Ford F100 Police Paddy Wagon by Trax

G’day model car fans! And Aussie motoring history fans… This is the latest release by Trax. The 1980’s Aussie built F100 NSW Police Paddy Wagon. A lot of my posts have a personal angle, like I have either owned or had some association with the models I post her, however, this is not the case here. All I can say I remember these wagons in NSW police livery but never was thrown into the back of one!

So, let me just say this, some of the recent resin 1/43 releases have not been the best. If you’re interested I can offer some examples, BUT, this is one of their best of late. I have looked closely at this little beauty and its pretty good. Ok so here are a few more photos for your enjoyment. The 1/43 scale F100 NSWPOL Paddy Wagon. Enjoy!

Valiant VH Pacer

I have owned a variety of VH Valiants but never the Pacer. Chrysler Australia produced the VH Valiant with a huge range of models and options from 1971 to 1973. Of course we all know how popular the Charger became but the VH Pacer sedan is for many of us more desirable. And I have owned a VH Charger and VH sedans so I have some reason to comment.

The VH Pacer was in its day the fastest mass produced six cylinder sedan made in Australia. A record it held for more than 15 years. It was powered by a high powered hemi 265 Cubic inch (4.3 litre) straight six. It could propel this beast from Zero to 60MPH (100 KM/H) in around 7.5 seconds and the 1/4 mile in under 16 seconds. Not bad for a large sedan powered by a six cylinder.

Sadly, and perhaps due to the success of the VH Charger, only some 1600 VH Pacers were produced. Most with a three speed manual box. Some with a 4 speed. And a few with an automatic transmission.

Enjoy the photos and remember to leave a comment.

VH Valiant Pacer

Aussie Panel Van: Ford Falcon Sundowner

It could be argued that by 1979 the Panel Van craze, as far as new car sales, was on the wane by 1979. Holden had clearly won the race with their Sandman models, and, Chrysler was very late to the party with their Drifter. Then there was Ford, who had released their Sundowner Van in the XC range for the weekend sun and surf set. This 1/43 scale model by Trax is the 1979 Ford Sundowner van. More than likely it was fitted with a 4.1 litre (250CI) engine with a manual transmission, with other options available.

Valiant 1967 VC V8 1/43 Scale Resin Model

The Swinging 60’s – The time was right for a nice new V8

G’day and welcome to our first post for 2018. If you like what you see here, please take the time to leave a comment. We kick off this year with another Valiant. This is a resin model of the 1966 -67 Valiant VC V8 in Maple Gold by Trax. Back in 1966 Chrysler Australia was ahead of the pack with its 273 V8. When the VC was released you could choose either the base model Valiant, or the Regal or the V8 as seen here.

Valiant VC V8 by Trax

The VC V8 was considered luxurious in its day and came standard with automatic transmission. The VC was also available with the tried and tested 225 slant six, but the V8 model was the pick of the models available.

VC Valiant V8 by Trax

Just like the real thing, the V8 badges are a nice touch to the model

Just like the real thing, the V8 badges are a nice touch to the model

If you look closely at the Trax model it has all the right V8 and Valiant badging, right down to the little penta-star badges on the front guards. I like this model and quickly got one when they were released but in my opinion they were a little too pricey for a 1/43 scale model. If they were a little cheaper I would certainly buy more as this is not the only VC V8 available but like many of my readers, I have to live on a budget so I cant stretch to each and every model that is issued. Such a shame.

Valiant VC V8

Valiant VC V8

I hope you enjoy the photos and short write up here of the VC V8. I never owned a VC Valiant in the 1/1 world but I would not knock one back if the opportunity arose and I could afford one. Now. Thanks for visiting and again, if you like what you see, please take the time to leave a comment.

1/43 scale resin model of the 1967 Valiant VC V8

 

1962 Ford Falcon Squire Wagon: A truly rare Aussie Ford

1962 Ford Falcon XL Squire Wagon by Trax

Welcome to 2015 and our first full subject post for the year. Ford fans and Aussie car fans will truly apreciate this one. In this post, I want to share a story about my close encounter with a Ford Falcon Squire Wagon, but before we get to that. a little about the car, and our models here, The 1962 Ford XL Falcon Squire Wagon 1/43 scale diecast model by Trax.

The White 1962 Ford Falcon XL Squire Wagon by Trax

The Squire was Australia’s version of the ‘woody wagon’, and it is widely acknowledged, Australians didn’t take to well to the concept of the woody, hence this is one of the rarest Falcons ever made, with numbers less than 900. If you do an internet search you will now see asking prices above 20k for one. Which is interesting considering the tale I have to tell. but back to the car.

The Black 1962 Ford Falcon XL Squire Wagon by Trax

The XL Falcon was introduced in Australia in 1962. It came with 2 different engines, the 144CI & 170CI sixes, and either a manual or automatic transmission. The Squire was the top of the range for the wagons of the time with its faux wood panelling.

Red Falcon Squire

See this webpage for more information on the XL Falcons: Aussie XL Ford Falcons of 1962

Emu Grey Ford XL Falcon Squire

See this webpage for some pictures of a Squire in need of a resto: Squire in need of resto

All 4 colour combinations of the Ford Falcon Squire made by Trax

See this short movie of a restored Squire: Squire movie

Red Falcon Squire

Trax have released 4 colour combinations of the Squire and I have been fortunate enough to get my hands on them all. If you look around on Ebay and in models shops you will have little trouble tracking them down. Far more were made in 1/43 scale than 1:1 😉

Falcon Squire

As regular readers will know, I like to collect die-cast models that I have had some ‘real life’ association with. Some I have owned, been in or whatever. This story is about a lovely white Squire that a neighbour of mine used to own. It was an oldy but a goody, but the story of its demise is a shocker.

White Squire 1/43 by Trax

As soon as you read this next line you will know what happened to this rarest of rare Fords. A monster truck show was coming to town and the local race track club was putting out flyers and newspaper notices for cars to be donated to be run over and destroyed by the monster trucks. They were also offering a small purchase price as well, it was about $100 if I remember correctly.

White Squire Wagon 1/43 model by Trax

So my neighbours car made it to that event. So did I. There it was. That very groovy Squire, lined up with all the other old donated cars, waiting to be destroyed by the monster truck. Which it was.

Ford Falcon Squires by Trax

I did have some photos from that event that me and my friends attended. I cant locate them at this time. I wanted to see if I took a picture of the Squire out there in the middle of the race track. Either looking good, or looking crushed.

If you have enjoyed this post, please leave a comment. Take a look at my other posts and let me know what you would like to see more of.

Cheers,

Doogie

Ford Falcon Squire 1/43 Scale Models