PRESSLAND'S GREAT BOOK OF TIN TOYS BY DAVID PRESSLAND

Tin toys will always probably have that special appeal, for they enjoy a particular charm that seems virtually impossible to capture today. Perhaps their appeal lies in their bright colours, adopted so that the toys were attractive to the intended young audience.

That is why a book such as this will offer many hours of fascinating browsing, looking at these toys of a by-gone era which can only be marvelled at. All the more so, since the items select are rare, in many cases being unique.

Fortunately full colour has been used throughout this book, and great care has been taken both with the original photography and with the colour reproduction.

The book is divided into three sections corresponding to particular time periods: 19th century; 1900 to 1940; 1945 to 1970. Within each period, there are appropriate sub-division, such as nautical, aeronautical, novelty, horse-drawn and automotive.

The toys depicted are not only from Great Britain, but span the world, with natural emphasis on Germany, France, Italy and Spain, plus some Japanese.

An introduction is provided for each period, but the main thrust of this book is its illustration
s, and the fulsome captions provided with each toy depicted.

This book is offers a good reflection of the times, not only of toy manufacture, but also of the objects depicted, which range from the horse-drawn vehicles of the previous century to the robots of more modern times.

Clearly this is not a cheap book, but will provide many hours of enjoyment, simply flicking through its pages. --Model Collector

THE COMPLETE BOOK OF HOT WHEELS BY BOB PARKER

The appearance of Hot Wheels and their effect on the toy market has been frequently recounted: has there ever been a greater influence which resulted in toy companies throughout the world wondering how they could make their toys move faster.

This book traces the history of these famous toys. It provides a potted background, before looking at each year from 1968 to 1999, examining the main features of the year and listing the new items released.

Each of these year accounts is accompanied by excellent colour illustrations occupying nearly 394 pages of this A4 sized book.

Well over half, however, is taken up by tables of all the variation found on each of the toys and a price guide.

As far as Hot Wheels are concerned, this book will probably not be bettered.

MATCHBOX TOYS: THE TYCO YEARS 1993-1994 BY CHARLIE MACK

It is well known that Tyco acquired the Matchbox brand from Universal in 1992: perhaps for many collectors the major change came through Models of Yesteryear and The Dinky Collection, although those who collect the Miniatures and Convoys have not been denied their excitement.

Anyone who believes that all has been relatively quite on the Matchbox front should think again - as this book amply demonstrates. Despite the fact that it only covers two years, the illustrations of the models released occupy nearly 100 pages. Since on each page there is shown some ten to twenty models, the extent of the output can be gauged.

This book follows the pattern established by several published by Schiffer. Brief notes on each of the models is followed by the mass of pages of illustrations, all of them in colour.

Certainly if you collect Miniatures, this book should prove essential.--Model Collector

NOREV 1/18 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI BLACK DIECAST MODEL

More than 1.5 million models have been produced of this marque since its inception. This model shows the redesigned grille. The model offers opening doors, note the Satnav on the detailed dashboard, boot and the bonnet reveals the powerful lump. Buy it now

NOREV 1/43 VOLKSWAGEN T1 TRANSPORTER - GERMAN POST

The Post Van is an all over yellow casting. This is 1st type van with convex wheel hubs. A black post-service symbol is printed on the van sides, black VW symbol on V-shaped front and matching black front and rear bumpers. Norev produces the finest 1/43rd scale models. This item is a highly detailed model of the actual vehicle. It comes in a hard plastic display case. See more

DATSUN 240Z - EAST AFRICAN SAFARI RALLY

The Datsun 240Z was a popular sports coupe in the 1970s, and successful in rallies, like the gruelling East African Safari.

FABULOUS 1952 HUDSON HORNET CONVERTIBLE

The 1948-1954 Hudson’s ‘step down’ unibody gave it a much lower center of gravity – and better handling – than any other American car of the period. And ‘Twin H-Power’ dual carburetors gave its 308 cubic inch six gobs of torque and enough power to win the NASCAR Championship from 1951 through 1953 and finish second in 1954. The Fabulous Hudson Hornets won 31 of the 35 races they started in 1952! Once in a while there’s a model that’s just right in every respect and Highway 61’s ’52 Hudson Hornet Convertible is one of them. There’s not enough space to fully describe this one, you’ll just have to see it. Start with flawless glossy dark metallic grey paint, with every piece of trim done with separate chrome parts; even the Twin H-Power trunk badge is film-thin chrome. The hood opens on scissors hinges with over-center supports and the wired and plumbed engine matches photos in the June 1986 ‘Collectible Automobile’ perfectly. I’m even more impressed with the interior; properly hinged doors, soft carpets, exceptionally realistic upholstery with separate plated handles and cranks, the rarely seen but authentic leather-grained dash and door trim, and legible instruments and radio face. Underneath, the diecast chassis is separate from the baseplate, as are the drivetrain and suspension components, and there are even value stems in the wheels. Body lines match photos from all angles, details are all present and correct, dimensions are right on 1:18 scale, and best of all, this beauty is only $62.99 from amazon.com. (SMI)

PHANTOM’ NOVA; STEVE STROPE NOVA Z/28

Chevrolet Nova Z/28 Steve Strope Diecast Car Model 1/18 Orange Die Cast Car 1 of

Steve Strope’s ‘Z/28 Nova’, a car Chevrolet never built, was the hit of the 2006 Specialty Equipment Manufacturer’s Association (SEMA) show. A Z/28 Camaro style spoiler, classic ‘Hugger Qrange’ and white paint scheme, ‘cowl induction’ hood, and Z/28 ‘blackout’ grille treatment transformed the stock 1969 Nova body. A ‘mouse motor’ 302 V-8 with a Trans-Am style cross-ram twin carburetor manifold, modern Tremec transmission, and 4-into-1 headers provided the ‘go’ while wide Budnik wheels with Corvette C-6 dusk brakes all around handled the ‘whoa’! The Nova’s interior was replaced with a Camaro dash and gauges, bucket seats, and the ‘Rally Pack’ console, with ‘Hound’s Tooth’ upholstery. GMP’s new Nova Z/28 has a flawless heavy diecast body with mirror-smooth authentic paint and printed stripes. Running light bezels and Z/28 badges are foil-thin chrome, door handles are painted, and everything else is bright chrome. The hood opens to show the accurate small-block engine which has coolant hoses and spark plug wires but its alternator is supported only by the drive belt. Inside, the accurate Camaro dash has a full set of legible instruments an printed chrome trim but the relief-moulded inner handles haven’t been pick out. Chassis detail included separate drive train and exhaust system (the headers have small mould lines) and relief-cast, neatly painted hydraulic lines. Those big ventilated disks are easily seen through the big bright chrome wheels. (SMI)

SCHUCO 1/43 BMW 507 DIECAST CAR MODEL

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. Schuco is a legendary German toy manufacturer, founded in 1912. The company achieved worldwide fame with its toy cars manufactured in the '30s, '40s and '50s, many of which were patented. While Schuco continues to issue a limited number of metal retro-toys for collectors, today the company is better known for its amazing diecast vehicle replicas. Working directly with manufacturers and car collectors, Schuco painstakingly re-creates each vehicle in miniature, often incorporating tiny details only visible with a magnifying glass. Most Schuco models are issued in specified limited quantities, and once gone, will not be made again. That’s why wise collectors know that a Schuco model isn’t just a purchase: It’s an investment with a lifetime return of enjoyment. See more

SCHUCO 1:43 VOLKSWAGEN T1 SERVICE VAN FOR JOHN DEERE-LANZ

The classic Volkswagen T1 Minibus was first produced in 1950 and continued to be made until 1967. Its duties ranged from functional to fun, seeing duty as delivery van, service truck, emergency vehicle, family car and getaway camper. With its low cost, high reliability and ease of maintenance, it was a hit with all its owners, but is probably best remembered as an iconic symbol of '60s counterculture. The VW van was among the first 'forward control' designs in which the driver was placed above the front wheels. Thanks to wind-tunnel testing, the Minibus was aerodynamically superior to the Beetle despite its slab-sided shape. Never known for its power, the Minibus started out with only an 1131cc engine making 25 hp. By the end of its production, engine displacement grew to 1.5 liters, producing a whopping 42 hp. No matter the size, however, the engines were always air-cooled, a VW hallmark. Schuco is a legendary German toy manufacturer, founded in 1912. The company achieved worldwide fame with its toy cars manufactured in the '30s, '40s and '50s, many of which were patented. While Schuco continues to issue a limited number of metal retro-toys for collectors, today the company is better known for its amazing diecast vehicle replicas. Working directly with manufacturers and car collectors, Schuco painstakingly re-creates each vehicle in miniature, often incorporating tiny details only visible with a magnifying glass. Most Schuco models are issued in specified limited quantities, and once gone, will not be made again. That’s why wise collectors know that a Schuco model isn’t just a purchase: It’s an investment with a lifetime return of enjoyment. See more

NOREV 1/18 PEUGEOT 207 GREEN DIECAST CAR MODEL

Our French cousins have been fast off the mark with a 1/18 scale model of the updated 207 and very nice it is too, resplendent in its metallic yellow paint schme. The detailing is all you would expect from Norev and the glass roof has been perfectly executed. See more

MAISTO 1/18 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z28 1968 DIECAST CAR MODEL

The Camaro was initially advertised on Top 40 AM radio stations of the day in an attempt to woo the young adult market. Although it was technically a compact car (by the standards of the time), Camaro may also be classified as an intermediate touring car, a sports car, or a muscle car.Though the car's name was contrived with no meaning, GM researchers reportedly found the word in a French dictionary as a slang term for "friend" or "companion." The Automotive press asked Chevrolet product managers "What is a Camaro?", and they were told it was "a small, vicious animal that eats Mustangs. See more

MARKLIN - VOLKSWAGEN 181 GERMAN FEDERAL ARMY

German Federal Army type 0,4 t tmil (4 x 2) passenger vehicle. Special version equipped as an airfield fire department vehicle (fire department chief's vehicle). The civilian VW 181 is based on this vehicle. With a hardtop. The vehicle's superstructure is constructed of metal. Other components are made of detailed plastic parts. This vehicle has separately applied details and a blue light. It also has an authentic red paint scheme with ELF lettering. The vehicle is lettered with identifying marks. Length approximately 4.4 cm / 1-3/4".

MAISTO 1/18 RANGE ROVER SPORT DIECAST MODEL

Range Rover Sport Diecast Model 1/18 Red Die Cast Car by Maisto

The Range Rover Sport is a handsome rather sleek machine that is noticeably smaller than both the lastest Range Rover and the new Discovery 3, which provides the Sports basic platform. If you cannot afford the Range Rover Sports hefty price tag, then how about this scaled down diecast version from Maisto in 1:18 scale. The model colour is red, and very nice it is too! The model captured all the lines of the real thing, and has probably represented the front end with its unique headlamp arrangement. This is an exceptional model from Maisto as it captured the brutish yet sleek lines of the car.

NOREV 1/18 SIMCA 1000 RALLY

Simca 1000 Rally Diecast Car 1/18 White Die Cast Car Model by Norev

In its early days this car suffered in comparison withthe Renault Gordini 8. Its reputation soon improved due to its competition wins. The model has opening doors. The interior is somewhat spartan by today's standards. The boot and engine compartment also opens.

MINICHAMPS - BMW 1802 TOURING 1972 - POLIZEI MUNCHEN

BMW 1802 Munchen Police Diecast Car Model 1/18 Die Cast Car by Minichamps

The touring models were the worlds first hatchbacks. Three engine versions were available. The car was only manufactured from 1971-72, as a result only 29,230 units were built. Police collectors will probably be pleased to have this rare beast in their collections.

VANGUARDS 1/43 FORD CORTINA MK3 2000GT-THAMES VALLEY POLICE

Thames Valley Police used Mk3 Cortinas as emergency response vehicles mainly in urban areas and the car modelled is one of that fleet. It was ideally suited to this work being both spacious and by the standards of the time rapid. In this era very little thought was given to resale values when specifying cars so all Police Cortinas had the low-back L type seats and steel wheels with hubcaps rather than the high-back head restraint seats and styled sports wheels that were fitted to the civilian 2 litre GXL. They were however fitted with extra fog lights below the bumper and the then new 'Pinto' OHC engine.

ERTL - 1969 DODGE CHARGER GENERAL LEE FROM MOVIE 'DUKES OF HAZARD"

1969 Dodge Charger General Lee From Movie "Dukes Of Hazard" Diecast Model 1/18 Die Cast Car By Ertl

The General Lee is without question the most famous car on television. The good of boys cousins Bo & Luke Duke raced around Hazzard county in the bright orange dodge with the confederate flag painted on its roof, relive the memory of this great series with this super model of the famous ' General Lee '. This Dodge Charger is an 11" long die cast metal car with openable doors & hood, spray painted mud for the dirty look, mounted on removable base.

ERTL 1/18 PONTIAC FIREBIRD DIECAST MODEL CAR FROM SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT

1977 Pontiac Trans Am "Smokey And The Bandit" 1/18 Die Cast Car Model by ERTL/RC2

Smokey the Bandits Trans Am famed from the late 70's comedy that not only capitalizes on the CB craze but also featured some of the wildest automotive stunts ever filmed. Etrls model features opening doors detailed interior, opening bonnet with detailed 6.6 litre engine. Model length approx 10.25 inches.

MINICHAMPS 1/43 SCALE MGB CONVERTIBLE

The MGB is offered as a convertible, and looks the part, especially the finely etched wheels. This version has left-hand drive, and a luggage rack is provided on the boot. See more

SUN STAR 1/12 SCALE - 1969 Woodstock Bus Volkswagen Kombi - "LIGHT"

In the USA, the VW Bus became an icon of the 60s and, in particular, of the hippie youth sub-culture. It could carry a number of passengers, camping gear and supplies, its shape was the antithesis the American automobile of the period, and as a second-hand or used vehicle, it was extremely cheap. It quickly became a symbol of the Peace and Love, anti-war generation. Robert R. Hieronimus, Ph.D. has been an acknowledged pioneer in the "New Paradigm" movement for over 40 years. Dr. Bob's most famous Artcar, the Volkswagen bus "Light" (better known as "the Woodstock bus"), was photographed by the Associated Press and Rolling Stone at the original 1969 Woodstock, and is still seen today regularly reprinted in media all over the world. Sunstar have produced this immaculate model in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Woodstock.

Features : Functioning door handles on front and side doors, Extending radio aerial, All four wheels can be changed by unscrewing the 5 nuts, Front seat back folds up for access to removable spare wheel, Fully positionable external mirrors and supports, Removable hub caps, Removable fuel cap, Posable windscreen wipers which also hinge outwards, Movable gear lever, Sun visors fold down and swivel, Front seat back folds up for access to removable spare wheel, Bench seat folds up for access to tool kit, Fully functional steering, Front side windows slide to open, Front quarter-lights open, Working front and rear suspension, Speakers and guitar case accessories, Detailed engine with separate HT leads fan belt, alternator, starter motor etc. Over 600 separate parts

ERTL - 1976 FORD GRAND TORINO "STARSKY & HUTCH"

The red and white ‘Starsky and Hutch Ford Gran Torino’ capitalized on the highly successful American ‘cop’series and captured the imagination well. However, its contours were a little crude and the wheels were far too small. The white stripe label was also prone to being poorly aligned. Early versions of this 1/35th scale model had clear windows and a yellow interior, and featured posed figures of Dave Starsky and Ken Hutchinson apprehending a suspect. Later versions had solid black windows without any interior or figures, but it did gain twin rear aerials due to the casting being altered slightly for the Corgi Torino Road Hog. Production ceased in 1985/86. A limited run included the Junior version in the same box.

1976 Ford Gran Torino "Starsky & Hutch" Diecast Car Model 1/18 Die Cast Car by ERTL

VANGUARDS 1/43 AUSTIN MINI ON FIRE

Resplendent in customised Boy Racer decoration, our 'On Fire' mini also features jewelled headlights, working suspension and detailed chassis, not to mention that prominent aerial and shocking pink upper body paintwork.

SIKU - LINDE H80 FORK LIFT TRUCK

The Linde H80 Fork Lift truck, in the usual 1/15th scale range, is a superb piece of kit and it will not look out of place alongside any other 1/50th scale models in your collection.

Siku have excelled themselves and produced a model coasting just a few pounds that is equal to those 'other' German promotionals which cost three or four times the price. Using their now stanard 'truck' wheels and tryres, which are pretty good for a toy, the Fork Lift is beautifully decorated and well put together.

REVELL 1/18 WIESMANN ROADSTER COLOR A

In the beginning, as with many individually built cars, there was a dream.This was the case with the brothers Martin and Friedhelm Wiesmann who, in 1985, came up with the idea of building a made-to-measure car developed and designed by them. It was not realised until 1993 when a small series was produced. This agile, hand-crafted two-seater from the workshop in Dülmen offers individualists intoxicating performance combined with classical but timeless lines.

Opulent, but also attractive and sporty the Roadster presents itself with a long sweeping bonnet finished off with a rounded rear which fires an enthusiasm that many a major manufacturer longs for. The cockpit is also dazzling, finished with top quality chrome and leather fittings from the firm's own workshop. It is not only the design of the MF 3 that satisfies the highest requirements. Dynamic handling characteristics prove the Roadster to be a real thoroughbred sportster. The technology, suspension, axles and gears come from the BMW M range, so that the MF 3 hides under its bonnet a powerful, water-cooled, 6-cylinder in-line engine with a capacity of 3.2 litres and 343 bhp.

The workmanship and harmony of all its parts give it a really spectacular performance. In addition to a powerful burst of speed, the Roadster offers perfect traction and accurate cornering, together with neutral handling characteristics at its performance limits. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5 seconds and has a top speed of 255 km/h See more

MINICHAMPS 1/12 LOTUS RENAULT 97T 1985 AYRTON SENNA

Minichamps 1/12 Lotus Renault 97T Ayrton Senna 1st GP Win Portugal 1985 # 540 851292 For the first time ever on an Ayrton Senna replica, this 1/12 scale Lotus Renault 97T from Minichamps features a cockpit fairing which lifts off to reveal the kevlar-carbon monocoque and Renault EF4B/15 engine in all their glory. Limited to just 6194 pieces worldwide and measures some 14 inches (32cm) in length.

VANGUARDS - TRIUMPH HERALD 948 SALOON - 50 th ANNIVERSARY

Triumph’s elegant Herald was styled by Italian Giovanni Michelotti and launched in April 1959, priced at £495 in saloon form. The car modelled, WOY 660, was built on 24th August 1959 and dispatched on 3rd September to Mr Frank Carr, of the influential Triumph dealership ‘Carr’s Auto Sales’, for his personal use. Carr was a good friend of Standard-Triumph’s Managing Director Alick Dick, and had previously sold Dick his yacht ‘Herald’. The yacht’s moniker inspired the naming of Triumph’s new model range, so, without this car’s first owner, the Herald may have been launched with its development project name, Zobo. See more

CORGI - FODEN LIVESTOCK - IAN S. ROGER -NEWTON OF FORGIE, KEITH

In 1973 Ian Roger and his wife Rachel started in livestock haulage operating 2 lorries and employing 1 driver with a 1968 7 tonne Commer with a 21 ft cedarwood float painted in British Leyland Rover Sand. The business slowly grew through the 70s and 80s expanding into bulk and general haulage. In the early 90s their two sons Colin and Graeme Roger joined the family business and started moving bulk vegetables in a larger scale. Today the Company runs a mixed fleet of Scania, Volvo, Foden, DAF and MAN artics and drawbar combinations concentrating on livestock, bulk and general haulage, still painted in the same colour of Rover Sand. See more

CORGI 1/50 FULLER BREWERY FODEN DROPSIDE WITH TRAILERS AND BARREL LOAD

Fullers Brewery Foden Dropside with Trailers and Barrel Load limited edition model overall length approx 38cm, finished in tan with black chassis's and red wheels with gold lettering.The Foden has glazed side windows with gold piping around the cab and also gold lettering for the Company's name a barrel load completes the model. Limited edition certificate is also provided