1/18 FIAT 500 DIECAST MODEL

The rear-engined Fiat 500, launched in 1957, was even smaller than the Mini, and it was very popular in Italy, where the roll-back canvas roof made it great fun to drive in sunny weather. But the back seat allowed passengers little room. Buy here.

NOSCOTT'S CAT 980G WHEEL LOADER

This Caterpillar 980G Wheel Loader has wheels that roll with authentic tire tread design, a working rock bucket that scoops and dumps, a boom that raises and lowers, detailed cab interior, and realistically moulded guard rails and ladders. See more.

NORSCOT'S CAT 924G VERSALINK WHEEL LOADER

The world of heavy plant and machinery is one of ever growing fascination, from simple for lift trucks right up to mammoth earth mover. Thankfully diecast manufactures such as Norscott have superb ranges of these types of vehicles to satisfy the huge interest in diecast replicas of these hard working giants. Here is a flavour of the Norscot 1:50 scale ‘Caterpillar’ range.

This Caterpillar 924G VersaLink Wheel Loader has a single-piece boom-style lift arm with interchangeable work tools including bucket. It comes with a series of work tools, as per the real machine. See more.

JAGUAR X-TYPE DIECAST MODEL CAR

This is Maisto 1/18 scale Jaguar X-Type. The model features opening bonnet, boot and front doors, the shut lines are as tight as the actual car’s – so that it really is an accurate model. The basic moulding is excellent, the curved feline haunches over the back doors are superbly captured, as are the car’s subtle decorative features.

But it’s the extra detailing that makes the model. Excellent wheels, ‘chromework’ Jaguar rear badging and a fabulous engine bay are great touches.

Inside, it’s a marvel. Not only is there a detailed dash, but some of the touches are great. You can read the setting of the radio and air conditioning! Door handles are picked out in chrome, the wood looks more real than the timber you see in a lot of full size cars, and the door pills are cut away so a 1/18th scale driver could pull them to with no problems! You can pratically smell the wood and leather as you look into the super-detailed interior! Buy it now.

DINKY - 1950 FORD V8 PILOT

With the dust settling after the World War II, Ford returned to civilian car production and a new, larger, more modern looking V8 saloon was announced. The trusty 3.6 litres side valve V8 until that had performed so well during the war years was fitted into a brand new body shell with distinctly transatlantic styling – the V8 Pilot was born. Introduction in 1947, the Pilot was in production until 1951.

The Matchbox/Dinky Toy model of the Pilot issued a few years ago is probably just as good, if not a touch finer than this handbuilt; however, this model exudes a quality feel which more than compensates for the price difference and 40 years on I can, at last, have my very own V8 Pilot! Great model of a great car.