Part 90

From Zeitschrift, June 2006

Displaying your model cars in showcases doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive!

These days some shelving required for your collection can be costly, particularly if it involves glass shelving

But as you can see from this image it can be done for a little under $20. This display cabinet is not too overwhelming and positioned in the right place or room in your home (except master bedroom) makes a very interesting conversation item for visitors to your home.

As you can see the theme here is Kombis and the first to latest models of most in the Matchbox series.

All you need is some pine wood slats measuring 3m x 45mm, a small sheet of ply for the backing, some small nails and PVA wood glue.

In the end find some wood stain, I would not go out and buy a tin as the cost is going to exceed your budget of $20, as an alternative use some good old fashioned tan shoe polish buffed back after application and drying will work well with pine wood.

You could invest in some clear Perspex to protect your display, but I prefer to be able to freely pick them up out of the display.

	As many of you would know my passion is type 2 models and in particular the plastic variety, here are some gems I recently scored which are panel vans made by Jean in West Germany.
	Also some other fine plastic exceptional microbus versions sent in by a loyal reader.

Tony Bezzina

Part 89

From Zeitschrift, May 2006

This month we feature this unusual plastic split window kombi I picked up at the VW Nationals, the faint inscription reads “Jacobs Kaffee… Wunderbar”

When founding father Johann Jacobs opened his speciality shop for Coffee, Tea, Cocoa, Chocolate, and biscuits in 1895 at the Bremen Domhof, no one could foresee the rise to leadership in the German coffee market a100 years later.

Today, Jacobs holds a 27.8% market share and has annual sales of DM 2.3 billion.

The slogan Jacobs Kaffee….. Wunderbar (Jacobs’s coffee…..wonderful) was born some 40 years ago and turned into the most popular brand coffee of the market.

Also this month sees the release of the animated Disney movie “cars”. With the launch of this movie speciality merchandise has been released and of particular interest is the character “Filmore” the split window kombi.

This diecast model is available at most speciality shops for around $7.00. Filmore is a must for your collection.

Hotwheels has also released an unusual model called the “Qombee” better known as Kombi. This unusual diecast model is a 2006 first edition number 17 of 38.

On closer examination you will notice that it is not a split screen but is a dual cab which has a concept look about it, my only criticism is that it lacks the VW badge on the nose.

Tony Bezzina

Part 88

From Zeitschrift, VW Nationals issue, April 2006

Welcome to the VW Nationals edition of the Toy Department.

I recently came across this type 3 on e bay, one red and the other blue. Unfortunately I did not source the make of this model but I am sure someone can help us out with a detailed description and origin.

On the new side of things Maisto have released some new versions of a 23 window split window bus, it’s mean, it’s low, has great wheels, has a speaker in every possible interior panel, wide screen TV, but some would argue that it’s just a rehash of the original tooling.

Manufacturers may have start taking a leaf out the Minichamps book of bay window models. There is a real need to promote the ’72 plus kombi in scale models! After all the bay window kombi has been around for nearly 35 years now!

Imagine a bay window kombi, lowered, with polished alloys, may be some flames up the side…..heaven.

This beetle version by Maisto I must say is also impressive.

If you are reading this at the VW Nationals look out for and come share a yarn, I am always looking for that something new to feature in the months ahead.

Alternatively the you can contact me at the following address bezzina4@bigpond.com where you can send me some images of your favourite VW models.

Tony Bezzina

Part 87

From Zeitschrift, March 2006

Over the years we have spoken about some of the best finds for which we get fulfilment and satisfaction from our hobby.

I am referring the models we find that are rare, but have not necessarily cost us a fortune.

Also the circumstances and the places where we have found such treasures, the following is a recent experience;

Whilst attending a local bric a brac, and looking for a particular picture frame, my eye caught this lonely 1/43 white plastic kombi pick up. It was in need of attention.

At the time I was convinced that my hand was quicker that my brain, for the model was in my grasps before my brain could register what I had found, the one that I had been searching for many years.

Focusing on my find I noticed the price tag of $5, I carefully made my way to the counter, trying not to appear too eager, and with the amount of adrenalin pumping within me I was careful not to say too much, so not to make a fool of myself.

The stall owner exclaimed that it was a rare piece, as if to say it was no longer for sale, with this I held the model tightly in my hand in case he had changed his mind.

While the exchange was taking place the man behind the counter pleasantly remarked how his mate had a kombi and how great they are, but with the adrenalin still pumping through my veins, I was only able to let out a conservative.. ... "yeah"

With the breeze behind me, and my mind focused on my good fortune I was racing home to show my wife, I could not help the urge to closely examine the piece, but on the other hand my conscience was telling me to keep both hands on the wheel.

I arrived safely to tell the story, only to realise that I had forgotten to pick up the bread on the way back.

Under careful observation and with the aid of a magnifying glass I carefully read out (aloud) the inscription on the bottom plate, "lucky" made in Hong Kong.

Some of these good fortunes are from left to right, Yellow beetle - garage sale $2, Orange bay window - bric a brac $2, Green spilt window - fete $0.70, and White pick up - bric a brac $5.

Tony Bezzina

Part 86

From Zeitschrift, February 2006

I recently came across this split window kombi model, unique because it is made of plastic and would be at least 40 years old.

There is an inscription on the roof ES&A with a ram as its logo. What is ES&A? well it is just before my time, and many of you will recall it as a local bank.

The ANZ bank can trace its history back to 1835, when the Bank of Australasia was established in London by royal charter, Esanda, who you may would have heard of celebrated it's golden anniversary in 2005. Its origins can be traced back to the Industrial Finance Department which was set up by ES&A (English Scottish and Australian Bank Ltd) bank in 1953 specifically to provide asset finance.

The financial services provided by this department were soon in such great demand that, on 21 October 1955, the ES&A bank formed the wholly owned subsidiary Esanda Limited. The name Esanda is taken from ES and A.

Esanda has been providing finance to car dealers ever since. These models became promotion models that were distributed and or given to customers.

How's that for research! You can't have a model and not know its origin.

	The second model is a chrome diecast split window kombi, made by Steam Lux, and came with an inscription as well. This one is on the base it reads "Stewart" ..well Stewie, if you're reading this your old toy is in good hands.
	Another unusual model is this beetle also of same scale, there is no brand name but also came with an inscription " Made in Hong Kong"

Tony Bezzina

Part 85

From Zeitschrift, January 2006

Welcome to the first Toy Department for 2006. These are just some of the models that made great stocking fillers last year,… thanks Santa

	You will notice the Hot wheels beach bomb, that has to the highly sought after favourite of the lot, and the most expensive at $55.
	New from Matchbox is the Robot range of cars and in particular two versions in the Kombi/Transporter range, look out for them

We have again been approached by Roland Rottges from the type 2 IG T2 eV club in Germany.

The good news is that their web site and news letter is now in English. Their site has been revamped and they have many a variety of bay window kombi new releases at very competitive prices, and the more you buy the better the deal.

Check out the web site at shop@bulli.org

Also leaving you with some of the images from their site.

Tony Bezzina

Part 84

From Zeitschrift, December 2005

Welcome to the last Toy Department for 2005, thanks again to all the supporters out there, with out you, and the images that come our way we would have not have made it this far, so far this is the 90th edition of the Toy department !

With the release of the new Herbie movie this year there has been much merchandise that has been selling in the US.  For example this remote control split window kombi, it has to the mother of all kombi models in recent times, and in fact the only one I know of that is this big.

How big do you ask? How does 1/6 scale suite you?... Yeap real big.

You can see this model selling on e bay for around $200 US. But don’t get caught with the cost of freight. Due to its weight, it cost you as much to have it sent to you, so research the alternatives.

	This model comes in two tone orange/white or lime green/white. There is also a 1/18 scale version also with remote control….check them out
	Finally check out this great 1/43 bay kombi from XMO great two tone colour choice as well!

Merry Christmas
Tony Bezzina

Part 83

From Zeitschrift, November 2005

Hello, with the spirit of giving and receiving upon us I suppose you might be scratching your head, as what you might buy your partner or self this Christmas?

Look no further, than your local hobby store or the endless Aladdin of treasure that awaits you on e bay.

First up this gift set box of Johnny Lightning models VW’s. This set of 10 fine models is sure to keep the whole member of the family very happy, be they beetle or Karmann Ghia kombi enthusiasts , they are sure to be happy. I have likened it to an all sorts box of chocolates, …yes “ life is like a box of chocolates”

	….Moving on I recently purchased these JL Luv bug kombis, one even a Ute, both with surf boards, there is also a beetle version as well. All are a limited edition of 1000 per version.
	Again we can count on Johnny Lightning , for this 6 series set of Volkswagens, pick your favourite from the set.
	Over to Hot Wheels, look out for this new 1/18 drag bus in candy green, awesome colour!, I’m even told there is a red as well.

Finally hot wheels have released a new Baja beetle in blue and a silver new Beetle cup racer in silver with red wheels.

That’s all for now, cheers

Tony Bezzina

Part 82

From Zeitschrift, October 2005

Hello again, the theme for the Toy Department this month is kombi pick- ups. I thought I would show some examples from my collection.

I have uniquely arranged them in true pick- up form, starting from the smallest HO scale all the way up to 1/25. and what better way to display them. Our first image shows the 1/24 Hasegawa grey pick up, with grey 1/43 scale Cararama, then 1/88 scale Cararama, followed by the HO grey bay window bus.

	The others including the 1/43 Corgi pick- up speak for themselves.

In the mean time any one out in the army or into army, here is a nice 1/18 split window army kombi, which is only one of two that I understand came into the country by mistake. If you’re interested contact Terry at Past & Present model cars on the central coast fast, he is selling them for $50 each.

Guess what? Less than less than 12 weeks before Christmas! Don’t panic, always give Volkswagen, you can’t go wrong.

Cheers
Tony Bezzina

Part 81

From Zeitschrift, September 2005

Hello again, this month we feature an unusual model that has been around for many years, that is the Schuco range of model cars and in particular the Piccolo range.

These models are in 1/90 scale and made of one solid metal casting except for the wheels. When the first Piccolos appeared on the market in 1957 surely nobody would have believed that they would still enthral people 48 years later.

Judged by modern standards the models were somewhat crude due to the moulding technique of the time, but perhaps this is what made them so lovable after all.

Today’s models impress by their solid diecast bodies and their free wheeling performance. Their length is about 4.5 cm

I recently picked up blue bay window kombi and mint green pick up. Expect to pay around $40 including unique boxing.

In the meantime in what’s new arena, Matchbox have released another concept microbus # 51, unfortunately the colour hasn’t changed much, it being a steely blue with blue stripes, from the front it does look very similar to the other versions, It would also be great if Matchbox considered some accessories, like the surf boards of the 70’s on some of their variations.

Any that’s all from me this month

Tony Bezzina