KOVAP TIN PLATE: VW 1200 BEETLE

The Volkswagen 1200 Beetle in Deutsche Bundespost livery was made available between 1968 and 1979. It was designed and produced by Kovap. in Czechoslovakia. The model is made from tin plate pressing which are clipped together by folded edges. The main shell is finished in vivid yellow, pressed accurately with details to the bonnet (including the air intake and VW badge), the rear engine cover, vent and bumpers. ‘Deutesche Bundespost’ and a horn is printed in black on both doors.

KOVAP TIN PLATE: VOLKSWAGEN T2 AMBULANCE

In 1/143th scale tin plate from Kovap comes a VWT2 transporter bay window ambulance in cream with the usual red crosss, blue doom light. This is nice looking model, with tinted rear saloon windows masking the lack of any detail in the ‘patient’ area.

KYOSHO: 1/18 SCALE CATERHAM SUPER SEVEN

This is Caterham Super Seven from Kyosho, for this really is a superlative model. This time the model comes in silver, with a green nose. Sensibly the model is packaged with the bonnet off, so that the fully detailed engine can be admired. However, as you exmine the model closely, you see many other fine details, such as the chrome headlights, the Caterhan Super Seven badge on the bonnet, the dashboard and steering wheel detail, and the incredible seatbelts. Steering is provides, and while not really needed on a model such as this feature in no way detracts from the overall look. Once more, this is a first class model. See more

MATCHBOX: BEDFORD 'EVENING NEWS' VAN

The Bedford 12cwt appeared with the ‘Evening News’ van, no.42a. The yellow body had a signboard with ‘First With The NEWS’ on the roof and front door decals proclaiming ‘Football Results’ and ‘Evening News’ on both sides. Metal, grey and black plastic wheels were all applied as well as silver trim to the grille and headlights. It was a popular model as it lasted in the range for almost eight years.

1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

1958 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Diecast Model Red 1/18 Die Cast Car By Motormax

A 1/18th scale model is certain to look impressive in the display cabinet, and that certainly is the case with the Chevrolet Corvette of 1958 as modelled by Motormax. This open version looks stunning in its red and white, with plenty of chrome trim. This trim extends to such areas as the interior of the car, with the instrument panels neatly shown.

The bonnet opens to reveal a highly detailed engine, while the boot like wise opens. The front wheels steer, and have suspension, while the doors also open.

Fortunately all the opening features are a good fit, so do not detract from the overall appearance of this fine model.

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.