CORGI JUNIOR: ROADLINE VAN

Roadline was the name used by the BRS parcels service back in the late 1970s, and is now long gone. The clever ‘r’ symbol for ‘junction ahead’, and it was carried on a Corgi Junior Leyland Terrier box van in the deep green colour used on the fleet. The Corgi Junior range was used for promotional purpose but this particular version was a general issue and is now quite rare in perfect condition.

MATCHBOX: WEATHERILL HYDRAULIC EXCAVATOR

Construction vehicles always featured strongly in the ‘1-75’ range and the Weatherill Hydraulic Excavator (24a), in its two forms, remained for eleven years. It appear either with an orange-yellow or a plain yellow body, with a ‘Weatherill Hydraulic’ rear decal. The bucket could be raised or lowered. This model was the first to include model numbers cast on to the metal wheels and also the first model to have its number cast on the base. This numbering technique occurred because it was part of a ‘family mould’. In the manufacturing process a body, base and wheels would all be derived from one small mould. When plastic wheels were introduced in 1958-59, these could all be of a common type, and it was no longer necessary to number the wheels. Although most models were fitted with the appropriate wheels, there were inevitably some mistakes. Perhaps the most odd detail was that a model numbered as 24 was fitted with wheels which had ‘23’ cast upon them.

MATCHBOX: EUCLID QUARRY TRUCK

In August a 6-wheel Euclid Quarry Truck (6c) replaced the earlier version. In fact, the model looked as though it had ten wheels but the heavy duty rear wheels were of a single moulding. Later ten individual wheels were fitted. All were of black plastic though there are variations in design, particularly with the front wheels.

The tipper could be fixed in any position. The model was originally decorated with silver trim but this was dropped before the model’s of minor casting variations with this truck affecting the body, chassis and base.

1968 CAMARO SS 396

This is the 1968 Camaro SS 396 from Welly, a stylish car finished in red with a white flash and silver trim. The models in this series are finely detailed, especially in such aspects as the wheels, while the paint work, of both exterior and interior, has been finely executed. The result is an attractive addition to the American car collection. See more.

LLEDO VANGUARDS: MINIVAN 'RAC'

This model is the Austin Mini van, which comes in a version without roof ribbing. This really is a delightful model, and proportions of this famous van. The shape of this vehicle is not easy to reproduce, so Lledo is to be congratulated on achieving a model that looks right from whatever angle it is viewed.
A pleasing touch is that only the window on the driver’s side is shown in an open position.
The livery chosen for this first release is RAC Road Service, in the familiar blue with white roof. A roof board is included, bearing the legend ‘Caledonian Patrol’

MATCHBOX: THE AVELING BARFORD ROAD ROLLER

The first miniature model was the Aveling Barford Road Roller. It may be distinguished from the three subsequent Road Rollers by its full length canopy. This first Road Rollers was descended from the early Lesney toy which had its own origins in the Dinky model already available at this time. In 1958; Lesney enlarged the size of the model and box. The third version of the Aveling Barford Road Roller (1c) was painted either with a light or a dark green body. The rollers continued to be red metal but the towing hook of the preceding models was replaced by a flat towbar.

BMW Z3 ROADSTER

BMW Z3 M Roadster Diecast Model Blue 1/18 Die Cast Car By Bburago

This model is the MBW Z3 Roadster, depicted as featured in the film Goldeneye. Even without the 'film-related' connection, this is a superb model. It is well up to the very high standards set by Bburago in this scale. It features a wealth of fine detail, particularly under the bonnet and in the cockpit. While there are some 'working' features, such as steering, opening doors, and an opening bonnet, fortunately, these are a good fit.