Mike Forbes
Other
Mike Forbes, editor of Diecast Collector magazine since 1997, started the Marquis Models business on a part-time basis in 1991, although the idea dated back a year or so before then. Basically, the idea was to provide replacement cabs for the 1/76 scale lorries from Exclusive First Editions, which were then widely available at discounted prices at toy fairs. Mike thought that, as he wanted to change the AEC cabs for something else, others would too.
The first two masters were the 1950s Leyland, so-called ‘Mouth-organ’ and 1960s Foden S24, re-worked from the original Budgie Toys and Lone Star ‘Impy’ models, long-obsolete. Mike similarly made the other masters from re-worked Matchbox, Budgie and other obsolete models, while the chassis were based on the EFE parts.
Subject ID: 22051
MoreMike Forbes, editor of Diecast Collector magazine since 1997, started the Marquis Models business on a part-time basis in 1991, although the idea dated back a year or so before then. Basically, the idea was to provide replacement cabs for the 1/76 scale lorries from Exclusive First Editions, which were then widely available at discounted prices at toy fairs. Mike thought that, as he wanted to change the AEC cabs for something else, others would too.
The first two masters were the 1950s Leyland, so-called ‘Mouth-organ’ and 1960s Foden S24, re-worked from the original Budgie Toys and Lone Star ‘Impy’ models, long-obsolete. Mike similarly made the other masters from re-worked Matchbox, Budgie and other obsolete models, while the chassis were based on the EFE parts.
The first 100 castings were produced by Hart Models, more or less as a favour, as Tony and Bob were amused by Mike’s idea. Mike took these to an MSMC club night, where they virtually sold out to other ‘dealer’ members. Hart Models did not want to continue production, but Mike met Chris Andrews of ‘Jus-Ryte Modelcraft’, based near him in Northamptonshire. Chris then took on the production of the castings, as well as the vac-form glazing units.
The range was added to, until there were ten different cabs available – one in two variants – plus a number of chassis, bodies and other parts, designed to convert EFEs into different types of vehicle, or they could be used to build a complete EFE-style lorry.
The Marquis Models range, named after Mike’s house, The Old Marquis, was available for ten years or so, demand falling off as the original EFE lorries became less common at toy fairs. Ironically, the 1:76 scale market has since taken off again, with a number of new ranges of lorries, with which the Marquis parts could also be used. In fact, the late Don Craggs, the man behind Base Toys, had a set of Marquis cabs from Mike years ago, and some of the Base Toys bear a striking resemblance to the Marquis items. Similarly, EFE has more recently produced several of the vehicles in the Marquis range.
The cabs were basically one-piece castings – designed to be easy to use – although a few had a separate base to aid in fixing to the chassis and were supplied with vac-form glazing (also available separately) and a fixing screw, with an instruction sheet In a plastic bag, as were the various parts available. Something approaching 500 of each casting were produced and sold over the years. In theory, production could be restarted with new moulds, but the price would hardly be competitive with the low prices of some of the current diecast ranges.
As his main business was in press and public relations, Mike was well-placed to send press releases to the model magazines and others, along with a few adverts, to market the Marquis products. They were mainly sold by Mike directly by mail order and at toy fairs, as well as by a number of other traders, notably Gary Hames of the Toy Exchange in Southampton and other toy fair traders like Bob Pitkin.
Mike produced a photo-copied leaflet and order form which was sent or given out and which brought in sufficient orders to keep the range going for some time, with a number of regular customers. Finished models, both conversions and complete Marquis Models were also offered, including a few incorporating other Jus-Ryte parts, like the Scammell based on the old Budgie/Trucks of the World castings. At the same time, Marquis Models marketed a number of other conversions, mainly based on various Corgi models. These were produced in conjunction with Len Jefferies and the late Pete Molen, and included re-finished Corgi Volkswagen vans in ‘Toblerone’ and other liveries, police cars based on the Corgi Ford Zephyr and open-top Guy Arab buses.
Although not marketed as Marquis Models, Mike is still producing 1:50 scale lorries, based mainly on Corgi, often using white metal cabs from Kingfisher Models, in liveries like British Road Services and Pickfords plus, more recently, customers’ own colours.
Mike has recently retired from editorship of Diecast Collector.
Subject ID: 22051
Subject ID: 22051
