MATCHBOX: AMPHIBIOUS D.U.K.W

The DUKW (55a) was base upon a military vehicle which had been built in the USA, but which was used extensively by the British army in World War Two. The real vehicle was a 2.5 ton GMC Amphibian Truck which had been a secret weapon until June 1943. Its purpose was to transport supplies and soldiers from ships to the coast. It proved to be of great benefit during the Normandy landings and featured prominently in D-Day Commemorative television programmes. After the war it was put to good use in a variety of circumstances, not least for rescues in times of flood.

The phototype actual vehicle took just 38 days to complete and 'DUKW' were its code letters. It was known as a 'DUCK' works in the USA and by the soliders who used it in action during the invasion of Sicily. The Matchbox model had a smaller scale body when compared with the rest of the army vehicles in the '1-75' range and perhaps because of this it did not sell as well as the larger scale military vehicles.

Metal wheels were fitted to the first released to the first releases but subsequently either grey or black plastic wheels were used. It was the last Matchbox military model to be fitted with metal wheels. There are no casting variations with the DUKW and the only three recorded variations centre upon the three types of wheels. Only the black plastic wheels were fitted with rounded axles. The matal and grey plastic wheels always featured crimped axles. --Model Collector

MATCHBOX: SARACEN PERSONNEL CARRIER

The Saracen Personnel Carrier (54a) was a model of the standard armoured carrier used by the Royal Armoured Corps and the infantry. To enhance play value, the model featured a revolving turret. The only body variation involved the antenna base on the upper left side of the body, which looks like astep. Because of a damaged die it is missing on later models.

CORGI 1/50 THAMES TRADER 'CORGI COLLECTOR CLUB 1997'

Each year the members of the Corgi Collector Club are entitled to purchase a special model: the year of 1997, it is the Thames Trader box van in the 'house' colours of pale blue and yellow. The model is suitably inscribled with the Corgi logo, and 'Collector 1997'

MAISTO 1/18 FORD GT90 CONCEPT CAR

The Ford GT90 Concept Car has not been otherwise modelled, so it is good to see this version from Maisto in 1/18th scale. The unusual shape has been perfectly captured--note particularly the doors, which are a good fit, and indeed need to be given the overall look of the car.

The model displays a number of other workable features, such as steering, suspension, opening bonnet (to review a fully detailed engine), adjustable wind deflectors and adjustable seats. As one would expect, the lamps are made of plastic, the wheels are authentic, and the Ford badge appears appropriately positioned.

Whether the car will go beyond the 'concept' stage only time will tell, but as a piece of future motoring history, this model should be in every enthusiast's collection. See more.

MODELS OF YESTERYEAR - Y17 1930 MODEL A FORD WRECK TRUCK

The wreck truck is based on the Model “A” Ford. Often a small garage requiring a breakdown vehicle would use the chassis of an old large car, fitting it out with a simple angle iron hoist and hand operated winch. Many of these vehicles lasted many years in service. This wreck truck was powered by a 4 cyl. 2 lt. engine wheel base 8’8” (2.64m) See more.

VANGUARDS: VW BEETLE 'FEUERWEHR'

The Volkswagen split rear screen Beetle takes on a new guise, in a fire livery, the red and white being set off by the blue roof lamp, and the message Feuerwehr on the sides. An unusual addition to the range.

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.