Airfix model railways, a short-lived experiment?

Airfix model railways were produced From 1976 until 1981. Notably, Airfix was a well known model kit manufacturer. Consequently, there was to be a range of RTR model railway locomotives, coaches and wagons. Initially the models were made in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, communication problems led to production switching to the UK, in 1980. However it all came too late for Airfix who went into administration at about the same time.

Airfix had begun in 1948 producing an injection moulded tractor kit. The bagged kit was available from 1955-59.

By the mid 1970’s they also had a large range of lineside kits for model railways. However, there was no ready to run range. Additionally the model railway market was stagnant with a lot of old models that lacked detail. Airfix saw a gap in the market for more accurate and detailed models.

The first Airfix model railway models

The first Airfix Railways set was the Wild West Adventure train set built using Bachmann moulds. This featured a Central Pacific Railroad 4-4-0 with two coaches and some lineside accessories. The scale was HO so presumably this was aimed at the American market.

Manufacturing was done in Hong Kong by Sanda Kan. This proved to be a mistake as hidden costs and lack of control with remote production delivered a poor product.

The first Airfix model railways catalogue 1976 – 77

The First Airfix built locomotive was a class 31 issued in the rather odd “Doctor X” set

This was a nicely moulded model with good bogie detail. However the mismatched wheels where a mistake. The powered wheels being a very noticeable silver and the dummy bogie wheels, black. Later this model was issued as a separate locomotive. There was also a BR blue version. They can be had for around £30 – £40.

The airfix model railways range develops.

There were only ever nine powered models produced. However, a number of coaches and wagons were introduced. The coaches were by the GWR and LMS companies. They had flush glazing and accurate dimensions. Notably, for the time they were a step up.

GMR is born

In 1979 there was name change to distinguish the range from Airfix kits. The branding was now Great Model Railways. These are still readily available on auction sites.

The end.

Production ceased in 1981, when Airfix went into receivership. As a result, Palitoy bought the interests, and, as they already had the Mainline range of models. Consequently, some of the Airfix models found themselves in the Mainline range.

Collectable posters from Pimlico prints

References

Vintage Airfix

The English Electric class 55, Deltic Locomotive, 00 models history.

The prototype.

An early train featuring a production Deltic.

The English Electric prototype class 55 Deltic was running by 1955, using two converted Napier marine engines, giving 3000HP. It had a distinctive blue livery and was relatively light in weight. At the time, BR was looking to replace the aging pre-war steam locomotives on the main lines to Scotland. The Deltic took over these duties and ran into the 1980’s.

The engine was triangular in shape hence the “Deltic” name. During testing the prototype suffered catastrophic engine failure. As a result, the 22 production versions had engine and other modifications done to them, before entering service.

The prototype is also the subject of Bachmann’s recent, eye wateringly expensive model, at £400.

The prototype Deltic in Doncaster, 1955. Quite a few schoolboys are taking an interest.

The Kitmaster Deltic Kit.

In the early 1960’s Kitmaster released a kit of the Prototype Deltic. This was undergoing testing in 1958. Later, many of the Kitmaster range were re-boxed by Airfix. The kit is still available from Dapol.

The Hornby Dublo model

The class 55 Deltic locomotive went into service in 1961 and the Hornby Dublo model came out in the same year. The catalogue number was 2232 and it was in the BR green livery with the second logo. This was a remarkably crude model at a time when Hornby was losing out to Tri-ang.

Next, In 1962 “Crepello” was released, also in BR green. Finally, the same year saw the release of “St Paddy” . St Paddy was made for the 3-rail system. additionally, good boxed examples go for around £300. 1964 saw Hornby go into administration with many unsold models still in stock.

The Hornby 2007 / 8 model

For two years Hornby produced The class 55, The duke of Wellington’s regiment in BR green livery. These go for around £50. This locomotive was only issued in the City freight set and the set is fairly scarce on auction sites.

The lima class 55 models

Lima released a number of Class 55 Deltic, named models, starting in 1977. They are also readily available for £30 – £40. Additionally, They are quite good runners and reasonably detailed. “Meld” was released in 1977 and seems to be the most common model, on auction sites.

The Bachman class 55 models

The Bachmann Deltic first appeared in 2002 and it is still in the range. These are less common on auction sites and are much higher priced than the Lima versions, at over £100.

The Bachmann Deltic prototype model

As mentioned earlier there is a special edition model of the Prototype that was made for the National Railway Museum.

There are DC and DCC sound fitted versions. Also, The model is well finished with a striking blue livery. There is good cab detailing and sprung buffers.

Tri-ang Minic Motorways, a slot too far?

Introduction

Tri-ang Minic Motorways, was a slot car system that appeared in the 1960’s. Notably, It was deigned specifically to go with the existing Tri-ang model railway range. Consequently the vehicles were to the same 1/76 scale.

Early advertising was bizarre and unintentionally funny! See the header image. The ad. reads “Fun for all the family” while showing a car crash. This would bring today’s woke snowflakes out in a rash. Interestingly one of the later features was a kind of “logic” control that stopped the crashes.

Continue reading →

The Tri-ang R3X Goods set from 1953 – iconic images

One of the first sets from tri-ang was the R3X goods set. This came out in 1953 with the notorious standard track. At the time it was fine but later tended to warp and go out of gauge.

The set had a Jinty locomotive and four wagons, including a brake van. Notably, the wagons were made of plastic. Moreover, the Tri-ang R3X Goods set had an R.42 speed control unit, these needed an external transformer to operate. The other version had a battery controller.

Triang had its origins in 1950 with a train set made for Marks and Spencer. In fact, the first Tri-ang catalogue came out in 1955.

See more iconic model railway images in the looking back series.

Pre-war Hornby Dublo Box Set DG7 (1938) – iconic images

Iconic model railway images.

Pre-war Hornby Dublo Box Set

If you were a very lucky boy in 1938, you may have found this Hornby Dublo set, under the Christmas tree. Notably, there were only 10 types of sets available, five in Clockwork and five electric versions. The electric versions used three-rail track. Two-rail was not used again until 1959.

The locomotive was clockwork with a cast metal body. Liveries of the big four were available. However, WW II stopped production. The wagons were made of tinplate

See more iconic model railway images in the Looking Back category.

Burago 1: 24 scale Mini Cooper, 1969, Review

The prototype

The Burago Mini Cooper is a budget model with operating features. The original Mini was in production for an incredible 40 years. Notably, the first model came out in 1959, it was designed by the famous Sir Alec Issigonis.

The car had a two-door design with a transverse engine and front-wheel drive, indeed, this allowed for more passenger room in the cab. Additionally, the car was manufactured in Britain and at sites around the world. There was also a pickup, estate and van version.

Finally, this popular car became a cultural icon in the 1960’s and was featured in the 1969 film The Italian Job.

The Mini Cooper was a rally car variant of the original Mini that had appeared in 1959. The main differences of the Cooper, from the production Mini were a larger capacity engine, up from 848 cc to 997 cc and twin SU carburettors. The Mini Cooper first raced in 1961.

The Burago Mini Cooper model

Burago is an Italian manufacturer of die-cast models. Admittedly, 1:24 scale is quite large for car models, but not too large to accumulate a good collection in a small space. While not top end, they are good value and have operating features. The Mini reviewed here has an opening bonnet and doors. They are cheap and robust enough to give to children, this Mini is about 5″ long.

The packaging is reasonably robust for the price.

Engine detail is rudimentary, but at least there is one! Additionally, the headlight lenses are nicely done, although the indicators are just painted on. One bugbear for UK collectors is the foreign plates, However, the year is present on the plate, a nice touch.

Next, there is no indication of windscreen rubbers, but the wipers are fine.

The rear aspect is pleasing with moulded rear light clusters, although the indicators are the wrong colour. The Mini badge is included, as is the fog lamp and filler cap.

Conclusions

There are many Mini models at various price points and the Burrago version is good for the money.

I have one available to buy at the time of writing. This is discounted as the box is damaged.

The mini Cooper on Wiki

Model Review – Hornby 4P LMS Compound ( R3063)

The prototype

The 4P has a complicated history with many rebuilds. The version modeled by Hornby was built by the North British Locomotive company for the LMS, between 1924 and 1932. The Midland Railway 1000 series were very similar. The type remained in service until 1961 and none have been preserved.

The model

The Hornby 4P compound was issued in 2011, it has a modern can motor and was part of the Railroad range. The drive is in the Loco with a DCC decoder in the tender. Consequently, there are visible wires, however, this allows for pickups on all the wheels. The body is the same one used for R376, 30 years earlier.

Detailing is adequate although the cab pipework and handles would benefit from painting. The lining is well applied and the model has a nice satin sheen.

Running & drawbacks

This is a light model with poor pulling power, it originally came with traction tyres, however, adding more weight will improve performance. The can motor is quiet and there should be no problem on points.

The DCC socket is in the tender giving plenty of room.

Overall this is a good model with no major problems.

Prices

The Hornby R3063 4P compound can be had for £60 -£70, on auction sites.

There is an earlier version made from 1981-83. This model (R376) has the Ringfield motor fitted in the tender and a smoke unit. These can be had for about £50.

Roman model kits and figure sets

This article looks at the many Roman model kits and figure sets that are available. Roman models have proved popular over the years with figures and ships made by Airfix and others. So, which kits are the rarest?

Roman model kits and figure sets – early figures

One of the first Roman plastic kits was that of Julius Caesar. This was made by Airfix in 1964. It was originally bagged but gained a box in 1967.

The original Airfix Julius caesar kit from 1964

The kit was a relatively large one for a figure, at 1:12 scale, or about 6″ tall. These make up into nicely detailed models. However, the kit was last produced in 1978 and it is probable that the tooling has been lost. They very rarely turn up on auction sites.

The latter boxed Julius Caesar from 1967.

Another Airfix Roman set appeared in 1967 this was a 1/76 scale, set of Roman soldiers, there were 28 figures including horses. Additionally, they were made of a slimy soft plastic that was notoriously difficult to paint. Consequently, These can still be had on auction sites for around £20.

The Airfix Roman figure set of 1967 -eBay.

Modern Roman Figures

MiniArt produces 1:16 scale Roman figure Kits, these are good value at £12. Furthermore, they are readily available from most model shops, online. Indeed, they have a good level of detail and are well molded.

1:72 scale figures

Strelets Roman figures

Perhaps the most popular scale for Roman figures is 1:72.

Strelets produce Roman figure sets in 1:72 scale, these are molded in soft plastic.

The set includes and ox drawn cart that you would probably not find anywhere else!

099 Roman Cavalry on the March
100 Roman Cavalry in battle
116 Roman transport #1,
117 Roman transport #2
131 Roman Transport #3
132 Roman Transport #4
137 Roman Senate #1
138 Roman Senate #2
STRM101 Roman Imperial Legion (ceremonial march)
STRM102 Republican Roman Legion (ceremonial march)
STRM124 Roman Auxiliaries Ranks
STRM16 Roman auxiliaries

HaT 1:72 figure sets

Hat also produce many Roman 1:72 figure sets

8052 Punic war command
8064 Roman X HVY Legionaire
8066 Imperial Roman auxiliary cavalry
8067 Imperial Roman pretorian cavalry
8074 Roman Auxilliaries
8075 Roman Command
8082 Roman legionaires
8086 Late Roman cataphract
8087 Late Roman heavy infantry
8100 Late Roman ligtt / medium infantry
8137 Late Roman missile troops
8151 Republican Roman army
8183 Late Roman medium cavalry

Italeri also make a range of 1:72 figure sets

There are lots of Roman figure models but what else is available?

Roman chariot kits

A number of Roman chariot kits were produced in the 1950s and 60s, this probably had something to do with the Ben Hur film! All were in 1:48 scale.

A still from the 1959 version of Ben Hur – Variety

Miniature Masterpieces Roman chariot kit, early 50s

In 1953 Miniature Masterpieces produced a rather crude injection molded model. This can still be had for Around £30.

UPC Roman 1:48 Roman Chariot kit ,1960s

In the early ’60s a Roman Chariot kit was produced by UPC. These were made in japan.

Life Like Roman chariot kit, 1974

In 1974 the US Kit manufacturer Life Like made a Roman chariot kit, in 1:48 scale. This is another fairly scarce kit, that turns up on auction sites, only occasionally.

Glencoe Models 1:48 scale chariot and horses, 2019

This is an injection-molded kit that came out in 2019 and can be had for £65. The kit is rather oddly molded in blue plastic and is expensive for what it is.

Roman ship kits

Academy and Zvezda produce a Roman Trireme kit. The Academy kit comes in two scales 1:72 and 1:250. They are both still available for around £40 and £25 respectively.

The Czech manufacturer Zvezda also makes a 1:72 scale version for around £45. The kit includes a number of figures. There are also Resin and wooden boat kits available.

Roman Fort kits

There is an Airfix fort kit that is still available, all be it at around £140. This represents a mile castle, typical of those found on Hadrian’s wall.

Finally, there are a couple of card kits of Roman forts. These are cheap and maybe OK for background models on a larger diorama.

The Metcalfe Castle kit could be adapted to represent Hadrian’s wall or the walls of a fort. The N gauge version could be used in forced perspective, for example, as a wall in the distance.

Manchester trams, then and now.

Horse trams

Manchester trams then and now, looks at the development of trams in Manchester. For example horse trams began in 1877 and Manchester now has the largest tram network in the UK

Horse-drawn buses had been operating in Manchester since the 1860’s. Consequently, heavy traffic congestion lead to the formation of the Manchester Suburban Tramways Company in 1877. Local councils were allowed to build and lease the lines but not operate them. Thus Salford and Manchester councils began to build an integrated horse-drawn system that grew rapidly.

By the 1890s, the Manchester Tram Company had 515 tram cars pulled by thousands of horses, they plied the city and outlining areas. In the 1880s some local towns began to use steam trams.

Electrification

The original lease for the tram lines was due to expire in 1898 therefore Manchester Corporation began to take over running and rebuilding the network for electric traction. Many methods of powering the system were looked at, including steam. However, by this time steam tram engines were becoming obsolete.

Electrification using overhead power was chosen. Consequently, a new electrically equipped depot had to be built and land off Queens road in Chetham hill was purchased. the depot and first electrical operated line opened in 1901. It took two years to rebuild the rest of the network, at a cost of £1,500,000.

The old routes were much more extensive than the modern Metro system

By 1949 the system was worn out and would have cost too much to replace. It had already been decided to scrap the trams in 1937, but the war intervened. Consequently, disused routes provide thousands of tons of steel for the war effort.

The new trams

The new Manchester tramway system began to be constructed in 1992. The network has 99 stops and over 64 miles of track. Additionally, the system is owned by Transport For Greater Manchester, which is a public body similar to the old Corporations. However, the trams are operated and maintained by two private companies

Construction

The first line to open ran on existing heavy rail lines. That is from Bury to Victoria station and from Deansgate to Altringham in the South. Furthermore, a street-level line was constructed to link Victoria station with Picadilli and Deansgate/ Castlefield.

The line gradually expanded until the newest line opened in 2020, to the Trafford centre.

Tram video, Manchester trams to the city, what to see and do

I am producing a new article and history/transport documentary each week. These are 30-minute programmes.

The video features:

The Metro at St Peter’s square
The art gallery
History of Manchesters’ trams
Exchange Quay
Ordsall Hall
Harbour City
Media city
The Lowry art gallery
MOSi
Manchester Cathedral
Victoria Station

Subscribe to my youtube channel History with a twist

Article writing

I also write for Preston Blog and World History Online. An article like this is normally £40. If you would like something similar for your website contact me below.

geoff@electronincantation.co.uk

Oxford Models 1/76 Bentley Blower 1930, Model Review

Over the years the Bentley Blower has been popular with both die-cast and plastic kit manufacturers. Everyone from Airfix to Franklin Mint has had a version available. Additionally, scales from 1:76 to 1:12 are represented. So how does the Oxford models 1:76 scale model fair?

The prototype Bentley Blower

The first 4.5 litre Bentley cars appeared in 1927 and were fitted with various body styles. At the time a race win made for a good marketing boost. Hence the 4.5 lire was given a racing body and supecharger.

The Bentley Blower was developed from the Bentley 4.5 litre car, to win at le Mans. Consequently, The car won the 500-mile endurance race at Brooklands in 1929, with a top speed of 137mph.

Bentley Blower Models and kits

Minichamps Bentley Blower

Diecast models of The Bentley Blower have been produced by several manufacturers. Minichamps have a 1:43 scale and 1:18 scale version.

The Minichamps 1:43 scale version of the Bentley Blower

The Minichamps 1:18 blower has spectacular detail

The Minichamps 1:18 scale Bentley Blower

The Franklin Mint Bentley Blower

For around £200 you could have a spectacular 1:24 scale Blower from Franklin Mint.

The Spark 1:18 Bentley Blower

Perhaps the most expensive version of the Blower was produced by Spark, at £249.

Plastic Kits

Airfix Bentley Blower kits

Various plastic kits of the Blower have been produced, one of the earliest was the Airfix 1:32 scale version, issued in the 1960s.

Airfix 1:32 scale Bentley Blower.The earlier version of the bagged packaging artwork.

The 1970s , bagged version of the 1:32 scale blower.

The Airfix 1:12 scale blower kit is still available for About £100

The Revell 1:24 scale Bentley Blower

Revell also produced a 1:24 scale blower for around £40.

The Heller Bentley Blower

Finally, Heller produces another 1:24 scale version for around £30.

The Oxford models Bentley Blower.

The Oxford models version is a lovely little thing. The body and wings are die-cast metal while the radiator and wheels are plastic. Wheel spokes are represented by painted embossing on clear plastic. This looks fine at this scale.

The number on the radiator is well printed. Even the mascot is present. Dashboard dials are present but are not detailed.

The racing number is present as is the mascot.

The rear lights are picked out in red.

Conclussion

There is a remarkable amount of detail for such a small scale, including minuscule hub caps and bonnet belts. For the price, you cannot go wrong.