Category Archives: 1:32

1956 Plymouth Belvedere in Photos

By Mike DeTorrice

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

This is the attractive 1956 Plymouth Belvedere, as done by Signature Models. This one falls between 1:43 and 1:24 scale and is considered 1:32, although it looks great in any scale.

The 1956 was among the earlier “fin” cars that (especially Chrysler) were coming out with.

Plymouth was a popular, good-looking car and a diecast, resin or white metal model of it it always a treat. 


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Airfix Bond Bug Kit Re-release

By Maz Woolley

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

The header image shown on the website has been created from an image of the 1975 box art on the Scalemates website.


Airfix have just revived another 1:32 scale car kit. This is the Bond Bug sold as a Vintage Classic. The kit itself has 1975 moulded into it which was after the last Bug was made in 1974.

The Bond Bug was a microcar with two seats and three wheels, and was designed by Tom Karen of Ogle Design who also designed other 1970s classics like the Reliant Scimitar and the Raleigh Chopper bicycle. Although it was called a Bond Bug, Bond engineers had nothing to do with its creation. It was designed by Ogle for Reliant based on much existing Reliant technology and had the same 700cc, later 750cc engine as fitted in the Reliant Regal and then Robin. It was originally expected to be launched as the Reliant Rogue, but when Reliant bought Bond Cars in 1970 they ceased production of all existing Bond cars and decided to build their new car in the Bond factory in Preston and changed the name to the Bond Bug. However, production in Preston was ceased and the factory closed after a couple of years. Production of the Bug was then moved to Reliant at Tamworth.

In all around 2,200 were produced with every Bug painted bright orange with black seats and trim though several were later painted white for a Rothmans promotion and a few lime green ones exist too. The car was unusual in that it did not have any conventional doors having a one piece lifting canopy and canvas side screens.

It would hoped that the car would appeal to people who might have otherwise have bought a second hand Austin-Healey Sprite, MG Midget or Triumph Spitfire.

The Airfix kIt was released in 1971 and sold in a clear plastic pack with header card and was then updated and packed in a box in 1975 just as Reliant had stopped production. From the markings on the parts this is a revival of the final version made by Airfix in 1975.

The parts all appear to be very cleanly moulded with no excess flash which sometimes appears on revived moulds. Although there are quite a few small parts they are largely concerned with making up the engine and the suspension and the interior is simple as was the original car.

The instrumentation in all moulded in but doesn’t have a decal as it might on a modern kit. Similarly the tyres and wheels are moulded in one part when more modern kits might enjoy rubber tyres.

I now need to find a can of orange spray paint suitable for making the model up!


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1975 Chevrolet Tow Truck by JLE

By Frank Koh

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

Here is the 1:32 scale 1975 Chevrolet Tow Truck by JLE (Joseph L. Ertl) Scale Models in Century Wrecker Corporation Livery. It also happens to be a coin bank.

When I found this rare made-in-USA diecast “Squarebody” wrecker online, I recognized the casting as the exact same one used by Amoco for their red-and-white gas station promotional models from more than a quarter of a century ago. However, unlike the Amoco tow truck variant which was distributed for sale at filling stations all over the U.S., this all-white wrecker was ostensibly for Century Wrecker dealers’ and mother company Miller Industries’ use.

While little is known about this rare tow truck bank, it would be utterly logical to presume that this unit was produced in quite limited numbers for very specific promotional purposes. Responding to breakdowns never looked this good.

There’s a nicely positioned coin slot ahead of the leading edge of the boom and right behind what was intended as a light bar mount. Because very little info and absolutely no photos could be found on the internet, it is uncertain whether this Century Wrecker variant actually came with a light bar like the one found on the Amoco tow truck.

Complete interior, heavy duty bumper and push bar, “duallie” rear wheels and tires and that trademark towing winch with faux PTO (Power Take Off) mechanism. These features made this JLE product a natural for Century Wrecker Corporation dealer promotional use. These purpose-built tow trucks were intended to be rugged, reliable income earners, hence the fact that this model was also a coin bank emphasized the rationale behind it.

The JLE Scale Models 1:32 scale casting of the mid seventies Chevrolet truck was quite accurate, and would certainly be on every “Squarebody” enthusiast’s must-have list. Aside from this exquisite tow truck, JLE also produced a cube van based on the “Squarebody” Chevy.

For reasons that defy explanation, there just aren’t too many miniature models of the Chevrolet and GMC “Squarebody” series. This very convincing JLE product admirably fills the need for more “Squarebodies” in scale.


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Porsche 917 Slot Car Track

By Karl Schnelle

Long-time author for MAR Online, Harvey Goranson, brought this to our attention. Bring a Trailer (BaT) is an online automobile auction house well-known to all American car guys. A recent, unusual auction just closed there for a detailed 1:32 Le Mans slot car racetrack, hidden under a Porsche 917 Gulf racecar! Check out the final price (wow), more photos, and the full story on BaT! [photo source: https://bringatrailer.com]


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Wiking February 2023

By Maz Woolley

Wiking are part of the Sieper Group which also owns and produces Siku Toys. Wiking models are moulded in plastic in Europe and are aimed at the modeller of dioramas and serious model collector. They produce models in multiple scales with the smallest being Continental N Gauge of 1:160 and largest 1:32 scale which is used for agricultural and constructional machines. The majority of their output is in 1:87 (HO) scale which is the predominant scale for Continental railway modellers.

Wiking models are released in many liveries and opportunities are taken to add detail or even re-mould entirely when vehicles are revived.

1:160 Scale

097403 Hanomag B11 Wheel loader – orange

Finished in construction industry favourite orange colour this model has a poseable front lifter and bucket. The Hanomag B11 was powered by a six cylinder engine with 110hp. 2,423 of these vehicles were made from 1964 to 1972.

1:87 Scale

042905 Flatbed road-train (Mercedes-Benz LP 333) – grass green

Wiking have has the short cab Mercedes-Benz LP333 tractor unit in their range for many years but revisited it in 2019 to create a long distance cab version. The twin front axles were a response to amended vehicle construction laws in the late 1950s and it allowed a truck the have a gross weight 16 tons. In 1960 the law was amended and two axle trucks gross weight limits were lifted from 12 to 16 tons. So the twin steer LP333 was only sold between 1958 and 1960 and only 1,833 were built.

Here the tractor unit pulls a drawbar trailer in a configuration common on the Continent but seldom seen in the UK.


079433 Volkswagen Beetle 1200 with folding roof – chocolate brown – ivory

Although most Volkswagen Beetles were produced in a single colour a few special paint jobs were to be seen. Here Wiking’s Volkswagen 1200 is finished in two-tone colours and fitted with a matching soft top. The Volkswagen has been in Wiking’s range for all its 75 years of existence with steady improvements to the level of details modelled. The version of the 1200 modelled here was in production from 1960 to 1967.


012848 NSU Ro 80 Limousine – copper metallic

Copper metallic paintwork was very fashionable in 1967. The Neckarsulm car makers NSU selected for their Ro 80 Wankel car was intended to create the impression of a premium executive car. The Ro80 has been in production by Wiking for 18 years and the number made is considerably more than the 37,000 cars made by NSU. The Ro80 was only in production from 1967 to 1977 before Audi who had taken over NSU stopped production.


079605 Opel Commodore B traffic yellow

The early 1970s were a time of bright primary colours and here a bright yellow is used that was a very popular colour on Opel cars. Here it is seen on the Commodore B with a black vinyl roof providing an upmarket contrast. Although the Commodore B shared the body of the Rekord D it was fitted with a six cylinder engines rather than the four cylinder engines fitted to the Rekord. It also enjoyed a generally higher level of fittings and fitments than the Rekord including different grilles and wheels. The Commodore was a popular executive car and was in production from 1972 to 1977.


082410 Mercedes-Benz 220 S – pastel turquoise

The 220S replaced the Ponton and sprouted relatively restrained fashionable pointed rear wings. Wiking has had a 220S in their range for many years and it has been continually upgraded. Here it is modelled in a pastel blue rather than the more predictable blacks, dark greys, and deep reds which are often associated with this car. The car was in production from 1959 to 1965 before the fins were removed again and a squarer line emerged.


029309 Volkswagen Transporter T3 crew cab – grass green

The ‘Double Cab’ is commonly called ‘Doka’ in Germany. It was a popular combination for many trades people and particularly landscapers. A reasonable load area easily covered by a canvas hood and plenty of room for the workforce in the cab. Grass-Green was a special order colour but proved to be very popular. When this vehicle was in production Wiking got as far as making a prototype but it never went into production, languishing in the companies archive., whilst the box van and minibus models were launched and sold in large numbers.

Produced between 1978 and 1992 this third generation of the Transporter this vehicle was a common sight across Europe. It was also the end of the line for the original rear engined, rear wheel drive format with the T4 introducing a front engine, and front wheel drive.


026208 Citroën HY box van pearl beige

The HY van was introduced by Citroën in 1947 and it was a big sales hit becoming a best seller in France and the Low Countries as well as Saarland where France and Germany meet. The vehicles distinctive look comes from the heavy use of corrugated metal panels which allowed light metal panels to form a stronger structure than flat sheets would have done. The HY stayed in production with evolutionary changes until 1981.


042003 Magirus flatbed truck ‘Thörl

Thörl made protective clear coat varnishes and supplied distributors direct from the oil mills. Here the Magirus Sirius modelled by Wiking has been finished in the Thörl company colours as shown in their period advertising. The Magirus was powered by Deutz air-cooled engines with a distinctive sound. This version of the Magirus was produced from 1958 to 1967.


050206 Henschel low-loader truck-trailer ‘Frederici’

Here the Henschel is finished in the livery of a Swiss haulage company ‘Friderici‘ who were long time users of Henschel trucks. The HS140 was used by this haulage company in a number of roles and it was a powerful truck capable of heavy work and was made from 1955 to 1961.

Although Henschel’s have been in the Wiking range for many years this model is based upon a new moulding with considerably more detail than was present before. The driver’s cab doors have been faithfully reproduced with their bulbous shape. In addition there is fine detailing of the rear window, roof fans as well as the radiator grille. The radiator grille now includes a separate insert which shows off the typical Henschel star. Both Henschel badging and the raised bonnet hinges are also replicated.


012503 DKW Cabriolet – iron grey

Wiking have had a coupe in their range for many years but now the roof has been removed to create a convertible version of the late 1950s DKW. The DKW was often finished with white sidewalls and shiny paint jobs to emphasise it being upmarket from the Volkswagen Beetle. Here it is finished in iron grey and with a red hood and white wall rings. . The original car was made from 1958 to 1961.


027602 Mercedes-Benz G-Class – pebble grey

A five door G Class has been in the Wiking range for many years but it is only recently that the two door version which had been planned and discarded many years before saw the light of day. Here Wiking has made a second release of this two door G-Wagen , this time in pebble grey. The basic two door version was very popular in rural areas, in particular the mountainous regions where its all wheel drive would have been a great advantage. This vehicle was made in 1979 and 1980. Perhaps Wikiing didn’t proceed with the two door version as they had heard it was being phased out.


016004 Porsche 911 Coupé – khaki grey

The 911 was modelled from the start by Wiking and many versions have been made over the years as Porsche’s reputation grew and the 911 turned into a motoring legend. Here the model is finished to contemporary standards of detail and finish. The model represents the car as made between 1963 and 1973.


086904 Agricultural Trailer – green

Early trailers pulled by tractors had often been converted from those pulled by horses with a drawbar fitted instead of shafts for the horses. Here we have a simple trailer as often used in the 1950s.


035403 Opel Blitz box van’ (Opel Blitz) “‘Mollerus’

This Opel Blitz is finished in a German Laundry firm’s period livery. Based on an original vehicle this is the second Wiking modelin this firms livery. Founded in the 1940s Mollerus grew rapidly operating with the slogan ‘the housewife’s servant‘. The livery is a period graphic where the M was stylised into a bell boy figure. The Blitz featured was in production from 1952 to 1960.


009237 Caravan (T@B) “Mexican Sunset”

The T@B is a classic caravan made by Tabbart based on teardrop shapes developed to tow behind relatively small engined vehicles. It has been in the Wiking range for a while but has been updated with detailed printing to represent an upmarket trendy version of this retro trailer. It comes with towbar fitments to add to models posed towing it.


042502 Henschel box truck ‘Union Transport’

This model complements the semi-trailer already made by Wiking in ‘Union Transport‘ livery. Here Wiking have replicated a box truck as used for a wide variety of deliveries on German roads. The Henschel cabover engine unit is on a twin axle chassis and replicates one of the haulier’s vehicles that operated from their Düsseldorf depot. This generation of Henschel was produced from 1955 to 1961.

1:32 Scale

077864 Fendt 1050 Vario

This is an updated version of the 1050 Vario from Wikiing. It features a large number of working features and is designed to operate with a wide range of model agricultural implements. This Vario can be fitted with engines of between 380 and 500hp and is a strong seller across the world.

The Wiking designers have had to make many detail changes to replicate the newer version of this tractor and have incorporated a considerable amount of fine detail.


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WWI Aircraft, Part 2

By Stephen Williams

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

This article is a continuation of Part 1, where I discuss World War I 1:32 airplane kits by Wingnut Wings, all built by me. Three more 1918 aircraft are described below.


The Roland D.VIb, late 1918, wing was suspended from the fuselage by a pylon. The wooden fuselage was made of long wooden planks like a Viking ship’s. The camouflage on the wings was preprinted on linen and then clear coated. The underwing used the same pattern but used different colors including pink as seen on the inner side of the left wheel.


Many believe that the 1918 Fokker DVII was the best fighter aircraft of the war. The pilots leather seat and the compass mounted next to his right knee are shown below right.

The anemometer, located on the right wing strut, indicates the airspeed and is easily read by the pilot. Framework of cockpit, ammo, fuel tank, and BMW engine are shown below right. Linen fabric covered all but the engine. Note the two tiny BMW roundels in a silver block, on the larger oil pan.

The pilots view just before mounting up and sliding into the cockpit is below left. The middle photo shows the distinctive radiator for the powerful BMW engine and no guy wires for increased speed. The struts were made extra strong to handle the stress. Note the linen threads are beautifully rendered in the camouflage decals and also the open louvers in the black metal engine cover.


The 1918 Siemans Schuckert D.III was a superior aircraft, even to the Fokker DVII, but came on line too late, and there were too few of them at war’s end to have any appreciable effect on the outcome in the air.

Check out the underwing camouflage colors. LO on the fuselage are the initials of Ernst Udet’s girlfriend. He was the second highest scoring ace in the war after Richthofen and spent much time in America after the war.

A big powerful radial engine, 4 bladed prop, and an amazing rate of climb kept the Siemans Schuckerts close to important targets in order to protect them from Allied bombers far behind the lines.

And finally, we end with Snoopy and the Red Baron (and LO) right on his tail!


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WWI Aircraft, Part 1

By Steven Williams

Evolution in Design as Observed in Model WWI Aircraft

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

Editor’s Note: Steven has written about his model racing car collection for MAR Online previously. However, he then ran out of automobile display space. Realizing he had “air space” led to a trip to the dawn of the air age and WWI and colorful German aircraft. Steven is very interested not only in race car design but also in aircraft evolution and design. We thought our readers would be too.

Snoopy in his 1918 Sopwith Camel is being chased by a hoard of
German aircraft across my display room’s sky. All World War I airplanes in this article are 1:32 Wingnut Wings kits built by me.

This one being a 1914 Jeannin Stahltaube whose wings and tail were warped by all those external wires in order to turn, or go up and down. Designed in 1909 it looks like a bird. In 1903, the Wright Flyer also maneuvered using wing warping.

The wire wheels are real metal as are other parts on each model.

Note: The aluminum panels around the engine were hand painted with two different silvers to replicate scroll work in the real thing.

Engine and cockpit detailing of the Stahltaube.

The 1915 Fokker Eindecker with the 1st machine gun to reliably fire through the propeller led to the Fokker Scourge for 6 months in 1915 until the allies caught up. This aircraft still used wing warping for the ailerons.

The Eindecker’s cockpit detailing.

The Albatros D.I – D.Va was the primary German scout (fighter) aircraft used in 1916 – 17 but some were still being used at wars end in 1918. German pilot’s were allowed these colorful individual markings.

The first of these superb Wingnut Wings kits that I built was this 1917 Albatros D.V of the green tailed squadron. British pilots often referred to their foes as “butterflies” and one can see why. As seen in action in July, 1917

This 1918 Albatros D.Va. was the 3rd green tail that I built. Basically the D.Va had a stronger airframe and a more powerful engine.

A bit of the D. Va cockpit also showing some of the painted wood grain & Instruments. The levers were made from fine brass wire.

The radiator pieces are made using a photoetch process. This louvered bottom of the radiator is controlled by a push-pull lever underneath the top wing. (less than an inch across in size)

The machine gun detailing is amazing, especially the two gears seen as part of the cocking mechanism.

Albatros fuselages were shaped plywood panels. This time I replicated each panel with decals rather than with paint which was $$$ well spent.

The D.Va’s 6 cyl. Mercedes engine and the laminated wooden propeller is shown below.

On the left is Richthofen’s (the Red Baron’s) 1917 Fokker D.R.1 triplane who was Snoopy’s day-dreamed opponent. Design evolution: no guy wires (wing wires).

On the right is Lt Werner Voss’s 1917 triplane which meant more speed, and overcame the drag of the extra wing. He fought the greatest air combat of the war against 8 British S.E. 5’s. Voss was said by many to be the finest German airman of WWI, but he died in this fight.

The Pfalz D.IIIa is early 1918 ; this pretty airplane was constructed like the Albatros with plywood panels that allowed for the aerodynamic fuselage.

The Pfalz interior, controls, pilot harness, etc. are shown below.


I have never seen anything like these models & instruction booklets, produced in New Zealand by Michael Jackson of the Lord of the Rings fame. Wingnut Wings went out of production about the time that Covid hit. Addictive if one is a model builder, the kits are unlike any I’ve experienced, especially the documentation and building hints. Their website has 100s of archive photos plus instructions, hints, and model photos.

More 1918 aircraft will appear in the final Part 2, coming soon!


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Wiking Releases October 2022

By Maz Woolley

Wiking releases for October introduce a few new mouldings and some upgrades to existing ones.

1:32 Scale

077857 Claas Trion 720 Montana with Convio 1080 and trolley

Trion is the name of Claas’s new generation of combine harvesters. Awarded “Farm Machine 2022”, it has become the world leader in its category of combine harvesters! The Wiking Claas Trion 720 Montana, has chassis tilt compensation in a model for the first time. The model features a Convio 1080 cutting unit on this launch model. The model features many working features and many details in the modelling.

077863 Claas Axion 950

The Claas Axion range has been a considerable success and has now been fitted with a whole range of digital technology in the cab including a driver assist system which optimises settings for the attached equipment as well as the Tractor itself. It is hoped that these advances will optimise the fuel consumption as well as improve the quality of the work.

The photograph’s show the detailed modelling with the mesh bonnet panels being particularly fine. As usual on Wiking models the model has all the attachment fittings needed to mount various items from the Wiking Range.

077862 Pöttinger front mower Novacat

The Novacat front mower engineered by Pöttinger is used to cut forage crops. This mower is designed to automatically adjust cutting height to the ground being worked and to leave cut forage cleanly cut for storage and use.

The model fits all Wiking 1:32 scale tractors.


1:87 Scale

Photograph of Taxi at Bremen Oldtimer Classics

080015 Taxi – BMW Isetta

Made between 1955 and 1956 this Taxi offered only minimal space and I can’t imagine that there were many in service. However a real life example can be seen on the internet as shown above.

It will certainly stand out on mail rail diorama builders station forecourts amongst the Mercedes-Benz and Opel cabs.

020307 Ford Escort scale 1:87

A sober colour on the Mark One Escort for those who the bright yellows, oranges and purples fashionable at the time did not impress. It is also the four door model which is less commonly modelled. Designed in Britain to replace the Ford Anglia and produced at Ford’s new Halewood plant from 1967. It was adopted by Ford of Germany three years later and was produced at Saarlouis. It’s dog bone nickname came from the shape of the front grille/lights. It remined in production until 1974.

031405 Police – Volkswagen Transporter T2 Double Cab

This ‘Doka‘ moulding is a new one adding to the myriad of other flatbed Transporters made by Wiking. Here it is finished in the livery of a Police Riot Squad vehicle. It will no doubt appear in many other liveries in the future.

022406 Renault R4 “Parisienne”

The decoration was inspired by Renault’s marketing Group wanting products with more feminine appeal. They were made available to women to test drive for 48 hours in a special sales drive. The R4 was a very popular car in it’s home market and widely sold in other continental countries as its practicality made it a popular family vehicle.

This generation was in production from 1964 until 1968

022504 Renault R4 box van “Spar”

The R4 van had a very boxy body suitable to fit in a bulky load from the suppliers. Spar was a marketing consortium which small retailers joined which gave them access to bulk buying discounts and subsidised retail signage and material. Spar shops sprang up all over Europe and their livery on vans and lorries was frequently seen on the road.

Produced from 1961 to 1967 the R4 van continued in production with modified styling after that.

022505 Renault R4 box van – ivory

A plain livery for this model. But like the Spar model the rear roof section can be opened above the rear doors. This feature was popular with builders and window cleaners as you could stick your ladders in the back of the van with any excess length sticking out of the roof – no need for a special roof rack. This is again finished as the version made from 1961 to 1967.

068904 Municipal mastic asphalt mixer (MAN)

A MAN F7 chassis fitted with a mastic asphalt mixer body ideal for construction site dioramas. This is a new fitment and the first F5/F7 vehicle in the Wiking range. Many more will follow in future!

062647 Fire brigade – Rosenbauer FLF Panther 6×6 with extending arm

Yet another Rosenbauer joins the Wiking range. The Panther 6×6 has already been seen in 1:43 scale and now appears as a 1:87 scale model. Like many newer Wiking models it now has a sprue with some of the more delicate parts for the purchaser to fit themselves.

Here it is modelled with an extendable arm carrying the foam supply closer to the blaze and extensive detailing of the roller shutters and cabin.

038915 Claas Trion 730 harvester with Convio 1080

Here again we see a model made to 1:32 scale has been reduced to 1:87 scale. Here the 1:87 model is shown which is inevitably less detailed and with fewer working parts and opening parts. But it is a good replica of the new Claas Trion and a new moulding from Wiking. Like the larger 1:32 model it is fitted with a Convio 1080 cutting unit

Well detailed and printed for its relatively small size this model would look good on any diorama showing a contemporary farm.

022805 Volvo Amazon – dark green

A classic three-box shaped car from Sweden produced from 1956 to 1970 with over 660,000 sold by the time it was withdrawn. This existing moulding, seen previously in light blue for example, has been finished with a fine grille and printed badging. Engraved and silver printed door handles, rubbing strips and even reflectors all add to the quality of the model. Inside the model has a separately inserted steering wheel, a dashboard and an easily recognizable reproduction of the ribbon speedometer. Front and back seats are also separate inserts,

010204 Land Rover Defender 110 scale 1:87

Already seen in a variety of colours and finishes we have the Defender here with the addition of a double layer roof to reduce cabin heat in hot climates and a snorkel exhaust to make sure that fording water doesn’t stop it in its tracks.

This model is of the final generation of the Defender and features finely detailed and printed door handles, grilles and light surrounds. Again small parts like mirrors are supplied on a sprue to self fit.

088010 Lanz Bulldog with roof- yellow

Produced in several versions over time this is the first appearance in yellow and with a roof fitted. It appeared in the first classic series release from Wiking in 1973 and has been seen in several colours since. A German classic tractor which was in production from 1936 to 1954 and stayed in use for many years after production ended.

038819 Krampe Halfpipe tipper trailer black

Krampe tipping trailers are used in agriculture, civil engineering and lansdscaping. Many are owned by German municipal authorities. The HP20 modelled by Wiking features a tipping mechanism and connectors to allow it to be towed by other vehicles.

067405 Flatbed tipper (Mercedes-Benz NG) “Bölling”

Another Bölling liveried vehicle joins the Wiking range. Here a New Generation (NG) chassis from Mercedes-Benz, already seen on a flatbed tipper and the road sweeper, is the tractor unit pulling a four-axle flatbed tipper.

The model is well finished with good printed livery and a functioning tipper body. The grille unit and lights in bumpers neatly done to capture the original NG look.

042496 Flatbed tipper (Magirus)

Another re-engineering of a vehicle that has been in the Wiking range for a long time. The bonnet is now a separate part from the rest of the cab and the gap between mouldings seems rather large on photographs, but is perhaps better seen from a normal distance? The Magirus with its characteristic engine noise was often seen on building sites in the 1950s and 1960s. Here Wiking has modelled it in two tone green and it comes with mirrors and other small items on a sprue for self-fitting. The flatbed can be turned upright and the rear panel will open for tipping.

The original vehicle was produced from 1957 to 1967.

055601 Semi-trailer box truck (Mercedes-Benz Pullmann)

Here a Mercedes-Benz tractor unit pulls an American box trailer made by Dorsay with its characteristic ribbed structure. Wiking based this on on photographs of Dorsays launch of their trailers in Europe in 1963.

This box trailer was entirely re-engineered for this issue as the moulds made for the original historic issue of this trailer had been converted to other uses. The Mercedes-Benz Pullman cab unit has also been re-made several times over the years and is used here in its latest incarnation with finely printed details and a fine grille/light unit.

055407 Stanchion trailer truck (Faun)

Hauled by a Faun tractor unit this stanchion trailer is liveried for Paul Rosenkranz who made heavy duty transporters in Witten on the Ruhr. Wiking have featured many vehicles in Rosenkranz livery over the years including a similar stanchion trailer pulled by a MAN tractor unit. The Faun F610 series provided heavy-duty tractor units capable of pulling up to 80 tonnes – even as a semi-trailer vehicle. The engine output alternated between 250, 262 and 275 hp. This distinctive normal control unit was manufactured from 1965 to 1977.

Here we see the new Faun tractor unit from Wiking in Rosenkranz colours for the first time.

1:160 Scale

096138 Fire Appliance – TLF 16 (Magirus)

Here the Magirus fire appliance from the 1:87 range has been ‘shrunk’ to the Continental N Gauge of 1:160 scale with a little simplification along the way. There has been a flatbed Magirus in Fire Service livery in 1:160 scale in the past but no appliance,

The classic ’round hood’ Magirus cab/chassis was used to build appliances between 1955 and 1961 before the hood and cab changed to the squarer generation which replaced it and which has also been made in Wiking’s 1:87 scale range.


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Le Mans Miniatures

By Maz Woolley

Le Mans Miniatures are a well established firm based in France and focused on sporting models and figure sets. The firm was founded in 1991 by Benoît Moro who had previously worked for Solido and Starter. Like many firms production started with resin kits and a small skilled staff. Rather than focusing on a single scale models are made from 1:87 scale up to 1:24 scales. From 2003 the firm introduced highly detailed 1:32 slot cars at the same time introducing modern Computer Aided Design (CAD) systems to bring modern techniques to their modelling. Research and Development and production still takes place in France.

The firm now has three main lines Figurines, Cars and Accessories. Figurines seem to range from 1:43 up to 1:8 scale. These are beautifully sculpted and finished and the series of 1950s/1960s Race Team leaders like Enzio Ferrari have been seen here before and are excellent companions to scale models. The Accessories range includes slot car components like chassis and wheel sets as well as pit lane items and decals.

The cars range includes 1:18 scale miniatures of famous children’s ride in cars. 1:87 and 1:43 and scale static kits of Le Mans cars and 1:24 scale slot car body kits as well as 1:32 scale built static and slot cars and kits. The Gold Line versions of their 1:43 kits come with engines and lots of extra detailing whilst the Gold Line slot car kits come with painted body shells.

This article will look at a new 1:32 scale slot car announcement which features some classic British Le Mans cars. By 1959 after years of domination of Le Mans by Jaguar C Types and D Types Jaguar had stopped entering a works team and the privateer cars were starting to get long in the tooth with Ferrari again winning Le Mans in 1958. BUt 1959 was Aston Martin’s year. After investing a large amount of money in the David Brown owned racing division their DBR1/300 came first and second in 1959 with Roy Salvadori and Carrol Shelby bringing home the winning car and Maurice Trintignant and Paul Frére following them in in second place. The third team DBR1 driven by Stirling Moss and Jack Fairman did not finish as it was retired with engine problems after six hours. Graham Whitehead and Brian Naylor raced a private entrant DBR1 but sadly they only completed five hours racing and then did not finish after having an accident.

The models shown below from Le Mans Racing are 1:32 scale slot cars with excellent detailing. One wonders if they will also be made available as static models too?

LM132093-5M ASTON MARTIN DBR1 – LE MANS 24 Hours 1959 #5 CARROLL SHELBY – First Place
LM132093-6M ASTON MARTIN DBR1 – LE MANS 24 Hours 1959 #6 MAURICE TRINTIGNANT – Second Place
LM132093-4M ASTON MARTIN DBR1 – LE MANS 24 Hours 1959 #4 STIRLING MOSS – Did not finish

Some other recent models which caught my eye are 1:32 scale static models of Rally support vans. Although these are probably primarily intended to be used as display items on slot car tracks they are fine scale models too.

These models of the classic French Peugeot J7 are nicely realised with lots of detail. The Matra support vehicle being driven with the sliding door open and with a fully painted driver figure captures the period well. No walling electronic warnings about an open door in those days!


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Wiking April 2022

By Maz Woolley

The Wiking models shown below are all scheduled to be issued in April. As usual most are re-colours or adaptations of models already seen previously. These models are all made in plastic in Europe.

1:160 Scale

097102 Coach Mercedes-Benz B O 302

Body light ivory, chassis black-grey, body front and rear frame with line as well as Mercedes-Benz star with silver-plated headlights, rear lights printed red. Two red flank stripes on the side and at the rear.

In the sixties and seventies most transport companies chose a simple background colour and light ivory was popular.


1:87 Scale

009503 Motorboat on trailer

A motorboat in the trendy colours of the sixties.

Decking and interior mint green, hull and shelf signal white. Steering wheel white, outboard engine white, boat trailer with bracket mint green. Wheel is in signal white with a mint green hubcap.

062304 Fire Brigade – Rescue Vehicle (Magirus)

The real vehicle was originally made from 1956 to 1961. This was a powerful truck fitted with a Metz crane

At the end of the fifties, technical assistance by fire brigades in Germany was just developing and only the large professional fire brigades would purchase appliances like this.

Finished in appropriate red with black colour with details picked out.

067708 Rear tipper semi-trailer Magirus 235 D

This Magirus tractor unit pulled the Blumhardt tipper to Afghanistan. It was a test drive to the limit for man and machine! In 1965 it went 7018 kilometers from Munich to Kabul.

Finished in detail with extensive printing on the trailer unit.

085048 Hanomag with flatbed trailer “Bölling”

Bölling’s Hanomag road tractor hauling a trailer. It is the 20th Wiking model carrying this livery. Bölling were a large construction firm.

This tractor unit was made from 1946 to 1952.

Almost Circus like in bright red and yellow colours. Some nice detail printing on the cab door.

099099 Set “Magirus Baubullen”

The great “howlers” with the angular hood. Around 50 years ago, Magirus Deutz amazed experts with a new generation of normal control lorries. This trio of models is of the final generation of normal control Magirus-Deutz vehicles made from 1970 to 1974.

All models have red chassis and wheels. Detailed printing on cab includes Magirus logo on grill..

114003 DIY garage (3S)

Originally made in in 1967 as a Kit by WIKING, it has returned 55 years later as a finished model. Around 60,000 of these garage models were originally supplied to the garage manufacturers.

The finished model is an authentic recreation of the original model from the sixties. It features side panels and roof in ivory, base plate and garage door in pale brown.

117102 Forklift from Clark

This generation of Clark forklift was a common sight from 1952 to 1956 everywhere from coalfields to the hauliers compounds.

This US owned brand based itself in the Ruhr and was a very successful venture. Clark is now a Korean owned company and there is no production in Germany any more.

Predominantly in red the separate steering column and seat are in black as are the tyres. Grey printed side strips and Clark branding.

055406 Stake semi-trailer Mercedes-Benz Tractor Unit

The square look cab from Mercedes-Benz built in 1968 to 1971 and here hitched to a trailer designed to carry long loads.

The tractor and trailer are predominantly blue. Oxide red is used chassis sections and wheels. The cab has a black radiator grille with silver printed trim and Mercedes-Benz star. Chains are in silver .

051407 Flatbed semitrailer with Henschel tractor unit in “Zeitfracht” livery

This specialist haulier provided fast turnaround transport for the magazines and newspapers publishers getting them to Berlin in the 1960’s. The Henschel tractor unit dates from 1961 to 1965.

Red tractor unit and trailer with the cab interior in beige. UNderneath the chassis is chocolate brown. Lights are picked out well and there is some neat printing of logos.

049301 Culemeyer low loader trailer pulled by Faun tractor unit in “Deutsche Bundesbahn” livery

The Deutsche Bundesbahn had a need for a powerful tractor unit to pull trailers laden with railway vehicles. Here Faun suppled the tractor unit which was made from 1965 to 1977 and Culemeyer provided the trailer.

Drab grey accurate 049301 Culemeyer low loader trailer pulled by Faun tractor unit in Deutsche Bundesbahn livery and a grey trailer unit. A hazard warning light on the cab and railways livery printed neatly on.

012502 DKW Convertible – blue

DKW models have along history in the WIKING range with many introduced in the glazed era. This car was made between 1958 and 1961 powered by a two stroke engine.

DKW cars were often produced in lively paint finishes and here the model’s blue body has been clear lacquered to make in gleam. The soft top is grey and the interior in black. The Audi four rings are featured front and rear. Lots of silver printing of handles, wheels and fuel filler. Nice white wall tyres are fitted too.

018308 BMW 2002 turbo – white

Snow-white paint and the motorsport colours blue, violet and red on the side and on the chin spoiler. Originally produced for only a short time between 1973 and 1974 this a special which was a harbinger of things to come at BMW.

The model has nice separate lights front and back and lovely printed detail.

022004 Chevrolet Malibu

This moulding has been seen many times in the WIKING range. from 1964 to 1965 the mid-range Chevelle model had an upmarket Malibu SS version.

Here made in gloss black with nicely printed model badging. The hook to attach trailers is rather overscale!

036164 Fendt 1050 Vario

Article-No.

As the manufacturer upgrades their models WIKING updates its replica. The Fendt 1050 Vario is based on the latest Fendt model.

This model benefits from many small separate parts. The basic green body has black exhausts, and grey panels all added in. Interior is moulded in a single colour but lights are separate transparent units. The wheels have excellent tyres and are moulded in red plastic. Fendt logo printed on bonnet in aluminium.

038198 Claas Cargos Loader Wagon

On big farms large-volume loader wagons are needed. And Claas are well known as suppliers. This is a version designed for road use often seen moving loads around rural areas.

The Claas logos and other fine details are neatly printed.

039802 Normag Factor I with plough

The Normag Factor I debuts with a plough, just as it happened at the beginning of the fifties with the WIKING model in a larger scale. This tractor was made from 1953 to 1956 and was a small tractor suitable to work on smaller farms displacing the Horse drawing the plough.

Neat green body with red wheels and plough. The headlights are silver plated and rear lights painted red. Normag brand stripes are printed on in yellow on the bonnet front.


041604 Platform trailer truck MAN unit

These MAN units were made from 1960 to 1970 and the one modelled here by WIKING with a trailer is a sleeper cab version. WIKINg have given the sleeper bright yellow curtains to go with the yellow chassis units.

NIcely modelled here in blue with yellow chassis and grey tilt covers. The MAN logo and diesel lettering all appear on the red grille. The wheels are moulded to represent Trilex rims and are fitted with tyres. Rear lights are painted red.


045704 Refrigerated road train (Volvo F88) “Polar-Express”

This unit operated long distance haulage on the Finland-Italy route. This unit is based on the Volvo F88 which also pulls a drawbar trailer. Such units were made between 1965 and 1970.

A well detailed model the grille has the Volvo logo printed neatly over the black unit. Red painted rear lights and silver and orange painted ones to the front. Lots of detailed livery printing.


1:32 Scale

077860 Claas Axion 930 “Leonhard Weiss”

Here we have a tractor from Claas destined for construction sites and not fields. This unit is designed to pull a dumper truck.

The powerful tractors have long since become indispensable support in everyday construction site life. Leonhard Weiss are a major construction company and are users of the Claas Axion 930.

The model is made with lots of opening features, like cabin doors, operating features like the wheels and rear attachment points and a high level of detail.


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