Miniatures News, July 1969

It is always an event in the miniatures field when Lesney introduce new models in their “Models of Yesteryear” series. The latest are a 1907 12/16 Peugeot closed carriage to a scale of 43:1, reference Y-5, and a 1914 Stutz Type 4E roadster, scale 48:1, reference Y8. These 3½ in.-long replicas are beautifully detailed, even to control levers, dashboard drip-feeds, lamps, road springs and dumb-irons, steering columns and wheels, etc., but, curiously, no pedals. There has been some similarity recently in the typically Edwardian radiators and bonnets of these Lesney models, which may be something to do with die-casting economy; it was not always so, for we recall the 36/220 Mercedes-Benz, Daimler and Model-T Ford Lesneys with different treatment. The Stutz is a return to more sporting cars, with its bolster tank and spare wheel outboard of the rear trunk, so maybe we can look forward to some more exciting yesteryear models in future. Meanwhile, Y-5 and Y-8 are fully up to the Internationally recognised Lesney standard and cost, respectively, 7s. 2d. and 5s. 11d.

Another Lesney in the smaller “MATCHBOX” series is No. 11, a Mercedes-Benz scaffolding truck. This is to a scale of 91:1, being 2 5/8 in. long, and the price is 2s. 4d.

From Corgi comes a new model car transporter with a Scammell Handyman Mk.3 trailer unit able to carry six Corgi miniature cars. It is a working model, superbly detailed, 10 5/8 in. long and priced at 25s., U.K. retail reference no. 1148. Corgi have also introduced an acceptable decorative model of the Concorde airliner. This, Corgi’s first aircraft model, has a movable droop-snoot and is mounted with landing gear extended in typical landing attitude. It comes in B.O.A.C. livery for this country, in Air France livery for France. These models, each 7½ in. long with a 35/16 in. wingspan, respectively Nos. 650 and 651, cost 10s. 6d. in Britain.

But it is high time we had some more Corgi Classic models, especially remembering their splendid 3-litre Le Mans Bentley replica.—W. B.