BACK IN 1982…

Modelling friends Trevor Claringbold and Les Freathy got together, after a chat with Horst Kalinke at Continental Models Supplies. He suggested that there was a need for some modern British vehicles to accompany the wide range of 1/87th models he was importing from Roco and Trident.

The pair decided to launch a new resin kit range, and Model Transport was born.

The very first kit was a Fox Armoured Car, followed by a Humber Pig, Saracen, and several Land Rover variants. The range grew steadily, but was never a huge seller.

Both Trevor and Les had a primary interest in WW2 softskin vehicles, and so in 1984 a 1/76th scale range was launched. First off the production line was the German Henschel 33D1, which was an instant hit. This was quickly accompanied by a Faun R600 Tank Transporter, British Foden DG6-10, and a number of Bedford variants.

Les had also been involved with various military vehicle and modelling publications, and felt there was a market for a magazine focused specifically on military vehicles. And so Model Transport Magazine was also launched.

It led to an amicable division of the business, with Les concentrating on the magazine, and Trevor continuing with the production side.

The kit range was growing quickly, and as well as Trevor’s masters, there were also contributions from Jim Marshall, John Rulton, Richard Allebone, and others.

As the range increased, it expanded into conversion kits, and a wide range of accessory packs and wheel sets. Three 1/35th scale kits were also introduced in 1990.

By the mid 90’s the range had grown to over 100 kits, and even included a German BP42/44 Armoured Train. This was available as individual carriages, but was also sold as a complete train - which at almost nine feet long was the largest 1/76th resin kit ever produced at the time… and probably still is!

However, by this time Trevor’s broadcasting work with the BBC was increasing to the point where it was becoming difficult to continue with both. And presenting a new weekend show meant that attending model shows as a trader (vital in those pre-internet days), was almost impossible.

So the range was split and sold, with the main 1/76th range going to the newly formed Convoy Models, the Armoured Train going to Matador Models, and the 1/35th kits to Bellrock Models.

Trevor continued to build the occasional master model for other manufacturers, including Matador, and maintained a connection with the hobby through the Trucks ‘n’ Tracks show that he ran until that was also sold on in 2012.