Innehållsförteckning för April 2023 från Diecast Collector

JUST arrived at the Buckie Model Centre is its latest exclusive commission through Holland Oto. The latest livery on the VDL Futura 1/87 scale model is that of popular coach operator, Shearings (Watts Coaches). Priced at just £42.00, it is the 11th livery in the ‘The British Collection’ and is a certificated limited edition of only 105 pieces. The mirrors are supplied separately for safety during shipping and can be found fastened to the insert in the box. To find out more and to order, visit www.buckiemodelcentre.com, or call 01542 831733.…

ONE of the joys of attending Spielwarenmesse is the opportunity to discover new brands that haven’t made it into the UK market yet. One such company found this year was MotorHelix, a high-quality 1/18 scale manufacturer. Launched in Hong Kong in 2016, in 2018 it invested in its own manufacturing plant, in Dongguan, to focus only on the most collectible classic car models with artistic craftsmanship. With a stated aim of producing “great works of art” to be passed on from generation to generation. The company also hopes to inspire more enthusiasts to learn about automobile history and culture through its model range. Visit the website at www.motorhelix.com for more information.…

1/12 scale CORGI James Bond Triumph Scrambler 1200 - No Time to Die PRICE: £84.99 REF NO: CC08401 www.corgi.co.uk ORIGINALLY planned to be a 1/24 scale replica, Corgi realised quite early on in the design process, in collaboration with Triumph Motorcycles and EON Productions (the production company behind the making of the all of the James Bond movie releases), that the model needed to be larger to really do this incredible piece of machinery justice. It was then reworked to a much more impressive 1/12 scale, but the inevitable production delays caused by this meant that it missed the launch of the film on the big screen by quite some time. But at the risk of potentially overusing a well-worn phrase, it really has been worth the wait. Our hero,…

1/18 scale CMR (CLASSIC MODEL REPLICARS) Maserati 250F 1957 PRICE: £73.99 REF NO: CMR 178 www.ayrey.co.uk MASERATI'S 250F was a racing car made for the '2.5 litre' Formula One racing regulations between January 1954 and November 1960. Twenty-six examples of the 250F were built. Making its debut in the 1954 season, the Maserati 250F managed eight World Championship wins during its four years in top-level competition. Juan Manuel Fangio took six of these, with Stirling Moss being behind the wheel for the remaining two. Famously, Fangio broke the lap record at the Nürburgring 10 times on the way to winning the 1957 German GP in his 250F. The front-engined 250F also took many, many more non-championship victories before it began to be outclassed by the new breed of rear-engined racing…

THE 2023 edition of Spielwarenmesse, held at Nuremberg's NCC from 1st to 5th February, revealed plenty of excellent new releases due to hit the shops throughout the rest of the year. Three years on from our last physical visit, things are just as big with yet more models at 1/8 scale than we've seen on display before and with the other end of the spectrum of 1/148 scale on show too, there is much variety to be had both in terms of size and subject. All manufacturers present had something to share, covering all the major areas of collecting - civil and military aviation, cars from both road and track, buses both vintage and contemporary, trucks big and small, farming and construction. Although numbers were down, both in terms of…

Jerry 'Tyrone' Malone was an American truck driver who made a living by hauling around a deceased, frozen whale in a customised, refrigerated trailer. Few people in the inland states had ever seen a whale, and were willing to pay 35 cents to see one. Tyrone noticed that, while there was great interest in the whale, people were also very interested in his customised truck. In 1969 he decided to buy a second truck and to have it souped up and heavily modified. This truck, which he called the 'Boss Truck of America' was a three-axle Kenworth fitted with a Detroit Diesel 12V-71N engine. It was painted bright orange, had twin sleeper compartments and a luxurious interior. The Boss Truck proved a huge attraction at fairs and racing fixtures, particularly…

The first San Diego Comic Convention was held in 1970, inside a hotel ballroom as a way for 300 comic book fans to buy and trade new and collectible comics, and to meet industry professionals. In subsequent years, other fan interests were represented at the convention, including science fiction, TV and film, and collectibles. By the 1980s, the SDCC had become the biggest convention of its type in the world, and the most recent attracted over 130,000 visitors. As comic superheroes became the subjects of TV and film adaptations, the Hollywood film industry became more involved in the SDCC, to the point of overshadowing comic books. However, there are large numbers of comics professionals in attendance, allowing fans to meet their favourite writers and artists, or attend their panel discussions.…

Following on from my previous article, in the February 2022 issue, when I finished with the release of Gift Set 23, one month later Corgi released the Chipperfields’s Circus horse transporter number 1130, in October 1962. This was based on the Bedford TK artic and contained six grey horses. This was probably the longest production run of the early Chipperfields models. Once again, variations exist on this model. Firstly, the colour of the horse label on the back varied and a rarer version of the horses was produced in brown. Finally, there were three different versions of the wheels, the last wheels being the same as the 1104 Newmarket horse box. (The Newmarket TK was not fitted with mirrors, however.) It is these last wheels, being the large cast design,…

PERFECTLY- timed to coincide with our front cover, there has been plenty of bat-related activity at auctions recently. Not least of which are several examples that went under the hammer during January and February at Vectis Auctions. Most recently, on 8th February, an amazing price was achieved for a mint, factory shrink-wrapped Corgi Juniors No 3008 Crime Busters Gift Set, featuring a Batmobile and Batboat. Still wearing its original ‘Two Guys’ price label of just US$1.49, Lot 1240 sold for a staggering £1,900! Three other bat-related lots had sold at Vectis four weeks earlier, on 11th January, all with impressive, estimate-surpassing performances. Lot 1382, a later, window-boxed No 267 Batmobile, described as being Excellent Plus, went for £200. This was followed by Lot 1589, later in the sale, which was…

I had been sitting in the car for over an hour, long enough to start thinking what a relatively clean game this used to be. Perhaps clean is the wrong word - straightforward is better. The rules of engagement were clearly understood – the risks obvious, while the gains remained vague and unquantifiable. Someone kept score, but how I couldn't imagine. What had changed things was money, sloshing about on both sides of where the Iron Curtain had once hung, so you had to be prepared to learn that the guy who occasionally sold you documents and microfilm was now peddling guns and pure heroin, or that an ex-KGB officer might be entertaining our Minister of Trade in the multi-million pound Kensington villa he seems to own. The political dance…

CUSTOMISED promotional model vehicle specialist, Search Impex, has announced a trio of brand new 1/50 scale truck models, all produced exclusively for Search Impex by WSI Models as a certificated limited edition. First up is the 1/50 Scale Scania S590 V8 High (6x2, single wheel tag axle) tractor unit with 3 axle, refrigerated trailer, customised in the distinctive livery of Scottish operator and seafood specialist, D R Collin & Son Ltd. This is a certificated limited edition (155 pieces), priced at £160 each (including UK delivery & VAT). This is also the first time an official production run of models has been commissioned by this well-known operator. “Alfie’s Pride” is a 1/50 scale Scania S450 High (6x2), complete with curtain trailer, customised in the well-known livery of Scottish based operator…

THIS year marks the 100th anniversary of the first running of the Le Mans 24 hours and Spark is joining in the celebrations. The very first Spark models were Le Mans cars from the back of the grid that other model manufacturers did not think it was worthwhile producing. It has thus been Le Mans supporters and licensees from its very earliest days. In fact the very first Spark model was produced in a numbered edition of 100 pieces that were given out by founder Hugues Ripert to friends and clients. These were never commercially available. Spark will be releasing a selection of new models along with a few re-issues from amongst all the cars that have competed in this, the most famous, endurance racing event. It will also be…

1/76 scale OXFORD DIECAST AEC 690 (Wimpey) and Scammell LD55 (NCB) Dumper Trucks PRICE: £22.95 each REF NO: 76ACD001 (Wimpey) and 76ACD002 (NCB) www.oxforddiecast.co.uk THE AEC Dumper Truck or, to give it its full title, 1965 10 cu.yd. 690 Dump Truck, was also produced on both Aveling Barford and Scammell LD55 chassis. The trucks would have had a badge on the front bar or grille denoting AEC, AB or Scammell allegiance, but, to make full use of the new tooling, the badge has been omitted so Oxford can produce all three variants. The specifications listed in the sales brochure of the period gave the in-depth details of vehicle components and operational attributes. The engine was a 4-stroke, 6-cylinder, vertical, direct injection diesel. Output was 192 bhp, at 2,000 rpm, with…

1/43 scale AUTOMODELLO 1965 Griffith Series 400 - silver PRICE: US$129.99 REF NO: 43G40S www.automodello.com GRIFFITH cars were made in Syosset, Long Island, New York. In 1964, Jack Griffith’s garage workshop, in the small town, shoe-horned a Ford 289 cu. in. (4,727cc) V8 engine and gearbox into a British TVR Grantura coupe, and the result encouraged him to persuade TVR in Blackpool to supply chassis and bodyshells. When these arrived, they were fitted with the Ford engines and gearboxes, and the end result marketed as a Griffith. The bodyshell used was the latest from TVR with the Manx tail and the round (Ford Cortina Mk1) tail-lights. The end result was a lightweight fibreglass coupe with 150 mph performance, which, besides being exciting on the road, delivered excellent competition results, frequently…

Seemingly, since time immemorial, diecast model manufacturers have been well-practised at the art of expediency when maximising the potential of a body casting. And why not for logical and economic commercial reasons - after all, it generally benefits us with expanding collections of liveries or type variations. There are, of course, the inextricably-linked issues of resulting authenticity (or otherwise) that frequently arise from such expediency. What I wonder are the points at which dubious authenticity crosses the line in our minds? Without any inferred criticism or negativity implied, it occurred to me that Minichamps body casting for its long running 1/43 Porsche 911 makes a fascinating case study. DETAIL OR OVERALL EFFECT? In the context then, of a mass-produced body casting, is the impact and appeal of a model, that…

There are many reasons for collecting 1/43 scale model cars, and they can run from a preferred brand or racing discipline, to a famous race, a celebrated driver and many, many more. One such theme is racing and rally cars sponsored by a common brand. That’s what the Racing Colours series has been all about for several years, here in Diecast Collector. We’ve featured numerous themes and covered all the major subjects. However, closed collection themes are a rare breed and Racing Colours are definitively not one of those cases where you can say it’s done. Scale model manufacturers do not leave a trend unattended if they feel there is continuing interest from collectors and that’s exactly what has happened with Marlboro-sponsored racing and rally cars. Nearly eight years ago,…

1966 Picking up where it left off, Corgi began the year riding very high indeed on the success of No 261 James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5. The 1966 catalogue featured the company’s new superstar very prominently, and it would quickly build on this success by announcing more TV and film-related models. Three in particular shine out from the new for 1966 releases, and all are still incredibly popular today, fetching premium prices if in good condition with complete packaging and accessories. Then there were the gift sets. Corgi was now fully-acquainted with the usefulness of bundling up existing models to create special sets, particularly on the run up to Christmas. There were seven such sets released during the second half of 1966. We begin the year, of course, with the…

Number 33 in the Lesney-era 1-75 Superfast range began with a Regular Wheels upgrade for the original supercar. This was then succeeded by another sporty concept car and, finally, a motorcycle. An interesting progression! LAMBORGHINI MIURA P400 Catalogue: 1969 (2nd)-72 Box Styles: F, G The first Lamborghini in the Matchbox range was the marvellous Miura, possibly the original supercar. It was certainly a popular model in the Regular Wheels range, so was therefore an obvious choice for early conversion to Superfast – and it retained its opening doors too. Initially it kept its bright yellow body colour with red interior and unpainted base, but this made way for the metallic gold (in many various shades) that became the norm for the rest of its days in the catalogue. The former…

THE recent Toys, Postcard and Cigarette card auction was held at Warwick & Warwick on 18th January 2023 and broadcast on the EasyLive bidding platform, with internet, commission and telephone bidders aplenty! There was an exciting array of items available, totalling 703 lots, and the sale started off with bidding on cigarette cards and postcards. Following a brilliant first half of the sale, it carried on receiving some great bids going into the diecast section. Lot 463, a collection of 1/32 scale farm machinery, all mint in excellent boxes, featuring a Universal Hobbies Claas Cougar Mower, Massey Ferguson 8650 and 8690, Lemken Plow and Vaderstad Cultivator, Viking JCB Fastrac 8330, Schuce John Deere 7810, Norscott Challenger plus BM Maupo Trailer, sold for an amazing £432 (it had an original estimate…

In the 19th century, it would not have been uncommon for stagecoaches to carry both passengers and mail, but one country in which these two services are still closely connected is Switzerland. For many years, the Swiss Post Office operated bus services and, although the current bus company PostAuto has been a separate entity since 2005, it remains a subsidiary of Swiss Post. The distinctive yellow livery of these buses has inspired many a diecast manufacturer, particularly as it allows existing bus models to be refinished to gain extra sales, though the prototypes may not necessarily be the same ones used in real life. Dinky, Corgi, Tekno and many others have explored this field but, in the spirit of the ‘off the beaten track’ theme, the one pictured here is…

1/64 scale TARMAC WORKS - HOBBY 64 Toyota Supra GT JGTC 1995 #36 with Truck Packaging PRICE: £31.99 REF NO: T64-051-95JGTC36 www.modelmatic.uk WHAT a brilliant and highly-innovative idea - package the model up in a replica support truck for a great display idea! Following on from the Editor's Choice in the March issue, Tarma Works has now produced the iconic Castrol-liveried Supra to go with the Le Mans 1995 version reviewed last month. Toyota's new Supra GT had made its debut in the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship (JGTC), the forerunner to the presentday Super GT series, at the beginning of the 1995 season. Run by TOM’s (Tachi Oiwa Motor Sports), the car really took the fight to the previously-dominant Nissan Skyline GT-Rs. Probably the most recognisable car from that…

Just over two years ago, I reviewed OttOmobile’s then new models of the 1983 Audi 80 quattro B2 (OT339) and 1985 Audi Sport (Ur-)quattro (OT617) as “1980s essentials” (December 2020 issue). Here then is a bridge between the two that, without a doubt, is an essential companion to them in the display cabinet. AUDI GT COUPÉ - 1987 (OT954) A body style that instantly evokes the 1980s in all respects, and no wonder, because its production in all generations spanned the best part of the decade. Derived from the Audi 80 and centre stage at the introduction of Audi’s quattro drivetrain, the Coupé has become an increasingly popular subject with scale model manufacturers of late. Happily then, OttOmobile bring us one of the very best representations around. Like its 1983…

FOR farm model collectors, Nuremberg had plenty to offer. Wiking announced that the updated versions of the Fendt 942 and 1050 tractors announced last year will be released this spring. It was also showing the prototype for a new 1/32 Fendt 700 series tractor it expects to release in the autumn. It will be available with and without a front-loader. News of other models planned for 2023 will be announced during the year. Sister company Siku is introducing a dual-wheeled version of its John Deere 8R tractor, a special 75th anniversary edition Claas Xerion 5000 tractor, a newly tooled Amazone Centour cultivator and Fendt 728 tractor. Chip shortages had delayed the Fendt 1167 Vario MT tractor announced last year and Siku now expects to release it this autumn. Britains’ modern…

Having looked at 1/43 scale models in the first instalment in the March issue, we now move on to other models of the Renault 4 car. We will start with the smallest and work up in size. MYSTERY MODEL Although this article primarily deals with models contemporary to the real car, I am slipping in one or two modern ones I consider to be of interest and I will start with one of these. I was in the Rouen Christmas market a couple of years ago and I noticed one stallholder had a display of what seemed to be Citroën 2CV fridge magnets and I started looking at it intensely seemingly hoping one of them would turn into a Renault 4. The stallholder noticed I was looking at it and…

When Audi first entered the Le Mans 24 Hours with its R8 concept in 1999, it finished on the podium at the very first attempt. The following year, it came back with a much more developed design and took the first of many, many outright victories at the famous race. One chassis in particular went on to have quite a career, and now there’s a stunning new book out about this very car, written by a friend from my old days in the Centre Media at Le Mans. The first public appearance of R8 chassis number 405 was at the 2000 Le Mans testing weekend, at the end of April, seven weeks ahead of the race itself, where it set the fastest time with Allan McNish at the wheel. Next…

In my younger days, up north, we had ‘real’ buses, ones with drivers, half cabs and an open rear platform with a conductor. He was in charge and told you off if you jumped off early as the bus was stopping. The RTs and RLs were still running in London and the Routemaster was being developed, still with the open rear platform. However, change was coming with the introduction of front entrance buses and one-man operations. This change of buses was reflected by Dinky Toys and other toy makers. The Dinky Toys Atlantean (No 292) went into service in July 1962 and the Meccano Magazine advert states “It is based on that striking new public transport vehicle, the Leyland Atlantean Bus, which is a 78-seater.” The model is finished red…

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. THE STORY OF BARRY LESTER’S FIAT TRUCK I was pleased to see that David Wright had chosen the BKL Auto Replicas Fiat truck in his Desert Island Diecast in the January issue. My dad knew Barry Lester back in the 1970s as he was a passionate collector of Fiat models like Barry. When he sent Dad one of the first of these trucks in kit form, Dad asked him why he had produced this particular truck. He told him that he had been asked to produce a model to promote the Bournemouth Toy Fair, but couldn't find anything suitable as a base model…

May 2023 Issue 307 Please note: These planned editorial contents may be subject to change where necessary. PLUS… Racing Colours – Marlboro part 4 Platinum Jubilee Corgis Jurassic World by Matchbox Lone Star Tuf Tots trucks Auction results Extensive selection of new model releases, reviewed by our team of experts May issue on sale 4th April or download the digital edition 7 DAYS EARLIER on 28th March at www.pocketmags.com/diecast-collector…