]

Part 40

As promised I have an image of the Maisto1/24 Micro bus. This is the exceptionally good kit that requires no glue or paint. You will note that an extra set of hubcaps is included in gold. I prefer the chrome. But perhaps you can use the gold on the trailers for the other sets with the beetles in tow.

No doubt you would be familiar with the Avon aftershave bottles, and in particular the kombi and beetle models. These found today with their original box are worth some money. I recently came across the red kombi with motorbike, without the box at a market stall. Not bad for $7 and still had some aftershave in it. At the time I wasn’t sure what was more exiting, the bottle or the fact it was only $7.

 Here is a rare find. A Matchbox pizza delivery van, these I have seen before but not in the camper version.

What’s New; Matchbox has released a further new beetle #60 in black with a VW logo on the side.  Barbie by Mattel have released a further New beetle in lime green and there also seems to be more blue in stock.  Also 4 more split window kombi’s from china, similar to the superior models of previous years, except they don’t have the VW logo or permission from Volkswagen AG. They are poorly made with windows and doors falling off. But hey it’s a kombi!

Finally the Toy Department as been contacted by Roland Rottges from the generation 2 kombi club in Germany. This club as many may know caters for bay window enthusiast’s years 68 to 79. The club also sells bay window kombi models, such as Brekina, Schou, Wirking, Curser, Gama and others..

 Roland has made a suggestion to club members and readers in Australia who may wish to purchase some new release models next year or other great model kombi’s mention above. Buying individually can be costly. But if we had enough interest from buyers we could get a good deal on a bulk order.

 This suggestion is not as easy to co ordinate so we would have to have good number of interested people and they would have to committed to their purchases.

At this stage I would welcome any interested buyers sending me expressions of interest, and by viewing the G2 club web site on http://www.vw-bus-museum.de you can advise me of what you would like to buy. Please do not send any money, just expressions of interest. We will mention this again and some images from in the next two editions of the T/D.

Christmas is upon us again. It has been a big year for all whether VW related or not. It may be a time to think of others before ourselves.  I would like to thank all those who helped contribute to the Toy Department, in particular Kimm Garland and our very own web master for his patience. Also a Merry Christmas to our readers all over the world. 

As a child a remember receiving my first Christmas nativity scene. It wasn’t long before I moved the occupants out and converted it to a petrol station. So for my sins every year at this time a make nativity scenes to give a way to family and friends.

Merry Christmas!  Tony Bezzina

Part 39

With Christmas approaching we should be on the look out for VW Model gifts for our loved ones, or getting those lay-by dockets out and bringing them up to speed. Hopefully over the year The Toy Department has assisted you with some great gift ideas.

 I recently noticed a “Barbie type” new beetle convertible made by Steffi in four colours being sold at Big W from about $23. Also Real toy have released a new beetle in yellow, green & red.

		This month we have some images that have been kindly forwarded to us. These images of a 1/43 Notch back and Karman Ghia are rare models indeed. They were apparently made as dealer promos, and came in original colours so that dealers were able to show colour ranges. Buyers may have even got a free model. Sure beats the brochures of today! It would be safe to say that these would now be regarded as a once in a lifetime opportunity. See how the release of the bumpers allows the body to be released for internal inspection. Note the detailed specifications that come with them, and the box….oh yeah the box!

Something else you are not likely to find at your local shop are these limited edition   Hot wheels drag buses. The 1/18 scale was limited to 2000 and the 1/85 to 6000. This is the first time Hot wheels have released a set in the drag bus range.

Enjoy Tony Bezzina

Part 38

Many thanks to our readers who assisted me in locating a Aussie web site known as Biante diecast model cars, where you can select many a make and scale of model car, not only to purchase but it makes great viewing. I have displayed some examples this month namely the 1966 VW sedan, and VW Bora, I would recommend this site for a good range of Minichamp and Vitesse models visit www.biante.com.au

What’s New: Hot wheels have released a further Baja Beetle, silver in colour.

Also Maisto have released a great looking 1/24-scale microbus with trailer and old or new Beetle in tow. I have seen them in two tone yellow and red. They are priced from $37.00. In the case of the red Beetle in tow I would be inclined to remove the inside and leave the body alone on the trailer, this in my opinion is a more frequently seen occasion.

Maisto have also a 1/24 grey kombi and blue Beetle in kit form pre painted and no glue, they are very, very well presented. I hope to have an image of the kits in our next edition.

Finally some of our acquaintances may think we are somewhat passionate about our hobby which my take us to some extremes, but I have a friend who has a passion for collecting miniature glass snails. So she now looks for VW models for me and I ‘am looking for, you guessed it… snails, not that VW’s and snails have anything in common, but if you spot some snails about for gods sake let me know.

Enjoy, Tony Bezzina

Part 37

Last month we spoke about the Minichamps 1/43 scale kublewagen, and thanks to our reader Paul we have an image of this fine specimen. As always Minichamps have produced a fine detailed model.

Also I have noticed that Hotwheels have released a further 1/18 drag bus in black. Here’s the scoop, a limited edition of only 2000 of these models have been produced for the US market. 700 were sent to Australia apparently in error, the rest you can work out for yourself (thanks to the Chief for the image)

Kinsmart have these 1/64 new beetle key chains available from most market places. The detail is very good. They are pull back & go operational, and come in a variety of colours for around $3.00.

Matchbox: Look out for five pack series with the metallic blue kombi panel van and purple beetle with piranha’s on the side.

Help!! Now if anyone can help me with some digital images of some Minichamps models or direct me to the right web site, I would greatly appreciate it. I am looking for 1/43 scale new Passats, Bora, Golfs, Super bugs, and the white 1500 type 3.

Finally I was recently at my local Matchbox stand, and beside me was a youngster of no more than 6 years who selected appropriately the VW Transporter # 12, until his guardian told him to put it back and possibly choose the Ferrari, of course I could not help myself, and explained that the child had made a good choice, but by the lack of response I realized that my good intentions where going to go by the wayside and so to avoid any likely supermarket trolley rage, I remarked, well at least pick the Porsche!

Enjoy Tony Bezzina

Part 36

Welcome again to the Toy department, TD reader Carl Moll has kindly advised us through reliable sources that Woolworth’s, Woollies /Safeway (VIC) supermarkets are due to release a new range of diecast VW Beetles known as ‘Tiny tins". Carl tells us that they will cost under $4.00. Carl’s source will also keep us up todate on future releases, one of which is expected to be Beetle Cup style Beetles.

These models are due out this month and come with their own little storage tin, stickers, and in 4 colours, purple, yellow, blue & pink. These models being priced around the $4 mark.

Days Gone and Vitesse are known for their reproductions of 1/43 scale Kombi with livery from the 50’s such as Die Welt, Esso, & Bosch. I recently received some colour brochures of the these great split screen Kombis at work in their hey day, I hope to feature some of these in our club mag in the future.

Has anyone seen or have the Minichamps 1/43 Kubelwagen in orange? Hope to have a shot of it soon. Can anyone send me a digital image of one?

I have being running a little behind this month hence the short edition, anyway I leave you with a cartoon I recently came across which is self-explanatory.

Enjoy Tony Bezzina

Part 35

Welcome again to the Toy Department. By now you may have seen this Mastio 1/87 scale New beetle in red. It comes in a blister pack, and includes tools to put it together. At around $5 it is a must for collectors, you can find this at Big W stores.

Also the recent Matchbox release of a further Kombi in blue, this is the 6^th version to be released in the last two years, you will find it in the new look matchbox packs and replaces number 12 in the series, and a Audi TT roadster blue in colour. I think its is fascinating that when you go looking for these Matchbox models there seems to be an enormous stock of space shuttles and alike, but looking for your favourite VW model, feels like someone has beat you to it and cleaned out the lot.

The red Kombi pickup is a conversion previously discussed in a past edition.

What’s New: Hasagwa have released a further 1/25 scale plastic Kombi panel van in dark blue, a must if your into plastic kits or if you have the previous green pickup. Revel have released a 1/18 diecast Audi TT in a coupe or roadster. These come in dark blue, silver, and black.

If I can suggest this cool web site to catch up with Jan’s VW toys http://members.901.com/_ht_a/jag795/index.htm which has some with real neat models such as these Johnny Lightning buses which are just great.

Finally you may have seen Australia Post’s release of stamps from rock bands of the past, and note the Men At Work one with the split window Kombi on a Vegemite sandwich, great for putting your stamp of approval on.

Enjoy Tony Bezzina

Part 34

Welcome again to the Toy Department. It is with pleasure that I advise that the T/D has received some worthy praise from Barcelona.

"Congratulations for your great web!! Lots of comments and information that helps our collection. My name is Pablo and I am Spanish (Barcelona) collector of brand Michelin toys. I collect vehicles from Michelin tyres trade, the corporate yellow and blue cars with the character Bibendum (the white tyre man) I’ve more than 150 different Michelin car collections. Thanks a lot and sorry for my English!"

Thanks Pablo, we hear you loud and clear and we are thrilled that you enjoy our article so much and we look forward to hearing from you again and possibly featuring some unusual and rare VW models you have in Barcelona on our web site.

		Model cars usually present themselves as small-scale models with some exceptions. Such as lately there have emerged some rather large VW models. For instance this 1/6 scale new beetle, it is just awesome in detail and size, in red or yellow, it has remote control with forward, reverse and steering. There are other functions such as a remote horn, and engine sound. This superb model is available from Toys R Us from $230. Thanks to Kimm Garland for the images…. (If only it was a Kombi)

Also available is a1/6 scale WW2 Kubelwagen which is surely a unique model, which is priced from $259. It is battery operated and you can buy scale action figures with accessories from $69. Hans Horst who featured an article in last month’s edition of Zeitschrift of his experiences with the Kublewagen during WW2 would no doubt find this model close to his heart. I hope to have a picture of this soon. Hans if you haven’t already got one you can at frontline Hobbies at Newcastle.

What’s New: You may have seen the second version of the 1/18 scale Hotwheels drag bus in yellow, which is another good investment. Also Matchbox’s release of a further new beetle convertible in silver which is # 1 in the range.

Finally I leave you with some images from the Nationals.

Part 33

Welcome again to the Toy Department. Some time ago we featured some plastic VW models made in Hong Kong , with FE marked on the base and numbered 228 and 229. These superb models obviously came in a range. Recently I picked up this orange kombi #229 with a service hoist #226. The hoist you will notice incorporates a petrol bowser. The hoist rises up towards the left. The model is fixed to the hoist in a key lock fashion from the base of the model, hence the reason for the keyhole underneath these models. This model looked as if it had been sitting around gathering dust for some years, in fact I thought I would not clean this one up as it gives it some character.

The kombi vans you will notice are interchangeable from bus to pick up, this is done by unscrewing the siren on the roof. These models look old, but as the kombis are bay windows then they have to be at least from the early 70’s….on the other hand I am not getting any younger and I suppose that means their about 31 years old. The Beetle pretty good looking too. If any one can help with the background on these models, and in particular the other bits and pieces in the series please contact us.

Finally Toy Department reader Mark Moes has kindly advised us that enjoys reading the our article and we thank him for the feedback. He has left us with a tip for storing your VW models. Ikea have a range of nic nac shelves that are very suited for VW models and with a bit of handy work you could have some Perspex cut to size and fixed to the front of these shelves. I also found some wooden CD shelving which will hold 6 1/43 models per shelve with a total of 5 shelves. These you can find at those Go Lo shops for about $20.00.

Enjoy Tony Bezzina

Part 32

By now after 32 editions of the Toy Department you would have gathered that I am always continually looking for new and unusual VW model cars. A day at the shopping centre does not go by with out a visit to anything toy related. My wife would agree that the usual terms on arrival is that we all meet back in ‘toys" This saves announcing over the PA that there is a lost husband in the store.

On my travels I recently came across a second hand toyshop dealing in mostly antique model cars of all kinds. A shop where you could spend an hour of your time or your money. The shop is called "glory Days" and the name speaks for its self, it is filled with heavenly things made from diecast, plastic or tin. Proprietor Robert Taylor would love to share an obligation free yarn or two with you.

Also as part of the service "glory days" provide some rare customising to some model cars, for example this Matchbox #52 kombi van converted to a pickup, the work which includes cut and paste and even a respray requires some two plus hours work. This fine craftsmanship can be adopted to most other types of car models such as 1/43-scale….Holden (there that wasn’t hard to say) sedans into tabletops. Back to VW, Kombi’s can also be customised into twin cabs, canvas covered pickups and in a variety of colours. Some of these conversions we hope to feature in future editions. You can visit "glory days" at 103 Maitland rd Islington (Newcastle) 2296 or phone them on 0249621724.

At this point I feel I am showing my biased tendances to the kombi models so, I now leave you with this police split window beetle in 1/25 scale .Its is battery operated with bump n go action for around $5.00 its good value for a split. In the back ground you will notice a infra- red control new beetle. Also as promised a shot of the new beetle Barbie car complete with family.

Remember you can also visit the Toy Department for back issues and colour images on the clubs web site www.clubvw.org.au or search Toy Department.

See you at the Nationals

Tony Bezzina

Part 31

Welcome again to the Toy department. T/D reader Leigh Harris has kindly alluded us the availability of some ‘New Ray" City Cruiser model cars available at Big W. This one featured is 1200 Beetle convertible in blue and also to look out for is a ‘88 Golf cabriolet in metallic green. These models are good value from $2.40 and have reasonable detail.

The Toy department has also received a e mail from Micheal Edwards asking if anyone has sighted or know of the availability of a model bay window pop top kombi camper in any scale with spare tyre on the nose, if anyone can help please let us know. The closest I can come up with is this 1/43 scale split window kombi camper with spare tyre on the nose made by Corgi in two tone green and white.

You could also with a few bits and piece's and by robbing Peter to pay Paul, you could come up with this Gama 1/43 scale red bay window camper conversion.

What’s New: Scaletric have released two convertible new Beetle cars to add to you race track. Or you may be interested in a new whole slot car race kit called the "Beetle cup". The Beetle’s are green and yellow in colour. Also Matchbox’s release of a further new Beetle convertible in white.

Enjoy Tony Bezzina

Part 30

Hello and welcome back to the Toy Department and I hope Santa (with a capital S) was as good to you as he was to me.

This year I would like to encourage our readers to share with us some of there treasured VW Model cars, possibly we could feature some Type III’s or a thing or two. So if you would like to help us out, then send our web master an email or go via the snail mail and we certainly appreciate your efforts.

What’s new: Matchbox has released a further ‘62 beetle in red and this will be found in the 5 packs. Also a black pizza delivery kombi, black new beetle and blue Audi TT, the trio will be found in the 10 pack boxes.

This month due to me having some well earned R&R the toy department will be some what shorter than usual, however I will leave you with some images of these two 1/18 split window bus, that you can pick up at some market places for under $10. They have a air conditioning unit on the roof, which is probably a bit before their time, but if you wished you could removed the unsightly stickers with some warm water or some eucalyptus oil, and you will be left with a reasonably good looking split window bus.

Enjoy Tony Bezzina

Home