MINIATURES NEWS, April 1960

MINIATURES NEWS

There is no better proof that competition provides an excellent incentive to improve the product than that to be found amongstthe manufacturers of motor-car miniatures.

Meccano Ltd. pioneered this intriguing line long before the Second World War with their Dinky Toys and in recent times they have been joined by Corgi and Spot-on, besides being copied by other concerns. in many parts of the World. As a result; not.only has the variety of car and commercial-vehicle miniatures available in the toy shops become -quite staggering, but there has been mm COMMeRthible striving for greater accuracy and embellishment of realistic detail.

Transparent windows, spring suspension and interior fittings: such as seatttand steering wheels were added in-succession by one or other of the manufacturers concerned and finally adopted by all. Meecano pulled off an impressive ” first” when they brought out a Dinky Triumph Herald eotqq: on the very day on which this revolutionary new British small car was announced to the World. Now Playeraft have gone -a stage further in offering n fine Corgi model of the Aston Martin DB4, finished in primrose yellow. Not only does this miniature (No. 218) have a very high-class finish, plenty of detail. transparent screen and windows, steering wheel and seats, and sprung wheels With spokes depicted. hitt—wait for it—the bonnet springs up to reveal a miniature twin-cunt engine Thus Corgi steals a inareh on competition. There is sure to be a great demand for thi, Fascinating little 131 in.-long Aston Martin mit It costs 4s. fitl. .1.1te Press agents for Volvo have kindly sent me a very Smart’reknit ii umlaut tire (No. 810) of the Volvo Amazon saloon, which, although it lacks sprung wheels and interior details. does ha. c engine base, ku7k axle anti exhaust syst em &Meted. as on some liorgi iii his, and is a very handsome;

immat ure, with, carreel malser’s lettering. V isiterlA to Denmark may care to look out for these 1 ekno models. Lesney, who go in for rather different miniatures. have introduced a fine new pair in their small scale ” match box ” series, a Ford Thunderbird (No. 75) with tow hook to which can be fitted a two

heeled mobile canteen (No. 74). suitably lettered and the serving dap of whiell lifts up to reveal the kitchen within-fascinating Lesney have also introdpeed their No. 2 Roadway, printed On card, on which their miniature vehicles can deport themselves–it depicts Piccadilly Circus, with the historic buildings, white lines, traffic: islands, etc. correctly drawn in, which should amuse even grown-up chililreii who liave negotiated this famous traffic junction.

And so the good work goes on, for the pleasure and edification of the y1,111Ig ill heart who are not above collecting these motor-car miniatures. W. 11.