International Toy Fair - 2012

This is my fifth journey to the International toy fair and while last year was very quiet with regard to new models, this year is already showing promise with some interesting new models planned throughout the year. With industry trade shows including Intermat and mineExpo in the construction field and the IAA commercial vehicles show this year, most manufacturers have held back on announcing all of their new model plans for the year which will make it very interesting as the year progresses. The Kleemann company is likely to unveil their first model during 2012 with a follow up model likely for Bauma next year and it looks like there will be a number of new Liebherr models released over the next 15 months from Conrad, NZG and WSI. New models from Hitachi are also on the cards later this year although the manufacturer is still unknown and there is likely to be an announcement soon regarding more interesting releases.

The last 12 months have been difficult for a number of manufacturers with several really holding tight on the purse strings. While the outlook is very optimistic, especially with Bauma fast approaching and a number of manufacturers already reporting that they are hard at work on new releases for Bauma, the biggest talking point at the toyfair was Norscot. It has been known for months that Norscot were in dispute with the factory in China with regard to the Caterpillar models and the collectors have only heard one side of the story. In a chance meeting with the owner of the factory in China which produces the Norscot models, i can now give their side of the story.

There have been a number of rumours suggesting that Norscot were bankrupt and the heart of the matter is that the factory has not been paid for the models already produced and has stopped all shipments until payment is made. While the latest announcement from Norscot suggests the court case was positive and all has been resolved, this is not quite the case as payment to the factory has still not been made and Caterpillar have terminated the scale models licence with Norscot, presumably because Norscot are unable to supply Caterpillar with models. What will happen now is anyone's guess but one thing is clear, no one manufacturer is likely to have an exclusive licence for the range of 1:50th scale Caterpillar models which opens the door for TWH, BYMO, NZG, WSI and anyone else who is potentially interested in working with Caterpillar on their scale model program which is great news for the collector.

With regard to the Caterpillar models displayed at the toyfair, no one on the stand could give a realistic date on when we are likely to see the new models released, and without a licence, it is uncertain if they will ever actually appear under the Norscot brand. This will be a shame as the 740B with ejector body has been modelled well with good detailing and a functional ejector plate and pivoting tailgate.

The D8T bulldozer is a most welcome update to the range and has plenty of detail throughout while the new Cat work tools additions, fitted to the 323D and 336D tracked excavators fit into the range very well.

The 785D with Mega water tank has a lot of fine detailing and will complement the other mining models well if it ever gets released.

All the models announced on the Norscot stand were planned for release during 2011 and other models are in development, although there was no news of these during the fair which is understandable considering the current situation. A full listing of all the new Caterpillar models has been uploaded to the Norscot News page.

The prize for the largest model unveiled at the show has to go to WSI with the Sarens SGC-120 ring crane which is enormous (Both in size and weight). I have to say that my initial thoughs on the model was that is looks ugly. The upper platform is sparce and the intricate fine detailing which is evident on the PTC crane is not present on the SGC-120, making it look bland.

The model is an exact replica of the full sized crane and WSI have done an excellent job considering they were working on it as the real crane was being developed which cannot have been easy. While many crane collectors are likely to be drooling over the SGC-120, i have to say i much prefer the PTC.

The coke drum move set was on display alongside the PTC and the model is much more impressive in the flesh than the pictures show, and the levels of detail are exceptional. If only I had the room to display one....

One model which has been rumoured for a while is the Liebherr LTM1350-6.1 and the prototype samples on display are exceptional. Every conceivable functional detail appears to have been modelled, allowing the crane to be set up in a number of different configurations including transport mode, shown alongside a new set of support trucks which will be available shortly. The crane is expected to be available from the Liebherr online shop over the summer.

The range of new truck combinations continues unabated with some very striking liveries while the parts offerings have grown over the last 12 months, allowing collectors to custom build the rig of their dreams.

It will be interesting to see where this goes in the next couple of years. Maybe kits of the crane and construction models will be produced, allowing anyone to produce their own paint scheme and configuration.
 

Once again, Conrad had a number of new items on display including some new castings and limited edition company decorated models. There is something for everyone with new crane models, historic construction and truck models and the latest modern truck releases, not forgetting the Goldhofer AST-1X airport tractor.

For construction fans, the Link Belt 800 X2 tracked excavator is a good release which should be available shortly.

With an extending undercarriage and metal tracks, the model differes from the Case variant with small casting changes made to the cab.

It will be interesting to see if further Link Belt excavator models follow throughout the year.

While there were no brand new construction models, the Sandvik MT720 was on display and, just after the show, the new version of the Sandvik TH550 has been released while the Colas decorated Liebherr PR754 is a nice follow up to the R924 Compact releases late last year. I suspect this won't be the last of the Colas group models to appear this year and Conrad are hard at work with new construction releases likely for both Intermat and mineExpo, not to mention they have full order books until the latter half of next year ensuring plenty of new releases in the next 18 months.

On the build up to the show, industry news indicates that Sany are looking to purchase Putzmeister and with the new M42-5 4-axle concrete pump on display, it will be interesting to see if the model actually appears in Putzmeister decoration or in Sany markings.

Once again, truck models featured heavily on the stand with the range of Palfinger models increased, including a rear mounted version fitted to a long chassis 3-axle truck and a black and red painted version of the MAN TGS 3-axle truck with PK530002-SH Palfinger.

The highlight was the Felbermayr decorated 4-axle truck with PK100002 knuckle boom crane with additional 5-section jib which really looks good.

The first in a range of Faymonville trailers was released late last year and this is followed up with the Variomax low loader trailer with 5-axle rear deck, 2-axle front section and extending deck, complete with a 5-axle tractor decorated in Faymonville colours.

Two new Eurovia models have been announced, consisting of the Doll 5-axle semi-trailer with MAN tractor unit and the new Schmitz Cargobull 3-axle tipping trailer with Mercedes Actros tractor.

Fans of the VINCI group range of models can look forward to more interesting releases throughout the year, including exclusive editions only available from the VINCI online shop.

Historic models from Conrad include the Hamm 1911 diesel engined road roller which has been painted in a light green colour and the MAN DHAK 3-axle truck with tipping rock body which was launched at the end of last year. These are joined by the new Mercedes Benz LAC 3-axle truck which is available in an orange paint colour and follows on from the green version which is already sold out.

For crane fans, the release of the updated Terex AC100/4L was a welcomed addition with a rather interesting decoration scheme which takes a little getting used to. For Felbermayr fans, a limited edition version of the model is also planned and centre stage, the prototype of the Terex AC1000-9 was once again displayed which is likely to go into production later this year once the full sized crane is finally launched. (Here's hoping)

The Liebherr LR1750 SLH tracked crawler in Wiesbauer decoration was displayed alongside a version with back mast and suspended counterweight tray which looked very impressive. It is currently not confirmed which version of the model is actually going into production but i suspect it will be the standard version of the crane with the possibility of an add-on kit to upgrade to the heavy lift version.

A full listing of all the new Conrad models has been uploaded to the Conrad News page.

Last year, NZG only had a couple of new models with most of their announcements consisting of company painted releases. This year, they have added the Dynapac brand to their range with the release of three paver models which are highly detailed, as expected from NZG. Paving fans will also be happy to see the release of the Voegele MT3000-2 offset feeder which is the perfect companion to the range of wheeled and tracked pavers already produced.

The highlight for me are the three new Liebherr models which are coming along nicely. The A918 compact has been rumoured for over a year and the model looks great, although the final version will have yellow hydraulics instead of the grey ones shown on the prototype.

The R936C is a big brother of the R916 and features the same updated body styling with a quick coupler, removable bucket, linked tracks and a replicated cab interior.

When I heard the rumours surrounding the release of a Liebherr SR714 welding tractor model, i was praying they were true as the SR714 is the perfect partner to the range of pipe layer models already released and the result from NZG is very encouraging, with a functioning Hiab crane, linked tracks and accurately modelled rear housing for the welding kit, the model is actually larger than I expected.

It is certain that NZG will have other new releases this year with plenty of rumours still standing and they have confirmed they are busy working on new models for Bauma so there are still plenty or surprises throughout the year. Joining the new construction models are a number of company painted releases including new releases in the R916 range along with a new series of limited edition company painted models featuring the Volvo EC460 tracked excavator while three new versions of the Hitachi ZX1000 are looking very smart indeed.

Crane fans will be pleased with the release of two more versions of the Liebherr LTM11200-9.1, accurately decorated in Roxu and Senn AG liveries while the updated version of the Terex AC200-1 and the limited edition Merkel version are also due soon.

The new Mercedes FH23 and FH25 trucks were displayed and the new body styling looks very interesting. The models will be release with different trailer configurations including box, curtainsider and container with a 3-axle rigid truck with swappable body and a towed trailer version also being produced. A full listing of all the new NZG models has been uploaded to the NZG News page.

Joal have been quiet over the last couple of years and this year is no exception with the only new construction model being the 1:50th scale Dynapac CA6000 single drum roller.

The prototype shows promise and tooling has already begun for a release later in the year.

BYMO have continued to build up the factory in Bosnia and production is steady, with the Komatsu PC8000 already delivered to the OEM. For collectors, a number of changes and improvements are being made, partly to reduce the overall weight to ensure the models ship without damage.  

The Komatsu D355 pipe layer is now close to production and should appear within the first half of 2012 while the long awaited Michigan 475 wheel loader is now scheduled to be produced in China and a metal, grey painted sample was on display.

There were no details of new projects although with the current Caterpillar issues, it might be possible that Cat versions of the Terex / Bucyrus 340B models may appear this year.

Universal Hobbies have been quiet of late when it comes to construction models, but they did have a new Komatsu D155AX bulldozer on display and suggested they would have additional models for release at Intermat in April. While unconfirmed, it looks likely that a wheeled excavator will be one release and it will be interesting to see if there are any new Case and New Holland models from Universal Hobbies this year.

Ros are becoming known for their new range of highly detailed agricultural models but for construction fans, they have released the Sennebogen 690HD tracked crawler crane with diaphram foundation grab in 1:50th scale and are working on further new models for Sennebogen which are likely to be unveiled at Bauma. The range of Ammann models will also increase at Bauma with additional models currently in work.

Motorart have announced four new construction models, consisting of the A40F articulated hauler, the L90G wheel loader, the DD25 tandem drum roller and the EC220D tracked excavator. Unfortunately, there are no images, even of the real machines which are due to be launched at Intermat. The models will follow around September 2012 while a further two new Volvo models may appear at the end of the year. From JCB, the news is that two models are in development with Motorart with an expected release for Bauma 2013.

The range of 1:87th scale construction models from Schucco have increased with the latest, the Liebherr TA230 highlighted at the fair. This joins the A900C wheeled excavator, the L550 wheel loader and the PR744 bulldozer which have been produced in the last year or so. There are also a couple of HAMM roller models available.

Fans of the Australian style heavy haulage trucks and trailers will be in for a treat over the next few years with Drake Trailers actively developing their model program. The next model in the series will be unveiled later this year and they have some interesting ideas and concepts which will be great to see realised in the not too distant future.

I managed to sit down with Chuck Sword and asked him about his model program. While there is nothing specific to mention at the moment, he is actively working on a number of projects which are likely to appear sometime next year. I also had the oportunity to speak with Nicholas from TWH Collectibles and while I cannot divulge any of the conversations, all I can say is that there are some interesting plans in place. Watch this space.

For collectors in the UK, I will be attending the new International Model Tractor, Plant and Construction Machinery show at the Warwichshire exhibition centre on the 19th February along with the Spalding Truck & Construction show on the 20th March where samples of a number of the new models from the toy fair will be on display.