MODEL PRICE GUIDE LATEST AUCTION RESULTS INSIDE!

THE UK’S ONLY DIECAST MAGAZINE £4.99 • July 2021 • Issue 285 • www.ccofgb.co.uk

60 years of

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RG HE ST SE
I EL ER T
S
THE SEA KING Celebrating six decades of
Sikorsky’s legend of the skies
PLUS!
30 NEW
MODELS
REVIEWED

INSIDE
Figuring it out part 2
Kitting out your collection
Garage Moderne partwork
The Sonderwunschen touch
UE
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In this issue

EDITORIAL
Publisher Claire Ingram
claire.ingram@warnersgroup.co.uk
Editor Rick Wilson
rick.wilson@warnersgroup.co.uk
Editorial Design Cathy Herron
Contents July 2021 • Issue 285
Editorial Assistance Katy Burrows
Editorial Contributors
David Pullen, Steven Downes, Richard Carlson,
04 News and events
What's happening in the
world of diecast collecting.
18
Francisco Mota, Michael Driver, Brian Gower,

08 What's new
Mike Pigott, Andrew Ralston, Rick Wilson,
Brian Salter, Stephen Paul Hardy, David Lynn,
A selection of this
Charles Barnett, David Busfield.
Photography Rick Wilson
month's new model releases.
Marketing Manager
Katherine Brown Tel: 01778 395092
katherine.brown@warnersgroup.co.uk
18 New model spotlight
GT Spirit Porsches
analysed by Stephen Paul Hardy.
Marketing Executive
Luke Hider Tel: 01778 395085
luke.hider@warnersgroup.co.uk
ADVERTISING
20 The Sonderwunschen
touch
Stephen Paul Hardy details a
Advertising Manager
Kristina Green Tel: 01778 392096 pair of special Porsches.
kristina.green@warnersgroup.co.uk
Advertising Production Manager
Nicola Glossop Tel: 01778 392420
nicola.glossop@warnersgroup.co.uk
22 Back to the front
Solido's return to military
modelling, by Rick Wilson.
Advertising Production Assistant
Charlotte Bamford Tel: 01778 395081
charlotte.bamford@warnersgroup.co.uk 27 Rise and rise again
Charles Barnett charts the
54 How fast is fast enough?
Francisco Mota concludes
his look at the fastest road cars.
74 Price Guide
Value your collection with
our auction results.
News Trade Distribution history and rebirth of Somerville.
Warners Group Distribution Ltd
Tel: 01778 391150
SUBSCRIPTIONS
34 Racing into the future
Rover's innovative 60 Size Matters part 21
Brian Salter continues his 79 ToyFair Times
News of events and fairs
coming up soon.
collaboration with BRM, series discovering scale origins.
Subscriptions hotline 01778 392006
Subscription rates starting from:
UK and BFPO £12.99
remembered by David Lynn.
62 From the editor's 82 Dear Editor
Your chance to get your
Europe & Eire Airmail £18.99
Worldwide Airmail £19.99 38 Kitting out your
collection - part 1
collection
Corgi's Power Blaster Speedset.
questions answered.
Digital subscriptions are available from
£12.99 – visit pktmags.com/dcc-subs21
for more information
Rick Wilson gets busy with some
DIY diecasts from Corgi Toys.
64 Desert island diecasts
Richard Young is this
84 Bookshop
Telling Aircraft Tails, by
Guy Halford-Macleod.
Can’t find a copy in the shops?
Order your copy online at
www.ccofgb.co.uk
40 Seeking fame
60 years of the Sikorsky
Sea King, by Rick Wilson.
month's castaway.
85 Signing off
Stephen Paul Hardy gets
CONTACT 66 Collecting by numbers
Matchbox Superfast #12. caught up in the past, whilst
Write to us at:
Diecast Collector, Warners Group 44 Garage moderne
Mike Pigott builds up a
thinking about the future.
Publications plc, The Maltings, West Street,
Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9PH.
French partwork series.
69 Vintage Dinky
DTCA Chairman, Michael 85 Next month
A sneak preview at what's
Website: www.diecast-collector.co.uk
www.collectors-club-of-great-britain.co.uk 48 Patrolmen and
policemen
Driver, gets sporty in an E-Type. scheduled for the next issue.

Printing Warners Midlands plc

Tel: 01778 395100
The second instalment of David
Busfield's mini-series covering
diecast figures and accessories.
71 Auction news
Highlights, previews and a
look at ebay.
86 The last word
Brian Gower hesitates,
then goes back to buy it anyway.
This publication is
printed by Warners
01778 395111

DISCLAIMER
38 48
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 MODEL PRICE GUIDE LATEST AUCTION RESULTS INSIDE!
RESULTS INSIDE!
MODEL PRICE GUIDE LATEST AUCTION

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60 years of
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MODELS WORTH £50

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Celebrating six decades of
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Publications Plc may lend reputable companies PLUS!
30 NEW
MODELS
REVIEWED

the names & addresses of readers who have

responded to offers, services and competitions INSIDE...
• GT Spirit group test
INSIDE
Figuring it our part 2
• The Invicta Car Company Kitting out your collection

organised by Diecast Collector magazine. If you ISSUE

• Upcoming talent: Natalie Bratt
• British Horsepower by Hot Wheels
Price: £4.99
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The Sonderwunschen touch
Brand new Corgi reproductions
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MARKING 75 YEARS
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19/04/2021 15:01
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July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 3

News&Events Here's a round-up of the latest hobby news and events.

DNA’S AUDIS MAKE A

STORM OF COLOUR

CLUB SOLIDO’S 100

SERIES IS BACK IN
PRESENTED to the public for the first time in 1997 at the Frankfurt Motor
PRODUCTION
Show, the Audi A2 (based on the Audi AI2 concept car) was produced from AFTER a delay in production enforced by Covid restrictions,
November 1999 to August 2005 in Neckarsulm. The A2 (Typ 8Z) is a five- Club Solido's latest 100 series re-editions are now available
door hatchback compact MPV supermini that was very popular thanks to its in the Club Solido online shop, as well as at Solido retailers.
lightweight aluminium construction, low fuel consumption, and its engine All are priced at 24,95 €.
efficiency. The next four releases in the series are: Aston Martin
For summer 2003, Audi created the Colour Storm edition, featuring DB5 Vantage in British Racing Green, Citroën Ami 6 with
new optional special paint and body styling options. The new body finish a beautiful red dress, Ford Thunderbird in two-tone - black
contrasts a stylish matt black roof, door mirrors and side rubbing strips bodywork with white roof – and Simca Océane in a very
to contrast with the new brightly-coloured paintwork. This eye-catching 'sixties' orange.
theme highlighted the A2's extraordinary, highly aerodynamic curves, and For more information, go to www.club-solido.com. ■
the colour treatment was continued into the car’s interior with upholstery to
match the body colour.
To be released in four different colour versions, as a 1/18 scale resincast,
DNA Collectibles has confirmed that pre-orders can now be placed through
its website (www.dnacollectibles.com) or through your preferred retailer.
Made to DNA’s usual exceptionally high standards and featuring sublime
levels of detailing, the A2 will be available in either Imola Yellow, Misano
Red, Sprint Blue or Papaya Orange. Only 399 of each colour will be made
(all individually numbered) and models will be priced at £150.99.
But wait, there’s more. If you can’t choose which colour, and want to buy
all four, enter the coupon code “GREATDEAL” at the checkout to get 75%
discount on the fourth model! ■

IT'S 40 YEARS SINCE

GILLES' MONACO WIN
COMMEMORATING the 40th anniversary of the one and only win at the Monaco BIG ‘BUSTERS!
Grand Prix for the great Gilles Villeneuve, Brumm has released a limited edition EAGLEMOSS Hero Collector, designers, manufacturers and
special version of its 1/43 scale Ferrari 126 CK, packaged in a bespoke box featuring publishers of high-quality collectibles from across the many
a Monaco backdrop and a special outer carton bearing “40” in the same style as worlds of pop culture, gets all spooky as it introduces the
Gilles’ famous number 27 on his car. The victory also marked the first success of a “Build the Ghostbusters Ectomobile” subscription programme.
turbocharged Ferrari in Generations of Ghostbusters fans will soon be able to build their
Formula 1, as well as being very own ECTO-1 in the comfort of their own home or firehouse.
the fifth Grand Prix victory The subscription format regularly delivers plans, parts and
in Gilles’ tragically short F1 behind-the-scenes insights with which to easily assemble a
career. perfect 1/8-scale diecast replica of one of the most instantly
No S2101 is limited recognisable vehicles in motion picture history – ECTO-1, as
to just 250 pieces and is featured in the original 1984 Ghostbusters movie.
priced at 70,00 €. Visit To register your interest, find out more, or subscribe,
www.brumm.it for more go to https://en-gb.eaglemoss.com/hero-collector/
details, or contact your ghostbusters/ghostbusters-ecto-1-build. ■
preferred retailer. ■

4 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

 GOT A STORY?
Contact rick.wilson@warnersgroup.co.uk

Welcome
Things are starting to take off! And
I'm not still going on about the de
Havilland Canada Chipmunk that
dominated this column last month.
The first batch of toy fairs have
been tentatively announced, so we
can begin to return to some sort
of collecting normal (whatever ▲ Rick Wilson, Editor

that turns out to be). I've already

WRITE TO
SPECIAL “THANK YOU, booked a couple of tables for future
events as I need to sell some of the
THE EDITOR...
If you want to write a

NHS” MODEL BY MSMC stuff that I've bought for articles

over the last few years - there is
letter for publication
in Diecast Collector,
you can contact Rick
DESPITE all the problems with the pandemic the Maidenhead Static only so much space in my studio,
on rick.wilson@
Model Club (MSMC) has followed its tradition of providing a model for its unfortunately.
warnersgroup.co.uk
members. This time, the model chosen is a Dinky Toys style Austin A40 Van, It also means that we can start
advertising the Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. This represents planning trips and visits, albeit
an acknowledgement of all the work the Trust has done in connection with with sensible guidelines to be
the Covid-19 virus and, of course, all the other NHS Trusts.
adhered to for some time yet.
The model is in white and has the appropriate Trust name and the rainbow
symbol on the van doors that are so familiar to everyone. The number plate is
We had a couple of Out & About
NHS 1948, the birth of the NHS, and the rear doors carry the Thank You rainbow articles in hand from Mike Pigott
and "NHS 2021". It is supplied with three alternative pairs of number plates. from early 2020 that I decided not
The box has a special Dinky-style wrap describing the contents and to publish during the period of
includes the MSMC logo, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Charitable Trust and restricted movement, as it seemed
the Rainbow “Thank You” logos. A limited number can be purchased by non- inappropriate at the time. I'll start
members at £30.00 plus P&P (within the UK). those off again soon. Especially as
The Club hopes that all collectors will understand the thought and care I have a few trips planned myself as
that has been expended in the design and manufacture of it. Profit will be well. Gently, gently though.
donated to the Berkshire Healthcare NHS Charitable Trust.
Going back to the ever-growing
To obtain a model please contact Robert Newson of the MSMC via email –
robert.newson@hotmail.co.uk. ■
stockpile in my studio, I recently
unboxed a sizeable carton that
had somehow got hidden at the

TERRIFIC TYPHOON back. I knew it was there and it's

one of those articles that could be

AT TIGER HOBBIES written at anytime, as it isn't time-

sensitive. But my recent acquisition
of a near mint Corgi Grand Prix
RECENTLY arrived at Tiger Hobbies is the latest Eurofighter Typhoon Kit Set from 1973 prompted me
offering from Hobby Master. No HA6650 replicates an aircraft in the colours
to begin a little mini-series in
of the RAF/Qatar Emiri Air Force,
carrying registration ZK361, as
this issue. It's an area of diecast
seen as RAF Coningsby in 2020. collecting that was popular for a
Priced at £89.95, this highly- while in the 1970s, largely led by
detailed 1/72 scale replica is the series of Dinky Action Kits
selling fast, so be sure take off that launched in 1971 - I seem to
for www.tigerhobbies.co.uk have acquired many of these over
now! ■ the years.So I start with that Corgi
set on pages 38 and 39, and the
DID YOU KNOW WE ARE MORE THAN JUST A MAGAZINE? Dinkys will follow in two issues. In
between these, I have a few Solido
kits to share - I didn't even know
www.ccofgb.co.uk that it had produced kits until I had
to buy a couple in the same lot as
www.twitter.com/CollectorClubGB a Dinky kit I was after at Vectis. Oh
the joys of being able to go out and
www.facebook.com/Collectors ClubOfGreatBritain/ bid again...

www.instagram.com/ccofgb

www.youtube.com/CollectorsClubofGB
▼

Diecast Collector is part of www.ccofgb.co.uk

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

News & Events
ECAS
DI

T
NEW JAGUAR E-PACE FROM APOLOGIES FOR THE
MOTOCART MIX UP
NEWS IN
BRIEF

OR
OXFORD DIECAST
IN the June issue, there

CO
was a bit of a slip up on LLECT
page 40, at the beginning
THE The introduction of the 1/76 scale Jaguar of David Busfield’s article
E-Pace SUV is the latest in the impressive line-up of on the Motocart. The very
Oxford’s Jaguar replicas and brings the series bang first paragraph was somehow duplicated
up to date. The E-Pace is classed as a small, luxury, from the following article on page 44
'soft' roader with five doors and was designed by and missed by the editorial team when
Jaguar’s chief designer, proofreading, meaning the beginning of
Ian Callum. It comes either as a front-engined front-wheel-drive or front-engined all-wheel- David’s article made no sense. We apologise
drive and includes elements of both the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport, for any confusion and hope that it didn’t
with prices starting at around £32,000. detract from the enjoyment of reading the
Much more affordable, and with the authentic detailing, Oxford's E-Pace replica is decorated rest of the article.
in one of the most striking modern Jaguar colour schemes, a rich royal blue with black trim,
including the black roof glass. The interior is moulded in a contrasting soft beige.
The number plate reads VN67 CWK from the first year of production. The radiator grille, NEXT FROM BROOKLIN
finished in black and silver, also features the modern Jaguar badge in red and silver, while the BROOKLIN has just announced its
rear has the Jaguar nomenclature and the cat itself printed in silver. schedule for the remainder of 2021. Due in
No 76JEP001 is priced at £6.95 and will also be shortly released as part of Oxford's F-Pace, July is the 1961 Pontiac Ventura, followed
E-Pace and I-Pace 3-piece Jaguar set (No 76SET75), available soon for £19.95. See www. in August by the 1963 Buick Riviera.
oxfordiecast.co.uk for more details, or contact your preferred sales outlet. ■ September will see the 1946 Pontiac
Sedan appear, and bringing up the rear in
October is the 1932 Cadillac V8. Prices to

SECOND OMNIDEKKA be confirmed.

RELEASED IN BLUESTAR LIVERY COMING SOON FROM DNA

COLLECTIBLES
OMNIDEKKA models has released the second THREE future 1/18 scale resincast releases
version of its Omnidekka casting, following on from have been confirmed and DNA Collectibles,
the success of the first model in Go Ahead London will start taking pre-orders for soon – Saab
colours. The new version, depicting Bluestar’s 9-3 Aero Convertible (in Lime Yellow
route 4, is a dual destination release again, going Metallic, Black or Chili Red Metallic),
to either Romsey (No ES-17A) or Southampton Subaru XT Turbo 4WD (in blue, red or white)
(ES-17B) – only 200 of each have been made. On and Volvo S90 (Nautic Blue, Blackberry
both options, the fleet number is 1004 and the Pearl or Dark Olive Green). More details can
registration number is YN56 FFK. For this version, be found at www.dnacollectibles.com.
the casting has been modified and, correctly for
Bluestar’s bus, features forward doors only.
Both models are priced at £50 each, or £98 for both. For more information and to place an PONTIAC IS THE STAR
order, visit www.omnidekkamodels.com. Many more versions of the Omnidekka are planned for AT GOLDVARG
future release – more about these can be found on the website, as well as other Omnidekka Models SERGIO Goldvarg has announced another
castings. ■ brand new model in his superbly-detailed
1/43 scale range. The stylish 1957 Pontiac
Star Chief 4-Door will shortly be released

MERCURY MONTEREY BY in Carib Coral, with other colours to follow

soon after. Contact Mike Coupe at Spa Croft
Models (www.spacroftmodels.co.uk), or
GOLDVARG your preferred retailer.

JUST announced by the Goldvarg Collection is the rather delicious 1961 Mercury Monterey in
a choice of two colourways. Available either in metallic red with a white roof (No GC-036 A) MESSERSCHMITT BF 110F-2
or an minty green with white roof (GC-036 B), prices in the UK should be around the £77.00 ADDED TO CORGI’S RANGE
mark, plus P&P. EACH year, Corgi has a habit of announcing
Contact Mike Coupe at Spa Croft Models (www.spacroftmodels.co.uk), or your preferred models that didn’t appear in its new
retailer, for more information and to order. ■ range catalogue at the beginning of the
year. Just revealed is a new version of
its 1/72 scale Messerschmitt BF 110F-2
casting, commemorating this year’s 80th
anniversary of Operation Barbarossa and
Germany’s strike eastwards, wearing its
Eastern Front operational plumage of
white, blue and camouflage. AA38510 –
Messerschmitt Bf 110F-2, LN+FR, 10(Z)
Staffel, Zerstorergeschwader 5, Kirkenes,
Norway, Eastern Front air operations,
Winter 1942/43 – is priced at £74.99, and
this magnificent aircraft is already available
at www.corgi.co.uk, or contact your
preferred retailer.

6 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

 New Models

WHAT’S
Our team of experts take a look at this
month's model releases, including fine

new
ew
handbuilt replicas, scale construction
and the latest in farm models.

7
BUMPER
PAGES!

MEET THE Rick

Wilson

TEAM Editor
and
general
reviews
Richard
Carlson
Handbuilt
models

CORGI'S LATEST TORNADO STORMS INTO

VIEW WEARING A SAINTLY TRIBUTE
reconnaissance and artillery
1/72 scale spotting sorties during the
earliest days of military flying.
CORGI Always referred to as 'The
Panavia Tornado GR1-ZA591 FN RAF No 16 Squadron Saints' due to its original
75th Anniversary - Mildenhall Air Fete, Suffolk 1990 formation location, the
PRICE: £79.99 distinctive stick man with halo
REF NO: AA33622 logo originates, of course, from
www.corgi.co.uk the popular TV spy character ▲ The horizontal tail stabilisers
from the 1960s. pitch just like the real aircraft.
WITH many RAF squadrons GR.1 ZA591, an aircraft Corgi's replica of the Tornado
able to trace their establishment which would represent No.16 is epic, particularly so with this
back to the early air operations Squadron throughout its 75th livery applied. Featuring an
of the Great War, the 1990s anniversary year. opening canopy, sturdy display
saw quite a number of them Even though the strike/attack stand, parts to display the
commemorating their 75th variant of the Tornado would undercarriage up or down, and
anniversaries. As was customary go on to post an impressive wing-mounted armaments, the
on these occasions, squadrons Royal Air Force service record most impressive features are the
would send one of their aircraft that spanned almost forty years, movable wings that replicate the ▲ The canopy can be displayed
into the paint shop to be No 16 Squadron would only options on the real aircraft - the open, if desired, affording a
adorned with special anniversary spend a relatively short period horizontal tail stabilisers also great view of the aircrew at
artwork, much to the delight operating this magnificent pitch just like the real thing. work 'in the office'.
of aviation enthusiasts across aircraft. Exchanging its The satin black finish is
Europe. Blackburn Buccaneers for the absolutely spot on and the
These aircraft would spend Tornado in 1984, the squadron graphics, including The Saint,
the next few months attending would only use the aircraft for are perfectly applied. It's another
official RAF events, open days seven years, but not before it epic release of the Tornado that
and airshows, where they would had seen combat operations has sadly now retired
become some of the most during the Gulf War and turned from service.
popular and most photographed out one of the best looking A fitting
aircraft around. Without doubt, squadron anniversary aircraft. tribute!
one of the most spectacular The squadron originally DC
of the RAF squadron 75th formed at Saint-Omer, in
▲ The unmistakable and mighty Tornado is
anniversary schemes was the the Pas-de-Calais region of so well replicated that the wings can even be
smart all-over black paint finish France in 1915, where it was swept back for fast flight or deployed forward
applied to Panavia Tornado engaged in flying photographic, for low-speed manoeuvres.

8 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

THIS MONTH'S INDEPTH REVIEWS:

8 Corgi's RAF No 16 Squadron Panavia Tornado

12 Triumph TR5 by Schuco
15 DNA Collectibles' 2011 Saab 9-5 Aero
16 EDITOR'S CHOICE - VDL Futura by Holland Oto
NORTHCORD MODEL COMPANY The latest release of this casting is a
Alexander Dennis Enviro400 MMC real beauty - the coastliner livery is
Stagecoach South - 700 coastliner superbly applied and really adds to the
SCALE: 1/76 PRICE: £59.99 REF: UKBUS 6520 exquisite detailing on the model.
www.ayrey.co.uk

Steven
Downes David
Construction Pullen
& Trucks Farming

CORGI Simply gorgeous model of the

Gloster Gladiator Mk.II N2308 HP-B, Gladiator, with an incredibly realistic
RAF 247 Squadron, Battle of Britain finish all over, plus plenty of superb
SCALE: 1/72 PRICE: £49.99 REF: AA36212 detail - especially to the bracing wires.
www.corgi.co.uk

▲ Nothing is missed out underneath

either, with the armament able to
be moved in conjunction with the
wing angle.

SOLIDO Superb replication of the Gerard

1988 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9L Mk1 White Welter-styled icon. Excellent finish and
SCALE: 1/18 PRICE: £54.99 detailing, with opening doors so that
REF: S1801710 you can really appreciate the interior.
www.ayrey.co.uk

CORGI Another great model of this wonderful

Bristol Blenheim Mk.IVF- G-BPIV- aircraft, in Mk.IV guise. Superbly
Spirit of "Britain First" - Z5722 / WM-Z applied livery, beautiful finish and
SCALE: 1/72 PRICE: £71.99 REF: AA38410 rotating gun turret.
▼

www.corgi.co.uk

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 9

New Models

SOLIDO A proper rally car from the early 1980s, CORGI The second Police version of this
Renault 5 Turbo Rallye Monte-Carlo beautifully replicated, with opening Jaguar XJ6 (Series 2) 4.2 - Thames beautiful casting and it's another
1982 - Bruno Saby #9 doors, bonnet and tailgate. The fabulous Valley Police arresting model. Superb finish and a
SCALE: 1/18 PRICE: £59.99 REF: S1801311 5 makes for a great model. Top value. SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £29.99 REF: VA13904 great level of detail.
www.ayrey.co.uk www.corgi.co.uk

CORGI Looking superb in Coral this time, this AUTOCULT An incredible model of an equally
Daimler Double-Six Series 2 Vanden Daimler version of the stunning LWB Thomas Rocket Car - red amazing vehicle. Exquisitely finished
Plas - Coral design is again superbly finished and SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £103.99 and detailed throughout, this is a
SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £29.99 REF: VA13903 detailed. REF: 04030 perfect example of AutoCult's talents.
www.corgi.co.uk www.ayrey.co.uk

BRITAINS With a metal chassis, Britains’ newly MATRIX SCALE MODELS Lovely early 250 GT, built for Prince
JCB 6T-2 Dumper tooled dumper is well-built. It has 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Speciale Bernhard of the Netherlands. Beautifully
SCALE: 1/32 PRICE: £24.99 centre-pivot steering, a swivel, tipping Pininfarina - Maroon detailed, right down to the lock on the
REF: 43255 bucket and clevis drawbar. SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £100.00 REF: MX 50604-022 filler-cap door.
www.britainsfarmtoys.co.uk www.matrixscalemodels.com

MATRIX SCALE MODELS Another excellent model of this BRITAINS Britains has provided Fleming branding
1954 Jaguar XK120 Pininfarina Coupe Jag. Detailed right down to the tiny Fleming Double Bale Lifter for the second edition of its Double Bale
Gunmetal/Silver “Pininfarina” motifs on the wings, and SCALE: 1/32 PRICE: £8.99 lifter. The model is all metal, tips and is
SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £100.00 REF: MX 51001-081 the repeater signals on the B-pillars. REF: 43265 supplied with two round bales.
▼

www.matrixscalemodels.com www.britainsfarmtoys.co.uk

10 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

 UK DISTRIBUTOR FOR:
GL84112- 1/24 THE A-TEAM (1983-87 TV SERIES) – 1983 GMC GL84042 – 1/24 STARSKY AND HUTCH (TV SERIES 1975-79)
VANDURA (WEATHERED VERSION WITH BULLET HOLES) 1976 FORD GRAN TORINO

TS0300 – 1/18 PORCHE 934/5 NO.61 1977 SEBRING 12 HRS. TS0316– 1/18 AUDI RS 6 AVANT
3RD PLACE BRUMOS RACING CARBON BLACK DAYTONA GREY

MGT00152-R – 1/64 LAND ROVER DEFENDER 110 UK MGT00159-MJ – 1/64 LAND ROVER DEFENDER 110 RHD
ROYAL MAIL POST BUS (RHD) BRITISH RED CROSS SEARCH AND RESCUE (MIJO EXCLUSIVE)

MGT00143-R – 1/64 BMW M4 (F82) AUSTIN YELLOW METALLIC (RHD)

New Models
SCHUCO'S CLASSIC SPORTS CAR IS A REAL
TRIUMPH IN BRITISH RACING GREEN
1/43 scale
SCHUCO PRO.R43
Triumph TR5 - British Racing Green
PRICE: £93.99
REF: 45 088 6900

www.ayrey.co.uk

DESIGNED by Giovanni Schuco has chosen to model

Michelotti, Triumph's pretty this British classic as part of its

▲
Schuco's TR5 is superbly
TR5 only had a short Pro.R43 range, which means proportioned all over and the open-
production life, although it it is a premium resincast. The topped stance is very inviting.
was almost visually identical amount of detailing that has
to it predecessors - the TR4 been incorporated thanks to this
and TR4A. What made the decision more than justifies the
TR5 different, though, was higher price tag though.
the fitment of Triumph's 2.5 The lines of Michelotti's
litre straight-six powerplant, beautiful design have been
replacing the company's wonderfully miniaturised, and
venerable 2.0 litre straight-four. the finish is top notch. The
The new engine, fitted with "Surrey Top" rear screen was a
Lucas mechanical fuel-injection, popular option back in the day,
produced 150 bhp - more so it's lovely to see it replicated
than enough to give the car here. The interior is marvellous.
a new lease of life and justify But the final word has to go
its changed nomenclature. Just to those wire wheels, as they ▲ The British Racing Green paintwork is superb, and the left-hand-drive
interior is beautifully recreated in miniature.
2,947 examples were produced, are spectacular. The precision of
with the first car assembled on manufacture is to be applauded.
29 August 1967 and the last on Good work, Schuco! DC
19 September 1968. Of these,
1,161 were destined for the UK
market and the remainder were
left-hand-drive, mainly exported
to Europe. Bolstering the
number somewhat, however, is
the US version, fitted with twin
Zenith-Stromberg carburettors
instead of the Lucas fuel
injection system. Designated
TR250, an impressive 8,484 ▲ The attractive styling of Triumph's classic TR5 is perfectly
found their way over 'the pond'. replicated - and just look at the detailing to those wheels!

MARGE MODELS Beautifully engineered by MarGe SOMERVILLE MODELS Neat model of the car that hit 120 mph
Claas Lexion 8900TT Combine Models and largely metal, with good 1953 Sunbeam Alpine Jabbeke Record for the flying kilometre in 1953, driven
SCALE: 1/32 PRICE: £170.00 levels of detailing and many working Car by Moss / Van Damm /Johnson. In
REF: 0002531980 features. Table trailer supplied. SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £95.00 REF: SMV 914 authentic Metallic Alpine Mist light blue.
www.claas-group.com www.promod-diecast.com

12 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

DNA COMMEMORATES
SAAB'S STYLISH LAST
DESIGN AS A REALLY
FITTING TRIBUTE
1/18 scale
DNA COLLECTIBLES
2011 Saab 9-5 Aero - Arctic White ▲ Saab's last ever design before its much-lamented disappearance is perfectly
recreated here, oozing detail and style.
PRICE: £ 150.99
REF: DNA000063

www.dnacollectibles.com

WHEN Saab went bankrupt in there is so much more yet to

2011, it did it with style. The add to it. Long may it continue
2011 Saab 9-5 is classy, sporty, to expand!
safe, beautiful… there are plenty The Arctic White paintjob
of superlatives that can be used was chosen by DNA's social
to describe this cruise ship. media community and it’s a
The design harks back to the great choice. The Aero pack was
Saab AeroX, the glazing from an obvious choice - featuring
the Saab 900 and an interior 'Turbine' wheels, specific
that gives you the impression bumpers and a sporty overall
▲ Excellent detail extends right around the model, with the crease lines to the
of being in an aircraft cockpit look. rear end being a particular visual delight.
- the 9-5 saloon conveys the Like the real car, DNA's
very essence of Saab. It's as if the replica has all the details
design team knew that it would necessary to makes it totally
be the last one. The Aero version accurate. On the instrument
gives it an even hotter look. panel, you can see speedometer
DNA has earnt its reputation and tachometer needles, which
for exquisite resincasts, largely will remind you of an airplane
of the back of its 9-3 Viggen cockpit and there is even the
Convertible a few years back, discreet Aero badge on the
when the company was in its steering wheel.
infancy. So the company felt The front end features DNA's
compelled to produce this legendary attention to detail
model by way of a tribute to the on the lights and the grille is
marque that has helped DNA so incredibly realistic too.
much to get to where it is today. Another exquisite replica
DNA's Saab back catalogue is from DNA, and an abolsute
already mightily impressive, and must-have for any Saab collector ▲ The front end has received DNA's now legendary attention to detail, with the
the company has promised that (like the editor!). DC lights looking incredibly realistic and the grille shape absolutely bang on.

SOMERVILLE MODELS Similar to the original Somerville issue, UNIVERSAL HOBBIES This largely metal tractor, with metallic
1949 Ford 54A “Ute” Pickup - Ludlow though in a different colour, and another Valtra G 135 Tractor green body panels, features working
Green fine model of a vehicle Ford made for SCALE: 1/32 PRICE: 71,60 € linkages and steerable wheels. It has
SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £95.00 REF: SMV 917 the Australian market. REF: V42803410 good cab interior detailing.
▼

www.promod-diecast.com www.shop.valtra.com

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 13

 FREE DIEC A S T MODEL S
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• GT Spirit group test
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ALSO IN TH *This is a UK Annual Direct Debit offer only.

Offer ends 30.06.2021 and is subject to availability
SOLIDO Stunning version of Solido's excellent CORGI A great second release of this
1969 Citroën Type HY Service - Berliet H van, in evocatively-faded Berliet VW Type 2 1500 Camper 'Rat-Look' marvellous new tooling, capturing
SCALE: 1/18 PRICE: £49.99 livery. Features opening doors and rear Mango Green & Seagull Grey an aspect of the VW scene perfectly.
REF: S 1804814 tailgate, plus side mirrors (not shown). SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £29.99 REF: VA14501 Incredible finish throughout.
www.ayrey.co.uk www.corgi.co.uk

CORGI Very evocative of its era, Graphite Grey AVENUE 43 Wow! Totally stunning replica of this
Ford Capri Mk3 3.0 S Graphite Grey lends itself very well indeed to the lines Fiat Stanguellini 1200 Spider America incredibly stylish Bertone creation.
SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £29.99 of the Mk3 Capri. Superb side body Bertone Silver Sublime finish all over with plenty of
REF: VA10820 graphics and excellent interior. SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £103.99 REF: 60053 really excellent detailing.
www.corgi.co.uk www.ayrey.co.uk

BRITAINS For 2021, Britains has reissued its SOMERVILLE MODELS A Norwegian-entered car, so it's
John Deere 3640 Tractor largely metal John Deere 3640 tractor 1955 Sunbeam Mk III, Monte Carlo left-hand-drive. In Metallic Alpine Mist
SCALE: 1/32 PRICE: £29.99 without the front weight and front Rally Winner light blue, with red interior. Very good
REF: 43065 mudguards. SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £95.00 REF: SMV 913 overall.
www.britainsfarmtoys.co.uk www.promod-diecast.com

SOMERVILLE MODELS Well-cast, finished and detailed model BRITAINS It’s four-wheel drive and an external air
1952 Hillman Californian of the sporty-looking version of the John Deere 3050 Tractor cleaner for the 2021 edition of Britains’
SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £95.00 Minx, quite popular in its day. Will look SCALE: 1/32 PRICE: £29.99 John Deere 3050 tractor. It is not fitted
REF: SMV 908 good alongside original Somervilles. REF: 42902 with a front weight.
▼

www.promod-diecast.com www.britainsfarmtoys.co.uk

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 15

 New Models

AUTOCULT Exquisite finish all over, complementing CORGI Corgi's Lancasters are always truly
Bosley MkI GT Coupe - red the sumptuous styling perfectly. Avro Lancaster B Mk.III - LM739 / exceptional in terms of accuracy, finish
SCALE: 1/43 PRICE: £103.99 Marvellous detail, particularly the HW-Z(2) - 'Grogs the Shot' - 1945 and quality, and this version simply
REF: 05036 wheels. SCALE: 1/72 PRICE: £154.99 REF: AA32627 carries on that tradition.
www.ayrey.co.uk www.corgi.co.uk

BOOK A COACH TRIP AND TRAVEL

IN STYLE WITH ANGELA
1/87 scale Editor’s
CHOICE
HOLLAND OTO WITH BUCKIE MODEL CENTRE
Angela Coaches VDL Futura – Angela Holidays
PRICE: £42.00 REF: BCC 04

www.buckiemodelcentre.com

THE fourth model in the Holidays, a specialist in UK Futura casting features some potential damage in transit,
1/87 scale British Coach and Continental coach trips truly excellent work in terms but fit in neatly without the
collection, commissioned throughout the year. Established of graphical application - the need for any adhesive, so
from Holland Oto by Buckie as a family-run coach company tampo-printed livery is perfectly can be easily removed for
Model Centre, depicts this in the early 1950s, Angela prides applied along the body and storage, if desired.
rather eye-catching livery itself on operating a fleet of around the curves. Finishing off the model
on the popular Netherlands- luxury coaches that are always The tinted windows are rather perfectly are the wheels,
based VDL design. kept in top condition and never special too, adding to the look which are nicely-detailed
VDL's Futura is a proven more than six-years-old. of luxury whilst still allowing and are fitted with authentic
design for the luxury and Following hot on the heels of just enough to be seen inside rubber tyres.
executive coach travel earlier releases in the collection to appreciate the work that has Another excellent model
market and its lines lend (reviewed in the December gone into here too. The two side that is perfect for coach and
themselves very well to 2020 and April 2021 issues), mirrors finish off the authentic model railway enthusiasts
the striking livery of the this latest version of Holland look of the coach - these come alike, being perfect for HO
Southampton-based Angela Oto's excellent 1/87 scale VDL as separate items to avoid any scale layouts. DC

▲ The simple but attractive lines of VDL's Futura look superb adorned by ▲ There is plenty of detail to the rear of the coach too, with the tampo-
the eye-catching livery of Angela Holidays. printing very neatly applied all over.

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

16 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

 AMAZING DIECAST BARGAINS FROM

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1976 SCANIA LBT 141 1970 VOLVO F89

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STRATHCLYDE POLICE 29.99 GONE IN 60 SECONDS 1974 MOVIE 27.99
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 New Model Spotlight

More than
just a look
Stephen Paul Hardy follows on
from January’s Porsche tail tales by
travelling back to the 1990s with
more recent GT Spirit releases, in
the first of a pair of back-to-back
features about a certain look.

G
T Spirit continues to expand its of the 1:1 version, but it does show
▲

Two generations of 911

separated by just 3 years - GT already lavish coverage of Porsche 911 off the wider body lines of the
Spirit’s 993 RS in Midnight Blue
production history with a regular flow RS (and the more general lines
from 1995 and 964 Turbo-look
Cabrio in Wimbledon Green from of new, 1/18 scale resin-cast models - of the 992 series complete with
1992. and two of the most recent certainly idiosyncratic headlamp style)
exude the style of the era they represent. Back in to perfection. But for the real
January one of the models I showcased was the, treat that the model delivers, you
then recently-released, Carrera RS 3.6 Club Sport need to look past the bodywork
(GT060) of 1992, from Porsche’s third generation and immerse yourself in that 1/18
911 series - the 964 - produced between 1989 and scale interior - it is utterly superb in its
1994. First up then this month is a companion for replication of the minimalist real thing.
it from the next, fourth generation, 911 series - the
993 - produced between 1994 and 1998. 1992 - PORSCHE 964 TURBO-
LOOK CABRIOLET (GT294)
1995 PORSCHE 993 RS (GT314) Turning to the second of this month’s GT Spirit
The Carrera RS version was launched in 1995, one duo, we step back in time just three years to the
year after commencement of 993 series production. 1995 RS, into the later years of the 3rd generation
It was a lightweight variant of the Carrera and, 911 - the 964. Early in the development of the
as such, powered by a 3.8 litre engine kicking a 911 series, it was intended that there should be a
maximum power output of 300 PS (221 kW; 296 cabriolet version to continue with the precedent set
hp) and with seriously uprated braking systems by the 356. That intention evolved into the Targa
to match, was the embodiment of a serious gran with its distinctive roll-bar. Then as if overturning
turismo car. production history, and fifteen years after the
▲ Authentically captured in 1/18 Attention grabbing in its immaculate Midnight introduction of the Targa, Porsche expanded the
- the unmistakable “wide eyed” Blue paintwork, the visual impact of the model 911 range with the addition of a cabriolet version,
look of the 964 with its enlarged initially distracts the eye from the extensive, authentic making its début at the Geneva Motor Show, in
bumper mounted light units.
detailing of the black upholstered interior. With its March 1982, as the 911 SC Cabriolet.
wider section, seam welded body shell and aluminum At the same time as the 911 Cabriolet was being
bonnet, it was also subjected to numerous weight developed, another ‘Turbo-look’ Porsche styling
reduction adaptations, including thinner window glass option was evolving. It was eventually introduced as
and a minimalist interior. The latter included removal an orderable factory option, M491, in 1985. Although
of the rear seats, special racing front seats, spartan door retaining the standard contemporary engine options,
cards and an extensive reduction in sound proofing. rather than using turbocharged engines, it was much
At first glance, the casual observer might not notice more than just a cosmetic option. The widened
the finer points of the external equipment reduction, bodywork, front spoiler and whale-tail rear spoiler
but there was no mistaking the addition of that tell- were supplemented by uprated equipment that
▲ Third generation tail end of
the 964 Carrera 2 showing the
tale tail end spoiler. included suspension, brakes and wheels. The option
strong family resemblance to the Obviously, the superb paint finish on the model was modified subsequently, with buyers given the
preceding “G” series 911. gives no hint to the special construction panelwork choice to delete the front and rear spoilers through

18 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

 ▲
The cabrio’s Wimbledon Green/green combination is
staggeringly attractive and very well textured.

▲ Attention grabbing in its immaculate Midnight Blue

paintwork, don't forget the black upholstered interior.

▲ The sleeker profile of the 993’s headlamp and front wing

lines are particularly evident when viewed side on.

the textural contrast between it and the upholstery

facings, flock finished carpets and very convincing
representation of the folded hood tonneau that make
the whole visual experience such a treat. Well that
and the choice of colour they are finished in. What
this stunning model also provides is an absolute gem
of a display companion for GT Spirit’s 964 Targa in
Turquoise Metallic (GT805) that I showcased back
in January.

A PERFECT PAIR
factory option Setting the two metallic green ‘open-version’ 964s
M470. together - Cabriolet (GT294) and Targa (GT805) -
So when the 964 series in a display really illustrates that age old saying of the
was introduced as continuing with the whole being greater than sum of its parts. Apart from
three main body styles of Coupé, Targa and Cabriolet, the sheer visual treat of the pair sat together and
combined with the Carrera 4 (AWD) and Carrera illustrating the two open body styles in outstanding
2 (traditional RWD) options, the 911 entered into detail, they illustrate two more significant aspects
▲ Making an interesting
what many enthusiasts would consider to be its comparison to the 964, the
of Porsche production history. Firstly the Targa
most desirable generation. Particularly when the OE 993 displays its less overt front is a Carrera 4 whilst the Cabriolet is a Carrera 2.
factory-build specification of the car included that lighting styling. Secondly - and visually more dramatically - the
Turbo-look option. additional width of the Turbo-look body on the
A total of 1,532 Carrera 2 Cabriolet Turbo- ▲ cabriolet is very well illustrated when compared
Even a casual glance at the
Look 964s are documented as having been built wheel arches of this perfect pair
with the standard width body of the Targa.
by Porsche, either as effectively normal production highlights the extra width of the Now, for those six Sonderwunschprogramm cars
models or, in the case of just six cars, built under Turbo-look bodywork. mentioned earlier, read on... DC
the "Sonderwunschprogramm"- a very special
arrangement set apart from ‘normal’ production.
To further enhance the image of the Carrera 2
Cabriolet Turbo-Look version, Porsche offered
three striking metallic paint options in addition to
the factory’s usual paint colour palette. These were
Raspberry Red L83E, Wimbledon Green L23I and
Lavender Blue. L38W. Each came with colour-
coordinated interior trim.
It is the Wimbledon Green/green combination
that GT Spirit has chosen for No GT294 - a
combination that I find staggeringly attractive. An
attraction undoubtedly enhanced by how well all
the different surfaces have been modelled. A high
gloss paint finish is almost taken as read, but it is

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 19

 SPECIAL PORSCHES

The Sonder-
wunschen touch
In the second of his back-to-back features this month,
Stephen Paul Hardy unboxes AutoCult’s capture of
something that was far more than just a 'look'.

O
ne of the several reasons that endear relevance, as insets to the Porsche 964 Turbo-Look
AutoCult models to me is their Cabriolet showcased on pages 18 and 19, come two
attraction as inset display models - a models from the AutoCult's Avenue 43 catalogue.
concept that to some degree embraces Both of these models had a chapter dedicated to
the things I mentioned before. Let them in Issue #3 of Avenue 43 Magazine last year,
▲ Fashion of an era perfectly me explain - think of a coffee table book or glossy which described (and illustrated) their history in
recorded in miniature by
AutoCult - the '80s look complete
magazine. Quite often, a main, full page photograph some detail. This quarterly magazine is now well
with all-white Fuchs alloy wheels will be supplemented by a much smaller inset into its second year of publication, bringing with it
and illustrating the extent of photograph either within the same page or on the a whole range of fascinating insights and anecdotal
customer indulgence in the other facing page set in a mass of text. The purpose backstories behind the subjects modelled in the
Sonderwunschprogramm.
of that inset photograph is often to reinforce, or add Avenue 43 range.
extra understanding to, the main image. I find it
particularly effective to use that same concept as a PORSCHE 964 TURBO CABRIO
display technique. (#60031)
With careful choice of models and the inter- One of the Avenue 43 releases during 2019 was
relation of how they are placed the enhancement a black Porsche 964 Turbo Cabrio. It replicates,
▲ The racing inspired 911SE
of a display of 1/18 models with 1/43 'inset' ones in significant detail, one of those six Carrera 2
(903) ‘Flachbau' for which many can be can be both visually very powerful and Turbo-look Cabriolets produced by the Porsche
customers were prepared to pay informative. So in the context of my showcasing Exclusive division in Weissach, formerly known as
the hefty premium price over and of GT Spirit 1/18 scale Porsche models, in both the Sonderwunsch (‘Special Wishes’) Department. If
above that of the standard 911
just to have the Porsche factory this and the January issue, three AutoCult produced the wish involved a personalised Porsche in whatever
graft in that alternative front end. 1/43 models come to mind as prime candidates paint and interior combination a customer required,
▲
for Porsche display insets. First up, as essential it could be completed and fitted out with any
'Must have' additions to any to supplement the Targa models, has to be the conceivable factory option package - and potentially
Porsche collection from the
Avenue43 back catalogue -
Karmann prototype Porsche 901 cabriolet (#90074) adaptations or combinations of equipment not on
#60031 from 2019 (left) and last made by AutoCult in 2018 for the Ravensberger the normal factory options list - provided that a
year’s #60045 (right). Handelskontor Masterpiece range. Then of particular corresponding payment accompanied the order form.

20 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

 ▲
Both models had a chapter dedicated to them in Issue 3 of
Avenue 43 Magazine last year.

PORSCHE 911SE (903) FLATNOSE

CABRIO (#60045)
The 964 Turbo Cabriolet, however, was not the first
example of the 'Sonderwunschen' touch when it came
to special order 911 Cabriolets, as a series of 'Flachbau'
('flatnose' or 'slantnose') examples illustrates. Based on
the 930, introduced in 1975 two years into the 911s
second generation that spanned between 1975 and
1989, it was, most certainly, a far more extravagant
modification that the 964 Turbo Cabriolet.
I find it curious that a modification that effectively
stripped the 911 of one of its signature styling
attributes - the idiosyncratic prominent headlights and
front wing line - was so sought after. The inspiration
and attraction of the replication lie in the fact that
the Flachbau modification emulated the front of the
It is worth highlighting here that those six cars racing 935.
dropped “look” out of the model name, to become Early conversions were offered by Kremer
Turbo Cabrios - 964s that not only looked like Racing, followed, in 1981, by customers
turbo-bodied models, but had the complete turbo seeking bespoke commissions through Porsche’s
engine set up installed. They were pure (very Sonderwunschprogramm, such that the modification
expensive) 964 Turbo Cabriolets. Fascinatingly, two became an official factory option in 1986.
of those six cars were right hand drive versions ▲ Front end of the 964 Turbo- Essentially, the 903S Flachbau - orderable under
delivered to the UK. cabrio, of which only six were factory option M506 (M505 for the USA) -
Although I have made the comment before, ever made. involved the handbuilt remodelling of the front end
it is worth repeating again in context - and of a contemporary standard 911 (930). Remodelling
that is because of the degree of their fine detail, that basically comprised of the substitution of the
photographs of AutoCult models can easily pass for a flat bonnet with integral pop-up headlights - work
larger 1/18 scale model. Achieving a photoshoot for adding upwards of a 60% premium over the price
this issue underlined this to me once again as well of a standard 911. Even so, customer demand was
as to just how much difference there is in size and sufficient for Porsche to build 948 examples in the
weight between models in both scales. A surprising model’s lifetime.
amount of adjustment in mental and manual ▲ And here is its tail end, Which brings us to the Avenue43 Flachbau
complete with the third brake
handling dexterity was needed when working light. Cabriolet, released last year. Representing cars that
with the 1/43 models immediately after the 1/18 actually exist, it portrays the full extent of how many
ones. But as some of the photos prove, the inset of the Sonderwunschprogramm orders were fulfilled
display concept works very well if both scales are of to equipment and accessory specification way
comparable relative quality and accuracy. Specifically, higher than the base M506 option starting point.
in this case, the impressive finish and detailing of Very pretty in metallic light blue and special white-
the black Avenue 43 Porsche 964 Carrera 2 Turbo themed interior, the model is an outstanding record
▲ Thanks to its high-quality
Cabrio emphatically underlines the full extent of the detail and authenticity, it makes
in miniature of a distinct era of Porsche production
backstory when placed as a 'display insert' alongside for a perfect example of an 'inset' history and the prevailing fashions of the late 1980s
the GT Spirit 964 Carrera 2 Turbo-look Cabrio. display model. that influenced company output of the time. DC

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 21

MILITARY VEHICLES

Back to
the front

Solido has just released a new range of highly-detailed military vehicles,

six decades after its first. Rick Wilson signs up for a closer look.

T
he Solido brand name was first established ▲ An example of each of the releases in this brand new range. Each vehicle is
in France in the 1930s, but it was after first four releases, two in Green available in two versions (Green Camo and Desert
Camo and two in Desert Camo.
World War II that Solido truly became Left to right: Humvee, Stryker,
Camo), and both of these are limited to 500 pieces,
a major manufacturer of diecast model M60 A1 Tank and M270/A1 although these are not certificated.
vehicles. Sixty years ago, in 1961, Solido Rocket Launcher.
launched its 200 series - a new range of military AM GENERAL M1115 HUMVEE – GREEN
vehicles. Fast forward to today, the popular French CAMO – 1983
model producer has just launched its new range, Ref : S4800101
entirely composed of military vehicles. AM GENERAL M1151 HUMVEE – DESERT
In 1961, Solido revolutionised the miniature model CAMO – 1983
market by bringing out its new military themed range Ref: S4800102 Scale: 1/48 RRP: £32.99 each
with articulated metal caterpillar tracks for its tanks, At the end of the 1970s, the US Army wanted a
such as No 202 M-47 Patton Tank, at 1/50 scale. So new transport vehicle. Lamborghini was the first
now, Solido is re-opening a chapter in its book and manufacturer to come forward, with the Cheetah. At
is now making new tanks and military vehicles – ▲ Unmistakable front-on view this point, AM General offered its M 998. It was the
comprising a collection of exclusive, detailed models of the mighty Humvee, here in latter that was chosen by the Army - the legend of
Green Camo.
from various military operations throughout the world the ‘Humvee’ (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled
at 1/48 scale, complemented by the integration of the Vehicle – HMMWV) was born. In 1989, the Humvee
Warmaster series at 1/72.The new, larger models all had its baptism of fire in Panama, and thirty years later,
feature moving parts to add realism and this gives the it is still in use around the world. Shown here in the
purchaser a variety of display options. M1115 version, this Expanded Capacity Vehicle (ECV)
The early Solido series came packaged in cheerful, has an armed turret and more space for soldiers.
yellow cardboard boxes, very similar to the company’s The well-known look of the mighty Humvee is very
peers at the time.These were adorned with a graphical well captured indeed.The main body is diecast and
representation of the model inside.The new series has the detailed backbone chassis underneath is moulded
been released in much more modern window cartons, in plastic.The rotating gun turret on the roof is plastic
allowing easy inspection of the contents. too, and well-detailed as a result.The finish is excellent,
So here we will discover the first four 1/48 scale with an excellent feel to the whole model.

22 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

 ▲ Both colour options of the Humvee – Green Camo and Desert Camo.

GENERAL DYNAMICS LAN SYSTEMS M1128 ▲ General Dynamics MGS Stryker in Green Camo.
MGS STRYKER – GREEN CAMO – 2002
Ref : S4800201
GENERAL DYNAMICS LAN SYSTEMS M1128 Fast forward to today, Solido has
MGS STRYKER – DESERT CAMO – 2002 just launched its new range, entirely
Ref: S4800202 Scale: 1/48 RRP: £32.99 each
The MGS Stryker is an infantry fighting vehicle composed of military vehicles.
equipped with a Royal Ordnance L7 105mm anti-tank
gun. Designed as a light tank, it is a far more mobile
vehicle and adapted to the types of combat of the post-
Cold War era. It is used by the US and Canadian armies
and it first appeared in the second Iraq War, from 2007.
Very nicely detailed in diecast, the main body
incorporates the chassis too.The rotating gun turret is
diecast, with some plastic detailing, and the upper part
tilts vertically as well.The model rolls well on its eight
sturdy, rubber clad wheels.

CHRYSLER DEFENSE M60 A1 TANK – GREEN

CAMO – 1959
Ref: S4800501
CHRYSLER DEFENSE M60 A1 TANK –
DESERT CAMO – 1959
Ref: S4800502 Scale: 1/48 RRP: £32.99 each
The M60 is a main battle tank that entered service
in 1959 and is still used today by many countries,
although its replacement, the M1 Abrams, is also in
service.The M60 is one of the most popular tanks ▲ MGS Stryker in Desert Camo, demonstrating its rotating and tilting gun turret.

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 23

MILITARY VEHICLES

▲ Chrysler Defense M60 A1 Tank in Green Camo. ▲ M60 A1 Tank in Desert Camo, shows off its rotating turret feature.

▲ Vought Corporation M270/A1 Rocket Launcher in Green Camo. ▲ Rotating and tilting feature of the M270/A1 Rocket Launcher, in Desert
Camo.

▲
Next release will be the in the world, after the Sherman of course.This tank, VOUGHT CORPORATION M270/A1 ROCKET
Chrysler Defense M1A1 Abrams developed by Chrysler, took part in many conflicts LAUNCHER – GREEN CAMO – 1977
Tank, seen here in Desert Camo.
during the Cold War, such as the Yom Kippur War, and Ref: S4800601
also participated in the Gulf and Iraq wars.The A1 VOUGHT CORPORATION M270/A1 ROCKET
version is equipped with a turret offering more space LAUNCHER – DESERT CAMO – 1977
for the crew.The armour is also reinforced on the A1 Ref: S4800602 Scale: 1/48 RRP: £32.99 each
and some technical elements have been improved. The M270/A1 is a US military rocket launcher.
Featuring plenty of detail cast into its diecast body, Developed in the 1980s, it is still in use today. It can
the underneath of the model is moulded in plastic.The carry 12 rockets of 2 tons each.Very efficient, this
main turret is diecast and rotates, whereas the smaller, rocket launcher is used by many armies around the
secondary turret on top is plastic, but also rotates. Cage world, including the French army that has about
detail to the rear of the main turret is created in plastic fifty. In Germany it is called the “MARS” (Mittleres
and the nicely-detailed wheels roll on realistically- Artillery Raketen System).
moulded rubber tracks. A good, sturdy model of mainly diecast parts, the
detail is excellent, with many features cast into both the
main body/chassis and the launcher rear section.This
tilts up and rotates on a plastic turntable, held up by
‘hydraulic’ rams.The tracks are rubber and roll well.
Priced very competitively, this new series represents
superb value and the choice of 1/48 scale pitches the
range firmly at larger-scale wargamers, as well as diecast
collectors. Overall, these four initial releases are an
excellent start to this fabulous new range, with the next
model due in the shape of the 1972 Chrysler Defense
M1 A1 Abrams as Nos S4800301 and S4800302.Visit
www.solido.com and contact your preferred retailer
to find out more. For wholesale enquiries in the UK,
contact John Ayrey Die-casts (www.ayrey.co.uk). DC

24 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

 M . Toys Lt
R .

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Russell Martin - Over 30 years
experience in the model trade!
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For more information please contact:-

Tel: 023 9226 2446 Mobile: 07957 823507
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Available at your local model car store | View the full line at www.esvalmodels.com

1949-53 Chevrolet 3100

1949 1932 Austro
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Panel Delivery 1949-53 Chevrolet Suburban
1949 Alpine sedan 1936-38 Humber Super Snipe
1936

1932 Austro
Austro-Daimler ADR8
1938 Maybach SW38 Cabriolet A 1971 Trident Venturer Coupe Alpine sedan 1936-38 Humber Super Snipe
1936

1934 Duesenberg sedan by 1946 Invicta Black Prince 1934 Hispano Suiza J12 1955 Oldsmobile Super 88
A.H. Walker saloon by Charlesworth Cabriolet by Vanvooren Holiday Coupe

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1934 1948 Invicta Black Prince
2-door sedan saloon by Charlesworth 1933 Ford Model 40 roadster 1933 Ford Model 40 roadster
 Tel: 0151 733 3655 info@hattons.co.uk
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N Gauge
EFE - Buses
Oxford Diecast - Public Service vehicles

76SCV001 Showmans Caravan Maroon              £12 AA38410 Bristol Blenheim MkIVF GBPIV Spirit of Britain
76VOL4010 Stobart Renewable Energy � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � £2150 First Z5722 WMZ Duxford Airfield 28th May 1993        £65
76VOL4005 Volvo FH4 (G) Flatbed Trailer P McKerral & Co Ltd � � £2150 AA38509 Messerschmitt Bf110D VJ+OQ, Rudolf Hess, Eaglesham,
Scotland, 10th May 1941�� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � £65
AA35314 North American B-25J Mitchell ‘Betty’s Dream’, 499th BS, 345th
BG, Le Shima, Okinawa, 1945 � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � £9450

NXF008 Jaguar XF Police NEW                    £4 38119 Bristol VRT BR Engineering Training Bus
NSFE007 Scania Pump Ladder - "Surrey Fire and Rescue" � � � � � � � £650 (RRP £3750)                      BARGAIN     £27
1:50 Scale
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) Corgi Collectables - Commercial vehicles
76VOL4009 Volvo FH4 GXL Nooteboom Semi Low Loader
G F Job                                     £2150
Base Toys - Buses 76SC110004 Walls Ice Cream Scania 110 40ft Box Trailer� � � � � � � � � �£17
B109B Bristol Lodekka LD1 SR West Yorkshire Harrogate #53 (circa
1956-1971) (RRP £21�99) � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � BARGAIN � � � � � £13

30-525bus Bristol VRT Series III open top tour bus -

"Stratford-upon-Avon" - split from 30-525 set        £10

CC99203 Edward Stobart 1954-2011 Commemorative Set

76WB002 Water Bowser green NEW              £750 (Scania 4 Series Curtainside and Scania 111 Tractor Unit)
Northcord Model Company - Buses Farming and construction (RRP £12499)                     BARGAIN    £83
B117A Bristol Lodekka LD6G "Southern Vectis - 76SET76 JCB 3 piece anniversary set� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � £5950
Blackgang"                                    £21
76JS003 JCB JS220 "W H Malcolm" � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �£23
Construction Vehicles
1:48 Scale
76JCX003 JCB Backhoe Loader -1980s � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �£21
Military ground vehicles
Corgi Collectables - Buses Corgi Collectables - Aircraft - military
OM41418B AEC Regent V, Ipswich Corporation, 3 Rushmere Heath� £30

UK6509 ADL Enviro400 MMC - "Abellio London"      £51

76BF001 40mm Bofors Anti-Aircraft Gun as used the

British Army/Navy 1937- late 1980s in brown       £850 AA28801 Bristol F2B Fighter D-8063, RAF No139
Squadron, Villaverla, Italy, Sept 1918 NEW          £63
OM46316B AEC Type RM, ALM 50B, Heritage Route 15
Trafalgar Square, 'Mamma Mia!'                 £3550
OM46625B New Routemaster, Stagecoach London, LTZ 1406/LT406, Route
N8 Hainault: The Lowe, Supporting World Environment Day NEW� � � � £3550 UK6514 ADL Enviro400 MMC - "First in Glasgow"     £51

AA28702 Fokker EIII, Manfred von Richthofen, Kasta 8,

June 1916                                     £45

76SET65 Bloodhound Missile Set               £2450 O Gauge (1:43 Scale)

OM46625A New Routemaster, Stagecoach London, UK6519 ADL Enviro400 MMC - "Stagecoach Oxford Gold"  £51
LTZ 1406/LT406, Route N8 Tottenham Court Road,
Supporting World Environment Day NEW         £3550 Corgi Collectables - Cars

76WOT003 Ford WOT 1 Crash Tender RAF Bomber

Command                                   £1350
UK6521 ADL Enviro400 MMC - "Xplore Dundee"      £51 1:72 Scale VA13903 Daimler Double-Six Series 2 Vanden Plas - Coral  £27
CC02741 Only Fools and Horses - 'The Jolly Boys Outing' -
Plaxton Panorama - Percy's Luxury Tours of Peckham  £3550
Oxford Diecast - Buses
76PD2002 Leyland Titan PD2/12 Midland Red � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � £1850 Corgi Collectables - Aircraft - military
Cars
76LAN188009 Land Rover 88" Canvas in bronze green � � � � � � � � � � £550
76SET74 Royal family cars and vehicles - set of 7 � � � � � � � � � � � � � £3650
Public Service vehicles VA10820 Ford Capri Mk3 3 S Graphite Grey         £27
76TX5002 LEVC TX Taxi Tupelo Red NEW � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �£7 AA32627 Avro Lancaster B MKIII- LM739 HW Z2 Grogs the Shot
76SFE010 Scania CP31 Pump Ladder - Shropshire Fire & Rescue � � �£17 RAF 100 Squadron Elsham Wolds 25th April 1945      £13950
76TN006 Thornycroft Nubian "Glasgow Airport Fire Services" � � � � � � �£16
CC99726 Triple Decker 'Knight Bus' - Harry Potter range £26 Commercial vehicles
76ATKL005 Atkinson Cattle Truck L Davies & Sons � � � � � � � � � � � � £1350
76CTR002 Canvassed Trailer Maroon/Red � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �£12

AA32626 Avro Lancaster B1 PA474, operated by The TC00004 Sporting Triumph collection Stag, Spitfire TR6 NEW £6750
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the only airworthy
Lancaster in Europe                         £13950
AA27204 Avro Vulcan B�2 XM575, RAF No�101 Sqn, Waddington Wing, 1975�� � �£180

OM46517A Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 Go North East NL63

XCB Route X10 Newcastle Royal Fusilliers        £3550
OM46517B Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 Go North East NL63 XCB Route X10 76DAF03CT DAF 105 Skeletal Trailer Freightliner  £1950
Middlesborough Royal Fusilliers� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � £3550
VA14700 Triumph TR6 Damson NEW              £27
VA13606 VW Golf Mk2 GTI 16V - Monza Blue � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � £27
AA33320 Boeing B-17G ‘Snake Hips’ 42-31713 USAAF  £13950

Ixo Models - Buses

76DXF001 DAF XF Euro 6 CombiTrailer/Container
OM46631A Wrightbus New RM - Arriva London - LTZ Maritime Transport                              £22
1120 - Route 59 Euston - Seedlip                £3550 76CWT007 Dodge KC Van Royal Mail� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � £950
76LV005 ERF LV Flatbed Trailer Scottish & Newcastle � � � � � � � � � £1350 AA34216 Boeing Chinook HC4 ZH777 RAF No 28 Sqn
76MB002 Mercedes MP4 GSC Actros Curtainside Pollock � � � � � � � � � �£23
100 Years Anniversary Scheme                    £72

IXO-BUS018 AEC Regent RT open top "London Transport" £49

OM46627B Wrightbus New Routemaster GoAhead London LTZ AA28601 Bristol Beaufighter TFX - NE829/PL-J, RAF
1394 Route 15 Stepney Arbour Square Royal Fusilliers NEW£3550 76MSV002 Mercedes Sprinter Van "Stobart Rail" NEW £650 No144 Squadron, Banff Strike Wing, Aberdeenshire,
Oxford Diecast - Buses
Scotland, October 1944                           £65 43WFL001 Weymann Fanfare Southdown Motor Services � � � � � £3750

£4 P&P for 2 or more items UK P&P £2.75 £9 P&P Next Day (Orders before 2pm)
HISTORY AND REBIRTH OF SOMERVILLE MODELS

Rise and
rise again
Charles Barnett takes a detailed look at both generations of Somerville
Models, from the very beginning of the marque to the reawakening,
following the original owner’s sad passing.

M
▲ A trio of Hillman Minx saloons. odels by Somerville are well-known for production techniques ensured that the quality
Inset: 1947 Ford Anglia E04A in in white-metal collecting circles. The remained as high as possible in the mid-1970s, and
black (SMV 907). brand is very highly regarded for he was there when, following the collapse of Lines
its quality of construction, level of Bros., Meccano was taken over by Airfix in 1971.
detail and finish, and has always been He left Meccano, first of all, to join its advertising
popular with collectors, especially of British cars, agency, Brunnings, in Liverpool, and then, in 1978,
Saabs and Volvos - three categories that have made took the plunge and started Somerville Models, with
up the bulk of the range over the years. his wife, Roly.
Somerville founder, Doug McHard, was a keen, They moved from Liverpool to the village of
lifelong builder of model aircraft, which he loved Billinghay in Lincolnshire. The Somervilles were all
to fly. Educated at Sheffield College of Arts and made under the same roof by Doug, who also made
Crafts,, he became a photographer in the RAF, but the masters, (except for a couple of the later ones) and
his building and writing skills led him to leave and moulds, as well as the castings. Roly, who looked after
join, first of all, Aeromodeller magazine, then Model the painting of the models, and a small skilled team of
Aircraft, as Assistant Editor. helpers completed final detailing and assembly.
He moved to Lines Bros in 1964 to run the The first releases marketed were an Austin FX4
newly-launched monthly Tri-ang Magazine, though Taxi and Austin Allegro 2-door saloon. Like most
this ran only from October 1964 to July 1965. By Somervilles, the FX4 remained in the range all the
this time, Lines Bros had taken over Meccano, and way through, although it was upgraded in later years.
the publication was merged with the Meccano The Allegro, however, was discontinued after only
Magazine, to which Doug moved. a couple of years, though a model of a later Allegro
Within Meccano, he became Marketing Manager Mk 3, in 4-door form, was released some while later.
and, later, Marketing Director for the Dinky Toys The range developed over the next few years
range, where his quest for perfection and fascination to include the Ford E103 ‘sit-up-and-beg’ Popular,

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 27

HISTORY AND REBIRTH OF SOMERVILLE MODELS
1 2 2

4 5 6

7 8

Standard Flying Twelve, and a series of Fordson 5 1 Updated Austin FX4 Taxi (No included the 92, 93A and 96 saloons, 95 Estate car,
cwt light vans (the commercial version of the ‘Pop’ 100A). Sonett coupe, 900 Cabriolet, and 9000 CD and CS
saloon), initially in seven liveries, with another 2 No 102 Mercedes-Benz 260D. saloons, as well as the 9000 Turbo already mentioned.
three being added over time. There were two 3 No 129 Riley Kestrel, with cast Other British cars included the Rover P2, both as
Mercedes-Benz cars - the 1937 260D saloon (the wire wheels. a 6-light saloon and 4-light sports saloon, pre- and
first diesel-powered production car) and the 1955 4 Early No 101 Austin Allegro. post-World War II Ford Prefects (again, the ‘sit-up-
300 SL ‘Gullwing’ coupé. Most, but not all, of these 5 No 120A 1952 Sunbeam Talbot and-beg’ cars), the Standard Flying Twelve De-Luxe
featured considerable underbody detail cast into 90 Mk 2A saloon, without rear Touring Saloon with a revised rear profile and boot,
the baseplate, and many - but again, not all - were wheel spats. the Ford 7Y, Sunbeam Talbots Mk 2 and 2A saloons,
available as kits. 6 Promod Somerville No SMV and Mk 2 convertible, 1953 Sunbeam Alpine,
Somerville had been commissioned to make the 915 1937 Austin 10/4 Conway 1951/2 Hillman Minx saloon and convertible,
open-top saloon.
1947 Volvo PV 444A saloon by Volvo itself, and in Vauxhalls 1937 H-series, and 1950 Velox, as well as
1984 were commissioned by Saab to make the new 7 Somerville Society No SS2 Ford the convertible version of the latter, made for the
Utilecon Fire Vans in London Fire
9000 Turbo 4-door hatchback, which, mounted Brigade and National Fire Service
Australian market as the Caleche. With an earlier
on a plinth, was used as a promotional model at liveries. eye for the Australian market, the Fordson van had
the launch of the full-size car in 1985. Following 8 Somerville Society No SS1 spawned a further variation as a “Ute” pickup, in
completion of that contract, and following the 1959 Saab 95 Ambulance in the “500” sub-series, and a 1949 Ford Anglia Tourer
example of the Volvo earlier, the Saab 9000 (sans Falck Zonen livery, complete with had been released earlier. All of these were available
plinth) was included in the Somerville range, along medic figure.
here at home and, indeed, worldwide.
with a “Talladega Long Run” record version (the As well as the standard range, a significant number
real car covered 100,000 km at an average speed of special issues were made for customer orders,
of 123 kph at the Talladega Speedway in America, notably on the Fordson van (in “Model Auto
breaking numerous class records, a feat of which Review 5th Anniversary”, “Frank Cooper Preserves”
Saab was justifiably proud). and “Robeddie” liveries, among others), and the
Over the following years, many more Volvos and Rover P2 saloon for Midas Models in four single-
Saabs joined the range, including the 1927 Volvo tone colours - the versions in the standard range
Jakob, 1960s Amazon 4-door, its derivative, the 123 were all in 2-tones. The Vauxhall Velox was made as
GT 2-door, the PV544-based 210 Duett estate car a police car for Crossway Models, there were a few
and van, and the 445 Valbo Cabriolet. The Saabs Volvo PV 444As, Duetts and Amazons, and the Saab

28 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

 An interesting comparison of an original No 141 Somerville release of the 1950
Sunbeam Talbot 90 DHC alongside its No SMV 901 Promod reimagining (in red).

9 10

900 Cabriolet was liveried for the “Big Bike Ride“ its later years, Somerville itself did offer the facility
charity event. Even the early Austin Allegro had of building one-off versions of its models, but these
been made in some special colours, for, it is believed, would have the box imprinted, this time with “FB”.
JM Toys, another early major retailer. There are also one or two genuine rarities too,
There were three specials made for members of notably the Bus - a copy of the Dinky Toys No
▲ The comparison is just as the Somerville Society, the marque’s collecting club 290 (double-deck bus made in tiny numbers, in
interesting from the rear. that ran for a few years, like two versions of the Saab “Somerville/Turf Cigarettes” livery, and only given
9 Promod Somerville No SMV 95 estate as an ambulance, the redoubtable Fordson to Somerville employees by Doug himself. I’ve seen
901, 1950 Sunbeam Talbot 90 van, as a Utilecon estate car with side windows, in only a couple of green examples and just one in
DHC.
five different variants, and the Jakob-based Volvo red, in all my years as a collector and dealer. These
10 Promod Somerville No SMV OV 4 light truck of 1927, this time in three liveries. all combine to make for an interesting range for
911 1933 Ford Y ‘Tudor’ 2-door
saloon. These are all detailed in the accompanying table. collectors to accumulate.
There are several Code 3 versions out there as Sadly Doug McHard died in August 2002, whilst
well, some very well done indeed, like the Fordson flying his beloved model aircraft. Understandably,
vans “Prontaprint” by Minimarque 43 and “Vitalin” Roly retired soon afterwards, so production of the
pet foods by Roslyn Models, as well as any number original Somervilles came to an end. However, this
of built kits that can be confused with original
Somerville builds. It may be that these are passed off
deliberately or inadvertently, as original
Somervilles, but their build and finish
▲ Being a convertible, it’s easy to quality frequently gives them away. In
appreciate the delightful interior addition, most of the later - but again,
of the Austin 10/4 Conway. not all - kits all carried a “KIT”
stamp on the baseplate as well as the
“K” suffix to the model’s number on
the box. To confuse things further
- or add to the fun, depending on
your point of view - for many of
▲

A genuine rarities - a copy of the

Dinky Toys No 290 Double-deck Bus,
▲ The off-side of the bus, made in tiny numbers, in “Somerville/
showing the alternative Turf Cigarettes” livery, and only given to
advertising. Somerville employees by Doug himself.

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 29

HISTORY AND REBIRTH OF SOMERVILLE MODELS
ORIGINAL SOMERVILLE MODELS
REF MODEL COLOURS NOTES
Metal bumpers, early had cast number plates, later had
100 1957 Austin FX4 Taxi Black, Maroon, Dk Blue,
decals
100A Austin FX4 Taxi Black, Maroon, Dk Blue, Yellow, White Updated casting, 'rubber' bumpers, separate wipers
101 1973 Austin Allegro 2-door Bronze, Metallic Green, Metallic Blue All with vinyl-effect roof
102 1937 Mercedes-Benz 260D Black, Dk Blue, Dk Green, Brown,
103 1953-59 Ford Popular E103 Black, Lt Blue, Lt Green, Fawn, Grey
105 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Silver, Gold, Red, White
106 1937 Standard Flying 12 saloon Black, Maroon, Lt Grey, Brown, Cream, Beige
107 1948- 53 Fordson E494C 5-cwt van Orange/Black India Tyres livery
108 1948- 53 Fordson E494C 5-cwt van Yellow/Black Modellauto livery
109 1948- 53 Fordson E494C 5-cwt van Green/Black Castrol Oils
110 1948- 53 Fordson E494C 5-cwt van White/Black Turf Cigarettes livery
111 1948- 53 Fordson E494C 5-cwt van Red/Black Somerville livery
112 1948- 53 Fordson E494C 5-cwt van Lt Blue/Black Design for a Fishmonger livery
113 1948- 53 Fordson E494C 5-cwt van Black Lewis East livery
114 1948- 53 Fordson E494C 5-cwt van Maroon/Black Design for a Butcher livery
115 1948- 53 Fordson E494C 5-cwt van Orange/Dk Blue Colchester Tractors livery
116 1948- 53 Fordson E494C 5-cwt van Lt Blue/Blue, Lt Yellow/Blue, White/Blue London Toy Museum livery
117 1949 Ford Anglia Tourer Cream, Black, Maroon Top down
117A 1949 Ford Anglia Tourer Lt Red, Grey-Green, Black, Blue, Fawn Top up
119 1950 Saab 92 saloon Dk Green, Maroon
119A 1952 Saab 92 Monte Carlo Rally Ivory Rally livery
120 1950 Sunbeam Talbot 90 Mk 2 saloon Met Lt Green, Black, Silver, White
120A 1952 Sunbeam Talbot 90 Mk 2A saloon Bronze, Met Blue, Black No rear wheel spats
121 1947 Volvo PV 444A saloon Black, Maroon, Lt Grey-Green, Lt Blue, Lt Green
122 1985 Saab 9000 Turbo 16 Black, Silver, Red
122A 1985 Saab 9000 Turbo 16 "Talladega" Silver, Gold, Red, White Long Run record car livery
123 1961 Saab 95 Estate car Lt Blue, Red, White, Beige
124 1961 Volvo Amazon B 18 saloon Red, Black, Dk Grey, Dk Green, Dk Blue, Lt Grey
125 1967 Saab Sonett II coupe Red, Dk Green, White, Bronze
126 1927 Volvo Jakob tourer Dk Blue/Black, Grey/Black
127 1988 Saab 9000CD saloon Met Grey, Met Green, Met Blue
128 1960 Volvo 210 Duett Estate car Blue-Grey, w/White roof, Maroon
128A 1960 Volvo 210 Duett Estate car Orange Tele (Swedish Telephones) livery
129 1937 Riley Kestrel saloon 2-tone Grey, 2-tone Brown Cast wire wheels
129A 1937 Riley Kestrel saloon Dk Green, Red/Black, Dk Blue/Black Disc wheels
130 1987 Saab 900 Cabriolet Dk Red, Black, Yellow, White Top down
131 1936 Austin 10 Cambridge saloon Black, Dk Green/Black, Maroon/Black, Dk Blue/Black, Grey/Black, 2-tone Brown
132 1992 Saab 9000 CS saloon Silver, Black, Met Blue, Met Green, Met Beige
133 1952 Hillman Minx convertible Black, Blue, White Top down
133A 1952 Hillman Minx convertible Black, Burgundy, Grey, White Top up
134 1938 Rover P2 4-light Sports Saloon Black, Maroon, Dk Green, Grey
135 1967 Saab Sonett MkII Rally Red Pat Moss-Carlsson rally livery
135A 1967 Saab Sonett MkII Rally Silver Erik Carlsson rally livery
136 1970 Volvo (Amazon) 123 GT Red, White, Met Blue, Black
137 1953 Sunbeam Alpine, open Met Lt Blue Stirling Moss Alpine Rally livery
137A 1953 Sunbeam Alpine, open Red, Dk Green, Cream, Met Lt Blue
138 1953 Volvo 445 Cabriolet, open Cream, Red, Black, Green
139 1994 Saab 9000 CS White Belgian Police livery
140 1960 Volvo 210 Panel van White, Blue, Red, Yellow, Military Drab Green, Olive Green / Beige
141 1950 Sunbeam Talbot 90 Mk 2 convertible Met Green, Met Blue, Met Grey, Bronze Top down
142 1937 Standard Flying 12 De Luxe with boot Black, Fawn, Green, Cream, RAF Blue (as RAF staff car)
143 1980 Austin Allegro 3 4-door Met Turquoise, Lt Yellow, Bright Red, White (with/without vinyl roof), Bright Green (with/without vinyl roof), Fawn

30 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

ORIGINAL SOMERVILLE MODELS
REF MODEL COLOURS NOTES
143A 1980 Austin Allegro 3 4-door Mid-blue Police livery
144 1955 Saab 93A Green, Red, Cream, Beige
145 1950 Ford Prefect E493A Black, Fawn, Green
145A 1950 Ford Prefect E493A Black, Fawn, Green, Dk Blue
146 1960 Saab 96 Blue, Lt Green, Dk Grey
146A 1960 Saab 96 White Sebring Official Course Car
147 1939 Ford Prefect E93A Maroon, Black, Grey
148 1937 Rover P2 6-light saloon 2-tone Green, Cream/Grey-Blue, Maroon/Black
149 1950 Vauxhall L-Series Velox Black, Bronze, Met Green, Met Blue, Met Grey
150 1951 Hillman Minx Series V saloon Lt Green, Beige, Black
151 1949 Vauxhall Caleche convertible Cream, Red, Met Green Top down
152 1939 Vauxhall H-series 10 hp Black, Met Grey, Maroon
152A 1939 Vauxhall H-series 10 hp Black, Met Grey, Maroon With spare wheel outline on boot

ORIGINAL 500 SERIES MODELS

REF MODEL COLOURS NOTES
501 1953 Ford 10 hp Utility Dk Red, Blue, Stone
502 1959 Saab 95 Panel van Red (plain), Grey (w/ Saab logo)
503 1937 Ford 8 7Y saloon Black, Grey, Blue

SOMERVILLE SOCIETY MODELS

REF MODEL COLOURS NOTES
SS1 1959 Saab 95 Ambulance White, Red Falck Zonen livery, both versions with medic figure

SS2 1949 Ford Utilecon Brown / Black, Stone / Black plain (no livery)
Blue / Black Silver City Airways livery
Red / Black National Fire Service livery
Red London Fire Brigade livery
SS3 1927 Volvo OV4 Truck Green / Black Telegraf Verket livery
Grey / Black SKF livery
Yellow / Blue 70 Years of Volvo livery

BUILT SOMERVILLE MODELS MADE BY PROMOD

REF MODEL COLOURS NOTES
SMV 900 1939 Vauxhall H-series 10 hp saloon Cream
SMV 901 1950 Sunbeam Talbot 90 DHC Red, Cream interior Top down
SMV 902 1937 Ford 8 7Y 2-door saloon Maroon
SMV 903 1938 Rover P2 14 4-light Sports Saloon Dk Blue
SMV 904 1937 Standard Flying 12 saloon Dk Blue
SMV 905 1952 Hillman Minx convertible, open Dk Green, Beige interior
SMV 906 1936 Austin 10 Cambridge saloon Beige / Black
SMV 907 1947 Ford Anglia E04A saloon Black
SMV 908 1952 Hillman Californian coupe Black with red roof NEW release
SMV 909 1953 Sunbeam Alpine, open Black with red interior
SMV 910 1950 Ford Prefect E 493A saloon Grey Listed as 1938, but is a later version
SMV 911 1933 Ford Y “Tudor” 2-door saloon Black
SMV 912 1934 Ford Y “Fordor” 4-door saloon TBA Not yet released
SMV 913 1955 Sunbeam Talbot 90 Mk3, Monte Met Alpine Mist NEW release
SMV 914 1953 Sunbeam Alpine, Jabbeke Record Car Met Alpine Mist NEW release
SMV 915 1937 Austin 10/4 Conway, open-top saloon Dk Green/Black, Beige
SMV 916 1961 Saab 95 van, RHD, Saab Service White Saab Service livery
SMV 917 1949 Ford 54A Utlility “Ute” Pick-up Ludlow Green NEW release

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 31

HISTORY AND REBIRTH OF SOMERVILLE MODELS
SOMERVILLE MODEL KITS MADE BY PROMOD
REF MODEL NOTES
SMK 106 1937 Standard Flying 12 saloon Pre-war with split grille
SMK 117 1949 Ford Anglia Tourer Can be built top down or top up
SMK 120 1950 Sunbeam Talbot Mk 2/2A saloon
SMK 123 1961 Saab 95 estate car
SMK 129 1937 Riley Kestrel saloon
SMK 131 1936 Austin 10 Cambridge saloon
SMK 133 1951 Hillman Minx convertible
SMK 134 1938 Rover 14 4-light Sports Saloon
SMK 137 1953 Sunbeam Alpine 2-seater
SMK 137R 1953 Sunbeam Alpine 2-seater rally Stirling Moss - Alpine Rally
SMK 141 1950 Sunbeam Talbot 90 Drophead
SMK 142 1939-47 Standard Flying 12 saloon Post-war with solid grille
SMK144 Saab 93A
SMK 145 1950 Ford Prefect E493A saloon
SMK 147 1938 Ford Prefect E93A saloon
SMK 148 1937 Rover 14 6-light saloon
SMK 149 1949 Vauxhall Velox L-series saloon
SMK 150 1951 Hillman Minx Series V saloon
▲ SMK 158 - 1952 Hillman Minx convertible kit. SMK 151 1949 Vauxhall Caleche convertible
SMK 152 1939 Vauxhall H-Type 10 hp saloon
wasn’t the end of the story, thankfully. In December SMK 153 1937 Ford 8 7Y saloon
2002, Graham Ward of Promod, who - then and SMK 154 1949 Ford 54A 67 Utility pickup
now - makes numerous specialist ranges of models
SMK 155 1947 Ford EO4A Anglia saloon
under the Promod name as well as being a major
distributor of many ranges of volume-produced SMK 156 1952 Hillman Californian coupe

diecasts, purchased the machinery, moulds and rights SMK 157 1937 Austin 10/4 Conway Cabriolet
to the Somerville name, with a view to reviving SMK 158 1952 Hillman Minx convertible Can be built top down or top up
production. SMK 159 1961 Saab 95 van
In 2005, the first of the reborn models - the
SMK 160 1949 Ford Anglia Utilecon
Riley Kestrel and Sunbeam Talbot Mk 2 saloon
SMK 161 1933 Ford Y-Type Tudor 2-door saloon
- came onto the market, albeit in kit form only.
Though a quantity of built Vauxhall H Types and SMK 162 1934 Ford Y-Type Fordor 4-door saloon
Caleche convertibles had been made earlier that year SMK 163 1945-53 Riley RMA 1.5 (short bonnet) saloon Not yet released
for a commission by Vauxhall Motors itself. The kit SMK 164 1945-53 Riley RMB 2.5 (long bonnet) saloon Not yet released
range initially, was developed over the next few years SMK 165 1945-53 Riley RMD 2.5 Drophead Not yet released
and then, in 2008, the first built model was released.
SMK 166 1949 Jaguar Mk V saloon Not yet released
This was the Rover P2 4-light Sports Saloon in
Dark Blue. Promod deliberately choosing a colour SMK 167 1956 Sunbeam Talbot 90 Mk3 saloon NEW release
different from those of the original Somervilles. SMK 168 1953 Sunbeam Alpine Jabbeke record car NEW release
Promod currently makes kits and built models,
the built examples being in limited runs of 100 each.
Some are subjects from the original range, and others and so the future looks bright for enthusiasts of the
are new ones altogether. Details of the current ranges Somerville brand. For further details on the current
of built models and kits, along with planned future ranges, visit www.promod-diecast.com. .DC
releases, are again in accompanying tables. Being of a
similar standard of build and finish to the originals,
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
the built versions sit well alongside them,
My grateful thanks, for their
absolutely invaluable help
in preparing this article, go
to keen Somerville collector
David Swales, and to
Graham Ward of Promod. Of
course, as with any article
of this type, it can never be
▲

Promod
Somerville No considered fully complete,
SMV 916 1961 so if you have anything to
Saab 95 van, in add, please contact the
Saab Service editor.
livery.

32 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

ROVER-BRM GAS TURBINE

Racing into
the future
It’s nearly six decades since a British collaboration stunned the world
of motorsport at Le Mans. David Lynn looks back with the help of some
very rare models.

T
he golden period of gas turbines being ▲ All five incarnations of the car the Fiat Turbina and Renault Étoile Filante streamlined
heralded as a new technology for together (left to right) - 1963 test, speed record concepts. Meanwhile, in America, General
1963 race, 1964 test, 1965 test
road vehicles was largely over when I and 1965 race.
Motors created a series of four Firebird concepts with
arrived into the world, so exploring the space-rocket styling until the early 1960s and Chrysler
significance of this selection of 1963-65 pursued more serious proposals culminating in its
Rover-BRM Le Mans racers became a fascinating 1963 Turbine Car as a luxury coupé - 55 were built
adventure. In simplistic terms, a gas turbine compresses and distributed through a selected user programme
air into a combustion chamber where fuel is sprayed that accumulated over one million miles of actual road
and the mixture ignited - the resulting gases are use, and is still the only example of batch production
channelled at pressure to rotate a turbine, which, when compared to individual examples.
attached to a shaft, provides mechanical power.While Alongside car use, several firms investigated
modern gas turbine development was a spin-off (as it potential truck applications, British Railways explored
were) from jet engine research for aircraft use during a crossover into locomotive propulsion with its
World War II, the principles can be traced back to celebrated 1950s 18000 and 18100 engines, the 1960s
a patent awarded to an Englishman, John Barber, in GT3 (Gas Turbine Three) and the APT-E (Advanced
1791. Although his primitive turbine was too weak to Passenger Train Experimental) prototype of the
operate its own components. early 1970s, and gas turbines were harnessed for ship
The first gas turbine to generate a surplus was made propulsion. Several strident British and US period
in 1903 by Aegidus Elling, a Norwegian engineer, newsreels found online gave glimpses of the excitement
and the first gas turbine car only arrived with Rover’s and anticipation for this new technology, alongside
JET1 breakthrough in 1950. Other manufacturers their curious pronunciation of “gas turbin” rhyming
dabbled with this futuristic technology and its space- with “win” rather than “wine”.
age symbolism for the post-war era, including Austin’s Rover’s involvement began through supporting
A125 Sheerline-based Gas Turbine Car in 1954, and Sir Frank Whittle’s early jet engine work during

34 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

World War II, which produced the world’s first ▲ There were a few noticeable regular 2000 shape.
straight-through combustion jet before being handed changes between test and race However it marked the end of Rover’s dream of
versions in 1963.
over to Rolls-Royce, in 1943, in exchange for the putting a turbine car into production, as there were
production contract for the Meteor tank engine. After unresolved cost issues from the exotic materials needed
the war ended, Rover’s survival as a car producer for the high internal temperatures, safely dealing with
was threatened by meagre steel allocations, so new the hot exhaust gases, general heat-soak, turbo-lag, and
strategies were urgently pursued, including the fuel consumption, despite improving to 16-20 mpg
aluminium-bodied Land-Rover (June 2018 issue). from JET1’s 3.5 mpg. At this point, the story would
Wartime jet expertise opened another door into have stopped, but for two unexpected events.The
exploring gas turbine use for road vehicles, and with ▲ Another angle of the two 1963 first was an invitation from the Le Mans 24 Hours
some silent sponsorship from Leyland - in those cars, showing the modifications organisers for Rover to present T4 in the pre-race
to the rear upper deck.
days a stand-alone lorry maker - produced the JET1 parade at the 1962 event, and a similar exercise at
prototype in March 1950. This paraffin-fuelled the 1963 British Grand Prix including JET1 and T3
roadster used the upright bodywork from the 75 P4 achieved massive publicity.The Le Mans organisers
saloon with “Cyclops” grille on a mid-engined chassis then announced an award for 1963 for the first turbine
with an open cockpit and aeroscreens. After an initial entrant to complete 3,600km (2,237 miles).The
launch at Silverstone, the project went quiet until other surprise was a Rover board decision to launch
relaunching in June 1952 with updated P4 bodywork a motorsport campaign, and the immediate response
including a shield grille and successful speed record was a rallying team with the 3-Litre P5 and later 2000
runs on the Belgian Jabbeke autoroute. P6, achieving good results without major victories.
Next up was the front-engined T2, but it proved ▲ Very much a product of its era This was immortalised in Corgi’s 1960s models of the
in terms of styling.
unworkable, so was quickly abandoned without maroon 1965 Monte Carlo class winner - later revived
publicity. Its successor, T2a, was similarly kept out of by Vanguards.
sight, but was rear-engined with full 75 P4 saloon Meanwhile, the turbine project was recast for a
bodywork and a huge exhaust funnel on the boot. joint Le Mans collaboration with a racing constructor.
Again things went quiet until 1956 when T3 was ▲ Cooper rejected Rover’s overtures, but BRM were
All change for 1964, with a
unveiled as a compact rear-engined coupé with completely new body. happy to provide the chassis from a crashed 1962 P57
4WD and unique styling. This was probably the most
sophisticated Rover turbine car and, according to one
source, the zenith of Rover’s efforts in demonstrating
real-world practicality. Another gap followed until the
1961 unveiling of T4, based on the P6 project which
reached production in 1963 as the 2000 range - the
P6 was designed with a large engine bay for potential
front-engined turbine production, which proved
a fortunate decision several years later when
it readily accommodated the ex-Buick V8 to
become the 3500. T4 was by all accounts a major
achievement with most of the civilised practicality
needed for normal road use, with only a streamlined
and extended bonnet differentiating it from the

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 35

ROVER-BRM GAS TURBINE
▲

It's hard to accept that it is the

same basic chassis underneath.
1 1964 test car from rear three-
quarter view.
2 1965 test car from front three-
quarters.
3 1965 test car rear three-quarter
angle.
4 1965 race version - still as she
is today.

1 2

▲ Fabulous interior detailing.

▲ 1965 racing version rear three- 3 4

quarter view.

F1 car and its drivers, Graham Hill and Richie Ginther. the drivers complained of cold draughts.The model
The Rover-BRM appeared on five competitive is simple but neatly detailed, particularly within the
occasions, all at Le Mans for the 1963/64/65 test cockpit. Unlike Bizarre’s version, there is no rear body
weekends each April and the 1963 and 1965 races in lip, but the ad hoc nature of these test weekends could
June. Despite some radical changes as its racing career allow both formats to be correct.
evolved, this was always the same single car, with no Its race appearance two months later came in
back-up or replacement. British Racing Green, with the exceptional number
One model is shown from each appearance and, as 00 denoting that it ran literally in a class of its own
far as I can tell, none were modelled in 1/43 at the time outside the normal classification and was forced to
and even today when several specialist Le Mans ranges start 30 seconds after the rest of the field. It “ran like
exist, the choice is very limited. Bizarre produced resin clockwork”, without any mechanical work or even
models of all five versions for distribution through a change of tyres to cover 310 laps - 29 behind the
Spark, and are now pretty well impossible to find. A winner - to finish in what would have been 7th or 8th
few years back, the English online retailer Racing Models place according to different sources, and easily achieved
commissioned a new resin series from the Italian firm the 3,600km distance for the ACO's FF25,000 turbine
of Top Models to plug the gap, with each version in prize. Pinko’s version is shown, differing from the test
an edition of only 102.These sold out fairly quickly, depiction by the rear body lip, a bigger heat exchanger
giving another hens-teeth scenario.The story then gets on the rear body, a more raked windscreen, and the
a bit sticky, as I’ve been told that the Racing Models removal of the spinner wheel nuts. Again, it is nicely
commission included an exclusivity clause preventing finished, but mine had some loose bits when it arrived,
further releases; however some repeats emerged from including a rear light and a rubber ring which has no
Pinko, one of Top Models’ subsidiary brands. obvious home.There was no slipcase and the plinth
At its debut for the 1963 test weekend, the Rover- has hand-painted descriptions, perhaps suggesting that
BRM had unpainted aluminium bodywork without Pinko were clearing leftover rejects instead of making
race numbers, as shown by the silver Racing Models additional batches. I have another unrelated Pinko with
edition. As one source says “beauty was not one of similar quality niggles.
its virtues” and the bodywork was not windproof so It returned for the 1964 test weekend with a much

36 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

 fuel consumption reduced to 13.5mpg compared to
7.5mpg in 1963. The BRM-supplied driver pairing
was now Jackie Stewart alongside Graham Hill, and
the weekend seems to have passed uneventfully.
Bizarre’s model looks much more exciting with the
new colours - this was actually my first acquisition of
the five and inspired the hunt for the full set.
The race saw a largely uninterrupted run to an
officially recognised 10th place, but it was slower
and ran hotter than expected to cover a shorter
distance than in 1963. A post-race stripdown revealed
compressor damage due to the ingestion early in
the race of an unknown object such as a nut or bolt
and gave an unintended testimony to the turbine’s
resilience. Bizarre’s model in the same green with
#35 on white door panels shows many small changes
- the most obvious are full intakes on the rear wings,
plus the reinstatement of the 1964 flap-up lights as
auxiliaries, sidelights on the wing edges, driver’s door
and bootlid buttons, a black fuel filler and a Rover-
5 BRM bonnet script. As the definitive version this has
become the most desirableand expensive model of the
five across the brands.
Rover’s turbine activity ceased at this point and the
car never raced again.There was a small sequel after the
expanding Leyland empire bought Rover in 1967 and
revived previous work as a potential unit for truck use,
building seven prototypes for motor show displays and
even issuing a publicity brochure before the project
was shelved. A more tenuous footnote in 1997 was
the Rover 200 BRM sporty edition of the small R3
hatchback, finished in BRG with BRM’s symbolic
orange lower grille outline.The BRM link was simply
a marketing device to rival Renault’s Clio Williams, but
the Le Mans car was duly wheeled out for the launch
and publicity razzamatazz.
6 Gas turbines enjoyed further racing experimentation
in 1967 with the STP-Paxton Indy Cardriven by
more elegant and aerodynamic body, and two small 5 & 6 All later styling cars Parnelli Jones, which dominated the 200 lap race but
flip-up headlights, some way back on the bonnet.The together. Changes were fairly coasted to a halt on lap 196 with just eight miles to
subtle by now.
cold and wet conditions did not highlight any power go.This inspired Lotus to enter a team of turbine 56s
deficiency from the undersized air intakes and what in the 1968 event with Joe Leonard leading when a
was still the original engine, although a new engine fuel pump shaft broke on lap 192.These near misses
was promised for the race. However the entry was terrified the Indy organisers who promptly changed
withdrawn shortly beforehand with the claim this was the rules to prevent further turbine participation, and
not ready, but the real problem was that the car fell off a Lotus turbine revival as the 56B during the 1971 F1
its trailer on the way home and was not repairable in season achieved little.The American Howmet team
time. Being a unique car, there were no spares readily built two TX turbine sports car racers for the 1968
available. Bizarre’s matt grey depiction with #26 shows ▲ Detailing on the wheels is
season, providing the only other Le Mans appearance
the new shape very neatly, and again, while there is exquisite. for this technology but no significant placings.
not much detail, what there is has been done well.The Other turbine footnotes include some work by
wheels are excellent, there is a delicate screen wiper Toyota from the late 1970s culminating in the 1987
and a chromed bonnet filler cap, the flimsy driver’s GTV concept car, and Jaguar’s 2010 C-X75 hybrid
window with a small porthole has come adrift on supercar concept which would have used two diesel-
mine, so is not shown, but gives an enhanced view of fed micro turbines to recharge its electric motors.
the intricate cockpit, and as with all these Bizarres, the A limited production run was announced but then
display plinth has a track finish. canned, and the C-X75’s subsequent appearance in
The next appearance was therefore the 1965 test the 2015 James Bond film Spectre used conventional
weekend, now resplendent in dark metallic green lookalikes. With the emphasis today on reducing
with silver rear panel and #35. Other differences vehicle emissions in response to climate change and
included relocated headlights further forward behind health issues, it seems that the dream of gas-turbine
streamlined covers, two flat vents on the rear cover, road vehicles has now run its course. Although
external latches behind the front wheels, and a ▲ Packaging by Bizarre includes perhaps a Jaguar-like approach of incorporating
proper sliding panel in the driver’s window. The a track-like plinth to add to the turbines within a different technology offers some
display.
new engine still provided about 150bhp, but with prospects for the future. DC

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 37

VINTAGE DIECASTS IN KIT FORM

Kitting out
your collection
I
Popular in the 1970s with some of the n the first of three parts of this mini-series,
I turn to Corgi Toys here, with its only dip
major manufacturers, Rick Wilson has into the realm of build-at-home releases –
the GS30 Grand Prix Kit Set. Comprising
bolstered his collection with many of three standard releases in kit form plus one
these over the years. First up is a special exclusive livery on an assembled car, the set was
completed by three figures and a bag of 16 marker
limited-run set from Corgi Toys. cones. These were all packaged in a superb box
that featured an excellent, dynamic piece of action
artwork to the rear.
Back in the May issue, I briefly mentioned that
I’d just acquired this in my Keeping it clean article
about the Corgi Yardley McLaren gift set, so here
it is in all its glory. Still largely shrink-wrapped, the
set is completely mint, save for a little creasing to
the outer box that obviously occurred in the factory
▲ Released in 1973 only, here are the complete contents of the GS30 Grand Prix Kit Set. thanks to some over-tight wrapping – but in my

38 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

 1

2
▲ It all came packaged in a
superb gift box - this one has
been slightly distorted by the
over-tight shrink wrap still in
place.
▲

The artwork on the rear of the

box is stunning.
1 No 1500 Surtees T.S.9 kit and
standard No 150 release – note
the lighter shade of blue to the
body of the kit version (the
the 1974 catalogue either. Just 13,000 of these sets
darker shade of the assembled
No 150 is correct for the real were made, 3,000 of which went to the USA.
car). The models included were No 150 Surtees T.S.9
3 2 No 1501 Yardley McLaren as No 1500 in kit form, No 151 Yardley McLaren
M19A kit with a fully assembled M19A as No 1501 and No 154 John Player Special
No 151 release. Lotus as No 1504. Plus there was that exclusive
3 No 1504 John Player Special version of No 153 Surtees T.S.9B. The kits were
Lotus kit with standard No 154 individually boxed with their own styling, featuring
model.
colourful striping to the sides and assembly diagrams
to the rear.
The artwork to the rear is worthy of framing in
itself and is very evocative of Corgi’s ‘look’ in the
early 1970s. Having been after one of these sets
since I was about 9 years old, this is one of my most
pleasing purchases in recent years – even if I’m not
going to make the kits up!
Next month, in part two, we cross The Channel
mind this just adds to its story. and look at a few of the lesser-known offerings in
The wrap has been pierced at some point to allow kit form in the UK, issued by Solido in the late '70s
access to the extra model – the special Norris- and early '80s. For part three, in the September issue,
liveried version of the Surtees T.S.9B, exclusive to ▲ it will be the turn of Dinky Toys with its impressive
The special Norris-liveried
this set – but the three kit boxes had never been version of No 153 Surtees
selection of Action Kits. I have rather a lot of these
removed. Until I got my mitts on it anyway. Some T.S.9B alongside its standard - will I be able to resist the temptation of actually
very careful and selective opening of the wrap issue counterpart. assembling and painting some? DC
allowed me to get at the boxes, whilst still leaving
it largely intact. There is something rather exciting
about knowing that you’re the first person to open
these after the best part of 50 years!
As you can see from the photos, the contents
of the kit boxes are, of course, still in excellent
unassembled condition. That is as far as my tinkering
will go, as I have the standard made-up models
of the cars as released at the time too. All kit
components are exactly as the standard models,
save for the colour of the Surtees T.S.9, which is
a lighter shade of blue.
Released in 1973, this set was never actually
shown in any catalogue, presumably as the decision
to put it together and release it was taken after the
1973 catalogue was finalised. There was only a short
production run, so there was no point in it being in

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 39

SIKORSKY SEA KING 60TH ANNIVERSARY

Seeking fame
Sikorsky’s much-loved design has fulfilled many roles over six decades
and inevitably has seen some action on diecast manufacturer production
lines too. Rick Wilson straps himself in for take-off.

R
ussian–American aviator, Igor Sikorsky, customers, as well as civil operators, and has been built
established his US-based Sikorsky Aero under license by Agusta in Italy, Mitsubishi in Japan,
Engineering Company in 1923. Currently and by Westland in the UK as the WS-61.
owned by Lockheed Martin, easily it’s Probably the most famous Sea King of all – seen by
most well-known product over its almost millions worldwide when it recovered the Apollo 11
100-year history is model number S-61 – the Sea capsule from the first moon-landing mission when it
King helicopter. splashed down in the Pacific on 24th July 1969 – is the
Officially designated as the SH-3 Sea King it was SH-3D designation variant flown as #66 of US Navy
designed as a twin-engined anti-submarine warfare HS-4 Squadron, based on USS Hornet.
(ASW) helicopter - notably, it was one of the first of
this type to use turboshaft engines. Its origins were a SEEKING SEA KING DIECASTS
requirement to counteract the growing threat of Soviet The options for collecting diecasts of this
submarines during the 1950s. ▲ Dinky Toys proudly announced
impressive and well-known aircraft design are
Introduced to service 60 years ago, in 1961, it was its brilliant new Sea King on page relatively limited, but that doesn’t mean that there
operated by the United States Navy as a key ASW 19 of the 1971 catalogue. aren’t some absolute corkers to be had. Period
and utility asset for several decades.The Sea King also releases by Dinky Toys and contemporaries from
performed various other roles and missions such as Corgi spring swiftly to mind, with the latter
search-and-rescue, transport, anti-shipping, medevac, currently running at 22 detailed 1/72 scale releases
plane guard, and airborne early warning operations. so far, plus two budget Showcase issues at half the
It has also proved to be popular with foreign military size (1/144 scale).

40 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

 ▲ No 724 was released in
this fantastic box and plinth
combination, perfectly showing
off the exciting Apollo recovery
mission depicted by this model.
▲

Three of Dinky’s four Sea King

releases – No 736 (front. Left),
No 724 (front, right), both sitting
on the opened kit packaging of
No 1040.
▲

Two modern Corgi releases – 1/144 scale

Showcase and 1/72 scale Aviation Archive.

So we’ll do this in date order, which means we begin depicting the deck of USS Hornet with space for
with the awesome 1970s releases from Dinky Toys. A the capsule to be displayed in the water alongside.
total of four versions were sold using the same casting. Top job, Dinky!
It all started with No 724 Sea King Helicopter that No 724 lasted in the range right to the very end of
depicted the US Navy aircraft that were involved in Dinky Toys production and there were a few minor
the capsule recovery missions from the 1960s and early colour variations along the way. Initially the interior
'70s Gemini and Apollo space programmes. In typical was red and the blades blue. The interior and blades
Dinky style, though, the model took full opportunity later changed to black. The colour of the lower
of the excitement generated by incorporating some fuselage would change slightly, but this was restricted
excellent and exciting features. At 155mm long, this to the shade of blue used. Even the capsule got in on
equates to roughly 1/105 scale. the act, with the interior colour being white, blue or
▲ One of Dinky’s exciting
This first release replicated that most famous Sea Action Kit releases saw No 724
yellow and, later, the capsule body would become an
King of all, the Apollo 11 capsule recovery aircraft. As repackaged and unpainted for unrealistic yellow.
was the norm for Dinky, though, historical accuracy finishing and assembling at home Building on the success of No 724, Dinky made
would not get in the way of shop shelf appeal, so the – no Apollo capsule was included good use of its casting with the model becoming part
though.
drab grey lower half of the real helicopter became of the Action Kit range as No 1040. Shown on the box
metallic blue for the toy version. Colour changes aside, artwork for this one with an orange lower fuselage,
it featured plenty of play value. Dinky clearly still couldn’t bring itself to replicate the
Not only did it incorporate a battery-powered real colours! Taking this colour conundrum further,
motor that span the main rotor blades, there was a only white paint was included in the kit.
finger-operated winch with a metal hook that could Two other releases followed, with the first of these
pick up the moulded plastic capsule and carry it away being No 736, in Bundesmarine livery, produced from
to safety. Even the capsule had a working feature, with 1973. Sporting the all over grey with red top colour
an opening door that revealed the three astronauts scheme of the German Navy, the winch feature was
waiting to be recovered. As the capsule was plastic, retained, but now it was used for lowering and raising
it floated on water, meaning a very accurate mission a white plastic-moulded sonar device. Just as much
could be replicated in sinks, baths and perhaps even fun though. Interestingly, if you were to unscrew this
puddles around the world. and relocate the lower fuselage to swap out that of No
This superb release was initially packaged in a 724, it would replicate the Apollo recovery aircraft a
colourful box that featured very appealing artwork. lot more accurately. Finally an all over drab green army
Open this up and the internal plinth could be slid version was released as part of No 618 AEC Artic
out, which then folded out to make a great display Transporter with Helicopter from 1976.

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 41

SIKORSKY SEA KING 60TH ANNIVERSARY

▲ Dinky’s Sea King featured a battery compartment in its fuselage for the motorised main rotor blades.

Moving to more recent times sees two castings by Bringing Corgi’s releases up to date, the 22nd
Corgi in its 1/144 scale Showcase and 1/72 scale and very latest version of this stunning model is No
Aviation Archive ranges. I’ll get to the smaller versions AA33422. It went on sale during 2020, priced at just
in due course, but now it’s time to focus on its £61.49, and was quick to sell out the limited run of
superbly-detailed series of 1/72 scale releases. just 1,000. Depicting an earlier space capsule recovery
First released in 2002 as part of Corgi’s series scenario, it was assigned the duties of lead recovery
commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Falklands helicopter for the Gemini X space mission. Sikorsky
conflict, interestingly, the second release of this tooling SH-3A Sea King ‘White 63’ from US Navy HS-3
(No AA33402) was a much more accurate replica ‘Tridents’ was on the scene seconds after the capsule
of that famous Apollo 11 capsule recovery aircraft. splashed down, with its specialist diver ensuring the
Featuring the correct colours, of course, it came with safe extraction of the returning astronauts. With the
a very realistic sea surface diorama, complete with a world’s attention fixed on this latest mission, for a
very accurate capsule.This marvellous replica rightfully few short moments, the live broadcast of the recovery
commands serious pennies today, so I’ve yet to find one made this aircraft the most famous helicopter in the
within my budget. Rest assured that, when I do, I’ll world, before it returned to USS Guadalcanal. After its
share it in my From the Editor’s collection pages. time in the limelight, the aircraft would return to its
Fast forward to a 2014 release, No AA33414, I usual anti-submarine patrol duties.
photographed this during Corgi’s media preview The finish to Corgi's latest release of its
▲ Dinky No 724 in action
day down at Margate in late 2013. Resplendent marvellous Sea King casting is absolutely
recovering the Apollo capsule.
in the eye-catching grey and red livery of Royal astonishing, with a fabulously realistic sheen to the
Navy ‘Search & Rescue’, it’s another great release. look. Wearing the correct markings to replicate
One feature that I’ve neglected to mention so far this historically important aircraft, the graphics are
of this casting, is the sliding cargo door that slides applied perfectly with crisp edges and the right
open towards the front of the fuselage to reveal the proportions. The cockpit is nicely detailed, with
spacious interior. two pilots and some instrumentation clearly visible.

▲ Corgi’s most recent Aviation

Archive release, in 2020,
depicted another space mission
recovery US Navy Sea King as No
AA33422.

42 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

 ▲ An excellent feature of Corgi’s larger and more detailed
casting is the sliding cargo door.

▲ Dinky’s later No 736 Bundesmarine features a sonar device for the winched hook,
instead of the capsule.

So now back to those smaller Showcase releases,

there have been two variations in Corgi’s budget
series – the earlier No CS90607 and the current No
CS90625 release. The latter has sadly lost some detail
during recent cost-cutting exercises, but it still makes ▲ Two variations of Corgi’s budget 1/144 scale Showcase
for a nice display model. At 113mm long, this makes issues – earlier No CS90607 to the left and the current No
CS90625 release. The latter has sadly lost some detail.
it exactly half the length of its bigger sibling, so it
comes out at 1/144 scale. In the bright yellow Royal
Air Force Rescue livery, it replicates Sea King XZ597
that is still flying with Historic Helicopters (www.
historichelicopters.com). This very aircraft was
actually the subject of the 4th Sea King release in the
Aviation Archive series as AA33404 – another one on
my wishlist, and I’d like to take it for a flight on the
real aircraft one day. ▲ As always, Corgi’s Aviation
Archive releases come with a
There is just one more model to mention, released sturdy display stand.
in 2012 by Amercom as part of its Helicopters of the
World magazine partwork series. Largely diecast at
1/72 scale, it’s not really a rival for the Corgi as it
lacks a lot of the detail, but it is an excellent budget
model and can easily be picked up for around £25
on ebay. Representing a Westland-built WS-61 in
the colours of the Implementation Force (IFOR), ▲
Corgi’s eye-catching No ▲ Amercom released a nicely-detailed low-cost 1/72 scale
as deployed in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1996, it AA33419 Royal Navy ‘Search & diecast Westland Sea King as part of its Helicopters of the
certainly makes for a striking display. DC Rescue’ release from 2014. World series.

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 43

PARTWORK COLLECTIONS

Garage
moderne
Mike Pigott builds and reviews a
large 1/43 scale garage diorama
kit that was issued in France as a
magazine partwork.

M
any collectors like to display their ▲ Sales room, workshop and GARAGE MODERNE
models with scenic backdrops used car lot. In 2014, Hachette Editions in France released a
and dioramas including buildings, weekly partwork entitled Garage Moderne, which
roadways and figures. However, enabled subscribers to build up a big 1/43 scale
the availability of these accessories model of a large garage typical of those seen in
varies greatly depending on the scale of the models French towns in the 1950s and ‘60s. The finished
collected. Those who collect 1/76 scale models are model consisted of a car showroom, petrol station,
spoilt for choice, as the scale is compatible with OO servicing bay and car wash.
gauge model railways, and there are countless scenic France is probably the largest market for partwork
accessories produced. The same goes for collectors collections of diecast vehicles. Countless series have
of 1/87 vehicles, as these are the same scale as HO been produced over the last decade or so, with many
gauge railways – although subject matter is usually long-running releases on cars, trucks, vans, aircraft,
of Continental or American subjects, as HO is more emergency vehicles, tractors, character models and
popular in these markets. re-editions of vintage toys. While some of these
Although 1/43 scale is the most popular scale for have proved popular in the UK, particularly the
model cars, there is much less in the way of model ▲ Cover of the first issue. collections based on Batman, James Bond, tractors
buildings compatible with them. Other than O and reissued Dinky Toys, they pale in comparison
gauge model railway accessories, a less mainstream with the sheer volume of French series. In addition
scale, there is very little in the way of structures to to these partworks that include diecast models, there
complement 1/43 miniatures. are also series that include parts to make up one

44 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

 ▲ Citroën H recovery vehicle, issue because it cost just 2.50 € and included an Ixo
with its Traction Avant cargo, in Citroën 2CV van, together with the showroom floor
front of the service bay.
and half the façade. The second issue cost 4.99 € and
all subsequent issues were 6.99 €. I was fascinated
with the concept of the garage, and wanting a
decent diorama for my 1/43 models, decided to
keep ordering it every week. Although it seemed an
inexpensive purchase on a weekly basis, in retrospect
it was a very pricey garage, as initially 110 issues
were planned. However, it proved extremely popular,
and sold so well that it was extended to 130 issues,
making it even more expensive. There was even
a companion series of 1/43 diecast models to go
with the garage - these were mainly tow trucks,
petrol tankers and delivery vehicles, in the liveries of
famous petroleum and auto component brands.

MAGAZINE
Each release included a magazine, which was
designed to be pulled apart and filed in a ring
▲
The Citroën 2CV Van that
binder using the pre-punched holes. In addition to
came with the first issue of instructions on how to construct the garage, the
Garage Moderne. magazine was quite an interesting read – as long as

large model, such as a 1/8 scale car, an historic ship

or a famous fighter plane. These have proved popular
in the UK and many other markets, but have three
serious drawbacks. Firstly, they are a very expensive
way to get a model, and can end up costing in
excess of £600. Secondly, the finished model is
only as good as the skill of the person building it.
And thirdly, a lost or missing issue can cause a lot of
problems.
Garage Moderne was only sold in France, and
Hachette would not accept subscriptions from
other countries. I was able to buy it, and
several other partworks, from an online
newsagency called www.journaux.fr
which does send French publications
worldwide. Like most partworks, Garage
Moderne included a magazine with every
issue, and the first two numbers were
sold at discount introductory prices.
To be honest, I only bought the first

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 45

PARTWORK COLLECTIONS
1

2 3

you could understand French. It had short articles 1 Car wash and service station. lighting - there was a battery box built into one of
on myriad automotive subjects, including the history 2 Close-up of the used car yard. the floor sections - and many parts were supplied
of car marques, brands of petrol, tyres and other car 3 Close-up of the petrol pump
with pre-fitted wiring and small electric bulbs. The
parts, famous garages and even toy cars. area. wired components had tiny plugs at the ends to
The parts for the building were included with connect with other lit sections.
every magazine, sealed in clear vac-formed shells.
Some issues came with quite substantial pieces, CONSTRUCTION
although others were quite miserable, such as a The first part to be constructed was the car
single window or a strip of pavement which were showroom, the large building on the left-hand
worth significantly less that the 6.99 € cover price. side. This has a ground-level exhibition area with a
However, many issues also included beautifully chequered floor. Connected by way of an internal
painted figures of mechanics, attendants and staircase is a big first-floor workshop, with a pantile
customers, plus accessories like tools, benches, pumps roof and large skylight. On the side of this building
and stands. is a lift for transporting cars to the upper story. The
lift components are fitted with strings and pulleys
COMPONENTS to enable it to raise and lower using a crank, but is
Most of the parts for the garage building were extremely fiddly to put together.
moulded in thick light-grey plastic and, where Connected to the Citroën sales room is a single-
appropriate, had coloured details printed on to storey lubrication bay with a car hoist, and next to
the surface, such as bricks, tiles, painted panels and that is a shallow two-bay car wash. These buildings
signs. Other parts were painted on the visible side, have flat roofs with parapets along the top. At the
▲ Tow truck from the associated
including pavements and roof tiles, and the windows Vehicles du Garage Moderne far end is a Shell petrol station and workshop. The
had printed frames. The garage was provided with series. service station shop has a modern, space-age style

46 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

 had an automatic washing machine with sides and
a canopy which slotted into one of the two bays.
In addition, there were two engine hoists with real
chains, a private sales office and a manager’s desk,
complete with manager. There were numerous
figurines, including six petrol pump attendants, five
mechanics, three car wash attendants, three salesmen,
and several customers, including one with a pet dog
– all mounted on a clear plastic base. There were also
several pre-painted accessories such as a tyre racks,
an oil tin display, air pumps, work benches, brochure
▲ The whole display looks very impressive when lit up at night, thanks to the integrated wiring racks – and even mundane items like a bucket, tool
included with the various parts. box and oil can. There were four mopeds to fit in
the upstairs VeloSoleX agency.

SO, IS IT WORTH IT?

The most noticeable thing about the completed
garage is the size – it's massive. It is made in full
1/43 scale. The completed garage is 120cm wide –
increased to 140cm when the used car lot is added
– and has a depth of 45cm. This is partially why
O gauge model trains are not widely collected in
Europe.
In terms of value for money, it isn’t good value –
it was extremely expensive to complete. Even taking
into account that it included a full-colour magazine
with every issue, it still works out to over 700 €,
▲ Theo the cat demonstrates his approval and also gives a good idea of the overall size of the which is a lot for a model building, even one this
finished diorama. large. However, the figures and accessories were very
well made and finished, and were probably worth
the cover price.
It also is not particularly easy to build. It is
designed to be assembled without glue, using
mostly slot and peg construction. This is a good
thing, meaning it can be deconstructed, as the
large size makes it very hard to store. Some of the
parts did not fit together well and there were a lot
of large gaps in the walls and roofing panels. The
instructions could be frustrating, as they only told
how to install that week’s component, regardless of
whether that was the best order in which to fit it.
As a result, many previously-fitted pieces had to be
semi-circular frontage. Above this, in an area with ▲ The finished garage is a huge removed first.
a Flemish-style stepped roof and big triangular 140cm wide. Is it good enough to install on an O-gauge
window, is an agency and recharging station for model railway layout? Probably not. It is rather
VeloSoleX mopeds. At this end of the building is a crude in places, and lacks the finesse that serious
high wall with printed red-brick finish and period modellers would expect. The figures and accessories
advertisements. are much more finely detailed than the building
The diorama rests on a series of eleven grey plastic itself. However, it is certainly a unique item, and
bases that clip together to form the interior floors serves its intended purpose as a dynamic display
of the buildings and the garage forecourt. There are for 1/43 scale model cars. It needs a lot of space
also footpaths fitted along the sides and rear, plus to be displayed, so mine was later disassembled and
streetlights. Finally, outside the petrol station is a ▲ All the parts, plus the put back in storage, However, for those with less
instructions.
raised pavement with a pair of non-working lamps, available room, the used car lot is detachable and
two petrol pumps, and a large SHELL sign in front. can be used a free-standing display for around eight
model cars.
EXTENSION The garage is shown here with the figures and
In the 100th issue, readers were informed that, due accessories in place, plus a number of models from
to the overwhelming success of the partwork, it various Citroën partworks, and the free 2CV van
was being extended to 130 parts. The additional from the first issue. Included in the display are
parts would include a used car lot, a more detailed three recovery trucks from the associated Vehicles
car wash and several other components. The car lot du Garage Moderne partwork - a Citroën U23 tow
consisted of two connecting floor panels with an truck in green with rear canopy, a yellow long
entry arch and covered display area with tiled roof, wheelbase Citroën H flat truck, and a blue Dodge
surrounded by barriers. The improved car wash now WC52 war surplus tow truck in Caltex livery. DC

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 47

FIGURING IT OUT – PART 2

Patrolmen and
Policemen
The second instalment of David Busfield’s
mini-series detailing diecast accessories.

F
ollowing on from the first instalment of ▲ A busy scene, featuring all date speed limits and advise on other issues. It
Figuring It Out in the September 2020 manner of police and patrol organised the first British Grand Prix at Brooklands
personnel, equipment and
issue, this article concerns two influential vehicles. Interesting to note
in 1926 also the first RAC Rally in 1932 and
motoring organisations, with very different the prototype Mercedes-Benz was influential in many more motorsport events.
backgrounds and fascinating histories, record-breaker at the local In 1901, an associate section (RAC Motoring
followed by a look at law enforcement officers and service centre! Services) was formed and had uniformed mobile
some of their vehicles. patrols using Matchless motorcycle combinations.
The Automobile Association (AA) was founded in The sidecars contained a tool kit, fan belts, hoses
1905, originally with a membership of just 90 (now and cans of spare petrol. Initially they used to park
15 million). It started with bicycles, then motorcycle up in laybys and alongside major road junctions,
combination patrols, followed by cars and now and from 1957 were supplied with two-way radios,
sophisticated vans. Initially, the business focused which significantly helped getting to motorists
on breakdown cover, which continues to this day. with a problem. In 1978 the RAC Motoring
However it has since diversified significantly and Services was sold off and it is now RAC plc,
nowadays offers finance, driving lessons, motoring with its headquarters in Walsall, West Midlands,
maps, insurance, leisure and lifestyle services. The AA employing 3,700 staff.
employs over 7,400 people and is headquartered at Both the AA and the RAC used to operate their
Fanum House, Basingstoke. own very distinctive roadside telephone boxes for
The Royal Automobile Club (RAC) was use by members in the event of a breakdown or
founded in 1897 as a private social and athletic emergency. There was some co-operation between
club. In the early 1900s, it was influential in the two organisations with the access keys to all
working with the government to amend out-of- these boxes having a common pattern.

48 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

 he acquired were of the pre-war AA patrolmen
and two examples which were recently sold at
auction are shown here. For some reason these
never went into production and the two figures
shown here are test castings.
The AA roadside telephone box was introduced
in October 1935 and remained available until 1940
- it was never reissued after the war. It is a lovely
model made from tinplate. The design is exquisite
and comprises a beige, chamfered base, the box body
is coloured yellow, black and white, and the roof is
white. A wire flagpole is on the top and supports
three tinplate direction signs - for London, Glasgow
▲ The Dinky Toys and the Somerville Models AA Patrolmen. and Liverpool. Being tinplate it is prone to rust and
these are hard to find in any condition.
When the AA was formed in 1905, the patrolmen
used bicycles but everything changed in the 1920s
when motorcycle and sidecar combinations were
introduced. This meant a more rapid response and
enabled tools and spares to be carried in the sidecar.
The AA motorcycle was a 2.5hp Chater Lea. These
were later superseded by Triumph and BSA models.
The Dinky Toys AA Motorcycle Patrol was
introduced in 1935 as No 44b, but the advent of
war caused this to be discontinued in 1940. The first
versions were fitted with solid white rubber tyres and
the motorcycle is 45mm long. This was reintroduced
▲ No 44b AA motorcycle combinations. in 1946 with black rubber tyres until 1950. All the
Dinky motorcycles are made to a generic design and
the AA version incorporates a rider in a tan uniform,
the motorcycle is black and the sidecar is yellow,
with an AA sign on the front. The combination was
reintroduced in 1959 as No 270 and remained in the
range until 1962, some with black rubber wheels and
later with grey plastic wheels.
The AA updated its logo on a number of
occasions and the Motorcycle Patrol can be found
with four different versions between 1935 and the
1960s. This model was available individually, sold
out of a dealer trade box that would have initially
contained six models. In addition to the AA version,
▲ The Dinky Toys and the Somerville Models RAC Patrolmen. there were two other variants available in export
markets only. They were the No 271 TS (Touring
THE AA PATROLMEN Secours) for the Belgian market and 272 ANWB
Two designs of AA guides were made by Dinky (Algemene Nederlandse Wielrijdersbond) for the
Toys - No 44c directing traffic and 44d saluting. Netherlands market. These are quite rare in the UK.
They were introduced in the October 1935 edition Before the war, all the AA models were available
of the Meccano Magazine, priced at 3 pence each, in No 44 AA Box, Motor Cycle Patrol and Guides
remaining in the range until 1940. Both figures are Gift Set, which was available from 1935 to 1941.
36mm high, have a brown uniform with a black sash, This comprised No 44a AA Box, 44b Motor Cycle
brown peaked caps and black knee length boots. Patrol, 44c and 44d AA Guides. These were set
No 44c has white gloves whereas 44d has no gloves. against a very attractive pictorial box insert.
Neither of these figures were released again by In 1962 Mini Vans began to replace the
Meccano after the war. motorcycle combinations and were soon seen
Doug McHard was Editor of the Meccano throughout England - Scotland had a fleet of Land
Magazine, in the early 1970s, and later the Marketing Rovers. I am sure that these would have been very
Director of the Meccano and Dinky Toys ranges. well received by the patrolmen, especially during the
When he left Meccano he was allowed to take winter months.
a number of moulds of Hornby/Dinky figures ▲ The AA Roadside Telephone The Austin and Morris Mini Vans were introduced
with him. In 1978 he set up Somerville Models in Box. in 1960 and these very popular vehicles remained
Lincolnshire (see pages 26 to 31 of this issue) and available until 1983. The van was renamed to
specialised in producing low-volume, high-quality just Mini Van in 1978. During the 23 years of
diecast model cars. He did some test casts of the production, over 520,000 were made. It had a
figures with a view to possibly selling them but 4-cylinder 848cc engine, independent suspension
these plans never materialised. Two of the castings and front wheel drive. It was built on the longer

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 49

FIGURING IT OUT – PART 2
1 2

Mini Traveller chassis and had a carrying capacity of 1 No 270 AA Motor Cycle Patrol cycle is 45mm long. Oddly the Dinky RAC sidecar
¼ ton with a maximum speed of 73 mph. The first trade box. is plain blue with no RAC logo - it is not known
200 vans were handed over to the AA on the 26th 2 Different versions of the AA why Meccano made this surprising omission. The
March 1964. The earlier motorcycle and sidecar logo over a period of 25 years. combination was re-released after the war between
combinations carried 29 items of equipment - the 3 Dinky AA Mini Vans - early 1946 and 1949, with solid black rubber tyres. The
Mini Van carried 97. version on the left and later one level of painting detail of the driver is much greater
on the right.
No 274 Dinky Mini Van was introduced in July on the pre-war vehicle. When sold individually, the
1964 and remained in the range until 1970. This RAC motor cycle was delivered to the dealers in a
truly is a delightful model with lots of excellent trade box initially containing six models.
details. These include: a detailed diecast base plate, Before the war all the RAC models were available
accurate yellow paintwork (later yellow with a in the number 43 RAC Box, Motor Cycle Patrol
white roof), a pair of opening rear doors, a roof and Guides Gift Set which was available from 1935
sign, a roof ventilator, window glazing, an interior to 1941. This comprised No 43a RAC Box, 43b
including seats and a steering wheel, spun alloy Motor Cycle Patrol, 43c and 43d RAC Guides.
wheels, spring suspension and steerable front These were also set against a very attractive pictorial
wheels. The interior seats can be either red or blue. box insert. The RAC gift sets seem to be much
On a model that is only 3” (78mm) long, this is harder to find than the AA versions.
▲ The AA Gift Set.
diecasting at its absolute best. No 273 Mini Minor Van RAC was introduced
in December 1965 and remained in the range until
THE RAC PATROLMEN 1970, it is an identical casting to the 274 AA van
Two designs of RAC guides were made by Dinky described earlier. The differences are that it is painted
Toys using the same moulds as the AA figures - No dark blue with a white roof and a blue roof sign, and
43c who was directing traffic and 43d saluting. has RAC markings on the roof sign, rear panel and
They were introduced in the October 1935 edition rear doors. The interior seats can be either red or
of the Meccano Magazine priced at 3 pence each, blue. The style of the RAC logo and markings did
remaining in the range until 1940. Both figures are not change throughout the lifetime of the model.
36mm high, they have a blue uniform with a red
sash, blue peaked caps and black knee length boots. POLICEMEN AND POLICE CARS
No 43c has white gloves whereas 43d has no gloves. The range of Dinky policemen and accessories
Neither of these figures were released again by was first announced in the July 1936 edition of the
Meccano after the war. Meccano Magazine and the advert is shown here.
Somerville Models also reproduced these two In those days, for Dinky Toys, there was no specific
figures, details as per the AA patrolmen covered promotion, new items were simply added in to the
above. ▲ The RAC Roadside Telephone existing range with no fanfare whatsoever.
No 43a RAC Telephone Box was introduced in Box. There were two different designs of policemen
October 1935 and remained in the range until 1941. made by Dinky, both of them were on point duty
It is made from tinplate and is a lot more simple (traffic control). No 42c is in a white coat with a
than the AA version. It is standing on a blue base, ▲ Pre-war and post-war 43b blue helmet and trousers with an overall height of
painted blue and cream with black hinges and has a RAC Motor Cycle Combinations. 42mm. No 42d is in a blue uniform, blue helmet
white roof. The base is 30mm x 30mm and the box
is 51mm in overall height. Like the AA box, being
tinplate, it is prone to rust and these also are hard to
find in any condition.
No 43b RAC Motor Cycle Patrol was introduced
in 1935 and discontinued in 1940. The motor cycle
was painted black and the sidecar was dark blue,
and the tyres are usually solid white rubber. This
was a different design to the AA sidecar. The motor

50 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

 The Dinky Police
Hut - everyone
knows this now as
the Tardis - and the
dealer trade box.

▲ July 1936 advert announcing the police-related models.

and long white gloves which reach down to the

elbows, he is 40mm high. Both figures were new in
July 1936 and discontinued in 1941, neither of these
figures reappeared after the war.
Modern versions of the policemen were trialled
by Somerville Models and these are illustrated here.
Next is probably the best known Dinky toy
of all, as it has become synonymous with the
extremely popular TV series Dr Who as the Tardis
time machine. The box was introduced in July
1936 as No 42a and was discontinued in 1941. It ▲ The Dinky policemen - three dealer trade box containing six models.
was released again after the war from 1948 to 1960, Dinky figures on the left, and on Pre-war No 42b Police Motor Cycle Patrol was
the right are two by Somerville.
changing to No 751 in 1954. It has an overall height introduced in 1935 and remained available until
of 54mm. The box is painted dark blue with silvered 1940. The motorcycle is painted black with a silver
windows and a “Police” sign at the top, on all four exhaust, the rider and passenger are both in dark
sides. On top of the roof is a light, this is sometimes blue uniforms with detailed painting of the faces,
painted blue and sometimes red. Under the left hand the sidecar is painted green and some with white
window on the front is a hinged panel, behind this is rubber wheels and some of the later models with
▲ The RAC Gift Set. Photo:
a telephone for use by the public. Underneath this is Vectis.
black ones. This model was reissued after the war
a panel containing instructions for use and alongside between 1948 and 1954 as an export only item to
this is a ventilator - these three features are silvered. the United States. This had simplified paintwork, no
Shown in the image are No 37b Police Motor silver on the exhaust and no detailing in the faces. It
Cyclist, pre-war 42b Police Motor Cycle Patrol and was fitted with black rubber wheels
No 42 post-war Police Motor Cycle Patrol. No No 42 Police Box, Motor Cycle Patrol and
37b was new in November 1937 and discontinued ▲ RAC Motor Cycle Patrol trade Policemen Gift Set was introduced in 1935 and
in 1941. It was reissued after the war in 1948 until box. remained available until 1940 - it was never reissued
1954, but only as an export item for the US market. after the war. It contained No 42a Police Box, 42b
The motorcycle is black with silver handlebars and Police Motor Cycle Patrol and the two Policemen,
the rider is in a blue uniform with brown gauntlets. 42c and 42d. It was contained in a blue lift-off lid
The overall length is 45mm, this casting is used for box and the models were shown against an attractive
all the motor cycles in the Dinky range with only display card in the box base.
a minor change to accommodate the sidecars when The Dinky Toys range from the early 1930s
▲
used as a combination. No 37b was only sold from a The RAC Mini Van. always contained an ambulance and a fire engine,
but very surprisingly it never featured a police car
until 1955. This was an amazing omission, as all the
other diecast toy manufacturers in the UK featured
one in their ranges. Dinky had no shortage of
suitable saloon cars in its catalogue that could have
easily been offered as police vehicles with a simple
alternative colour scheme.
The first such Dinky vehicle was No 255 Mersey
Tunnel Police Van, new in September 1955 and
available until 1961. This iconic vehicle, painted
bright red, was based on a Short Wheelbase Land
Rover and would have been familiar to young boys
from Liverpool and other visitors to the city. Even
though the real vehicle would never have been
seen by the vast number of boys in other parts of

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 51

FIGURING IT OUT – PART 2
4

4 The Police Motor Cycles.

5
5 Police Vehicles.
6 No 42 Police Gift Set.

the country it was still a very popular model and a

firm favourite of mine at the time. This was the only
unique casting of a police vehicle made by Dinky, all
the other examples are modifications of existing cars
in the range.
The next model was No 256 Humber Hawk
Police Car, new in December 1960 and available
until 1964. This was a lovely model painted
black and it included a roof sign, an aerial, spring
suspension, glazed windows, interior seating,
a steering wheel, plus a driver and policeman
passenger. The Humber Hawk was a substantial
vehicle made by the Rootes Group and an excellent
choice for an emergency vehicle. 6
Britain’s motorway network commenced in ▲ Police Motor Cycles trade
1958 with the Preston Bypass (M6), and the first knob protruding at the base of the box. It is available box.
part of the M1 was opened in 1959. This presented in kit form with the lamp standard, policeman and
the police with a problem as there were no speed his box being supplied separated from the base.
restrictions in the early days and the bad guys These are easy to fix, and if required, can be glued
would use fast cars to get away. The response was permanently in place. A ‘must’ for your layout!”
the introduction of specialist faster police vehicles, This article concerns figures that are suitable for
Dinky announced No 269 Jaguar Motorway Police use with Hornby O gauge model railways and I
Car in April 1962 and was available until 1966. have also included directly associated Dinky vehicles.
This is painted white and features an aerial, a roof As Hornby O gauge was discontinued in the early
mounted blue light, a “Police” sign on the boot lid, 1960s, I have only included the Dinky vehicles made
steering and suspension, window glazing, seating, between the 1930s and the early 1960s. The Dublo
steering wheel and a driver and policemen passenger. Dinky range never incorporated a police car, so sadly
Some of these vehicles are painted using gloss white the Hornby Dublo boys had to look elsewhere to
paint and some with matt. achieve law enforcement on their layouts. DC
We started this part of the article with two ▲
The Police
policemen on point duty and we now finish with Controlled
the last Dinky Toy to offer a very similar function, Crossing.
but using a completely different design. No 753 Photo: Vectis.
Police Controlled Crossing was new in November
1962 and stayed in the range until 1967. I quote
from the November 1962 Meccano Magazine:
“This delightful little miniature, manufactured from
high-impact polystyrene, has a policeman who can
be turned around in his box by means of a knurled

52 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

FASTEST PRODUCTION CARS – PART 2

How fast is
fast enough?
Since the eighties, the race for the fastest production car in
the world has reached new heights. In this second instalment,
Francisco Mota takes us through the last four decades of the
fastest 1/43 scale model cars. Photos: João Carlos Oliveira

L
ast month we looked at the early efforts ▲ From the left - three of the commercial sale. It also needs to have a VIN number
from car manufacturers to be officially fastest production cars in the that identifies the manufacturer. It has to fulfill the
world: 2007 SSC Ultimate Aero
recognised as having the fastest production (SSC), 1987 RUF CTR Yellow
homologation tests required by the law in one of the
car in their back catalogues. We started Bird (Spark) and 1993 McLaren following markets: USA, EU or Japan. Finally, it has
with the 1949 Jaguar XK 120 and ended F1 (Minichamps). to be on sale in more than one country.
part one in 1982, with Lamborghini's Countach LP Now, imagine all the paper work needed for a
500 S. The fight for the fastest production car record small manufacturer like RUF, or even McLaren,
got even fiercer from then onwards. in the early days of building streetcars. Obviously,
However, the lead cars and manufacturers changed all the speed measurement procedures were the
from famous and prestigious brands to some lesser- same as followed by bigger companies - top speed
known outlets that used the record to increase their is the average of two runs, one in each direction,
credibility. That was not an easy task for a small to eliminate tail wind effect. The car can be tested
manufacturer like RUF, from Germany, as it still without the rev-limiter on, but the homologated top
had to fulfill all the criteria applied to much larger speed will be the value achieved by the car when
brands. Just as a reminder, to be eligible for this reaching the standard engine speed limit.
record, a car has to follow some strict guidelines. Measuring technology evolved with the passing
It has to be constructed for retail sale to of time, of course - analogue stopwatches giving
consumers and for their personal use on public way to digital chronometers and then to GPS signal
roads. The example used to measure top speed needs and video footage. Somehow, this made it easier to
to be the same specification as cars available for ‘police’ and prove the veracity of a speed run.

54 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

 ▲ RUF held the trophy twice, first with the 1983 BTR (black)
and four years later with the CTR Yellow Bird, both by Spark.

▲ Rear wing was much slimmer and the body narrower on

the Yellow Bird, to reduce drag.

▲ NACA duct air intake, with a nice black mesh to protect

from road debris.

aerodynamic mirrors, wide rear wing and quad

exhaust pipes. Spark took notice of all of this and
made an excellent scale model. The model sits very
low on its large wheels and there are RUF logos
where Porsche shields would be on a standard 911.
The rear wing might look like the standard issue
from Porsche, but it’s not, having a much higher
vertical ‘fence’ around the edges.
RUF CHALLENGES THE GREATS Maybe because of RUF’s record achievements,
German Porsche tuning house, RUF, started Porsche became interested in this matter and, three
servicing and restoring Porsche models in the years later, had a go too. The weapon of choice was
sixties and its first complete car was launched in now the brand new 959, a 911 taken to the limit in
1977. RUF would take delivery of plain white every possible way. The twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre
911 unmarked chassis from Porsche and built cars flat six delivered an official 444 bhp through a four-
incorporating several new parts. Under German ▲ Yellow Bird was based on the wheel drive system. This was the most sophisticated
law, this allowed RUF to have its own VIN number, 964-series Porsche 911 - the car Porsche had ever built, and the fastest road car
starting with W09, whilst Porsche started with WP. rear gives it away. also, reaching 198 mph in the hands of US magazine
In 1983, the RUF BTR was tested by German Road & Track testers. In total, 337 cars were made,
magazine Auto Motor und Sport and reached including a batch of 29 special versions with 508
190 mph, beating the Countach by 8 mph. The bhp that reached 211 mph when tested in 1998
BTR was built as a production run of 30 cars and by Auto Motor und Sport. However, this was not
featured a 3.4-litre turbocharged flat six, good for enough to be the fastest production car in the world
369 bhp. Spark launched a resincast some years ago, anymore.
painted a very discreet black, with black interior. Minichamps modelled the standard 1986 Porsche
The car was based on the 930 series 911 body, ▲ The 1983 BTR featured a 959 as a diecast several years ago, and it still looks
however it featured several differences, like a deeper deep spoiler and enlarged great. The rounded shape with low waistline looks
wheel arches.
front spoiler with a large radiator, enlarged wheel perfect, the slanted headlamps are at the perfect
arches, much bigger wheels with RUF-spec rims, angle and all the front bumper air intakes are painted

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 55

FASTEST PRODUCTION CARS – PART 2

▲ Longer overhangs were needed to

accommodate the mechanical parts of the 959.

▲
Porsche took the 911 concept to the limit
with the 959, from 1986. Minichamps made an
excellent diecast to replicate this iconic car.

black, as per the real car’s. The unique wing mirror HALF A DECADE LATER
shape is perfectly reproduced and there are two So fast was the Yellow Bird that it took several years
more air intakes ahead of the rear axle, and the for another manufacturer to break its record. This
wheel rims are very nicely modelled. Integrated time, the trophy came back to Britain, for the first
rear wing looks very good and there are even more time since the late fifties, when Aston Martin held it
air scoops in the rear bumper’s corners, plus oval for a while.
tailpipes. Windows are left open, letting us see inside From 1983, the new fastest production car in the
and find integral seats, a detailed dash and all the world was now the McLaren F1. There’s not much
▲ There were side air scoops to
features a 959 owner would have at his disposal. feed the engine and twin-turbos
that needs to be said about this glorious hypercar.
Of course, RUF wouldn’t let go so easily. One with cooling air. Carbon-fibre monocoque, mid-mounted 6.0-litre
year later, the company was back with a new car, V12 engine sourced from BMW and good for 618
this time based on the 964 generation 911 body. bhp - this was the most incredible car on the planet
Officially named the RUF CTR, it would become in the early nineties. There is a story behind the top
known as the Yellow Bird. Its colour had something speed test. American magazine Car & Driver reached
to do with it, the rest was due to the speed the Auto 221 mph in standard specification, at the rev-limiter.
Motor und Sport testers reached at the famous McLaren raised the rev-limiter to 8300 rpm in the
Nardò speed ring, in southern Italy, in 1988. XP5 prototype and went even further, reaching an
The car was powered by a 3.4-litre twin- average speed of 240.3 mph, but this was not the
turbocharged flat six delivering an impressive ▲ The rear wing perfectly standard specification.
463 bhp and all sorts of body improvements had integrates into the shape of To cover the entire story we have a trio of
the car.
been made to ensure it would be fast - RUF McLaren F1 scale models. The yellow and dark blue
engineers changed to a narrow body to lower drag, ones are standard street versions made as diecasts
the same for the rear wing and front spoiler. Even by Minichamps, in period. They look very good,
roof gutters were removed to get a cleaner shape. from the low nose and faired in headlamps, to the
After a few laps, the measurement machines reached big windscreen, that affords a great view inside the
a veredict: 213 mph. A production run of 29 CTRs ▲
cockpit, with that peculiar central driving position.
was made. Three McLaren F1s. From the To the rear, the engine cover is extensively detailed,
left, the resincast TSM Model
Spark wouldn’t miss this one for the world, XP5 prototype, followed by
with several air scoops, quad rear lamps and exhausts
probably one of the most sought after RUF replicas a pair of road versions, both look like the real car’s - even the asymmetric
it has ever modelled, particularly among German diecasts by Minichamps. tyres are perfectly reproduced. The dark grey car
scale model collectors. We’ve photographer the
BTR next to the CTR, and the differences are
obvious. The shape is completely different, with a
narrower body and rounded front spoiler, with extra
rectangular fog lights and indicators in a different
position.
Wheel rims are similar in design, but tucked inside
the body. Over the rear wheels we can find NACA
ducts with black mesh, the rear wing is slimmer and
the rear lights positioned at an angle, just like the
donor 964. The German registration plate replicates
the car that broke the speed record. As in the BTR,
the CTR also features a nicely detailed interior,
however, being painted black, does not make it easy
to enjoy in full.

56 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

 Bugatti's Veyron EB 16.4 held the title of fastest production car twice. Initially with the standard car (first two models from the left), the second
time with the special Super Sport version, on the far right. All by Minichamps.

▲ Carbon fibre and orange Veyron Super Sport (right) features a different engine cover to the
standard model, here photographed in both coupé and Grand Sport convertible versions.
▲

From above, we can appreciate the detailing to the cabin in the Grand Sport convertible
version.

is the XP5 prototype, a resincast model by TSM The Veyron EB 16.4 had a 6.0-litre W16 quad-
Model. The body is covered in carbon-fibre effect turbocharged engine, capable of 987 bhp, and
decals and looks astonishing for it. The shape and four-wheel drive. It reached 253.81 mph in front of
details look even more crisp and real than on the German inspection officials on 19 April 2005.
Minichamps diecast, as expected. The front bumper We took a pair of Minichamps diecasts just to
has a slightly different design, including a pair of show how good they are in modelling this incredible
extra spotlights, while the rear grille has a single car. The coupe is painted solid black, for the central
lamp each side. There are less air scoops in the part and metallic dark grey, for the wings. The
engine bonnet and rear bumper, something that convertible, or Grand Sport as it was called, has the
would be added later for the production version. same paint scheme with different colours - metallic
Even the tyre tread is of a different pattern. graphite, for the middle parts and metallic grey
violet, for the wings.
AND THEN CAME BUGATTI ▲ Engine cover on the Even in 1/43 scale, the Veyron looks wide and
production version of McLaren’s
McLaren would hold the record for an unexpected big, with that classic horseshoe shaped front grille
F1, modelled by Minichamps.
twelve years, but the party would be crashed by grabbing your attention at the front. Side air scoops
another monument to high speed, Bugatti’s Veyron. for the engine compartment are hidden just after
Bought by the VW group, the French company both doors, under big fuel caps. Wheels are huge
was given the mission to build the most powerful and perfectly reproduced by Minichamps, as are
and fastest production car in the world. Ferdinand very low profile tyres. The rear view is even more
Piëch, the group’s CEO, was to blame for this idea, dramatic, with those tubular silver air scoops coming
which took several years to accomplish and gave from the roof to the engine. This one lacks any kind
the engineering team in charge many headaches, ▲ A pair of McLaren F1s -
of bonnet, so it can easily be admired. Underfloor
resulting in another carbon-fibre car, but this time compare the XP5 prototype diffuser looks as big as the real car’s and there’s
no lightweight machine like the McLaren F1. (left) with the final road car. that square exhaust in the middle. The convertible
version gives a great cockpit view, full of details,
starting with the steering and instrument panel, plus
the central console shaped as another horseshoe.
Even if you may not love the real car’s shape, you
have to admit Minichamps did a great job.

THE ‘OTHER’ SHELBY

Back to 1998 and to Jerod Shelby, no relation
to the famous Carroll Shelby. Jerod decided he
wanted to build the fastest hypercar in the world
and he did it. The Ultimate Aero was a mid-engine
two-seater in the traditional style. It started with
a Chevrolet Corvette 6.2-litre pushrod V8, fitted
with a supercharger, but soon it was modified to
a pair of turbochargers, reaching 1287 bhp. The

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 57

FASTEST PRODUCTION CARS – PART 2

This is the SSC Ultimate Aero, as used by the American company

to take the fastest production car in the world record, in 2007. This
resincast was sold by SSC and has no reference to any model maker.

company, formerly known as Shelby Super Cars a strong contrast with the orange sections. The car
Inc, was renamed SSC North America, so it would seems similar to the coupe, however there are major
not be confused with Carroll Shelby International. changes, starting with those bigger air entrances
It was based in West Richland, Washington. The in the front bumper. Wheel rims are crossed spoke
Ultimate Aero hypercar was ready in late 2006 and affairs. The biggest difference comes in the engine
the following year, the Guinness Book of Records cover area. Orange painted NACA ducts replace
officials were asked to inspect and verify the speed the pair of silver tubes on the roof and the engine ▲ Wide stance for the Ultimate
record attempt. The Ultimate Aero reached 256.14 gets a proper bonnet, to improve aerodynamics. The Aero, with no less than six tail
mph, beating the Veyron. Only five cars were ever diffuser, under the quad rear lamps, has a different lights.
built, but were registered as road cars and were shape and two narrow pipes replace the central
highly regarded by their owners. exhaust. There are also changes inside the cabin,
This was one of those scale models we were not mainly in the colours applied and the seat shape.
confident that we’d be able to track down. However, Great work by Minichamps.
that well-known auction site came to the rescue
once more, producing a list of 1/43 resincasts in A CALL FROM SWEDEN
response to the search for “SSC Ultimate Aero”. This Seven years passed before someone could challenge
high-end scale model comes as a SCC product - no Bugatti for the record. This time, the rivalry came ▲ The model features some
model maker is identified either in the box, plinth or from Sweden and Christian von Koenigsegg, technical sponsors that helped
the in reaching the world record.
on the baseplate. founder and owner of Koenigsegg Automotive AB.
It looks very accurate, painted silver with black He started the company in 1994, with the aim of
areas and featuring some sponsors, as it replicates the producing the fastest hypercar in the world and it
car used for the record attempt. Great wheels, with took eight years to achieve. The CC8S was the first,
disc brakes visible and a nicely detailed rear section, however it took several iterations and successive
with six lamps, diffuser and double oval tailpipes. The models until he got the Agera RS ready in 2017.
cabin is painted dark red, reproducing the leather This was a carbon-fibre car with its own developed
finish of the real car’s. This is another situation where 5.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, capable of ▲ The wing mirrors on this
scale model of Koenigsegg's
the original car is not very beautiful, so the scale 1341 bhp, in a limited run of 11 cars, out of the 25 Agera RS are a masterpiece.
model can only go so far as to impress the collector. Agera RS made. Factory driver, Nicklas Lilja, drove ▲
The two colour paint job
Bugatti hadn’t finished, though, and was preparing it under independent Racelogic verification and on the Agera RS is perfectly
a revamped Veyron 16.4 Super Sport. Power was up reached 277. 87 mph. reproduced by Fronti Art.
to 1183 bhp and a total of 30 examples were built.
Five of these were called the Super Sport Record
Edition, and had the electronic limiter turned off.
In this specification, Pierre-Henri Raphanel drove
the unlimited car under Guinness World Records
inspection and verification, and reached an average
speed of 267.856 mph. Interesting to know that,
when the five World Record Edition cars were
delivered to customers, they were electronically
limited to 258 mph.
Minichamps modelled the Veyron 16.4 Super
Sport as a diecast and João photographed it next to
the other two Bugatti, so we can spot the differences,
and there are many. The bodywork is finished in a
carbon-fibre thread that looks quite nice and gives

58 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

 SSC Tuatara is officially the fastest production
car in the world, right now. Fronti Art
reproduced it as a high-end resincast.

SSC claimed
a two-way
average of
316.11 mph,
beating
Koenigseggcby
46.6 mph. But
this attempt
was disputed
by various
independent
analysts on the This was another scale model that we had few
hopes of finding, however, it turned out that
basis that GPS Chinese high-end modeller, Fronti Art, actually
data and on- modelled the AgeraRS, and in a very high standard
indeed. The resincast model comes attached to a
board footage leather-finished plinth, with no visible screws, so
didn’t match. we could not take it off for photography. It really
doesn’t matter, because one can see how good this
scale model is. Paint finish joins a dark metallic red
hue with carbon-fibre effect decals and looks as
shiny as the real car. Koenigsegg’s unique shape is ▲ Tuatara features a much more sophisticated design,
perfectly reproduced and then we have all the details compared with the old Ultimate Aero.
to enjoy. The front end has a wide and deep splitter,
plus a pair of winglets in each corner. The wing
mirrors are an absolute masterpiece, both in terms of
shape or finish. The rear wing is as thin as it should
be and the wheel rims look fabulous. The roof
features a glass section from where we can see the
▲ Rear wing is modelled as thin
excellent cockpit, with its detailed steering, sports
as it could possibly be in 1/43 seats and complete dash. It is one of the best-looking
scale. scale models in this collection.
The latest episode in the fastest production car of
the world saga has been staged recently and the main ▲ Rear winglets and diffuser are enough to keep the
characters were again from SSC North America. Tuatara on the ground at top speed.
Production of the new Tuatara hypercar started in
2019, limited to 100 examples. It features a carbon- It is considerably slower than the first attempt, but is
fibre monocoque and a unique 5.9-litre twin-turbo still the new record for the fastest production car in
▲ Koenigsegg Agera RS was the
V8 engine, with 1750 bhp, red-lining at 8800 rpm. the world. SSC North America expects to try again
fastest in 2017. Fronti Art made The ingredients were there to beat the speed record later this year to break the 300 mph barrier.
this high-end resincast. again, so SSC tried in October 2020, on a seven- Fronti Art released the last model in this collection
mile stretch of closed road near Las Vegas, where the and it follows in the same lines as the Koenigsegg.
Koenigsegg had set its record. British racing driver, It is another high-end resincast, on a closed leather
Oliver Webb, was at the wheel and SSC claimed a plinth. The model reproduces the real car fabulously
two-way average of 316.11 mph, beating Koenigsegg - the canopy-style glass area is exquisite, allowing a
by 46.6 mph. But this attempt was disputed by glance inside a fully detailed cabin. Wheel rims are
various independent analysts on the basis that GPS just perfect, with disc brakes and callipers easy to
data and on-board footage didn’t match. spot. The small rear winglets are a nice touch and
Jerod Shelby admitted there was something the rear section features a mesh grille to extract heat
wrong and tried a second time, two months later, from the engine compartment.
but the car was unable to exceed 252 mph, due to This open collection will surely be updated
mechanical troubles. A third attempt was undertaken in the coming months and years, probably with
in January 2021, and the car reached a two-way electric hypercars playing a role. So watch out for
average of 282.9 mph on a 2.3 mile runway in the announcement of a new record for the fastest
Florida. This time, several independent bodies, with production car in the world, so you can start hunting
multiple satellite tracking systems, verified the run. for another scale model. DC

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 59

SIZE MATTERS – PART 22

You can’t
be serious

Brian Salter continues his series examining the origins of scales used.

O
h yes I can! Let's cut some vehicles ▲ Classic distortions.
in half, real vehicles that is. Most will Dinky's Packard and Cadillac
convertibles - how could
be aware of stretched limos, at least Dinky go so far with its desire
from the outside, but how about to emphasise the vehicles
proper commercial transport? Some proportions? They can't both
decades back, the already large SR.N4 car-carrying be right.
▲

ferry hovercraft was seriously extended to increase Proof of Corgi's desire to

capacity - it had proved its worth and strength, so alter things so they could look
'right'. This wooden master,
this was the way forward. The same has happened courtesy Marcel van Cleemput
with some transport aircraft fuselages - similar and The Great Book of Corgi,
scenario and often allied to improved engines. was made to be adjustable.
The Standard Vanguard does
All good sensible stuff, but how about doing it
however seems to have come
the other way around? That is cut along the whole off relatively unharmed and it
length, purely for aesthetic reasons. Strange but true is assumed only the cars were
and, as collectors, we should all be very familiar with threatened with this beauty
treatment.
the concept at least. There are many examples out
there in the diecast world, particularly in those long
gone days when our favourite models were designed
to also survive as toys.
The classic examples, in the writer’s eyes, are two
very well-known mid-1950s Dinky Toys - Nos
131 Cadillac Eldorado Tourer and 132 Packard
Convertible. They were introduced just seven
months apart and both to ¼ inch scale (i.e. 1/48) ,
all as recorded in the well-known factory scales list.
Without counting any sort of scale ‘rivets’, there
does appear to be something wrong, something
noted a long time ago - very wrong indeed.

60 • www.diecast-collector.co.uk • July 2021

 ▲
Perpetual proof of last
minute widening, purely for
cosmetic reasons, of a real
vehicle - the early Morris
Minor. The body colour panel
in the centre of the bumper
gives the game away on early
vehicles, whilst the raised strip
on the bonnet centre line never
went away.

▲ Has anybody done a

modern rendition, in 1/43 of
course, of an early MM series
Minor? These here, by Wells
Brimtoy and Tri-ang Minic,
are contemporary to the real
vehicles and, very unusually
for the time, are to 1/43 scale.
The two Minics almost seem
to mimic the 4” bumper centre
cover panel with their black
are there to this day - the bumpers had already been
baseplate fixing tab - was this
a handy coincidence? pressed so they were cut in half and an infill central
plate added on early vehicles, whilst a 4” extra raised
▲
Distortion of scales, even
section along the bonnet centre line was to become
in the 1980s. It's Corgi on a neat design feature forever more.
the left in both cases and Is such tampering now a thing of the past? Maybe,
alongside the competition, and even with toys, as modern design methods are
Matchbox Super Kings. The
mathematics have not been so accurate, unless of course you instruct them to
attempted, but how can the be otherwise. However, even as late as the early
wide Corgi be shorter than 1980s, both Corgi and Matchbox had a go at the
the longer but narrow Super Matra Rancho, actually both in both large and small
Kings? In effect there are up to
Something has happened to try to make the four scales in operation here! scales. In the larger scale it is interesting to see how
two cars appear very different. The Packard model Other examples are doubtless each have tackled quite a difficult subject, but both
is quite wide, the Cadillac much sleeker. Some out there, even in the modern ostensiibly to the same 1/36 scale.
world, but hopefully not so
very basic model measurements seem to confirm The vehicle was quite a pace-setter in its time,
painfully obvious.
lengths, widths and wheelbases are reasonably close a clever bit of styling by Matra on a Simca 1100
to that expected for the stated scale, except one. pick-up. Not, it has to be said, a recipe for long life -
The Packard is far too wide - it scales at around how long since you've seen one on the road? Once
1/45! This is no accident and the desired result featured in The Worst Cars Ever Sold, it did have
was presumably achieved for the intended market, little competition at the time and look now what
perhaps even trying to accentuate the general has followed in the RV market. Just what our two
perception of the characteristics of the two marques. favourite 1980s toy and model brands were trying
The two would have been in the design stages to tell us about the vehicle`s style and ambiance
around 1954 and at about the same time that the is unclear, but there must have been some serious
first Corgi Toys were being similarly considered. thoughts in the design processes along the way. DC
Corgi from the start used various scales for its cars
(more on this another time), but from the start it
gave due consideration to the ‘correct’ look and feel
for the finished miniature. Quite simply, the initial
wooden master models were in two halves to allow
adjustments in appearance to be appreciated and
possibly acted upon.
So where did the idea come from that something
like this may even be desirable? Maybe it had been
around many moons, but perhaps we should look no
further than Morris Motors Ltd. and its Mosquito
prototype that was to become the new Minor. This
had started life back in 1943, whilst 1947 saw pre-
production examples. The designer, Alec Issigonis,
then decided it needed to be wider, so a whole
body was cut lengthwise and 4” added. The scars

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 61

FROM THE EDITOR’S COLLECTION

Power Blaster!
Never lost for things to talk about, Rick Wilson
shares another selection from his collection.

I
have a confession - I’m a bit of a hoarder ▲ The set includes two cars – the short-lived Corgi Whizztrack range.
of diecast-related track sets. I was going No 380 Alfa Romeo Pininfarina Hot on the heels of the early success of the
P33 and No 384 Adams
to say that it all started with Matchbox Brothers Probe – seen here with
Corgi Rockets track series, introduced in 1970,
Superfast in 1970, but then I remembered an A762 Windicator. which had been awarded the Toy of the Year
that I had a Matchbox Motorway set the Award in early 1971, this new, larger version
year before. If you’ll pardon the pun, the die was allowed most of the larger Corgi Whizzwheels
well and truly cast back then. cars to race on its wider track. Announced to the
Over the years, I’ve somehow acquired quite a world on page 11 of the 1971 catalogue as being
bit of the Superfast track and related accessories, “Available later”, this new system was designed
reliving the hours and hours spent in the early to take full advantage of the new Whizzwheels
'70s. In more recent years, Corgi Rockets sets that were gradually replacing the existing more
have begun to appear in Wilson’s World then, in realistic, but inefficient, wheels.
2019, I stumbled across a good quantity of the Cleverly, the new system incorporated some
Texaco Scorchers offerings (I’ve been meaning to of the parts used in the Rockets sets to make it
write an article about that ever since - its coming more cost effective, such as the conical ‘stone’
soon). But one set that never even appeared on track supports, but there were still plenty of new
my youthful radar, for some reason, until now, was bits to get excited about. Three simple track

62 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

 with one another. There was even a clever
finishing gate, A762 Windicator, to declare a
winner if two tracks were run simultaneously.
Top of the range were two special sets – A772
Drag Strip Special and the one that concerns us
here, the awesome A771 Power Blaster Racing
Speedset. Priced at an incredible £5.00 (Drag
Strip Special was £2.00), this set had it all – two
Power Blasters, two 14ft lengths of wide blue track,
three conical loop support towers with brackets,
a Windicator, and two Crash Stops – there were
even adaptors for use with Rockets track in the
box as well. The set also included two of the new
Whizzwheels-clad cars that had been released
in 1970 – No 380 Alfa Romeo Pininfarina P33,
in white, and No 384 Adams Brothers Probe, in
metallic gold. Both cars were adorned with special
stripe stickers, unique to this set.
▲ The two cars came in plain I managed to pick this beauty up towards the
brown cardboard boxes, with no end of last year, paying just £50 for it on ebay.
artwork.
The box is in great condition, although there is a
slight tear to one end and an inner fl ap is missing,
but the artwork front and back is still stunning.
Inside, all the contents were still there, showing
very little use. The Adams Probe has a few
minor chips to the leading edge, but the cars are
otherwise superb, and the set-specific body stripe
▲ The set box front featured fabulously exciting artwork. stickers are in excellent condition on both. The
track is still supple and even the elastic bands are
still in good, unperished condition – it’s a proper
timewarp piece!
▲ So, all that remains to do now, is fill those
Looks like it’s a dead heat!
The Windicator also came conical track supports (the back of the box
with a different baseplate (not suggests sand and water, earth and water, or just
shown, but included in the set)
water), connect everything together, and start
that would allow the not-so-
wide Corgi Rockets track to be blasting away. This looks such fun - I might be
used too. some time… DC

▲ The rear of the box tells you everything you need to know
about how to get started.

▲ Both cars sit with the Power Blaster pulled back and
ready for launch.

packs (A750, A751 and A752) were introduced,

of varying lengths, a simple Autostart gate (A760)
could be attached to the start of these, then there
was the A761 Power Blaster as an alternative that
really sent the cars off with a boost. The latter
came with Crash Stop - elasticated gates
that slowed the cars down gradually,
in an attempt to save both cars and
furniture legs or skirting boards
from making acquaintance

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 63

READERS’ FAVOURITES

Desert Island
Diecasts
Imagine you’re stranded on a remote island and had only taken a handful of your
collection favourites on that fateful trip, which five would you want it to be?
Richard Young is this month’s castaway hero.

I
can’t resist a challenge and, believe me,
choosing only five favourite toys is a tough
challenge indeed, having played with Dinky
Toys from about 1946. After whittling them
down to around two dozen, I decided that I
would just have to choose the ones which represent
some sort of milestone in my life, which is what I
have attempted to do.

DINKY TOYS NO 157 JAGUAR

XK120
What a great car this was! The new convertible
XK120 sports car caused a sensation when first
shown at the 1948 Motor Show, although it was
originally intended only as testbed for the new
Jaguar XK Engine. Such was the demand that Jaguar 2
decided to put it into production. Capable of 120
mph, it was the fastest production car in the world
then. This treasured model is my original Dinky
Toys No 157 and is the hard-top version, introduced
in 1954, which is when I received it with great joy
as my main birthday present. It was my first sports
car model and has had quite a hard life. A repaint
in its original colour has helped restore some of its
glamour. A fabulous car and a nicely cast model.

SMALL SCALE WHITE METAL

AUSTIN 8
The second model is of the first car that I owned,
also the first car in our family. I bought it at the age
1 Dinky Toys No 157 Jaguar
of 18, costing £50, which represented several years XK120. DINKY SUPERTOYS NO 952 VEGA
of savings. It is also the car in which I passed my
2 Small scale white metal
MAJOR LUXURY COACH
driving test that same year. The Austin 8 was made Austin 8, with pound coin for This is the Vega Major luxury coach, built by Duple
from 1939 to 1948 in various versions, with just over size comparison. Coachbuilders Ltd., of The Hyde, Hendon, London
100,000 being produced in total. My car was 1948, NW9, where I served my apprenticeship from
so was one of the last to be made. My white metal 1960 to 1965, which I loved. Although a design
model, bought on ebay, is rather small at around apprentice, I, like all the apprentices, had to serve
1/76. I can’t remember who made the model, but time in each department on the factory shop floor,
it is poorly cast and the shape is not really right. in order to be familiar with production methods.
However, beggars can’t be choosers and this is the These coaches were mainly constructed of timber,
only model I have found of an Austin 8, although I with metal cappings where necessary. If you ever
would dearly love to replace it with a good model of see a Duple coach of the 1960s, it is quite likely
decent size and shape. that I have hammered in some of its woodscrews!

64 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

 3 4

The Dinky Supertoys No 952, which I bought

just a few years ago, depicts this vehicle quite well,
with its large front grille and curved windows in
the roof quarters above the cantrail, and is quite
large at 9.5” long. The front bumper sticks out a bit
too much and the interior seating is rather boring,
but altogether it’s a nicely cast model of this 3-axle
coach, based on a Bedford VAL chassis. Plus, it has
the exciting feature of flashing indicators which
actually work.
▲ Dinky Toys No 156 the zenith, in fact the Holy Grail of military model
SPARK GULF RACING JW Mechanised Army Set. sets. It is of course the pre-war Dinky Toys No 156
AUTOMOTIVE RACING CAR 3 Dinky Supertoys No 952 Vega set of the Mechanised Army.
TRANSPORTER Major Luxury Coach. I don’t have this set and it’s very rare, to the extent
This racing car transporter is personally rather 4 Gulf Racing JW Automotive that I couldn’t even find any decent pictures of it.
special because it is the only model made by a Racing Car Transporter by Issued in 1939, it was a collection of all the military
Spark.
well-known model manufacturer of a vehicle that Dinky Toys made up to that date, comprising twelve
was wholly designed by me. Like most of my special models. The reason for its rarity is two-fold. Firstly
vehicle designs, this was a one-off . It was made it cost 12/6d (62½ p), which was nearly a week’s
for JW Automotive by Lex Vehicle Engineering at wages for some people at that time. Secondly, of the
Totton, Hants, where I worked. This transporter was limited number that were sold, many of them have
commissioned for the 1968 season and consisted of succumbed to the dreaded ‘fatigue’. I don’t know
a crew cab at the front, fully equipped workshop in how many were sold nor how many still exist, but
the centre and space for two GT40s in the rear, one a genuine set in good condition would now cost
above the other. We had a real GT40 at the factory many thousands of pounds. I haven’t got one... but I
to check that it fitted. want one on my desert island! Please. DC
The model of this vehicle is a limited run by
Spark and, being a resin model, there are no working
features or opening doors, so none of the interior
detail can be seen, except in the cab. It is a fine
model with good proportions and external detail.
The only small niggle is that the headlamps are too
large and protruding. Incidentally, I used a Duple
coach windscreen and front bumper for this vehicle,
since I knew that replacements could be fairly easily
sourced. The vehicle was later used for the team’s
Porsche 917s, as shown by the altered signwriting on
the model.

DINKY TOYS NO 156

MECHANISED ARMY SET
▲ Txxx
My last choice is not one single model, but a
set. This may be cheating a bit, but to me, being
primarily a military modeller, this set is the pinnacle,

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP FIVE DESERT ISLAND DIECASTS?

Fancy having some fun and sharing your choices? Just email the editor photos
of your five choices, together with about 125-150 words on each, including your
reasons for choosing, to rick.wilson@warnersgroup.co.uk.

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 65

COLLECTING BY NUMBERS

Superfast
1969-1982
Rick Wilson charts the evolution of the
Matchbox Superfast range during the Lesney
years, from 1969 to 1982.

N
umber 12 brings us a good mix of ▲ From left to right: Safari Land version today as the first run was in this colour before
vehicles, with the four castings covering Rover, Setra Coach, Big Bull and switching to the gold shown here.
Citroën CX - with their relevant
off-road, public service, fantasy and road boxes to the rear.
Despite only being in the actual Superfast range
car genres. Within the group of four, for one year, there are a fair few of these gold
there are a fair few variations to be found versions still about in decent condition so prices
and the final casting of the Lesney era, the lovely aren't astronomical, yet. Body colour aside, the rest is
Citroën CX, continued to be produced for several constant - the interior is white, the window unit is
years under Matchbox International. clear, the luggage is brown and the wheels are narrow
- every time.
SAFARI LAND ROVER
Catalogue: 1970 SETRA COACH
Box Styles: F, G Catalogue: 1971-74
Regular wheels versions of this lovely casting had Box Styles: G
originally been mid-green and latterly a sort of sky- The pleasing Setra coach might have only lasted for
to-mid-blue, and it is this second colour that causes four catalogues, but it sold well and is particularly
all the excitement when it comes to the Superfast notable for appearing in three different colours over

66 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

 No.
12 ▲ Back row, left to right – Citroën CX in yellow with “Team Matchbox” graphic on the bonnet as
part of TP-31 two-pack, paired with the motorcycle trailer. Middle Row: Safari Land Rover in its
initial Regular Wheels green, later Setra Coach with tinted windows, and Citroën CX in yellow
without the TP bonnet graphic. Front row – Safari Land Rover in its final Regular Wheels colour,
Setra Coach with the yellow lower body that is harder to find, and post-Lesney Citroën CX with
modified casting (filled in rear windows and roof lights added) as an ambulance.

BIG BULL
Catalogue: 1975-80
Box Styles: I
Released to go alongside Mod Tractor and Rod
Roller, two models designed along the same lines,
this never had Superfast wheels, but is included here
because it was introduced during the Superfast era.
Produced with an orangey-yellow upper body
on a green chassis and dozer blade, usually on black
rubber tracks (although sometimes these could be
green), it also featured plenty of chrome - notably to
the grille, engine and seating area. Appearing in six
catalogues, it had a good run and no doubt dug up
plenty of gardens in that time.
▲ Big Bull in its shop hanger
blister packaging – note the
dual language wording at the CITROËN CX
bottom. Catalogue: 1981-82
Box Styles: L
The French manufacturer's big and stylish family
this comparatively short period and was a good mix estate car was the version chosen of the marvellous
of diecast and plastic with the latter used for the top CX to be reproduced in miniature, first appearing in
half of the model. the 1981 catalogue, lasting several years past Lesney's
Initially released in gold (lower body) and off-white fall from ownership.
plastic (upper body), there is plenty of window area to Finished in metallic blue with a pale lemon
enjoy the excellent interior. Later came a short run of interior, the car also featured an opening tailgate
yellow lower bodies and these generally command a and a tow hook, making it ideal for inclusion in
slightly higher price today. Finally the model saw out the Two Pack range, which is subsequently did in
its days in a rather fabulous metallic crimson/purple/ bright yellow with a red interior, towing the later
maroon (depending on various interpretations that motorcycle trailer and “Team Matchbox” affiliation
you will find) with a brighter white upper section ▲ Citroën CX featured an to the bonnet. Some of these yellow versions,
and green-tinted window unit. opening tailgate, moulded without the bonnet graphic, inevitably found their
It's a very nice model and went a long way to in plastic to match the body way into the 1-75 boxes too. During its post-
colour.
appeasing those that were lamenting the loss of the Lesney Matchbox International days, the casting was
marvellous old No 68 Mercedes Coach that never modified, with the windows filled in to turn it into
made it into the Superfast era. an ambulance. DC

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 67

 Models are constantly updated and
can be viewed on our website Non Internet Users.
A small catalogue has now been
www.diecastgems.com produced (Sales List 4) which will
Most of these models have not offer around 250-350 models. This
yet reached the website. will be updated or changed every
Did you know that we check every 2-3 months and will be sent to all
model and test with a UV light as to purchasers automatically.
whether any known touch ups are This is particularly to support those
exposed, and we declare who do not use the internet
them if there is. but is available to all on request.
Buy from Diecast Gems with confidence.
A full condition report will be offered on request and further pictures
can be sent on any item with an email address provided.

Corgi Dinky
150S Vanwall Racing Car Red RN25 A/A- £190 *36a Armstrong Siddeley. Scarce Burgundy/Black
152S BRM Racing Car Turquoise RN7 A—A/A- £180 B+-A- £330
200 Ford Consul Green & Beige A £195 *38e Armstrong Siddeley Grey & Blue-Black W
200 Ford Consul Cream A—A/B+-A- £325 B+-A- £185
201 Austin Cambridge Met Green & Silver *38e Armstrong Siddeley Green & Dark Green-Black
A-/B+ £195 W Scarce colour B+ £280
203M Vauxhall Velox Red No Silver Flutes A—A £330 107 Sunbeam Alpine Competition Cerise/Grey
206 Hillman Huskey Met Brown A—A £295 A/A- £175
222 Renault Floride Met Green A-/A £130 109 Austin Healey Competition Cream & Red
239 VW 1500 Kharmann Ghia Gold & Yellow A—A/B+ £180
Int A/B+ £295 *140b Rover 75 Cream A—A £145
265 Supermobile Blue Mint Box NM £145 141 Vauxhall Victor estate Lemon A—A/B+ £160
304 Mercedes Benz Hardtop Lemon Scarce. 151 Triumph 1800 Blue A/A- £170
A—A/B £350 *152 Scarce Austin Devon Blue & yellow Mint
419 Ford Zephyr Police Car A—A £165 UB A/U £345
472 Public Address Vehicle Green & Yellow A—A/ 159 Morris Oxford Green & Cream. A--A/B+ £325
B+A—A/B+ £210 *164 Vauxhall Cresta Beige & Burgundy
1130 Chipperfields Horse Transporter A/B+-A- UB A/U £75
Complete £195 166 Sunbeam Rapier Two Tone Yellow
1139 Chipperfields Circus Menagerie Tr & A—A/A- £140
Trailer Cast Wheels A/A- £385 167 A.C. Aceca Burgundy/Cream Silver Painted W.
1140 Chipperfields Circus Crane Handyman & Rhino A-/A—A £150
A/B+ £395 171 Hudson Commodore Red & Turquoise Highline
GS36 Oldsmobile Tornado & Boat A/B+ £395 A-/A- £230
173 Nash Rambler Pink & Blue Beige Wheels.
A—A £190
Bargains 175 Hillman Minx Blue & Grey A-/B+
C219 Plymouth Suburban Sports Wagon Apricot/ (one end spot coloured in) £125
Cream B+/B-B+ £85 181 VW Beetle Grey & Blue wheels A/A- £145
C261 James Bond Aston Martin Gold Missing secret 181 VW Beetle RAF Blue & Spun W. A- £130
Int pack. A- /A- £230 192 Desoto Fireflite Grey Red A-/B+ £230
C403M Bedford Van Red KLG Plugs. Model 197 Morris Traveller Cream & Yellow Int. Scarce.
Paintwork One damaged side transfer. Box complete A—A/B+ £240
but tired. A—A/B £150 198 Rolls Royce Phantom White/Grey
C437 Superior Ambulance Red & Cream. Body A--A A--A/B+ £110
Loose base plate. Box B-B+ Inc Instruction Sheet £55 *281 Luxury Coach Cream & Orange-Cream
*D38e Armstrong Siddeley Grey & Dark Green & W. A- £85
Grey W. A/U but flats tyres and loose base plate. £65 451/31B Trojan Dunlop Van Red & Maroon
*D40J Austin Somerset Red 40J on base A-/U £70 W.B+-A-/B+ £210
D133 Cunningham Rare with spun wheels. Paint 465 Morris Capstan Van Two tone Blue. A—A £240
badly flaked. Box very nice but one side
flap missing. B/C £45
D168 Singer Gazelle Grey & Green Model Mint.
Box missing a side flap.A/C £80
D169 Studebaker Green & Beige & W. About Mint.
Box complete but crushed A/B-B+ £95
D170 Ford Forder Lowline Cream & Red.Box one Grading guide
main flap missing. A—A/C £175 A = Mint, A—A= VN Mint,
194 Bentley Grey & Burgundy. Mint except crack A-= N Mint, B+= Excellent Plus,
windscreen. A—A/A- £110 Bargains Cont.
D242 Ferrari Racing Car Red & Green Hat. Mint but B-B++ Very good, B= Good
D958 Snow Plough Black & Yellow. Appears Mint but some
touch-ups. NM Box B+/A- £25 touch-ins. Box 2 broken corners B+/B £95
254 Austin Taxi Yellow & Brown Int.VNM Box Nicky 693 Howitzer Mint Box Tired but complete. A/B £110
Missing main flap and repairs. A—A/C £85 Models marked with * shown in pictures.
D435 Bedford TK Tipper. Blue/White/Orange-Black Postage for Bargain section - £5
PW VNM Box complete but faded and some Signed & Tracked - £10
surface loss A—A/B-B+ £130

If you have a question or would like to discuss any matter please call me on my landline 01297 678250.
The mobile is a bad signal around base but it is 07973 563476.
Payments can be made through the website shop using PayPal or Stripe or you may send a cheque
or arrange a bank transfer, details can be given on request.
To avoid disappointment, I would recommend you ring or send a text to the mobile to reserve an item if posting a cheque.
Happy collecting! Phil Silvester at Diecast Gems.
Email: phil@diecastgems.com
TOP VINTAGE MODEL

Jaguar DTCA Chairman, Michael Driver, dons

his driving gloves for a sporty ride.

E-Type 2+2
B
ack in the 1960s, the Jaguar E-Type ▲ Dinky Toys Jaguar E Type
caused a sensation when it appeared on 2+2 in red and metallic red, with
Speedwheels and black plastic
the roads and, like everyone else, I was aerials.
impressed. The car was later upgraded ▲ Dinky Toys Jaguar E-Type 2+2 in white, bronze and
and a 2+2 version appeared that was metallic purple, with silver and white plastic aerials.
slightly longer and bigger, to accommodate extra
passengers, albeit they needed to be small. Although packs, introduced in 1973. These later models were
it was successful, it did not have quite the same effect fitted with black and silver Speedwheels, like other
as the original E-Type sports car. Once again toy Dinky Toys cars, from 1972. These which were
makers produced models of this Jaguar including, of less authentic, but after all, they were toys. The
course, Dinky Toys. ▲ Dinky Toys Catalogues from registration on the cars changed as follows with
The Dinky Toys version arrived as the Jaguar 1970 showed only the bronze the bronze car, now on UVR 77L which was for
E Type 2+2 (No 131), in November 1968. It is model. the 1972-73 year. This came in the first blister pack
pictured on the back page advert of the Meccano with the blue card base and can also be found in the
Magazine of that month. It is described as “Have higher pack with the yellow card insert. The aerials
your own high speed ‘E’ type and leave your friends for these cars were in white plastic.
standing. This model has opening doors, bonnet The registration UVR 77N was applied to a
and rear window. Wire wheels, wing mirrors, aerial red car with a light blue interior and came in a
and engine all shining silver. Go fast, get mobile for blister pack with the blue card base. With the same
12/11”. The advert shows the car in white, but the ▲ Meccano Magazine advert, registration was a metallic red car, again with a light
1968 Dinky Toys Catalogue illustrates it in red. November 1968, part image blue plastic interior, both with black plastic aerials.
from the back cover.
The first models were, however, in white with red The Jaguar was deleted in 1975.
plastic interiors and the number plate designation With regard to the registration numbers, the
FURTHER INFO.
was UVR 77F, representing the year 1967-68. Then sequence of their introduction, as with other Dinky
Dinky Toys sports cars
came a bronze version with a light blue plastic Toys, depended on what stocks the factory held
have always been popular
interior, registered as INJ 72G for 1968-69. A and the later ones had
and this, I believe, often leads to confusion with
purple version with a light blue plastic interior was many extra play features. release dates.
registered as UVR 77G and arrived in the higher They are often in the DTCA The real Jaguar was in fact the Series 1 4.2 2+2,
blister pack with the yellow card base. These models Journal with pictures. If launched in 1966. The outline of the car changed
had cast, spoked wheels, silver plastic aerials and you would like to find out with a steeper windscreen rake and the door size
came in plastic cases with the yellow and black card more details or join, then was also increased as it became more of a touring
visit the website at www.
road inserts. car. All this reduced the top speed but it was still,
dtcawebsite.com.
The next Jaguar E Type 2+2s were sold in blister nevertheless, a Jaguar sports car. DC

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 69

 SOLD FOR:
£480
AT LAST
AUCTION

Toys and Collectors

Model Auction
Friday 18th June SOLD FOR:
£700
AT LAST
AUCTION

Collections will include:

 250-300 mint and boxed Dinky and Matchbox Models
 Single owner collection of 0 Gauge and Gauge 1 Trains
 Large selection of Hornby Railways
 Over 15 live steam Locomotives ranging from Gauge 1 SOLD FOR:
£420
to 7 ¼ Inch Scale AT LAST
AUCTION

Please contact Oliver Leggett via OLeggett@lsk.co.uk or call 01284 748623

Andrew Clark Models Email: andrew@andrewclarkmodels.com

Or post list to: Andrew Clark Models,
Est. 1981 Collectors Toys Unit 1, Toller Court, Shortbank Road,
Skipton, North Yorkshire. BD23 2HG

WANTED NOW!
All Diecast, Tinplate, Toys and Trains
Top prices paid for;
Dinky, Corgi, Matchbox, Spot-On, Tinplate Toy, • Anything Considered
• Will collect and pay on the day
All Trains, Planes, Britains, Scalextric, White Metal
• Will pay in a method to suit you
Models, Minichamps, Quality 1/18 scale models, • Large collections a speciallity, established 1981
Plastic Kits (Airfix etc...), Modern Collectibles. • Many auction prices beaten

Call Andrew Today on 07753 804232 (Best Number) or 01756 793354

Always a brilliant selection of Dinky, Corgi,
Matchbox, Tinplate Toys, White Metal Models etc...
With new stock everyweek on our superb website!
Check out andrewclarkmodels.com
Also listing on ebay every week
Username: andrewclarkmodels2
 GOT A STORY?
Contact rick.wilson@warnersgroup.co.uk

AUCTIONNEWS
RARE CORGI PRE-PRODUCTION PIECES
GO UNDER THE HAMMER AT VECTIS

THE Specialist sale held at Vectis on 12th production and sample models in
of May featured three fantastic private- The Corgi Archive Collection.
owner collections. The first included over Particular highlights were lots 619
300 lots of Corgi, Dinky, Shackleton Toy and 622 (two of the Corgi pre-production
Fodens, Crescent Toys, Tekno, Solido, masters), plus lots 6, 37 and 117, which
Brooklin and white metal and resin all achieved excellent prices, way above Castrol Studebaker Petrol Tankers
models. original estimates. Estimate: £180 - £220 Sold For: £320
The Milton Keynes Collection featured
over 280 lots of Dinky trucks, tankers, • Lot 619 Corgi No 811 large-scale pre- • Lot 117 Tri-ang Spot-On No 0 Presentation
transporters, bulldozers, wagons, production wooden master block Set
tractors, buses, caravans, military Estimate: £80 - £100 Sold For: £420 Estimate: £300 - £400 Sold For: £480
vehicles, road and racing cars, plus
French Dinky (Atlas Editions) Corgi, • Lot 622 Corgi ‘Spender’ Ford Sierra • Lot 37 Dinky No 935 Leyland Octopus Flat
Matchbox, Tri-ang Spot-On, Solido and Cosworth large-scale pre-production Truck
a selection of boxed limited edition resin master shell and rubber block Estimate: £200 - £300 Sold For: £420
Britains tractors. The sale concluded mould
with an interesting collection of Corgi Estimate: £80 - £100 Sold For: £150 • Lot 121 Shackleton Toy Foden FG Flat
pre-production working wooden and Truck
resin master blocks and pieces, plus pre- • Lot 6 Dinky 30pa trade pack of six Estimate: £280 - £320 Sold For: £320

HOW FAR WOULD YOU BE PREPARED TO

GO IN THE NAME OF AUTHENTICITY?
WE all know that Corgi Toys No 267
Batmobile always generates an amazing
amount of interest when it comes up for
auction. But it's not just the actual model
itself that is important, nor the presence
of a Baddie or two - the condition of
the legendary box and the packing that
accompanies it is always crucial to the
final price as well.
Finishing on ebay a few days before
we went to press with this issue, was an
auction that quickly became the subject
of much speculation and chatter in online
forums and on social media. The prize
was as seen to the right - two cardboard
packing pieces, the instruction leaflet and
the sticky lapel badge. Obviously very
important pieces for a truly authentic and
complete model. The finishing price after
20 bids? A mere £560. Plus postage.

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 71

 GRAHAM HAMILTON ULTIMATE
MATCHBOX PICTURE BOX COLLECTION
SHORTLY after we go to press, a series 26th/27th May, comprising both Regular
of sales to be held by Vectis Auctions Wheel and Superfast 1-75 series models. So,
commences, inviting bids on Graham while this will be too late to bid on this part by
Hamilton’s mightily impressive Matchbox the time you read this, we will carry a report in
collection. Covering the entire Lesney the next issue. Make a note for part 2 though,
Matchbox Picture Box era, from 1962 – 1982, as the remainder of the collection is being
the collection covers every possible genre of offered on the 29th/30th September 2021.
Matchbox collecting. To commemorate this landmark event
Well-known and respected in international Vectis Auctions is publishing a full colour
Matchbox circles, Graham has pieced his Limited Edition collector’s reference
personal collection together over decades of catalogue priced at just £25. Demand for
trading. Many rare and unique models have these catalogues is bound to be high, so to
come directly from ex-Lesney employees, avoid disappointment, register your interest
many of whom worked within the research in purchasing a copy as quickly as possible
and development department responsible for at www.vectis.co.uk.
designing new additions to the range.
The philosophy of the collection was • Matchbox Superfast 22c Pontiac GP
simple - to assemble an example of every Coupe
picture box released by Matchbox Toys over Estimate: £2,000 to £3,000
the years, including significant printing
variations where applicable. The hard part • Matchbox Superfast 31c Lincoln
was then to match this box artwork to a Continental pre-production trial
corresponding model so that body, window, Estimate: £2,000 to £3,000
interior, base and wheel variations were an
exact match to the artist’s illustration on • Matchbox Regular Wheels 41b Jaguar
the box. D-Type
Part 1 of the collection will be held over Estimate: £700 to £900

ebay WATCH
Keep up with big wins on
this popular online auction
website - we choose three
outstanding performers
each month.

DATE: 4th April 2021 DATE: 24th April 2021 DATE: 13th May 2021
TITLE: Dublo Dinky Toys No 068 Royal Mail TITLE: Dinky Toys No 101 Thunderbirds 2 TITLE: Corgi Toys No 267 Batmobile 1981
Van trade box of six & 4 gold-plated release
SOLD FOR: £600.00 SOLD FOR: £499.00 SOLD FOR: £595.00
BIDS: 15 BIDS: 43 BIDS: 20

Vintage Dublo Dinky Toys trade box of six No A stunning ultra-rare model of the Dinky Rare boxed Corgi Toys later issue No 267
068 Royal Mail Vans with windows. In as new Toys No 101 Thunderbird 2 in gold-plated Batmobile and original box from 1981.
condition, as purchased new by someone who finish that will make a fantastic addition The model is in original, un-restored,
worked at the Dinky factory back in the day to a collection. The model has the yellow mint condition. All features in full working
and has been in their possession ever since legs and the operating pins are also yellow order, and supplied with original figures.
until the ebay seller purchased it from them plastic. The central pod drops down as it Complete with original window box, with
several years ago. should and inside, of course, is Thunderbird detachable header which is often missing
The inner boxes have never been opened 4. The yellow plastic Thunderbird 4 is with these examples. The cellophane
until opened to check that they were all good, standard issue. Both models come in a window itself is original and without holes
and that was once only. The box is good but high-quality reproduction cardboard plinth or splits, very rare to find in this condition,
slightly rubbed and slightly coming unstuck with protective vacuum-formed plastic just coming away slightly from the card
along one edge with some old Sellotape bubble pack top that protects and displays at the top but nothing drastic. Otherwise
marks on it. the model superbly. absolutely minimal handling wear.

72 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

 MATRIX 1948 TALBOT LAGO GS CABRIOLET
OPEN, SAOUTCHIK, BLUE. £84.99

WWW.FRANKJONESAUTHOR.COM
“HER NAME WAS CHARLIE” “FOR YOU…” 170
ADULTS ONLY NOVEL POEMS, MINI
BY FRANK JONES POEMS & MICRO
STORIES BY FRANK
OF BHM. £9.49 JONES.. £8.99.
WEBSITE, OR WEBSITE, OR
T: 01244 320761 T: 01244 320761

DUE IN: KESS 1949 TRIUMPH ROADSTER RED, DUE IN: KESS 1949 TRIUMPH ROADSTER,
CLOSED. HANDBUILT IN RESIN. METALLIC GREY, OPEN. HANDBUILT RESIN.
ORDER NOW!! £94.99 ORDER NOW! £94.99

MATRIX 1935 DUESENBERGSJ DUAL COWL MATRIX 1937 CADILLAC V16 SERIES 90
PHAETON, LA GRANDE, OPEN. 2-TONE. £84.99 FLEETWOOD COUPE, DARK GREEN. £84.99

MCLAREN MODELS
PO Box 21762, Larbert, Stirlingshire, Scotland FK1 9GG
Tel: 07483 260915 Email: BMclcars@aol.com
www.cheltenhammodelcentre.com
Scotland’s largest diecast source since 1983

Special Offers Special Offers Special Offers

CMC – M225 – 1:18- £469 MATRIX – R41807-022 – 1:43 - £89.99

AA28801 - Bristol F2B Fighter
1932 Mercedes-Benz SSK ‘Black Prince’ Trossi Roadster 1954 Sunbeam Alpine Rally Des Alpes AA33621 - Panavia Tornado AA37810 - Albatross DV
D-8063 RAF No139 Squadron
Villaverla Italy Sept GR4 ZA548 RAF No31 2111/17 M Martin Mallmann
1918..............................£55.99 Squadron Goldstars Jasta 19 Les Tangos Western
Retirement Scheme RAF Front Jan 1918 Shot down by
Marham March 2019...£63.99 The Grim Reapers.........£39.99

GMP – 18860 – 1:18 - £149 AUTOWORLD – 271 – 1:18 - £99

AA27403 - Gloster Meteor F.1 AA37909 - Spad XIII White 3
1970 Dodge Coronet Super Bee, Plum Crazy 1934 Packard V12 Victoria Soft Top, Red AA34216 - Boeing Chinook Pierre Marinovitch Escadrille
EE216/YQ-E T.D. 'Dixie' Dean
HC.4 ZH777 RAF No. 28 Sqn Spa 94 The Reapers Youngest
RAF No.616 Squadron and
100 Years Anniversary French Air Ace of
Fiesler F-103 V-1 Doodlebug
Scheme.........................£63.99 WWI...............................£39.99
4th August 1944...........£66.80

ESVAL – EM-EU-430008A 1:43 - £79.99 MATRIX – 41705-042-, 1:43 - £94

1948 Invicta Black Prince by Charlesworth 1930 Rolls Royce Phantom II Boattail AA27901 - McDonnell Doug- AA36615 - Lockheed P-38G AA38410 - Bristol Blenheim
las Phantom FG.1 Lightning 43-2264 Miss MkIVF GBPIV Spirit of Britain
XT864/007R No.892 NAS Virginia 339th FS 347th FG First Z5722 WMZ Duxford
Website Open 24hrs or Phone 07483 260915 : Mon-Sat 10am-4pm HMS Ark Royal November Operation Vengeance Airfield 28th May
1978............................£119.99 1943...............................£44.00 1993..............................£57.60
Worldwide Mail Order Available – Postage Extra, Details on our website

www.mclaren-models.com Cheltenham Model Centre

39 High Street
Cheltenham
Email: info@cheltenhammodelcentre.com
Telephone: 01242 523117
P&P £2.75 for one Diecast item, £4 for two or more. All items in stock at time of going to press.

GL50 1DX Prices are subject to change without notice and are only available while stock lasts
 PRICE GUIDE
75
PriceGuide
Price Welcome to our regular Price Guide section
AUCTION
PRICES
LISTED
where we highlight a variety of collectables that have
been sold through auction houses during recent months.
ON SALE NOW! The Toy Collectors Price Guide 2021
Order your copy by calling 01778 392006, or go online to www.ccofgb.co.uk

▲Matchbox Superfast No 53a

▲Matchbox Superfast No 17b Ford Zodiac, lime green body
Daimler Fleetline Londoner Bus with high arches, clear windows,
“Amcel Takes You Places”, brick ▲Matchbox Superfast No 22a
Pontiac GP Coupe, metallic ivory interior, bare metal base,
red body, gloss black base with 5-spoke wide wheels. Near mint in
axle braces, 5-spoke wheels. Near mid-purple body without silver ▲Matchbox Superfast No 46a
trim, clear windows, grey interior, Mercedes 300 SE Coupe, metallic excellent to excellent plus type G
mint in excellent plus type I box. box. £160, Vectis, March.
£200, Vectis, March. gloss black base, large diameter gold body with cast shut doors,
5-spoke narrow wheels. Excellent clear windows, ivory interior,
plus in good type G box. £170, 5-spoke narrow wheels. Mint in
Vectis, March. good “B-r-r-oom Stick” blister
pack. £70, Vectis, March.

▲Corgi Toys No 811 Mercedes

300 SL, large scale pre-production
working wooden master block (3:1
scale) taken from “50’s Classics”
▲Matchbox Superfast No 20a range. Excellent. £420, Vectis,
Lamborghini Marzal B-r-r-oom May.
Stick Issue, lemon yellow body ▲Matchbox Superfast No 30b ▲Matchbox Superfast No 46b
with high arches, dark amber Beach Buggy, metallic candy pink Stretcha Fetcha Ambulance,
windows, ivory interior, bare metal body with low splatter of orange white body with red cross
base, 5-spoke wide wheels. Near spots, rare ivory interior, small Ambulance labels, rare lime green
mint in good blister pack. £180, engine exhausts, bare metal base, windows, rare ivory opening
Vectis, March. spiro wheels. Near mint in good rear door, pale yellow interior,
plus to excellent type H box. £70, red base, Maltese Cross wheels.
Vectis, March. Excellent plus in mint type I box.
£800, Vectis, March.
▲Corgi “Spender” Ford Sierra
Cosworth, large scale pre-
production working resin master
shell in off-white, also comes with
wooden and rubber block mould.
Excellent. £150, Vectis, May.
▲Matchbox Superfast No 20b
Range Rover Police Patrol, dark
blue body with “Securite Rallye
Paris-Dakar 81” labels, smoke ▲Matchbox Superfast No 48a
grey tinted frosted windows, Dodge Dump Truck, darker blue
orange spinner & roof-light, bare ▲Matchbox Superfast No 31a cab & chassis, lemon yellow tipper
metal base, Maltese Cross wheels, Lincoln Continental, metallic body, turquoise green windows,
factory casting flaw to side. Near lime green body with high arches, chrome base, 4-spoke wide wheels ▲Shackleton Toy Foden FG
mint in excellent French-issue 5-spoke wide wheels. Mint in good with black front axle clip. Excellent Flat Truck, blue cab, back, red
bubble pack. £160, Vectis, plus “B-r-r-oom Stick” blister in good to good plus rare type I wheelarches. Good plus, unboxed.
March. pack. £180, Vectis, March. box. £420, Vectis, March. £200, Vectis, May.

74 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

 ▲Dinky Toys No 105 Triumph ▲Triang Spot-On No 108
▲Dinky No 30pa Trade Pack, TR2 Sports Car, pale yellow Triumph TR3 Sports Car, dark
6x “Castrol” Studebaker Petrol (lemon) body, light green seats ▲Shackleton Toy Foden FG
red, grey interior, cream steering
Tankers - green, silver trim with driver figure, silver trim, Tipper, yellow cab and tipper, red
wheel, silver trim, spun hubs.
including filler caps, ridged hubs. chrome spun hubs with white wheelarches and tanks, with key,
Excellent in good plus carded
Good to good plus in fair to good treaded tyres. Good plus to spanner and screwdriver. Good
box with correct colour spot and
yellow lift off lid trade box. £320, excellent in good plus yellow and plus in poor to fair lift off lid box.
colour folded collectors card.
Vectis, May. red carded box with correct colour £420, Vectis, May.
£220, Vectis, May.
spot. £190, Vectis, May.

▲Triang Spot-On Presentation

No 0, containing Rolls Royce ▲Triang Spot-On No 108
▲Dinky Toys No 157 Jaguar Triumph TR3 Sports Car, mid- ▲Shackleton Toy Foden FG
Silver Wraith, MGA Sports Car, XK120, drab green, silver trim, Tipper, red including cab, tipper
Aston Martin DB, Ford Zodiac and grey, turquoise interior, spun
chrome spun hubs with black hubs, cream steering wheel. and wheelarches, with spanner
Austin Prime Mover. Good to good treaded tyres. Good, unboxed. and key. Good to good plus, with
plus, fair to good inner carded Good to good plus in good carded
£35, Vectis, May. picture box with collectors club folded leaflet in fair lift off lid box.
tray, fair lift off lid, good carded £280, Vectis, May.
base. £480, Vectis, May. leaflet and colour collectors card.
£150, Vectis, May

▲Corgi Toys No 420 Ford

Thames Airborne Caravan, two- ▲Shackleton Toy Foden FG
▲Shackleton Toy Foden FG Flat ▲Morestone Series 4 Foden Tipper, blue cab and tipper, red
tone green, spun hubs, silver trim.
Truck, grey cab and back, red Express Delivery Truck, yellow wheelarches, with screwdriver,
Good plus in good to good plus
wheelarches with key, spanner cab, chassis and hubs, grey back. key and spanner. Good in
blue and yellow carded picture
and screwdriver. Good in good to Excellent plus in good plus to reproduction lift off lid box. £360,
box. £70, Vectis, May.
good plus lift off lid box. £320, excellent blue, white and red Vectis, May.
Vectis, May. striped box with folded leaflet.
£150, Vectis, May.

▲Corgi Toys No 54 Fordson

▲Dinky Toys No 935 Leyland Power Major Tractor with
Octopus Flat Truck with chains, Roadless Half Tracks, blue body, ▲Crescent Toys No 1285 BRM
green cab and chassis, light grey orange plastic hubs with black ▲Shackleton Toy Foden FG Flat Racing Car, green, driver figure,
back and front trim, red plastic tyres and grey tracks. Good plus in Truck, yellow cab and back, red black criss-cross hubs, racing
hubs with black treaded tyres, good plus blue and yellow carded mudguards, “Shackleton Toys” number 7. Good plus in good
tow hook. Good plus in good picture box. £100, Vectis, May. to cab rear, with key and spanner. carded picture box. £25, Vectis,
yellow and red lift off lid box with Good plus in fair lift off lid box, May.
detailed picture. £420, Vectis, with folded leaflet. £400, Vectis,
May. May.

▲Corgi Toys No 69 Massey

Ferguson 165 Tractor with ▲Crescent Toys No 1286 Ferrari
▲Tekno No 804 MG Sports Car, Shovel, red, grey, white, driver ▲Shackleton Toy Foden FG 2.5 litre Racing Car, red, white
red body, green seats, light grey figure. Good in good to good plus Flat Truck, green cab and back, driver figure, black criss-cross
tonneau, flat spun hubs. Good blue and yellow carded picture box red wheelarches, with key and hubs, racing number 5. Good plus
plus in good carded picture box. with inner packing piece. £90, spanner. Good in fair lift off lid in good carded picture box. £35,
£150, Vectis, May. Vectis, May. box. £280, Vectis, May. Vectis, May.

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 75

 PRICE GUIDE

▲Tekno No 723 Mercedes 180 ▲Tekno No 428 “Taxi” - “Taxa”,

Saloon, drab green, silver trim. black, red hubs. Excellent in good
▲Crescent Toys No 1287 ▲CIJ 3/68 Renault “Postes” Van,
Excellent plus in excellent carded plus carded picture box. £120,
Connaught Grand Prix Racing turquoise body, silver trim. Near
picture box. £280, Vectis, May. Vectis, May.
Car, dark green, white driver mint in good carded picture box.
figure, racing number 8, criss- £60, Vectis, May.
cross hubs. Good in good carded
picture box. £40, Vectis, May.

▲Tekno No 723 Mercedes 180 ▲Tekno No 815 Caravan, red,

Saloon, blue body, with tow black wheelarches. Good plus in
hook fitted. Excellent in excellent good carded box. £130, Vectis, ▲Solido No 129 Ferrari 2.5 litre,
carded picture box. £340, Vectis, May. red body, light brown interior with
May. driver figure, racing number 152.
Excellent plus in good carded box.
▲Crescent Toys No 1288 Cooper £45, Vectis, May.
Bristol 2 litre Racing Car, blue
body, white driver figure, racing
number 2, criss-cross hubs. Good
plus in fair carded picture box.
£25, Vectis, May.
▲Quiralu Mercedes 300 SL, drab
▲Tekno No 723 Mercedes 180 blue, chrome hubs with white
Saloon, yellow body. Good plus to tyres. Good plus in good to good
excellent in good carded picture plus carded picture box. £70,
box. £380, Vectis, May. Vectis, May ▲Solido Vanwall Racing Car,
green body, driver figure, silver
trim, chrome spun hubs with black
treaded tyres, racing number
3. Good plus to excellent in fair
▲Tekno No 808 Triumph TR2 carded picture box. £30, Vectis,
Sports Car, light green, dark green May.
tonneau, grey interior with black
steering wheel, flat spun hubs.
Excellent in fair to good carded ▲Quiralu Mercedes 300 SL, red
▲Tekno No 822 Volvo PV544,
picture box. £300, Vectis, May. body, cream upper, chrome hubs
dark red body, green tinted
windows, chrome hubs. Good plus with white tyres. Fair in fair to
to excellent in good plus carded good carded picture box. £50,
picture box. £130, Vectis, May. Vectis, May.

▲Solido Aston Martin 3.0 litre,

green body, red interior and
steering wheel, yellow trim to
▲Tekno No 808 Triumph TR2 front, chrome spun hubs (without
Sports Car, metallic brown body, driver figure). Excellent in fair to
grey interior and tonneau, black good carded picture box. £60,
▲Mercury No 20 Alfa Romeo
steering wheel, flat spun hubs. ▲Tekno No 810 Volvo 121/122S Vectis, May.
Giulietta, green, chrome spun
Good in fair carded picture box. Amazon, yellow body (early issue hubs with black tyres. Good plus
£220, Vectis, May. without interior). Good in fair in good plus carded picture box.
carded box. £400, Vectis, May. £110, Vectis, May.

▲Solido No 148 Alfa Romeo

▲Tekno No 824 MGA 1600
▲Tekno No 825 Volvo P1800, ▲Märklin 5524/17 “Firestone GTZ, red body with white stripes,
Sports Car, drab blue, cream
dark graphite grey body, red Reifen Phoenix” Truck, greyish- racing number 82, black interior
interior with black steering wheel,
interior with white steering wheel, blue, silver, chrome spun hubs and steering wheel, with driver
criss-cross cast hubs. Excellent
chrome hubs. Good plus in fair with herringbone style tyres. Good figure, cast hubs. Excellent in
plus in excellent carded picture
carded picture box. £160, Vectis, plus to excellent in fair carded excellent carded picture box. £50,
box with correct colour spot.
May. picture box. £80, Vectis, May. Vectis, May.
£180, Vectis, May.

76 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

▲Solido No 113 Fiat Abarth,
silver body, chrome spun hubs. ▲Solido Alfa Romeo Giulietta ▲Solido No 131 BRM Formula ▲Dinky Toys No 252 Bedford
Excellent in good to good plus Spider, turquoise, spun hubs, 1 Racing Car, green, cast hubs, Refuse Wagon, tan body, chassis
carded picture box. £50, Vectis, driver figure. Good plus in fair white and red racing number 2 and back, green metal slides and
May. carded picture box. £70, Vectis, decal. Good plus in good carded rear opening hatch, red ridged
May. picture box. £45, Vectis, May. hubs with black smooth tyres.
Good plus in good yellow and red
carded picture box. £70, Vectis,
May.

▲Solido Aston Martin DB4,

pale yellow (lemon) body, cream ▲Solido No 130 Aston Martin
interior with red steering wheel, Vantage, light gold body, red
chrome spun hubs, silver trim, interior, cast wire wheels. Good ▲Solido No 138 Harvey
red stripes to bonnet and roof. in good carded picture box. £70, Indianapolis, light blue, white
Excellent plus in good plus to Vectis, May. racing number 8 decals, driver
excellent carded picture box. figure. Good plus in fair to good ▲Dinky Toys No 454 Trojan
£160, Vectis, May. carded picture box. £30, Vectis, “Drink Cydrax”, mid-green
May. including ridged hubs, silver trim.
Excellent plus in good plus yellow
and red carded picture box. £180,
Vectis, May.

▲Solido No 130 Aston Martin

▲Solido No 123 Fiat 250 GT, Vantage, metallic light green, off-
silver body, beige interior with white interior with black steering
black steering wheel, cast wire wheel, cast wire wheels. Excellent ▲Solido No 113 Fiat Abarth, red
wheels with black tyres. Excellent plus in excellent carded picture body, grey interior, black steering
in good carded picture box. £60, box. £130, Vectis, May. wheel. Excellent in good plus
carded picture box. £40, Vectis, ▲Dinky Toys No 415 Mechanical
Vectis, May.
May. Horse and Open Wagon, mid-blue
cab and ridged hubs with smooth
tyres, cream trailer with “20” rear
decal. Good plus to excellent in
good plus yellow and red carded
picture box. £50, Vectis, May.

▲Solido No 128 Ford

▲Solido Alfa Romeo Giulietta Thunderbird Hardtop, very pale
Spider, deep turquoise body, blue, light beige interior, chrome ▲Dinky Toys No 618 Military
off-white interior with red steering spun hubs. Excellent in good to AEC Artic Transporter with
wheel and driver figure, silver trim, good plus carded picture box. Helicopter, green, including
chrome spun hubs. Excellent plus £130, Vectis, May. helicopter with black blades, with
in good plus carded picture box. separate netting and unapplied
£100, Vectis, May. decal sheet. Excellent plus in fair
to good carded picture box. £70, ▲Dinky Toys No 103 “Captain
Vectis, May. Scarlet” Spectrum Patrol Car,
metallic red, blue tinted windows,
white base and plastic aerial,
silver trim, cast spun hubs. Good
to good plus in good carded
picture box. £130, Vectis, May.
▲Solido Simca Oceane ▲Solido No 146 Ford GT Le
Cabriolet, green body, grey Mans, white body, blue bonnet
interior with red steering wheel, and racing stripes, red interior
black tonneau, driver figure, and steering wheel, cast wire
chrome spun hubs. Excellent plus wheels. Excellent in good plus
in fair carded picture box. £130, to excellent carded picture box.
Vectis, May. £100, Vectis, May.
▲Dinky Toys No 785 “Dinky
Toys Service Station” Kit, cream ▲Dinky Toys No 237 Mercedes
ON SALE NOW THE building, grey base, cream and Racer, flat white body, red interior
Toy Collectors Price Guide 2021 red roof, with 2x blue doors with light blue driver figure, racing
plus various metal and plastic number 30, plastic hubs with
Order your copy by calling 01778 392006, or supports. Good to good plus in black treaded tyres. Good plus in
go online to www.ccofgb.uk/priceguide2021 fair yellow and red lift off lid box good plus yellow and red carded
with blue base. £80, Vectis, May. box. £45, Vectis, May.

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 77

Home of Home of £££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££
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Model Tractor, Construction

& Literature 2021 LOVE TOY AUCTIONS?
th
Sunday 4 July CORGI • MATCHBOX • DINKY • TRI-ANG • BRITAINS AND MORE

10am until 3pm TOY COLLECTORS The Toy Collectors Price

PRICE GUIDE 2021 Guide 2021 is packed
**NEW COVID FRIENDLY VENUE FOR 2021**
YOUR ESSENTIAL FIELD GUIDE TO CLASSIC TOY COLLECTABLES
£6.99 • www.ccofgb.co.uk Produced in association with
COLLECTORS
GAZETTE
CG mastehead_NEW.indd 1 07/11/2012 09:15:52

with nearly 100 pages

Empsons Farm, Falls Drove, Crowland, Peterborough. PE6 0FA 1000+ VINTAGE featuring more than
Farm toy collectors fair for model tractor enthusiasts TOYS VALUED
Toys, Books, Videos, Leaflets, Brochures and Manuals Putting an estimate on
your collection!
£350,000
worth of
Diecast, Railways,
1000 auction prices from
SHOW MODEL AVAILABLE ON THE DAY
Tinplate, TV & Film,

the past year.

figures and online
sale finds!

Entry: £5, accompanied children Free

www.spaldingmodeltractor.com
spaldingmodeltractor@gmail.com Order yours buy calling
07710 321471
01778 392006
uA Dinky Toys No.513 Guy Flat Truck
with Tailboard, which sold for £2,800.

INCLUDING...
›› DIECAST VEHICLES ›› FILM FAVOURITES ›› MODEL LOCOS

■ ■ ■

WANTED!Andrew of Miniature Autoworld is

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
Selling couldn’t be easier!
We will travel anywhere in the
UK & Ireland!
EDINBURGH VINTAGE We can make payment by your
TOYS preferred method!
Simply phone Andrew direct, anytime:
www.edinburghvintagetoys.co.uk 01271 864061 or 07515 743152
I BUY and SELL quality Dinky, Corgi, Matchbox, Visit the website:
Hornby Dublo and modern diecast (all conditions WWW.MINIATURE-AUTOWORLD.CO.UK
considered). Top cash prices paid. If you want to Email us:
ADD to or SELL your COLLECTION please call miniature-autoworld@outlook.com
Or post details to:
me or just send me an email. Andrew Sutton, Miniature Autoworld,
Tel: 01506 793677 Mob: 07851 979667 Green Ridge, West Down, Ilfracombe,
Email: davidkidd20@live.co.uk Devon, EX34 8NF
 EVENTS

TOYFAIRTIMES
Due to the on-going situation and in accordance with Government advice,
some swapmeets and auctions are now taking place.
Please contact the auction houses and organisers directly for
up to date information.

FAIRS 8 JUNE 26 JUNE

• Cheshire, Warrington & Northwich • Lymington, Lymington Auctions,
13 JUNE Auctions, 01925 658833 01590 679487
• Ashington, David Parsons,
01424 846676 or 07742 609865 • Newbury, Special Auction Services, 28 JUNE
01635 580595 • Lewes, Wallis & Wallis,
20 JUNE 01273 480208
• Exeter, Bulldog Fairs,
9 JUNE
01373 452857 29 JUNE
• Kent, C & T Auctioneers,
01233 510050 • Newbury, Special Auction Services,
4 JULY 01635 580595
• Crowland, Colin Bloor,
07710 321471 15 JUNE
• Stockton-on-Tees, Vectis,
• Stockton-on-Tees, Vectis, 01642 750616
18 JULY 01642 750616
• Ashington, David Parsons, 6 JULY
01424 846676 or 07742 609865 16 JUNE • Cheshire, Warrington & Northwich
• Stockton-on-Tees, Vectis, Auctions, 01925 658833
25 JULY 01642 750616
• Malvern, Bulldog Fairs, • Stockton-on-Tees, Vectis,
01373 452857 18 JUNE 01642 750616
• Bury St Edmunds, Lacy Scott &
AUCTIONS
Knight, 01284 748623 13 JULY
• Runcorn, British Toy Auctions, • Stockton-on-Tees, Vectis,
1 JUNE
• Stockton-on-Tees, Vectis, 01928 579032 01642 750616
01642 750616
20 JUNE 14 JULY
4 JUNE • Sydney, Australia, Trains Planes & • Stockton-on-Tees, Vectis,
• Taunton, Greenslade Taylor Hunt, Automobiles, +612 4787 7974 01642 750616
01823 332525
22 JUNE 17 JULY
• Runcorn, British Toy Auctions, • Cheshire, Warrington & Northwich • King’s Langley, Excalibur Auctions,
01928 579032 02036 330913
Auctions, 01925 658833
5 JUNE 20 JULY
• Stockton-on-Tees, Vectis, • Cheshire, Warrington & Northwich
• Online, The Canterbury Auction 01642 750616
Galleries, 01227 763337 Auctions, 01925 658833

6 JUNE 24 JUNE 21 JULY

• Online, The Canterbury Auction • Surrey, Ewbanks Auctioneers, • Warwick, Warwick & Warwick,
Galleries, 01227 763337 01483 223101 01926 499031

7 JUNE 25 JUNE 22 JULY

• Rayleigh, Stacys Auctioneers, • Stockton-on-Tees, Vectis, • Stockton-on-Tees, Vectis,
01268 777122 01642 750616 01642 750616

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 79

 CLASSIFIEDS
NORTH YORKSHIRE WEST MIDLANDS DEVON

SPRINGHILL
Jaunty Jalopies MODELS & CARDS
ALL RISKS COVER for
COLLECTABLES
Stamps, Postcards, Coins, Diecast models,
Stockists of etc..
6 Church Hill, Hunmanby, Nr Filey, YO14 0JU Write or Telephone for rates
• OXFORD • IXO• GREENLIGHT
STAMP INSURANCE
See you at Tractor 2021 Model Show July 4th Crowland PE6 0FA • SCHUCO & others
SERVICES
4 Springhill Lane • Penn • Wolverhampton WV4 4SH

01902 341302
C G I Services Limited
• Good stock of Corgi Classics, Vanguards, Modern Trucks 29 Bowhay Lane, Exeter, EX4 1PE
• Heavy Haulage, Plant & Construction, Farm, Classic Cars, www.stampinsurance.co.uk
Open Thurs, Fri 10am - 5pm • Sat 10am - 4pm
Steam, Trackside, Aviation Archive Email: pete@springhillmodels.co.uk
Tel: 01392 433949 fax: 01392 427632
• Vintage Commercials, 1:76 Buses - EFE & Omnibus Web: www.springhillmodels.co.uk
Authorised & Regulated
by the Financial Conduct Authority No. 300573
• Massive quantity of Herpa 1:87
• Huge Selection of Fire & Police Vehicles SURREY
• Lots more: Obselete Corgi, Dinky, Spot-On
• Matchbox, Conrad,NZG, Joal, Britains,
Minichamps, Universal Hobbies, 1:18 etc
Always ~ 150 “BUY IT NOW” Offers in our eBay Shop.Search using seller ID: jauntyjalopies
WANTED
COLLECTIONS OF DINKY,
TO ADVERTISE
Shop in safety! Call in advance to book a slot! Have the shop to yourself for up to 1 hour. Open Corgi and other diecast cars,
at any mutally convenient time incl. weekends. 24 hour notice required. Call before travelling. lorries and tractors etc, any
condition, large or small Please call
COLLECTIONS PURCHASED, Large & Small, New or Old
with Fairness, Discretion & Sensitivity. Will travel nationwide
collections, anything considered. Kristina Green on
Tel: 01264 773018 or 01778 392096
Tel: 01723 890060 or 07889 286559 science-equip@btconnect.com 07860 629009 (Hants)
HAMPSHIRE LANCASHIRE

Diecast cars, commercials, WW2

tanks & planes from Base, Britbus,
Classix, CMN, Corgi, Dragon, EFE,
Minichamps, Oxford and more.
10A Church Street, Basingstoke, Hants, RG21 7QE
Closed Tuesdays (not Dec), Sundays (not Dec 1st - 22nd) Use our secure online shop
& Bank Holidays or visit in person.
Tel: 01256 358060

www.churchstreetmodels.co.uk See us at Sandown Park and N.E.C. Toy Fairs. Tel:- 01204 845279
DRRB, 1 Morris Fold Drive, Lostock, Bolton, Lancs. BL6 4DZ
KENT KENT

Ramsay’s BRITISH DIECAST

®

95mm depth x 190mm width

WE ARE THE CHEAPEST!

Britains Ltd

Britains Ltd Manchester United ........................................NGPP

Middlesbrough.............................
............ £650-800
Newcastle United ...........................................NGPP
9402 State Landau
With instructions, Queen, Station master, ticket collector,
Britains Ltd

T he W. Britain brand name

from a company founded
manufacturer, who in 1893
of toy and model maker
by William Britain Jr.,
is derived
a British toy
In 1973 Britains introduced
New Metal models, which
Notts County..........................................
Oldham Athletic.........................................
Preston North End .........................................NGPP
.........NGPP
....NGPP
horses, three drivers, two Prince Philip, six grey
footmen, traces, figures
tied in box................................................
£100-150
luggage, two porters with

158 Complete Railway

trolleys,
two porters with
luggage............................................. four items of
........ £200-300
invented the process of
hollow casting in
diecast in a durable alloy.
Initially these sets were
are Plymouth Argyle ............................................NGPP Salvation Army Sets 25 pieces 13 figures, 10
Station Set 1908
lead, and revolutionised British souvenir market. aimed at the Sheffield Wednesday .....................................NGPP 10 Salvation Soldiers items of luggage, two
the production of toy soldiers. In 1983 Britains responded 1906-1908 trolleys .....................................................
family proprietorship, William In 1907 the collectors' market by introducing to a growing Stoke ....................................................... Eight pieces, five officers, 800 Porter for Trolley £600-800
Britain & Sons became Sunderland................................... .. £650-800 two buglers and a .................................... £50-80
The company is famous W. Britains, Ltd. additional models and standard bearer in blue 801 Porter
for its vast and formidable edition sets. This range limited Tottenham Hotspur .............................. ......... £900-1,100 coats, buglers in red
was greatly expanded over (oval bases) .......................................£4,000-5,0 With moveable arm to
model soldiers and other range of and included diecast versions the next 20 years West Bromwich Albion £900-1,100 14 Salvation Army Women 00 carry luggage ...... £75-100
802 Station Master .......................................
military models, with the ..................................NGPP 1906-1908
them in 1/32 scale. However, majority of of its old toy soldiers, some Wolverhampton Wanderers Eight figures with long 803 Guard with flag...................................... £90-120
it also produced a comprehensive from original moulds. made .................... £750-900 skirts
range of civilian items Other teams are known
to exist by being specially blue, two figures with copies and bonnets, dark 804 Guard with Lamp £90-120
in the similar scale, it is The Britain family controlled commissioned. of the ‘War Cry’ ......................................
these that are listed the firm until 1984 when .......................................................... 805 Ticket Collector ........................................ NGPP
in this guide along side to a British conglomerate, it was sold Clapton Orient (Leyton ..£2,000-3,000 NGPP
the numerous military Dobson Park Industries. Orient) 806 Lady Passenger
The company continued vehicles. White shirts with red ‘V’
to grow and evolve as its operations with an existing It combined the , With handbag, various
gained in popularity; by models line of toys and renamed Football Association Cup dark blue shorts ..NGPP 807 GentlemanPassengercolours.................... NGPP
1931 the firm employed Britains Petite, Ltd. the company Silver or gilt ............................................. Tan or dark or light blue,
factory. The catalogue 450 at its London £300-500 suit, carrying
had expanded to 435 sets Ertl Company of Iowa, newspaper and raincoat,
models a year were being and twenty million a maker of diecast toys, Royalty 1901 807 Gentleman Passenger bowler hat ...... £75-100
produced, with production Petite, Ltd. in 1997, then bought Britains
stopping during the First only slowing/ Ertl was subsequently bought Bust of Edward V11 gilt Tan or dark brown suit,
and Second World Wars. Champions, another American by Racing 10 Bust of Queen Alexandra
or silver............... £300-400 carrying pipe and
raincoat, bowler hat..................................
with the style of the figures. Little changed diecast model maker. At gilt or silver.... £30-50
time production of the this 11 Bust of Prince of Wales............................... 808 Policeman .................................................. £75-100
By 1966 safety regulations models was moved to China. NGPP NGPP
the W. Britains brand was In 2005, 12 Bust of Princess of 809 Engine Driver
in the United Kingdom acquired by First Gear, Wales gilt or silver .... £30-50
rising costs halted the production combined with maker of diecast collectables. an American 1470 State Coach of England Light blue jacket, dark
blue trousers........... NGPP
of lead models. At that 1471 H.M. King George 1948............... £50-75 810 Stoker
range of catalogued lead time, the This firm produces and VI 1937-37
sets exceeded 2,200. contemporary matte-style sells mostly In coronation robes, copper Salvation Army Band With shovel, light blue
figures to the collectors' finish............ £20-25 jacket, dark blue trousers
the W. Britain brand. market under 1472 H.M. King George
VI 1937-37 Salvation Army Sets ..........................................................
.............. NGPP
In coronation robes, gilt Not featured in any catalogue 811 Trolley ......................................................
1473 H.M. King George finish .................. £25-30 the HQs of the charity
only available from 812 Trunk ..........................................................£10-15
VI 1937-37
Early novelties and other In coronation robes, painted
version
1315 Salvation Band 1934 813 Dress Baskets............................................ .£8-12
814 Portmanteaux ............................................£8-12 ..£8-12
Model and details items issued 1880-1916 Purple version.............................................
Red version............................................. £40-50
. £110-140
Red jackets 12 pieces........................£2,000-3,000
1316 Salvation Band 1934 815 Golf Sticks ...................................................£5-1
816 Rugs and Sticks ....................................... 0
MPR Model and details
1474 Coronation Chair Blue jackets 24 pieces.......................£3,000-4,000
1937-41 ................... £20-25 817 Yachtsman £10-15
Automatic Foot Race MPR 44D Her Majesty’s State 1317 Salvation Band 1934
Model and details Coach 1953-57 ...... £25-35 Blue blazer, peaked cap,
Two 9-inch high male 86D Coronation Chair Red jackets 15 pieces........................£2,000-3,000 white trousers, carrying
figures dressed in .......................................................... MPR 1953-57..................... £20-25 yellow oilskin ............................................
silk suspended by wire The Mikado ..£1,500-2,000 1475 Historical Series
arms The Rotary Railway Express Set £75-100
ornamental tower housing from a central Seated figure with parasol, Six wheeled loco, 4 wheeledSet
18 Beefeaters etc., strung
in box.............. £50-100
Individual Musicians
red jackets
a clockwork motor flywheel moves a 1476 Large Coronation 196b Trumpeter ...........................................
..........................................................
£9,000-10,000
hand holding a fan ...........................£1,300-2,000 wheeled coaches connected tender and two four Combined with State Coach Set 1937-41
Display
197b Euphonium player £90-110
Mechanical Chinaman Four Horse Race clockwork mechanism by wire to central and two other sets ............................. £90-110
12” high figure of a Mandarin Similar to above with four .....................£3,000-5,000 .......................................................... 198b Bass Horn player
Chinaman ..£1,750-2,250 ................................
Drinking Chinaman’ raises in satin ‘The horses and jockeys
.......................................................... Sitting figure with nodding
199b Trombonist..................................... £90-110
tea at the same time movinghis cup to drink his Clown Sitting ..£2,000-3,000 Monkey head........... £200-300
head 200b Side Drummer .................................... ..... £90-110
his head backwards
.......................................................... 201b Bass Drummer .................................... £90-110
.............. NGPP Balancing a plate on head, Sitting figure with nodding £90-110
Walking Elephant when turned moves head........... £200-300
head 202b Standard Bearer
arm................................................... Rotary Bicycle ...............................
Spin the rider’s parasol The Equestrienne ..£1,800-2,000 224b Cymbalist........................................ £150-200
to operate a flywheel With the figure of a girl 225b Tenor Horn Player.............................. ..... £90-110
on
making the elephant walk................£2,250-3,250 wire to central clockwork bicycle connected by

We are the cheapest place to buy the Ramsay’s

Flywheel with horse and £90-110
Road Roller rider that rotates, the mechanism 226b Double Bass Horn
rider then jumps a post.......................... ........................................................£
........................................................ Player .................. £90-110
Small 3-inch long steam £400-500 Blondin Cyclist 10,000-12,000
London Road Roller roller .............. £500-600 Individual Musicians
Gentleman on a red Penny-Farthing blue jackets
Blue, green and red model bicycle 227b Bandmaster with
connected by wire to central Corne .................. £100-120
drive. Wooden box with with large flywheel mechanism...................................... clockwork 228b Trumpeter .........................................
Miniature Road Engine plain label £2,000-3,000 Edwardian Family £9,000-10,000 229b Euphonium player £100-120
........................... £100-120
Green, black, large flywheel 230b Bass Horn player
box with illustration Father seated reading, ..............................
.......................................................... mother seated with baby 1477 Queen Elizabeth Set 231b Trombonist..................................... £100-120
..£2,000-3,000 on knee, son and daughter 232b Cymbalist........................................ ... £100-120
standing
.......................................................... 1477 Queen Elizabeth
....£7,000-8,000 Set 233b Tenor Horn Player............................ ... £100-120 807 Gentleman Passengers
Queen and George VI,
Football Series 1953 coronation coach, 234b Double Bass Horn £100-120 Gauge 0 Railway Sets
horses, royal household,
marching horseguards
Player ................ £100-120
235b Side Drummer .................................. 1256 Railway Set 1932 and Items
First introduced in 1904 etc., 75 pieces ....................................£1,500-2,000
with twelve teams and 236b Bass Drummer .................................. £100-120 Station master, policeman,
1936 the following teams by 1478 Miniature State Coach
issued in boxed set with
were available as standard 1937 £100-120 passengers, guard, porters, platelayers,
goal posts, corner flags, Small coach with four horses Salvationist blue jackets trolley and luggage
referee and linesman 1503 Miniature State Coach .................... £30-50 ..........................................................
Don Quixote 203b Standard bearer................................ 1422 Unlisted Railway ........ £250-350
Teams Same coach as 1478 but 1937-39 204b Man with chevron £150-200 Staff
1423 Railway Station Staff nine figures ....... NGPP
Don Quixote with Windmill Arsenal ....................................................... with two horses . £25-35 on
Flywheel mechanism rotates
1504 Queen Elizabeth
1937-37 205b Man without chevron sleeve ............... £50-60 Porters, passengers, policeman,
Don Quixote and Aston Villa ............................................. .... ....NGPP In coronation robes, copper on sleeve ......... £50-60 guard, trolley
horse ..................................................£4,7 £900-1,000 finish............ £40-60 206b Woman ................................................... and luggage ...................................................
Birmingham................................... 1505 Queen Elizabeth £50-60
The General 50-5,750 ................... NGPP 1937-37 207b Woman with ‘War 818 Platelayer ................................................... NGPP
Blackburn Rovers .............................. In coronation robes, gilt Cry’..................... £100-150
Soldier on hobbyhorse £1,000-1,500 finish .................. £40-60 208b Woman with Tambourine 819 Golfer NGPP
with ‘umbrella’, when Bolton Wanderers ..........................................
..........................................NGPP 1506 Queen Elizabeth ............... £100-150
Bust of General Booth

British Diecast Catalogue 17th Edition at just £20!

The Mikado spun makes sword arm Bradford City................................................ 1937-37 ............................... £200-300 Dark blue, plus four suits,
move..........£4,000-5,000 In coronation robes, painted red socks brown golf
Boomerang Top The Waltzers Burnley ................................................ ..
..NGPP finish......... £75-100 bag....................................................
Small spinning top with Soldier and lady dancing Bury .......................................................£900-£1,100
2094 State Open Road
Landau 1954-67 Civilians 821 Porters fort trolley ............ £40-50
..................................
The Fountain Top tinplate ‘flyers’£500-750 as a spinning top based HM Queen the Duke of 168 Civilians Set 1908 822 Ticket Collector....................................... £15-25
on the gyroscope ..............................£1,000-1,500 .........
.........NGPP
Cardiff City .....................................................N
..................................................... Edinburgh, six Windsor
Grey horses ............................................. Eight pieces, man with 823 Lady Passenger ....................................... £15-25
Cast metal with wooden Galloping Donkey Celtic............................................. GPP £100-130 Panama
handle,
..........................................................4-inches high Donkey pulling a two wheeled ...... £1,000-1,300
Chelsea .......................................................
5819 Coronation Set presented
at Britains with pipe, chauffeur, policeman,hat, man walking 824 Policeman ................................................ £15-25
........ £450-650 flat cart with Centenary Dinner in 1993 ladies, yachtsman, standing two Edwardian 825 Baggage & Trolley £15-25
Two Horse Race driver and passenger........................... Derby County ................................................. ....
....NGPP

JUST
.................................................NG One of limited edition man with pipe
..........................................................
Two horses with jockeys The Rotary Railway Express £900-1,250 Everton .......................................................... PP of 85, original box with One trolley, two trunks...............................
suspended on wire menu (QE II) ........................................... 562 Golfer 1934 ..£1,000-1,500 1R Railway Station Staff £10-15
attached to a central flywheel Three inch long 2-2-2 ‘spinners’ Huddersfield Town ........................................NGPP .... NGPP £200-250 1954
mechanism . Loco green and ........................................ 9401 Coronation Coach With grey golf bag ..................................... Lady passenger with umbrella,
gold finish................................................ Liverpool ............................................ 1954
£350-450 £1,000-1,125 Gilt coach with blue panels, £80-100 with pipe, military policeman, male passenger
18 Manchester City .............................................NGPP Horses, four riders, seated eight Windsor Grey
.............................................
Queen and Duke of Gauge 1 Railways Sets guard, policeman,
station master,
two porters with trolleys,
Edinburgh ................................................. & items 54mm porters carrying luggage, two
£80-110 155 Railway Station Staff two trunks, one set of golf
two luggage trolleys,
1908 clubs, Portmanteaux
and four cases .........................................
£600-700

19
Cars Dinky Toys
blue/maroon
cream/brown, black/cream, ...... £300-500
black flashes, black base
Red body with silver or .......... £50-65 ............................................................
Open chassis, filled-in
............................................................ 1937-40 Casting change: of spare wheel
1954 (Renumbered to 222) windscreen, cast impression ...... £300-500
Dinky Toys Cars 24b Limousine 1934-38 chassis. ............................................................

£20!
1934-38
Types 1 or 2: criss-cross 24h Sports Tourer Two-seater

Dinky Toys Cars

sidelights, no spare chassis.
be found to have two Types 1, 2 or 3: grille, no three ‘stacked’ Types 1 or 2: criss-cross wheel hub cast-in,
renumbered will often for its wheel, three side windows,louvres. blue, black or Types 1, 2 or 3: grille, spare windscreen, separate
models which have been unboxed version and another
models. differing prices – one for
the pre-1954
pre- parallel horizontal bonnet no sidelights, open tinplatecasting. Plated, blue
for pre-1954 unboxed car hubs.
Market Price Range (MPR) from retailer’s trade successor.
boxed and renumbered section for details of individual boxes and packs plated ‘Tootsie-Toy’type dashboard/steering wheel
all the cars were sold unboxed all pre-1954 issues maroon/dark maroon, or black smooth hubs.
Prior to 1954, virtually See also the Trade Box Body/chassis colours: red/red, green/dark green,
or three models. Consequently, black, blue/yellow,
boxes of either six, four unboxed. Post-1954 that were used to supply
shops. maroon/grey, maroon/ Body/chassis colours:
have been priced as being with driver and yellow/black, yellow/
(except for 23m and 23s) have been priced accordingly. As a consequence, MPR 23e Speed of the Wind dark blue/black, yellow/brown £450-550 yellow/green, yellow/blue, red/green,
models were all boxed
and
MPR Model and details passenger ................................................ brown, black/cream, cream/green, ................... £400-600
Car 1952-54 1937-40 Casting change: wheel slot, three blue/brown, yellow/purple
Model and details green nose circle, green 23f Alfa-Romeo Racing
MPR exhaust, orange body, number ‘8’, red diecast Same colours but no spare chassis, ‘Bentley’ 1937-40 Casting change:
Model and details (first casting)
£150-175 Red body, white racing £100-110 open windscreen, cast
23 Racing Car 1934-35 RN ‘4’ ....................................................... hubs, not boxed ...................................... parallel bonnet louvres, Open chassis, filled-in
no driver, 0, 2, 3 or upper body flash, 3 from a trade box. Later £200-400 ..................... £400-600
22a Open Sports Car 1933-35‘HORNBY SERIES’ Lead body, no racing number, Orange body, long green number ‘4’ or ‘10’ Items sold individually grille and bumper................................... impression of spare wheel
pipe), coloured tyres exhaust stubs, green racing dual no box marked
‘Modelled Miniature’ withmetal wheel/tyre 4 exhausts stubs (without ...... £150-175 models sold from individual £130-150 25j Jeep 1947-48 £140-170
cast into lead body, solid metallic blue, purple, on some. either blue, cream,
............................................................
blue upper body flash, 23f or 23f/232 .......................................... Red body, blue hubs............................... £180-200
in Cream or white body with nose flash£200-300 Yellow body, long dark 1954 (Renumbered to 232) 1952-54 Red body, black hubs .............................

With more than 350 pages, over 3,400 models

castings (thinly painted £200-250
not painted at all) lead green, orange or red top
and plated hubs.............................................. Car .................... £120-150
green, yellow or red, or upper body flash, three (3rd casting) 23g Cooper-Bristol Racing, green ridged hubs Light green body, red hubs ................ £100-120
tinplate radiator (grille Yellow body with blue 23a Racing Car 1946-52 ‘6’ Light green body, black
hubs
windscreen surround, £200-300 no raised circle for Green body, white RN ........ £90-110 yellow hubs ..... £150-180
may be same colour as
body, or overpainted exhaust stubs........................................... With transverse body ribs, issued in colour type ............................................................ Aqua or sky blue body,
the mudguards). numbers, and only dual 23g/233 1954 black hubs ....... £100-120
with the colour of racing
numbers. Note boxes both 23g and Aqua or sky blue body,
Blue body, yellow seats
and mudguards 3, with or without racing 220) (Renumbered to 233) 25y Universal Jeep
...... £400-600 (Re-introduced in 1954
as 1953-54 £130-150
............................................................
.......... £400-600 silver nose circle, top 23h Ferrari Racing Car RN ‘5’ and ridged hubs Red body, blue hubs............................... £80-100
Blue body, red seats/mudguards Red or red/green body, Blue body, yellow nose, Red body, red hubs...................................
£400-600 RN ‘4’), red hubs£50-75 ...... £130-150 hubs .......... £80-120
Cream body, red seats/mudguards....... flash and side circle (red top flash and side ............................................................ Dark green body, mid-green
Cream body, green seats
and mudguards Silver body, red nose circle, ................... £50-75 dual 23h/234 1954 hubs ............ £120-140
...... £400-600 RN ‘4’), red hubs Note boxes both 23h and Dark green body, maroon Box of four.
circle (silver (Renumbered to 234) 24b Limousine a Trade
............................................................ £400-600 black hubs........ £50-75 Individually sold from
Cream body, blue seats/mudguards..... Red body, cream flashes, 1954 (Renumbered to 405)
seats and mudguards 23b Hotchkiss Racing
Car 1935-41 24c Town Sedan 1934-38 chassis.
Red body, cream or blue ...... £400-600 red or silver flash and 27d Land Rover 1950-54
............................................................ Blue body with dark blue, £200-300 Types 1 or 2: criss-cross wheel, no sidelights, See ‘Farm and Garden
Models’.
Yellow body, green seats
and mudguards number ‘2’, ‘5’ or ‘8’ ................................ Types 1, 2 or 3: grille, spare wheel casting,
...... £400-600 and RN ‘1’ ......... £200-300 27f Estate Car 1950-54
Cream body, red flash separate windscreen/steering‘Tootsie-Toy’type Models’
............................................................
seats and 23a Racing Car (3rd casting) and RN ‘3’........ £200-300 smooth blue, black or plated See ‘Farm and Garden
Orange-brown body, cream Yellow body, blue flash sold from Trade Boxes
£400-600 ‘6’........... £200-300 NB all 30 series cars were
mudguards .............................................. (23 re-issued) Orange body, green flash/RN ‘5’............ £200-300 hubs.
green/black, green/
Green body, yellow seats
and mudguards 23a Racing Car 1935-41 body, no driver, no Green body, yellow flash/RN ‘4’ .......... £200-300 Body/chassis colours: of six.
...... £400-600 As first casting but diecast dark blue/dark blue, 30a Chrysler ‘Airflow’
Saloon 1935-40
............................................................ tyres, four exhausts. Turquoise body, red flash/RN ‘4’ ........ £200-300 yellow, pale green/red, dark blue/black chassis, separate
1933-35 number, black or white Turquoise body, blue flash/RN cream/dark blue, cream/black, (Renumbered to 32). No exist, smooth plain
22b Closed Sports Coupé ‘HORNBY SERIES’ cast White body and hubs,
blue top flash and circle flash and RN ‘5’ .. £50-75 ...... £300-500
bumper units, lead versions
Modelled Miniature’ with wheel/tyre castings £200-300 1946-48 Red with silver ............................................................
on nose .................................................... RN ‘5’ ................. £50-75 1937-40 Casting change: or silvered hubs.
into lead body, solid metal tinplate radiator red top flash and circle Silver with red flash and chassis, no spare wheel green, purplish blue,
Cream body and hubs, Turquoise, maroon, cream,

featured and all-new colour photographs throughout.

Car 1936-38 Same colours but open
(coloured or plain,as 22a), £200-300 23c Mercedes-Benz Racing or light green body
HWM Racing Car door handles colour) .............. £500-750
colour). on nose .................................................... Red, light blue, silver, yellow with or without slot, narrower boot, shorter red, (hubs may be any
(painted in main body and circle on nose ...... £200-400 plated chrome hubs
mudguards Blue body, white top flash with contrasting body flashes, 23j HWM Racing Car 1953-54 With ‘Tootsie-Toy’ type
Cream body, red roof and £1,500-2,000
...... £200-300
‘5’, driver cast-in,black ‘7’, green ridged hubs
............................................................ ...... £300-400
............................................................
flash and circle on nose racing numbers ‘3’, ‘4’ or Light green body, yellow ...... £100-120 24d Vogue Saloon 1934-38 chassis. ............................................................
black smooth hubs,
............................................................
mudguards.£1,500-2,000 Orange body, green top ...... £200-300 hubs, treaded tyres .................................
£200-250
1 or 2: criss-cross 1946 Cream or green body, £250-300
Cream, green roof and but with rivetted
............................................................
Dual 23j/235 1954 Types nearside spare wheel,
Red body, blue roof/mudguards
.....£1,500-2,000 ............................................................
flash and circle on nose 1938-40 As previous model £150-200 Note boxes both 23j & Types 1, 2 or 3: grille, with black or plated hubs white tyres ...............................................
body, ridged hubs
mudguards Yellow body, dark blue baseplate bearing information.............. (Renumbered to 235) no sidelights. Smooth blue, 1946-48 Cream or green
Red body, cream roof and £1,500-2,000
...... £200-300
Car’). Car 1953-54 usually black ........................................... £300-350
£200-250
............................................................
flash................. £200-300 1946-50 (‘Large Open Racing with various 23k Talbot-Lago Racing blue diecast hubs with white tyres.
blue/dark blue, blue/
............................................................ Brown body, cream top Re-issued 23c in blue or
silver, Blue body, yellow RN ‘4’
, Body/chassis colours: Blue body and black hubs......................
Blue body, red roof/mudguards......£1,500-2,000 ‘8’ ............... £200-300 £40-50 ...... £120-140 brown/green,
and mudguards Silver body, green number black, blue/maroon, cream/blue, green/black, South African issue: hubs, white tyres
Blue body, yellow roof Racing Car (second casting)for racing
racing numbers........................................... ............................................................
Dual 23k/230 Turquoise body, dark blue
............................................................
£1,500-2,000 23a
circles Note boxes both 23k & £120-140 pink/green, red/grey, green/blue, £400-600 ...... £300-500
Yellow body, green roof
and mudguards With driver plus raised Blue silver green hubs ............................ maroon/black ......................................... ............................................................
hubs, white tyres
£1,500-2,000 numbers, six exhausts
in fishtail.
1954 (Renumbered to 230) 1938-41 1937-40 Casting change: Dark blue body, dark blue ...... £300-500
............................................................ colour sidestripes and chassis, higher ‘domed’
and mudguards, gold Colour type 1: With minor 23m ‘Thunderbolt’ Speed
Car Same colours but open ............................................................
Orange body, green roof (sometimes known as Union Jacks on tail, £300-500
wash wheels ......................................£1,500-2,000 perhaps coloured tyres Silver body, black detailing, blue box dated ‘2-38’, roofline, no spare wheel.........................
‘Humbug’ version). Saloon 1934-38
flash, even width top silver baseplate. In original £125-150 24e Super Streamlined chassis.
Colour type 2: Broad nose code: ‘A2247’ ........................................... £300-400 Types 1 or 2: criss-cross
rear flash (also known
as ‘Humbug’ version). spare or sidelights, 12
at cockpit and pointed Red body, silver detailing....................... Types 1, 2 or 3: grille, no
Colour type 3: Broad flashon nose. 1953-54 blue, black or plated
Car 23n Maserati Racing Car ‘9’, red diecast hubs, not bonnet louvres. Smooth
ends top flash, cast circle 23d Auto-Union Racing Red, white flash and RN ‘Tootsie-Toy’ type hubs.
£125-175 maroon/black, red/
Variations:
stripes, number ‘9’ Car 1936-38 boxed ....................................................... Body/chassis colours:
Type 1, cream body, red 23d Auto-Union Racing red/black, green/blue,
£1,000-1,500 pre-war issues without driver: 1954 (Renumbered to 231) 1939-40 maroon, green/maroon,
.......................... £400-600
Early yellow or silver body, Car red/brown, All maroon
............................................................ RN ‘11’ 23p Gardner’s MG Record

This is value you can’t beat!

Type 2, blue with white
stripes/driver, Red, turquoise, pale green,clipped-in tinplate and ‘MG’ logo, Union 1937-40 Casting change:
£1,000-1,500 Dark green, white flash with 13 bonnet louvres
racing numbers on some, lacquered unpainted As previous model but
............................................................
blue top flash, racing ...... £250-350 Jacks, ‘MG Magnette’ on box, dated ‘9-39’ ...... £400-600 30a Chrysler Airflow
Type 2, yellow body, dark £200-300 base.................................................... £450-650 tinplate baseplate, yellow ............................................................
number ‘7’ or ‘1’ ..................................... Bottle-green body................................... ...... £300-400
top flash, racing issue with driver, rivetted ............................................................ 24f Sportsmans Coupé
1934-38 30b Rolls-Royce 1935-40 authentic radiator,
Type 2, blue body, white 1938-41 Later pre-war Union Jacks, no flash, spare wheel, no Open chassis, no sidelights,
.............................. £200-300 .................................................
£250-350 1946-47 Dark green body, not boxed ...... £80-100 Criss-cross chassis, with coloured hubs.
22g Streamline Tourer number ‘11’, ‘4’ or ‘5’ baseplate
issue with driver: ‘MG Record Car’ on base, 1938-40 sidelights, smooth hubs. smooth black hubs or
stripes, racing number 1946-50 Early post-war yellow/brown, cream/ hubs attract a
Type 2, yellow with blue or without racing 23s Streamlined Racing
Car Blue/blue, blue/black, NB Models with coloured
type hubs .£1,000-1,500 Red or silver body, with green detailing, lead
£200-400
22g Streamline Tourer
1935-41 ‘7’, silvered ‘Tootsie Toy’ stripes, racing number tyres ................... £80-100 Light green body, dark dark blue, tan/brown ............................. premium.
wheel and windscreen, Type 2, orange with greentype hubs£1,000-1,500 number, black or white ...... £100-125 open chassis, higher red and maroon, blue/
Model has cast steering may be painted as driver ........ £80-100 ............................................................ 1937-40 Casting change: wheel.......... £200-400 1935-40 Cream/black,
fawn/black, tan/dark
smooth diecast hubs which colour. Some have ‘10’, silvered ‘Tootsie Toy’ Later post-war issue without Car 1936-38 or silver detailing, ‘domed’ roofline, no spare 1934-38 black, dark blue/black,
nose/circle and top Racing Light blue body, dark blue .................... £500-600
body colour or a contrasting Type 3, white body, blue 23e ‘Speed Of The Wind’ yellow or silver body,
£100-125
24g Sports Tourer Four-seater brown, red/black, all black
......................... £200-300 Red, blue, light blue, green, driver, with or
lead .......................................................... £100-125 grey/grey, green/light
chrome hubs. Body colours: flash, racing number ‘2’ Orange body, lead .................................. Types 1 or 2: criss-cross
chassis. Yellow/brown, red/red,
or dark blue, cream, nose/circle and top base,
plain clipped-in tinplate or ‘6’, black hubs and wheel hub cast-in, ......................... £250-350
Green, maroon, red, light Type 3, cream body, red Light green, light blue,
red or orange body, Types 1, 2 or 3: grille, spare windscreen, separate green, pale green/black
£300-400 ......................... £200-300 ‘3’ £75-100 hubs ...... £500-750
buff or black ............................................ flash, racing number ‘3’ without racing numbers
fakes exist........... £50-75 mazak diecasting ...................................... no sidelights, open tinplatecasting. Blue or black Turquoise/dark blue, silvered wheel hubs
white tyres nose and flash, no herringbone tyres. Lead green body, silver or black
Turquoise body, blue hubs, ... £750-1,000 Type 3, red body, cream .................... £200-300 bearing 1948-54 Light, Mid or dark dashboard/steering wheel Light blue body, smooth ...... £250-350
number, no transverse
ribs 1938-41 With rivetted baseplate £50-65 ‘Tootsie-Toy’ type hubs.
............................................................ nose/circle and top £50-75 green flashes ............................................... smooth hubs or plated ............................................................
black open chassis
South African issues: Type 3, white body, green information ................................................. or green flashes yellow/black, yellow/ Fawn body, black hubs,
hubs .................. £250-350 ......................... £200-300 informative Navy blue body with silver Body/chassis colours:
Leaf green with plated flash, racing number ‘6’ 1946-49 Red or silver, rivetted .................. £35-45 .......... £50-65
blue, yellow/brown, blue/brown,
cream/green,
nose/circle and top baseplate, red hubs, grey
tyres ............................................................
22h Streamlined Saloon
1935-41 Type 3, orange body, green to 221) Silver body and Silver body with red, green
or blue flashes£50-65 103
(no steering wheel). ......................... £200-300
A saloon version of 22g flash, racing number ‘4’ 1950-54 (Renumbered £35-45
as body colour or a driver, raised racing hubs, plain base..........................................
Wheels may be painted Casting variation with only, no detailed
contrasting colour. £300-400 number circle on nearside
Red, maroon, blue or cream..................

102

Order your copy today by calling 01778 392006

or go to www.ccofgb.uk/ramsays17
190x95 Ramsay on-sale.indd 1 11/05/2021 13:50

p080.indd 88 12/05/2021 12:24

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

100 years PART

TWO

of Haribo Andrew Ralston unwraps

more sweet diecasts.

T
he Haribo confectionery company has 1 A companion model carried A rather different take on this idea comes from
always appreciated the value of putting another Haribo brand name, Schuco Piccolo, which are small (1/90 scale) but
Maoam. The two vans were
the company’s logo on model vehicles. supplied together in a bubble
heavy, thanks to being cast in one solid piece. First
Last month we examined the scarce and pack. seen in 1957, these saw a revival in the 1990s and
desirable Tekno Taunus van and some of 2 Promotional VW van in the range soon developed beyond remakes of
the more recent Siku issues, but these are by no means Haribo livery to approximately earlier subjects to include many new ones. Like
the only diecasts on the Haribo theme. 1/43 scale. Tekno, Märklin,Vitesse and others, Schuco used a
There are also numerous unbranded promotional VW TI van as the base of multiple liveries, using
issues, available as on-pack offers or sold cheaply in modern printing techniques to achieve a high
packaging with colourful seasonal backing cards, a level of detail in spite of the small dimensions of
popular collecting theme in Germany where they are the models. Schuco goes in for limited editions in
known as ‘Werbemodelle’. Huge numbers of these a big way, often packed in imaginative ways such
exist carrying the logos of food and drink brands and as gift tins. In 2002, an edition of 2,222 examples,
many other products. One of the best is a model of in Haribo livery, was produced in a picture box
the classic 1950s Volkswagen T1 delivery van, first ▲ Limited edition Schuco accompanied by a small bag of Haribo sweets.
examined in Diecast Collector back in 2007, when Piccolo Haribo set from 2002. The sell-by date of the sweets was April 2003, so
several different coloured finishes were issued to presumably the unopened bag is now a collector’s
promote the German supermarket chain REWE. item as well as the van! The following year there
Since then, other promotional versions have been was a further issue of 2000 Mercedes LP911
made, including a twin-pack containing a blue van articulated Haribo trucks, supplied with a tube of
with Haribo markings, accompanied by an orange sweets, in a hinged wooden box.
one marked “Maoam”, another of the company’s ▲ “Happy Easter” with a Haribo In the 1980s, Norev’s budget Jet Car toys were
confectionery trademarks. Made to approximately promotional truck. brightened up with paper stickers and, among
1/43 scale, this captures the distinctive shape of the others, there’s a Renault 4 van in pink with
van well even though it is clearly made to a budget, Haribo markings. Norev now focuses mostly on
with the decorations being applied as self-adhesive the adult collecting market and frequently exploits
stickers. The maker is a bit of a mystery, though. a favourite French theme, the advertising vehicles
The underside carries the name Pro-Innovation associated with the Tour de France cycle race.
and an address in the town of Fürth in Northern About ten years ago a Nissan Navara pick-up was
Bavaria that, together with the adjacent town of made in Tagada and Dragibus colours - other types
Nuremberg, has a long history of toy manufacture of Haribo sweets. For those who like larger scales,
and distribution. Pro-Innovation, however, is not a there is also a 1/18 Norev Simca 1000 rally car in
▲ Norev’s Haribo Dragibus
manufacturer, but a specialist in the distribution of pick-up is based on a real
metallic blue with Haribo markings. It seems that
promotional items, so manufacture will have been vehicle that accompanied the Haribo models come in almost as many different
sub-contracted elsewhere. Tour de France cycle race. varieties as the sweets themselves! DC

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 81

 LETTERS

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

DATABASE PROPOSAL
I have just about caught up with the last few magazine issues and noticed
the letters pages, where there is a discussion about collecting databases
and software. I use a dedicated and purpose built collecting software
solution which is brilliant and does everything any collector would want. I
work in IT software & databases for education, so I can speak from some
experience and enthusiasm for this product. I would love to do my first
article for you on this topic and explain how it can work and be set up and
customised. It is so much more effective than using Excel or any other non
dedicated application, and works across Apple and PC platforms with Apps
Photo: Aston Martin

for IOS and Android, so you can take the collection with you. It is also very
reasonable to buy and trouble free to install and run. I think this would be
a really good solution for you, so I’m looking to develop something for an
article, and this would also meet what is obviously a demand from readers
to know more and have something available to them. I hope you agree?
Philip Gibbins-Klein, email
IT’S A FAIRED-IN COP ED That sounds like an excellent idea for an article, so please keep me
I always enjoy Francisco Mota's informative and usually accurate articles. in the loop on your discussions with the developer and we can factor
However, I was surprised to see a mistake in the June 2021 issue's piece in some magazine pages in due course. I’m sure this will prove to be
on Fastest Production Cars, Part One, regarding the Aston Martin DB4 GT, of great interest, particularly the portability for those of us with larger
as the fastest in 1959. The text gives all the right details, as usual, but the collections – I’ve lost count of the times where I’ve bought a model,
illustrations are of the ‘ordinary’ DB4. The GT had a shorter wheelbase and either online or at a toy fair, then find when I get it home I’ve already got
the main ‘at-a-glance’ styling difference was that it had faired-in headlights, one that I’d forgotten I’d already purchased!
so overall it did look rather different to the standard DB4. In a sense, the
error is forgivable, in as much as I don't think there is a volume-produced TV, FILM & COMICS
1
2

model of the DB4 GT – a major gap there for an enterprising manufacturer to TV, FILM & COMICS company imported cheap toys from
mainly Hong Kong, but during the
the Far East,
1970s moved
increasingly into licensed products. AHI
some really major franchises of many
obtained
of the most

Sgt Rock
of the
popular TV and comic-book characters
and usually
times, but its toys were cheap, plasticky
packs were

fill - all the models are either of the standard DB4 or the different-again DB4
poor-quality items. Often the blister
Franchises
more interesting than the contents.
as Batman,
included some pretty big names, such
Hulk, Star
focus Superman, Spider-Man, the Incredible
on comic book characters, as we Trek, Space:1999, Planet of the Apes
and The 3
Mike Pigott continues his series hero Flintstones. AHI did not try to compete
with 4
diecast line of all time – military
Centurion Tank. ▲ Sgt Rock packaging.

on the most obscure DC Comics

Corgi, and
high-quality brands like Mattel and
toy
stuck to budget items such as water-pistols,
Sgt Rock, as modelled by AHI.
also unlikely to be have been used by

GT Zagato, with its more streamlined overall look. Or, of course, the later
vehicles
parachutists, and plastic wind-ups. Some helicopters were not used in World War
Sgt Rock as
knock-
Rock were produced, including several plastic Military Helicopter.
this was a reasonably competent model
II. Actually,
charge of his own platoon, Easy Company. offs of Corgi’s Batmobile and Batboat.
AHI was a of a Hughes
lthough DC Comics is best known for

A
stories
served in North Africa, but most of his reactionary company that frequently
exploited the 369 helicopter, which was used by the
US Army
its iconic super-heroes, such as Batman, France and - although not until 1966. The casting
took place in occupied Europe, mainly market with cheap imitations. originated
Superman and Wonder Woman, the band of They were packaged on blister cards as part of a range based on the TV series
Belgium. Easy Company was a rag-tag In 1974, AHI acquired the trademark
of defunct CHiPs,
company has also published a wide were given nick- of the major with made by Imperial Toys (February 2011
the disparate soldiers, all of whom toy company Remco. Remco was one a red and yellow background, logos issue). The
range of different genre comics over and
horror names by Rock, such as ‘Bulldozer’, ‘Wildman’ American toy manufacturers during
the 1950s for DC fuselage was all diecast, and included
the skids. It was
years, including Westerns, romance, humour, by Rock, he and Sgt Rock, and an illustration

DB5, where again we have bucket-loads from which to choose.

‘Little Sure Shot’. In stories narrated and painted light olive, with working top
best known and '60s, making a wide range of innovative of Rock and tail rotors
and war. Of the military comics, the referred to them as “the combat-happy
Joes of Easy
had gone bankrupt in 1971. in brown plastic.
character was Sgt Rock, a rugged US
soldier from adventures high-quality toys, but
for a line of
that appeared to be drawn by Joe
Company”. Rock and Easy Company
occupied AHI intended to use the Remco brand Kubert. PACKAGING
World War II. generally involved them wandering around move beyond
more ambitious products in order to
1 SU-100.
war based on the franchise, under its own
Sgt Rock first appeared in the anthology and getting attacked and ambushed by
Nazis acquired the trademark. turret, raising cannon and secondary, The models were about the same size
and proved popular Europe low-priced ‘rack toys’. In 1982, AHI 2 Military Jeep. These included things like water pistols, small turning as Hot Wheels
comic GI Combat #68 in 1959, in Tiger Tanks and Stuka bombers. characters, dart guns, gun turret in black plastic. A clear “US windscreen and a rotating double-barrel cars (the tanks and helicopter were slightly
title feature franchise for several more DC Comics King Tiger Tank. 3 Military Police Car. parachutist figures, and toy flying helicopters. Army” label machine larger).
enough to be revived as the recurring Writer Robert Kanigher had always
intended this was And was fixed to the turret sides. gun. However, it rode on undersized They were packaged on blister cards
War a few including Sgt Rock. The reason for most importantly, there was a range of speedwheels, with a red and
in companion magazine Our Army at the war, 4 Military Ambulance.
eight different lacked a steering wheel, and the front
Robert that Rock and his troop would not survive because there were talks in progress
regarding a Sgt SGT ROCK FIGURES diecast vehicles. seats were for
yellow background, logos for DC and
Sgt Rock, and
months later. Rock was created by writer and that Rock was killed by the last
bullet fired in was Rock figures, CENTURION TANK - The main some reason in the folded-down position. an illustration of Rock that appeared
Rock feature film - Arnold Schwartzenegger In 1982, AHI released a range of Sgt It was to be drawn

Charles Barnett, Bradford

that produced British tank of
Kanigher and artist Joe Kubert, a team the conflict. However, the magazine
was cancelled or Joe from gloss dark green with a green metal base by Joe Kubert. The back of the card
Kubert had in the frame to portray Rock. Unfortunately under the Remco brand. Similar to G.I. DIECAST VEHICLES the post-war era, it was designed during
the war but and a star featured AHI's
most of his adventures over the years. before this story could be written, and
subsequent - this film tall with did not enter service until 1946. Painted decal on the bonnet. other Sgt Rock merchandise, although
distinctive, gritty style of art with a scratchy, day stories, fortunately - depending on your outlook Hasbro, the figures were around 10cm The diecast range was released under
the AHI brand, dark green no mention of the diecast vehicle series.
there was
a very writers had Rock appearing in present However, with beige camouflage, it had unlikely
at War was was never made. moveable joints and miniature weapons. presumably because they weren’t of high US Army There was
cross-hatched finish. In 1977, Our Army even some bizarre team-ups with Batman
and the only enough MILITARY POLICE CAR - Another also a cut-out coupon for a discount
continued despite the range being called “Sgt Rock”, quality to be Remco. They were very labels on the sides - unlikely because
the USA did strange subscription to
renamed Sgt Rock, and the comic book Superman! In 2010, a story was published
that told his platoon much cheap inclusion was a modern MP car. Based the Sgt Rock comic. The two enemy
battle GI JOE named character was Rock himself - budget toys, and were not original castings. not operate Centurions. It featured a
rotating turret on a Chevy tanks came on
its 29-year run until 1988, at which time the tale of Rock’s death - he was killed on the last their existence were The and elevating cannon. Impala, this casting had previously been black Bad Guys cards, with a badly-drawn
book was Surprisingly, the Sgt Rock toys owe members such as Wildman and Bulldozer line consisted of four tanks and four issued by picture of
comics had fallen out of favour and the day of the war in Europe while saving
a child who of action were just other vehicles LJN Toys in its Road Stars range, as a a huge cobra.
have still to competitor Hasbro’s ‘G.I. Joe’ range not included. Instead, the other figures – a Jeep, a helicopter, a military police police car
discontinued, although Sgt Rock stories had wandered into the crossfire. a large, like Airman, car and an SU-100 - This Soviet armoured vehicle from the TV series The Rookies, featured Unfortunately, there was no mention
figures. Introduced in 1963, G.I. Joe was generic types of soldiers with names ambulance. was not in the of DC
occasionally been published. military in each pack was actually December 2008 issue. It was painted Comics or Sgt Rock on the models
posable male doll that was sold in various Marine and Marksman. Included The model tanks represented military
vehicles
a tank, as it did not have a turret; it was matt olive
green with a bare metal base, black interior, once removed from the packaging they
themselves, so
AZRAK-HAMWAY Action changed to a classified as a tank destroyer. The model
uniforms. The British version was called an imitation dog tag - this was later from four different countries. They were clear just became
THE ROCK OF EASY INTERNATIONAL the late 1970s
▲ Bad Guys packaging.
not new light grey with patches of black camo,
was painted blue windows, and a star label on the generic budget military toys. They are
steelworker Man. These toys fell out of fashion in military patch. castings, and were not exclusive to AHI. had a moving bonnet. The hard to
Frank Rock was a tough Pennsylvanian Azrak-Hamway International (AHI)
was a New
Sgt Rock was given his own line of They had cannon, but strangely roof lights were not highlighted and
were left in locate today. Whilst not great models
on Pearl and G.I. Joe was retired. Like G.I. Joe, appeared under a number of different also had US Army labels. by any means,
who joined the US Army after the attack
▲
1964 by brand names body colour.
section in York-based toy importer founded in In 1981, Hasbro felt the time was right
to revive
enemies. However, replacing the Nazis
he usually in various packaging, and were probably Although the SU-100 was a World War
II vehicle,
The military ambulance in its they are of interest for being the only
diecast toys
▲ Sgt Rock action figures were Harbour. First assigned to the infantry the made original guise as a fire truck in based (however loosely) on a DC Comics
heavily advertised in comics, but Sergeant in Marvin Azrak and Ezra Hamway. Initially the concept of G.I. Joe, but as much
smaller 10cm ▲ Sgt Rock comic cover. fought was a team of terrorists with
the incredibly by Universal Toys prior to acquiring they were mainly used on the Eastern
Front, away military
Europe, he rose to the rank of Master
the LJN Road Stars range.
by Kenner’s supposedly Matchbox. from where Rock was based in Western MILITARY AMBULANCE - Also character. DC
not the diecast vehicles. figures, such as had been popularised unimaginative name of “The Bad Guys”, They featured in Universal’s own Kidco Europe. a modern

ED Good spot, sir! I should have noticed this too, given my enthusiasm
were were dressed Tough vehicle, this was clearly not an ambulance,
Star Wars range. However, Hasbro designers the “Ultimate Enemy”. These bad boys Wheels packaging, plus other generic
brands such fire truck. Again originating in the Road
but a
and back black blister KING TIGER TANK - The tank
stuck when coming up with a concept in black uniforms, and packaged on as Die Cast Dyna Mite, Uniborn,Victory
Force, that Easy Co line, it was formerly the Dodge squad
Stars
when the The figures most frequently encountered was a Tiger
story for the figures. Fate intervened cards featuring a drawing of… a cobra! and Military Action - some of these
were probably tank, so Emergency! Now painted in olive with
truck from
Comics at a Sgt Rock this model of a King Tiger would seem
boss at Hasbro met the head of Marvel were billed as being “compatible with the shop’s own brands. While they were
generally appropriate camo, it had a large Red Cross decal
khaki
superheroes, to attract for the range. It was painted tan with
business dinner. In addition to its own and all mini action figures”, presumably recognisable replicas of the real tanks,
they were brown camo base was bare metal and included
on top. The
based on team and markings, and had a turning turret and
Marvel specialised in producing comics collectors of G.I. Joe. Both Sgt Rock’s fairly 'el-cheapo' items. They did not
have working elevating the grille and running boards.
offered sets and gun. Unbelievably, this enemy tank had
toys and other licensed properties. Marvel the Bad Guys had a number of accessory tank treads, with the tracks and road
wheels being also been It really looked nothing
its G.I. Joe of G.I. given spurious USA markings! Later,
to help Hasbro design characters for vehicles. Quite clearly they were rip-offs part of the black plastic base. The tanks
rolled on the SU-100 like an American military
tie-in. Instead Joe and Cobra. But because they were
officially and King Tiger were reissued without
range, and to produce a comic book

for any car that has raced at Le Mans – a ‘standard’ DB4 GT raced
four slightly-oversized concealed wheels. US Army
a mercenary on a long- labels and in Bad Guys packaging, indicating ambulance, and there was
of being soldiers, the figures were now licensed from DC Comics, and based M60 TANK - Being an American main
battle that the nowhere to load patients.
for the squad. be accused of neutral terrorists were now Russians
team, and G.I. Joe was the code name running feature, they couldn’t really tank, this would seem to be an ideal
addition to and Germans.
called of larger
Their enemy was an evil terrorist organisation plagiarism. Remco also produced a range the range, although as it did not enter
service MILITARY
until MILITARY
COBRA. action figures based on DC’s sword-and-sorcery 1960, it would be unlikely that Sgt Rock
came into
JEEP - The only vehicle in the
HELICOPTER - The
success, figures range that Rock himself may have used
The small action figures proved a huge series The Warlord. These stocky, muscular contact with one. Painted dark tan, it
had a rotating was this final item in the range
veteran Masters of combat Jeep. Although crude, it featured
and the comic book, written by Vietnam ▲ Sgt Rock plastic vehicles were were a complete knock-off of Mattel’s a folding was a helicopter, which was
magazine
Larry Hama, became Marvel’s top selling promoted on the back of the the Universe Range.
packaging, but not the diecast the company54 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • June 2021

in 1959 as a privateer entry, before several appearances for Zagato

for several years. Marvel’s animation division series.
As AHI had the license to Sgt Rock,
even a feature also introduced a number of cheap ‘rack
toys’
produced a TV show, and there was
film released in 1987.
▲

M60 Tank. p052-055 Sgt Rock - RW.indd 54-55

53
June 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk •
55
June 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk •

17/05/2021 10:24
52 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • June 2021

versions in later years.

ROCKING ALL OVER

LEFT OR RIGHT THE WORLD
JUSTIFICATION I haven't had too much time lately to write you, but I have been following
every ish. But I sure had to let you know I was mighty impressed with
REFERRING to the justified plea by Len Greening in the May issue for one of your features this month. The feature on Sgt Rock was totally
correctly producing left- or right-hand models, it is not always a straight astounding. I've been collecting TV and comic book themed models now
forward matter. In the same issue, Nigel Robertshaw writes an interesting for nigh on a quarter century. I thought I knew 'em all. But for the life of
article on the Commer Walk-Thru van. He wonders why the Lion Car me I never knew there was a range of Sgt Rock toy cars. I recall the action
Commer “Van Gend & Loos” van features right-hand drive in spite of its figures, but not the cars. And I used to be a huge Sgt Rock fan when I was
Dutch origin. As a subcontractor to the Dutch railways, Van Gend & Loos a mite younger. Great stuff, and that's the truth. I also liked the Hot Wheels
operated a large fleet of Commer vans from the fifties into the seventies piece too. I kinda wish you would do Hot Wheels more often like you do
for parcel delivery. All of these were right-hand drive, probably as it was with Matchbox, although I do like the Superfast by numbers series also.
regarded easier and safer for the driver to disembark at the kerbside, so Brett Ballard, Toledo, USA
the van is correctly modelled. The choice for a Commer van by Van Gend
& Loos in such a large quantity is remarkable, as these vans did not find ED Nice to hear from you and hope that the fact that you've been busy
widespread use on the Continent. is a good thing. Thanks for the kind words - you're clearly a fan of Mike
Paul Boom, The Hague, Netherlands Pigott's excellent work, as his articles are always a favourite of yours.
Glad you liked the Hot Wheels piece too, and you'll be pleased to know
ED That’s a very valid point about the driving side and that makes that I have a fair bit of HW lined up, with another Car Culture set coming
perfect sense about the Van Gend & Loos vans. Thank you for taking the soon, plus a tribute article to the work of Ryu Asada, who sadly passed
time to share this. away recently, as you may well have already heard.

82 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

MORE MINI METRO MODELS
THERE have recently been two articles on wheels and axles). The windows are cut out so if models, I would point out that the introduction of
Metro models in Diecast Collector, one by Paul one looks through them into the car, one can see the Corgi Metro coincided with the introduction of
Lumsdon in December’s edition and one by the ‘road’ underneath. The model is N-gauge so the actual car in October 1980. Initially, the Metro
Roger Bailey in May’s. As somebody who has also about 1/150. P & D Marsh specialise in making was only produced in two-door form – a five-door
collected Metros, I would like to share some more, accessories for model railway enthusiasts and model was introduced in October 1980. Thus,
rather unusual ones. this model is intended to augment N-scale both the 1/32 and Corgi Junior castings were of
There is an interesting story regarding my railway layouts. It is rather crude and I would say, the two-door car. Roger Bailey mentions the white
acquisition of these models. I work as a town if you are wanting a small Metro model, opt for taxi/minicab Corgi Junior Metro –a two-door taxi/
planner and one day a model of a new housing the previous example, provided you can accept it minicab would be somewhat impractical!
development appeared in the office I then having a prong underneath, as that is definitely a There is an oddity in my Metro collection. It is
worked in. This had models of cars on it and better representation. a ‘standard’ 1/32 red Corgi Metro mounted on a
these included some Metros. As I collect models A white metal kit manufactured by Hartsmith plinth. The plinth has a simulated road on it and
of Metros, I had to have some so I wrote to Models, but marketed by Roxley Models whose a “PLEASE DON’T PUT THIS THROUGH A CAR
the modelmaker and asked where they got the name appears on the base, is advertised as a WASH!” label has been added to the front. Two
models so I could acquire some and they very Rover Metrovan, but as it is the same shape as modifications have been made to the Corgi model
kindly sent me two complimentaryexamples. the Austin Metrovan it could be passed off as an – a piece of perspex has been set into the roof to
Just to make things totally clear, I was in no way Austin. It was produced to be made up in various simulate a sunroof, quite skillfully, and it has been
involved in dealing with the planning application Royal Mail and British Telecom liveries. It is 1/48 given a number plate, MPB 909W. The assembly
the model related to, so I am not under any scale, so is of similar size to the Corgi Junior of this has clearly required some effort. There is
suspicion of bribery! The model is 1.8 cm long, Metro. To a degree the quality of a kit-made significance in the MPB 909W registration. When
so presumably intended to complement models model depends on the skill of the kit maker, but Prince Charles started courting Lady Diana, he
of 1/200 scale. They comprise a one-piece metal subject to that proviso I would say that it is a very gave her a red Metro and this was its registration
casting with a prong underneath to hold it on good representation of the prototype with the – the car has been preserved and is on display at
a board. Thus, the wheels do not go round, but shape and proportions well represented. The kit the Coventry Museum of Transport. There was
as the cars are intended to remain stationary is still available from Roxley Models if you fancy an incident when she took it through a carwash
on architectural models, this does not matter. assembling your own Metrovan. and forgot to close the sunroof and clearly this
My two examples are mustard and blue, but it The range of Metro models in the Corgi range model has some relationship to this. I have no
is possible other colours were produced. The has generally been well described in the previous idea what the provenance of this model is. I
windows, bumpers and tyres are picked out in two articles, so I do not intend to repeat what bought it about 30 years ago at a toyfair and the
black and the headlights and wheel hubs in silver. has been said in these. One model has not been dealer I got it from told me he bought it at a car
I am not sure what process would have been mentioned, however, probably because it is not boot sale. Who made this model and why I have
used to achieve this. Given the model’s small the sort of model Diecast Collector normally no idea. I suppose it just might have belonged to
size, I doubt this would have been done by hand. covers. In fact, it is not the sort of model one her ladyship, but I consider that highly unlikely.
Anyway, on one of my models the rear window is would associate with the Corgi name. the model Though I think I will probably never find this
not painted. The model is not very accurate, but is a plastic radio-controlled one of scale around out, I would love to know the story behind its
given the small size and it no doubt having been 1/13. It is basically in the same livery as the 1/32 production.
produced in limited numbers, this is perhaps not and Corgi Juniors blue and white Datapost cars, More plastic models - it is worth mentioning
surprising. but it does not have the “77” number on the side. that Scalextric has modelled the Metro, both
There is a model by P & D Marsh Models that Although Diecast Collector does not normally ‘do’ in basic and in 6R4 rally car forms. Finally, I
is still available. It is a model with an identity plastic, I think it is worth mentioning this for the would mention one more plastic model, made by
crisis, however. If you go onto the P & D Marsh sake of completeness. Sharma Toys at a scale of 1/7.5 (no – that is not a
website, the model is described as “Rover Metro Thinking of the 1/32 Datapost “77” model, I in printing mistake!). It is a thwacking big lump, but
(intro. 1980)”. It was the Austin Metro that was fact have three different varieties of it - one has I feel obliged to refer to it as it is a very unusual
introduced in 1980 and it was not until 1987 that no advertising on the roof (I wonder if this was a item and seemingly quite rare (one can hardly fail
it was rebadged as a Rover. Until 1990 the Rover factory error) and the other two a slightly different to notice it on a toyfair table!).
Metro was identical to the Austin, so this could style of advertising on the bonnet and roof. This John Harrison, email
pass as either, I suppose. Unusually this is a is better illustrated by a photo than described in
model one can order in any colour one chooses, words. Also, I have two different versions of the ED Wow, thanks for that John – it certainly
so there is no point in my saying what colours it Corgi Juniors white model with the number “5” on adds to the two articles by Paul and Roger,
is available in. The wheels, including the hubs the bonnet. On these the number and striping are and it’s always interesting to hear about
are picked out in black. It is a white metal model in somewhat different positions. Again a photo models that we wouldn’t normally cover.
produced in one piece and “open underneath” illustrates this best. Roger Bailey reported the There is certainly quite a bit there that will
(to best explain this I would say it is similar different interior colours of the Corgi models, but prompt further discussion, I’m sure. Thank
in construction to the Dinky loudspeaker van, I presume he was not aware of these differences you so much for taking the time to put all that
though the loudspeaker van did have separate in livery. Finally, in writing about the Corgi together.

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 83

LETTERS

ANOTHER MISSIVE FROM OUR ROE-VING

REPORTER: WE DO KEEP HIM ENTERTAINED!
ISSUE 283, May 2021 - an enjoyable issue for me on the pages of DC, my first four-wheeler, after growing collection on ‘micro-cars’. Also in
with several items of particular interest, which I years of owning seven Reliants, the Metro will this category, it is not long since I added the
will go into more detail about, as follows. I read always have a special meaning to me, and Roger Multipla, not Mercury but Spot-On No 120 and a
with interest the review of Corgi’s latest Bond has very ably covered many aspects of this smaller plastic EKO version.
Aston Martin and snippets about the film itself. marque. I have some in my collection, including Onto Brian Salter’s ‘mini editions’. I’ve had a
I couldn’t help but think about the relationship a Swiss Corgi Junior Metro Mini cab presented crack at this and many that I have are on display
between the Bond films and Dr Who. Both keep to me by my Swiss friend, Marcel Perret. My own in a disused cigar sales display case, converted
changing the persona of the ‘hero’ via various converted Metro (by Mixxy Russell) appeared in of course. I am still collecting these and
actors (though we are yet to have a female Bond), the January issue this year. currently I’m adding certain Classix items to my
plus main means of transport in Bond’s case The next article by Rick Wilson featured lot. I’ve managed to get most of the Minix items
keeps ‘morphing’, to use the term loosely. Bond’s a model I’ve had since around 1987, the and am pleased with those. Needless to say, no
ally, Felix Leitner seems to have more lives than a Minissima. I have this alongside the Oso DAF more will fit in the cigar case!
cat and also morphs even swapping ethnicity! City (Corgi No 283), which must class as the Like any other member of CDMC, I’m always
Moving to articles, several had my interest smallest-most-play-value item with its five pleased when I see some models of Coventry-
and I’ll start with David Lynn’s Nissan article. opening features. built vehicles featured, such as the Humbers by
I’ve had five Nissans consecutively over the Flicking the pages, I stopped at Mike Pigott’s Michael Driver on page 81, Andrew Ralston on
years and each was a joy to drive. I started with item on Dennis the Menace. Although so far I the sort-of Jaguar by Lone*Star, and I think that
the ‘square’ shape Micra (“Sooty”), then two of haven’t got an example of Dennis among the about wraps me up on this latest edition.
the rounded Micras, then I had an Almera - a growing collection of character models that I am Will Roe, Coventry
heavy car, but a dream on motorways and trunk currently adding to my models. As a lad I loved
roads. Finally I had a Micra Sport, which I kept The Beano and Dennis echoed my later years ED And another long one – thanks Will! As
for 10 years as I loved it so much. Model-wise when my own son was introduced to the comic, always, your input is very much appreciated –
I've only had a Micra as modelled (badly) by Dennis and all the other characters that we the Coventry Diecast Model Club certainly has
AHC, which are easily prone to one part or shared like enjoyment of. Nasher in a bi-plane a high profile in these pages. As an honorary
another breaking. I never got around to affording really appeals to my ex-RAF traits! member, I can thoroughly recommend getting
dealership models. Page 52 stopped me at Andrew Ralston’s in touch with the group, as other clubs are
Moving on to the next article by pal Roger Mercury article and the header photo that frequently interacted with too – search for
Bailey, a fellow CDMC member for more years featured the Bianchina. I have recently obtained the club on Facebook with “Coventry Diecast
than we jointly care to remember. Seen before this model (Hachette version) to add to my Model Club”.

Bookshop... The registration letters painted on an aircraft's tail are like its
number plate - they can reveal the story of an individual aircraft
and its different roles during its working life. Inspired by this novel
way of looking at aviation history, Guy Halford-MacLeod follows the
TELLING AIRCRAFT TAILS: A HISTORY OF chequered and multi-faceted careers of forty different airliners to
BRITAIN'S AIRLINES IN 40 AIRCRAFT present a compelling insight into the wider story of British aviation
- larger-than-life characters, politics, the aircraft manufacturers,
the state-owned corporations, the independent airlines, some
unwilling buyers, a lot of coercion, big financial losses, cheap
holiday charters and, inevitably, going bust - the full story of
Britain's airlines and the aircraft they used.
This heavily illustrated book delves into the tales of a fascinating
selection of aircraft, including many of Britain's finest airliners
Author: now preserved at museums around the country, to present the
Guy Halford-Macleod development of Britain's airline industry. It's a fascinating read for
Format: Hardback any collector of British civil aviation models.
Size: 24.9 x 22.4 cm But there's more to this from a diecast angle that might initially
Pages: 240 meet the eye. The author has identified several models, particularly
Price: £30.00 in Corgi's Aviation Archive range, which tie in directly to aircraft
ISBN: 978-0750970129 featured in the book. All will be revealed in a future article!

84 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

SIGNING OFF

Waves of nostalgia
Stephen Paul Hardy gets caught up in the past,
whilst thinking about the future.

E
very one is the victim of it in one way of us as replacements for dreams prompted by
or another - that subtle black art of wooing adverts in our favourite weekly comics,
advertising that gnaws away like a virus birthday presents and Christmas presents, all lost
at the subconscious, until it finds a way long ago.
in and encourages us to part with our But is it a generation thing, or more of a fashion
money. Undoubtedly, the most successful tacks of of an era thing - or a roll of universal energy
retail therapy encouragement are the ones that that sloshes around our beach of life like massive
really tug at the emotions, and probably top of successive waves? I have an uneasy feeling it is a
the list has to be the type that hit that nostalgia mixture, connected by some inexplicable link.
button in us. Not for the first time recently was So what product lines sold on the bait of
I prompted to this conclusion by an email that nostalgia will manufacturers turn to in three
dropped into my inbox whilst I was sitting facing decades time, to appeal to a new age of collectors?
a blank screen that was to become this month’s Maybe I am out of touch with what has been
chuntering. fashionable in children’s toys over the past 20
It was from Club Solido, announcing the years, but I have a sneaking suspicion that diecast
return of its “100 Series”1/43 vintage model models no longer feature very highly in the
replicas with the first four releases in new paint rankings - or do they still?
colours. This comes hard on the heels of the More scarily, what will cars that manufacturers
rolling out at last of the Corgi Model Club will be basing their new releases on be like in 30
series - not to mention, of course, the previous years time? Will those with the Diesel TDi power
Atlas replica series, plus others. All of those tug plants I still have a high regards for as a driver
on our nostalgic memories and I would guess are be the new retro-cool nostalgia in an ultra clean
▲ Stephen Paul Hardy. predominately bought by a generation (or few) electric world? DC

NEXT MONTH August 2021

Issue 286
Minis by Code Two Models PLUS...
A small, but intriguing range of unreleased Matchbox-Dinky ■ Porsche Boxster 25th anniversary
Minis from a little-known Australian brand.
■ Kemlows military vehicles
■ The world of woodies
■ Fun Ho! Midget trucks
■ Maltese buses
■ Diecast kits from Solido
■ Spotlight on Diecast Gems
■ Correcting Solido’s Porsche 956
■ Collecting by numbers – Superfast #13
■ Size Matters - part 23
■ Desert Island Diecasts
■ Auction results and ebay watch
Please note: These planned editorial
contents may be subject to change
■ All the latest news
where necessary.
■ Extensive selection of new model releases

August issue on sale 1st July or download the digital edition

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

July 2021 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • 85

THE LAST WORD

How’s this for

openers? Brian Gower ultimately couldn’t
resist the temptation.

Y
es, it looks pretty good, doesn't it? And ▲ Rover Sterling by Corgi. The Sterling was Rover's range-topper and the
I'm lucky to have it because it was hiding model reflects this with quite lovely pale green
in full view behind one of my personal metallic paint, tinted windows, leather seats, a sun-
blind spots. If something isn't what I want roof and special alloy wheels. The engine is probably a
it to be, I pass it with a cursory glance two-litre straight-four. The Vitesse that outclassed it in
and move on. This one I plucked from a high shelf, 1986 had Honda's silky 2.5 V6.
confirmed it was the Rover Sterling it appeared to What the model doesn't replicate is the poor
be, noted the window box, peered at the half-open reliability of the early cars, although this didn't
bonnet and door, recoiled at its size and put it back. ▲ Plenty of opening features for prevent good initial sales figures for the first year, after
This gave me the whole afternoon and evening the purchaser to enjoy. which the 'uninteresting' design was blamed for a loss
to reflect, eventually muttering to Wifey, "l should of favour. It only lost favour with me when I was a
have bought that Rover - it was a thirty-six-year-old passenger in one and inevitably compared it to the
Corgi toy, mint in a nice box and who else makes a P4s and P5s. Even without the driver demonstrating
Rover Sterling? Nobody." by remote control the various positions my seat could
"We can go back tomorrow if you like?" she said, adopt, which was like being pushed and pulled by
no small concession as the return trip would be to an aggressive osteopath, indifferent to my yelps of
an over-heated seaside town, lurching with tourists, surprise, the car was not comfortable and the various
the car parks stuffed by noon - a place we avoid clunks and honks coming from the suspension
in the summer and had only nipped into for some convinced me that Rovers were no longer available.
theatre tickets and a quick stroll along the front to the I say that the design was deemed 'uninteresting',
antiques market. "Well, I should have another look at although I liked the clean lines with a hint of the
it" I conceded, like I wasn't really bothered. wedge that the model captures smoothly, despite all
The Rover was where I had left it, but can you the usual hazards of opening doors, bonnet and boot.
believe I still hesitated? I opened the box twice, The small photo shows everything cheerfully agape,
fighting down my reluctance to buy a 1/36 model Corgi's rendition of the Sterling looks equally svelte
of great merit for eight pounds. What's wrong with with it all shut. Made in Britain, too.
me? Once home, of course, I loved it (better light And what if the Rover had already been sold to a
helped.) The box told me the model was made in less hesitant soul? There would have been no chirpy
1984, coinciding with the launch of the 800 Series, a title about openers on this page, just a brief note,
joint Rover-Honda enterprise of parallel ranges, the damp with tears - the smudged words saying "Closed
Sterling equivalent being the Honda Legend. for Sulking". DC

86 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • July 2021

 SELL YOUR DIECAST
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GAZETTE
November 2020 • Issue No 440 • www.ccofgb.co.uk • £3.99

OUT WITH
A BANG!
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of
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figure set to go under ❯❯ SOLIDO
the hammer at Aston's DIECAST
Auctioneers last ever sale Military toy vehicles
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Display until 20/11/2020

ISSN 0957-6304

PRODUCTION VARIATIONS
FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF
DIECAST COLLECTOR

Push along wooden trains, that are

more popular today than in the 1940s
TRACK SETS & ACCESSORIES + BOX STYLES & IDENTIFICATION
p001_cover.indd 1 05/10/2020 08:47

Collectors Gazette Toy Collectors Price Guide Fast & Fifty

The only toy collecting magazine The only annual featuring auction Celebrating the 50th anniversary of
focusing mainly on traditional and prices and in-depth features on a Matchbox Superfast.
nostalgic old toys. range of collecting topics.

The Corgi Story Stamp Collector Coin Collector

Celebrating 60 years of the All the latest news, information and Giving you all of the information,
iconic Corgi name. market insight to get the most from news and expert advice to build your
your hobby. collection.

✶✶✶✶✶ Leave us a review ✶✶✶✶✶

If you have enjoyed this magazine then do the next best thing to shouting it from the
rooftops… and leave us a review instead! We all like to know when something is good and if
something has been rated highly by others. Leave us a review to let new customers know what
you think to Diecast Collector.

DC More from us.indd 1 19/10/2020 12:00

 “Praise where due. This is the best
SPECIAL COLLECTOR’S EDITION

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magazine available which
I have read - I am very impressed.
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and it was written in such an easy style.

It covered every aspect and I was
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This 164-page special collector’s edition

The RAF’s greatest victory commemorated as commemorates the 80th Anniversary of
THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN IN COLOUR

never before in your 164-page special edition

the momentous Battle of Britain, making
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of Britain enthusiast.
The Men : The Machines : The Battles : The Losses
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001 front ME.indd 2 21/05/2020 21:13

THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN IN COLOUR BACKGROUND TO BATTLE

Left A Hurricane of 501 Squadron

starts-up for an operational sortie at
Betheniville, France, May 1940. Air Chief
Marshal Hugh Dowding argued successfully
against further wastage of the home-
based RAF fighter force by sending yet
more fighters to France to bolster a futile
defence.
Right As the unstoppable juggernaut of
German military might advanced across
Europe, the deadly Junkers 87 Stuka dive-
bomber came into its own. However, the
RAF quickly learned how to deal with the
aircraft, and this stood them in good stead
when facing the Stuka during the Battle of
Britain.
Below right Panzer IV tanks roll across THE RAF FIGHTER PILOT THE RAF FIGHTER PILOT
France in May 1940. The German advance
was rapid and overwhelming, and within six
weeks France had collapsed and the BEF
were evacuating from Dunkirk.

sand in an hour-glass’ and he predicted

catastrophe if Churchill continued to
help the failing ally. Thus, he sent a letter
to the Air Minister on 16 May 1940, which
may well have saved Fighter Command,
and ultimately Britain, in the nation’s
darkest hour. He wrote:
“I have the honour to refer to the very
serious calls which have recently been
made upon the Home Defence Fighter
Units in an attempt to stem the German
invasion on the Continent … I would
remind the Air Council that … my strength

The Battle Looms

has now been reduced to the equivalent of
36 Squadrons … I must therefore request
that as a matter of paramount urgency
the Air Ministry will consider and decide
what level of strength is to be left to the
Fighter Command for the defence of this
The Battle of Britain was one of the most iconic battles of the Second World War, country, and will assure me that when this Losses Mounted to be called into action, covering the
level has been reached, not one fighter At around the same time, another evacuation from Dunkirk and other
embedding itself indelibly into the nation’s consciousness. Earlier, the Battle of France will be sent across the Channel however momentous decision was undertaken French ports. Inevitably, their losses
could easily have spelled defeat before the air battles got underway in July 1940. insistent the appeals for help may be. by making Lord Beaverbrook Minister of mounted. Meanwhile, the battered and
“I believe that, if an adequate fighter Aircraft Production. Aircraft production depleted RAF units that had been based

A
force is kept in this country, if the fleet had in fact kept pace with fighter losses in France were withdrawn to Britain.
fter the outbreak of war in On 10 May 1940, German forces be made good from squadrons based remains in being, and if the Home Forces incurred during the Battle of France. Here, they were re-equipped where
September 1939, there followed launched their all-out assault on France in Britain. The Commander-in-Chief of are suitably organised to resist invasion, Soon, production would outstrip losses. necessary, and manpower shortages
eight months of what became and the Low Countries and what followed RAF Fighter Command, Air Chief Marshal we should be able to carry on the war Thus, the availability of fighters would made good so far as possible. Meanwhile,
known as the ‘Phoney War’. in Belgium, the Netherlands etc. was the Hugh Dowding, had already stated as single handed for some time, if not not become a limiting factor in the air RAF Fighter Command readied for what
However, it was clear that large-scale complete collapse of those countries early as September 1939, that if he was indefinitely. But, if the Home Defence defence of Britain. was to come. Certainly, the Battle of other pilots concentrated on what haring off suddenly, upwards or Facing page Although posed for a news
fighting would ultimately follow, and a under the overwhelming might of expected to defend Britain’s skies, then Force is drained away in desperate However, by 1 June 1940, the RAF had France was over. The Battle of Britain was was going on in their cockpits: oil downwards, the rest of the squadron cameraman, the squadron telephone
British Expeditionary Force was sent to German military power. Across France, he would need 52 fighter squadrons. attempts to remedy the situation in lost 436 fighter aircraft and almost all about to begin. temperatures and pressures, fuel state, watching in bemusement and puzzled orderly shouts instructions for a ‘scramble’
France before the end of that year. As German forces rolled inexorably onwards At that time, he had only 32 under his France, defeat in France will involve the its light bomber force of Fairey Battles, oxygen contents checked and selected because they received no transmission, as pilots lounge in the dispersal hut. The
part of that BEF, a large Air Component towards the English Channel and while command and was told it would be complete and irremediable defeat of this along with a considerable number of its Immensely Powerful to ‘On’, microphone not on ‘Transmit’ or else just couldn’t understand what had smartly dressed officer is Duty Pilot – the
was supplemented by an Advanced Air the French and British tried desperately impossible to produce the number he country.” were not afraid thatBlenheims.
Bristol they were However, By this time,
either liarsRAF Fighter the starter
Dowding button was the possibility
had mentioned Facing page Pilots of 19 Squadron are (this could effectively block all other been said. Meanwhile, constant juggling pilot rostered for ground admin tasks such
Striking Force. In total, these air forces to stem the advance, so the situation required. However, efforts would be It was a hard-hitting letter, but or foolish. However,
Command a strident
at homejangling pushed afterofa invasion
continued to operate thumbs-up fromas
as early the
the middle ofdelivered
May to their dispersal point at RAF transmissions), straps tight, gun-sight of the throttle setting with the left hand, as recording take-off and landing times
amounted to 25 squadrons, six of which became ever more hopeless. made to provide him with a further eight. Dowding’s words had their effect and of the telephone could mean several
over France as the situation worsened. fitter, who unplugged
1940, but bythethe
starter
end of trolley, Duxford ready for operations early one
that month the ‘On’ and illuminated, straps tight and and judicious adjustment of position etc.
were Hawker Hurricane-equipped During the fighting in France, while the French still asked for more things. Sometimes, to intense
In a matter of sixrelief,
weeks, it Franceensuring it was clear ofhad
possibility the been
aircraft.
turned into what morning during the summer of 1940. canopy firmly shut. A surprising number through the control column and rudder Above It was not unusual for aircraft to
fighter squadrons. The remainder of the Predicted Catastrophe increasing numbers of fighter squadrons fighter squadrons to be sent to France,could send acollapsed
messageentirely.
to ‘StandNow,
Down’ Unable to communicate
it .only remained appeared to be over the roar ofIf Hitler Above
probability. was Their relaxed look perhaps would carry out a little good luck routine pedal inputs, were all necessary just to return damaged after an engagement
RAF force in France comprised largely When the fighting had broken out in were sent across the Channel, urged on such appeals were rejected. However, Other times,forit called
Britishpilots toand
forces, some units the
readiness, Merlin engine,
of the the his
to impose pilot and
will onrigger concealing the tension, these Hurricane
the British people, like feeling for a lucky charm, or even keep station. It was incredibly hard work, and with pilots wounded. This brand-
light bombers and Army Co-Operation earnest on 10 May 1940, aircraft of the by desperate appeals from the French further squadrons of Hurricanes were and then to French
the heart-pounding order:
army, to evacuate exchanged thumbs
via Dunkirk up signals, the rigger
then he could apparently only do so pilots of 501 Squadron pose for the camera crossing themselves. and mentally and physically draining. new Spitfire had just been delivered to
squadrons. Eventually, however, the Air Component were in almost constant Prime Minister, Paul Reynaud. Dowding deployed over France, but they remained‘SCRAMBLE!’ in what was Operation ‘Dynamo’. RAF slapping hisby pilot on thethe
crossing shoulder
EnglishtoChannel andduring the summer of 1940. All of them Now, the workload was high, and still By now, the squadron was ‘on oxygen’, 602 Squadron at RAF Westhampnett
‘Sitzkrieg’ became the ‘Blitzkrieg’. combat, and losses had to continually saw his resources ‘slipping away like based in the UK. Years afterwards, veterans ofatthe
Fighter Command Battle
home convey reassurance
continued dictatingand
his good-luck
terms fromasWestminster.
he sawToaction. Several of them shot down they needed to concentrate on formation masks clamped securely to pilot’s faces when it was hit by cannon shells from a
of Britain told how they hated the sound leapt from the wing. As he jumped, the enemy aircraft and some of them were keeping while permanently keeping as cold began to permeate the cockpits. Messerschmitt 109 in a combat on 18

E OF B R
of a ringing telephone. aircraft was already rolling, and the rigger killed. a wary eye open for the enemy and Now, with all the hard work of take-off, August 1940. The aircraft was written off
6 On the order to scramble, there 7 was dodged out of the way of the tail-plane, quartering the sky in a relentless search. formation flying and getting to altitude, and Flight Lieutenant Dunlop Urie wounded

L
a mad rush by pilots to their allotted buffeted by the slipstream which was what it was they were intercepting. It A moment of relapse could litterally spell came further nervous tension with in his feet.

TT I
aircraft where the fitter and rigger were kicking up dust and grass. Getting out may have been an instruction along the death. The squadron ‘Weaver’, winding realisation that the enemy were near.
ready and waiting: the rigger on the wing of the way, he was hit by a blast of hot lines of: “MITOR Squadron, ANGELS from side to side, kept a rather more wary Then, a tight knot of fear returned as chance of a well-ordered textbook:
006-011 Background to Battle_AS_W ME.indd 6 22/05/2020 12:36 006-011 Background to Battle_AS_W ME.indd 7 ready to help in his pilot, and the fitter exhaust gasses. Now, the aircraft gathered 22/05/2020
18, Vector 12:36
Two-three-zero. Fifty Plus. eye open than the rest, as the squadron the gunsight was checked and the SAFE ‘Number One Attack’. Instead, it was
standing by with the starter plugged in on speed ahead, into wind, bouncing and BUSTER.” Listening in, the other pilots got closer by the second to their quarry. and FIRE ring on the gun button turned, every man for himself, but with ‘wing
the starboard side of the engine. Heaving rocking across the grass airfield. Others could interpret these coded instructions: Brief instructions might crackle through ready, to the FIRE position. Goggles men’ desperately trying to maintain
TA
BA

himself into the cockpit, the pilot went careered along around it, in the organised “41 Squadron to climb to 18,000 ft on a the headphones: ‘Close up Red 2’ or, on pulled down. And then the shout: station and protect their section leader.
through a number of tasks: helmet pulled chaos that was a squadron scramble. heading of 230 degrees. Fifty plus enemy receipt of further instructions from the ‘BANDITS! Ten o’clock, above. Coming Now, the pilots were climbing and
on, oxygen plugged in, radio jack-plug in Getting airborne, the pilots aircraft. Maximum cruising speed.” Fighter Controller: ‘Turning to Port. Go!’ down now! Break, break, break….’ hanging on their props, the sun glaring
its socket, magneto switches ‘on’, Ki-Gas concentrated on keeping station as Meanwhile, pilots fiddled with the and blinding as they turned, all the while
IN

cylinder priming pump given a couple they selected ‘Gear Up’, closing the Mentally and Physically Draining radio tuner, struggling to tune and re- Chatter Of Gunfire listening out and looking out. Now,
of brief strokes and thumb ready on cockpit canopy while listening out Settling into the climb, the pilots tune their wireless sets in a constant Suddenly, to avoid the ‘bounce’ of there were shouts: “Behind you Blue
the starter. Meanwhile, leaning into the for instructions from the CO or flight automatically slid into section order battle to receive and properly understand fighters coming out of the sun, the 3!”, permeated by chattering gunfire.
cockpit, the Fitter helped the pilot with commander who was talking to the and the preferred squadron formation. the messages. Sometimes, a squawk squadron had dispersed in a pre-ordered A cacophony of shouts and static
COM

his parachute harness straps, then his Sector Operations Room and garnering Meanwhile, the CO or flight commander of static drowned out everything, plan. Now, the enemy fighters were made communication unintelligible.
Sutton seat harness. instructions as to heading, altitude and concentrated on setting course as the sometimes resulting in one section among them. This time, there was no One pilot may be drawing a bead on a

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