SCALE MODEL NEWS

IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME COMING but finally the gap has been filled between the first Volkswagen MicroBus T1 and the third, T3 version. But now we can give an overdue welcome to this 1:24 scale Revell kit of the model in the middle, the VW T2. Mat Irvine reports:  Revell has decided to issue this kit as an ‘easy-click’ system model. This means it does not have to be glued together (though you can if you want) as all parts ‘click’ into place. Revell also supplies, as with other easy-click kits, two sets of decals, conventional water-slide and peel off/stick on types, so making the kit suitable for both new and experienced modellers.  The instruction leaflet ( below ) is printed in full colour, and the two sets of decals are conventional water-slide ( top right ), and peel-off type ( bottom right ).  Parts layout ( below ) shows the various colours, plus chrome, transparent, and tyres.  One possible downside is that this T2 is moulded in colour. This is so a new modeller ...

SMN report: Due soon from OttOmobile of France is a 1:18 scale model of a “complete animal” of a mid-engined British race car, the MG Metro 6R4 from the 1980s. What’s in the OttOmobile model? OttO has modelled the all-racer nature of the 6R4 very well indeed. Race markings are the most obvious external giveaway and these all seem to be present and correct. Inside, the most obvious difference between the MG road car and the racer was that the engine was taken from between the front wheels to a midships position, behind the crew - and grew to a massive race-winning 3-litre V-6 lump. And OttO has produced a very good looking engine, so that’s all right then. Metro 6R4 on the track For a taste of 6R4 driving, have a look at this test drive video from the specialist Autocar motoring magazine. It’s a shortish clip, but includes lots of speed and power, background and tech-talk. Yum! Bright and bold, the OttO 6R4 will look terrific on the display shelf, so if you like the car, pre-orders ...

SMN report: Great news for Volkswagen fans as it’s been confirmed that VW will produce a petrol/diesel version of the Bulli electric MPV concept in a couple of years - or maybe less. The VW Bulli was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2011, drawing applause for being an MPV that people might actually want to buy - in other words, a compact people-mover with some sense of style. It has to be said that not everyone was moved instantly - some VW fans muttered that the Bulli wasn’t dramatic enough, but our view a few months later is that it’s pretty OK.  Nice one - hefty box for the LEGO Camper Van. Brains not brawn The Bulli is not a big beast - just a little bigger than the VW Polo, in fact - but the concept showed that you don’t need bulk to have a fold-flat bed if clever design is allowed its head. The slot-in iPad on the fascia showed a sharp awareness of Apple’s masterpiece too, and follows airline practice as they accelerate replacing weighty flight manuals and comple...

David Jefferis looks at the VW Bus Mat Irvine’s VW Microbus article stirred up some comments, especially when we invited comparisons with the new Bulli version, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, which ends on 13 March. Other ideas out there Seems as if VW’s Bulli is a bit plain-Jane for VeeDub fans, and too similar to people-movers like the Ford Galaxy et al. Also, the 2001 concept was - and remains - sooo much cooler. So I thought it might be interesting to see what else is out there, and ran across a couple of concepts. First off, the Photochop from ‘D nice’ at VW Vortex smooths off the nose and blacks out the glass to bring back some character - compare them above and see what you think. I know which I like! Then there’s also the work of Canadian designer Alexandre Verdier, whose ideas are very nice indeed, especially his ‘woodie’ version, shown after the 'read more' jump. Fast bus with solar assist Fired with enthusiasm - I'm a one-time ‘Bay Window’ owner - I got out m...

Mat Irvine looks at the 1:24 scale Revell VW Microbus kit Way back in 1957, Revell Inc was based in Venice, California, close to the sea and surf of the Pacific Ocean. The company produced a kit of what was becoming one of the vehicles in which to carry your surfboard. But this wasn’t a product of one of the major American car companies - instead, it came from the other side of the Atlantic, for it was a kit of the German VW Microbus, also known as the Samba or Combi.  Revell and Hasegawa link up The kit used a multi-piece body, in that you got separate side, front and rear panels, roof and four doors, plus hatches at the back. Over the years the kit was modified (the rear hatch was enlarged) and reissued in a number of guises. But the kit was slightly showing its age and when Hasegawa also decided to make a VW Bus, (with van and pickup versions as well), Revell (which had a tie-in with the Japanese company for some time) reboxed the kit and issued it as its own. This time the bod...