Model-Icons release two new ranges of diecast models

Two new ranges of diecast models are scheduled for production by model-market newcomers Model-Icons – they’re named the Platinum and Premium Collections.

Established in late 2009, the company’s three partners could hardly have dreamt of the interest that would be expressed from the UK and all over the world.

Now they are set to produce a series of models using their own brand new tooling, which will be branded the Platinum collection. They’ll also be making use of their unique relationship with other manufacturers to produce the Premium collection, made from existing tooling with the addition of new parts and features.

The company believes one of the most important features of the models will be their accuracy. As a result of careful consultation with enthusiasts and experts at all stages of production, they’re aiming to represent value for money and have some of the best detailing seen in the market.

Many of the vehicles to be produced have never been made before due to the actual vehicle no longer being in existence. In these cases extensive research has taken place to re-produce vehicles correctly, capturing the spirit of the era.

With only three months from inception to the launch at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in February 2010, the company managed to surpass its targets, from obtaining a licence from Jaguar to producing a ‘first shot’ sample of the Platinum collection Jaguar Mk 2 for the show. As a result distributors have now been appointed throughout Europe and as far away as Australia and the US.

Models are limited to only 3,500 pieces worldwide in the cases of the Jaguar Mk 2 1962 3.8 Carmen Red and British Racing Green Models and only 3,000 pieces of the White version. The classic Coombs Racing version from 1960 will be limited to 2,500 pieces. The Jaguar MK 2 dominated saloon racing during the early 1960s and this car driven by Graham Hill and Roy Salvadori swept all before them in 1962 when Hill secured first places at Oulton Park, Aintree, Goodwood, Silverstone, Mallory Park and Snetterton to become the season’s outstanding driver.

The model has been created from hundreds of photos of the car and consultation with experts, and will be both collectable and a fine addition to any classic racing car collectors collection.

The Staffordshire County and Stoke on Trent Constabulary Jaguar 340 from 1968, for which considerable amounts of extra tooling was required, will become the first Platinum quality model of a Model-Icons Police vehicle collection and is limited to only 999 pieces. All Platinum collection models will be packaged in a closed gift box.

The first releases in the Premium Police vehicle collection will arrive in October and will feature two Ford Escort Mk 2s and two Mk 3s in classic liveries from the 1970s and 1980s and will be arriving before the end of the year. Extensive research involving experts from Police Vehicle clubs has taken place to produce the extra tooling (including radios, aerials and lights) needed to transform these models into accurate representations of these iconic Police vehicles. These, and all future Premium collection models, will be packaged in an open window box.

The Premium Police vehicle collection will be limited to only 999 pieces of each model. Future releases in this collection are planned and the company promises that some surprising new subjects will emerge over the next 12 months.

With orders from distributors abroad as well as wholesalers, high street retailers and internet website sellers, Model-Icons says the collection has almost sold out before final samples have even been produced.

With very few 1:18 scale British Police cars ever being produced, these models should provide a centrepiece for many collectors. The Premium Police vehicle collection will be further enhanced during 2011 with the addition of a 1:43 collection currently being finalised.

With more licences on the way for Platinum collection models of Classic British vehicles and the development of a 1:43 scale range, Model-Icons is continuing to make its mark on the diecast marketplace. For more information and images please visit www.model-icons.com