SCALE MODEL NEWS

The model world seems to be made primarily of two types of people - users and collectors. For users, a kit or a diecast is there to be assembled or displayed, rather than laid down for possible future gain. There’s also the true expert, for whom three of each item is required - “one to build, one for parts, one to lay down” is the aim - though having the space for it is another question altogether! The world of Limited Editions is aimed at the collector market, pure and simple. It’s doubtful whether a plastic kit that’s labelled this way ever gets built at all, although the Airfix Sea Vixen may be an exception. We’ll find out later this year for sure, as the first ones at least will be sold as a Limited Edition. But for many of us, the real deal is buying a kit for the pleasure of craftsmanship, or a diecast to display because you happen to like it for some reason. And here’s an example of a cheap truck - a 1:50 scale Volvo A25C from Cararama - that’s most certainly a ‘user’ item, yet ...

Here’s a nice new feature added to this pair of 1:50 scale diecast trucks from Corgi - the curtainside is partly drawn back, to reveal some of a load that’s normally hidden from view. The Volvo FH12 unit in RM Page markings measures 345 mm (13.6 in) long and comes with a generic boxed load. Detailing is pretty good throughout, and includes multiple lights, warning beacons and roof antennas. The other curtainside features a DAF 105 tractor in Ken Mallinson livery. This one reveals a bunch of red barrels, and hanging off the back is a Moffett Mounty load-shifter used to fill and empty the vehicle. Tractor, curtainside and Mounty add up to a length of some 355 mm (14 in). The nice thing about 1:50 scale is that it sits nicely next to the plastic kit 1:48 standard, opening up the door to a mass of dioramas, mixing kit-built aircraft with diecast trucks. It’s fair to say though that most diecasts, including these two, are far too clean and shiny to look comfortable next to a well detailed k...