Friday, May 21, 2010

SCHUCO 1/43 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN BLACK


The Volkswagen Tiguan was announced at the 2006 Los Angeles International Auto Show held in November 2006 as a design concept, with the production version premiering at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show as a 2009 model for the North American market. While aimed at the growing crossover utility vehicle segment, the Track & Field version of the Tiguan has genuine off-road capabilities, with a maximum 28 degree approach angle to terrain. 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. Buy it now

CORGI 1/72 OPEN ROUTEMASTER BUS


This is the Routemaster bus as an open top version for The Original London Sightseeing Tour. In some ways this is a curious mixture: clearly aimed at the toy or souvenir market, it has 'whizz'-type wheels, while much of the decoration is in the form of stickers. Yet the London Transport fleetname is tampo printed in gold with black outline, and the RM number (RM143) is included both on the bonnet and by the driver's cab (and in the case of the latter the word 'Routemaster' appears above the fleet number). The registration number plate is also included. If you have a collection of these Routemasters, you will find this version a welcome addition. Buy it now

Monday, May 17, 2010

DETAIL CARS: ALFA ROMEO SPRINT



Four versions have been produced of the 1960 Alfa Romeo. First comes the Sprint as a coupe, available in either red or powder blue. As one expects, this is finely detailed model, ranging from the flush glazing, seperate door and boot handles, windscreen wipers and wing mirror, wheels and silver trim around the windows, to the excellent representations of the lights, both front and rear. However, no less impressive is the interior, with the accurate steering wheel, dashboard detail, interior door handles pick out in silver, and the red trim on the seats.

Also available is the 1960 Giulietta Sprint 1,000 Miglia version in blue, carrying number 228, and a Giulietta 1960 Sebring version, with number 54, in white with black top.

The result is an excellent model. Buy here

CORGI: MERCEDES 207D 'EDDIE STOBART'


For Eddie Stobart fans, the Mercedes 207D van comes in the popular livery as a Roadside Maintenance vehicle: a worthy addition to the Stobart collection. Buy it now

Saturday, May 15, 2010

MATCHBOX REGULAR WHEELS - ATLANTIC TRAILER




The no.16a was rather plain in light brown, but it provided good play value with its moveable ramp. Earliest examples of the loading ramp were to be found with two flat ejector rings and a thin, oblong plate inside the ramp. Later issues had a thicker oblong plate whilst final examples had extended ejector rings. At the same time as the modifications to the loading ramp, there were slight alternations made to the front ramp brace.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

MATCHBOX COLLECIBLES: MERCEDES BENZ 540K


This is the Mercedes-Benz 540K: this is finished in black with silver trim. Particularly notice the dashboard detail with the instruments included.

VANGUARD 1/43 MORRIS 1000 VAN CURRYS


Although the post war Morris Minor design was of unitary construction the commercial variants had a seperate chassis behind the front passenger cabin, which enabled a massive variety of bodies to be fitted. Announced in May 1953 it was known as the LCV and were originally built at the Morris' Cowley factory but production was transferred in 1964 to the old Wolsely works at Adderley Park in Birmingham and remained there until the range was discontinued in late 1971

During the 1950's/60's Currys became the first UK agents for the IGNIS fridge/freezer company. The Currys high top van was converted by Marshall Motor Bodies, a division of the Marshall Group to accommodate the stand up fridge/freezer.

Monday, May 10, 2010

DIE-CAST MODEL 1/18 MINI COOPER 1275S


The Mini must be fast becomming one of the most modelled cars around. Nevertheless, it is always good to find another fine-looking version for the cabinet, and certainly Kyosho has come up with the goods Kyosho is noted for its accurate, well produced models, and this is no exception.

The car portrayed is the Morris Mini Cooper 1275S, our sample having a red body with white roof. This really is a delightful model in all radiator and front and rear bumpers, to the silver trim around the windows and lower body. Such features as the windscreen wipers, handles and fuel tank cap are all separate chrome fittings.

The front and rear lights are plastic moulded. The tyres and wheels are accurate. Open the bonnet and there is a detailed engine. Open the side doors and a superb interior is revealed, with all the dials and trim, including carpet on the floor. The only feature that does not operate is that the seats do not tip. A lovely model which all Mini collectors should own.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

CORGI 1/43 MINI MIGLIA MINI 7 RACING CLUB RICHARD WAGER MODEL CAR


Richard Wagers Mini Miglia No.50 was originally built in 1991 by Ian Pattison and became to be known as the Kenwood Mini in its original black and red livery carrying Kenwood Car Hi-Fi sponsorship.The car won first time out at Pembrey breaking the lap record.It also won what is widely regarded as the closest ever Mini Miglia race at Castle Combe in 1996 when no less than 7 cars went over the line in under a second.In 2004 it underwent a face lift with the work carried out by Ludlow Motorsport and is now backed by Sean Devine Civil Engineering as well as Kenwood.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

VANGUARDS 1/76 MGA OPEN TOP GOLD PLATE 50th ANNIVERSARY


The MGA was launched in September 1955 and was the first all new sportscar from MG since 1936! It had been previewed at Le Mans 4 months earlier, where 3 cars had run as MG EX 182 prototypes. Based around a strong box section chassis frame and BMC's ubiquitous B series engine it was called the MGA because having just launched the Z type Magnette MG had, according to their then General Manager John Thornley, run out of alphabet! It was marked the beginning of a new chapter for MG and a successful one at that; for over 100,000 examples were sold during its 7 year life. Buy it now

SUN STAR 1/24 - 850 DYE QUEEN's SILVER JUBILEE

If you are interested in that great icon of London the AEC Routemaster, then this absolutely stunning will not disappoint!

The Sun Star AEC Routemaster is a limited edition model and are getting rare to find as new ones find their place in collections. Sun Star have reportedly ceased making the Routemaster of which there are about 7 different models.

The detail is outstanding, the model 'looks right', it has a metal body and is quite heavy in weight but it is something you can look at from any angle and really enjoy.

The bonnet lifts to show a representation of the famous 9.6 litre AEC six cylinder diesel engine, turn the bus ovr and you get a detailed chassis with separate gearbox, a fan that goes round by hand and radiator pipes.

The interior is superb, the moquette seat patterns are accurately reproduced, the hand rails in chrome too, the wheels are poseable (steerable) and the wheels rotate and have lovely scaled AEC badges on the hubs, the front grille is a fine gauze and you can see the radiator through the mesh.

This really is an adults only model and is a striking conversation piece. Each model comes with a certificate recording the individual serial number of the bus in that edition. --Mr.M Sander

With a registration of 850 DYE, this collector's model of the Routemaster is finished in the silver livery celebrating the Queen's Silver Jubilee London Celebrations 1977. Buy here

Friday, May 7, 2010

MATCHBOX COLLECTIBLES: FODEN STEAM WAGON 'F. PARKER


This is the Foden steam wagon in the livery of F. Parker and Co, Timber Importers. The basic model is well known, and has been pleasantly finished in deep red-brown with gold lettering. Perhaps more significant is load, produced as a hand-painted cold cast sculpture. Not only do the planks of wood look realistic, but there are pleasing touches, such as the pieces of red rag attached to the ends of the planks, the tarpaulin covering the load affixed with rope, with excess rope curled on top of the planks. The result is an attractive model. Buy it now

LOTUS 49B DIECAST MODEL SIFFERT 1968 BRITISH GP22

Lotus 49B Diecast Model Siffert 1968 British GP 22 1/18 Die Cast Car by Quartzo

The model from this excellent batch is the Lotus Ford Type 49B. Apart from the fact that all the rivets are modelled, and the wheels are superb, take a close look at the engine and suspension detail. The Quartzo model can certainly be fully recommended.

DIECAST MODEL FERRARI 500 F2 (ASCARI WINNER GERAMAN GP 1952)



We are delighted to announce that renowned model manufacturer IXO will soon be bringing us the La Storia collection of all the Ferrari Formula One cars since 1948 in 1/43 scale. The eleventh in the series is the 500 F2 driven by Alberto Ascari to 1st place in the 1952 German GP at the Nurburgring. The replica is produced from brand new tooling with extensive hand finishing, and comes presented in delightful book style luxury packaging. Buy it now

Matchbox Models of Yesteryear Y-18C 1918 Atkinson Steam Lorry

    Matchbox Models of Yesteryear Y-18C 1918 Atkinson Steam Lorry was made in England by Matchbox International in 1986. It is 11 cm long an...