MILESTONE MINIATURES LTD.

Unit W02/3, The Old Grammar School
West Park,
Redruth
Cornwall, TR15 3AJ
UK
Phone:01209 218356
Fax:01209 217983
Email: gemscobwebs@freeuk.com

The source material required for Milestone's models varies from measuring and photographing actual cars, use of the original manufacturing drawings through to photographic and other archive sources. The company has an extensive library of potential material and works closely with museums and other organisations to ensure the highest levels of accuracy possible.

The centrifugal casting process used requires the very highest levels of pattern making skill to produce objects of high quality.

Firstly the pattern maker, having scaled down the full sized motor car to 1/43rd of its original size, or as in this case a 1/125th scale of a Severn Class Lifeboat, no mean feat if the finished model is to be a realistic representation, produces the individual patterns for the various parts. The patterns, usually formed in metal, are tried out at a prototype moulding stage. Once the pattern is passed off the casting engineer must ensure that the production moulds made from the prototype are correct and allow accurate venting and metal flow paths to prevent holes or miscasts.

Final model assembly by hand ensure that only the best quality models reach the collector.

Milestone models are made from as many as 82 separate parts and each must be a perfect fit with its neighbour. Rigorous quality checks and cleaning of the castings ensures this. The model's paint finish is also highly important and each one is carefully prepared before the first five coats of paint is applied, filler primer, primer, undercoat, finishing coat and lacquer coat. Only authentic colours are used.

All bright parts are plated with nickel in Milestone's plating shop. Wheels are produced in-house, spoked wheels being particularly delicate with fine spokes to fully capture that vintage feel, again, a highly skilled operation. Final model assembly by hand ensure that only the best quality models reach the collector.

Milestone Miniatures continues to gain plaudits for its model ranges, which include a superb collection of Jaguar Models, The Brooklands Series (produced in conjunction with the Brooklands Museum Trust), The Milestone range of classic English cars and the 43rd Avenue range of classic American cars complete the ever increasing list of models produced.

PROTO-TYPE OF BENTLEY FIRE TRUCK

FROM THE BROOKLANDS COLLECTION