Recently-released diecast and resin models

Mike Neale takes his monthly look at recently-released diecast and resin models of lorries, Land Rovers, tractors, and vans.

UNIVERSAL HOBBIES
In impressive 1/16 scale from Universal Hobbies is a diecast and plastic grey Ferguson TE-A 20 with high-lift loader, selling at £79.00. The ‘banana’ loader arm raises and lowers, working steering is fitted and there is a detailed engine. UK-produced TE-A 20s were built by the Standard Motor Company from 1947-56, and fitted with a Standard petrol engine from the Vanguard saloon.

In the same scale, Universal Hobbies has also produced a Fordson Super Major New Performance tractor, for £69.00. The original Super Major of 1960 was replaced in 1963 by the improved, New Performance version, which benefitted from a Simms Minimec injector pump that boosted power to 53.7hp, and modified gearbox ratios. It was only built for a year, as Fordson tractor production ended in 1964. It had a new colour scheme, too, with grey-painted wheels and mudguards, which are well represented on this new model.

Moving down to 1/32 scale, the company has released a 1958 Fordson Dexta tractor, with an RRP of £42.00. The Dexta was built in Dagenham between 1957 and 1961, with most being fitted with a 2.4-litre Perkins, three-cylinder diesel engine, although a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol version was also available.

SCHUCO
A new version of Schuco’s 1/32 scale Lanz Bulldog tractor has been released, in red with a grey roof. The RRP for this new addition is £69.99. Lanz produced its single-cylinder Bulldog tractors between 1921 and 1960 in Mannheim, Germany, where it was an extremely popular machine, with over 250,000 produced.

MODEL CAR GROUP (MCG)
In 1/18 scale, MCG have released a diecast 1957 Land Rover Series 1, the open version being in light green, with an RRP of £65.99.

A dark green, closed version with a fawn canvas hood, is also available for the same price. The first Land Rovers from 1948 had an 80in wheelbase but, following pressure from customers, the company increased the load capacity by extending the wheelbase to 86in. It was increased again to 88in in 1956, this time at the front end to accommodate the larger, optional diesel engine.

SOLIDO
Also in 1/18 scale, Solido has issued a diecast 1950 VW Type 2 T1 splitscreen pick-up in bright blue Volkswagen Service livery, with a light grey tarpaulin, priced at £49.99. The model has steerable wheels, opening doors and tailgate.

TRUESCALE
Truescale has added to its range of classic resin model Land Rovers in 1/43 scale, with a 1960 Land Rover Series II 109in wheelbase Support Vehicle, as used at Bonneville Salt Flats, in Utah, for the land speed record attempt of the Bluebird Proteus CN7, driven by Donald Campbell. Sadly, Bluebird was caught by a gust of wind while attempting to break the 400mph barrier and crashed. While Campbell suffered only light injuries, the Proteus was almost destroyed. It was later rebuilt and success achieved in 1964 at Lake Eyre, in Australia. The Land Rover model has additional fuel canisters fitted to the front wings and its RRP is £102.00.

GLM MODELS
Rolls-Royce isn’t usually associated with vans, but a few were built by specialist coachbuilders. One such vehicle has been modelled by GLM in resin, to 1/43 scale. It’s a 1933 Rolls-Royce 20/25 with a van body by coachbuilders William Vincent Ltd of Reading, finished in Bordeaux red with wickerwork effect side panels. Vincent bodied its first Rolls-Royce in 1906 and, while shooting brakes, landaulets and limousines were the more usual body styles, a few vans were also built. The company remained a family-owned business until giving up coachbuilding in the mid-1950s. The model sells for £104.99.

OXFORD DIECAST
The latest livery to be issued on Oxford’s diecast 1/43 is a cheerful white, cream and pink Jordan’s Ice Cream version, retailing for £17.95. The CF was Bedford’s answer to the popular Ford Transit, and was a good seller, although it never managed to knock the Dagenham product off the top spot. Whitby Morrison is still a family-owned company building ice cream vans to this day. Mine’s a 99, please!

In 1/76 scale, Oxford has issued the second variation of its diecast Massey Ferguson 135 tractor, this time in bright yellow rather than the usual red. Several hundred thousand MF135s were produced from 1964 until 1975. As usual, Oxford has produced some fine detailing at this scale. The model retails for £6.45.

In the tiny 1/148 scale, or N Gauge, comes Oxford’s latest version of its diecast Foden FG eight-wheel platform lorry in maroon and cream Robsons of Carlisle livery, priced at £6.95. The FG range was introduced by Foden in 1947. From 1949, a slightly revised cab had the Foden badge contained within a larger chromed, diamond shape and, amazingly, Oxford has managed to reproduce this at this scale. The FG was replaced in 1956 by the Foden S20.

The models illustrated can be found online and at various model shops, such as Hattons (hattons.co.uk), Sheffield Transport Models (pufferwillies-stm.co.uk), or Diecast Legends (diecastlegends.com).  See also Oxford Diecast (oxforddiecast.co.uk).

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