Corgi has released some 1/43 scale Kombi vans in beer livery I only know of these we have featured this month. You may have noticed that Corgi have improved the suspension on these models and you will notice that don’t lean to one side as the earlier models from a few years back did, but basically it’s the same body.

This next picture shows some other beer livery models from Vitesse and City from a few years back.

Finally us VW collectors sometimes collect anything VW related, such as the billboard of the New beetle that you just have to have!

Well anyway on the smaller scale, Hawaiian shirts are back in and if you look around enough you could pick one up with some cool, VW kombis and beetles, I have about 4 different styles, but as quick as you can say Hawaii five 0 they will be out of fashion. Alas I have a solution...if you can sew them all together and you can create the most colourful double bed doona ever!

 Enjoy, Tony Bezzina

Part 19

Welcome to the final Toy Department for 1999. What better way to finish off the year with the Millennium Bugggggg**#4!~. As you know the Franklin Mint has been responsible for many a good model car, in particular Volkswagens. Well here we have it, a superb scale replica of the car we will be seeing on our roads beyond 2000.

As usual the Franklin Mint has paid particular attention to detail, and you will note that the glove compartment opens, adjustable side windows, even the dip stick can be removed! The model is authorized by VW and Santa has limited them to 7,500 models world wide, at a cost of $195 plus postage, so if your been good your in luck, but if your been bad then, there’s still time to make good. A special thanks to my friends Margaret and Debbie who have been keeping an eye out for things like this since I left the big smoke earlier this year.

This month we also feature as promised the new Matchbox Kombi bus No 59, which is a ‘67 model and not a '62 as mentioned earlier. The photo is courtesy of Kimm from Indian Automotive.

Here we have a unusual Kombi model I picked up at the markets a few years ago, it’s a shortened version likely to be made in China, has bump N go action and a siren with flashing lights, unfortunately someone decided to put the on/off buttons on the roof,.....hey it was only $3.00.

Finally I would like to dedicate this last Toy Dept for the century to my wife Kim who has had to put up with my interest (passion), and who has to put up with me asking her every time if she checked the toy section at the shops for me, even if she only went for the bread and milk,........ok I’ll just have the Millennium Bug for Christmas.

 Merry Christmas Tony Bezzina

Part 18

Hello again from the Toy Department. The T.D was recently contacted by the VW Golf club of Queensland. Members Paul and Michelle Gordon are avid VW model collectors and have a variety of VW models for sale. In particular they have the Hot wheels VW Buses which have never been released in Australia, in particular is the CD rom version which allows you to make your very own personal decals, they are selling then for $100.

In addition they have some other buses, two of which are illustrated this month. Once they are gone they are only going to get harder to get.

You can contact Paul& Michelle on E Mail vwgolfclub@yahoo.com for details of their list of available buses and bugs and of course Golfs.

Finally here is a shot of the latest Matchbox ‘62 beetle which is number 48. Also expect soon or maybe your got one is a ‘62 Kombi in red and white also in Matchbox. I haven’t seen one yet but as usual every one is talking about it or have got one, if you do send us in a clear photo for next months edition.

Enjoy Tony Bezzina.

Part 17

Welcome to another Toy Department. This month we feature the square window. That’s right, square window, split window, oval window, big window and now the square window bug. Will it only be a matter of time before the VW Concept car will be the square window?

This month we feature the latest VW Concept car by Gate. Another 1/18 scale in the popular yellow colour. I think the detail is a little better than the Burargo version. In particular you will note the quartz halogen looking headlights.

This model really presents well next to the other window makes as seen in this months photos, they are Solidio, Burargo, Road Tough, & Gate. Incidentally Road Tough have also released 1/18 "67 Beetle in Flower Power livery (please don’t go to that garden shop) also Burago has brought out another 1/18 scale ‘55 oval in Burgundy.

Smart toys of China have also released a model of the Concept in what appears to be 1/24 scale, it is featured here this month in red and not a bad model for about $6, they come in red, green, yellow, black, & blue and found at toy world. Welly also from China have realised some smaller versions in many colours with some unsightly graphics (as usual) they are priced at $2 and available at most market stalls. The orange model pictured is one of three concepts released by Matchbox for Australia, so far we have had the red, orange, and pearl white with blue logo, and as you may know there are other variations in the US such as the green and other promotional releases.

What’s New: Matchbox are about to expand their 1-75 series to 1-100 which includes a black & blue ‘62 Beetle. Corgi has also released some 1/43 Kombi vans in beer livery, and I hope to feature these in the future (as soon as I can pay off the layby.)

Enjoy Tony Bezzina

Part 16

This month I thought I would feature some novel key rings from past to present. We begin with the pewter variety made by Sparta, they are good looking very durable particularly the heavy gauge chain. Next the split window bug and Kombi by kerico, a good little model, but put it on a bunch of keys and it will surely be scratched. Finally this Beetle key chain is quite novel, it comes in red, pink, gold, and silver, and doubles as a mini torch light, by pressing a button underneath it the head lights come on in red almost like a laser effect which can be seen from a good distance. This key ring makes a good gift, and priced at $2.00 from Crazy bargain stores.

What’s New? Hot Wheels have released a bug out Baja and also an oval beetle with an under water scene on it. Both blue in colour. Matchbox have released a black and blue ‘62 beetle its # 48 and I will have a photo of it next issue.

Lastly we have a yellow bus and blue pick up by kovap. These 1/43 tin replicas are great bay window models and you may have to source them from overseas via the net for about $20-$25 they are a good investment.

 Enjoy Tony Bezzina

Part 15

Welcome to the Toy Department once again, this month we feature some varieties of Transporters. The first shot shows three different makes of Transporters, and whilst they may be poor replicas, they probably represent their cost. The first is a Mastio which you can buy for about $1 followed Nova Car in yellow and red 0.69cents, and two of three versions of Real Toy for about $1.20, all these models are available from most super markets.

Suki: These are a much better example of the Transporter, maybe because there are made in Germany . There are about six to ten variations they are priced at about $7.00, maybe a bit more for some rare versions.

Marrjoretee: These models of bay window Kombi’s are very rare to find but if your lucky to find one you could only pay as little as $1. Most have tired suspensions many scratches, But they a good example of a bay window model similar to the 1/67 tomica versions, slightly bigger at 1/60 scale.

Next month we hope to feature the new 1/18 scale Concept by Burago.

Enjoy Tony Bezzina

Part 14

Welcome again to the Toy Department. This month we talk about friction powered models. This unusual blue Beetle is friction powered and made in China by Apple. It has an unusual shape to it, and almost looks like a cross between a Beetle and a Fast back. The seats even glow in the dark. The smaller yellow Beetle is also friction powered and made in Hong Kong.

Darda is a US company that has introduced the" worlds fastest motorised cars" This has to be the most fastest, friction car made to date. The motor which is of German design! and engineering! has a precision clutch which means that the motor cannot be over wound like the common friction varity. The gears and bearings are brass, and the motor contains 24 moving parts.

The die cast body is very robust for those hallway collisions; you can even race in on the specially made Darda racetracks.

This is how it works; rev the motor by pushing down on the car’s body and rolling it back forth, the Mega- Motors clutch system allows for 2-way winging. When you hear the clicking sound get louder, you’re ready to race! The car won’t speed into action until you tap it on the rear bumper with another car or with your finger.

The car is capable of scale speeds up to 520 MPH. (Did you notice I under lined scale?) How do I know all this? well its all on the back of the box. The Beetle’s come in yellow and red and costs about $5 to $7 at some toy stores.

Enjoy Tony Bezzina

Part 13

Welcome to the Toy Department once again. This month due the busy schedule and the fact that we have just moved home the Toy Department will be somewhat shorter than usual.

This month I included some shots of our recent VW Nationals. As you can see, we have some interesting buyers and sellers of VW model cars, from the very young, young, and young at heart, including a shot of my very own "rug rats".

What’s New? : Matchbox has just released a new concept, this time in white with the VW logo in blue on each side and no badge on the front and rear, look out for it its No 18.

The last photo shows my recently acquired Toy, now I know what your thinking, and that this is going a bit too far, and that possibly I have lost the plot, but let me tell you I certainly have the neighbours going, there saying things like " yes well, it sounds like a Volkswagen"

Enjoy, Tony Bezzina

Part 12

Welcome again to another Toy Department. Models cars are not only a good investment, but also if you have them displayed in a prominent position in your home, they also make a good conversation topic, particularly those rare finds or as in my case those models which were purchased overseas in some famous places

I remember about 5 years ago on a warm day in the UK at Brighton beach while most were sunning themselves, I was across the road gazing with delight into a shop wind filled collectable models cars, in fact I decided to video the display through the window. It was not till I returned back to Australia that I realised that I mostly was filming my own refection in the window.

It was in that shop that I picked up the plastic blue rally bus, which sits nice with the other versions of Coca Cola and Swiss Air.

What’s New: Arriving in this half of the year a Concept 1 by Burargo in 1/43 and 1/18 this is a must for all collectors especially if you have 1/43 Burargo oval Beetle. Also available now is a Vitesse 1/43 scale late ‘70 Golf priced at about $40- $50.

Micro Models: 1/43 Micro models have been around for many years and in recent years have re-released the split window Kombi. These models pictured here are a good example of how toys used to be and in days when they were used by boisterous youngsters. They are a good example of how toys should last. Top right

These smaller 1/87 scale Kombi’s are another good example, they are from left to right, Dublo Dinky Toy made by Meccano England, Lesney by Matchbox, Fun Ho from NZ and Micro Bus no 12 from England.

I again recall as a child that news agents selling the Matchbox cars it was in the days that news agents sold a lot of things, I recall children my age buying a unusual lot of mirrors, till I realised that they where buying the "Daily Mirror"

Enjoy, Tony Bezzina

Toy Department from Germany

In 1967 VW launched the new generation of the Transporter in Germany. It is called T2, the second generation. Lots of details were changed and the Transporter was built in Hanover till 1979 and in South America (Brazil) this version is still being built.

In 1966 the Volkswagen advertising department ordered a model in 1:40 scale, which was given as present to customers. In the 1980 the company, which produced this model in the 1960 began to reproduce this model again.

Till then, a lot of new versions were launched and till 1994 our club is working with the producer together to launch new versions in the original colours. 1996 we began to order a special edition model every year. This special edition is limited to 100 numbered pieces with certificate every year.

The whole model range with our first special edition model (1996, sold out) can be seen in the Internet and can be ordered from our Club-Shop.

Last year we were able to find one of the cars, which transported the athletes to the competition places at the Olympic games 1972 in Munich and we decided to make the 1998 special edition from this car. (some are left-photo 2).

This year we decided to make a very costly model and the original car will be shown on lots of fairs and meetings in 1999.

In the 1960 the company "Kindermann" began to produce tin models with motor for children. After the company closed the machines were sold to the east of Europe. For years nobody knew, where the machines were sold. Now, we are also able to present the new versions of these tin models! (photo 4).

Additionally to the models, we are presenting ourselves in the WWW and everybody is invited to visit us there! We would be very happy to get some comments to our presentation.

The Club-Shop will also send models to Australia, if anybody is interested, please contact me either by Email or letter to:

Roland Roettges
Luestraetenweg 18
D-47802 Krefeld Germany
Phone: +49 2151 966890 - Fax: +49 2151 953843
Community of Interest T2 Vice President - t2ig@bulli.org
Archive for Camping and Literature - Club Shop – shop@bulli.org
http://www.bulli.org - English text available!

I hope that you understand that I will not call people in Australia by phone. Please, if you need any information about our community, write an Email or letter within a stamped and self-addressed envelope. I promise that you will get an answer!

We are planning a calendar for the year 2000 and I need photos from anywhere of the world to print it in this calendar, which will have an international diary and will be sold worldwide!

Our best, air-cooled wishes to Australia!
Roland Roettges

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