23 March 2012
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Brand new diecast releases from Oxford Diecast
Diecast Collector magazine caught up with the Welsh manufacturer Oxford Diecast to see what models have just been released and what is in the pipeline in the next few months. ...
Diecast Collector magazine caught up with the Welsh manufacturer Oxford Diecast to see what models have just been released and what is in the pipeline in the next few months.
OUT NOW
Leyland Car Transporter – Rover
PRICE £49.95 SCALE 1/76 REF NO 76SET16
When this fantastic set arrived at Diecast Collector HQ we thought it was something really special. In 1/76 scale, the Leyland Car Transporter set includes a transporter, a trailer and eight Series 1 Land Rovers.
The box art explains that Land Rover commissioned a fleet of specially-built Leyland transporters, designed so that Land Rovers could be delivered ‘flat packed’ with their windscreens folded flat on the bonnet and the hoops and canvas folded onto the rear body. The transporters would then be able to carry four Land Rovers with an additional four on an accompanying trailer.
The eight Series 1 Land Rovers included in the set are in Land Rovers’ signature green with similar wheel trim, and are designed to fit the transporter and trailer perfectly – but please be aware that some of Oxford’s other Land Rover variants may not fit.
OUT NOW
Arado AR 196
PRICE £12.95 SCALE 1/72 REF NO AC027
One of Oxford’s most eagerly awaited models is this Arado AR 196, produced by the company to fill a gap in the market – the Arado having never been released in diecast form before.
The Arado was a German reconnaissance seaplane that served aboard many of the famous German Navy ships of the day, including the cruiser Graf Spee and battleship Bismarck.
Designed by Walter Blume, over 500 were built by the German firm Arado between 1939 and 1944 in both France and the Netherlands.
The Arado AR 196 enjoyed great success and was loved by the pilots for its easy handling both on land and on water. It was manned by a crew of two, a pilot and an observer, and had a maximum speed of 193mph and a range of around 670 miles. Flying at a service ceiling of 23,000ft, its rate of climb was 980ft per minute – some of the later versions were also modified to carry machine guns, cannons and bombs.
Oxford’s model comes in the livery of the Luftwaffe Unit it was operated by, 2.SAGr (Seeaufklärungsgruppe) 125, which was based in Crete in 1941. The full-size aircraft was deployed as a reconnaissance plane escorting merchant ships in the area. It is decorated in the accurate dark green camouflage livery with duck egg blue underside.
OUT NOW
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Bullnose Morris
PRICE £5.95 SCALE NOT TO SCALE REF NO SP052
Joining the 1/76 scale Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Bullnose Morris is its big brother, a larger Bullnose that isn’t to any specific scale. There have been many collectables released over the last few months to commemorate this momentous occasion, and Oxford’s Bullnose is certainly one of the best.
The Bullnose is a strong, British vehicle and Oxford’s model looks suitably majestic. The decals are impressive and there is also a nod to interior detail.
COMING SOON
American Circus AEC Matador
PRICE TBC SCALE 1/76 REF NO 76AEC007
Due for release in the next few months is this AEC Matador, which joins Oxford’s 1/76 scale Oxford Showtime range.
The model’s crisp white finish really catches your eye, and the ‘American Circus’ decal looks fantastic featuring that famous star-spangled banner.
Circus collectors will no doubt be impressed by this detailed little model – look out for a full review in Diecast Collector when it is released.
COMING SOON
‘The Toyota That Wouldn’t Die!’
PRICE £11.95 SCALE NOT TO SCALE REF NO TG04
Available in June/July will be the latest addition to Oxford’s popular ‘Top Gear’ range of models.
Due to Toyota’s claim that its Hilux Pick-Up is virtually indestructible, the ‘Top Gear’ team decided to put it to the test in series 3 of the BBC show. Their 1988 diesel Hilux was subjected to all manner of extreme conditions, including having a caravan dropped on it!
An ambitious vehicle to model, Oxford has done a fine job with it – the curves of the bent metal look particulary good so look out for a full review in Diecast Collector when it is released.
IN THE PIPELINE
TK Fire Engine – Falklands
PRICE TBC SCALE 1/76 REF NO TBC
While researching models for this issue’s ‘Aviation Through the Ages’ supplement, Oxford’s Lyndon Davies told us about a new 1/76 scale TK Fire Engine that is currently in the pipeline.
The model will be produced in authentic livery and released in a special sleeve commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Falklands conflict – at the time of going to press a pre-production sample was not yet available.
Lyndon explained that the model is being enthusiastically anticipated by many of the Falklands veterans who are in the Oxford Diecast Collectors’ Club. During the Falklands War there were two TK Fire Engines stationed on the Falklands Islands which are still there today, with one currently being restored.