HOT WHEELS - THUNDER ROLLER 1983

The racing truck was powerful sounding Thunder Roller. This was a cabover (forward control) truck with an aerodyne cab and large sleeper compartment. Although not named as such, it was pretty obviously a Kenworth. It was painted yellow with an eagle and ribbon motif on the sides. Thunder Roller disappeared for several years, until it was revived in 1996 in an attractive metallic red colour scheme. --Diecast Collector  Shop here

VANGUARDS 1/43 MORRIS J2 MINIBUS - METROPOLITAN POLICE SPG

The Metropolitan Police Special Patrol Group (SPG) was set up in 1970 and was a task group specifically designed to be capable of delivering a large number of officers to any part of the capital at short notice and as quickly as possible. Their role being to assist local officers at major incidents or events. This could be anything from a missing person search to riot control or the aftermath of any disaster such as a factory fire. The BMC J2 was the first vehicle that the SPG used; they were later replaced by Ford Transits. Shop here

MINICHAMPS 1/18 PORSCHE 918 SPYDER

2010 Porsche 918 Spyder Concept Grey Metallic 1/18 Diecast Car Model by Minichamps

Argubly one of the most delectable sports cars ever, this Porsche looks stunning in 1/18 scale. Lime green piping accentuates the bucket seats, and that vivid colour also decorates the brake units that peep out cheekily from behind the showy alloys.

TOP MODEL 1/43 FERRARI 375MM CUNNINGHAM

There are four versions of the Ferrari 375MM Cunningham. In each case the detailing is to a high standard, the cars being modelled being as driven in 1954, including the car as driven at Le Mans by Walters-Fitch. Shop here

CORGI 1/50 BEDFORD VAL COACH

The Connoisseur Collection has been created to capture the golden days of public transport. Each release in this exclusive range of 1/50 scale, high specification models comes with it's own numbered Limited Edition Certificate and a unique replica cap badge of the era.It is in the livery of Yellowway. This is truly lovely model, with Corgi having captured the look and shape of the vehicle perfectly. Particularly pleasing is the ribbed chromework, which is such a distinctive feature of the actual coaches and which has been reproduced effectively on the model. Also good to see are the flush windows, with the window frames moulded on and then picked out in silver

The headlights are plastic fittings, while the rear lights have a good appearance. The windscreen wipers are separately fitted: the side mirrors are provided for the buyer to fit. The front wheels can be turned. Chassis detail is provided. The paintwork and decoration are both to a high standard.

The one disappointment with this model is the lack of detail in the driver's cab area, and indeed the driver himself looks out of place: indeed the model might well have been improved without a driver. However, it is altogether a fine model, which comes with a replica driver's badge. Shop here

VITESSE 1/43 FIAT CINQUECENTO

A new casting from Vitesse is the Fiat Cinquecento, a pleasingly detailed model that captures the look of the vehicle, and has some good touches such as the interior detail (note the trim on the doors and seats) As one has come to expect these days, the glazing is flush, the lamps are plastic, the windscreen and rear window wipers are separate fittings, and there is good detailing. The pity is that the number plates are stickers, which, unless positioned carefully, can slightly detract from the final look of the model. Shop here

VANGUARDS 1/43 SAAB 96 SALOON SAVANNAH BIEGE

The Saab 96 was the follow up after the Saab 93, and although the front was relatively unchanged from it's predecessor, the rear was extensively redesigned to incorporate a much larger rear screen, a wider backseat, larger boot, a new fuel tank and larger rear lights. The Saab 96 featured a new 841cc, 38hp three cylinder two stroke engine and was well received by the public and proved popular and opened up new markets for Saab.Shop here