September issue: Model of the Month - Minichamps' Indian Sport Scout

OUR TOP MODEL AS CHOSEN BY THE DIECAST TEAM THIS MONTH

Minichamps
Indian Sport Scout
PRICE £89.99 LIMIT NOT SPECIFIED SCALE 1/12 REF NO 140800

If ever there was an iconic American brand of motorcycle besides Harley-Davidson, then Indian was surely the main contender.

The firm’s first incarnation was the Hendee Manufacturing Company, from 1898, which manufactured bicycles. But, with the march of industrial progress, it inevitably turned its focus to bikes with engines. Run by George M Hendee, and from 1900 with Carl Hedström, HMC’s first motorbike was a 1.75bhp machine. An instant success, it led to the first prototype and production examples of the first Indian in 1902. The following year, Hedström set the world motorcycle speed record of 56mph.

The original look is what helps to make Minichamps’ 1940 Sport Scout so special. Its wheel spats are covered in a pleasing shade akin to the first deep red employed by Indian, which sits well alongside the gloss white also used on the spats and tank. The wide, cow horn handlebars are perfectly reproduced and also adhere to Indian styling.

Wonderful detailing greets the eye no matter where one looks; the tank has three filler caps and a dial grouping, while the bicycle-style saddle benefits from real springs. Refinements such as the well-moulded horn unit, headlamp, front light and Indian badge on the front mudguard are deftly done. Even tiny valves adorn the spoke wheels, and the polished front suspension spring contrasts well with its black frame surrounds.