On the Model Front
Recent reference to model cars in the pages of Motor Sport has resulted in quite a lot of correspondence on this subject. F. G. Smith, of Newbury, who has made a Jeep, a B.S.A. Scout car, an Austin Seven “Nippy,” a 3-litre Bentley and two “specials,” to 1/50th scale, “just to kill time,” reminds us that our list of models given under the heading “In Miniature,” was incomplete. Dinky Toys apparently produced an Alvis tourer, and either they or Minic. a Sunbeam-Talbot tourer and a Frazer-Nash 2-seater, of which the last-named was the most realistic. Smith also recalls the 328 B.M.W. by Schuco, which had a clockwork motor, four speeds with, he believes, a clutch, electric lighting, and, in later models, an electric horn, all in an overall length of 6 in., and for 4s. 11d.
Rex Hays, scale model engineer, Wykham Close, Sussex, as already stated, is making many models for well-known drivers. These incorporate very realistic wire wheels with ribbed brake drums and treaded tyres, and Hays hopes soon to be able to supply sets of these wheels in four sizes — 5/8-in., 11/16-in., 3/4in., and 13/16-in. — at about 7s. 6d. to 8s. per set of four. He disagrees with Deason that a small “solid” single-seater racing car can be built easily by anyone who can cope with a 1/72 aircraft model.
C. Posthumus, whose book on how to build a solid scale “Monopost ” Alfa-Romeo has not yet been published, has completed this model; an imaginary G. P. car with wheelbase of 3.3 in., with twin-o h.c. V8 engine of oak, aluminium and wire scraps, and proper steering; a racing coupé of no particular type, with a wheelbase of 3.55 in.; and a motor coach and 6-wheeled lorry. He is prepared to build “solid” models of any car within reason, to order, using simple wheels, which, he remarks, have illusory spokes and may offend the high standards of such firms as March Models, Ltd., but which appear quite realistic when large brake drums are used. Wire wheels, real steering, etc., can be fitted, if desired, and the post-1924 Bugattis are mentioned as fine subjects. Enquiries should be directed to Motor Miniatures, 1, Bay Villas, Green Street, Sunbury-onThames, Middlesex.
R. S. Brown, of Wimbledon, says he derived his present interest in the real thing from a passion for model cars, and sends photographs of “3.3” and “2.3” G.P. Bugattis and the Seaman Deluge. These are remarkable models, no longer than a matchstick, with wire wheels made from 10 amp. fuse wire!
Deason has completed a “solid ” model of a 200-Mile Race “11.9” Lagonda, is building a small model of a Bedelia cycle-car for the Editor of Motor Sport, and intends to try a larger model, probably of an early 200-Mile Race car, as a breakaway from “solid ” modelling in wood. This last-named is a line, surely, which more model builders should follow, and reminds us that Ellis has done some good work in metal, to quite a modest scale, notably of an E.R.A.
Then Harold Biggs weighs in with some interesting information, saying that the model P2 Alfa-Romeos were made by a continental firm and that the cost of the dies was defrayed by Alfas, Michelins and Excelsiors, the shock-absorber people. He also recalls a clockwork model, about 1 ft. long, of Segrave’s twin-engined 200 m.p.h. Sunbeam and the small German reproductions of the open and closed Auto-Union and Mercédès-Benz records cars. These later, he says, were produced in red as well as in silver, to please the Axis partner. Boddy is quite intrigued by all these toys and models, and will be glad to hear of anything in this line that has escaped the “breakers’ yard.”
Finally, the Pioneer Model Racing Car Club has been formed, additional to the British Model Car Club. One of its rules calls for all cars to bear a strong resemblance to a known type (not necessarily a given make) of full-size car and to have no unusual major projections — a most commendable requirement. The club is open only to i.c.-engined cars and recognises two classes: up to 5 c.c. and 5-10 c.c. Records up to one mile are to be recognised. Hon. secretary, J. Cruickshank, 105, Salisbury Road, London, N.W.6.