CORGI - SKYSCAPPER TOWER CRANE

This model was tooled and produced in Hong Kong. The model had a ‘trucked’ base surmounted by a swiveling body casting, at the rear of which were simulated concrete counterweight blocks. The main tower crane and top boom were diecast. These could be collapsed to fold down for towing away. A red moulded sling carrying a load of building blocks was also included with the model but this one is missing. It was not a factual model.

CORGI 1/36 MAZDA MOTORWAY MAINTENANCE TRUCK

This was the basic 493 Mazda B1600 Pick-up, fitted with a slightly modified version of the 478 Jeep Tower Wagon, but still with the same cage and arms. Bollards and hinged ‘Road Worker’ signs were included, together with self-adhesive labels but this one is missing.

VANGUARD 1/43 MORRIS MINOR 1000 - 60th ANNIVERSARY MODEL

Launched at the 1948 Motor Show, the Morris Minor was the first car to come from Alec Issigonis’ extremely fertile mind. Its stiff unit construction bodyshell, torsion-bar independent front suspension and accurate rack and pinion steering represented a huge advance over the Morris 8 Series E it replaced. The Minor’s lights were raised into pods on the wings in early 1951 and it received BMC’s more up to date A-Series engine in the autumn of 1952, but the basic car remained unaltered throughout its twenty-three year production life. The fact that over 1.6 million Minors were produced is testament to the greatness of Issigonis’ original design.

KYOSHO 1/18 MORRIS MINI MINOR 1959

Kyosho is a Japanese model-maker, but the company loves classic British cars of the sixties. And so it was no surprise when they announced that they would be modelling the first ever production Mini Minor, registration 621 AOK. It has now been released. Over the years, there has been some debate about whether 621 AOK really was the first Mini off the production line as it does not have the lowest build number. But recently the mystery was solved. Peter Tothill, who was responsible for the design of the production line has confirmed that he and four other colleagues built 621 AOK over the Easter bank holiday of March 27 - March 30, 1959. The technical build date of May 8 was merely the day the paperwork caught up! It can be definitely confirmed, therefore, that 621 AOK really is the first ever Mini. And, of course, you can be just as confident that Kyosho has crawled over every inch of it to create a totally authentic replica. We, and you, would expect no less! And finally, for those who seek exclusivity, we have had 100 examples signed by the man who made 621 AOK, Peter Tothill. Very unique. Very special. This fantastic model has been accurately produced as a faithful replica of the original vehicle. Kyosho produce high quality diecast models with a great level of detail and high quality finish. Kyosho 1:18 models tend to feature opening body parts. This Kyosho model will make a great gift or great addition to your collection. Shop here

CORGI 1/50 BEDFORD S DROPSIDE 'W. AND J. RIDING'

The Bedford S comes as a dropside in the livery of W. and J. Riding Ltd, of  Preston and Longridge. The dark blue livery, with bright red chassis, looks smart, perfectly setting off the gold lettering. The model is supplied with a load of drums, which can be positioned as requires when the model is displayed. Shop here

MATCHBOX REGULAR WHEEL NO.52b - BRM FORMULA I RACER

In September, the BRM Forular I Racer (52b) was released to complement the Lotus Racer. The new model, which replaced the Maserati, had plated engine, exhaust pipes and suspension. The first model was painted blue, but rarer red versions appeared in the 1966 G4 Racetrack and 1968 G4 ‘Race ‘n Rally’ Gift Sets. The number 5 on the nose and sides came originally in decal form but later as labels.

The blue BRM was fitted with a No.3 decal for a short time. Tow guides were included with later releases, whilst the engine may be found with eleven or twelve ribs. --Model Collector

MATCHBOX REGULAR WHEEL NO.30C - EIGHT WHEEL FAUN CRANE TRUCK

August saw the release of an eight wheel Faun Crane Truck (30c) with a green body and orange revolving jib. One variation involved a comparatively rare red hook as opposed to the normal yellow version.

The model comes with and without a tow guide and first releases did not have the central brace to the rear of the jib rivet. A model with a turquoise body was found in a G6 Gift Set. --Model Collector