Part 70

From Zeitschrift, August 2004 .

Hello again. I recently called into Sheriff’s mini cars at Parramatta. I was surprised to see the quality of some assembled plastic model kits on display and part of the ongoing kit competition.

These models of mostly Kombis are derived from the Caramma model collection. Chris has done some amazing things transforming these models.

Whenever I find myself on my soap box or have a bee in my bonnet about something my wife is always quick to say “if you’re not happy write a letter”. The other day I mentioned my frustration about the lack of bay window model kombis about, particularly with the later manufacturers. Well, you guessed it my wife’s response….”write a letter”.

Well, my loyal supporters that is what I am going to do! I feel that producers such as Solido, Cararama, and even Welly have the ability to produce the goods. They have to know that this generation of Kombi deserves the right to be acknowledged. And so I will be drafting a letter on behalf of the Toy Department. I will keep you advised of any responses.

In the mean time we are still waiting for the release of the Minichamps 1/43 1972 bay window microbus. So far I have seen no images of these, and they are being very secretive about it and when it will be released. The Minchamps site indicated that it is due to be released sometime time in 2004, but I recall that is has been on the drawing board since 2002.

The Minchamps web site shows images of a real life bay window rather than the model itself, again I will keep you posted.

Finally, I have included some images this month that speak for themselves; they have been sourced from various web sites.

Tony Bezzina

Part 69

From Zeitschrift, July 2004

Hello again. I recently called into Sheriff's mini cars at Parramatta. I was surprised to see the quality of some assembled plastic model kits on display and part of the ongoing kit competition.

These models of mostly Kombis are derived from the Caramma model collection. Chris has done some amazing things transforming these models.

Whenever I find myself on my soap box or have a bee in my bonnet about something my wife is always quick to say "if you're not happy write a letter". The other day I mentioned my frustration about the lack of bay window model kombis about, particularly with the later manufacturers. Well, you guessed it my wife's response…."write a letter".

Well, my loyal supporters that is what I am going to do! I feel that producers such as Solido, Cararama, and even Welly have the ability to produce the goods. They have to know that this generation of Kombi deserves the right to be acknowledged. And so I will be drafting a letter on behalf of the Toy Department. I will keep you advised of any responses.

In the mean time we are still waiting for the release of the Minichamps 1/43 1972 bay window microbus. So far I have seen no images of these, and they are being very secretive about it and when it will be released. The Minchamps site indicated that it is due to be released sometime time in 2004, but I recall that is has been on the drawing board since 2002.

The Minchamps web site shows images of a real life bay window rather than the model itself, again I will keep you posted.

Finally, I have included some images this month that speak for themselves; they have been sourced from various web sites.

Tony Bezzina

Part 68

From Zeitschrift, June 2004

		Due to popular demand I have sourced some images of some dual cab split window Kombis. These models are the HO scale models, which are very rare finds. Special releases have in the past been available through the German transporters club. The red model was a limited edition for the Hot VW magazine. On my travels I found myself at KTC models in Fairy Meadow. Situated on the Princes Highway on the south coast. Here you will find an Aladdin cave of fine model cars. I was able to pick up these two Hot wheels Volkswagen series buses in two tone red & green. They were good value at under $20.00 each. Finally this month another version of the new Concept Microbus by Matchbox. This one is available in the five packs but to date I have not seen one for sale in the stores. Tony Bezzina

Part 67

From Zeitschrift, May 2004

It was a pleasure to meet up with many of our readers at the VW Nationals.

I was very surprised by the number of enquiries I received about the availability of Bay Window kombi models and in particular dual cab Kombis.

Those who saw a sample of my 1/43-kombi collection admired the only 4 bay window exhibits with delight.

Whist at the Nationals Chris from Sheriff's Mini cars dropped by was able to assure me that that he will continue to monitor the progress and estimate time of arrival of the long awaited 1/43 '72 bay window kombi by Minihamps.

I was able to source a 2004 Minihamps catalogue recently and there are apparently two versions; the green panel van and orange microbus. Unfortunately this catalogue did not display the actual models rather a real life sample of the buses, I will keep you posted in this area.

In the mean time this month I have an image of the Hot Wheels pick up released earlier this year in the US. The trick with this model was that residents of the US who purchased any 10 Hot Wheels models and sent in the coupons received this model at a very special price. To date I have not seen this model make, no doubt some of you may have this model through various sources.

This month I included a special sample of Kombi work vans made by Gama and Teckno that are a once in a lifetime find… still looking

Johnny Lightning is about to release a Volkswagen series 2 set. This set has something for most of us, included is a yellow split window Kombi, Blue Concept Microbus, two tone split window pick up, new and old Beetle, & Karmann Ghia.

Again the second generation Kombi (Bay Window) unfortunately has been over looked.

Happy hunting

Tony Bezzina

Part 66

From Zeitschrift, VW Nationals issue April 2004

	Hello and welcome to the VW National’s edition of the Toy Department. Some time ago we featured two Kombi models (below) made in West Germany by Lego, they were the red and Green two-tone plastic split window Kombis. On a recent search of the web I was able to find this great site of various VW Kombis (below) made in various countries around the world. http://members.lycos.fr/vwtoy/ The models in this first image are part of the same series of VW models made in West Germany, which come complete with service station & accessories. This would have to be a once in a lifetime find and very rare indeed. Some other rare Kombi variations are these robust diecast Techno Kombis or these poly toys type 3 models. It just seems that there is a never-ending source of VW model cars. This also being the 71st edition of the Toy Department, I would like to remind our readers that this edition and all other back issues are available on the club web site in full colour. Anyway that all for now and I look forward to catching up with you for a yarn at the VW Nationals where I will be trading some spare models and displaying a sample of my collection. Tony Bezzina

Part 65

From Zeitschrift, March 2004

		Richard Thackerson has a long affiliation with Club VW Sydney, having lived in Australia in the early 90’s and frequented our various VW club scenes under the guidance and friendship of Phil Lander, among many others. Richard is also a loyal VW model collector now back residing in his home country the USA. He kindly forwarded these images of a rarely talked about VW model, the schwimmwagen. This 1:6 model was a G.I Joe model, which the owner has refitted, and put in a dual remote control, drive system for the wheels. He then added a remote control boat motor, and all the radio gear plus all the detailing, including realistic wood duck boards. This baby goes off road 4X4 and into to water. It was also timely that I also found at my local market this Play art schwimmwagen in 1/87 scale. It would be rare, and would complement the Kübelwagen of the same era also by Play art. Tony Bezzina

Part 64

From Zeitschrift, February 2004

Welcome to the Toy Department for 2004. Some Time ago we featured pedal cars. This month we feature a very rare Karmann Ghia pedal car, which was featured on the Internet.

As you can see it would be the pride and joy of any child, parent or collector. I would suspect many of us would have loved to have had one of these little beauties as a child.

Others we have featured are a new beetle available from Mr Toys.com And a black convertible beetle, which is available in pedal power and or battery powered.

	Recently released and available at Big W and K Mart is the new Barbie concept microbus made by Mattel. These large buses come in two colours, purple and turquoise. I am sure it would give much enjoyment to any young girl or boy. It certainly will complement the Barbie beetle car or if you lucky the bay window version released some 20 years ago in the US.

Revell has released a 1/18-diecast concept microbus. This model is very detailed, I have only seen one so far priced at around the $70 price, and I hope to have a detailed image by next edition.

Tony Bezzina

Part 63

From Zeitschrift, December 2003

This year we have featured many variations of VW models made by Welly, Superior & Kin toys made in China. We have seen how these value for money models have improved over the years.

This month we feature a similar model VW Bus in 1/43 scale made by Saico also made in China. I recently picked up this model second hand at a local Market. Do you notice anything different ?.. Yes, it has a bay nose ! note the high indicators, the grill & head lights. It appears to be a combination bay/split window bus.

Even the brown earth colour is quite unique. This models origin is from the UK. This is fact of the 2.99 (Pound ) price tag still on its base. I paid $10 Aus.

It has the usual barn/ sliding door and rear opening luggage door. A very rare model to find in Australia.

What’s new this month is the release of the number 54 matchbox elementary dark blue concept microbus.

Also the limited edition Sponge Bob Square pants blue spit kombi.

Finally another variation to the Days Gone split window kombi panel van, this time the eagle cartoon livery.

Any way that all for this month, until next year have a Merry & Safe Christmas.

Tony Bezzina

Part 62

From Zeitschrift, November 2003

At the time of reading this latest edition of the Toy Department I thought I would remind you all of the fact that there is just over 6 weeks to go before Christmas, and for one of many reasons, the season to give VW Toys.

Chris from Sheriff’s mini cars at Parramatta advices that he has received the long awaited shipment of 1/18 Herbie luv bugs. They, as you can see are very detailed and come in great presentation box. Make your order now so you won’t be disappointed.

You may recall a few articles back we featured those sets of 6 1/87 Hongwell kombis. This company has now released a set of 6 kombi utes in two-tone colours, including a fold down rear tray, the images speak for themselves. For availability contact Mobile Model Cars (sponsors of our club) or KTC models in Fairy meadow.

	Johnny lightning has released this grateful dead kombi, available in the beetle/kombi set or just Kombi alone.
	This JL surf series kombi is a must for all, I have not got one but if anyone has a spare they wish to trade I am interested!

Tony Bezzina

Part 61

From Zeitschrift, October 2003

Many of you may have seen this fine tin plate kombi tow/ pick up on e bay recently. It is a very fine example of tin the way they used to be. Unfortunately I could not get the details or its origin, as it was not advertised in English.

This Hot wheels vintage tour bus I picked up at the toy swap meet at Penrith, great display case as usual.

Mastio a while back released their 1/25-samba buses in two tone red, grey, & yellow. I also saw this light blue/white variation available on e bay.

For all of you that share my fascination in models cars you also would appreciate the enjoyment we receive from this hobby and we all have our own individual stories to tell.

In my case as a kid I always was fascinated by toy models cars, my mother used to tell me that Matchbox cars were always a test model of the real thing the car makers where about to build, I never though to ask why they had to make so many test models!

As a kid I remember in the 6th grade saying to myself well high school is next year and I going to have to give away toy cars. Of course I didn’t want to do this, but I did, so those high school guys would just give me heaps if they knew I still playing with toy cars.

So I gave them up, I did it cold turkey and all. And it was not until my early 20’s that the fire with in me was rekindled. My daughter once said to me do you think it’s a bit childish for me to still have dolls? My instant reply was I am *#@ years old and have you seen my toy car collection?

Tony Bezzina