1917 YORKSHIRE STEAM WAGON -Great WESTERN RAILWAY COMPANY

It was and still is a familiar sight. A sleepy village in Yorkshire, no more than a hamlet with a string of homes, a post office, general store, a church and a pub called “The Lady and the Swan.” For as long as anyone can remember, a horse-drawn cart would come periodically into town, drive up to the beautifully carved sign advertising the pub, and deliver its casks of wine and kegs of porter. Yet this day is different, for suddenly there are no horses pulling the car-although a gaggle of excited children and dogs is following the chugging and hissing wagon. And, instead of transporting wines, it’s filled with supplies for making repairs to the railroad. It is, of course, a steam-powered wagon, which thrived during an era when, steam-powered engines were everywhere, infusing the world with a sense of excitement and optimism for the future. Now, a 1917 steam-powered wagon, built by the Yorkshire Patent Steam Wagon Co. and marked with the emblem of the Great Western Railroad, is precisely re-created in a replica crafted by Matchbox Collectibles exclusively for the Age of Steam II Collection. Shop here

MATCHBOX COLLECTIBLES: 'GRAND MARQUES' MERCEDES BENZ 540K

This is the Mercedes Benz 540K, which looks particularly smart in white, with red trim and red interior and seats. In addition to the fact that this model is part of 'The Grand Marques' theme, it comes in a 'Models of Yeasteryear' box, and so is needed for those maintaining their MOY collections formed prior to the days of Matchbox Collectibles. See more.

MODELS OF YESTERYEAR Y-19 - 1935 AUBURN 851

The Auburn 851 supercharged speedster was designed and developed by the famous Gordon Buering. Each car was fully tested and guaranteed to exceed 100 m.p.h. with the straight 8 Lycoming 279.2 cubic inch (4.5 litres) supercharged engine. The American driver, Ab Jenkins, in fact drove one at an average of 103 m.p.h. for twenty seven hours. This model replica was modeled on the vehicle currently residing at the Beaulieu Motor Car Museum at Hampshire, England. See more.

MOY (Y27) - FODEN STEAM LORRY

The 'Models of Yesteryear' Foden Steam Lorry (Y27) has always proved a popular model. It first appeared in Pickfords livery (of which specialists note various changes to the body casting) and in 1986 in a most attractive Frasers design.

The Frasers version is certainly worth buying while stocks are still around, but more importantly, because the Fraser model comes with a trailer, the lorry itself needed to be supplied with a towing hook.

Reports have appeared of a Pickfords version of models having such a hook. At first only a handful of such Pickfords with hooks appeared, but more have been available recently indicating that a reasonable production re-run was undertaken by Matchbox.

If a Pickford with hook interests you, it could be best to buy while examples are around-but do not be forced to pay silly prices. See more.

Y23 - 1930 MACK 'AC' TANKER

Over the years, there have been many versions of the Mack type ‘AC’ as truck. 1991 saw the release of the second livery on the Mack ‘AC’ tanker, that of ‘Conoco’. Although this had a white tank and the red livery of the rest of the model was lighter than the ‘Texaco’ red, it proved to be no more popular than ‘Texaco’. The ‘Conoco’ was developed in the Macau factory, but the regular production run was carried out after production had been transfered to the factory on mainland China.

The Mack was one of the first models to have wheels and tryes base on those of the actual vehicle. The cab and chassis for tanker was made from the tooling that was used for the Mack truck. The ‘front’ end consisted of the bonnet and rear mounted radiator, the cab sides and roof, windscreen frame the cab doors, and the cab floor, steps and front mudguards. The tanker was a one-piece casting, which included the rear ‘cupboard’. Set onto a shallow-sided truck body, which included three discharge valves at the rare. Some ‘Conocos’ also appeared fitted with ‘plated’ wheels, this time with a light gold finish, while some others were of a darker gloss red. See more.

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.

1922 FODEN STEAM WAGON

The “Age of Seam!.” It was an exciting, robust age when industry asserted its power and envisioned a better future. Everyday, everywhere, there seemed to be more construction, new rail lines, and better products. The sound of steam engines became the music of modernity—chugging, hissing, whistling steam-motors, power plants, and steam-engines. As the great edifices of the industrial age rose, they did so upon the rumbling shoulders of the steam engine—the very dynamo of the industrial age.

One of the foremost pioneers in steam-driven engines was the Cheshire firm of Hancock & Foden which, in 1899, began developing its steam-powered wagons. By 1902, the business was re-named E Foden & Sons Co. Ltd. And, with its line of steam-powered wagons, the firm laid the cornerstone for the modern trucking masterpieces it still manufactures today. Now, a 1922 Foden Steam Wagon—is re-created in a precision-engineered model bearing the logo of Brett & Son. This authentic replica is crafted by Matchbox Collectibles exclusively for the Age of Steam II collection.

Y-29 1919 WALKER ELECTRIC VAN

The walker 1 ton balance drive electric truck was manufactured by the Walker Vehicle Company Chicago, U.S.A. during the early twenties, it was used by distinctive stores and manufactures to deliver goods in towns. The van is driven by an eletric motor, developing 3 1/2 h.p. contained within the differential housing of the rear axle. The van had a range around 50-60 miles per charge, with a maximum speed of 12 m.p.h. Today, the only khown example is owned by Harrods Limited. Knightsbridge, and can be seen taking part in the annual historical commercial vehicle London to Brighton run.

Matchbox Models of Yesteryear. Y-29 1919 Walker Electric Van. Dark blue body, grey canopy, dark blue wheels, tan interior, "His Masters Voice" tempa. Macau casting. In good conditon. Issued in 1986. Comes in original box, which measures approx 6 inches (15cm) by 3 inches (8cm). Weight, unpackaged, is approx 110g. See more.

MATCHBOX MOY - Y11 1938 LAGONDA DROPHEAD COUPE

This car was powered by the famous 41/2 litre engine of Henry Meadows Ltd.
The engine had a top speed of nearly 100 mph. A Lagonda using the same power unit was outright winner of the classic Le Mans race of 1935.

A superb highly detailed model of the Matchbox Model of Yesteryear Y11 1938 Lagonda Drophead Coupe, beige body, black chassis, maroon interior, black grill and silver disc wheels. This model made in England, issued in 1972.

MATCHBOX MOY Y5 - 1927 TALBOT VAN "ROSE'S LIME JUICE CORDIAL"

Rose’s Lime Juice Cordial was the livery for 1985, and indeed carried through to 1988. The initial releases had a cream body with mid green chassis (and black or tan seats). The following year the body colour had become off white and the chassis dark green (again with black or tan seats). While the wheels were generally green, examples of the pale cream body version are known with red wheels.

Although the majority of these models were made by Lesney in England, a final production run of the Rose’s version was undertaken in 1988 in Macau (inscribed as such on the baseplate) Buy it now.

MATCHBOX Y5 - 1972 TALBOT VAN "DUNLOP TYRES"

The year 1978 was to prove significant in a number of ways. Matchbox Models of Yesteryear were still the prime interesting among many collectors. What made 1978 special was the new casting to fill the Y5 slot: announced as a 1927 Talbot van. When the Talbot van did arrive, it certainly as it included a fairly unusual feature for Yesteryears, namely opening rear doors.



For 1984 there was another so called limited edition, in Dunlop livery. Dunlop vans change little. Look out for the seats, which could be tan or black, and the wheels – either a bright yellow or a paler yellow. Buy it now.

THE WINNING PRINCE

Author by Wiwat Chang

Thailand was to have had its first top level race – the Bangkok Grand Prix – way back on December 10, 1939, when Prince Chula Chakrabonsge successfully pitched the idea to the prime minister of the time.

Having won the BRDC Road Racing Gold Star for three consecutive years from 1936 and 1938, Prince Chula’s cousin – Prince Birabongse Bhanutej Bhanubandh, better known as Prince Bira – was set to be the star local attraction.

But things were disrupted with the outbreak early in the year of World War Two, and the plans had to be scrapped.

It was not until 1988 that the Bangkok Grand Prix was actually held as a memorial exhibition drive in Bangkok, and as an historic race at Bira Circuit with MR Narisa Chakrabongse – Prince Chula’s daughter – driving Prince Bira’s most successful car, Romulus, among dozens of participants.

Prince Bira won 16 Grand Prix events between 1935 and 1938 including the 1936 Coupe du Prince Rainier, which later became known as the Monaco Grand Prix.

After the war he continued grand prix racing between 1950 and 1955 but managed to win only the non-championship New Zealand Grand Prix in 1955.

Prince Bira was the son of Rama V, King Chulalongkorn. He was born on July 15, 1914, in Bangkok and was sent to boarding school in England under the care of Prince Chula, who spotted his driving talent and first entered him in a race in 1935.

During the war years, Prince Bira was a glider instructor with the Royal Air Force. After his motor racing days, he represented Thailand at the summer Olympics in yachting in 1956, 1960, 1964 and 1972, and was instrumental in having the Varuna Club in Pattaya host a World Championship yacht race in 1978.

He passed away of a heart attack on December 23, 1985, in a London tube station.
His achievements in motor racing and sailing are honoured by the Bira International Circuit and the annual Prince Bira Memorial Regatta.

When the inaugural Bang Saen Thailand Festival of Speed was held last year, a temporary shrine was erected in his honour and will be reopened this year within the street circuit. Thailand no longer has a grand prix driver, so let this image of Prince Bira remind us that without perseverance, success can be elusive.

Article from Bangkok Post Newspaper November 2-8, 2008

FISHERMAN'S WHARF 1920 MACK AC

If you’ve ever been to San Francisco, you know that one spot everyone recommends is Fisherman’s Wharf. Renowned for both its beauty and savory seafood. Fisherman’s Wharf is the place where the city’s many fishermen dock their boats. In the course of a year, these intrepid seafarers bring in millions of pounds of fresh rock cod, sole, salmon, herring and a variety of shellfish. You can even buy fresh crab and shrimp cocktails from street vendors who cook the just-caught shellfish in metal kettles right there on the side walk. Now the spirit of fisherman’s Wharf is captured in an intricate replica of a 1920 MACK AC delivery truck with a full load of fish—including crabs and clams. This replica captures a vehicle built by Mack Trucks, Inc., the famous truck manufacturer whose roots date back to 1900. The company was born when two Mack brothers took over the Fallesen wagon factory in Brooklyn, New York. The company quickly progressed from making horse-drawn wagons to motorized buses. In 1905, Mack Trucks moved to Allentown, Pennsylvania which soon became known as “the truck capital of the world.” Mack trucks were soon respected around the world for their toughness and reliability. Now portrayed carrying a fresh catch from Fisherman’s Wharf to a San Francisco restaurant, your model is produced by and available only from Matchbox Collectibles.

SUNBEAM MOTORCYCLE & SIDECAR

Die-cast Matchbox Models of Yesteryear No.Y8-1914 Sunbeam Motorcycle & Sidecar, it was produced in England by Lesney in 1962. The length is 6.7 cm. Matchbox produced diecast of motorcycle side towing car only 5 patterns : Triump Sidecar, Lambretta, Harley Davidson (2 models) and Sunbeam. If we might count only a group of Models of Yesteryear, it was produced only one style of this 1914 Sunbeam Sidecar.

Before becoming Sunbeam, John Marton started with cycle manufacture, going on to produce his first car, from Wolverhampton, in 1899. Sunbeam cars came into their own from 1909, with racing success. The company merged with Talbot (and Darracq) in 1920. This was another company which was to be financially rescued by the Rootes Group.

Later the Sunbeam name was again used on its own, even when the Rootes Group became part of Chrysler. The last Sunbeam car appeared in 1976.

This die-cast 1914 Sunbeam Notorcycle & Sidecar was produced 3 models, all of them has a different chromium color. It has a black, light green and dark green seat.
This die-cast is a silver plate motocycle with black seat and side car with green seat, plain wheels.

MATCHBOX MOY-Y18 1937 CORD 812

One of the mostremarkable and technically advanced cars of the 1930's, the Cord model had retractable headlights, front wheel drive and with Supercharge engine reached 120 mph.

Alas it was the last model ever produced by the Cord Company which went into liquidation shortly after the introduction of the 812, therefore making this model a collectors item since only a small amount were built. Scale 1:35. www.toy2hand.com

WHITE TAIL RESERVE 1946 DODGE POWER WAGON

The Plains of North Texas aren’t the ideal habitat for the white tail deer, but this species thrive there. Hunters often come from a great distance to bag that buck of a lifetime. This has been true for many years and, back in the ‘40s, hunters discovered that they could go just about anywhere behind the wheel of the new generation of civilian 4X4s. While an ordinary car or truck would get struck or simply be unable to negotiate the rough terrain, a four-wheel drive vehicle could take the hunter into previously unexplored territory.

One such vehicle was the Dodge Power Wagon, which was first adapted for street use in 1946. Based on a successful World War II design, the civilian Power Wagon was advertised as a “self-propelled power plant.” It could transport loads up to 3,000 pounds. Equipped with a powerful 92 horsepower engine, the Power Wagon also came with an optional winch that had a 7,500 pound capacity. With its big tires and front bumper and heavy duty shock absorbers, the Power Wagon looked like it could take on anything. Yet, Dodge also considered driver comfort with standard deluxe seat and back cushions and driver sun visor, as well as a deluxe cab package. A classic post-war vehicle and a true forerunner of the modern 4x4 phenomenon, the Dodge Power Wagon continued to be produced until 1980.

Now, the classic 1946 Dodge Power Wagon is recaptured in all its distinctive detail-from the winch in front to its wide tread tires. It is decorated with the graphics of the “White Tail Reserve” of North Texas Plains. And it is crafted with hunting rifles, gun and bow cases and everything needed for outdoor camping and hunting. This fascinating model is produced by-and available only from-Matchbox Collectibles.

MOY Y-3 - 1910 BENZ LIMOUSINE

This is MOY Y-3 1910 Benz Limousine (2nd issue), first issued, as shown in 1966. A version with pale green body and lemon roof was issued in 1968, and one with either pale green or dark metallic green body and black roof in 1970. The 1970 version is fairly common; others are limited.

MOY-Y2 1914 PRINCE HENRY VAUXHALL

1914 Prince Henry Vauxhall; MOY- Y2 (3rd issue), first issued, as shown, in 1970; a variant with red seats is rare. A version with blue chassis and body and a silver bonnet was issued in 1974; a version with black chassis, red body and silver bonnet in 1979.

FODEN COAL TRUCK

One of the most respected names in steam engine vehicles. William Foden produced trucks for a variety of uses in England in the early days of the century. Indeed, Foden’s designs were so surperior, he frequently sued competitors for copying them. In 1900, Foden introduced an “overtype” steam engine. The 300 psi engine was mounted on a short locomotive-type boiler and the vehicle traveled at two speeds: 2 mph and 6 mph.
Within 20 years, Foden developed an advanced vehicle that could attain speeds up to 25 mph—quite a feat considering that the standard speed limit for trucks was 20 mph.
One of the most important roles Foden vehicles played was to carry coal—an important energy source at the time.
Now a steam-powered coal carrying Foden truck is captured as an authentic model by the masters of die-cast classic.

1960 FERRARI DINO 246/V12

Matchbox Models of Yesteryear – Y16-1960 Ferrari Dino 246/V12

Phill Hill shone in this front engined Ferrari in the 1960 Belgian GP and then drove it to win the Italian GP. One month later it was fifted with a 3-litre V12 engine for Tasman racing in New Zealand. It survived there for nearly 20 years before being restored as the only original GP Ferrari. Engine: 2953 cc V12-cylinder – 310 bhp – 180 mph.