Recently released is the Oxford Diecast model of the VW Transporter (or type 2 (t3) or type 25). As these were introduced in 1979 and continued in production during the ’80s and into the 90’s in Europe its an ideal candidate for a brummy trader to be pottering around in on the layout.
The model features the end capped bumpers and round headlights that date it between 1980 and 1985 which means it could be either the earlier air cooled or the later water cooled variety. I don’t know if anything externally differentiates the two. (Hey i’m no expert I’m just reading this from Wiki!) My immediate first impression was that it looked too wide but checking the dimensions it seems to be spot on. For some reason the van version is left hand drive (the bus version isn’t) but features the seat configuration for right hand drive.
A quick hack
The steering wheel was removed (the model is screwed together by the way), the console above it cut off and both parts were relocated to the right hand side. While I had it in bits I added a driver. The inside of the window frames were painted black (the rubbers are printed on but the insides are white which looks a bit weird) and the bodyshell given a quick coat of matt varnish. I use this one by the way!
Once reassembled the model was given a wash of grime (dark grey for the sides and front, light brown for the roof and back) and the tyres sanded a smidge to give the van some weight (having glued them up solid first). I just need to sort out the rear view mirrors now.
Jim
I had two of these (campers) and both water cooled. They had an extra geille below the main radiator grille, above the front bumper. I’m sure you will find some on ‘flickr’
Merf.
Hi Jim
I think you will find that the model is an Aircooled, as far as I remember the water cooled ones had an additional front grill under the main grill.
The last one I owned myself was a 1991 1.6 Diesel Westfalia Campervan.
Thanks chaps. I believe that narrows the models timescale down to 1980-1983 although adding the grill looks easy enough.
Have you got a picture of the nearside? A lot of grease used to accumulate around the runner for the sliding side door.
I don’t but I need to take some road vehicle pics on the road part of the layout at some point. I’ve not noticed the grease build up in any pics tbh
Hi Jim I had a van and a minibus T25.
The minibus was a 1983 Y reg and was aircooled so no lower grille. The van was a 1988 E reg diesel and had the lower grille.
The change over year from air to water cooled engines was 1982/3.
Hope that helps.