Beautifully detailed and hand-crafted, these replicas are created using original plans and reference material of the time to bring to the collector a unique copy of the models used in the production of this classic show.

Thunderbird 1 stands over 50cm tall and is displayed on a highly detailed scale base that is modeled on TB1’s launch pad.Complete with clear acrylic display case and etched brass plaque featuring unique edition number.

Thunderbird 2 is over 60cm long and is supplied with a wooden plinth with an etched brass plaque featuring unique edition number .Also included is a Certificate of Authenticity individually HAND SIGNED by the creator of Thunderbirds, Gerry Anderson.

Thunderbird 3 is alos over 50cm tall and is displayed in authentic diorama of Thunderbird 3 hanger.Complete with clear acrylic display case and etched brass plaque featuring unique edition number and supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity individually HAND SIGNED by the creator of Thunderbirds, Gerry Anderson.

Each of these models is available to order in store and retail at an amazing £299.99. Check the store locator  for your local Modelzone store. Dont miss out on one of these collectible master peices…..order today.

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• BASICS - As the name says, these are Nitro powered models with real scaled down combustion engines. Using a nitomethonal mix fuel these cars have many of the features and components you would find on your typical family car like a fuel tank, carburettor and a glow plug, which works much the same as a spark plug.
• THE ENGINE - These are highly tuned pieces of engineering . These little engines can rev higher than a Formula 1 car. They vary in sizes from .12 upto .50 or even .70!. Usually the engine fitted is determind by the size of the car but it has been known for modellers to shoe horn in over sized engines in their models! As these are real working engines routine maintainace and servicing is part of the routine and they will respond well to tuning.
• RADIO EQUIPMENT - Much the same as an EP car, NITRO cars use either a 2channel system or a 3channel system ( If they have reverse feature ). Unlike EP cars, NITRO cars do not require an Electronic Speed Controller as the engines carb regulates this. One servo is fitted for the steering and 1 servo is used for the throttle/brake feature. NITRO cars do not have a reverse feature as standard, however some bigger NITRO cars have a reverse feature that runs through a gear box unit which is activated by the hand set through a 3rd channel.
• STARTING & RUNNING - To start a NITRO engine you require a Nitro fuel mix suitable for your engine and a glowstarter. A glowstarter is a means to heat the glow plug on the top of the engine. To start the engine most are fitted with a pullstart unit. This is basically a length of thick cord connected to a 1-way bearing that turns over the crankshaft - A very similar system to those old cars with starting handles. Bigger engines can have roto start units which use a hex shaft that is fitted to a starter unit that goes directly into the back of the engine. Some even have both systems!
• PLACES TO RUN -These cars are quick!! Using them outside yopur house in the road may seem fun but can be very dangerous. The best places to use your models is in large open areas or at a dedicated race club. Check out the BRCA’s (British Radio Car Association) website for details on your nearest track or speak to your local Modelzone store and they should be able to point in you in the right direction.
• AFTER CARE - As mentioned before, these are real minature cars. Just as with a real car these need looking after, cleaning and servicing. Due to the amount of punishment these cars can take things will fly off and things will move. A good thing to set in place is a check list of things to do before and after each use. Check that all the screws are tight especially where fixing to metal. Make sure that there is no grit or plant life wrapped around the drive shafts and flywheel. Keeping your car clean and even wiping any access fuel and dirt off will greatly inrease the life of your model.

Your model will come with a full users guide for both the car and the engine and is well worth a read. This will also tell you the best way to tune your engine and recommend a fuel mix. Above all, Modelzone hope you enjoy this great hobby and have fun driving on or off road. Check out our great selection of Nitro powered models here at modelzone.co.uk. 

Choose a scale. The most popular are 1/18th, 1/43rd and 1/24th scale. So whats the difference? If you limited for space then 1/43rd is for you. If space is not an issue then 1/18th scale is the one you want to go for. 1/24th is a good comprimise between them both.

What to collect?. Here i have listed out some ideas for a collection:

• Classic 60’s cars
• Ford cars
• Ferraris
• Concept cars
• Work vehicles
• Emergancy vehicles
• Custom cars
• American muscle cars
• Race cars
• F1 Cars

Where to store my collection? You may simply want to keep your collection in its original packaging and away from prying eyes and wandering little fingers. If however you want to show off your collection there are a few options worth considering. Here at Modelzone.co.uk we are able to supply a simple perespex display case for 1/18th scale vehicles. These can be stacked on top of each other and a good display is simple to acheive. If you want to take this further and make more of a feature of your collection then it would be worth thinking of a more permanant peice of furniture or display case. Here are a few ideas:

• Wall cabinets - Perfect for 1/43rd or 1/24th Collections
• Shelves - Simple and effective way of displaying your collection either in or out of its packaging.
• Built in units - If your a dab hand at DIY then a simple built in unit shouldnt be a problem or a quick flick through your local paper should beable to point you at a good capenter who would be able to create your dream display cabinet.
• Shop bought units - Many of the high street furniture shops have some form of glass dispaly cabinet in their ranges. Simply flat pack furniture to pre assembled units.

We hope this has given you some ideas and we hope you enjoy whatever you decide to collect. Remember that you can always search our fast selection of diecast, right here at Modelzone.co.uk.

Here at Modelzone we offer a wide selection of Electric Powered vehicles from Classic American Muscle cars to mud stomping off road cars and trucks. Whatever your budget, and what ever your driving style, our huge selection is sure to meet your needs.

Two hot picks worth a closer look are the Maisto VW Samba bus with MP3 Features and the Tamiya “Lunchbox” Off road truck, supplied with radio equipment and battery. 

With the price of fuel on the rise:), theres never been a better time to go Green and go Electric.

This years event will take place over the 11th,12th and 13th July and with last years attendance of over 145.000 visitors, The Goodwood Festival Of Speed has become one of the must visit Motorsport Events.

Taking place outside Goodwood House, using the main road through the Park as the track, it’s the only occasion where you’ll see in action the greatest competition cars and star drivers from the entire history of motor sport.

Modelzone will be attending to bring you a massive selection of diecast and other related products all at show stopping prices.

You can find our stand oposite the Start Line Bar at STAND 167.

For ticket information you can call the Festival Hotline on +44 (0) 1243 755055 or visit www.goodwood.co.uk for further information. Gates open at 7.00am.

After much talk and scratching heads, we are pleased to announce more great Modelzone Exclusives for 2008. These highly collectible items should hit the stores later this year. As with all our exclusives, once there gone, there gone…..

The first item announced is a CLASS 25 Diesel from Bachmann, made Exclusively for Modelzone. Limited to 504pcs, this is sure to move fast.

The next 3 items are part of a series of Hornby/Modelzone worked Limited Editions. Again, only available through Modelzone, these items are sure to prove popular. They are:

1.   Haymen 5 Plank Wagon - 1500pcs only!

2.   BR RTC Test Coach 1 - 1000pcs only!

3.   Thomas the Tank Engine - 500pcs only!

For more information on these and other great MZ exclusives, make sure you check out our Exclusives section at modelzone.co.uk.

 

Building a model railway is easy and relatively cheap to do. Here is our guide to get you up and running:

 

 

1.     Engines and Rolling Stock

Perhaps the most exciting and important part of the whole enterprise is selecting your engines and rolling stock. Do you want to choose a classic steam loco with a 1950s themed diorama, or recreate the latest high speed railways with tilting trains and high tech signaling?

 

To help you decide, see the list of model trains we have available.

 

2.     Track

The next important part involved selecting the track to use for your model train set. Carefully planning the track layout is part of the fun as you decide the route you would like your trains to take: through a village, crisscrossing intersections or into sidings and stopping at stations. There are track planning aids available, like the R619 Scaled track peices which make designing a layout easier. See: model train track.

 

 

3.     Surface

In order to assemble your track and begin planning the other features of your model railway, you need to ensure you have an adequate surface and surface area to accommodate your scene.

 

Attics provide the perfect place to escape and immerse yourself in the whole process, and while a good sturdy table will work fine, you might consider custom making a frame to exactly accommodate the layout you’re going to create.

 

Chipboard makes a great surface, the ‘baseboard’ in model railway parlance, so get out your steel rule and head down your local hardware store.

 

 

4.     Scenery

Set the scene with rolling hills, gravel, trees and hedge rows, all helping to bring your model railway to life, and watch as your loco thunders through rolling hills and past the tree lined roads.

 

See: model train scenery.

 

 

5.     Buildings

Once you have chosen your time period and theme, populating your railway with buildings is the next stage.

 

See the full range of model train set buildings to help you decide what will work for you.

 

 

6.     Lighting & Signals

Lighting, signals and other model train accessories help further add to the realism of the diorama and are an essential part of the whole process.

 

7.     Figurines

Populate your model railway with figurines – station masters waiting on the platform for the train to arrive, a pedestrian waiting to catch the train, or for the level crossing to rise so they can continue on their journey – all adding to the feel of the whole scene.

 

Figurines can be found in the model train accessories section of the website.

 

 

8.      Vehicles

The only method of transport in your newly created world won’t just be the train. You will need Lorries, cars and other vehicles to help add that extra piece of realism. A full range of scaled vehicles can be found here.

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Hornby have released a great new range of locomtovies, coaches and wagons that are perfect for the beiginner and great for all railway modellers alike.

Devoid of all easily damaged parts and equipped with efficent drive motors this great range will work with all standard Hornby & Thomas & Freinds ranges.

This fantastic value for money range is ideal for starting up and adding to a growing layout. As your experience and modelling techniques grow then these models offer an exclellent foundation for you to practice your weathering skills or detailing skills. My hot pick from this range is the R2670 Freight pack. Thats a Loco plus 3 wagons, all for under £30.00.

Other items of interest:

• R2669 - DIESEL FREIGHT - £29.99
• R6365 - BREAK DOWN CRANE SET - £19.99

More great items are being added to this great range. Check out www.modelzone.co.uk for further information.

 

Lets get this thing moving…..6 AA batteries power my new Dalek and a 9V battery goes in the hand set. How cool…Flashing lights, moving head and actual Dalek talk really brings this model to life. After a quick office take over me and my Dalek are now on a quest to take over the world.

Available now to order on line. This limited edition Chrome version is only £29.99.