Pocketbond Classix 2010

[Invicta]

Finally tracked down a report of what Pocketbond were showing at the recent Nuremberg toyfair, included in this general overview of small-scale diecast manufacturers (so it includes a look at some of the forthcoming Oxfords and Corgi Trackside as well)

 

http://www.mboxcommunity.com/cfalkens/Nuremberg2010/ChFNuremberg2010.htm

 

Apart from the Triumph Heralds and Vauxhall 12s that have already hit the shops, so far they seem to be concentrating on commercials and trailers this year. Two new 50's vans, the Austin K8 Threeway.

http://www.mboxcommu...ustink8-02a.jpg

 

From a report in Model Collector magazine, the K8 will be available as both van and 'Welfarer' ambulance variants. Pity they've chosen to duplicate a vehicle already in Oxford's 2010 range though...

 

The other new van shown in Germany is a 50's Trojan Diesel van/minibus

http://www.mboxcommu...Btrojan-03a.jpg

http://www.trojanmus...g/trojan25a.jpg

 

Apart from that, there are a series of caravans and trailers, both available singly and as a twin-pack with a car

 

two new caravans, both 50's/60's designs

http://www.mboxcommu...caravan-01a.jpg

http://www.mboxcommu...caravan-02a.jpg

http://www.mboxcommu...0/PKBtp-01a.jpg

 

(The smaller of the two looks like a Berkeley Cavalier, as modelled by Matchbox in the 60's: http://matchboxcarsc...s/image/23b.jpg )

 

 

a horsebox...

http://www.mboxcommu...KBhorse-01a.jpg

and cargo trailer...

http://www.mboxcommu...0/PKBtp-02a.jpg

[BernardTPM]

Those both look like Matchbox caravans! (Berkeley Cavalier and Bluebird Dauphine) while the horsebox trailer looks like the old Husky/Corgi Juniors model. And Matchbox did the Trojan van in 4mm too (not even coachbuilt bodywork on the Trojan), so nothing much really new new.

[Invicta]

Those both look like Matchbox caravans! (Berkeley Cavalier and Bluebird Dauphine) while the horsebox trailer looks like the old Husky/Corgi Juniors model. And Matchbox did the Trojan van in 4mm too (not even coachbuilt bodywork on the Trojan), so nothing much really new new.

 

Thanks Bernard- I think Model Collector magazine referred to one as a Berkeley (only skimmed the article, so may have given more detail), so it didn't take long to find a pic of the Matchbox caravan- got a vague memory I might have had one as a kid, but didn't recognise the other. I can see the similarity to the Matchbox Dauphine though http://www.pacinfote...id/m23c3c7p.jpg

 

They'd make nice wagon loads as well- got a vague memory I've seen pics somewhere showing caravans being delivered to the manufacturers' local station or goods depot behind Scammell MHs, to be loaded onto railway wagons- Lowmacs I think, loaded using a forklift?

 

Yes, the horsebox does look like a Rice Beaufort, as modelled by Husky/Corgi Juniors

 

http://www.gasolinea...ky/husky-38.JPG

http://www.warwicksh...mages/h-box.jpg

IIRC- Corgi did a 'big' scale (1/43 or 1/36, if not both) version as well- I used to have one with a Land Rover. The Classix one should look good coupled up to an Oxford Landie

 

The flat-ended 'cargo trailer' is obviously derived from the Horsebox tooling, so presumably another Rice trailer- something like this one

http://www.dragondri...rness7372-2.jpg

 

I've certainly seen similar vehicles at local agricultural shows etc over the years- again Corgi used to do something similar, though slightly longer, described as a 'pony trailer' http://www.sinanju.c...y%20Trailer.jpg

 

In a way it's a pity they've chosen to duplicate vehicles that had already been modelled- on the other hand, I guess picking these up from the local model shop is easier than tracking down and restoring the originals

[BernardTPM]

I can see that thr Trojan should be substantially better than the old Matchbox one in terms of wheels and interior (not difficult to improve on none!). Potentially it is true of the caravans as well, but only if they give them proper interiors (Is there anything in the Oxford job?). If you avoid the mint boxed variety and go to the bargain bins they aren't that difficult to get hold of and still cheap. New wheels aren't a problem, but they do need a bit of decent towing ironwork scratchbuilt; there's another area where the new ones might score. For interiors I'd suggest knocking up something in paper on the computer; it's not to difficult to create a fake wood look so characteristic of the period.

An if you want something run-down for the corner of a field, half-buried in weeds and with boarded up or steamed over windows, then a rough old Matchbox is still a viable option.

The sad thing is there are so many other caravans they could have modelled, both newer and older.

[Paglesham]

By today's standards those models all strike me as woefully crude. I'd rather the challenge and satisfaction of upgrading a bargain bin Matchbox than buy one of these new ones.

[Peter Bedding]

By today's standards those models all strike me as woefully crude. I'd rather the challenge and satisfaction of upgrading a bargain bin Matchbox than buy one of these new ones.

 

A point worth expanding a little. Today's models are variable, and some indeed are woefully crude. But the best are superb. From Pocketbond we have had, amongst others, the Ford E83 van, the FX3 taxi, and now the Vauxhall saloon. All have raised the bar, and I like to give credit where it is due. Then ask for more (1930s/1940s), to the same standard, and soon.

 

PB

[Shamouti Ben Yafo]

Is it just me, or is that Cargo Trailer actually a Sheep Box?

[Fat Controller]

Is it just me, or is that Cargo Trailer actually a Sheep Box?

Trailers like this used to be quite popular with antique dealers for carrying larger items of furniture- whether they were purpose-built for the market with internal securing points, or modified from livestock trailers, I wouldn't like to guess.