Category Archives: Maisto

More 1:18 Scale Diecasts at modest prices

By Maz Woolley

As economic circumstances seem to be tightening around the world at the moment it is good that there are still manufacturers making models at prices that new entrants to the hobby will find reasonable. This article looks at a few releases for 2023 from well established companies within the May Cheong Group: Burago and Maisto. And in particular, at some of their 1:18 scale models which compete with Solido and Norev though they sell at a slightly lower price point. The brands are often sold in general toy shops and hobby shops alongside railway sets and plastic kits reaching buyers who do not visit more specialist collectors shops or websites.

Subjects produced by this Group are obviously chosen with an eye on US sales, though Burago tend to consistently cover European subjects. Both brands produce some interesting vehicles none the less. Many of their 1:18 scale models have some opening components but at this price point hinges tend to be clumsy and interiors less well detailed. Maisto produce a wide range of motorcycles, many in 1:18. The motorcycles tend to be well detailed for their price point. These are suitable to display alongside the 1:18 scale cars and vans.

The May Cheong Group was founded in 1967. It started with ten workers in a small factory in Hong Kong and has added two large factories in China since, as well as offices round the world. It sends its exports to 115 countries. Its best known products are branded Maisto and the group took over the formerly Italian producer Burago many years ago and retains it as a brand within the Group. It remains a family run company to this day.

The model impressions below have been created by May Cheong as advance publicity. All these models should be available Q1-Q2 2023


Burago 1:18 Scale


11050G Audi RS e-TRON GT 2022 Green

11050S Audi RS e-TRON GT 2022 Silver

16017GY Ferrari 296 GTB Grey/Yellow

16017R Ferrari 296 GTB Red/White

Maisto 1:18 Scale


39300-01 KTM RC 390 Orange/Black

39300-02 Ducati DesertX White/Red/Black

31452Y Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Yellow 2020
31459O Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Orange
31462B Ford F-150 Pick-Up Truck 1979 Blue/White Special Edition
31462BZ Ford F-150 Pick-Up Truck 1979 Bronze/White Special Edition
31463 Lamborghini 74X Special Edition – no picture available
36454O Lamborghini V12 Vision Grand Turismo Orange 2021
36458R Porsche 911 GT3 Red 2022

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Grandes TodoTerreno

By Maz Woolley

This partwork whose title can be roughly translated as ‘Large all ground’ in our terms all-terrain vehicles. It was sold in Spanish speaking countries in South America. It seems to have consisted of 14 vehicles made in various scales but mostly around 1:38 scale. They have opening doors and are not as sophisticated as cars in some other partwork series. It would seem that in South America some of the partwork series are aimed to be sold at a lower price point than the 1:43 scale series aimed at collectors. Here existing castings are used and packaged so that they appeal to a younger audience as well as a more general target audience.

Models from this series are now finding their way to UK wholesalers and may be of interest to one make collectors or collectors of SUVs and pickups. The models fro the series are said to have been sourced from Maisto and Welly and some may already be sold under these brands in the UK already.

The models pictured are ones produced for this series that have reached the UK. Others included in the original series such as the Honda Pilot, Mercedes-Benz GLK and M Class, and Toyota RAV 4 may well appear here later.


Ford Explorer Red

Jeep Jeepster Red

Chevrolet Silverado 1999 Blue

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Gold

BMW X5 Grey

Chevrolet Avalanche 2002 Green

Chevrolet Suburban 2001 Black

Land Rover Freelander Burgundy

Cadillac Escalade 2002 Black

Hummer H3 Yellow

Ford F150 2015 Regular Cab Red

Chevrolet Tahoe 2008 White

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Budget Models from Maisto/Bburago

By Maz Woolley

Text by, and copyright of, the Author as well as photographs from the London Toy Fair. All other images supplied by the Manufacturer.

As the price of models made specifically for collectors spiral ever higher it is unlikely that they will draw many into the hobby. At the same time the future of subscription series and part works is very much in the air with the effective closure of Atlas by DeAgostini. which may limit another way collectors might start. So what is left to inspire new collectors in 1:43 and above? We have looked at Oxford Diecast and Greenlight recently who are obvious firms to turn to in the UK and US. Another option traded internationally is Maisto and Bburago whose models are made by the May Cheong Group in China.

These models are produced in a wide range of scales and the quality has been improving over the last few years. Although some classic vehicles are offered there is a strong emphasis on current and recent models that new collectors may want to own as well as lots of Grand Prix and other sporting vehicles. For new collectors for whom 1:18 scale OttO or GT Spirit are much too expensive there are models on offer for less than even the budget Solido 1:18 range.

At the London Toy Fair earlier this year their UK distributor had a substantial number of the models on show and they were surprisingly detailed and well finished for the price they were intended to sell at.

 

Some Maisto on Display

Bburago Display

The  remainder of this article looks at some of the cars and motorbikes that they have announced as available over the last two months. There is a regular flow of models from these firms although re-colours do form a good part of the output.

1:18 Scale Bburago

 

B18-11040BK 1:18 Bugatti Chiron 42

 

B18-11042Y 1:18 Lamborghini Urus

1:24 Scale Bburago

 

B18-21083 1:24 Fiat 124 Spider

1:24 Scale Maisto

 

 

M32509 1:24 Bugatti Chiron “Design Collection”

 

 

M31256 1:24 Dodge Charger R/T “Harley Davidson Custom range”

M32527 1:24 Datsun 510 1971 “Design Collection”

Bburago 1:43 Scale Models

 

B18-36031/BC 1:43 Laferrari Aperta

 

B18-36032/BC 1:43 Ferrari 812 Superfast

 

B18-31018 1:43 Mercedes Benz230 GE Papamobile

Bburago 1:50 Scale Construction

 

B18-32085 1:50 A25G Articulated Hauler

B18-32086 1:50 EC220E Excavator

Maisto 1:18 Scale Motorcycles

 

M34007-07024 Ducati 1098S

M34007-08011 Ducati 848
M34007-11092 Ducati 1199
M34007-17040 Ducati Supersport S
M34007-321 Yamaha YZF-R1

M34007-07081 Yamaha YZF-R6

M34007-04049 Yamaha YZ450F

M34007-311 Yamaha TT-R 250

M34007-07082 Honda CBR1000RR

M34007-10021 Honda CRF450R

M34007-336 Honda CR250R

M39300-335 Honda XR400R

 

M34007-03138 Kawasaki Z1000

M34007-04045 Kawasaki KX250F

M34007-06187 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R

M39300 Kawasaki KLX250SR

M34007-359 Suzuki GSX-R600

M34007-04047 Suzuki RM-Z250

M34007-05232 Suzuki GSX-R1000

M34007-349 Suzuki RM250

M34007-08010 BMW HP2 Sport

M34007-351 BMW F650 GS

M34007-06186 Triumph Daytona 675

M34007-342 Triumph Speed Triple

M34007-346 Triumph Thunderbird

M34007-16909 Husqvarna FC450

M34007-04043 KTM 525SX

M34007-09266 KTM 690 Duke

M34007-353 KTM 640 Duke

Bburago 1:18 Scale Motorcycle

 

B18-51039 Triumph Rocket


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The Scooter in Miniature – Other Makes

By Dave Turner

Photographs and illustrations of some of the models discussed in this article taken by the Author may be found at the end of the article. 

Ducati

Ducati began producing radio parts in 1922 followed by cameras and electric razors. After the Second World War Ducati acquired Siata to produce clip-on motors for cycles and in 1952 launched the Cruiser scooter. Years before its time it featured a 175cc ohv four stroke motor with a 12 volt electric starter, automatic transmission and styling by Ghia. Far too sophisticated for the period it died after just two years but another attempt came with the totally basic Brio 48 in 1964 with a 94cc 2 stroke motor followed by the Brio 50 and 100/25 between 1968/9.

A very nice model of the Cruiser is available sold as Altaya but made by Ixo no doubt in conjunction with a part-work. Of mainly diecast construction it features plastic side panels and working steering.

Heinkel

Makers of German aircraft since 1922 Heinkel were limited to three and two wheeled vehicle production after the Second World War. Their 150cc Tourist 101 was made from 1953-54 and featured a four stroke engine. This model was replaced by the 175cc 102 in 1954 while a Mk11 version with more streamlined rear bodywork was made from 1962-67. A smaller two stroke machine, the 112 featured a 125cc engine in 1960 but was enlarged to 150 in 1961 for continued production until 1967.

Schuco produced some superb 1:10 scale diecast models of the Mk11 Tourist in a variety of versions as well as smaller versions in their Piccolo range.

Jawa

The Czech firm of Janacek made the German Wanderer motor cycle under licence and when they merged with the Czech Arms Works who had made motor cycles since 1932, the name Jawa was created. Their distinctive 501 scooter made from 1957-64 featured a pointed nose that accommodated the fuel tank and the headlamp. A subsequent model the 502 had more power with a 175 engine and the headlight was later moved onto the apron being replaced in the nose by the horn. In 2017 an electric powered scooter, the 507, featured the same styling and is to be built in limited numbers in China.

A smaller engined and less eye-catching scooter, the Manet appeared in 1958 and featured a 98cc motor and became the Tatran with 125 motor in 1965.

A flywheel powered plastic toy Cezeta captured the recognisable styling very well and carries the CH logo as its only means of identification.

MBK

The French Motobecane company made motor cycles from 1923, the post war Mobylette being among their most popular products. In 1984 the Japanese Yamaha company became its parent company and the name became MBK. Among the contemporary Japanese parent companies products was the Zuma scooter and MBK gave it the name Booster and the French factory have produced these in large numbers in 50 and 125cc versions.

Appropriately Majorette, possibly in conjunction with Hatchette, have produced a model of the French version of this machine, said to be a 1995 50cc example.

Malaguti

This Italian company began in 1930 producing pedal cycles but like many moved into mopeds and scooters in the post war period. A myriad of different scooters were produced but the Phantom F12 appeared in 1997. The F12 Phantom had a 50cc motor and was water cooled, production lasting until 2003.

Maisto produced a 1:18 scale diecast model of the F12 Phantom and it comes complete with “liquid cooled” stickers that are barely legible.

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi began as a shipping company in 1870 and from 1881 developed into a huge conglomerate embracing first coal mining, then steel producing, shipbuilding, insurance and eventually producing anything and everything imaginable. From 1921 aircraft were produced and in common with some other Japanese operations they enforced slave labour during the Second World War. Motor scooter production began in 1946 with the 112cc C10 Silver Pigeon while at least seventeen further developments of the Silver Pigeon scooter were made up to the early 1960s, taking 45% of the Japanese scooter market.

The C110 Silver Pigeon was a 175cc 4 stroke machine with automatic transmission made between 1960/61 and some tinplate toys of which were made by both Marusan and Bandai.

Simson

The German Simson brothers got into the gun and gun barrel producing business in 1856 and by 1896 were making bicycles. Although firearms continued to be their principle products cars were made from 1907 to 1934 – with the inevitable wartime gap. As the Simson family were Jewish, the German Third Reich seized their factory in 1936 renaming the operation BSW. Following the Second World War the factory ended up in the German Democratic Republic and began producing 4 stroke motor cycles in 1949. In 1955 the Simson name was restored and the production of two stroke mopeds began developing into the KR51 Simson Schwalbe (Swallow) scooter in 1964. This featured a 50cc motor and large 16” wheels and with an increase in power output became the KR51/1 in 1968. The subsequent KR 51/2 remained in production until 1986 and the Schwalbe has become quite collectable in Germany.

A 1:10 diecast Simson KR 51/1 Schwalbe was produced by Schuco in 2006 while a much smaller 1:87 model of the same subject has been made by Herpa.

Suzuki

This Japanese company began by producing loom machines in 1909 but was trying to expand its product base by experimenting with a prototype light car prior to the Second World War. Following the hostilities production of 36cc powered cycles began in 1952, motor cycles in 1954 and cars a year later. In the early 1980s their first scooters appeared with the CS50, 80 and 125, called Gemma in Asia, Roadie in the UK and Puch Lido in Europe.

A 1:28 scale diecast Gemma 50 was made by Tomy, a slightly larger 1:24 scale diecast of the same subject from Tamiya and kits in 1:12 scale from Aoshima/Imai.

Yamaha

Yamaha began producing pianos and reed organs in 1887 and ultimately became the largest manufacturers of musical instruments in the world. They first produced motor cycles is 1954 with their 125cc two stroke Dragonfly, that was based on the German DKW RT 125, as was the BSA Bantam. Their first of many scooters came in 1981 with the 50cc Salient and 80cc Beluga, Riva in the US and Hercules in Europe. In 1985 a 125cc version was added. The Zuma scooter came in 1989 and this was also made in France by MBK. In an effort to modernise their range of scooters Yamaha produced the YJ 50 Vino in 2001 which continued until updated into the XC50 in 2006. Production of this continues today while the 125cc version lasted from 2004-10. The Yamaha Majesty was a large machine appearing in 2001 and was produced in 125, 250 and 400cc sizes.

In model form Yamaha scooters have been produced in various sizes and materials. Plastic kits for the Beluga came from Aoshima/Imai in 1:12 scale and Otaki in 1:16 scale, while a diecast 1:24 scale version came from Tomica. A diecast/plastic 1:18 scale Vino YJ50R came from Welly, a diecast 1:6 scale version of the same was done by New Ray while the big Majesty DX 400 also came in 1:18 scale from Welly.

Zundapp

This German company began by producing detonators in 1917 but as the demand for weapons parts declined after the war motor cycle manufacture began in 1921. Following the Second World War microcar, moped and scooter production was undertaken and inspired by the Parilia Greyhound, the Zundapp Bella scooter appeared in 1953. These became generally regarded as among the best scooters in the world at the time and through various updates continued in both 150 and 200 versions until 1964. An attempt to get into the small scooter market was launched in 1964 with the Roller 50 that was based on the contemporary Lambretta Slimline. The company closed in 1985 and the factory and stock were moved to China.

At least three very different miniature Bellas have been made. Tinplate toys came from Technofix while a variety of 1:10 scale diecast models of the 1957-59 R204 came from Schuco in 2004. The latter included solo examples, some with “Deutsche Bundespost” boxes mounted on the rear as well as machines with sidecars. There has also been some 1:43 scale models of the same R204 Bella from Premium Classix, in this case those with a rear box are marked “Ginos Pizza”

Unknown

As a final section there has been a few toys of scooters that so far have not been identified, in fact they are probably not meant to depict any particular example.

A quite imaginatively styled plastic battery driven toy called Chalmy Rider came from WS in Hong Kong and carries the number 6623 under its base. The seat tips revealing space that accommodates a couple of AA batteries, the fitting of which drives the twin rear wheels and illuminated an orange headlight.

An extremely slim plastic toy scooter that vaguely resembles something like the Triumph Tina carries no markings at all and probably came as an accessory to a Barbie type toy.

An all wood crafted toy has a suggestion of machine made parts that have been glued together but carries a barcode under its base.

Model list

Ducati Cruiser 175cc 1952-54 Altaya/Ixo 70mm 1:25 diecast/plastic
Heinkel Tourist 103A2 175cc 1960-65 Schuco 1:10 diecast kit
Heinkel Tourist 103A2 175cc 1960-65 Schuco Piccolo diecast
Jawa Cezeta 501 175cc 1957-64 CH 164mm plastic flywheel
MBK Booster Rocket 50cc 1984 Majorette 99mm 1:18 diecast/plastic
Malaguti Phantom F12 50cc 1997-03 Maisto 102mm 1:18 diecast/plastic
Mitsubishi C110 Silver Pigeon 175cc 1960-61 Marusan tinplate
Mitsubishi C110 Silver Pigeon 175cc 1960-61 Bandai tinplate
Simson KR 51/1 Schwalbe 50cc 1968-71 Schuco 1:10
Suzuki Gemma 50 50cc 1982-88 Aoshima/Imai 1:12 plastic kit
Suzuki Gemma 50 50cc 1982-88 Tamiya 80mm 1:24 diecast
Suzuki Gemma 50 50cc 1982-88 Tomy 58mm 1:28 diecast
Yamaha Beluga 80cc 1981-87 Aoshima/Imai 144 mm 1:12 plastic kit
Yamaha Beluga 80cc 1981-87 Otaki 1:16 plastic kit
Yamaha Beluga 80cc 1981-87 Tomica 80mm 1:24 diecast
Yamaha Vino VJ50R 50cc 2001-05 Welly 102mm 1:18 diecast/plastic
Yamaha Vino  VJ50R 50cc 2001-05 New Ray 1:6
Yamaha Majesty DX 400 400cc 2005-09 Welly 117mm 1:18 diecast/plastic
Zundapp Bella 200cc 1953-62 Technofix tin
Zundapp Bella R204 200cc 1957-59 Schuco 1:10 diecast kit
Zundapp Bella R204 200cc 1957-59 Premium Classix 1:43 resin

 

Ilustrations

Altaya/Ixo 1:25 diecast/plastic from China : 1952 Ducati Cruiser

Schuco 1:10 diecast kit : 06537, 1960 Heinkel 103 A2 Tourist.

Schuco Piccolo diecast : 05701, 1960 Heinkel 103 A2 Tourist.

CH plastic flywheel driven : 1957 Jawa Cezeta 501.

Majorette 1:18 diecast/plastic from Thailand: 1984 MBK Booster Rocket

Maisto 1:18 diecast/plastic from China : 1987 Malaguti Phantom F12.

Marusan tinplate from Japan : 1960 Mitsubishi Silver Pigeon C110.

 

Bandai tinplate from Japan: 1960 Mitsubishi Silver Pigeon C110.

Schuco 1:10 diecast kit : 06640, 1968 Simson KR 51/1 Schwalbe.

Aoshima 1:12 plastic kit from Japan: 1982 Suzuki Gemma 50

Tamiya 1:24 diecast from Japan: 1982 Suzuki Gemma 50

Tomy 1:28 diecast from Japan: 49, 1982 Suzuki Gemma 50.

 

 Aoshima 1:12 plastic kit from Japan: 1981 Yamaha Beluga.

Tomica 1:24 diecast from Japan: 1981 Yamaha Beluga.

Welly 1:18 diecast/plastic from China: 2001 Yamaha Vino YJ50R.

New Ray 1:6 from China: 2001 Yamaha Vino YJ50R.

Welly 1:18 diecast/plastic from China: 2005 Yamaha Majesty DX 400.

Technofix tin from Japan: 1953 Zundapp Bella.

Schuco 1:10 diecast kit: 06590, 1958 Zundapp Bella R204.

Schuco 1:10 diecast kit: 06593 1958 Zundapp Bella r204 with Deutsche Bundespost box.

Premium Classix 1:43 : 1957 Zundapp Bella R204.
Premium Classix 1:43: 1957 Zundapp Bella R204 with Ginos Pizza box.
WS plastic battery driven from Hong Kong: Chalmy Rider toy.

Anonymous slim plastic scooter.

Anonymous wood scooter.

 

Readers who have enjoyed this series of articles may find the two Auto Review publications written by Dave Turner about real Scooters of interest:

  • “Scooters”
  • “More Scooters” 

For more information go to zeteo.com.


We welcome your comments and questions.   Please go to our Model Auto Review Facebook page,  or email us at maronlineeditor @ gmail.com.

News from the Continent January 2017 – Maisto

By Hans-Georg Schmitt

 

Maisto 531514 Bugatti Chiron

In 2016 Bugatti s.a.s. presented the successor of their Veyron, the Chiron. The car was again named after a famous Bugatti racing driver. It produces 1500 HP and with no speed limiter fitted it can reach speeds of over 400 KPH (c.250 MPH). However, this performance is expensive as each car will cost 2.4 Million Euros to buy, a million more than a Veyron!

Maisto have produced the model to 1:24 scale. It captures the car’s shape very well and it is painted in two tone blue.

The interior looks accurate and includes a lot of detail. The doors can be opened as shown above.

As the photograph above shows the upper part of the engine is visible through the rear windows.


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