Saturday, July 18, 2009

THE BEATLES COLLECTION: YELLOW SUBMARINE



The ‘Beatles Yellow Submarine’, being based on the feature length Yellow Submarine cartoon, featured comic caricature figures of John, Paul, George and Ringo beneath opening front and rear hatches, and a group of four large pericopes that turned as the vessel rolled on its hidden wheels. Early versions were authentic in having one yellow and one white hatch with trime picked out in red and the trim omitted, but overall this 128mm model was a faithful replica.


The last of the Yellow Submarine reproductions, BT78211, is still on sale today. See more The Beatles Collection.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

THE BEATLES COLLECTION: THE BEDFORD VAL COACH 'MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR'



This is a series of model in celebration of The Beatles. The Bedford VAL Coach will represent a vehicle used by The Beatles during tours, whereupon they would often become covered with graffiti - messages from fans. With two white metal figures of fans. See more The Beatles Collection.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

THE BEATLES COLLECTION: BEATLES ROUTEMASTER BUS



The memory can play strange tricks. The third of the Beatles models is the AEC Routemaster bus in Liverpool Corporation livery. Enthusiasts know that back in the 60s and 70s the Routemaster was a strictly London-only bus, but don't blame Corgi. There was an insistence from certain people that Routemasters ran in Liverpool, so Corgi had to produced its Routemaster in Liverpool's colours. Of course, the Leyland Atlantean would have been far more authentic.

However, since this series is to celebrate The Beatles, few will probably worry much about the actual bus chosen. The destination is, of course, Penny Lane, and the registration number is 'BEAT 1'. On the side are advertisements which we believe are shots from A Hard Day's Night.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

CORGI COLLECTOR CLUB MODEL FOR 1996, A LAND ROVER


Each year the Corgi Collector Club provides its members with a special model. For 1996 the chosen model is a Land Rover, using a casing that has not been employed by Corgi for some time. Indeed the opportunity has been taken to improve the mould. Finished in green, the model carries the Corgi logo and year ‘1996’ on the bonnet, number plates of CCC96, and plastic headlights. Perhaps the chance should have been taken of tempo printing (or adding by transfer) the familiar Land Rover badge. Shop here

Monday, July 13, 2009

1994 VOLKSWAGEN CONCEPT CAR


The Volkswagen Concept Car of 1994 is certainly an unusual looking vehicle, the shape of which may not appeal to all. However, the Minichamps model perfectly captures the shape of this car, fully portraying the fairly basic interior and the very curved exterior lines.

Two versions have been produced, one a saloon, the other a cabriolet. Both reveal the usual Minichamps attention to detail, including the seperate door handles and windscreen wipers, and the authentic looking head and rear lights. See more.

MATCHBOX: BMC 1800 PININFARINA





The BMC 1800 Berlina Aerodinamica, to give it the correct title, was an extremely handsome concept car from 1967. As the name indicates, it was designed by Pininfarina, and was actually a serious contender to replace the Austin 1800 as BMC’s flagship four-door family saloon. The model of the 1800 Pininfarina is not exactly common; in fact, this Matchbox miniature appears to be the only one.

The model featured opening front doors. Initially, it was painted a lovely metallic gold colour, with white interior, clear windows and an unpainted base and headlights. Examples produced after 1972 were painted orange, and could vary from a light peach colour through to a very vivid orange. Early models had narrow wheels, while later ones had thick wheels and larger wheel arch cutouts to accommodate them.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

CORGI: MORRIS 1000 'CARTER'S STEAM FAIR'




Smallest vehicle in The Showman's Range is the Morris 1000 van, which comes along as publicity for Carter's Steam Fair. The pleasingly decorated van includes posters for future venues at Hammersmith and Bracjnell. A separate carousel horse is supplied to be fitted in the roof of the van. As with the other models in the range, this is supplied with a card kit to help build up a fun fair. This time the kit builds into a seafood stall.

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...