Posted by Melvin on Dec 11, 2008 in
Stormy Life There is quite a long history of craftsmen building detailed miniature replicas of transport vehicles and machinery, but it wasn’t until nineteen thirty-four that diecast model cars and lorries appeared on the scene in any great numbers.
In those days replica cars and lorries weren’t looked on as collectible in their own right – they were produced to lend added realism to model railways.
Since the early nineteen twenties Frank Hornby had been making ever more complicated model rail ways. One of these sets, Meccano Set No 21, was embellished with six die cast models, consisting of a delivery van, a sports coupe, a farm tractor, a sports car, an army tank, a farm tractor and a motor truck. These were the first Dinky models, issued under the “Meccano Modelled Miniatures” label, as Set No. 22.
These early die cast models were fairly simplistic by modern standards, because they were cast from an alloy containing high lead content which didn’t lend itself to a high level of detail. What’s more they did not attempt to depict genuine cars, although the sports car looked a bit like the S.S.1, a popular make of the period and a fore-runner of the Jaguar.
In terms of scale, they weren’t well suited to the railway sets which they were intended to complement.
It soon became clear, however, that there was a healthy market for such models, and it was not long before individual diecast replicas based on real cars and lorries were produced and sold separately. Dinky Set 30 was modeled on the Rolls-Royce, Set 36A on the Armstrong Siddely, 36B a Bentley, and 36F was a Salmon sports car.
With the passing of time the quality of reproduction and detail greatly improved. The Dinky sets came with die-cast alloy bodies and tinplate radiators and rubber tires. The later replicas also came with passengers and drivers. The Armstrong Siddely had a footman and chauffeur. Just before the Second World War some superb military models were produced, including tanks with rotating turrets and catterpillar tracks.
Few models from that era have survived in acceptable condition, and examples in acceptable condition are extremely collectable – pre-war Dinky models can command prices up to $1000 in auction.
In the nineteen fifties, new production methods heralded a new era in the history of die cast model cars. Lesney, renowned for their splendid Coronation Coach, and Corgi, (“the ones with the windows”), entered the market to compete with Dinky.
This new generation of die-cast vehicles, with finer detail, finer running gear, and better color finish, brings us to the present day, where millions of precision die cast replica models are produced, at very reasonable prices for the collector. For example, just take a look at these diecast aircraft models. The die cast model car industry has come a long way since the nineteen thirties.
And, let’s not forget, eBay can be a terrific source for those hard-to-find die cast models: classic diecast auctions.
For detailed, precision-built die-cast motor car replicas, visit classic diecast.
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Posted by Melvin on Dec 11, 2008 in
Stormy Life Ambitious may be the best way to describe recent news from France that by the year 2020 this county would enact an impressive plan to capture more than 400 times the solar power it collects today.
According to a Reuters.com report France’s environmental ministry said in a statement, “[Our] ambition is to play a leading role in the technological revolution which is about to happen in solar power.” Existing plans involve the construction of, “at least one solar power plant for each of France’s regions by 2011 with a combined total capacity of 300 megawatts (MW).”
While many might argue that there is a wide disparity between expenditure for traditional forms of energy and an alternative energy source like solar. There are both passive and active solar energy programs that can and are assisting consumers.
For instance geo thermal heating essentially takes heat from inside the earth to draw energy from the ground to heat a home. The sun is an active participant because it provides the catalyst for evaporation and subsequent rainfall replenishing underground moisture. The end result is economical heating within the home.
The advancements in viable energy sources are often found when multiple parties become eager to adopt and adapt an alternative energy supply to fit with consumer demand whilst developing an infrastructure for common use. This is the environment envisioned by France.
The stated capacity of 300 megawatts is approximately a third of the power created by a nuclear power plant, but the resulting energy could help France reach a target of 23% for renewable energy sources in that country by 2020.
Reuters.com also indicated, “France only has 24.5 MW of solar power switched to the grid.” Their goal of 300 MW is a sizeable improvement over exsiting performance.
As scientists discover more about the various frequencies of solar power they are also developing better receptors to capture available energy from the sun. This should aid France in their long-term energy objectives.
In news connected to long-term performance, Alternative Energy News recently reported, “Researchers at U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have set a world record in solar cell efficiency. This photovoltaic mechanism transforms 40.8 percent of the light that goes through it into energy. This is the highest confirmed efficiency of any photovoltaic device to date.”
This device is designed to capture power from the sun for use as electricity in homes and businesses. As evidence continues to build that this renewable energy source is becoming more efficient and cost effective through technological advances it is also an indicator that governments like France are starting to see a greater potential to solar power than simply a passive home heating device.
According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), “France ranks fourth in the European Union (EU) for installed solar capacity, after Germany, Spain and Italy.” AFP also reported, “According to France’s energy agency, Ademe, the market for renewable energy could reach 24 billion euros (30.24 billion dollars) in 2012 and foster 120,000 jobs.” The end result also reduces the carbon footprint created from France on the whole.
The reasoning behind the expansion of solar energy is one that allows for reduced dependence on non-renewable energy supplies as well as employment creation that will revise and expand France’s electric infrastructure to be more competitive in the European Union (EU).
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