News 3/5

This beginning of year is oriented toward Renault and Alpine: somewhat by chance it corresponds to the soon resurrection of Alpine on our roads. But they are very different models (Renault 5 and A442) and in different ranges (GTS miniature Series and LE MANS miniatures) and that we had announced for a long time.

The result is as high as the supplied efforts. The models are very beautiful and except an adjustment on rear tires of Renault 5 that is in process of resolution (too hard), the reliability of the models on the track was strongly improved.

The first shot of Renault 5 Alpine Gr2 #19 Monte Carlo rally of 1978 is currently out of stock. An additional production is in progress and we also schedule the car #12 as well as a small series of models in Calberson livery but without car number for those who want to personalize the model.

A small gift is included in each Renault Alpine A442 of the 1977s and 1978 models. It is a special edition of a postcard in partnership with Sébastien Sauvadet. He likes our work and we like his. The precision and the beauty of his “exploded views” are reminiscent of our miniatures.

The rest of the program will more be varied: Porsche 917, Jaguar XJR14, Ferrari 330TRI … It will be punctuated by figurines in the 1/32nd but also in the 1/18th scale and we like thinking that we shall have time for other ideas.

So we copy in the 1/32nd 2 drivers from our 1/18th range, Jo Siffert on a wheel and Jim Clark with his helmet under the arm and stroking the hair. A new release, in new colors is also scheduled of our famous Peter, the reporter: red cap, blue pair of shorts and shirt. The team Matra 1974 will be completed with the last team-mates.

Concerning the program for the range of hand painted figurines in 1/18th scale, it is building step by step. After Phil Hill whose availability is still very recent, it is James Hunt, helmet in the hand which will be the next new in March. An atypical project of diorama with 3 characters is in progress.

We do not exhibit at the International Toy Fair in Nurnberg this year, but a visit is imperative and appointments are already booked with our partners (distributors, retailers and media) to take the temperature of the market and to tame the future.