FURTHER READING FOR COLLECTORS
I was very interested in the two articles about The Models of the Matchbox Annual (by Mike Pigott and Rick Wilson on pages 54 & 55, and 56 & 57 respectively) in the February issue of Diecast Collector. This is a book I have too, but it also led me to think of two other books that I have in my collection, these being Mike and the Modelmakers (Matchbox 1970) and All About Cars
published by Corgi in 1969. These are two editions well worth looking out for and both very different.
Mike and the Modelmakers is a beautifullyillustrated book by Miraslav Sasek telling the story of a dad taking his son to the Lesney factory, the story of how Matchbox models came to be and also the Matchbox factory at Lee Conservancy Road. We go through all stages from decision, drawing office, toolroom and every stage of production, all in layman's terms. There are only a few illustrations of actual Matchbox models, but the final page shows Mike happily swinging a Matchbox collectors box by its handle.
Corgi's All About Cars, from 1969, is a whole different publication. There are lots of varied articles, all with real photographs, many of vehicles that there are Corgi models of. A splendid cutaway drawing of a V8 racing car engine, as used in the Lotus 49B-Cosworth V8.There are also some illustrated strip cartoon series, which feature the likes of the Corgi No 506 Sunbeam Imp Police car and the Police dog handlers Mini van No 448, for example.These strip stories have a photos of the actual Corgi models shown along the bottom of the pages.There are also cartoons and quizzes for this is a packed 127 page book. A useful tail end reference to this book is a list by year of Corgi model releases each year accompanied by a thumbnail line drawing of one that years models. Other photos of actual Corgi models can be found around this book in various subjects.All three books are well worthwhile looking out for at toy fairs and swap meets.
Will Roe, Coventry Diecast Model Club
ED Hi Will, I have both of those books too. I had All About Cars as a youngster, so was very happy to be gifted one when I first started as Editor in 2013. An interesting story regarding Mike and the Modelmakers
– the "Mike" refers to Michael Karslake, great model designer for Lesney, Corgi and Dinky, and actually depicts his son, Vinnie, who is never actually mentioned. I've met Vinnie (top chap) and helped him find a buyer for his super rare collection of Matchbox prototypes a couple of years ago - this reminds me that I must drop him a line for a catch up!