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2027 - Mercedes-Benz A-Class

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All's Well At Welly
by Doug Breithaupt

Most diecast collectors will recognize the name of Welly. Perhaps best known for their solid 1:36 scale friction-powered cars and multi-vehicle sets, Welly is actually a producer of many diecast scales. Their 2000 catalogue includes 1:18, 1:24, 1:32, and our focus here, 1:60 scale.

Most recently, Welly has introduced their 2000 series cars. These are all unique castings to Welly and include a mix of new and classic vehicles. At the same time, Welly continues to offer their 8000 and 100 series cars. Many of these older 8000 and 100 series cars have been around for some time and owe much to the work of Tomica. While some of these older castings are unique to Welly, most appear to be copies of Tomica models. This is clearly not the case with the new 2000 series and Welly's new castings will certainly bring their 1:60 scale diecast to the attention of collectors in a new, and much more positive way.

In addition to the new castings, Welly has added new wheels and detailed painting to their 2000 series. They have also put their name and a product number on all the bases so we can track the models and identify their source. I have a number of favorites from the new line. Welly is the first to offer the new Jaguar 'S' type, #2035, in small-scale. The casting is excellent and one might mistake it for a new Matchbox model. It even sports a miniature Jaguar badge on the nose. The new Mercedes-Benz CLK Coupe is also offered as #2037. With the aid of a magnifying glass, you can read 'Kompressor' on the tail indicating that this is a supercharged model. Both Maisto and Matchbox have offered the Cabriolet version of the CLK and the Welly casting is easily as good or better. Perhaps the most interesting Welly model is the 1957 Chevrolet Corvette #2054. First, this is a very nice model with authentic 2-tone paint colors and correct Corvette badging. The truly unique feature is the wheels. They are two-piece wheels with a soft black tire over a chromed wire-like wheel, unlike the other new Welly models. Why this one wheel was used on the Corvette and not on other models is a curiousity. While there are plenty of '57 Corvettes in small scale, this is one of the nicer examples.

One suggestion for Welly. While they do provide painted detail for some lights on their models, this is very limited. Painting the head-lights and tail-lights would be easy as they are already painting other features during production. This addition would make their cars even better. If Welly could provide paint-work like that done by Real Toy, their 1:60 models would be truly impressive. Un-like Maisto, Welly is providing full interiors with clear windows, and yet they sell their models for the same price as the Maisto small-scale cars.

Welly also offers a selection of their 1:60 scale castings in two other variations. The 8100 series includes a pull-back friction motor, better paint detail, rubber tires and chromed wheels. The friction motors are small and do not detract from the authentic look of the model. Best of all, the tires and wheels make the cars look even better. The tires even include tread patterns. You can compare the difference between the two '96 Camaro Convertibles shown below. In addition, all the 8100 series cars are available with key chains attached (shown right). The key chain models may prove popular with owners of the same car in 1:1 scale.

#8121 '96 Chevrolet Camaro with pull-back motor

#2021 - 1996 Chevrolet Camaro

One other new Welly model is the 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396. Only Johnny Lightning had done this car previously and Chevy/muscle car lovers will want the Welly casting too. It is nice to see that Welly did not just do another Mustang or Camaro. The wheels are again a bit different from other models. Another delightful Welly addition is the 1953 Chevrolet 3100 Pick-up. The casting is excellent and it looks just right. Chevy trucks from the 1950's are a rare item and this one will be popular.

In the U.S., Welly's 1:60 scale models are sold through Walgreens Drugs in their Speed Wheel series. At 2 for $1.00, they are an amazing bargain. Not all the new Welly castings are offered in the Speed Wheel series at this time. I have not yet found a source for the Welly models in factory-labeled packages but hope to do so.

Some collectors note that Welly and Maisto 1:60 scale models look quite simular. While at first glance, this may appear to be true, a closer inspection shows that all castings from both companies are unique. Since Maisto has decided to cut interiors and put tinted windows in it's closed models, the Welly castings are often of better quality overall.

Below is a list of all the Welly models currently offered in 1:60 scale. Some commercial vehicles, motorcycles and tractors have not been included in this list. The 100 series cars have opening doors or engine compartments. I am sure many collectors will be surprised at the variety and depth of Welly's product line.