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.

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.

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.

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.