Thursday, April 30, 2009

JADI MODELCRAFT 1/18 LOTUS ELISE DIECAST MODEL GREEN

Lotus Elise Diecast Model Green 1/18 Die Cast Car By Jadi

China's Jadi Modelcraft has recently released this superb 1:18 scale diecast replica of the Lotus Elise Mk II - 111S. The model comes in green with a plastic interior, base, and all the trimmings. The model has a good amount of detailing, with the plastic parts fifting well to the metal body; however, on our example there were some small signs of paint ripples, but this may be just an isolated example. The logos, badges and lettering are all excellent as is the detail around the headlights, and there is even a prop rod to hold open the engine lid! The model comes with a removable top that simulates the detachable roof and the overall lines appear to be corrct to the real car. A very appealing little motor this, and definitely one for the collection!

CMC - 1/18 FERRARI 250 GT BERLINETTA SWB

1961 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Diecast Car Red Diecast Model 1/18 Die Cast Car By CMC

The 250 was one of the most significant cars in the history of Ferrari. It was the first car built in (relatively) large numbers and included many variants during its lifetime from 1952 to 1964. The 250 GT Berlinetta SWB was introduced in 1959 and about 250 were built during the next three years, both road and full-race versions.

CMC's offering is a beautiful 1/18 th scale model of the luxuary edition of the road car built in 1961. Like the BBR Ferrari Enzo, it continues the trend of 1/18th scale models produced in China to an ever increasing quality standard at an afforadable price. The details are amazing: complete replica of the engine with all pipes and cables, padded leather seats, carpeted floor and boot, flip-up petrol cap, screwable wheel nut for removing wheels and removable spare wheels in the boot, exact replica of the underbody, wheel suspension with coil springs and shock absorbers, metal front grille, rubber wiper blades, ect. --Model Collector

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

VANGUARDS 1/43 ROVER 75 DIECAST MODEL


Traditional style and a contemporary feel came with the launch of this car in 1999. The model takes into account 2004's styling revisions. What is the purpose of the additional plastic carbuncle added to the base? You now have four screws to undo and replace. Shop here.

TRIUMPH 2.5 PI MKII DICAST MODEL CAR


This model depicts the Petrol Injection version of this marque, the most expensive in the Triumph range, remaining in production until 1977. The model captures well the look of the original, which even today does not appear dated. The colour really suits it too. Buy here.

DIECAST MODEL MORRIS 1300 ESTATE


This variation of the 1110 was first produced in 1967 and became Britain's best selling car. Production of all types reached 801, 966. It was available with either two or four doors. Production ceased in 1973. A Good rendition of this popular motor.
One of a Limited Edition of 2,870 pieces and includes a Limited Edition Certificate. Model is mounted on a removable plinth with a removable hard plastic cover. Buy now.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

AUTO ART 1/43 - FORD FOCUS RS - WRC


This is a model of the Ford Focus as it competeted in the 2003 Monte Carlo rally, driven by Park and Martin. It is presented in special Ford packaging, and the blue oval is very well represented on the car too! Neat bonnet vents and fabulous tampo printing make this a treat.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

AUTO ART 1/43 JAGUAR E-TYPE CABRIOLET-RACING GREEN

Jaguar E Type Roadster V12 Diecast Car Model 1/43 Green Die Cast Car by Autoart

Jaguar E Type Roadster V12 Green 1/43 Diecast Car Model. Comes in plastic display showcase. Made of diecast with some plastic parts. Detailed interior, exterior. Has steerable wheels and rubber tires. Has plastic display stand with window box. Dimensions approximately L-4 inches long.

A beautiful thing. The basic shape is captured well, but it's the miniature details that are awesome. Inside, the rear is carpeted and above the chromed handbrake is an individual cubby box. The grille is superb, as are the inset headlights.

THE FODEN "C" TYPE STEAM WAGON



The Foden “C” type Steam Wagon having a nominal load capacity of 6 tons was a popular vehicle among companies transporting large and/or heavy loads. It was fast and economical with its 3 speeds which enable it to comfortably exceed the 25 m.p.h. speed limit of the time.

This power was put to good use by many companies with the addition of a trailer of 3 to 4 tons nominal load capacity.

One such company was Frazer and Frazer of Ipswich who used the Foden for their Furnishing and Warehousing business.

Machbox is a great company for these engines. It also comes with a trail and a roof for the trail and steam wagon. This is a great company and I thank them so much for bring back this history old the age of steam. It best to keep the trail connected to the steam wagon because it is finely to put back and take of.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

IXO 1/43 BAJAJ TAXI JAKARTA 1990


A welcome and unusual Classic release that should please worldwide taxi collectors. The front wheel swivels, the canopy has a material effect, with a good mica/plastic screen representation at the rear. The tampo printed legal lettering is crisp. See here.

EFE - 1/76 AEC MK.V ELLIPTICAL TANKER


Exclusive First Editions (EFE) are the leading brand of 1:76 scale die-cast vehicles for model collectors and railway enthusiasts. Each item is produced with the closest attention to detail and authenticity, being only produced once at an accurate 1:76 scale (OO Gauge). All subjects are researched meticulously and made to the highest standards of detail and period effect to recreate the character and spirit of the original vehicle. Being the same scale the models complement each other and create a fascinating historic collection. EFE take great pride in setting new standards of excellence, which, combined with expertly detailed hand finishing, gives each model its unique individuality and collectability. See here.

BRITAINS - FORD 5000 TRACTOR


The Ford 5000 Tractor is a true classic of the Farmyard and a workhorse for the generation. It had a powerful 6-litre diesel engine that had the torque to do many jobs other Tractors would struggle to cope with. And for a basic machine it also looks good in it's all blue paint with a white roof. Britains have done a brilliant job here and even for the non farm collector this is still a must buy. --NEO "Daren"

LLEDO - 1/43 MORRIS MARINA 1800


Wow! This is a fabulous model. It answers many of the criticisms readers have made of Vanguards products, and totally captures the look and spirit of the original car.

The excellent chromed grilled and door handles set the tone. That bulbous rear is captured exactly, as is the general rather dumpy look of the car.

The badging is excellent for a 1.8 Super, particularly the Marina script. Wheels are very good and correctly finished, and the wipers are larger, more subtle and a better fit than previous versions. Even better, there are no wing mirrors-the problem of big holes in the wing versus non mint models are thus easily solved!

The interior is great fun. It captures the horrible 70’s pea red vynide to a ‘T’. The ribbed seats are good, and the dash is a marvelous piece of casting with that sloping front. The correct Marina steering wheel even features an indicator stalk. There’s a hole for a gear stick, but not one present on our model-however it did go through the wars in our studio, so it’s possible it’s just come loose-have readers’ models got theirs?

The teal white finish is very well done, and the tampo sprayed chrome blends well with the separately attached chrome detailing.

Lledo’s Marina is on a par with readers’ favourite Car of the Year, the Austin Cambridge, and as accurate as models costing twice its price or more.--Model Collector

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

IXO 1/43 PEUGEOT 206 WRC - 2002 DRIVERS WORLD CHAMPION



2002 Drivers World Champion, M. Gronholm, and T. Rautiainen, with their Peugeot 206, car number 2. Capturing the scene at the Telsra Rally in Australia, it is a pity about the moulding join on the 'triumphal gateway', while the figures look slightly over scale.--Model Collector See more.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

MINICHAMPS 1/18 MORRIS MINOR POLICE CAR


Alec Issigonis’ Morris Minor, with its modern design outlook, incorporation rack-and-pinion steering and independent torsion-bar suspension, became highly popular with police forces across the country. By 1962 with the 1098cc engine, a top speed of 70mph made it popular with traffic divisions of the London Met’, yet independent suspension made it ideal for rural policing. Minichamps have produced the 1959 Morris Minor in accurate police livery. By 1959, over a million Minors were on the road, driven by both civilians and police officers. The model features appropriate police equipment with opening doors, bonnet and boot. See more.

Monday, April 20, 2009

CORGI TOYS - BASIL BRUSH'S CAR



'Basil Brush's Car' (no.808) was based on yet another veteran car, this time the 1/40th scale 1910 Renault. It featured a larger than life figure of Basil at the wheel. Finished in red with a yellow chassis and solid (not spoked) red disc wheels, the model itself boasted no special features, but the inclusion of a seperate sound box with two characteristic laughter tapes was a novel touch to an otherwise staid release. Basil was at the height of his popularity, and the model was available for two years.-- Model Collector.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

DINKY TOYS - SPACE 1999 'EAGLE FREIGHTER'


Gerry Anderson provides the motivation behind this year's release, the 'Eagle Freighter' (no.360) and the 'Eagle Transporter' (no.359). They were identical space craft from the 'Space 1999' series, each version carrying a different load module and both to the same 1/110th scale which meant that models could be interchanged. A variety of colour schemes was available, and unboxed models could easily be cannibalised from other variants, so beware of unusual colours.

The Freighter version was originally released in metallic blue with a white load module but was later released in metallic blue with a white load module but was later released in white with a red load module. The mainframe on both variants was in white plastic strengthened by an unpainted steel strip, and four yellow plastic waste cannisters were winch operated.

DINKY TOYS - SPACE 1999 'EAGLE TRANSPORTER'


This is Eagle Transporter. (no.359) It was identical space craft from the 'Space 1999' series, each version carrying a different load module and both to the same 1/110th scale which meant that models could be interchanged. The transporter version was only ever available in metallic green with a white plastic capsule module. The main frame was as the Freighter version, in white plastic. All variants of either type had four large red plastic main engine nozzels and most had red four-way auxiliary direction nozzels on each outer pod; rarer versions had these moulded in yellow. A very accurate pair of models, especially if finished in white, the colour that all the Eagles in the series were finished in. See here.

DINKY TOYS - FRAZER-NASH BMW SPORTS CAR



The pre-war 38a was issued from 1940 to 1941 and the very few surviving examples which are around have fairly bad metal fatigue. The baseplate is lacquered tin plate and the model is fitted with a celluloid windscreen.

The usual pre-war colour scheme is dark blue with either blue or brown interior. The unusual red version is scarcely seen and is finished with a maroon interior. Post-war colours are pale or dark grey, blue or light blue and come with various interior shades. See here.

DOUGAL'S CAR IN MAGIC ROUNDABOUT




This is the classic Corgi Magic Roundabout series to see the 1971/72 catalogue. Utlising the Paramount Tour de France Citroen casting was the bright yellow 'Magic Roundabout Car' (no.807), featuring red whizzwheels, flower decals on bonnet and doors, very well-sculptured figures of Dougal, Brain, and Dylan placed within the red interior. Not an authentic vehicle, so not to any particular scale, but the charm of this popular children's series was well captured. It was to be joined by other Magic Roundabout releases before it was deleated in 1974.

Friday, April 17, 2009

DINKY TOYS - PORSCHE 356A COUPE


The Porsche 356A Coupe was issued from 1958 to 1964. It is, overall, a good casting, representing the body proportions very well. However it is slightly let down by the setting of the wheels, which push the body too high off the ground, unlike the real car which sat much lower. The axle pins are a little too short, which in turn pinches the wheels too far under the body making the model appear narrower than it could be.

The baseplates are either matt or gloss black and all models are fitted with clear glass windows.The most frequently seen colours are cream, cerise or pale blue. The red model, however, is rare. It seems to be that for every 300 Porsche 356A models that you see, one might be red. Over the past 20 years I have seen only a few red models and those have, for the most part, been in fair to poor condition, so the ones pictured although not mint are fairly rare examples.

The Dinky brand has been revived in this retro style packing with the model presented in a presentation box. The model shows all the authentic detailing with moulded seats, windows, and chassis with Dinky hub wheels.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

CORGI - SCAMMELL CONSTRUCTOR - SIDDLE C COOKE


Siddle C Cooke was a County Durham-based transporting company which after selling out to the Tayford Group in 1964 saw Siddle's sons reverse his name to Elddis and set up a very succeessful caravan manufacturing business. The beefy Scammell is just the sort of truck Cooke needed during his company's hey-day. That creamy body colour must have a nightmare to keep clean, but with that fine red coachlining it cuts a handsome sight. 5000 are to be produced. --Model Collector.

CORGI MINI 7 - MINI 7 RACING CLUB, MAX HUNTER


Max started his racing career in 2000 grass track racing in a 1000cc mini. He was fourteen years old. He grew up in a racing environment. His father raced a Mini 7 in the Mini 7 Racing Club from 1994. After two years of grass track racing Max competed in his first Mini 7 race in 2002 at Oulton Park, just three days after his sixteenth birthday. His grass track racing was very good grounding for a circuit racer. It was not long before Max hit the front with a win at Rockingham in the winter season. In this first year he became Novice Champion and his success continued. His ambition is to be Mini 7 Champion. Released: November 2007

LLEDO - FORD ZEPHYR MK3


The Ford Zephyr MK3 is in red and like the other Zephyr castings we have seen, it greatly appeals. Attention to detail is strong all round and we particularly like the interior's period two-tone vinyl seats, the excellent bumpers and rear light cluster replication. If you remember the real-life Zephyr foundly then tis makes a fine keep-sake.

Monday, April 13, 2009

CORGI - SCAMMELL SCARAB SHEETS DROPSIDE - BRITISH RAIL


The Scammell Scarab formed the backbone of the British Rail town parcels delivery service during the heyday of steam. The railway offered a nationwide goods delivery for everything from a packet of needles to an industrial transformer. The mechanical horse was first introduced in the 1930s to replace the outdated horse and dray. Tens of thousands of Scammell Scarabs were built between 1934 and 1967 but only about 40 survive today.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

AUTO ART MODELS - JAGUAR XK - SS SPORTS CAR

Jaguar XK SS Diecast Car Model 1/43 Blue Die Cast Car Model by Autoart


Jaguar XK SS Diecast Car Model 1/43 Blue Die Cast Car Model by Autoart


Although not a direct sports racing car, the Jaguar XK-SS was the road-going version of the Le Mans winning Jaguar D-Type racing sports car, made famous at Le Mans and other major racing circuits during the 1950s. The model has superb engine detail: the small doors open, as does the rear boot, the lower revealing the spare tyre. This model fills a gap in the history of Jaguar racing.

Friday, April 10, 2009

CORGI MOTOR SPORT - HILLMAN IMP - ADRIAN OLIVER, 2003 HISTORIC RACING SALOON CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER


In the early seventies Bill McGovern won the British Saloon Car Championship three years in succession driving 'George Bevan Racing' built Imps and Adrian Oliver has emulated that achievement by becoming the Historic Racing Saloon Register's Overall Champion in 2002, 2003 and 2004. The Championship is open to saloon cars in production before 1966 and its regulations are based on the Group 5 formula. Adrian, who is the son of four times world motorcycle and sidecar champion Eric Oliver, races in 'Class E', which is for cars up to 1150cc, and although he is not often in contention for actual race wins, as these go to the larger more powerful cars, the overall Championship is decided by the points gained by each driver in their class. Therefore it is perfectly possible for a driver from any class to become the overall champion. The car is modelled as it was in its second Championship winning year but it has raced every year since Adrian built it in late 1991. See more.

TOP HAT AUSTIN SET


This three car A35 set depicits the cars built and driven by Rae Davies in the Top Hat "Oldies But Goldies" pre 60's Touring Car series, followed by invitations to the Goodwood Revival Races.
The "Powerful Peanut" #4. was the first of a series of A35's built and driven by Rae Davies and being partnered by Steve Soper in 2001 and TV F1 pundit Tony Jardine in 2002 at the Goodwood Revival races. Based on a 1958 2-door model, Rae transformed this humble road into a giant-slaying race winner for the Top Hat 'Oldies but Goldies' pre-'60 Touring Car series. Built in the spirit of Graham Hill's period Speedwell version, the infamous 'Powerful Peanut' has spawned a series of Rae Davis built replicas.


"Red Rocket" #9. was to be the second generation Austin A35 from the Rae Davies stable. Using all the knowledge gained in building of Rae's infamous 'Powerful Peanut', the 'Red Rocket Special' certainly lived up to its title as the fastest A35 ever built! It was constructed expressly to contest the St Mary's Trophy race at the 2004 Goodwood Revival, where Rony Jardine again partnered Rae in this two-part race. The 'Red Rocket' beat the big Jaguar MK1 of grant Williams in a thrilling finale in front of a capacity crowd and this giant-slaying performance was deemed by Goodwood's Lord March to be the 'Drive of the Day'


"Mushey Pea" #3. was the third in a series of A35's built by Rae Davies Racing, and was probably the fastest and most developed of all the RDR-built A35's. "Mushey Pea" not only dominated it's class, but was able to win outright, beating large capacity Jaguars and Ford Zodiacs in the Process, making "Mushey Pea" a firm favourite with the crowds. See more.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

MINICHAMPS 1/18 FORD CAPRI 1700GT


When launched in 1969 the Ford Capri created a storm. It was a glamorous machine with fair performance, reasonable room – even in the back, and bags of style.
The waiting list was huge, such was the demand for the European pony car. And the Minichamps’ version has created similar waves in the model world.
The overall shape is superb, catching the still appealing lines of the car expertly: it’s quite a tricky shape to capture, with its long nose and short tail, and Minichamps has done the job very well.
Under the bonnet you can see maker’s plaques and tyre pressure details. There are leads running from the Bosch battery, and items such as the carbs and screen washer bottles are independently detailed.
Separate door handles, wipers, lights,ect, are to be expected, but the interior boasts novelties like swivel ball air vents which are picked out separately. There are chrome push down door locks, every gauge is individually and correctly detailed and tiny touches such as the meticulously reproduced handbrake grip are hard to believe. If you were to shrink to 1/18 scale, you could slide into the driver’s seat and expect to drive away! – Reviewed by Model Collector See more.

VANGUARD 1/43 LAND ROVER DEFENDER & HORSEBOX - ROYAL PARKS CONSTABULARY DIECAST MODEL CAR



The Royal Parks Constabulary are resposible for the policing of Londons Royal Parks, including St James, Hyde and Regent's Parks. Due to the vast open spaces the force operates a large mounted section and this Land Rover and horsebox unit is one of several to be used.
Limited Edition, released June 2007. Brand new in bespoke box. 1:43 scale. Length of Land Rover about 10 cm and trailer with towbar 9cm. See more.

IXO - 1975 RENAULT SIETE TL


The slightly odd looking 'Siete' which means 5 in spanish was built as the saloon is seen as more upmarket on the continent. So the five door hatch backed 5 was converted to a decent but dumpy looking saloon car. It didn't sell very well as spanish Renault hoped and was shelved after around 5 years. So I would think even in it's native spain these mk 1 Renault 5's are quite rare. Ixo have done a brilliant job with this model and managed a very good level of detail. --NEO "Daren" See more.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

CORGI - MGA - 1956 ALPINE RALLY - NANCY MITCHELL


Nancy Mitchell drove MGs of various types on European events throughout 1956, and won the European Ladies' Rally Championship by doing so; a feat she repeated in 1957. MBL 867 played a remarkable part in that first championship victory giving her wins in the Ladies' Class on the Mille Miglia and the Alpine Rally before rounding the season off with a second in the Ladies' Class on the gruelling Liege-Rome-Liege; an event where finishing is, in itself, an achievement. MBL is modelled here in the form in which it started the Alpine Rally, which not only led to the victory in 'the Ladies', as it was known, but the award of a coveted Coupe des Alpes, something many male crews failed to achieve. Release date: September 2007. See more.

Friday, April 3, 2009

MATCHBOX 1/43 - 1945 JEEP CJ2A



The Jeep 4x4 is perhaps the most famous and recognized of all 4x4 vehicles. Beloved during World War II, the Jeep 4x4 entered civilian life in 1945. It seemed an odd vehicle for public life; post war predictions were of sleek, exotic space-age like cars that would be powered by strange fuels at amazing speeds. The Jeep 4x4 was pure function—from its engine to its seats to its wheels. Yet the Jeep 4x4 found its niche on American farms, ranches and wherever a vehicle was needed that could perform well on the road and off.

The civilian Jeep 4x4 offered in 1945 differed greatly from its military ancestor. It now had revised transmission, a power take-off, shorter overall length and a different axel ratio. It was powered by a side-line, four-cylinder engine that provided 60 horsepower 4000 rpm and displaced 134.2 cubic inches. The three-speed manual transmission was a Warner Gear model T090A, a much large transmission than the military version. Available in grey, tan, blue and brown (it didn’t completely discard its military past), the Civilian Jeep 4x4 could seat two to five passengers. For work, the Jeep 4x4 was available with a variety of basic farming or industry tools, including plows, welders, generators and mowers; and, for inclement weather, Jeep 4x4 offered several top-kits made of duck canvas.

The Jeep 4x4’s design is so distinctive and its role in American history so important, it was placed in the Museum of Modern Art’s exhibition of exceptional automobile design. Alongside the glamorous and luxurious, the Jeep 4x4 has held its own, for its entire appeal has been its no nonsense approach to motoring. From its civilian debut in 1945 until today, the Jeep 4x4 continues to attract the general public, both as a workman-like vehicle, as well as an automobile that now implies a world of fun and freedom. Now, the civilian Jeep 4x4 that debuted in 1945 takes the stage once more in an authentic die-cast replica crafted in the popular 1:43 scale. Precision-engineered and meticulously crafted, the 1945 Jeep CJ2A is produced by—and available only from Matchbox Collectibles.

AUTO ART 1/18 LOTUS EXILE SILVER DIECAST MODEL


The real car was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show 2004. Only 600 have been built so it's fairly limited, unlike the model deplicated here. The lines of the original have been well captured on this model. The shutlines are crisp and that metallic paint has been nicely applied. See more.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

IXO - 1/43 MASERATI GRANDSPORT 2004


The real car's name harks back to the 1950s and the A6 G. The lastest version hints at a throughbred GT spirit. It packs a punch with a 400 hp engine. The model is covered in a gorgeous metallic pearl white paint. It sports a dark blue interior. A classy model to look out for. Buy it now.

MINICHAMPS 1/18 - BMW 1802 TOURING - POLIZEI MUNCHEN


The touring models were the world's first hatchbacks. Three engine versions were available. The car was only manufactured from 1971-72, as a result only 29,230 units were built. Police collectors will probably be pleased to have this rare beast in their collections. Buy it now.

Matchbox Models of Yesteryear Y-18C 1918 Atkinson Steam Lorry

    Matchbox Models of Yesteryear Y-18C 1918 Atkinson Steam Lorry was made in England by Matchbox International in 1986. It is 11 cm long an...