Toy Department 1 to 10

Green Machines: You may recall in our last edition we spoke about a VW Concept in green in the states. I was able to pick one of these Matchbox models recently from Sheriffs, Its obviously a American stock Matchbox and hopefully we may see it here in our boxed variety however most likely a different box Number. Here also is a nice Johnning Lighting Green split window bus in a blister pack, you will have to be in the right place at the right time for this one.

Remote Control: You may recall a while back we spoke about a Nikko R/C Golf GTV priced at about $75.00 ...well you would not believe it Santa left one for my son Timothy this Christmas ! Thanks Santa..

Recently whilst in Newcastle I was able to mix business with pleasure so I visited Frontline Hobbies in Hunter St and spoke with the store Manager Colin Scott. I remarked that I thought that his store was most likely the biggest I have seen and his reply was " it is the biggest I would ever see. Recently the store has been renovated and expanded , you could easily loose an hour or two. The stores so big that it even has a real life military vehicle inside.

Recently I have had opportunity to make contact with Richard Thackerson from Texas USA. I stumbled across Richard on the net at his web site www.vwtoy.com . I realised Richard is was no new comer to the VW scene in Australia, having spent five years at Alice springs at a US base. Being so far from VW events meant that he had recourse to collecting VW models from everywhere. He finally made to the VW Nationals in 1992. Now having returned home Richard operates a ranch and in his spare time maintains is VW`s and collects and trades VW models and I invite members to contact him and view his For Sale site on r_thackerson@hotmail.com he also sends his regards to all.

Matchbox: In the past we discussed the new concept VW by Matchbox, first the red, now the orange, and may be soon the green, which is currently available in the states as No49. These models have become popular with collectors, especially models which have slight imperfections or have their logo on upside down or even missing... so keep your eyes peeled.

Hot wheels: Over the years there have been some various VW models in this line here are some recent examples including the 1996 VW bus, also there are some other limited edition VW Buses such as the Van de Kamps and blue angels. Recently a new oval bug has surfaced, pearl white in colour with some graphics.

Mastio: These models made in China have recently have been re-released in special edition boxes they are, Beetle, Beetle Baja, Transporter, and Golf..

Realtoy: These recent model cars made in Hong Kong are available in blister packs and are found at most super markets for about $1.20. Available are three variations of a T4 Transporter and a Beetle in many colours.

Sunny Side: These models made in China have been turning up at various discount shops in last few years, you may recall the set of six split window Kombis. Well there is now a 1/25 scale split window miro bus. I have seen three variations a two-tone blue , two tone brown and white/red. These models are quite exceptional for their price, one major fault is the sliding side door, but I am not going to be to hard on this model as it has some very good qualities such as rubber on front and rear bumpers, good interior detail and good paint work and no poxie livery as seen with the earlier ones. For the between $10 - $15 your getting a very good model. If anyone is interested in getting hold of one of these models please contact me through the Club web site.

Part 7
Pre Christmas edition

Welcome to another edition to the Toy Department, which is a pre Christmas edition to all those dedicated to the VW scene and to those who support us.

What’s New? Lots! With Christmas fast approaching our thoughts should be on stocking fillers, and starting to drop those pre Christmas hints. So if VW models are your passion then there’s a lot of new stuff around and the following are some fine examples all courtesy of Model Cars in Kent St. Sydney, and a special thanks to Mark Griffin of MC`s for his patience with my photography.

		Victoria: Have released two variations of military Kubelwagens with or without a roof. Also a black and grey military split window beetle with spare tyre on the roof (note the bull bar!)

		City: Those 1/43 split window Kombi beer editions we mentioned in part one have arrived Paulaner and Warsteiner as illustrated, plus a yellow/white micro bus, Toblerone and Mon cheri variations.

Vitesse: look out for a 1200 beetle Carnaval Do Rio with a Brazilian flag on the bonnet and white or red fire Beetles with enclosed roof racks, both 1/43 scale.

Eagles Race: Another edition to the series, a nice blue metallic convertible, also a Rio taxi, these Beetles are good value for their price.

Minichamps & Detail Cars: A nice silver Karmann Ghia and Golf GTi Mk1.

Solido: Another 1/18 scale `55 Beetle in a nice powder blue.

Plastic kits: I have confess that plastic kits are not my cup of tea, I think it’s really got a lot to do with my lack of patience and not being in the good books with a tube of glue. I have some kits I have put together (if you can call it together) I have to say they resemble a bit of a wrecking yard. For those of you blessed with the virtue of patience Tamiya has produced a 1/24 scale Concept Beetle and Golf GTV.

Anyway that’s all for now, I think I have covered most types in this edition. However I haven’t forgotten our type 3 enthusiasts, I will be looking out for you in the near future, in the mean time we would welcome any member who would like to drop us a line with a photo or two.

Enjoy Tony Bezzina

Part 6

Plastic Fantastic: This month I would like to cover some models of the plastic variety. I have a 1/17 scale L Bug, and its battery operated has bump n go action, & flashing lights. It was made in Hong Kong I think for the Mexican market. It’s also got melody and so plays the tune La Cucaracha. After a while I notice that the model is a repaint as it was originally orange in colour but the gold repaint is quite good. I also notice it doesn't play La Cucaracha like the box suggests but Three blind Mice! Now someone has really been doing some restoration here. It reminds me of when I was young my mother had one of those Wind mills of Amsterdam that played the melody, yes you guessed it Wind mills of Amsterdam and it also would light up (us kids would turn out the main lights and watch it with fascination) Well one day played around with it too much and broke the melody mechanism and so while my mother was out I replaced it with Rock my baby.

More Plastic: This next photo shows some friction powered varieties all made in Hong Kong The orange and green Kombis are my favorite plastic models mainly because of how they were found. The orange at a trash and treasure for $2.00 (while I was supposed to be looking for a dog basket) and the green one at a school fete for 0.70cents. The blue siren unscrews and you remove the roof and slip in the tray to turn it into a pick up.

Star Toys: These plastic model Transporters I bought about 17 years ago from one of those $2 shops. They are about 1/25 scale battery operated and have bump n go action, and note & that they are still the air-cooled models. Yes they have been repainted and yes I removed the kayaks that were bolted to the roof, and filled in the 12mm holes with what else but Poly filler! (I was only young at the time) A friend of mine had a real yellow/white Transporter and those of you who know, I had my real life yellow/white micro bus, and if you are into trivia, yellow/white happens to be the Popes official colours, thus we were both dubbed the" Popemobiles." And what’s more, both vans have been blessed by a priest!

Eagles Race Beetle in six different colours. For more information contact Models cars in Kent St. Sydney.

Part 5

In recent years tin collectables have become more and more popular with collectors. Their value has also increased with their popularity and so the availability of some VW tin models has become scarce. A lot of these tin models, mostly made in China or Japan have no identification markings on them. Bandai has produced some fine examples in the past, some with or without remote control. However, remote control (in these cases) still required a power lead running from the control to the model. It reminds me of when I bought my first video recorder and I told the salesman it had to have remote control …. no problems mate it’s got it. When I got home it wasn't a cordless remote, so the cord went twice round the TV, three times round the coffee table, and three metres under the rug, you get what I mean? But let me tell you, my Bandai Kombi is worth a lot more than my video recorder.

Lately there have been some tin reproductions and some very good ones I must say, the older the better. It’s like a good vintage red wine they mature with age. To test a good old tin take a tip from me, do the same as if it was a red wine and stick your nose towards the back wheels of your tin and you should get a good aroma of quality rubber and tin, (best try it when no ones around). It’s true some reproductions have plastic wheels, so you don't get that same …. effect.

New: Passat! Schuco have produced a current model VW Passat in 1/43 scale great detail, three metallic colours, D/green Blue & Silver, they come in perspex display boxes and there are not too many about.

Audi Quattro `82 Coupe is also available and produced by Detail Cars. Mark Griffin at Model Cars in Sydney would be glad to assist.

For the kids: Welly producers of a 1/43 pull back beetle are available from most toy stores. In blue or yellow both are rally cars with spare tyre on roof and bull bar. They are priced at about $3. They may be pretty ordinary but one or two of these inexpensive models in your display case can come in really handy when those nephews or nieces drop in and want to go to town with your collection.

From the Past: Lone Star Star produced some 2 inch long split window Kombis some thirty years ago here are two examples; first is number 20 a white 23 window ambulance and number 15 a green micro bus with luggage on the roof. I hear there was also a blue and yellow variation.

I think they look good sitting on there original boxes and while we speak of it…

Boxes: We all know by now that keeping your model car boxes will certainly increase the value of you collection and in some cases up to a 100%, so it pays to keep these boxes in best original condition. Sometimes this can be a pain in the neck especially if you have minimal storage space. If this is the case then you can take the creative option, and display your models with your boxes. Some models look good sitting on their original boxes. Maybe you don’t display your models as such and have them stacked up or stored away in their boxes, whatever the case, keep those boxes from damage and if you ever decide to sell or trade your collection your investment should be more rewarding.

Part 4

In the past I have been approached on numerous occasions about my collection of big window model kombis or commonly known overseas as bay window buses. I have to confess that there are not too many of these models available, particularly 1/43 scale. But if you’re into 1/87 scale such as Brekina then were talking one for every day of the year. There are just so many variations; we will give them some good coverage in a future article, but for the time being most railway hobby stores have then in stock as they are also used for HO scale.

Some ten or so years ago Tomica Dandy released some 1/67-scale versions, about ten in total all microbuses. Sheriffs at Parramatta still have the odd one available but you won’t get them for $5.00 today.

In tin, CKO made some 1/40 replicas of a red microbus and ambulance. Also Gama released a red 1/43-diecast microbus and blue Kombi van.

My dream is to one day find a big window bus about the size of a bread box, maybe the "Barbie" people might one day bring out a real Barbie camper?

I am told that the split window Kombi remains the favourite model and that the `60s brings back some happy memories for many, and so the bay window will have to evolve with time. However there is a woman I work with who is dying to paint flowers and peace signs on my bay window kombi!! I think I will buy her a Beatle…CD to keep her mind off it.

While we speak of it, Solido did a great job of there 1/18 scale split window kombis we saw for the first time about three years ago in white/red micro bus, white/red Coke-a-cola (two versions), yellow/blue Michelin, yellow/blue Watermans, and last but not least the hippie purple flower van, and for all you nostalgic members I hope the photo does its justice. However there are about 9 other versions available in Europe such as a fire bus, police bus, Nivea, Milka, Shell, plus others. I am unsure if they will be available for sale in Australia, but you can always go to Paris for a romantic holiday and while your there visit the Beetle shop in Paris that stocks anything and every thing in VW models, on second thoughts I best give you the web site, beetle@union-fin.fr, fax 33 1 53 41 88 31.or just take a short cut via our links section on the club VW web site.

Sunny Side: These models that are made in China are available from most markets such as Paddy markets. Currently available is a 1/25 scale Golf GTI priced at about $7.00.

Road Legend: If your after a Large scale Karman Ghia, say 1/18 scale but don’t want to blow your budget, Road legend have produced a green and orange model for about $25.00 this is good value for a large scale model with some reasonable detail. Most good toy stores have them in stock.

Remote Control: Tamiya has for many years been known for its R/C cars. Currently available is a `70s model Beetle. It comes in kit form with instructions (some basic assembly required) The clear perspex body is painted from the inside in your choice of colour scheme and then fits onto the chassis after some fine trimming. The Beetle is 1/10 scale and you by now know what I am like with scales so it’s about the size of a breadbox. This R/C is priced at about $155 but does not include the radio control this will set you back …a further $160. Other bodies in the same scale include VW Concept 1 and a split Kombi Pick Up. These bodies sell for about $35. See all this at Hobby Co.

For Golf enthusiasts Nikko has released a R/C GTV two door (a bit smaller than a bread box) this runs on 8 AA batteries price about $75 complete and ready to go.

Part 3

Many of you may have seen Burago`s recent release of a"55 oval one millionth Beetle"which is part of the gold collection and even more its in 1/18 scale. Gold in colour, with opening doors, bonnet, and engine lid. This is another fine model, as particular attention has been given to detail inside and out, and note the

Continental tyres, but if you really want to put it to the test check out the interior roof lining and compare this to some of your other models. This model sits really nice next to the 1/17 scale `49 split window Beetles released by Solido some years back, and also the 1/18 scale "Road legends" `67 big window beetle, or you may be lucky to have one of those Franklin mint productions. The Burago is priced between $35 and $40.Thank you to Sheriff’s Mini Cars at Parramatta and Penrith, also Mark Griffin from Model Cars in Sydney for the photo shoots.

Automodels also at Parramatta has available some new additions to the Siku range, some examples are a White transporter- Bosch, and Golf GTI, plus convertible.

For The Kids: Micro Machines, you know those tiny models that some of us tread on bare foot in the dark! If the kids are into them look out for the bonus packs, 6 free Micro`s in a pack, particularly set No 9 which includes Golf Cabriolet, Karmann Ghia, 21 Window Bus, Concept 1, & Oval Beetle, 6 for you and 6 for them.

Matchbox: The 1/61 scale red Concept 1 released some time ago has been released again this time in orange and different style wheels look out for it number 17.

From The Past: A 1/61 scale split window kombi by Playart. These models were made in Hong Kong, have 21 windows with opening doors. I think there were at least two versions, with and without roof windows, I have the two versions that I picked up at a school fete for a $1. I know there were some other colours. If you know the history of these models, drop us a line.

In Store For The future: Wirking from from Germany, famous for there 1/87 scale plastic models is about to release some split window transporters in 1/40 scale, yes 1/40. I understand there is a single cab pick-up, Kombi van, and Samba bus. I not sure if they will be available in Australia but for more information and certain availability contact Peoplekars in New York USA via e-mail on peoplekars@aol.com. or fax them on 518.465.0614 for a catalogue on everything in VW Models.

This month I would also like to discuss pedal cars. I bought one for my daughter Holly, Holly is 6 years old and I bought it for her 6.9 years ago, in fact it was the first thing I/we purchased even before a pram. The pedal cars that I am referring to are the beetle convertible models; there are two versions available the pedal and the battery powered.

The colours I have seen are red, blue, pink, and yellow. Whilst I am sure they are available from a variety of places, I can tell you I purchased mine from Toy World, and if you are in need of a holiday or you might be going to the "Hasting VW Happening at Port" then there’s a store in Port Macquarie that was still was selling them in January this year.

If you want a second hand one, there’s a pedal car restorer on the corner of Ramsey Rd and Marion St Haberfield that has one or two.

These cars are made of metal so quite a bit of effort or momentum is required to get them going, (unless you have the battery-operated version.) Holly’s car would only work if it was going down hill, so, as Bulli pass was not the way to go I headed for an expert. Jeff Unwin from Hellbug gave it a look over and his son gave it a run, having owned one himself. The car went but still with a bit of effort. On Jeff`s advice the car need a good lube. So I removed the 4 wheels down to the pins and there was the problem, it was as dry as a bone and so with the help of some good old fashioned grease and a squirt of WD the problem was fixed, but you really need to remove the wheels completely to fix the problem.

If any one has a photo of a VW peddle car from the past send it in with a few lines on the history.

Part 2

Welcome to the second edition of The Toy Department. Firstly the club has received some very good feed back in this department and that's good. This month we will talk less on me and more on model cars. Over the years we have seen many new VW models, from varying makers, but if its detail you want then look no further than "Minichamps" these models are 1/43 scale and the detail is top class, from badges, door handles, hub caps, and windscreen wipers, these models have it all.

Available are three versions of the Alpine bus (or VW samba) there are 25 window buses with or without full-length sunroofs, colours are two tone cream/red, olive/green, blue/grey. Caution with the side mirrors as they easily snap. They arrived in Australia about 18 months ago and some are still available from good model shops.

Also look out for the Concept 1 in yellow, red, or blue. Karmann Ghias, and various Golfs, prices range from $40 to $50, but worth every cent.

On the economical side of models look out for a 1/20 scale remote control Concept 1 in red called "city Buggy" by Metro priced at about $15 and last seen at World 4 kids (and grown ups!).

Transporters (I still call them Kombis) in a future edition we will discuss these models from "Schabak" but in the mean time look out for a 1/43 scale emergency /airport/construction sets with cranes and other vehicles these diecast sets are great value for the kids at about $15, there made in China, and guess what you get to keep the 1/43 scale Transporter, talk about keeping every one happy! And where do ya get it? At Big W or K Mart.

In store for the future: Golf enthusiasts look out for a 1/18 scale Golf GTI (current model) made by Revell (that's Revell in Germany). At last another good sized model with excellent detail particularly the interior. Cost around $60. When do we get? Well all I can say is hopefully soon. There's one thing I have learnt with model cars is when they say six months it usually means twelve or a good guide is that if its available in Europe then it may take up to twelve months to get to Australia. Any way for more information Mark Griffin at Models cars would be glad to assist.

Also I think, as many of you are aware there is a abundance of information on VW models on the Internet if you can get access. In particular the special edition hot wheels Internet VW split window bus available on the net for about $60 US.

A reminder to our readers that if you want to sell or are seeking any particular models, the For Sale department of the club magazine and this webpage is available.

Finally that's all for now, I going to spend some leisure time with a computer game called "Need for Speed 11" briefly its 12 high performance cars such as Ferrari, Lotus etc dealing with some Sunday drivers as they call them, these just happen to be numerous Transporters, Beetles, Fast backs, and I think I spotted a Karmman Ghia. I am working on changing the program so that the VWs are the high performance cars and the others are the Sunday drivers! (Just kidding).

Part 1

Welcome to the re-birth of The Toy Department. Who am I? My name is Tony Bezzina, Who the hell is Tony Bezzina, Oh he's the bloke with the good looking type two micro bus that has had his model collection on display every VW Nationals for the last 8 years, oh so that's Tony Bezzina! Then who's Tony Brodsky? He's what we call the founder of The Toy Department. Tony' s on the sideline these days and can be seen at various club functions, we would like to hear from him some time.

We hope to have this column as a regular feature. Also we want to hear from you the members, tell us about your rare finds, or a funny related story, does not have to be technical either, unless you have a 1/43 scale with a push rod seal problem.

More about me, how did I get into VW Models? A long long time ago, (1985) my wife bought me my first model as a gift, it was a 1/43 scale split window Kombi by "micro" in duck egg blue. Things got a little out of hand from then on, and my wife has been sorry ever since. Today I only collect Kombi models any type, well really type II, but I mean plastic, diecast, or kit. I had to sell or trade my type I models and seriously down scale an out of control monster.

As they say half the fun is looking for them. In 1993 we went to England for a holiday we did the famous sights however I had one eye on the Tower of London and the other eye was (which is bionic) focusing on those lane ways in search of those models shops, and there are some heavenly places in many villages. After some time I became accustomed to driving around the many round-abouts looking for the odd model shop, (you know that scene from the national lampoons European vacation, where they keep going around the round about) occasionally it would be a modeling boutique!

Also I have these days a greater respect for toys which I am trying to instil into my children. How many of you cringe at the thought of some childhood toy that you rearranged with a claw hammer? Put up your hands, yes we did it, mine was a tin blue battery operated" bump n go" bandi Beetle, or those famous repaints, head first into the paint wheels and all.

Ok I favour type II's, so lets have some balance from Type I to Type whatever. I would like to cover models available from Woollies to the Franklin Mint. But by no means am I an expert.

Lets talk about Hot wheels these models are available at most stores and supermarkets in 1996 a limited edition VW Bus was produced, it was in blue, a split window, and apparently the heaviest model so far. I missed it in the stores (how I don't know) so I managed to pick one up for $25.00 (my wife was now really sorry) I have seen them on offer for $90.00, so if you think one of your kids might have one of these possibly purchased at no more than $ 1.89, then dive into that toy box A.S.A.P. I know Sherriffs mini cars at PARRAMATTA have some in stock so give them a ring, if you dare.

In store For The Future: Mark Griffin from model cars in Sydney, has informed me that the vitesse group are bringing out some new variations later this year, a brief description as follows: 1/43 scale the first and last beetles, ?sold as a pair, a further two "city" versions of split window Kombis, Carlsberg and Paulaner beers, and also a yellow post Kombi. These have always been top models, but I feel that there needs to be some more variation such as a camper or a pick-up version some luggage on the roof or something

From The Past: Does anyone recall about 10 or so years ago, in a toy shop in the Strand Arcade in Sydney was for sale a 1/5 scale Beetle convertible (I am not good with fractions, nor apples and oranges, but it was the size of a golf buggy) any way it had a lawn mower engine in it, and even started with a zip cord, it was white and seated two children comfortably. We would like to hear from the owner, maybe we could see it at some VW event in the future?

Photo courtesy of Australian Models & Hobbies Magazine. Models & Hobbies Magazine.	Colin is also the Editor of Australian Models & Hobbies magazine the last issue features the 1:10 scale Tamiya Remote control Concept VW so look out for it at your local magazine stand. I would like to thank Colin for his time, assistance, and photos of the nice red Concept and yellow Beetle.

Part 10

Part 6

Part 5

Part 4

Part 3

Part 2

Part 1