Miniatures news, April 1958

Three eagerly-awaited new Lesney scale-model miniatures in the fascinating and beautifully-detailed “Models of Yesteryear” series are now on sale. They comprise Nos. 5, 6 and 7, respectively a very good Bentley tourer, an A.E.C. Y-type 3/4-tonner lorry of the 1916-1921 period, and a 4-tonner Leyland 36/40-h.p. van of the type reconditioned after the 1914/18 war from government surplus stocks of this famous R.A.F. heavy lorry, designated a 3-tonner during hostilities.

These Lesney models are gay additions to the motoring enthusiast’s home and they also have the merit of being excellent value, priced, respectively, at 2s. 9d. for the Bentley and 2s. 3d. each for the commercial vehicles. They come packed in large blue-and-yellow “matchboxes” which bear accurate historical and technical descriptions of the models within. The Bentley is a 1929 “blower-4-1/2” Le Mans car bearing the racing number 5, and is complete with ribbed Villiers supercharger between the front dumb irons, spare wheel and big rear petrol tank. Measuring 3-1/4 in. in length, this model recaptures admirably the spirit of those great green cars from the vintage years. The A.E.C. is an open lorry with cab, bearing the insignia of Osram lamps, and the Leyland a massive van in use by W. & R. Jacob & Co., Ltd., biscuit manufacturers. The disc wheels and bonnet rivets and louvres of the Leyland are faithfully reproduced. Both these commercials are 2-3/4 in. long. These latest Lesneys will no doubt be in great demand, especially amongst members of the B.D.C. and the Historic Commercial Vehicle Club. Every one purchased will encourage additions to the series, which we believe is to include a Foden steam wagon and other pleasing replicas. The makers are Lesney Products & Co., Ltd., 38, Barretts Grove, N.I6.

Model-car enthusiasts holidaying in France should keep their eyes open for small replicas, in plastic cases, of the vintage 7.5 Citroën, which have been appearing in some toy shops.

Playcraft have introduced a Corgi Major articulated low-loader to their commercial-vehicle miniatures, this model of the Bedford S.A.O.-type tractor and Carrimore trailer having quick release for the trailer, which has a working winch, line and grab-hook. The length with ramp extended is 11-1/8 in. and the price 12s. 9d. Another new Corgi model is a realistic service ramp, which can be raised and lowered by imitation hydraulic mechanism. This costs 6s. 11d. The March issue of the Corgi Model Club Magazine contains much of interest to collectors of miniatures. It is available from Playcraft Toys. Ltd., 120, Moorgate, E.C.2, to members of the Corgi Model Club (subscription 1s.).—W. B.