SCHUCO 1/43 SETRA S6 TOUR BUS PAINTED FOR HERMANN RUSER COMPANY

Setra is a renowned German maker of buses and touring coaches. The name comes from the German word Selbsttragend (self supporting). This refers to the company’s complete control of all aspects of making their buses. Until 1995 the firm operated under the name Kässbohrer-Setra, but economic difficulties forced its sale to Daimler Benz, under whose ownership it continues today. Your Schuco S6 model comes with the distinctive Setra name design and “K” logo imprinted on the display base. The first Setra bus, the Type S8, so called because it contained eight rows of seats, was introduced in April 1951. It featured a self-supporting body, a concept now featured in most modern buses. Equally unusual at the time was the decision to locate the engine behind the rear axle; another Kässbohrer-Setra innovation which subsequently became mainstream. The design simplifies the production process and creates a range of passenger-focused possibilities. Buy it now

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

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

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.

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.