CORGI - SKYSCAPPER TOWER CRANE

This model was tooled and produced in Hong Kong. The model had a ‘trucked’ base surmounted by a swiveling body casting, at the rear of which were simulated concrete counterweight blocks. The main tower crane and top boom were diecast. These could be collapsed to fold down for towing away. A red moulded sling carrying a load of building blocks was also included with the model but this one is missing. It was not a factual model.

CORGI 1/36 MAZDA MOTORWAY MAINTENANCE TRUCK

This was the basic 493 Mazda B1600 Pick-up, fitted with a slightly modified version of the 478 Jeep Tower Wagon, but still with the same cage and arms. Bollards and hinged ‘Road Worker’ signs were included, together with self-adhesive labels but this one is missing.

VANGUARD 1/43 MORRIS MINOR 1000 - 60th ANNIVERSARY MODEL

Launched at the 1948 Motor Show, the Morris Minor was the first car to come from Alec Issigonis’ extremely fertile mind. Its stiff unit construction bodyshell, torsion-bar independent front suspension and accurate rack and pinion steering represented a huge advance over the Morris 8 Series E it replaced. The Minor’s lights were raised into pods on the wings in early 1951 and it received BMC’s more up to date A-Series engine in the autumn of 1952, but the basic car remained unaltered throughout its twenty-three year production life. The fact that over 1.6 million Minors were produced is testament to the greatness of Issigonis’ original design.

KYOSHO 1/18 MORRIS MINI MINOR 1959

Kyosho is a Japanese model-maker, but the company loves classic British cars of the sixties. And so it was no surprise when they announced that they would be modelling the first ever production Mini Minor, registration 621 AOK. It has now been released. Over the years, there has been some debate about whether 621 AOK really was the first Mini off the production line as it does not have the lowest build number. But recently the mystery was solved. Peter Tothill, who was responsible for the design of the production line has confirmed that he and four other colleagues built 621 AOK over the Easter bank holiday of March 27 - March 30, 1959. The technical build date of May 8 was merely the day the paperwork caught up! It can be definitely confirmed, therefore, that 621 AOK really is the first ever Mini. And, of course, you can be just as confident that Kyosho has crawled over every inch of it to create a totally authentic replica. We, and you, would expect no less! And finally, for those who seek exclusivity, we have had 100 examples signed by the man who made 621 AOK, Peter Tothill. Very unique. Very special. This fantastic model has been accurately produced as a faithful replica of the original vehicle. Kyosho produce high quality diecast models with a great level of detail and high quality finish. Kyosho 1:18 models tend to feature opening body parts. This Kyosho model will make a great gift or great addition to your collection. Shop here

CORGI 1/50 BEDFORD S DROPSIDE 'W. AND J. RIDING'

The Bedford S comes as a dropside in the livery of W. and J. Riding Ltd, of  Preston and Longridge. The dark blue livery, with bright red chassis, looks smart, perfectly setting off the gold lettering. The model is supplied with a load of drums, which can be positioned as requires when the model is displayed. Shop here

MATCHBOX REGULAR WHEEL NO.52b - BRM FORMULA I RACER

In September, the BRM Forular I Racer (52b) was released to complement the Lotus Racer. The new model, which replaced the Maserati, had plated engine, exhaust pipes and suspension. The first model was painted blue, but rarer red versions appeared in the 1966 G4 Racetrack and 1968 G4 ‘Race ‘n Rally’ Gift Sets. The number 5 on the nose and sides came originally in decal form but later as labels.

The blue BRM was fitted with a No.3 decal for a short time. Tow guides were included with later releases, whilst the engine may be found with eleven or twelve ribs. --Model Collector

MATCHBOX REGULAR WHEEL NO.30C - EIGHT WHEEL FAUN CRANE TRUCK

August saw the release of an eight wheel Faun Crane Truck (30c) with a green body and orange revolving jib. One variation involved a comparatively rare red hook as opposed to the normal yellow version.

The model comes with and without a tow guide and first releases did not have the central brace to the rear of the jib rivet. A model with a turquoise body was found in a G6 Gift Set. --Model Collector

NOREV 1/18 RENAULT 16 IN WHITE

The R16 was a car ahead of its time, pioneering hatchback motoring. It was always an elegant car, and Norev have done it justice. Superb grille. Shop here

CORGI 1/36 JAMES BOND TOMORROW NEVER DIES BMW 750i - THE DIRECTORS CUT

There's a great new feature for this Beemer-the bonnet badge pops up to reveal a chain cutter. With actual firing roof rockets too, this has play value. Shop here

CORGI 1/43 ROLLS ROYCE - THE DIRECTORS CUT

Rolls-Royce fans should ignore Bond character and trimmings, this is a gorgeous model. Spirit of Ecstasy, interior and bonnet ribbing are lovely! Shop here

VANGUARDS 1/43 AUSTIN 1800 - DURHAM POLICE

The Durham Constabulary were one of several forces that were tasked by the home office to experiment with a black and white livery on it's traffic division cars, similar in style to that used in the USA. Shop here

RICKO 1/18 ALFA ROMEO 147 GTA RACING RED

There sure is a lot of duplication going on, Ricko has produced  a Mercedes 300 and a Z4, and UH an MGB GT and R5 Turbo - these models are also duplicated by Revell, Minichamps or Kyosho in 2003. Thi s is a cup version of the 147 - and it's well finished. Shop here

EXOTO 1/18 1968 LOTUS FORD 49 - GRAHAM HILL #5

This Lotus Ford 49 is crammed full offeatures including: rotating front and rear brake discs, sophisticated steering mechanism, detailed suspension system featuring front and rear hydraulic hoses, removable airbox which exposes polished velocity stacks, photo-etched radiators, individually cast exhaust headers, a detailed cockpit with suede-like seat and fabric seat-belts with metal hardware, detailed engine bay featuring genuine aluminum heat shields, accurate pipes, hydraulic hoses, wires and more, fully wired and plumbed engine. The engine apart, the bodywork is perfectly portrayed, with all the riverts, with all the rivets, the driver in place with full instrument panel, and accurate wheels which include steering and suspension. The whole model is completed by fine paintwork and tempo prining.Here's some more background on the car and driver Graham Hill, courtesy of Exoto.com: Graham Hill finished second to Jim Clark in the 1968 South African Grand Prix with this well raced Lotus 49/R3. Hill had driven this chassis in the last six championship races in 1967; beginning with the British Grand Prix in July. The points scored by Graham Hill, in this car, at South Africa were the first in what was to become his second championship year. Shop here

1957 CHEVROLET 3100 PICK UP (DIXIE GAS PARTS & SERVICE)

A broken fan belt, an empty tank of gas, an overheated radiator. These are easy problems for a mechanic to fix, but they can upset the most pleasant ride. And, when they do occur, a driver hopes for a phone booth where a simple call will send relief and get the car back on the road. For many drivers along the beautiful highways of the south in the 1950s, that relief came from Dixie Gas. With its bright blue and yellow logo on the side of a classic 1957 Chevy 3100, the Dixie Gas Parts & Service vehicle was a gratifying sight to a motorist standing on the side of the road by his broken down car. With friendly service and quality workmanship, the Dixie Gas mechanic examined the problem—and more often than not—fixed it on the spot. This vehicle was often a mobile service station, putting cars back on the road in the quickest time possible. And now the Dixie Gas Parts & Service 1957 Chevy 3100 is part of the Fabulous Fifties Road Service Collection. It has been crafted in die-cast metal by Matchbox Collectibles—“the Greatest Name in Die-cast”


Dixie Oil and Gas Company


From the 1920s onward, the blue and yellow logo of the Dixie Oil and Gas Company was a familiar and welcome sight to American motorists in the South. Crowning gas pumps, oil cans and service vehicles, the logo consisted of a blue ring with the words “Dixie Gasoline” wrapped around a white diamond in a yellow field with the word “Oils.” The sign assured reliable fuel and oil for the increasing number of American automobiles.

MAISTO 1/18 PORSCHE CAYENNE TURBO SILVER

This is one of the most impressive models I've seen from Maisto. They are a difficult company to fully figure out- often their products have ranked as average at best, but they are more than capable of performing real quality works, as this model shows. Built in Thailand and released in a glossy metallic silver paint with tan interior, this model of the Cayenne is 1:18th of the real thing. It weighs something over a pound, is about 10.5 inches long and 4 inches wide.


Functionality: the driver's and front passenger's door open, and while the hinges squeak something awful on mine, the doors are more securely mounted than I've seen on some models. The hood and rear liftgate open as well. The hinges on those are a bit stiff, somewhat like the doors, but again all these moving parts are mounted pretty well. Also to be considered is the fact that because all the opening parts are a bit stiff, they don't swing open and shut whenever they feel like it, and you don't have to do anything to make them stay open. Now, the rear passenger doors, left and right, do not open.


Appearances: this model looks realistic, just as it should. The underside, hood, interior, and exterior all have a remarkable look and feel of quality and detail to them. Maisto's Cayenne also has a certain sharpness to its appearances. Taut, well-made. Just like the German automobile it replicates.


Understand, of course, that this is not meant to be a toy. Something more simple, and durable, would probably be better if that's the kind of use you have in mind. But this Cayenne could probably hold up well if treated with care, even as a toy. Just don't get careless and break it. Know it's a model first and foremost. Reviewed by Alan Edward Creager "Master & Commander") Shop here


This is a quality model, and certainly more durable than some models I've come across. Prices aren't too bad, either, from what I've seen. This is definitely one of Maisto's better works. --Alan Edward Creager "Master & Commander") Shop here

SUNSTAR 1/24 BEDFORD 1949 OB COACH DUPLE VISTA GREY CARS

Introduced in August 1939, the Bedford OB chassis was designed specifically for public transport. The off-set differential on the rear axle combined with the mounting of the engine and the gearbox at a slight angle permitted a sunken, central gangway for easier passenger access. However two months later, following the outbreak of World War II, production was stopped after only 73 chassis had been manufactured. In January 1942, production of a more utilitarian version known as the OWB recommenced.In October 1945, production of the OB resumed and the Bedford OB chassis went on to play a major role in the re-equipping of many transport fleets as demand rose sharply.

Over 40 different coach-builders used the chassis, but by far the biggest was the Hendon-based firm of Duple, whose Vista body was to become synonimous with the OB coach. However, the Vista body underwent many changes during its life. Unlike the original pre-war and the first 46 post-war Duple Vistas, which had an entrance door which slid behind the main side body panel, the door on the following models slid open into an external recess.

During 1947, the destination and fleet-name boxes were modified,a rounded outer edge replacing the earlier angular one. In 1948, due to material shortages, the characteristic side “flash” was omitted and replaced by a single aluminium bead about 3 inches below the waistline, and the operator's name plate box was removed from the rear. The original 4-spoked steering wheel was replaced by a 3-spoked version. In 1949, the side flash and the operator's plate returned. Later that year, the luggage door locks, which had been operated by a T-key, were replaced by a single locking handle and the rear direction indicator lights were changed. The large chromed bumper over-riders were removed, a deeper rear bumper/body trim was added which incorporated the wording Bedford-Duple and a Duple motif was added to both sides of the 1950. As an option for sight-seeing services, quarter-lights in the roof were offered which necessitated. Shop here 

VANGUARDS 1/43 JAGUAR XJ SPORT ULTRAVIOLET

The XJ Sport uses the 3.5 litre version of Jaguar's super smooth V8. It may produce 'only' 262bhp in this smaller form, but the clever aluminium construction of the car means it weighs a mere 1615kgs. This enables the XJ Sport to turn in a respectable 0-60 time of 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 150mph.

This diecast model Jaguar XJ Sport is Ultraviolet and features working wheels.

1:43 scale (approx. 10cm / 3.9in long) - made by Vanguards.Limited edition of 2510 pieces worldwide complete with numbered certificate. Shop here

MINICHAMPS 1/43 AUDI 100

In the late 60s there was still a hint of VW styling in Audis, as this model highlights. Very neat chromework and a smart interior add to the appeal. Shop here

SCHUCO 1/43 AUDI TT COUPE DIECAST MODEL

Audi revealed the second-generation TT on April 6, 2006. It uses aluminum in the front body panels, and steel in the rear, to enhance its near-neutral front-to-rear weight distribution. It is available in front-wheel drive or 'quattro' four-wheel drive layout, and is offered as a 2+2 Coupé or as a two-seater Roadster. Factory production commenced during August 2006. Powertrain options include one of two inline four cylinder engines: The all-new 1.8 liter Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection or the more common and established 2.0 liter TFSI. The Fuel Stratified Injection technology was derived from the Audi Le Mans endurance race cars, and offers improved fuel efficiency as well as an increased power output and cleaner emissions. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with the six-speed 'S tronic' as an option. The new TT now has a multi-link fully independent rear suspension to compliment the front independent suspension. The new TT also features a revised rear spoiler; which automatically extends at speeds greater than 75 mph, and retracts again below 50 mph.Shop here

SCHUCO 1/43 AUDI A5 CABRIOLET DIECAST MODEL

The Audi A5 is available in two-door coupé and cabriolet versions and is a modern manifestation of the grand tourer tradition. The design is based on Nuvolari quattro concept car. The coupé was introduced in 2007 while the convertible was unveiled at the New York Auto Show in 2009. Besides being strikingly beautiful, the design is notable for its departure from Audi's trademark engine mounting position over the front axle, instead being located behind the front axle in an effort to achieve a more even weight distribution between the front and rear wheels. A variety of sophisticated engines are available including a 3.0 liter V6 supercharged engine option for the cabriolet. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual or 6-speed Tiptronic automatic. Shop here

WELLY 1/24 VW 2001 MICROBUS

Another reasonably detailed model, with opening features, but as the subject matter is more unusual, this will be a welcome addition for VW enthusiasts. Shop here

CORGI CLASSICS 1/50 W51 COMMAND CAR - US ARMY

One for 'Across the Western Front', this very good looking model and well detailed model is from the Liberation of Paris by the US Army in August 1944. Shop here

YAT MING 1/24 - 1939 LINCOLN SUNSHINE SPECIAL

This is 1939 Ford Lincoln Sunshine Special limousine diecast model car. This limo is 10.25" long diecast car with opening doors/hood convertible. It is Presidential Series in black color. Individually packed in a window box WB. Shop here

VANGUARDS 1/43 FORD GRANADA GHIA

This is a fine representation of the top of the range Granada, a car introduced in 1972. Finished in Venetian Red, the body trim is all there as it should be on this model. Shop here

IXO 1/43 MASERATI COUPE CAMBIOCORSA 2002 - 50th ANNIVERSARY - FALL OF BERLIN WALL 1989

Maserati Coupe Cambiocorsa 100th Anniversary Car, 1989 Fall of the Berlin Wall. One of fifty Maserati 50th Anniversary cars, each of which wincorporated peciall artworkhighlight ingevents during each of Maserati's 50 years. Shop here

VANGUARDS 1/43 JAGUAR XJ6 AYRSHIRE POLICE

Although a Police Jaguar may seem extravagant, when the Ayrshire Police force enlisted OCS 359H in 1970 it was a practical solution to a problem. William Lyon’s cars had always been remarkable value for money and were among the fastest and best handling vehicles around, so as a high-speed Traffic Division cars they were perfect. The vehicle replaced an S Type, continuing Ayrshire’s tradition of using Jaguars. Shop here