HOT WHEELS - FORMULA P.A.C.K.

The formula racing car was the bizarrely named Formula P.A.C.K. It was finished in black, with attractive orange and light green tampos, and an unpainted base, engine and interior. The model was deleted in 1978, but revived in 1982 under the name of ‘Malibu Grand Prix’ with the lovely Real Rider wheels. It was again re-release in 1984 in yellow and called ‘Lightning Gold’, but by then, this type of racing car was looking pretty dated.

SIKU 1/55 MERCEDES BENZ ACTROS

In the big 1/55th scale series we can expect a nine-axle extending boom mobile crane, which should complement the two earlier lattic mast outfits released over the last couple of years. To complete the heavy haulage side there is a Mercedes Benz Actros tractor hauling a new five axle draw-bar low loader with O&K bucket loader for cargo. Shop here

CORGI 1/50 DAIMLER GREEN LINE UTILITY

The Daimler CW is released in Green Line livery. It's as well moulded and detailed a body as any from OOC so far. Nice details include the noticeable ribbing between panels characteristic of the Utilities, the moulded battery box at the front and some careful detailing around the driver's door. It's plastic detail that makes the model, however. The interior seat moulding capture quite nicely the slatted seats that made such an impression (on their behinds) to war-time and post-war travellers.

The handsome Daimler fluted radiator is sadly black rather than gleaming metal this is totally authentic of course, the bus being delivered in 1945 when austerity measures were in full effect. The bus modelled is a CWD6 with a Duple body and smooth Daimler engine, rather than the Gardener engine of the earliest batch. Particularly to be commended is the tampo printing. The Green Line symbols are very nice done. Shop here

DAIMLER 1929 KING GEORGE V (SANDINGHAM)

  
This magnificent detailed Royal Daimler purchased by King George V and delivered in August 1929 was for his personal use and only two were made - the second was for his wife Queen Mary. Painted in the Royal colours of black and maroon, the car also carried the appropriate heraldic decoration. The Royal 'identification' lamp was fitted on the canopy and the crowning glory has to be the mascot on the bonnet depicting Britannia sitting on the Globe and the Royal Standard features proudly above the front windscreen. Model is presented on a removable plinth with a removable hard plastic cover. Shop here

BBURAGO 1/18 NEW BEETLE

1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Coupe Yellow 1/18 Diecast Model Car by Bburago  

One of model is the Bburago, here in yellow. Bburago has produced a real winner with this model, complete with opening bonnet with detailed engine (yes,it's in the front), opening doors and hatchback (though it looks like the rear of the 'classic' Beetle, the curvy rear features a cleverly concealed hatch).

It's difficult to know where to start on the praise for this excellent model - one of Bburago's best. Interior details include the tiny moulded indicator stalks, 'glass' in the rear view mirror, grab handles. The distinctive and attractive hubs are very well captured, the wide tyres, all the lights are glazed (there's even orange glazing in the combined side lights and indicators) and the VW badge is as prominent as it on the new car.

MOTORMAX 1/18 CHEVROLET CORVETTE OF 1958

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.

MINICHAMPS 1/43 FORD MONDEO IN ESTATE VERSIONS

The model of Minichamp's Ford cars is the Mondeo estate. In Ghia form, this is still a handsome car, and the model features the chrome grille surround and rear door pillar badges to mark it as the top of the range car. The interior is nicely moulded, as are the wheels and grille. Perhaps the roof rack is a tiny bit over-scale. All in all, though, an attractive model. Shop here