Atlas Jaguar Collection – Jaguar S Type

By Maz Woolley

 

The latest issue from Atlas in this collection is the original S Type which was launched in 1963 and produced until 1968. It had the front end from the Mark II Jaguar but a larger boot modelled along the lines of the Mark X and a new rear axle modelled along the lines of the Mark X axle too. Originally intended to replace the Mark II it actually sold alongside it as the Mark II lived on. It was replaced by the 420 with a restyled front end.  It was available fitted with either 3.4 or 3.8 litre engines.

The S Type was one of the best Spot On models made when the car was sold. Recently Neo have produced a nice resin model of this car. But this Ixo made diecast is a nice addition to the options for Jaguar Collectors and I expect that Ixo will make it available in another range at a later date.

The model captures the shape of the car very well. I am particularly impressed with the flush fitted side windows with all the chrome work replicated really well. No complex photo etched parts just neatly printed lines and flush fitting nicely too.

Small fitted parts like the wing mirrors, windscreen wipers, aerial and leaper are all neatly realised. The lights and grill at the front are good although the large amber indicators are not fitted quite straight on either side.

The wheels have accurate body coloured steel centres with a chrome rim embellisher and hub caps. The green section is a little plastic looking but acceptable for a budget model. It would be nice to have the Jaguar symbol printed on the centre of the hub caps but its absence is only a minor loss.

To the rear the “JAGUAR 3.8 S” badging is nicely printed and the number plate surround well made. The rear lights are nice separate parts but are not fitted quite straight on one side.

Inside the seats, flooring, and door cards are pale blue. The door cappings and dashboard are wood coloured and the instrument panel and dials are printed too.

All in all a rather good budget model of a car that fits into the collection well.


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North East Diecast Collectors Club is closed

From Eddie Hill

North East Diecast Collectors Club

Eddie Hill has shared the news that the North East Diecast Collectors club, based in Chester-Le-Street in County Durham in the United Kingdom, was closed down earlier this month. Formed in February 1985 it brought together collectors of all types of diecast model toys with monthly meetings and it had also sponsored Toyfairs in Chester-le-Street from time to time.

It is perhaps a sign of the times that clubs are closing as the number of members declines. Younger collectors do exist but they seem to be happier joining “virtual” clubs on Facebook and other Social Media platforms rather than joining established clubs.


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Atlas Dinky Trucks – 29E Autocar Isobloc

By Maz Woolley

 

The latest models shipped in the Dinky Trucks series is accompanied by a card saying it is another fine Supertoy. In reality it is neither a Supertoy or a Truck! The Autocar Isobloc is a Coach and is a replica of French Dinky release 29E. The colours used for this release are blue and silver as shown on one side of the box though the model was also available in the rarer red and silver as shown on the box artwork below .

The model was first introduced in 1951 and withdrawn by 1955 and was issued in three versions. The Atlas Model reproduces the third and final version with the ridged roof rack. One feature of this model is that the front axle is held by a clip a feature shared with only the Ford Vedette from French Dinky and the Standard Vanguard from Binns Road.

Although the Isobloc looked daringly continental it was based upon technology licensed from the US firm GarWood. It was powered by V8 Matford petrol engines or Panhard Diesels fitted to the rear of the vehicle.

The Atlas replica is made for them by Norev in China as usual and is well masked and sprayed.

The ladder is nicely replicated and fitted well. It complements the cleanly cast roof rack though what it must have been like loading and unloading the rack with heavy cases one can only imagine.

By the third edition the casting had fully raised silver “wing” pressings as well as the ribbed roof.

As can be seen the rear mounted engine had large air vents which have been modelled in some detail.

All in all an unusual and well made replica even if it is definitely not a Truck. One hopes that this is not a sign that this series will now taper off with a “random” set of castings from French Dinky used just to keep those sticking with the collection paying each month.


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The Fine Line Between Same and Different

Dear Editor:

It is very embarrassing to admit but my husband is much better at picking colors than I will ever be.  Whether for a new bed duvet, picture mats & frames or even what trim paint to put on the mailbox –he wins hands down.

I think this skill comes from being able to ID collector model car colors with just a glance.   I will admit that in my uninformed eyes a red 1963 Tekno looks exactly the same color as the  red 1983 Alfa Romero [sic].   My wise husband just shakes his head and points out the ‘obvious’ difference: the lighter cast in the Tekno and the much redder undertones in the Alfa.    I really do stare intently, but sorry red is red.  I think my internal color wheel has probably 15 maybe 20 definitive colors but his must be infinite.   So I am always a little puzzled on the collecting mindset.  Do you want one in every color that was ever produced or just your favorites?   Is it the small variation that is most interesting or just the different body styles?  I cannot predict his choice.

Just don’t get him started on all the different colors of chrome.

Margie, the color blind spouse

 



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WhiteBox DeSoto Suburban in Photos

by Mike DeTorrice

This is WhiteBox’s 1/43 release of the giant DeSoto Suburban for 1946. These huge ocean liners rode on a 139.5 in wheelbase, and their immense passenger and cargo-carrying capacity made them great for limos, large families or as taxicabs.

The WhiteBox version is low-priced yet really well done, and it displays great.



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John Day Models – 2016 releases

By Maz Woolley

 

Daryle Toney continues to gradually improve and develop the John Day Vehicles ranges. The standard range continues to get updated castings and even some new derivatives whilst the Post Office Range is growing too. All the latest releases have separate wheels, cleaner castings, and new improved vacforms which are thinner and clearer than before. These models are all designed and cast in the UK from White Metal and are only available as kits from the supplier by mail order or through the suppliers eBay listings. Daryle has a web site which shows what is currently available and details of how to order models at http://johndaymodels.webplus.net. Like Parker Models these kits are aimed primarily at railway modellers looking for something a bit different for their layout.

All models shown have been assembled and painted by the Author who has a very basic level of skill and would be even better made by a skilled model maker.

SRV112 Austin A70 Hereford Pickup truck

The Austin Hereford A70 pickup would carry a 15cwt load and had a bench seat to allow three to sit in the cab. There was no A70 van. At around £700 painted but with no extras it was not a cheap vehicle. Powered by a 2.2 litre four cylinder engine it was a powerful commercial vehicle though the high cost and high running costs would mean that it only had a small market compared to the A40. It was exported for local assembly in Australia where a large pickup like this would have been more appropriate. The A70 is a rare car now and only a very few of the pickups survive.

The John Day model is based on the A70 Countryman which is already in the range. It has been adapted by Daryle with a good representation of the rear of the cab and load bed. The rear end has also had a lot of work to represent the body mouldings, that drop down flap, and the scattering of lights and reflectors fitted by Austin.


GPO 03 Morris J4 Mail Van

Launched in late 1960 the J4 was a direct competitor to the Bedford CA and Ford Thames ranges. The Post Office were big users of this type of vehicle in many forms. This version from John Day has been finished with the type of security fittings on the rear door used for deliveries of higher value items to Post Offices. It also has the number plates fitted on the roof as was done with some, but not all Post Office Vans.

The effort to produce the Post Office specific details is excellent as the diecast makers have made plenty of 1:76 Postal Vans but none fitted with the security equipment.  Parker Models has already made a J4 Van but again that is standard van.

The decals provided with the kit are very fine and even include the details for the door and the number plates.


GPO 06 Standard 6cwt Utility

The Standard vans were based upon the Standard 8 and 10 saloons. The John Day range already includes a Standard 8 car and the Standard van and pickup. This model for the GPO range has has been updated to represent a linesmans van which was trialled by Post Office Telephones a similar van in red was trialled by the Post Office for postal deliveries. It should be noted that this van with ladder rack and ladders is also supplied as SRV114 with decals for a building firm.

The van was rejected after trials so no more Standards were bought and the Morris Minor Van continued to be the most widely used vehicle by the Post Office in this market sector.  Had Standard succeeded in breaking into the large public utility market it might have meant they stayed competitive in the smaller car sector but with limited sales the Standard Vans did not make a large contribution to company profits.

This model includes very fine decals for number plates as well as the crown symbols and Post Office telephone details on the door. The Standard Van casting has been tidied up considerably from its first releases in the standard range and the ladder rack and ladders are unbelievably fine castings.


Yet again a small UK artisan producer has filled in some gaps in the UK’s motoring history in miniature. The models are great fun to make up and look quite well displayed alongside Oxford Diecast models to the same scale.


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Oxford Diecast Carlight Continental Caravan

By Maz Woolley

 

Oxford Diecast Carlight Continental Caravan

This model is made to 1:76 scale in metal in Oxford Diecast’s own factory in China.

Carlights are said to be the “Rolls-Royce” of caravans with separate chassis and an interior made to a high standard with wood and high quality furnishings. The Continental even included a cocktail cabinet. Always expensive Carlights were never made in large numbers but older caravans are being preserved as they complement preserved cars well.

Carlight with Jaguar Mark VII

As can be seen from the photograph above the Carlight was large even when viewed side by side with a Jaguar Mark VII so would have always needed a powerful car to tow it. Indeed it appears that a car of at least 3 litres was recommended for the Continental which had four full size sleeping berths and even an optional fridge.

Carlight front view

Oxford have chosen to print curtains to the windows as these are a distinctive feature of the original caravans. This has been nicely done and though simplified there is a lot of detail included in the interior down to door handles on draws and cupboards and fitments to the pattern used in the Continental.

Carlight rear view

As can be seen above the lights, Carlight badge and other frames and fitments are all printed onto the model neatly. The roof lights and clerestory windows are moulded and in the case of the clerestory  windows they are silver printed.

All in all a rather nice model from Oxford which will enhance any display of model cars and which I am sure will be popular on model railway layouts.


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Atlas Dinky – 506 Aston Martin DB3 Sport

By Maz Woolley

 

Reproduction Box

As predicted in an earlier post we now have the racing version of this model to go with the road version issued earlier in pink. This model has already been seen in the Continental Dinky Collection.

The car as modelled is a French Dinky variant based upon castings made in the UK and was sold in 1960 for a year. The only variation known is that the racing numbers varied from one to nineteen. Atlas have chosen to model it as number 15.

In the UK the model appeared numbered 110 with red painted hubs.

The original Aston Martin DB3S was made between 1953 and 1956 and was a successful sports racing car often seen in the racing press. With placings at Le Mans as well as Sebring and the Tourist Trophy it was a considerable success although overshadowed by the Jaguar C and D Types.

The Atlas replica is very nicely made with smooth and glossy paintwork and a well finished driver. Lights and grille are silver painted and the rear lights are painted red.


Atlas Customer services say that there are 55 models to be released in this series and that 41 have been issued so far. This is very substantially fewer that were issued in the French Atlas Collection and perhaps indicate that sales have fallen off considerably as the collection has progressed. A Dinky Vans series has been test marketed with an OXO Trojan Van. As far as the collection of later Dinky’s with opening features is concerned , which they test marketed with the DB5, Atlas say that they have still to decide whether they will go ahead with that.


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WhiteBox 1954 Pontiacs

By John Quilter

 

WhiteBox produce a nicely detailed and correctly scaled 1954 Pontiac Chieftain four door sedan. This one with the full length chrome side moulding was known as the Chieftain and was built on the smaller GM body shell also shared with the Chevrolets of that year. GM cleverly were masters at using a central body shell across multiple marques but designed them to take marque specific front clips and rear quarters which were the defining style differences between the brands.

Pontiac in 1954 also built a longer series of cars known as the Star Chief. Front clips were similar across the line but the rear quarters were longer presumably providing a larger boot. These were not replicated in the Chevrolet line. Pontiacs of this era used two rather antiquated but quiet side valve engines, a six cylinder and a eight cylinder with 239 cubic inches displacement and 118 BHP and 268 cubic inches displacement and 127 BHP respectively. The car was designed forward of the firewall to take either engine, the eight being an optional choice across the line. This design was counter to the Chrysler practice in the late 1940 when six and eight cylinder cars had different wheel bases and lengths forward of the windscreen. Morris also used this design feature on the mid 50s Oxford and Isis. This was the last year for Pontiac side valve engines, 1955 being the launch year for their new short stroke modern overhead valve V8. There were no more six cylinder Pontiacs for the rest of the 1950s. Most Pontiacs of the 1950s era came with the well regarded GM Hydromatic four speed automatic thought a column shifted three speed manual was standard. Trivia: a few 1953 Pontiacs were produced with Chevrolet two speed Powerglide transmissions after the disastrous fire at the Hydromatic plant in August 1953.

WhiteBox has chosen the Chieftain for their model which also gives them the option of producing a police version currently available and perhaps later a taxi. There are a number of colour choices out there for the civilian car with a contrasting roof as was typical in this era. Some are even fitted with a front windscreen visor. Since these diecasts are not exceptionally expensive they make a good choice for a modification project. In this case I took an extra one and created a two door sedan from the entry level Chieftain Special series (also sometimes known in car dealer world as a rubber mat special since it would have had a rubber floor covering versus carpet). This entailed removing the chrome side moulding except for a shortened rear wing gravel guard, painting the wheels to show only the smaller hubcaps, turning the tires whitewall in, sawing off the fender skirt, or spat if you choose. A Chieftain Special front fender emblem, unique to this range, had to be created using some silver coloured pins and wire. One challenge in this conversion was preserving the “Silver Streaks” on the bonnet and boot that were Pontiac trademarks in the 50s. The very minute mouldings were not compatible with later bare metal foiling given their small size so a method of polishing off the new white paint was used. The interior became a two tone grey colour as per a factory brochure from the period on this website http://www.lov2xlr8.no/pontiac.html. Interestingly, White Box effect the contrasting roof colour with a plastic cover held in place with four pegs. A few extra colour details were added to the fascia and steering wheel and a single chrome moulding was created in bare metal foil along the belt line.

Editor. WhiteBox models are based upon mouldings already used for part works and seem to generally be sourced from PCT Industries owner of the Ixo brand. An Altaya model of the 1954 Chieftain in Havana Taxi livery looks at first sight to use the same casting, as does the blue and white DeAgostini Cuban Police Car sold in the Russian language Police Cars part work. White Box also sell a 1954 Pontiac Police Car in the traditional black and white of the California Highway Patrol.


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News from the Continent Oct/Nov 2016 – Busch, Espewe & Mehlhose

By Hans-Georg Schmitt

 

The releases for October and November 2016 are listed below with photographs supplied by the manufacturers. All models are to 1:87 scale unless otherwise stated.

October 2016

 

40004 Benz Patent motorcar 2Anniversary Model 130 years automobile history”

 

40211 BMW 327 Coupe – “Anniversary model 100 Years of BMW”

 

43037 Toyota Land Cruiser J4 / “Anniversary model 80 Years of Toyota”

 

40151 US-Motorcycle black

 

40155 US-Motorcycle green


 

 

 

 

 

40159 US-Motorcycle orange-metallic

 

40510 Mercedes-Benz 170S Cabriolet A 1949 – open – red

 

40513 Mercedes-Benz 170S Cabriolet A 1949 – open – green

 

40526 Mercedes-Benz 170S Cabriolet A 1949 – closed – blue

 

40528 Mercedes-Benz 170S Cabriolet A 1949 – closed – two-tone red

 

41841 Ford E-350 Wyoming Medical Center No. 1 “Cutthroat trout”

 

41842 Ford E-350 Wyoming Mecical Center No. 2 “Bears”

 

41843 Ford E-350 Wyoming Medical Center No. 3 “Antelope”

 

46811 Mercedes-Benz W123 T-Model “Service vehicle”

 

48493 Piaggio Ape 50 “Alpirsbacher Monastry Beer”

 

49975 Additional Set. Belts for stationary devices

 

50241 Robur LO2002 A “Civil defence with trailer”

 

51205 Framo V901/2 box van “Deutsche Post-ex DDR”

ESPEWE

 

95147 IFA W50LA 3SK (Three sides tipper with haulier driver cabin)

 

95526 IFA L60SHA LPG Aschersleben

Mehlhose model cars

 

210004400 Tractor Famulus with mowbar , green with red rims

 

210009303 E-Karre, yellow with grey rims

 

210009502 Trailer for E-Karre, blue with grey rims

 

210009602 Multicar M21 three-sides-tipper, blue

 

210010115 Tractor Famulus, green with green rims and additional yellow rims

210010208 Trailer T4, green with green rims and additional yellow rims

Busch Releases November 2016

 

Opel Olympia saloon of German Wehrmacht in Winter camouflage 1941

 

41840 Ford E-350 “Raytown Ambulance”

 

41844 Ford E-350 Wyoming No. 4 “Bighorn sheep”

 

42301 Peugeot 403 “Fire brigade of Auvers Saint Georges, Dept. Essonne”

 

42902 Cadillac Station Wagon “Ambulance of Chicago”

 

42920 Cadillac Station Wagon “Hearse”

 

44019 Dodge Power Wagon – transporter loaded with boxes

 

45116 Cadillac Eldorado “Rodeo”

 

46009 American LaFrance artic. Fire brigade ladder truck

 

46213 Smart Fortwo Coupe 2012 “N.Y.P.D. – New York Police Department.”

 

46865 Mercedes-Benz W123 Saloon with Winter sport equipment

 

48287 Chevrolet Pick up “Red Flame”

 

48491 Piaggio Ape 50 “All Nine” – advertising vehicle for a bowling alley”

 

49466 Mercedes-Benz E-Class T-model (estate) “German Taxi”

 

49467 Mercedes-Benz E-Class T-model “Police car service vehicle”

 

50230 Robur LO 2002 A “German Red Cross”

 

50238 Robur LO 2002 A in camouflage colours

 

51011 Mercedes-Benz Unimog U 5023 with steel load

 

51052 Mercedes-Benz Unimog U 5023 fire engine with Schlingmann body

 

51165 Mercedes-Benz V-Class “Emergency Doctor Munich airport”

 

51206 Framo V901/2 delivery van “Radeberger Beer”

ESPEWE

 

95021 HW 80 HTS trailer for liquid manure transport

 

95138 IFA W50 LA 2SK (two-way tipper) 75.000th vehicle made on 2nd June 1971 fon the assembly line in Ludwigsfelde, in the former DDR.

 

95156 IFA W50L HP flat bed truck KVK Bautzen

 

95159 W50L BTP LF16 TS8 „10 Years ESPEWE Models“

MILITARY Vehicles

 

80010 ZIS-5 Soviet army flatbed truck

 

80011 ZIS-5 Soviet army box truck

 

80030 Einheitsdiesel of German Wehrmacht with canvas cover

 

80031 Einheitsdiesel of german Wehrmacht without canvas cover

The diesel vehicles show above were a standard pattern truck of 2.5 tons adn they were made by many German truck makers such as:  MAN, Henschel, Büssing-NAG, Magirus, Borgward, Faun, Krupp, Mercedes-Benz and Vomag.


 

80081 L 3000 A Truck used by German Wehrmacht with load

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