Miniature News

Auto Replicas of Parkstone list a large range of 1/43rd-scale metal kits and have introduced a 1/24th-scale range, the first of which was of a Type 43 Bugatti. Their pre-war models include a DKW Meisterclasse and a Mercedes 170V, which will enable model builders to keep track of cars now rarely seen on the road. Among historic models is the Auto Replica Renault 45 record-breaking saloon, and we have seen kits of the skif-bodied Type 23 Bugatti and the V12 Packard roadster in 1/43rd-scale. In the smaller scale a P1 Allard should now be available. A comprehensive catalogue lists all these kits, including commercial vehicles and models of Morgan 3-wheeler, Riley, Kestrel, etc.. to a scale of 1/76, obtainable from 56a, Sandbanks Road, Parkstone, Poole, Dorset, BH14 8BJ, on mentioning Motor Sport.

Grand Prix Models of Radlett have added to their Classic Car kit and miniatures series.

For instance, there is Model No. 59, which nicely captures the nostalgia of the old sportscar days, this being a model of a 1933 J2 MG Midget. It has been based, in fact, on Brian Harvey’s own car, so is finished in red instead of the more usual green. Wire wheels, with spare strapped on behind the slab fuel tank, propeller-shaft tunnel, scuttle “humps”, front dumb-iron cowl, etc., are typical of the J2 and the constructional kits or made-up models come not only with building instructions for the former but with a comprehensive history of the J2, down to its inherent faults, and the vagaries of Harvey’s own car. This one has the swept front mudguards but Model No. 58 has she earlier cycle-type wings. Another recent Grand Prix Models miniature is No. 57, of the Porsche 356C cabriolet, which is in sleek contrast to the MG model. The latter is 3 in. long, the Porsche 3 3/4 in. in overall length. One point—the J2 has dual screen-wipers, a concession, perhaps, to MoT testing ? A full list of the available Classic, Series ’76, Buccaneer and Modsports GP miniatures, together with the many Solido, Golden Age and other models is available from Brian Harvey’s Grand Prix Models, 173/175, Watling Street, Radlett. Herts. There is a Classic Cars Alfa Romeo P2 on the stocks but I wish someone would produce some more Brooklands cars, especially slim single-seaters. to match the Auto Replicas’ record-breaking Renault 45.—W.B.