stuck at the wheel several times. To increase
traction, these cars were fitted with an extra pair of
wheels at the rear, but period pictures are clear in
showing that oversteer was still the name of the game.
The third area where Auto Union showed its
technical muscle was in land speed records, competing
directly with Mercedes-Benz. Both teams produced
specially bodied and took them to stretches of Italian
“autostrada” or German “autobahn”. During one
of those attempts, in 1938, the star driver from Auto
Union, Bernd Rosemeyer, was killed – the German
ace was replaced by the Italian legend, Tazio Nuvolari.
Between 1935 and 1937, Auto Union won 25
Grand Prix and won the European Championship in
1936, the only time it managed to beat the Mercedes-
Benz team to the title.
 Only in 1999 was an Audi prototype again seen at the top level
of competition, in the World Endurance Championship and at the
famous Le Mans 24 Hours race.
3 2001, 2004 and 2005.
THE MODELS
To start our 1/43 scale Auto Union story we have a
magnificent Type A made by Minichamps that was
sold through Audi dealers. As in all Auto Unions, the
proportions make one wonder which is the front and
which is the rear of the car.The front grille is a nice
piece of photo-etched metal and the wire wheels
are very realistic. Also worthy of note are the braking
system and suspension arms, while the cockpit succeeds
in representing the thirties environment very well,
with big white-faced dials and a large wooden rimmed
steering wheel. Several air scoops in the bodywork
make it look industrial. It’s one of the best diecast
models ever produced of this car.
The next set of three scale models were all produced
by the Italian diecast brand, Brumm, and represent
three versions of the Type B Rekordwagen.The one
with race number “3” features open wire wheels with
fairings behind each one and a closed cockpit.The
concept evolved, as can be seen in the scale model
featuring race number 4. Finally, the one without a race
number adds a closed front grille and dish style front
wheels.This car reached 200 mph on the “autostrada”
from Firenze to Lucca, in 1935, driven by Hans Stuck.
Brumm made a limited edition of this last one.
The following group of three models showcase
replicas of Auto Union Type Cs – Brumm made two
of these.The first one is the 1936 German Grand Prix
winner; the other is the hill climb version, featuring
double track rear wheels, making this a very interesting
and unique model.The other difference between
both models is the cockpit colour with the circuit car
finished in black and the other in bright red.These
models look good until you look at the Minichamps
offer, reproducing the same car with race number
3 Detailed cockpit in the 1999
Audi R8R by Minichamps shows
how a driver’s “office” looks for
the Le Mans 24 hours.
▲ The R8’s rear wing would
be the most common sight for
Audi's competitors.
▲ Minichamps interpretation
of the R8’s cockpit, very nicely
done.
▲ This is the three Audi’s
finishing the 2002 Le Mans race,
a gift-set by Minichamps.
February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk •
▲ Four Audi R8, three by
Minichamps and the 2000
car, by Onyx, representing
the Le Mans wins of 2000,
4.The level of detail is much higher, in both the
bodywork and the cockpit. It’s a great model to place
alongside Minichamps’Type A.
From circuit and hill climb versions to the Type C
“Stromlinie”, Brumm released two versions of this car;
the first one is a test car, featuring a closed cockpit and
no racing numbers. It looks incredible and the scale
model is from an era when the Italian model maker
improved the quality of its products dramatically.The
second car features the same bodywork, with rounded
wheel arches and enclosed wheels, but adds four black
areas over the wheels, presumably to extract excess heat
from the brakes.With an open cockpit and wearing
racing number 3, this is the car driven by Rosemeyer in
the 1937 Avusrennen.
The third model in the same group is a proper
“rekordwagen”, another Type C based machine, this
one has a monolithic shape that does not hide the fact
that it was designed to go fast in a straight line only.
This was the last car Rosemeyer ever drove.
The final pair of 1930s Auto Union cars are two
interpretations of the same car, the famous Type D that
Tazio Nuvolari took to victory in the British Grand
Prix, held at Donington Park. One is by Brumm, the
other is by Minichamps and it does not take long to
spot which is which.The excellent wire wheels stand
out on the Minichamps diecast and the shape of the
car is much slimmer and more realistic compared to
the Brumm. And when you go down to details like
the front grille, steering wheel, dash and racing seat, the
German diecast really stands out from the Italian one.
This marks the end of the golden age of the Auto
Union silver arrows. After the war, the company
would concentrate on road cars and the company
was eventually renamed Audi. It would be many years
71
SILVER ARROWS - PART 2
▲
Audi turned to Diesel power
in 2006, with the R10 TDI, it
won Le Mans for three years in a
row, from 2006 to 2008.
▲ Cockpit of the R10, with two
fairings behind as required by
the regulations.
▲ An interesting view of the
front suspension on the 2010
R15 TDI Plus, by Spark.
▲ The front F1-style nose on
Spark’s R15 TDI Plus.
72 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019
before Audi was again a relevant force in motorsport,
and it all started with rallying, with the Quattro taking
both driver and manufacturer titles. Audi then turned
to American racing, with a special 90 quattro designed
under IMSA rules and later with a 200 quattro for the
Trans Am series.This was followed by a continuous
presence in the German DTM series.
However, these were all comparatively small
engagements in motorsport compared to what Auto
Union had undertaken in the past.Then in 1999,
an Audi prototype was announced for the World
Endurance Championship and the famous Le Mans
24 hours race.They would again be racing against
Mercedes-Benz, but this was an unfortunate event
for the Stuttgart manufacturer that saw its prototypes
literally taking off, due to aerodynamic instability. Audi
was still developing its prototype so decided to enter
two different machines, the R8C coupé and the R8R
roadster, to discover which kind of car was the best
choice for the future.Two of each raced at Le Mans,
with the coupés entered by Audi UK suffering from
insufficient development, thus retiring from the race.
On the other hand, the roadsters, entered by Audi
Sport, had seen much more development and were
able to finish third and fourth overall. Guess which of
the two types Audi selected to keep on developing?
▲ V12 5.5-litre twin turbo Diesel 908. However, it was
This was the last roadster to win Le Mans to
this day, the 2010 Audi R15 TDI Plus, by Spark.
RETURN TO THE TOP
In 2000, Audi returned to Le Mans with the renamed
R8, an evolution of the roadster from the previous year.
These had V8 twin turbo, petrol engines with direct
injection, which made for better fuel efficiency and
were faster to start on the button when leaving the pits.
This would be the first of five wins in six years for the
R8, only interrupted in 2003 by the Bentley Speed 8
that shared many components with the Audi.
Onyx did a very nice job of reproducing the 2000
R8 winner, as did Minichamps with the 2001 and
2002 cars – this last one is part of a gift set featuring
that year’s three R8s crossing the finish line. In 2004
and 2005 the works Audi Team was not present at Le
Mans, the winners were entries by Japan Team Goh
and Champion Racing, with their different colour
schemes not being really silver at all, Minichamps
reproduced those with great detail as well, thanks to a
simple but very well executed set of parts.
Audi officially returned with a works team in 2006,
bringing something new to prove: that it could win
Le Mans with a Diesel engine. And so it did.The R10
TDI was powered by a 5.5-litre V10 twin turbo Diesel
that was more than enough to smash the small budget
teams present that year.Twelve months later, Audi had
a new contender in the shape of Peugeot, with its
still too soon for the French team and an Audi R10
TDI would win for a third time in 2008, but the 908s
finished closer.
Minichamps also reproduced this trio of Audi R10
TDIs and they all look very similar, apart from the
slightly diverse liveries, but the shape is spot-on and
details are very good.This tooling would prove very
profitable for Minichamps - it was the perfect base for
numerous versions that raced not only at Le Mans but
around the world in the different championship events.
ENTER THE HYBRIDS
In 2009, Audi introduced a completely new
aerodynamic concept for its R15 TDI. Peugeot
kept its 908 V12 HDI and won the race easily. Audi
would turn things around again the following year,

producing an evolution R15 TDI Plus. In 2011, Audi
decided to build its first closed prototype, the R18
TDI, and won again. The following season, the new
Audi R18 e-tron quattro was born, a car featuring
hybrid systems, another landmark at the 24 hours
of Le Mans. These last Audi Le Mans winners come
from the Spark’s catalogue; they have impressive detail
like the reproduction of the exposed carbon fibre and
the LED headlamps on both Audi R18s. The unique
front end of Audi 15 TDI Plus looks as aggressive as
the real car’s and it was the last open cockpit car to
win at Le Mans.
In the two following seasons, Audi continued to
develop its hybrid car, the R18 e-tron “quattro” that
maintained the same name but was in fact a new
car every year – Audi managed to grab two further
Le Mans wins, with the one in 2013 bringing Tom
Kristensen his record ninth victory, establishing him as
the definitive Mr. Le Mans.
Both models were reproduced by Spark as
resincasts and are full of small details that would
take pages to describe. Better to look at the pictures
here and enjoy or, better still, choose a few of
▲
Two evolutions of Audi R18 e-tron Quattro, both Le Mans winners in 2011 and 2012, and both replicated by Spark.
Between 2000 and 2014, Audi failed to win Le
Mans only twice, making a grand total of 13
victories. Over the history of the French race,
only Porsche has bettered that.
these modern machines to enrich your model car ▲ The last couple of wins by a
collection. Make sure you look at the line of small Silver Arrows at Le Mans were
in 2013 and 2014 - both are
roof aerials on top of each car, the magnificent resincasts by Minichamps.
reproduction of LED headlights and the multispoke
wheel precision. Liveries became progressively
more complicated but there was always still some
silver somewhere, to make sure there was a visual
connection with the original Silver Arrows.
Audi would withdraw from Le Mans and the
World Endurance Championship at the end of the
2016 season, following the Dieselgate scandal. The
official line was that Audi was leaving the WEC for ▲ Rear end of Audi’s R18
the new electric Formula E, because many future e-tron Quattro features complex
products that the brand was working on were aerodynamics.
electric vehicles.
Between 2000 and 2014, Audi failed to win
Le Mans only twice, making a grand total of 13
victories. Over the history of the French race, only
Porsche has bettered that, but over a much longer
time span. Not bad for a brand that knew close to
nothing about endurance racing when it started.
Moreover, it’s a fine homage to the legacy of the ▲ The LED headlamps are
original Silver Arrows Auto Union team. DC successfully modelled by Spark.
February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • 73
TOP VINTAGE MODEL

Recovery
Tractor
DTCA Chairman, Michael Driver, focuses on an
area of particular childhood interest.

C
ollecting military models has always
interested me and quite a few were
in my childhood collection. As the
Dinky Toys military models were
released in the 1950s, I was eager
to obtain them. There was plenty of action in our
playroom campaigns and models were ‘damaged’
in action portraying real life situations. The tanks
could be recovered with a tank transporter, but other
vehicles needed to be rescued and towed with a
recovery vehicle.
The Dinky Supertoys Recovery Tractor (No
661) was released in June 1957 and was reviewed
in the Meccano Magazine of that month. In the
Dinky News the Toyman says “In every line its
appearance suggests power and strength, and the new
Dinky Supertoy has captured the impression of its
prototype exactly. The model is fully detailed, with
a working crane controlled by a neat handle that
projects from one side of the body. A simple ratchet
device is fitted to the winding shaft to prevent the
hoisting cord from unwinding when the ratchet is
engaged. The ratchet can be released to allow the
load hook to be lowered.”
▲ Dinky Supertoys Recovery
The model is in service green and has a transfer Tractor (No 661) with windows.
for the blue, yellow and red R.E.M.E. insignia on
▲

Dinky Supertoys Recovery

the offside front and rear mudguards. It is fitted
with black treaded Supertoys tyres and the front
of the rear two axles has elongated holes to allow
the model to traverse rough ground. The excellent
casting detail shows the various storage lockers on
each side of the crane, the rear chassis springs, the
front bonnet vents and radiator to mention just a
few. There is also a driver. To make the model more
realistic windows were fitted in 1961 as indicated on
its box and in the Dinky Toys Catalogue of that year.
Both the models came in a blue and white striped
card lift off lid box with an internal packing piece.
The next change came when the model received
the single casting lifting hook which had previously
been the swivel wire type on the first models.
There was also a plastic collar for the winding
handle. A further change came to the model with
the fitting of plastic wheels and the service green
of this model had a slightly gloss finish. The box
for the model was changed to the yellow illustrated
card lift off lid box. The model was also sold during
1960s in the newly introduced Visi-Pac boxes with
the yellow card base and the gold base export
Tractor (No 661) with solid
hook and plastic handle collar.
▲ Meccano Magazine advert,
June 1957 part image.
▲ Dinky Toys catalogue 1961,
part image.
boxes. It was deleted in 1966.
The real vehicle was a Scammell Recovery
Tractor referred to as an ‘Explorer’. It was a 6x6 six
wheel drive 10-ton vehicle powered by a Meadows
6-cylinder engine. There was a power operated
winch jib with a 4.5-ton capacity and it had a fixed
winch that could pull around 15 tons. The role for
the vehicle was to recover wheeled vehicles and
armoured cars. The cab was a three-seater and the
back contained lockers for equipment and tools. DC
FURTHER INFO.
The Dinky Toys range included interesting military
vehicles. The DTCA Journal often has articles about
them with illustrations. You can find out more or join
by visiting the website www.dtcawebsite.com.

74 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019

 Postage
One Item £2.00 -
-
Two or More £4.00

WWW.CHELTENHAMMODELCENTRE.COM
NEW RELEASES 2019
1:43rd Scale
1:148th Scale (N Gauge) 43ACE002 AC Aceca Red
£22.50

£23.50
N105008 Ford Anglia Yellow (Vyv) £4.00 43CCC001A Ford Corina MkII Crayford
NMGB003 MGB Roadster Briish Racing Green £4.00 £22.50
43JUP002 Jowet Jupiter SA Scarlet
NMMT008 Morris Traveller Almond Green (Dot Coton) £4.00 £15.50
43LR2AS002 Land Rover Series IIA SWB Hard
NMN008 Mini Surf Blue/OEW £4.20
£15.50
NVWB005 VW Beetle Black £4.00 43WM008 Whitby Mondial Ice Cream Van Mr
NCA021 Bedford CA Ice Cream Van Mr Sotee £5.25 £22.50
43XK150009 Jaguar XK150 Roadster Indigo Blue
NFT023 Ford Transit Mk5 SWB Low Roof Network Rail £5.00
1:50th Scale
NSHL01TK Scania Highline Tanker BP £13.75
50HYD001 JCB Hydradig £30.00
NTIL004 Ausin Tilly Light AA Brigade £4.50

NRT007 RT Bus Browns Blue £6.50

1:72nd Aircraft
NTR008 Tram London Transport £6.00 AC090 Focke Wulf 190A 15/ £13.99
JG 54 _Hauptmann
1:87th Scale Rudolf Klemm
87CC61002 Chrysler 300 Converible 1961 (Closed) Black £6.00 AC090S Focke Wulf 190A 15/ £13.99
87CI61004 Chevrolet Impala Converible 1961 Hot Rod £6.00
JG 54 - Hauptmann
Rudolf Klemm - No
87CN57005 Chevrolet Nomad 1957 Hot Rod £6.00 Swasika
AC091 Macchi Veltro 205 £13.99
87CSD6100 Cadillac Sedan Deville 1961 Nauilus Blue
3
£6.00
1L.Gorrini - 1 Squadri-
glia - 1 Gruppo Caccia
87DC68002 Dodge Charger 1968 Gold/Black £6.00
- 1944
87DD69002 Dodge Charger Daytona 1969 Orange £6.00 AC092 Mitsubishi A6M2 £13.99
Imperial Japanese
87DP57002 Dodge D100 Sweptside Pick Up 1957 £6.00 Navy
Turquoise/Jewel Black

87DS46002 DeSoto Suburban 1946-48 San Francisco Taxi £6.00 Catalogue available £1.50 inc postage
(Godfather)

87PB59003 Poniac Bonneville Coupe 1959 Seaspray £6.00 1:76th (OO) to follow next month
Green

39 High Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1DX

Phone: 01242 523117 Email: sales@cheltenhammodelcentre.com

. M . Toys Lt WANTED!
R Andrew of Miniature Autoworld is
d

looking for all makes and scales of:

• Modern & Vintage Diecast Models
• White Metal & Resin Models
• White Metal, Resin & Plastic Kits
• Modern & Vintage Toy Soldiers
Large Collections - Small Collections
- Surplus Stock
Russell Martin - Over 30 years Selling couldn’t be easier!
experience in the model trade! We will travel anywhere in the
WANTED: Diecast, White Metal, Buses, Airplanes, 1/18th Scale, UK & Ireland!
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Simply phone Andrew direct, anytime:
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Or post details to:
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Or post list to:- Green Ridge, West Down, Ilfracombe,
RM Toys Ltd, 31 Aston Road, Waterlooville, Hampshire, PO7 7XQ Devon, EX34 8NF
 PRICE GUIDE
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CORGI • DINKY • HORNBY • WRENN
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›› DIECAST
Hundreds of models from
Dinky, Corgi and many more!
Dinky Toys No 168 Ford Escort
light blue body, red interior with
detailed spun hubs. Very good
to near mint in good original
box. £35, Lacy Scott & Knight,
November.
Dinky Toys Atlas Editions
No 943 Leyland Octopus tanker
(Esso). Mint in mint original
box. £10, Lacy Scott & Knight,
November.
Dublo Dinky Toys No 073 Land
Rover and Horse Trailer green
with black wheels and orange
trailer, with horse figure and black
tailgate. Mint in excellent original
box. £70, Lacy Scott & Knight,
November.
Dublo Dinky Toys No 076
Lansing Bagnall Tractor and Two
Trailers maroon with blue driver.
Near mint in very good box. £70,
Lacy Scott & Knight, November.
76 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019
77
• MECCANO • SCHUCO
Welcome to our regular Price Guide section
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where we highlight a variety of collectables that have
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07/11/2012 09:15:52
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ON SALE NOW! The Toy Collectors Price Guide 2019
Order your copy by calling 01778 392006, or go online to www.ccofgb.co.uk
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Dinky Toys Hong Kong issue
No 57/001 Buick light blue body
Dinky Toys No 407 Ford Hertz with white roof and red interior,
Transit Van yellow body, red with detailed hubs. Near mint to
interior and brown base plate, with mint in very good box. £90, Lacy
spun hubs. Near mint in very good Scott & Knight, November. French Dinky Toys No 534
box. £75, Lacy Scott & Knight, BMW 1500 red body with off-white
November. interior and chrome concave hubs.
Near mint in very good box. £120,
Lacy Scott & Knight, November.
French Dinky Toys No 560
Citroen 2CV Postal Van yellow
body and concave hubs and silver Dinky Toys No 254 Austin Taxi
detailed grille with blue side Dinky Toys No 480 Bedford
black body with spun hubs, grey Kodak Delivery Van yellow body
flashes and door transfers. Near interior, grey baseplate. Near mint with red hubs and Kodak livery.
mint in near mint box. £170, Lacy to mint in very good box. £200, Very good to near mint in very
Scott & Knight, November. Lacy Scott & Knight, November. good box. £50, Lacy Scott &
Knight, November.
Dinky Toys No 142 Jaguar
Dinky Toys No 765 Road Mk X metallic blue body with Dinky Toys No 290 Dunlop
Hoarding green road hoarding red interior and spun hubs, with Double-Decker Bus cream and red
with two cream supports and a suitcase in boot. Near mint to mint body with red hubs. Near mint in
variety of advertising posters. Very in near mint box. £50, Lacy Scott near mint box. £120, Lacy Scott &
good in very good box. £50, Lacy & Knight, November. Knight, November.
Scott & Knight, November.
Dinky Toys No 181 VW Saloon
RAF blue body and spun hubs, French Dinky Toys No 515 Dinky Toys No 334 Estate Car
white tyres. Near mint to mint in Ferrari 250GT red body with tan body with brown side panels
near mint (incorrect colour spot) off-white interior and spun hubs. and cream hubs. Near mint in
box. £80, Lacy Scott & Knight, Near mint in very good box. £95, good box (one flap repaired). £80,
November. Lacy Scott & Knight, November. Lacy Scott & Knight, November.

VFrench Dinky Toys No 578
Simca Cargo Tipper Truck green
cab and chassis with silver back
and green hubs. Near mint in
near mint box. £55, Lacy Scott &
Knight, November.
VFrench Dinky Toys No 558
Citroën 2CV lemon yellow body,
brown roof and red interior with
grey hubs. Near mint to mint in
very good box. £75, Lacy Scott &
Knight, November.
VDinky Toys No 149 Citroën
Dyane bronze body with black
interior and black roof. Near mint
to mint in near mint box. £35,
Lacy Scott & Knight, November.
VDublo Dinky Toys No 064
Austin Lorry green body with
plastic wheels. Near mint to mint
in near mint box. £35, Lacy Scott
& Knight, November.
VDublo Dinky Toys No 067
Austin Taxi cream and blue body
with plastic wheels. Near mint to
mint in near mint box. £40, Lacy
Scott & Knight, November.
VDinky Toys No 105 Triumph
TR2 Sports Car grey body with red
interior and driver, red hubs. Very
good to near mint in very good
box. £160, Lacy Scott & Knight,
November.
VDublo Dinky Toys No 070 AEC
Mercury tanker green and red
body with plastic hubs. Near mint
in near mint box. £65, Lacy Scott
& Knight, November.
VDinky Toys No 165 Ford Capri
metallic purple body with orange
interior and detailed cast hubs.
Near mint in very good box. £50,
Lacy Scott & Knight, November.
VDinky Toys No 198 Rolls Royce
Phantom V light metallic green
upper body and cream lower, with
red interior and spun hubs. Near
mint in very good box. £45, Lacy
Scott & Knight, November.
VDinky Toys No 157 Jaguar
XK120 Coupe red body with red
hubs, in original correct colour
spot all-card box. Near mint to
mint in near mint box. £140, Lacy
Scott & Knight, November.
VDinky Toys No 172 Studebaker
Land Cruiser blue body with
tan interior and silver detailing,
in original correct colour spot
all-card box. Very good in good
box. £45, Lacy Scott & Knight,
November.
VDinky Toys No 952 Vega Major
Luxury Coach light grey, cream
interior, cast hubs. Excellent in
good plus box.
£40, Vectis, November.
VDinky Toys No 38e (50080)
Armstrong Siddeley Coupe Trade
Box 3 green with grey interior and
3 grey with blue, all with ridged
hubs. Good plus to excellent plus
in a good lift off lid trade box.
£500, Vectis, November.
VCorgi No 153 Proteus Campbell
Bluebird Record Car blue body,
black wheels with harder to find 2
x “Union Jack” decals to bonnet.
Good plus unboxed.
£35, Vectis, November.
VDinky Toys No 164 Vauxhall
Cresta Saloon two-tone green/
grey including ridged hubs with
black treaded tyres, silver trim.
Excellent plus in good box.
£50, Vectis, November.
February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk •
VDinky Toys No 162 Ford Zephyr
Saloon two-tone blue, silver
trim, grey ridged hubs with black
smooth tyres. Good plus in good
box. £50, Vectis, November.
VDinky Toys No 189 Triumph
Herald two-tone pale blue/white,
silver trim, chrome spun hubs.
Excellent plus in good box.
£80, Vectis, November.
VDinky Toys No 155 Ford Anglia
light green, red interior, silver trim
and chrome spun hubs with black
treaded tyres. Near mint in good
box. £120, Vectis, November.
VDinky Toys No 140 Morris 1100
light blue, red interior, silver trim,
chrome spun hubs. Good in good
box. £50, Vectis, November.
VDinky Toys No 197 Morris Mini
Traveller ivory body with tan wood
panelling, red interior, chrome
spun hubs. Excellent plus in good
box. £60, Vectis, November.
VDinky Toys No 139 Ford Consul
Cortina light blue, cream interior,
silver trim, chrome spun hubs with
black treaded tyres. Excellent in
good box.
▼
£45, Vectis, November.
77
 PRICE GUIDE
Dinky Toys No 135 Triumph
2000 metallic aqua, white roof, red
interior, chrome spun hubs with
black treaded tyres. Excellent in
fair box. £50, Vectis, November.
Dinky Toys No 130 Ford Consul
Corsair red body, off white interior
with black steering wheel, silver
trim, chrome spun hubs. Good
plus in fair to good box.
£50, Vectis, November.
Dinky No 142 Jaguar Mark X
steel blue, red interior, silver trim,
chrome spun hubs with luggage
case. Good plus in fair box.
£40, Vectis, November.
Dinky Toys No 218 Lotus
Europa yellow/blue, black interior.
Good in good box.
£20, Vectis, November.
Matchbox Regular Wheels No
43a Hillman Minx rare green body
with silver trim, matt black base,
metal wheels. Good to good plus
good plus B2 box.
£180, Vectis, November.
CORGI • DINKY • HORNBY • WRENN
TOY COLLECTORS
TOY COLLECTORS TOY COLLECTORS
PRICE GUIDEPRICE
2019 GUIDE 2019
PRICE GUIDE 2019
YOUR ESSENTIAL FIELD GUIDE
TO CLASSIC TOY
YOUR ESSENTIAL FIELD GUIDE £6.99 • www.ccofgb.co.uk
COLLECTORS
Produced in association with
£6.99 • www.ccofgb.co.uk
VALUE YOUR
VALUE YOUR VALUE YOUR
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›› DIECAST ›› TV & FILM
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Dinky, Corgi and many more!
78 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019
Matchbox Regular Wheels No Matchbox Regular Wheels Matchbox Regular Wheels No
34b Volkswagen Transporter No 13d Dodge BP Wreck Truck 4c Triumph T110 Motorcycle &
Caravette dark green interior reverse coloured green cab & jib, Sidecar metallic blue body with
& twin rivet base, 24-tread grey type A crane jib, turquoise green type B extended sidecar mudguard
plastic wheels. Excellent in good windows, lemon yellow rear body brace, thin base ribs. Mint in mint
plus to excellent type C box. & base with BP decals. type D2 box.
£50, Vectis, November. £360, Vectis, November. £80, Vectis, November.
Matchbox Regular Wheels
Matchbox Regular Wheels No Matchbox Regular Wheels No
32b Jaguar E Type metallic red No 75a Ford Thunderbird off
white body with salmon pink side 7b Ford Anglia light blue body,
body, clear windows, ivory interior, green windows, gloss black base,
gloss black base, wire wheels. panels, turquoise green windows,
blue-green base. Good plus in fair factory error mismatched wheels.
Near mint to mint in excellent D4 Excellent plus in excellent plus D2
box. £50, Vectis, November. to good D1 box.
£110, Vectis, November. box. £60, Vectis, November.
Matchbox Regular Wheels No
Matchbox Regular Wheels
57b Chevrolet Impala two-tone Matchbox Regular Wheels No
No 47b Commer Ice Cream Van
blue body without rear silver trim 10c Foden Sugar Container Truck
“Lyons Maid” blue body with tall
or red tail lamps, turquoise green with silver trim, without rear crown
roof & side decals, cream interior
windows. Near mint in near mint decal, with base hole, 36-tread
with tall man, gloss black clip-fit
D2 box. £70, Vectis, November. black plastic wheels. Excellent
base. Near mint in excellent D2
plus in near mint D2 box.
box. £130, Vectis, November.
£30, Vectis, November.
Matchbox Regular Wheels
No 44b Rolls Royce Phantom V Matchbox Regular Wheels
metallic mauve body with silver No 47b Commer Ice Cream Van Matchbox Regular Wheels No
trim, clear windows, ivory interior. “Lord Neilson” cream body, white 13d Dodge BP Wreck Truck grey
Excellent plus in excellent plus interior with tall man, gloss black plastic hook, BP decals. Near mint
type E1 box. base. Near mint in excellent type in excellent plus type E2 box.
£60, Vectis, November. E3 box. £60, Vectis, November. £70, Vectis, November.
Matchbox Regular Wheels No Matchbox Regular Wheels No
69b Hatra Tractor Shovel orange 32b Jaguar E Type metallic red Matchbox Regular Wheels No
body & shovel, orange plastic body, clear windows, ivory interior, 36b Lambretta Scooter & Sidecar
hubs with grey tyres. Near mint in gloss black base, wire wheels. with 11 x 45-tread black plastic
excellent to excellent plus type E2 Excellent plus in good plus D1 box. wheels. Mint in excellent type D2
box. £90, Vectis, November. £45, Vectis, November. box. £80, Vectis, November.
CORGI • DINKY • HORNBY • WRENN
• MECCANO • SCHUCO
• MECCANO • SCHUCO
• MECCANO • SCHUCO
CORGI • DINKY • HORNBY • WRENN
ON SALE NOW! The Toy Collectors Price Guide 2019
TO CLASSIC TOY COLLECTABLES
COLLECTABLES
CLASSIC TOY COLLECTABLES
Produced in association with
YOUR
GAZETTE
ESSENTIAL FIELD GUIDE TO
COLLECTORS GAZETTE
COLLECTORS
CG mastehead_NEW.indd 1
07/11/2012 09:15:52
Produced in association with
GAZETTE 07/11/2012 09:15:52
CG mastehead_NEW.indd 1
£6.99 • www.ccofgb.co.uk
Order your copy by calling 01778 392006, or go online to www.ccofgb.co.uk
Over 1000 of the latest
auction results to help Over 1000 of the latest
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ALSO your collection.
Indepth features
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on all your
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n
This police motorcycle sold for £150! genres!
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24/10/2018 11:41
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p001 cover_CH.indd 1
VMatchbox Regular Wheels
No 39b Pontiac Bonneville
Convertible primrose yellow
body, silver trim, turquoise green
windscreen, ivory interior, gloss
black base. Mint in excellent plus
D2 box. £80, Vectis, November.
VMatchbox Regular Wheels No
41b Jaguar D Type racing number
41, tan driver, gloss black base,
wire wheels. Mint in excellent
plus type D3 box. £150, Vectis,
November.
VCorgi Major Ecurie Ecosse
Racing Car Transporter No. 1126
metallic dark blue, yellow lettering,
pale yellow interior, spun hubs,
racing cars with drivers. Excellent
in good plus box. £130, Warwick
& Warwick, November.
VCorgi Riley Pathfinder No
205M dark blue body, flat spun
hubs. Excellent in near excellent
box, with leaflet. £150, Warwick &
Warwick, November.
VCorgi Morris Mini Cooper S
Competition No 227 blue, white
roof, lemon interior, spun hubs,
flags decal to bonnet, racing no 1.
Good plus in excellent box. £130,
Warwick & Warwick, November.
VCorgi Jaguar Mk X No 238 pale
blue body, red interior, spun hubs,
two luggage pieces. Excellent in
good plus box, without leaflet.
£42, Warwick & Warwick,
November.
VCorgi Fiat 600 Jolly No 240
metallic dark blue, red interior,
silver/red plastic top, two figures,
spun hubs. Excellent in good plus
box. £75, Warwick & Warwick,
November.
VCorgi James Bond’s Aston
Martin No 261 gold body with
metal roof, both figures, inner
pictorial stand and secret
instructions. Good plus in good to
good plus box. £80, Warwick &
Warwick, November.
VCorgi Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
No 266 with header card, inner
pictorial backdrop and vac-formed
plinth, plus all four figures.
Excellent in excellent box. £120,
Warwick & Warwick, November.
VCorgi BMC Mini Cooper S
Rallye Monte Carlo No 317 red,
white roof with chrome spot-light,
lemon interior, spun hubs. Good
plus in excellent box. £140,
Warwick & Warwick, November.
VCorgi Ford Mustang Fastback
2+2 No 320 metallic purple body,
cream interior, spoked hubs,
Corgi dog. Excellent in excellent
box. £75, Warwick & Warwick,
November.
VCorgi RAC Radio Rescue
Land Rover No 416S blue with
red interior, blue plastic canopy,
spun hubs and decals to bonnet
and doors. Excellent in good plus
box. £60, Warwick & Warwick,
November.
VCorgi Smith’s Mister Softee
Ice Cream Van No 428 two-tone
cream and pale blue, silver trim,
spun hubs and ice cream seller
figure inside. Excellent in good
plus box. £120, Warwick &
Warwick, November.
VCorgi Ford Thames Wall’s
Ice Cream Van No 447 two-tone
cream and pale blue, off-white
interior, spun hubs, ice-cream
seller and boy figures. Excellent in
excellent box. £200, Warwick &
Warwick, November.
VCorgi BMC Mini Police Van
No 448 dark blue, red interior,
spun hubs, grey plastic aerial,
policeman and dog figures.
Excellent in excellent box. £80,
Warwick & Warwick, November.
February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk •
VCorgi BMC Austin Mini
Countryman No 485 sea green
body with tan wood panelling,
lemon yellow interior, surfboards
(2) and surfer figure. Excellent
in repro box. £85, Warwick &
Warwick, November.
VCorgi Hyster Challenger 800
No 1113 Excellent to mint in
excellent box. £30, Warwick &
Warwick, November.
VCorgi Major Chipperfield
Circus Articulated Horse
Transporter No 1130 Bedford TK
red, wing mirrors, lemon yellow
interior, spun hubs, with plastic
Horses (6). Excellent in good plus
box. £42, Warwick & Warwick,
November.
VCorgi Transporter and Cars
Gift Set No 1b with incorrect cars
(Austin A40, Morris Mini-Minor,
Ford Consul Classic and Hillman
Imp). Good plus to excellent in
good box. £180, Warwick &
Warwick, November.
VCorgi Daktari Land Rover Gift
Set No GS7 including Land Rover
with spun hubs and all five figures.
Excellent in good plus box. £75,
Warwick & Warwick, November.
79
 . Toys Ltd
R. M Are Proud To Announce RAY HEARD TRAIN
London’s No 1 Sunday Toy Collectors Fair
& TOY FAIRS
KEMPTON PARK EXETER MATFORD
TOY FAIR SATURDAY 2ND FEBRUARY
Matford Centre, Matford Park Road, Exeter,
At:At: KemptonPark
Kempton ParkRacecourse,
Racecourse, Staines
StainesRoad
RoadEast
East,
Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex TW16 5AQ. M3 Jct 1 onto A308 EX2 8FD
Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex. M3 Jct 1 onto A308 ■ Admission: £2 ■ Times:10am to 3.30pm ■ Free car
ON
parking ■ Refreshments available ■ 200 tables
SUNDAY3RD
SUNDAY 2nd December
FEBRUARY2012 ■ 75+ traders
10.30am - 3.30pm
10.30am 3.00pm NEWTON ABBOT
Adults--£4.00
£3.50 OAPs
OAPs -- £3.50
£3.00 Children
Children -- £1.00
Adults
EarlyEntry
Early Entry Buyers
Buyers -- £10.00
£10.00(8.30am
£1.00
(8.30amonwards)
onwards) SUNDAY 10TH MARCH
Newton Abbot Racecourse,
Approx 200 tables of toy and model dealers, buying, selling Devon, TQ12 3AF
and part exchanging a wide variety of collectables including (follow the brown racecourse direction signs)
Model Railways, Models Cars and Buses, Scalextric, Dolls and
■ Admission: £2 ■ Times:10am to 3.30pm
Teddy Bears, White Metal, Aircraft, Display Cabinets,
Memorabilia and much much more ■ Free car parking ■ Refreshments available
■ 160 tables ■ 60+ traders
For information and booking details please contact
Russell Martin on 023 9238 1529 or 07957 823507
For more information please contact
Future
Future dates: 19thdate:
May,6th
13thJanuary
October,2013
1st December Ray Heard on 01823 480097

E !
Bulldog Fairs N U
Great Toy Collectors Fairs in the Southwest of England W
Windsor
VE
NE International
Shepton Mallet Sunday 27th January Toy & Train Fiftieth Year

Royal Bath & West Showground BA4 6QN 10.30am--2.30pm

Adults £4.00 each under 16yrs free with an adult
Early Bird from 08.30 £10.00

Easy access from A 303, Shepton Mallet is on the A371 Castle Cary Road
Collectors Fairs 2019
A
Saturday 9 February
Malvern Sunday 3rd February
Post Code WR13 6NW

MEG now at The Windsor Leisure Centre

In the Severn Hall
Clewer Mead, Stovell Road, Windsor SL4 5JB
Three Counties Showground 10.30am--2.30pm
Adults £4.00 each under 16yrs free with an adult Adults £3, Concessions £2.50, Early Entry (from 9am) £7
Early Bird from 08.30 £10.00
Public Admission 10.30am to 3pm
Easy access from M5, Malvern is just 15 minuites from Jnc 8
• Dinky, Corgi, Matchbox and other British and Foreign Diecasts
• Hornby, Meccano, LEGO, Trains, Boats, Planes and Lead Figures

EXETER (Westpoint) Sunday 17th February
Westpoint Arena, Clyst St Mary, Exeter. EX5 1DJ
Adults £4.00 each under 16yrs free with an adult
Early Bird from 08.30 £10.00
• Scalextric, Barbie, Dolls, Star Wars, Soldiers and Tinplate Toys
• Huge variety of old toys, plus some new ones and other collectables
10.30am--2.30pm If the Dealers stock it, we will help to sell it!
!
Organised by the Maidenhead Static Model Club.... R
SO

Easy access from M5, Westpoint is just 1 mile from Jnc 30 on the A3052 ...visit our website: www.windsortoyfair.co.uk
D
For more information or to book a table IN
Probably the Best Toy Collectors Fairs in the West
please ring: 07825 564 960 or 07990 584057 W
Call us on 01373 452857 or 07917 125641
Email: bulldogfairs@aol.com
IN
Future date: 28th September 2019 W
NO
web site: www.bulldogfairs.com
EVENTS

TOYFAIRTIMES
FAIRS
05 JANUARY 19
17 JANUARY 19
• Thatcham, Steven Clements Toy
AUCTIONS

Fairs, 01380 725322 04 JANUARY 19

• Romford, SRP Toy Fairs, 07739
• Sheffield, Sheffield Auction
998012 19 JANUARY 19
• Cardiff, Chris Dyer Fairs, 01643 • Brentwood, J & J Webb, 01522 Gallery, 0114 281 6161
702757 880383
07 JANUARY 19
06 JANUARY 19 20 JANUARY 19
• Lewes, Wallis & Wallis, 01273
• Midhurst, SRP Toy Fairs, 07739 • Haydock Park, Barry Stockton,
0151 334 3362 480208
998012
• Falkirk, McLaren Models, 01324 • Ashfield, Malcolm Townsend,
07951 072790 16 JANUARY 19
624102
• Croydon, Croydon Aviation & • Orpington, SRP Toy Fairs, • Tunbridge Wells, C & T
Military Show, 07972 8857 07739 998012 Auctions, 01233 510050
• Eastbourne, Robert Horscraft, • Kidderminster, Tony Oakes, • Stockton-on-Tees, Vectis, 01993
01323 899879 01270 652773 709424
• Spalding, J & J Webb, 01522 23 JANUARY 19
880383 • Burton-upon-Trent, Malcolm 17 JANUARY 19
• Walsall, Transtar Promotions, Townsend, 07951 072790 • Stockton-on-Tees, Vectis, 01993
01922 643385 709424
27 JANUARY 19
• Potters Bar, Peter Levinson Toy
• Barry, Chris Dyer Fairs, 01643
& Train Fair, 0208 205 1518
702757 18 JANUARY 19
• Bolton, Barry Potter Fairs, 01604
• Lincoln, J & J Webb, 01522 • Stockton-on-Tees, Vectis, 01993
846688
880383 709424
• Swindon, Ronnie Davis Toy Fair,
• Shepton Mallet, Bulldog Fairs,
07708 385061
01373 452857 23 JANUARY 19
08 JANUARY 19 • Wirral, Barry Stockton, 0151 • Warwick, Warwick & Warwick,
• Hook, Steven Clements Toy 334 3362
01926 499031
Fairs, 01380 725322
29 JANUARY 19
09 JANUARY 19 24 JANUARY 19
• Tonbridge, SRP Toy Fairs,
• Hertford, Joe Lock, 07866 07739 998012 • Stockton-on-Tees, Vectis, 01993
641215
02 FEBRUARY 19 709424
12 JANUARY 19
• Bristol, Chris Dyer Fairs, 01643
• Ludlow, Tony Oakes, 01270 702757 25 JANUARY 19
652773 • Crawley, SRP Toy Fairs, 07739 • Aversham, Excalibur Auctions,
• Hawkinge, SRP Toy Fairs, 07739 998012 020 3633 0913
998012 • Exeter, Ray Heard, 01823
• Leeds, Barry Rennison, 0113 236 480097 26 JANUARY 19
3695 • Didcot, Ronnie Davis Toy Fair, • Aversham, Excalibur Auctions,
13 JANUARY 19 07708 385061 020 3633 0913
• Stafford, Barry Potter Fairs, 03 FEBRUARY 19
01604 846688 • Chester-le-Street, Jim Corr, 29 JANUARY 19
• Colchester, R & G Toy Fairs, 07504 035955 • Stockton-on-Tees, Vectis, 01993
01206 251351 • St Ives, J & J Webb, 01522 709424
15 JANUARY 19 880383
• Wooton Bassett, Steven • Falkirk, McLaren Models, 30 JANUARY 19
Clements Toy Fairs, 01380 01324 624102
• Stockton-on-Tees, Vectis, 01993
725322 • Malvern, Bulldog Fairs, 01373
452857 709424

February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • 81

 TOY, TRAIN & SCI FI FAIR Retro Ronnie Toy Fairs
Lord Lawson Academy, Birtley Lane, Birtley, DH3 2LP (Opposite Komatsu)
To advertise your www.retroronnie.com
SWINDON
business here in the
SUNDAY 3RD FEBRUARY 10.00am-3.00pm
next issue please call
Sunday 6th January
Swindon Town FC County Ground, SN1 2ED
• Admission: Adults £3.00, Children/Senior Citizens £2.00, Early Bird £5 DIDCOT
• Buy, sell and swap trains, diecast cars, buses and trucks, soldiers and more!
• Free parking, working exhibitions and cafe facilities Kristina Green Saturday 2nd February
Civic Hall, OX11 7JN
Interested in selling your collection or want a table to sell your stock? From 10am. Early bird from 8am
Contact Jim on 07504 035955 or email: jim_corr73@hotmail.co.uk on 01778 392096 Booking ring 07708 385061 or 07900 266427

£££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££

TOY & TRAIN FAIRS £

£
£
£ COLLECTIONS
£
£
£
ASHFIELD BURTON UPON TRENT £
£
£
£
Sunday 20th January
10am - 2pm
WEDNESDAY 23rd January
6.30pm - 8.30pm
£
£
URGENTLY REQUIRED
Lego, Lledo, Matchbox, Corgi, Old Dinky, EFE, Brooklin, Conrad, Lion, ££
£
£
£
Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Festival Hall, NG17 7DJ The Town Hall, Burton-upon-Trent, DE14 2EB £
Good access / refreshments / free parking Always a good selection of rail and diecast Hornby, Scalextric, Britains, Solido, NZG, Tekno, boxed, railway etc. £
£ £
Next date: 17th March Next date: 13th March £ LARGE SURPLUS STOCKS A SPECIALITY £
£ £
£
£ Tel: 07702 046795 £
£
NOTTINGHAM ALFRETON £
LEEDS MODEL CENTRE
£
£ £
Saturday 9th February Friday 15th February £ £
£ £
10am - 2pm 7pm - 9pm £ (established in 1981) £
Bluecoat Academy, NG8 5GY The Leisure Centre, Church Street, Alfreton £
YOU NAME IT WE BUY IT! £
On ring road, 1½ miles north of Q.M.C DE55 7BD £ £
Minutes from M1 - Jct 25 or 26. One of the longest established swapmeets. £ Can collect from anywhere in the world within 48 hours! £
Free car parking/light refreshments Next date: 26th April £ £
£ Send us a list or call our hotline now! £
Next date: 13th April £ BARGAIN WORLD: 26-28 Market Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2HG £
Accompanied u / 16’s FREE at all our fairs £ £
£ Email: jonathan@bargainworldleeds.co.uk £
Speak to Malc on 07951 072790 • www.tttf.co.uk £
£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £

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LETTERS

DearEditor…
EMAIL YOUR LETTERS AND QUESTIONS TO deareditor@warnersgroup.co.uk
OR WRITE TO US The Editor, Diecast Collector, Warners Group Publications plc, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9PH.

ATLAS AXLE ISSUE

BRADSCAR BONUS
SINCE writing the Bradscar article (Diecast Collector, January 2019),
I have added a Morris Six in excellent condition to the collection. The
model was an eBay purchase and cost me two-thirds of what I paid in
New Zealand for the Morris that was one of the models that inspired the
article. Postage to New Zealand was included in the price.
When it arrived, the surprise was the plain base, not shown in any of
its accompanying photos on the listing.
Chris Moor, New Zealand
ED Nice one, Chris! It’s always a bonus when an online purchase
turns up and something like this happens. I’ve been adding to my
Matchbox Superfast collection quite a bit recently (inspired by the
50th anniversary) and I’ve had a few models turn up with rare bases
that weren’t made obvious in the listing.
I don't know if this has happened to anyone else, but thought I should
bring it to the attention of collectors of the Atlas Dinky series. While
putting my Leyland Octupus Flat Bed in a display cabinet, a rear wheel
fell off. To my surprise, it turns out the axle is (partially) hollow and
the wheel is retained in place by a press fit pin (no evidence of glue),
designed to look like the spun axles of the original Dinkys. It is not
hollow all the way through, or at least I couldn't push a pin any deeper
than the allowance for the pin. I assume this must be a less expensive
assembly method, or designed to reduce quality control rejects. In any
event, I was lucky to find the small pin on the carpet, but losing a pin
would be very frustrating to the collector. A spot of crazy glue will fix
this, but handle your models with care in the meantime. I cannot tell
if the opposite end of the axle is of the same construction, I tried to
remove the head, but it would not come out. Similarly, I do not know if
this method is also used for the cars and smaller vehicles in the series.
Robin Godwin, Canada
ED Many thanks for
sharing Robin. I haven't
heard of this problem
before but maybe it takes
a little while for this issue
to manifest itself. I'll
definitely be handling
mine more carefully now!

IN NEXT MONTH March

Issue 257

BRIGHTON & HOVE BUSES ■ New Corgi for 2019

■ Large Dinky military vehicles
THROUGH THE YEARS ■ Win models from DNA
■ The story behind Rialto
Showcasing ■ Matchbox Superfast 50th
a fabulous anniversary - pt.2
collection ■ Ford Escort Mk2
belonging ■ Super Sound Premium
to the ■ WRC 2017 by Ixo
company’s ■ The Corgi years – 1964 pt.1
Marketing ■ All the latest news
Officer. ■ More model reviews than any
other UK magazine by our team
Please note: These planned editorial contents may be subject to change where necessary. of experts…

February issue on sale 2nd January or download the digital edition

7 DAYS EARLIER 24th December at www.pocketmags.com/diecast-collector

February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • 83

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OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

A VW Beetle
from Argentina
Andrew Ralston checks out a South American rarity.

C
onsidering that the histories of
Argentina and Spain have been closely
linked since the sixteenth century, it’s
not surprising to find that similar close
connections exist between the toy
industries in the two countries.
One of the more obscure companies to
make diecast toys in Argentina was Aguti that,
confusingly, also used two other names: Rapitoy
and Loden. It was around 1974 that this company
brought out some Matchbox-sized cars. The
first two, and the most collectable today, were a
Volkswagen Beetle and a Ford F100 pick-up,
clearly taking their cue from Matchbox, though
quality wasn’t quite so good. On the Beetle, for
example, the base is often badly attached to the
body, leaving a gap showing. Unlike Matchbox,
these models – the Beetle in particular – can be
found in a wide range of colours.
It could be said that right from the very start
that Aguti was behind the times, as the arrival
of Hot Wheels a few years earlier had given
other manufacturers a fright, leading it to fit to local enthusiast Hernán Martínez,
similar fast-running low-friction wheels to its who has done a good deal of research
cars. Thus, Matchbox had changed to Superfast on this brand, things grew still more
wheels, Lone Star Impy cars became Flyers and complicated as Aguti dropped the
Corgi brought out Corgi Rockets. Hence Aguti name Rapitoy, returned to the old
quickly rebranded as Rapitoy, accompanied by Aguti trademark and, finally, used a
a new box design. South American collectors third name – Loden. The explanation
have chronicled fourteen different models in this is believed to be that the company
series, several of them – such as the Mercedes changed ownership, as the models
250SL and Alfa Carabo – resembling period ▲ Aguti VW Beetle is the most in Loden boxes show a noticeable decline in
Matchbox products, though not made from the sought after of this range. quality of manufacture and finish. These did not
same tooling. Others were variations on the Ford Inset: Though made in the style last long and it’s reckoned that Aguti/Loden
F100 pick-up: breakdown crane, civilian ambulance of Matchbox models, quality disappeared at some time in the early 1990s,
was not as good.
in white or red and military ambulance. unable to hold out against the flood of cheaper
In the early eighties a further series followed, imported (and better finished) toys from China.
but it seems that Aguti lacked the resources to Very few of these toys have made the long
develop new models itself and it therefore acquired journey from South America to these shores,
redundant tooling from the Campéon [Champion] so they rarely turn up at a British swapmeet.
series made by Guisval of Spain, enabling the The one to look out for is of course the Beetle,
reissue of some more Matchbox-sized models simply because it’s a Beetle and there are more
previously seen in Spain in the early seventies. The than a few collectors out there who’ve built up
most interesting of these were a Fiat (Seat) 124 impressive collections of variations on this one
saloon, 124 coupe, Morris Mini, Citroën GS and a car alone. DC
Renault 12, especially the version finished in the
FURTHER INFORMATION:
black and yellow livery of a Buenos Aires taxi. ▲ The VW came in a wide
By the early 1990s Guisval-derived models were https://miniaturasenmetal.jimdo.com/guisval-en-
range of colours, some of them
argentina/
still being made in Argentina. However, according metallic. (Photo: Vectis)

February 2019 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • 85

THE LAST WORD

Dead men's
wheels
Brian Gower ponders previous ownership.

I
n case you haven’t guessed, that’s me, age ten,
▲
Yours truly aged ten with that
on my first bike. It became mine because its bike.
previous owner, another Brian, from the next
road, had recently smashed a motor bike (and
himself) into the unforgiving back of a lorry, ▲
MG Midget with hand-painted
so he was no longer living in the next road. My big number plate.
sister, a friend of the other Brian’s sister, acquired the
bike for me.
My cheerful countenance might lead you to
think I was ignorant of the tragedy that had befallen
Late Brian. Not so. At ten you don’t dwell on such
things when you have the delights of the open road
to consider. I liked my bike so much that I bought
a chrome-plated bell, shaped like a jet turbine, and
white handlebar grips to enhance its beauty.
The best pair of shoes ever to encase my unworthy
feet were found in a charity shop. Soft Italian leather
brogues that had been worn, at most, once; enough
to mark the smooth soles. I didn’t wonder at the
time but I do now, what happened to their original
owner? Did he emerge from a Bond Street shoe shop
to drop dead as he waved down a taxi? Or, more
dramatically, was he cut to shreds by the ever-popular
hail of bullets as he stepped lightly out of his Soho
club towards his white Lancia? Those shoes lasted me
almost thirty years and it was my feet that gave up on
their slender elegance, not the shoes wearing out that
forced us to part company. I hope they walk on.
I believe I mentioned once that that a gentleman
had built a replica of the Jaguar saloon in which Mike
Hawthorn had died; a tribute of a sort but isn’t it
a touch morbid or even tasteless? The original car,
a Mark I 3.4-litre, was nothing out of the ordinary
at the time and nice examples still exist, some
with significance in motor racing history. I am not
superstitious but I would not be at ease in that replica.
However, shortly after the accident, having seen
newspaper photos of the wreck (before anyone could
hide them from me), I did think about constructing
a mock-up of the scene using my Spot-On Jaguar.
Little boys are fascinated by crashes. A new model
probably distracted me from the project. ▲ This pre-owned Dinky taxi Perhaps the original owner of this cute Dinky taxi is
I don’t give much thought to the (possibly many) has been well played with. enjoying a second childhood at the toy fairs.
previous owners of the old diecasts I buy now, beyond The only model I have which I feel came onto
noting the period additions of those sticky extras like the market because the owner has left us is the MG
the licence discs, wheel trims and number plates; the Midget. No-one who bothered to change its colour so
bits of detailing in silver paint, all of which I once slightly then hand-paint the number plates to replicate
indulged in. Some of those long-ago youngsters what can only have been his real MG, would have
might have ‘passed on’ but I expect most are still given it away. So rest easy, old boy.Your motor car will
breathing. If I am alive, why shouldn’t they be? be safe with me. And, of course, thank you. DC

86 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • February 2019

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