VANGUARDS 1/43 LAND ROVER MkII MORETON C CULLIMORE

Moreton C Cullimore & Sons was first etablished 80 years ago (1927) and is well known throughout the country for it's green trucks. During the 1960's and 1970's most of the companys support vehicles were Land Rovers and were used for a variety of duties, but primarily the movement of staff between working locations, supervisory staff and maintenance crews. WDD439J was the newest member of their Land Rover fleet, and entered service early in 1971. It operated under the name of Mr Chuckster from the Old Curiosity Shop from the Dickensian novels.

The Series II Land Rover made it's appearance in 1958 it was available in two different wheelbases and a range of different body styles. The Series II production continued essentially unaltered until 1971. Shop here

VANGUARDS 1/43 AUSTIN 1800 Mk2 - BRITISH AIRPORTS AUTHORITY POLICE

Until the mid 1970s, responsibility for policing Heathrow and Gatwick airports fell to the British Airports Authority Constabulary, before disbanding. They had their own unique fleet of vehicles, including this Austin 1800, based at Heathrow airport, and several Austin 1100s. The car modelled was equipped with a PA loudspeaker on the front and a microphone in the cabin, which allowed the car to be used for the control of crowds, something that was a common and an important part of that particular force’s duty. Buy it now

VANGUARDS 1/43 FORD THAMES TRADER BOX VAN

Produced between 1957 and 1965, the all-new forward control Ford Thames Trader range covered load capacities from 2 to 5 tons and was offered with petrol or diesel 4-6 cylinder engines, the latter being the first ever Ford developed and manufactured diesel units. Many variants were available including tippers, flat-beds, tankers and articulated tractor units, but this particular model features a box van body on a Thames Trader 5 ton chassis.

The Thames Trader comes as a box van, first in the familiar bright red of Brooke Bond Tea, the decoration on the sides promoting PG Tips with their familiar chimpanzee.

1940'S GREYHOUND BUS CHICAGO

As Greyhound began updating its fleet following World War II, it turned to GM for new equipment, purchasing 2000 PD-series coaches between 1947 and 1948. Some design and mechanical elements were carried forward into 1950, when the partially restyled PD-4102 was introduced. With seats for 41 and a powerful diesel engine, this transition model received a new front end with the destination sign directly below the windshield. This was replaced in 1951 by the PD-4103, which included the same front, but also had a restyled rear area. Most of the 1501 examples built through 1953 served Greyhound, but some were purchased by other operations. With its classic lines, this model will be a welcome addition to HO highways. Finished in period colors and lettering schemes, the models also feature perfectly printed chrome window frames, turn signals and logos. A full interior, side view mirrors and authentic wheels are also included. The models come fully assembled from plastic and die cast parts, ready for service on layouts or display with any vintage vehicle collection. Buy it now

CORGI 1:76 PLAXTON PARAGON WALLACE ARNOLD ORIGINAL OMNIBUS

Wallace Arnold and Shearings were both established in the early part of the 20th century and, through expansion and acquisition, have become nationally recognised for providing quality coach holidays. In March 2005, the two companies merged and before any decision was made to build a common brand, both companies were given decals as an exchange to aid the full integration of the two operators under one banner. Wallace Arnold coaches were given fleet numbers for the first time after this historic merger. This vehicle (fleet no 575) has now been transferred to the subsidiary, National Holidays fleet, and renumbered 928.

The Van Hoo Alizee is another highly praised model from Corgi. This coach arrives in a livery in which the actual coach is often seen, namely Wallace Arnold. Once again the paint finish and level of decoration are to a very high standard. Buy it now

SCHUCO 1/43 BMW 507

The BMW 507 made its debut at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York in the summer of 1955 and production began in November 1956. The body was almost entirely hand-formed of aluminum. The engine was the aluminum alloy BMW OHV V8, 3.2 liter displacement, with pushrod overhead valves. It had a pair of Solex Zenith two-barrel carburetors and was rated at 150 hp. The V8 was mated to a four-speed manual transmission with a variety of rear-differential ratios available. The 507 was capable of 0-60 mph in about 10 seconds, and the factory claimed a top speed of 141 mph, depending on gearing. The high level of craftsmanship BMW invested in every car made led to increasing production costs, ultimately pushing the U.S. price to $10,500, an amazing amount in the late '50s. Still, BMW lost money on every 507 built, and production was terminated in late 1959 after only 252 were built, plus two prototypes. Today the BMW 507 remains a milestone model for its styling. Of the 252 made, 202 are known to survive, a tribute to the car's appeal. Buy it now

SCHUCO 1/43 BMW 503 CONVERTIBLE SILVER WITH BLACK TOP

The BMW 503 was unveiled in 1955 and production began in 1956. By 1959, when production ceased, 413 had been built including 139 convertibles. The 503 incorporated a 3168 cc light metal V8 engine delivering 140 hp resulting in acceleration from zero to 60 mph in 13 seconds. Reported top speed was close to 120 mph. The engine was coupled to a four speed manual transmission from the BMW 502 sedan. Sixty years later, the BMW sports cars from the 1950s are much sought after by collectors and enthusiasts both on account of their inherent qualities and because of their rarity. Buy it now