Category Archives: Leyland

N’Tastic UK N Scale Models

By Maz Woolley

It has been sometime since we covered the N’Tastic range of 3D printed model made to 1:148 scale in the UK by Coppermine MIniatures. They produce 3D printed vehicle kits with basic interiors and no glazing and a whole range of figure sets to go with them though at this scale the figures are not highly detailed.

The range of of available UK N Scale (1:148) models is fairly limited with Oxford Diecast being the most common with their plastic bodies. Unfortunately Oxford has released fewer 1:148 models of late perhaps distracted by creating the TT Range for Hornby.

Please note that the photographs of the models have all been supplied by Coppermine Miniatures and they are of assembled unpainted kits.

During 2023 they have released the following 3D printed kits in 1:148 scale: 

Horse Drawn – 4W Bin Cart 

1952 – Shelvoke & Drewry – Freightlifter Forklift 

1946 – Shelvoke & Drewry – W Type Bin Lorry 

1984 – Dennis RS Water Tender 

1965 – Hillman Super Imp car + Police version 

1965 – Hillman Imp Californian car Kit 

1965 – Hillman (Commer) Imp Van + AA van 

They have also completed their first commission for a vehicle kit, a 1987 – Leyland Freighter – Pump Ladder FE. They have other commissions in design, and capacity for others in the new year. 


November’s releases

1945 – Fordson E27N Major Tractor 

1950s Farm trailers x4 

WW2 British ¼ Ton service trailer with or with out load of flimsy fuel cans. 

Coppermine Miniatures say that they have new models in development for early in 2024 including new subjects to expand the range.

Some of the models duplicate models already released by Oxford Diecast like the Imp Saloon and Freightlifter I wonder how much having alternative made up and well finished models easily available will depress sales of these items? Still having a kit will appeal to some as it means that you can finish the model as you like and not as the manufacturer dictates. The lack of glazing might put off inexperienced modellers as creating and fixing windows in this small scale can be a fiddly process.


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Brendan is Transported

By Brendan Leach

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

I have enjoyed the recent correspondence and articles on models of car transporters. Like other readers, I feel that car transporters allow for  the display of a large number of models in a confined space, whilst still retaining a degree of “realism” in the display, and as a bonus I get to display both trucks and cars together.

I have a number of “transporters” in my collection, ranging from true toys to precision models. This article shares a number of mine.

Returning to the theme of displaying the largest number of models in the smallest space – there are some truly EXCELLENT model car transporters in 1:76 scale, and of course the range of model cars available in 1:76 to use as loads on those transporters is enormous and so can cover any era or theme the collector might want to display.

My 1:76 Transporters

Oxford Diecast make an excellent model of a modern Scania EVO6 transporter, which can carry up to 12 cars. It comes in a number of authentic liveries, under Oxford references 76SCT***.

It is designed to suit Oxford 1:76 models, and has raised fixing points on the car decks to match the screw-holes on the bases of the Oxford cars, which keeps the cars in place on the angled surfaces of the decks.

Assembling the various decks and fittings is a delicate job, but the finished article is well worth the effort.

The photograph above shows my model, carrying a selection of “classic” BMC and BL Group cars (all by Oxford):

  1. 3 * MGA Roadsters (red, white, and blue)
  2. TR7 Convertible
  3. Austin Atlantic
  4. Princess “Wedge”
  5. Triumph Mayflower
  6. Mini 1275 GT
  7. Austin A60 Cambridge
  8. Austin 1300
  9. Austin Allegro Estate
  10. MGB Roadster

Another Oxford model is a 1950’s Leyland Beaver Drawbar truck and matching trailer. As an ex-Leyland man, I have 2 versions of this model.

76LTR001 (and matching trailer 76LTR001T) are in Rover livery (Leyland was to buy the Rover company in 1967), and is shown here carrying a load of 8 “flat” Land Rovers. – “Flat” denoting the fact the Land Rovers had no canvas tilts fitted, and had the windscreens folded down ready for export.

76LTR003 and it’s trailer are the same model in BMC livery. – The BMC truck range at the time did not did  contain trucks suitable for car transporter duties.

Both these models come complete with ramps for loading and unloading vehicles. – Once again, they take some very delicate setting-up, but the final results are worthwhile. The BMC livery vehicle is posed as if unloading – Note the interconnecting plates between the front of the upper-deck of the trailer and the front of the upper deck of the prime mover, to allow cars to exit down the lowered upper deck of the prime mover. The cars shown are a Morris Oxford, 2 * Farina Austin A40s, and an MGB GT (inside the lower deck of the trailer).

A further Oxford 1:76 car transporter comes in the form of a BMC Van converted to transport cars to race circuits. The real vehicle was a coachbuilt van based on a BMC FFK 100 5-ton truck.

76BMC003 is liveried for the BMC Competitions Unit, and comes complete with 2 Mini cars. Close relations are 76BMC002, which carries BMC Special Tuning livery (mid-blue) and does not include the 2 cars, and 76SET54 which is that same Special Tuning Transporter complete with 2 * Mini 1275 GT cars in white for BL Nederlands.

I was surprised to note that these transporter versions are actually a different body moulding to the very similar BMC Service Training Unit (76BMC001) and more recent variants for Coca Cola and for Harris Coaches Booking Unit.  The van body on the transporter unit has a squared-off back-end, with a drop-down tailgate / entry ramp, rather than the angled back of the Training Unit.

Going back a few years, EFE made a good model of an articulated car transporter.

EFE 13002 was an Atkinson Borderer, in the livery of Swift Car Transport. The trailer is suitable for 4 cars – Comparison with the modern Scania transporter highlights the productivity improvements in car transportation over the past 40 years or so.

The cars being carried are all (metal) EFE models, which I am pretty certain came with the transporter:

  1. MGB Roadster, in red – 11702
  2. Austin Healey “Frogeye” Sprite, in white – 11502
  3. Triumph Vitesse Convertible, in pale blue – 11602
  4. Triumph Roadster, in black – 11402

When compared to more recent Oxfords, those models highlight the significant improvement in levels of detail on 1:76 cars over the past 40 years.

One of the first 1:76 (ish) transporters came from Matchbox.

We all remember the pale blue Bedford double decker articulated transporter, #2, – but there were others.

Here is a picture of a lesser-spotted Guy Warrior tractor pulling a double-deck transporter trailer, in the livery of Farnborough Measham Car Auctions. It was Matchbox #K8, which also came in all-yellow with the same trailer markings..

No load on this transporter, but some 1950s or 1960s Matchbox cars would suit it very well.

The Guy cab is a good representation of the real vehicle, but it is a little under-scale compared to the trailer (as was the “Big Bedford” tractor on #2).

Transporters in other Sizes

In later years (1980s), Matchbox made some surprisingly accurate models based on the Leyland Roadrunner (later Leyland DAF 45 Series) cab . These were in the Superkings range.

As toys, designed with working features for play value, these could never have been real vehicles (a 7.5 tonne gross cement mixer?), but there were at least 2 of the range that could be described as car transporters, and their scale makes them acceptable for displaying 1:43 scale cars as loads.

K120 is a Roadrunner Articulated tractor unit with a 4 car double deck transporter. – In my photo it is carrying (Basil Fawlty’s?) Austin 1300 Estate from Vanguards VA05602

K140A is a Roadrunner 6-wheeler with a demountable flatbed body. In my photos it is carrying a Morris Mini Traveller from Atlas – a copy of Dinky #197.

I also have a couple of 1:43 scale car transporters. – The first is a modern Renault truck in GEFCO livery, carrying a load of 9 cars.

I think it is made by Eligor, and as you would expect it is big, at 500mm long. – I really don’t want to take this one down from the top shelf of the display cabinet!

In my photo it is carrying:

  1. Lotus Elise 111S – Vitesse 27676
  2. MGA Roadster, with hood UP – Corgi Classics D732M
  3. Triumph Spitfire – Vitesse 35602
  4. Triumph Dolomite – VA05300b
  5. Austin Farina Cambridge A60 – Cararama CR014
  6. Triumph Herald 1200 – Vanguards VA00516
  7. Austin Mini – Vanguards VA01300
  8. Jaguar XK120 Convertible – Vanguards 05901
  9. Austin Healey 3000 – Grain (PRC) 870121, or is it Cararama CR007? 

The second 1:43 model is a race car transporter, used for carrying Lotus cars with Gold Leaf sponsorship.

The model is made by Spark, reference S0286. It carries a genuine registration number of LVF 480 E, and that vehicle is still in existence today.

It is based on an AEC Swift coach. The Swift had the engine laid horizontally at the very rear of the chassis, driving forward to the rear axle. Locating the driveline here allowed a lower floor and easier passenger access. When used by London Transport, LT named this model the AEC Merlin.

The Swift was a very close relation to the Leyland Panther, which used the same rear horizontal engine layout.

The model is up to Spark’s usual high standards. The race car shown in front of the transporter is a Lotus Type 49B Formula 1 car from the same era, made by Quartzo.

I hope these photos of vehicles from days gone by bring back a few memories, whether the reader is a collector of car transporters or not.


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More on Transporters

By Ian Hind

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

As a self-confessed transporter fanatic, I enjoyed the recent articles in MAR Online on transporters. (Transported in Delight parts one and two by Stephen Paul Hardy).

I thought I’d send a few pictures of my own interests, which revolve around 1:43 scale race cars from the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the transporters that carried them. These are not the fantasy work of the product development team at Dinky, Corgi or Matchbox, but are accurate reproductions of real vehicles.

This is a section of the market that has grown significantly in the last 20 years with numerous brands expanding into this field. My pictures cover some of the more prominent makers of racing transporters including Exoto, Premium Classixxs, Schuco, Spark and Ixo. Were I to include F1 and touring cars, the number of matching transporters would increase exponentially.

What I find interesting is that in many cases, the producers of these transporters do not produce the matching cars, leaving the collector to mix and match models from different manufactures. With the cars and transporters being built to a common scale of 1:43, this isn’t as bad as it sounds. However, in some cases, it may mean having to track down elusive out of production models from 10 years ago to complete the set, something that can be initially frustrating, but very satisfying when the set has been completed.

As Stephen Paul Hardy noted, “a laden transporter makes both a very space efficient as well as dramatic, conversation prompting, display piece in any display”. I think the same can be said about race transporters displayed with the period correct race cars they carried.

A gallery of transporters from my collection photographed with suitable loads is shown below.


1933 Alfa Romeo (Exoto)
1953 Pegaso (Altaya)
1955 Mercedes-Benz (CMC)
1957 Fiat Bartoletti Ferrari (Exoto)
1958 Mercedes-Benz Porsche (Premium Classixxs)
1961 Commer Ecurie Ecosse (Spark)
1964 MAN Porsche (Schuco)
1969 AEC Gulf (Spark)
1972 Leyland Matra (Spark)
1974 Saviem Ligier (Spark)
1976 Mercedes-Benz Kremer (Ixo)
1977 Mercedes-Benz Porsche Martini (Premium Classixxs)

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Dinky Supertoys #983 Car Carrier Code3 Restoration in Four Parts

By Fraser M. Martin

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

Introduction

The Leyland Beaver 4×2 rigid was a popular choice for shifting cars around the country and to ports for export to earn foreign currency. At the zenith of the British Motor Industry, in the late 1950s, there were fleets of them running up and down the country carrying up to eight cars at a time,on the trailer. The Dinky Supertoys version came in two colours – red and grey being the common one introduced in 1958, and a grey, yellow and blue version which is also available as a DanToys reproduction model.

My set was an eBay buy, based on a whim – I had the original one as a kid: it was probably the most expensive toy I had ever been given, apart from possibly a pedal trike! I thought I’d be able to quickly bring the playworn and ragged toy back to a relevant Code3 life in a week or so – it looked simple enough…

The disassembly was a bit of a surprise as there were only three ‘normal’ rivets to drill out in the short baseplate that mounts the front axle to the cab. These are SO short that they would be impossible to drill and tap without the risk of drilling through or not having enough threads to actually grip. Since I’d end up gluing something, I decided that this would be epoxied in the final build.

The rest of the components were either press-fitted or on one of SEVEN ‘axles’ which needed to be ground down to separate them. The mechanism for lifting the ramp was damaged so had to be removed for repairs, and was again on short rivets and glued in the final build. There were a lot of bits! The trailer has only two axles (for wheels) and a pivot for the dolly.

Preparation and Paint

I did not know that both models were made from different materials: the tail ramps, sides and upper deck on the truck and upper deck and sides on the trailer are made of an aluminium alloy, whilst the trailer dolly, roof extension and main chassis and cab unit of the truck seemed to be made of conventional ‘mazak’, or whatever was current at the time.

This provided me with the first of many problems: I set all the components up for a caustic soda bath and was surprised, but not yet concerned, that the lighter components seemed to be a bit lively in the bath. The paint came off easily enough but I was left with a black residue that took three baths of hot soapy water and a nail-brush to remove sufficiently for wire brushing.

The colour of the water was not what I expected, but I pressed on with the wire brush, cleaned up as much as possible and started getting the lighter coats of paint down. I use Molotow Acrylics from the Street Art ranges – they don’t really need priming as the paint is part primer anyway, and the density of the pigments is very high. I spray outside. Car paint is NOT available in this market.

Editor’s Note: Fraser is based in Dubai so is restricted to the paint products available there.

The paint took well enough so with the cream down on the sides, and varnished, I proceeded to mask for the second colour – I have successfully used white glue for this in the past, but either left it on for too long or it reacted with the unpainted surfaces, or the now slightly-pitted alloy.

…and in the event, I had to strip everything that I had painted again, as the masking did not give me the clean lines that I wanted. Back to the caustic bath with the whole lot – and we know how unpleasant that can be with fresh paint! Worse than that, it did not shift the paint and so I had to resort to paint stripper with the inevitable results.

For the next stage, I decided that I should try again with the dark colour first, then varnish and then leave plenty of drying time. I think that this is one of the keys: some paints just take longer for the propellants to leach out to the atmosphere during the drying process. I used to run a printing press in another life, and it was always the darker blues and greens that took longest to dry. I finally got all of the blue down, and left it to cook itself for a week. Success!

With the theme decided, decals previously ordered from Ian Treadgold at BlackSquare, and some very careful masking done (no issues at all now, using conventional tapes), it was back on to the drying green for some settling and procrastination.

A Word on Components

When the original model arrived and was stripped, it was evident both from the broken and bent bits that some spares would be needed, not only for the ramp mechanism, but also for body parts – one tail ramp was missing entirely. I was lucky with tyres (given that it is a sixty-odd year old model).

I ordered a tail ramp, a roof board and the mechanical components for the lifting mechanism. Most were fine, but the tail ramp replacement was short on size and was deformed to the point of being unfit for purpose. Now whilst I appreciate that a bit of flash trimming and a bit of sanding might be required, there is no excuse for selling something that just does NOT fit, so I had to repair and rebuild one of the ramps before the painting stage. Be warned!

I am also a great believer (at the stage of Code3 anyway) in making things easy on yourself: most of my models are built for my enjoyment and are not going to do much more than sit in a display case for my viewing pleasure, so the idea of hammering or power-drilling new mushrooms on axles is a risk I will not take – especially given the number of hours already spent on paint and drying – on a casting of this complexity.

Cotton bud stems, trimmed of their cotton and fitted with panel-pins make excellent stub axle assemblies and will take the weight well. I recommend a polish to the nail surface, but the results are very neat and adjusting for size is much easier than sawing or grinding!

Assembly

I glazed the cab using leftover terrain packaging, cut and bent to shape and secured with strong white glue. Once that was done, the front axle plate and the ramp lifting mechanism were epoxied into place. They might not be pretty, but no one is going to look under there anyway, and in the unlikely event that I will EVER want to do this model again, the epoxy will chip off without difficulty. I’d normally use small screws on a restoration, but as mentioned, there is no shoulder room on any of the previous rivet locations.

Assembly is not as straightforward as taking the model apart – the trailer is easy but the truck is trickier. Start by locating one of the sliding ramp posts (I didn’t the first time!), then secure one body side to the chassis using the locating pins and the tail-ramp securing ‘axle’. This will give you the opportunity to work without needing four hands later! Help secure this with a bit of carefully applied epoxy and a series of clamps to hold it rigid until it has set.

Adjust the length of any new spindle components so that everything fits neatly and is not either too short (the arms slip off) or too long (the second side bows and will not locate). Locate the top of the rear of the other side panel and test fit by pivoting.

The trailer snaps together and you’ll need to find a screw, nut and washer to hold the dilly in place. Fit the wheels and axles as discussed using cotton bud stems and the panel-pins. The sides and top of the trailer also locate the tail-ramp – don’t forget to squeeze that into place whilst the trailer sides are spread. If the fit is slack, epoxy and use clamps to secure until dry, as shown. You should now be ready for detailing.

I chose to detail the cab based on an amalgam of picture references rather than the simple silver of the original toy, so there are chromed grille bars, windscreen surrounds, head and fog lamps and aftermarket side lamp and front indicator components. The side repeaters are not cast on this Dinky Toy. Step holes were filled in black in the body sides and I added some tail-lights and number plates to the truck and trailer. The number plate is from an actual abandoned Beaver, which last saw service as an X-Ray truck.

The final result is quite satisfying to look at and, I think, a reasonable rendition of a unit that might have graced Longbridge in about 1961 or 1962.

Properly positioned for loading. The Leyland Beaver Car Carrier is a clever unit.

And being loaded for deliveries, it makes a great display piece.

Lessons Learned

  • Strip this one in paint stripper only;
  • Test fit everything, then test fit again;
  • Expect to make repairs on old and new components alike;
  • Let the paint dry properly especially if using dark colours;
  • Take your time. This one bites!

Anyone planning to do one of these (I have not seen many) is welcome to contact me here if they need any help or advice: I’m happy to help do another one , but it’ll be remotely and there won’t be as much swearing!


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A new name in 1:148 Scale Transport Models

By Maz Woolley

We have been sent a press release by the creator of a new range of N Scale models, Richard Dallimore. He is already involved with Copper MIne Miniatures, a company specialising in war gaming and is now aiming to get a range of 1:148 scale vehicles into production in 2022. Richard says that he has been modelling most of his life from Airfix kits, through 15, 25 and 28mm military models to N Gauge Model Railways. He has set up and runs County Rolling Stock producing N Gauge Model Wagon, Building and Scenic Kits and even a range of Nn3 (Narrow Gauge for N Gauge) rolling stock. He founded Copper Mine Miniatures in 2015 to develop a range of 28mm miniatures initially covering Victorian Science Fiction and the Wild West.

Asked why he was now producing N Scale vehicles he said “My love of road transport, and a lack of variety in N Gauge, drove me to start N’Tastic Scale Models (NSM). I like N Gauge as it gives a great balance of scale and detail and allows for larger areas to be modelled in small space.

The new range is of kits, with the final production methods of individual parts still being decided. It is expected that the bulk of the range will be made from resin mouldings supplemented with 3D printed, whitemetal or etched parts as required. All kits will be supplied unpainted, un-assembled and will require the usual cleaning and preparation. The kits will not contain glazing as Richard says that clear resin is not as clear as he would want. The kits have basic internal detail like steering wheels, seats etc. The models are static and will not roll with wheels on the smaller vehicles fixed to the chassis and provided as separate parts on larger kits like lorries.

Richard says that they have been working on this range for a year now and that it is now time to bring the range of vehicles from horse drawn to the 1980s to the modelling community. There are to be over 70 kits in this range at launch and models are now available to pre-order on his website with a discount being given to advance orders. He plans to despatch all pre-orders for the initial 70+ kits by the end of May 2022.

The plan for the future is to carry on developing the road vehicle range adding to the vehicle types already announced and by adding new cabs and badging. He would also like to offer models from as late as the 1990s and as early as the 1930s and 1940s. The main focus will be on commercial vehicles but a few cars may well appear if they had a van variant. He would also like to provide more specialist vehicles as the range develops, like tractors and farm equipment, highway equipment, airport vehicles and military soft skin vehicles.

The range when launched is expected to include:

1: Horse Drawn vehicles – including Horses and People – 9 kits
2: 1930s Karrier Bantam – 10 versions + 4 trailers
3: 1970s Sherpa Van – 7 versions
4: 1960s Commer V Range Lorry 9 versions + 2 trailers
5: 1950s Commer Express Delivery Van
6: 1950s Hillman Minx Car – 3 versions
7: 1950s Commer Superpoise Van – 4 versions
8: 1980s Ford Cargo Lorry – 6 versions + 3 trailers
9: 1970s Ford Mk2 Transit Van – 8 versions
10: 1950s Karrier Bantam 7 versions + 3 trailers
11: 1960 – Commer K1 Fire Engine
12: 1930s Leyland Tiger TS7
13: 1927 Leyland Titan TD1
14: 1960 – Bedford CA Van – 7 versions

The images shown below are a mixture of images generated in CAD software, drawings and samples and have been provided by Richard. More illustrations may be seen on the company website. When looking at the images you need to remember that they are shown here at many times life-size!


MAR Online wishes this new venture well. 1:148 scale models from Base Toys and Oxford Diecast have become increasingly popular in recent years. Whilst railway modellers will undoubtedly be the main target audience for these models there is an increasing interest in collecting models to this scale.


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More Happy Campers

By Brendan Leach and Terry Rodell

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

Readers have shared more models from the Hachette partwork of camping vehicles.

From Brendan Leach

Interesting to see your review of the Bedford CA Camper Van.

I was not aware of this series of models, but I bought one from a French eBay seller in April 2019.

Mine is a Leyland Sherpa 215 Buccaneer in white, with left hand drive and French registration plates. Like the CA you reviewed it is a good model with lots of details. I do not think it is the same casting that was used for the Phone Service van in the James Bond series, but this model is of a vehicle from the same era of late 70s and early 80s.

I attach a couple of pictures of the Hatchette Buccaneer model.

Photographs by Brendan Leach

From Terry Rodell

I bought an Airstream for 17 Euros + postage. That is the only way I could ever afford an Airstream! Photograph shown below.

Editor’s Note: Obviously a partwork that appeals to many even if it is just a single model to fit in with collectors interests.


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Rapido Trains – Buses

By Maz Woolley

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

Rapido Trains are a Canadian company which makes highly detailed railway models in HO (1:87), OO (1:76) and N (North American and European 1:160 and British 1:148) scales. They focus on engines, rolling stock and accessories to bring it all to life. The name Rapido comes from a brand used by Canadian Railways from 1965 onwards for its high-speed services. Their aim is to leverage the very high standards of detailing now possible in Chinese resin and plastic production to create models which are of a higher standard than those made by longer established competitors.

Initially Rapido products were supplied in the UK by a limited number of well established dealers but in recent times they have established an operation here which supplies dealers and sells directly to the public, they can be found at https://rapidotrains.co.uk/ .

In recent years Rapido has extended it’s range to make some very British 1:76 scale buses. Initially they launched the City of Birmingham ‘New Look’ Guy Arabs, buses which had been modelled before by Forward Models amongst many, but which had never been modelled with such detailed plastic mouldings with rivets and seams all incorporated. They have no internal interrupting metal posts and very detailed seating, grab poles and handles, Rubber tyres and poseable front wheels also featured. And finally they were available with 12v lighting fitted. Altogether a step forwards for Model Bus Collectors and diorama builders, though at a higher price than EFE or Corgi’s OOC range.

Image taken from Rapido Trains UK website: A line of their Birmingham Guy Arab models

Rapido have formed a strong relationship with the Transport Museum, Wythall collection which holds a significant collection of historic West Midlands buses. All their UK prototype models have been based on detailed 3D scans of original vehicles in the museum.

The latest series of models to be launched by Rapido in the UK is the relatively recently launched Leyland Fleetlines. The Fleetline was originally launched by Daimler and had many advantages over the Leyland Atlantean, not least a lower height which was useful for operators with bridges to get under. By the Mid-1970s after the absorption of Daimler buses by Leyland the bus became the Leyland Fleetline. This model is of this later bus which West Midlands Public Transport Executive (WMPTE) operated in great numbers in Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton and many smaller towns in the West Midlands conurbation. They were in use across two generations of livery. The model has also been made available in a plain finish for those who would like to add their own livery.

Eleven different routes are available in the earlier West Midlands livery which was closely based on Birmingham’s colours, and nine in the later silver and blue West Midlands livery. The routes chosen are mainly routes run in Birmingham but there are also some running in other parts of the area like Coventry and Wolverhampton,

The writer is partial to West Midlands buses as he grew up in Coventry and spent four years on a degree course at Birmingham Polytechnic. I travelled on lots of WMPTE buses using the wonderful student travel pass which allowed you to travel anywhere in the West Midlands by bus or train.

This article looks at two of the Rapido Fleetlines, the first is a bus in the earlier livery operating in the Coventry area on route #36. The second, in the later livery, is operating an Outer Circle service in Birmingham.

WM Fleetline #6986 – 36 KERESLEY VILLAGE VIA CITY

This route took buses out to the edge of Coventry near the North Warwickshire towns of Bedworth and Nuneaton. An area that grew significantly in the 1960s and beyond. The route seems now to have been withdrawn and has been replaced by the 16 and others.

Model in bus backed by a view card showing the Rotunda in Central Birmingham – something you would never see from a bus in service in Coventry!

Finished in the earlier Cream and blue livery the photographs below show just how much detail is incorporated.

There is a huge amount of detail like the grab rails on the pneumatic doors, mirrors and lights.

The bustle back rear is modelled superbly. Details even include external handles on upper deck emergency exit window. The lower deck no smoking signs completed the opening window vents.

It’s party piece – all the lights on. upper and lower decks and headlights and sidelights all brightly lit with driver’s area correctly dark.

Realistic driver’s area with ticket machine and all the grab bars included. Inside seating with frames all neatly replicated.

Another rear view with lights on. NB the warning notice replicated on the bus

Shot of the lit upper deck showing the excellent seats and the bars curving round the upper part of the staircase


WM Fleetline #7000 – 11E PERRY BARR

Model in the standard box used for Fleetlines. Again using a backdrop of the Rotunda which was not to be seen from the Outer Circle.

The Birmingham Outer Circle is a twenty-seven mile route with 266 stops connecting the main arterial roads to each other. It is a busy service with lots of stopping and starting and was introduced in 1926 to connect all the suburbs being built around Birmingham. Clockwise services are labelled 11C and Anti-clockwise 11A. Where a service runs with 11E it means that it is an extra just running a short part of the route usually at peak times. In the case of this model it portrays a service that will terminate at Perry Barr in North Birmingham where my course at Birmingham Polytechnic was based so it was a service I used often.

Here the Fleetline is in the later livery which is less obviously based on Birmingham City Transport livery. Again with the rather good poseable front wheels.

Immaculate application of the livery and you can see all the raised seams and rivet lines along the side.

Now lit up. The lighting really highlights the seating and all the tubes around the stairs.

Another side view with lights this time. Crisp edges to printed lines and filler cap and surrounds well modelled.

A view of the front end with working lights. The tiny West Midlands Travel logo has been printed finely above the destination board. The large, almost horizontal, steering wheel is nicely done

Final rear view showing the revised livery well as well as the recessed number plate, route number and again the West Midlands Travel logo.

The amazing level of detail incorporated into these buses makes one wonder whether we are likely to see more plastic models. Oxford Diecast has already switched to plastic for 1:144 scal,e and for 1:76 coaches, for example. At present 1:43 scale models seem to be dominated by diecast metal and resin but I wonder whether that is likely to continue if plastic models would give us the detail of resin, but more strength, at lower costs.


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Promotional Models – Old and New

By Fabrizio Panico

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

The recent lockdown forced many of us to become hermits, with our solitude only partially relieved by the ability to explore more deeply our own collections or re-read some almost forgotten book. In an old, but very interesting book bought almost forty years ago, I found two interesting pictures of earlier promotional models, worthy of being shared with other collectors. The book is “Cars and Coachbuilding – One hundred years of road vehicle development” by George Oliver, published by Sotheby Parke Bennet in association with the Institute of British Carriage and Automobile Manufacturers to celebrate its centenary 1881-1981. Highly recommended, with a wide selection of very interesting pictures.

Image from “Cars and Coachbuilding – One hundred years of road vehicle development

Image from “Cars and Coachbuilding – One hundred years of road vehicle development

The first one is of a 45 hp Renault model distributed by the French maker to its agents in the early 1920s, indeed a really nice sculpture. The second one is of a Leyland Lion, a cast-iron model of the single-deck bus by Wallwork of Manchester, supplied to operators in the late 1920s. Beautiful models, how many survived ? But back to two more recent promotional models, one to 1:43 scale and the other to 1:18.


Citroen 19_19 Concept 2019 (part no. AMC 019 1293) by Norev in 1:43 scale

To celebrate its centenary Citroen presented after the Ami One Concept (see January 2021) a second more futuristic vehicle : the electric 19_19 Concept is really free from any constraints, with proportions totally unusual in the automotive world, to celebrate Citroen’s 100 years of audacity and creativity. “A vision of mobility deliberately unconventional, heavily borrowing from the world of aeronautics as well as that of interior furniture” according to Citroen’s description. It is equipped with two electric motors, one at the front and one at the rear, with a total power of 460 hp, The 30-inch wheels were developed with Goodyear. It is shaped as a transparent capsule with doors opening in opposite directions ‘clam shell style’ giving access to the whole B pillar less side open. Plus the nowadays compulsory technologies such as autonomous driving or voice recognition combined with artificial intelligence. Once again from Norev we get another charming sealed model in 1:43th scale with smart interiors and lot of details very well reproduced.


Mercedes-Benz EQA (H243) 2021 (part no. B6 696 0826) by NZG in 1:18.

The EQA is the second member of the fully electric Mercedes-Benz EQ family, following the larger EQC already seen two years ago. Based on the GLA, with which it shares most of the external and internal elements, as well as the dimensions, it will be available both in front-wheel and all-wheel drive version. To differentiate it from the combustion engine driven versions, Mercedes has completely revised the front and tail by using the same stylistics presented for the first time with the EQC and intended to create a trend also for future models : at the front the closed Black Panel replaces the classic mask, while at the rear there is the new full-width light design.

The scale model is by NZG with Mercedes-Benz code no. B6 696 0826 in “designo mountain grey magno” (also available in “digital white” as B6 696 0827). These models are made in China. A rather boring matt colour, quite dismal, even if it seems to be Mercedes-Benz’ preferred colour. Not to regret the lack of the yellows and pinks of the 1950s, but ….. a wider colour palette, please.

Like the similar GLA by Z Models (see October 2020), it is an almost sealed model, only the front doors open. Made in China, the dealer box contains the usual screwdriver (hidden below the base). As usual the door handles and the wipers (front and rear) are added parts; nice tires and wheels, but the front ones are (again) connected to the steering wheel. There is a large transparent roof, but the dark interiors are a bit ‘plasticky’, lacking flocked mats but with front and rear safety belts. A good reproduction, confirming the Mercedes-Benz inclination to have less expensive (but with reduced content) scale models made for its lower category vehicles.


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More about the Forward Control Lorry

By Terry Hardgrave

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

I also have the Dinky Toys Leyland just written about in MAR Online and recently wrote this about it for a Facebook group.

A good example of how extreme the scales could be with Dinky Toys was the 25r/420 Leyland Forward Control Lorry, made for a long time: 1948-1961. I have read where it was the only Dinky Toys commercial vehicle in the 1950’s to be made in the scale of 1:72. If it had been made as a Supertoys, it would be nearly as large as a Foden.

Many of us Dinky Toys collectors wonder and marvel at the large assortment of scales that were used over the years, and of course, now there are no records or any living employees to ask or explain it. So it will remain a mystery and part of the lore of Dinky Toys. I bought my example about 63 years ago, and it’s still lovely.

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Dinky Forward Control Lorry

By Pat Conneally

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

Introduced to the Dinky range in 1948, the Forward Control Lorry based on the Leyland Beaver of the day is about as simple as a die-cast toy can get, which doesn’t stop it selling for respectable prices on the collector’s market.  I imagine the reason is that pretty much every boy had one and for those who, like myself, are now busily restocking the toybox it is a must-have.  It is also a charming little artefact of the immediate post-war years when lives and expectations were simpler in so many ways.

On its introduction in 1948, the lorry was numbered as No. 25r but Dinky rejigged their numbering system in 1954 and the lorry became No. 420. The number is usually cast into the base but one of the two examples I have has no number on its base.

The model itself is a simple one-piece casting without glazing or suspension with a small tinplate baseplate on the cab section.  Casting detail, always a Dinky strong point, is good.  The axles may be peened or crimped on older examples.   Andrew Wood, whose website chezbois.com is my go-to source for information on old British diecasts says that there are 14 listed colour variations for the lorry – red body with green wheels and green body with cream wheels being particularly sought after.

I have been unable to obtain sales figures but, given that the model was on sale for twelve years being withdrawn in 1960 and retailed for a relatively modest 2/6 in pre-decimal money, it is safe to assume that sales were substantial and judging by its frequent appearance on on-line auction sites it isn’t scarce but prices tend to be strong and as there isn’t a lot to go wrong apart from bent axles, picking up a cheap one isn’t easy.  My price guide lists it at £60-100 for No 25r and £90-190 for No 420.  These prices are for mint models but probably without a box as Dinky toys did not come in individual boxes until 1954 being previously supplied in “trade boxes” containing six models.  I paid €16 for my first example (the cream one) via eBay and later picked up the green one for a tenner at a Dublin toy fair which pleased me greatly as my own childhood model was green.  

That model was also by far the longest resident of my toybox and survived two house moves only disappearing in our third flit when at the age of twelve I decided, wrongly as it turned out, that I was too old for collecting diecasts and gave most of mine away.  I have always regretted parting with the little dinky, which was in very rough order by that stage with broken windscreen pillars and bent axles and was always the last pick when sharing with my friends, as it had a piece of family history attached to it. My mother told me that I had taken a fancy to it on a visit to my godfather’s house when I was two years old.  I refused to relinquish it on leaving and apparently made such a fuss that I was allowed to keep it.  It is probably fitting that my earliest foray into larceny involved a toy lorry!


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