Saturday, September 11, 2010

VANGUARDS 1/43 AUSTIN 1800 Mk2 - BRITISH AIRPORTS AUTHORITY POLICE




Until the mid 1970s, responsibility for policing Heathrow and Gatwick airports fell to the British Airports Authority Constabulary, before disbanding. They had their own unique fleet of vehicles, including this Austin 1800, based at Heathrow airport, and several Austin 1100s. The car modelled was equipped with a PA loudspeaker on the front and a microphone in the cabin, which allowed the car to be used for the control of crowds, something that was a common and an important part of that particular force’s duty. Buy it now

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

VANGUARDS 1/43 FORD THAMES TRADER BOX VAN



Produced between 1957 and 1965, the all-new forward control Ford Thames Trader range covered load capacities from 2 to 5 tons and was offered with petrol or diesel 4-6 cylinder engines, the latter being the first ever Ford developed and manufactured diesel units. Many variants were available including tippers, flat-beds, tankers and articulated tractor units, but this particular model features a box van body on a Thames Trader 5 ton chassis.

The Thames Trader comes as a box van, first in the familiar bright red of Brooke Bond Tea, the decoration on the sides promoting PG Tips with their familiar chimpanzee.


Saturday, September 4, 2010

1940'S GREYHOUND BUS CHICAGO


As Greyhound began updating its fleet following World War II, it turned to GM for new equipment, purchasing 2000 PD-series coaches between 1947 and 1948. Some design and mechanical elements were carried forward into 1950, when the partially restyled PD-4102 was introduced. With seats for 41 and a powerful diesel engine, this transition model received a new front end with the destination sign directly below the windshield. This was replaced in 1951 by the PD-4103, which included the same front, but also had a restyled rear area. Most of the 1501 examples built through 1953 served Greyhound, but some were purchased by other operations. With its classic lines, this model will be a welcome addition to HO highways. Finished in period colors and lettering schemes, the models also feature perfectly printed chrome window frames, turn signals and logos. A full interior, side view mirrors and authentic wheels are also included. The models come fully assembled from plastic and die cast parts, ready for service on layouts or display with any vintage vehicle collection. Buy it now

Thursday, September 2, 2010

CORGI 1:76 PLAXTON PARAGON WALLACE ARNOLD ORIGINAL OMNIBUS


Wallace Arnold and Shearings were both established in the early part of the 20th century and, through expansion and acquisition, have become nationally recognised for providing quality coach holidays. In March 2005, the two companies merged and before any decision was made to build a common brand, both companies were given decals as an exchange to aid the full integration of the two operators under one banner. Wallace Arnold coaches were given fleet numbers for the first time after this historic merger. This vehicle (fleet no 575) has now been transferred to the subsidiary, National Holidays fleet, and renumbered 928.
The Van Hoo Alizee is another highly praised model from Corgi. This coach arrives in a livery in which the actual coach is often seen, namely Wallace Arnold. Once again the paint finish and level of decoration are to a very high standard. Buy it now

SCHUCO 1/43 BMW 507






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. Buy it now

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

SCHUCO 1/43 BMW 503 CONVERTIBLE SILVER WITH BLACK TOP


The BMW 503 was unveiled in 1955 and production began in 1956. By 1959, when production ceased, 413 had been built including 139 convertibles. The 503 incorporated a 3168 cc light metal V8 engine delivering 140 hp resulting in acceleration from zero to 60 mph in 13 seconds. Reported top speed was close to 120 mph. The engine was coupled to a four speed manual transmission from the BMW 502 sedan. Sixty years later, the BMW sports cars from the 1950s are much sought after by collectors and enthusiasts both on account of their inherent qualities and because of their rarity. Buy it now

SCHUCO 1:43 PORSCHE BOXSTER S NORDIC GOLD METALLIC


The Porsche Boxster is a mid-engined, rear wheel drive, sports car, first launched in 1996. In 2005, Porsche unveiled the new generation of Boxsters with styling inspired by the Carrera GT. Porsche premiered the face-lifted 2009 Boxster and Boxster S models at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November 2008. Displacement in the standard Boxster's flat-six engine increased from 2.7 to 2.9 liters, increasing horsepower from 245 to 255. Use of DFI in the Boxster S raised the output of the 3.4 liter engine from 295 to 310 horsepower. Both models are now available with Porsche's new 7-speed PDK dual clutch gearbox but come standard with a new 6-speed manual gearbox. Cosmetic changes include new head and tail lights, larger front air intakes with incorporated day time running lights, and an altered lower rear end flanked by twin diffusers. The interior has an optional touchscreen interface to reduce button clutter. Buy it now

Sunday, August 22, 2010

OXFORD DIECAST 1/43 LYONS MAID



Lyons started to make ice-cream in 1894 using the turbine bowl method. When refrigeration was further developed after the First World War production increased and automation helped to bring the product to a wider market. Unlike America, ice-cream in Britain was a seasonal phenomena with fluctuating sales depending on the weather pattern. With use of frozen carbon dioxide Lyons were able to ship their ice-cream from the Cadby Hall factory, by train, to most parts of the UK setting up cold stores at several rail-heads. Ice-cream sales continued to grow and new hand-held products were introduced such as the frozen ice-lolly. As with the other parts of the Lyons group expansion of market share was all important and many smaller, regional ice-cream businesses were purchased which included, among others, Eldorado, Neilson's, Midland Counties, Walkers Dairies, Tonibell and Bertorelli. This not only increased Lyons' market share of ice-cream, but brought into the group new, local production facilities thus saving expensive refrigerated transport costs. Despatches around 20th November.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

1923 SCANIA-VABIS POST BUS



The Post-Bus was developed jointly by Scania and the Swedish G.PO. to provide postal and passenger services in scattered rural areas. This 2.64 ton (2680 kg) Bus could carry 12 passengers and the mail, and was powered by a 4 cyl. 3.5 litre engine developing 36 b.h.p. The model represents the vehicle equipped for winter operation.

This is a Special Edition, produced as part of a worldwide issue – total production quantity – 60,000 units. Scale 1/49 Buy it now

Thursday, August 12, 2010

1940 FORD PICKUP



The Ford name is as venerable as any in the history of automobiles. And, almost from the start, Henry Ford’s Model A and Model T vehicles were adapted for a wide variety of commercial used. As the century moved on and technology and engineering advanced. Ford continued to develop fine, rugged trucks along with its impressive array of automobiles. He Ford trucks of the ‘40s are considered by many to be most beautiful Fords ever. The company had retained the same size it offered in 1939—the half-ton, three-quarter-ton and one-ton trucks, but Ford greatly changed the styling.

In 1940, the design was based on Ford’s automobiles and resulted in a handsome line of trucks. The hood was restyled, the grille echoed that of the ’39 Ford Deluxe automobile and the cab was given a major makeover. A one-piece, stamped-steel front panel combined the cowl, firewall, windshield frame and top. Aside from its visual appeal, this design simplified the assembly process. Other changes included a cowl-mounted windshield wiper (in previous years the wiper was mounted above the windshield), a redesigned instrument cluster, a two-spoke steering wheel and more comfortable seats. Under the hood, Food continued with its V8-60 and V8-85 engines. In addition, a 239-cubic-inch V8 engine that could produce 95 horsepower was also used in some pickups. A classic from the time it rolled off the assembly line and even more so today, the 1940 Ford Pickup Truck is now recreated in an authentic detail, your 1940 Ford Pickup is produced by—and available only from Matchbox Collectibles.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

AEC ROUTEMASTER BUS - BEATLES


The Beatles models is the AEC Routemaster bus in Liverpool Corporation livery. Enthusiasts know that back in the 60s and 70s the Routemaster was a strictly London-only bus, but don't blame Corgi. There was an insistence from certain people that Routemasters ran in Liverpool, so Corgi had to produce its Routemaster in Liverpool's colours. Of course, the Leyland Atlanttean would have been far more authentic.

However, since this series is to celebrate The Beatles, few will probably worry uch about the actual bus chosen. The destination is, of course, Penny Lane, and the registration numbers is 'BEAT 1'. On the sides are advertisements which we believe are shots from A Hard Day's Night. Buy it now

1955 VOLKSWAGEN CAMPER (LIFEBOATS)



Twenty one times a day, every day of the year, one of 330 lifeboats of the RNLI sets out on a search and rescue mission. Since the foundation of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in 1824, over 137,000 lives have been saed and over a million people rescued. The Institution is a registered cgarity which is funded by voluntary contributions. It relies on volunteer crews backed by a network of dedicated fundraisers.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

1924 STUTZ MODEL C FIRE ENGINE


Despite the difficult economic times, the 1920's and 1930's are referred to as the “Golden Age of Fire Engines”. Dozens of companies, both local and national, competed for business as cities finally phased out the horse-drawn pumpers of the 19th century. Cities and buildings were bigger and needed the speed and pumping power mechanized engines could provide.

Stutz, represented by the 1924 Model C, only lasted from 1919 to 1924. Despite a perfect score on a 12-hour test at the national fire chief's convention, only 302 were built.


1924 Stutz Model C fire truck is an 11.25"Lx 3.5"Wx 3.75"H die cast metal car with openable hood, free wheels, workable steering, highly detailed engine and components. With old fashioned ladders, extinguisher, other tools. Also comes with a 24K gold plated fire engine coin. This 1924 Stutz Model C fire truck is manufactured by Yat Ming; ref. no. 20198 in RED color. Individually packed in a window box WB. Box is 15"Wx 6.25"Wx 6.5"H. Buy it now

U.S. M16 MULTIPLE GUN MOTOR CARRIAGE


The half-track operation of the M16 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage was a specific necessity in navigating the rough terrain of the Ardennes Forest. Equipped with four .50 caliber machine guns and an armor reinforced turret, the M16 was primarily used against German ground targets.

Forces of Valor 1:32 Scale US M16 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage model D-Day Series is an accurate diecast military model of the half-track M16 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage. 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...